Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of HLA in cord blood transplantation outcomes

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) emerged in the last 20 years as a valid alternative source of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) in allogeneic transplantation setting, mainly in the absence of a fully human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling. The probability of finding a matched unrelated donor through the registries varies from 20 to 70%, depending on the ethnicity of the patients. Therefore, patients in need may benefit of an HLA‐mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from haploidentical donors or from UCB. One of the advantages of using UCB is the lower incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host‐disease and allowance of greater HLA mismatch. Conversely, the low number of HSCs and lymphocytes and specific immunological features of T cells are associated with delayed engraftment and immune reconstitution and consequently, increased opportunistic infections. Nevertheless, retrospective studies showed similar results comparing UCB with other stem cell sources, both in pediatric and adult setting. The ability to use partially HLA‐matched UCB units allows expanding the donor pool. Many UCB banks have strategies to increase their inventory including UCB grafts that have rare haplotypes. HLA and cell dose are very important factors associated with outcomes after umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) that interact with each other. Increasing cell dose counterbalances the number of HLA disparities. Understanding those interactions, the role of HLA mismatches and other immunogenic factors, are important to allow clinicians to choose the best cord blood graft for patients. This review will describe the role of HLA in UCBT setting.
Premenstrual exacerbation of depression: one process or two?

BACKGROUND Premenstrual symptoms occur in the setting of other psychiatric disorders, particularly affective disorders. The nosologic issue of whether premenstrual syndrome is an entity distinct from other psychiatric disorders is controversial. METHOD We review the association between depression and premenstrual syndrome and describe symptoms in a small series of patients (N = 5) with premenstrual syndrome both during and after resolution of major depression. RESULTS The overall symptom severity decreased after antidepressant treatment, but this decrease was only significant for dysphoria. In two subjects, other cyclical symptoms consistent with premenstrual syndrome became more apparent after treatment of major depression, possibly because background symptoms of depression improved. CONCLUSION Premenstrual symptoms, including dysphoric changes and irritability, can continue despite effective treatment of major depression.
Chronic Deep Posterior Compartment Syndrome of the Leg in Athletes: Postoperative Results of Fasciotomy

The present study evaluates the efficacy of two treatment regimens in individuals possibly suffering from chronic exercise induced compartment syndrome (CECS) of the deep posterior compartment of the leg. We hypothesised that the current method of fasciotomy of the deep posterior compartment of the leg is a procedure with a limited success rate. Dynamic intra-compartmental pressure measurements were applied to 46 patients that had symptomatology of a posterior CECS. Only those patients that met predefined pressure criteria, the "high-pressure group" (27 patients), were offered surgical treatment in the form of fasciotomy. The other 19 patients, "low-pressure group", received conservative treatment, consisting of inlays and physiotherapy. In addition, these patients were examined more closely in order to exclude different pathology. Efficacy of both approaches was evaluated by a questionnaire after a mean three-year follow-up. Fifty-two percent of the high-pressure group judged their operation successful, whereas 48 % did not. The majority of the low-pressure group (84 %) was free of symptoms, after conservative treatment as well as following treatment of other pathology. The present study shows that the success rate of patients surgically treated for posterior CECS is relatively low (52 %). The established cut-off points for the compartment pressure to deselect patients for an operation are justified based on the long-term success rate of the low-pressure group.
An MRT ® -Based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for First-Time DUI Offenders: Two and Three-Year Recidivism in a Cohort of Davidson County, Tennessee Offenders With a Comparison to the Prime For Life Program

Summary—203 DUI offenders were assessed for two and three-year post treatment recidivism after completing a cognitive-behavioral DUI school using the Driving The Right Way curriculum. The results were compared to two-year recidivism in a cohort of 1900 similar offenders treated in the Davidson County Prime For Life Program. Two-year DUI recidivism in the Driving The Right Way group was 4.93% as compared to 5.51% for the Prime For Life group. Statistical analysis showed that the results were not statistically different. In addition, two-year recidivism for any drug/alcohol rearrests in the Driving The Right Way group was 10.84% as compared to 9.36% in the Prime For Life group. Statistical analysis revealed that the results were not statistically different. Results show that the two programs lead to equivalent outcomes.
Stent implantation in patients with superior vena cava syndrome.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using Wallstent implantation to treat superior vena cava syndrome due to malignant tumors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Digital subtraction angiography showed obstruction of the superior vena cava in 13 patients who then underwent transluminal dilatation and Wallstent implantation. The patients were treated with IV heparin and monitored in the emergency department. Thereafter, they were treated with a platelet inhibitor for 4 weeks. RESULTS Because their signs and symptoms improved, patients were able to resume radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. One patient died of cardiac arrhythmia 1 day after stent placement. Although eight patients have subsequently died of their bronchial or thyroid gland tumors, superior vena cava syndrome did not recur in any patient. CONCLUSION Percutaneous implantation of Wallstent endoprostheses provides excellent palliation for superior vena cava syndrome.
Effect of medium composition on commercially important alkaline protease production by Bacillus licheniformis N-2.

Summary Protease production by alkalophilic B. licheniformis N-2 was investigated in 50 mL of the growth medium consisting of (in g/L): glucose 10.0, soybean meal 10.0, K2HPO4 3.0, MgSO4·7H2O 0.5, NaCl 0.5 and CaCl2·2H2O 0.5 at pH=10. Different carbon and nitrogen sources in the form of fine powder of organic, inorganic and defatted meals were studied to select the suitable substrate for alkaline protease production. The highest level of alkaline protease (677.64 U/mL) was obtained in the medium containing glucose followed by soluble starch and wheat bran. Among various nitrogen sources, defatted soybean meal was found to be the best inducer of alkaline protease, while inorganic nitrogen sources in the form of ammonium salts repressed the enzyme activity up to 96 %. Thermostability studies showed that the enzyme in the presence of 10 mM Ca 2+ ions retained its residual activity up to 80 % even after incubation at 40 °C for 12 h. The enzyme was found stable over a broad range of pH (8–11) and lost 52 % of its residual activity at pH=12. After the treatment with Tween 20, Tween 45, Tween 65, Triton X-405, H2O2 and sodium perborate, each at 1.0 % concentration, the enzyme showed residual activity of 105, 82, 116, 109, 135 and 126 %, respectively. The application of alkaline protease for removal of blood stains from cotton fabric also indicates its potential use in detergent formulations.
To analyze the Impact of Serial Prescription Audits with Active Feedback on Quality of Prescription Behaviour.

MATERIAL AND METHODS A serial prescription audit in four cycles (three months each) was conducted at Jhalawar Medical College and Hospital and at Chintpurni Medical College and Hospital for two years, one year in each hospital. One cycle included the prescriptions which were collected by using a digital camera from the outdoor patients department every month (n=250 per month), for three months regularly. A baseline prescription audit, as a cross-sectional survey, was done on the last date of the first month. Re-audits were done on the last date of the 2(nd) and 3(rd) months, which concluded one cycle. One cycle was followed by three months of no prescription audit. In total, four cycles were completed in two years. The parameters which were observed were- (a) the formats of the prescriptions (b) the WHO drug core indicators and (c) the legibility of the prescriptions. The clarity of the prescriptions was decided upon by the consensus group. A continuous evaluation and a feedback process were carried out every month by analyzing the prescriptions, based on the extent of conformity to the "WHO Guide to Good Prescribing" and the updated list of the "WHO Essential Medicines. " The data was analyzed by using the Chi-square test. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in the formats of the prescriptions in terms of the quality of the completeness and the rationality at the end of the 2nd and 3rd months of each cycle. Similarly, the WHO drug core indicators improved with every re-audit in each cycle (p < 0.05). Overall, the total percentage of the core indicators significantly improved in the 2nd and 3rd months as compared to the 1st month in all the cycles (p < 0.05). The clarity of the prescriptions improved in the successive re-audits. There was a sudden decline in the improvement in all the parameters in the first month of the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th cycles as compared to that in the 2(nd) and 3(rd) months of the previous cycles. CONCLUSION Serial prescription audits and an active feedback definitely improve the prescription behaviours in the therapeutic decision making. But discontinuing the prescription audits begins to reverse the improvement in the prescription behaviours.
Adjustable Flux Three-Phase AC Machines With Combined Multiple-Step Star-Delta Winding Connections

In this paper, a complete theory and analysis method for combined star-delta three-phase windings from the point of view of magnetomotive force spatial harmonics content and equivalent winding factors calculation is developed. The method allows for any spatial angle and any coils percentage distribution between star and delta balanced winding systems. It is proven that connecting the inner delta in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction leads to two different space angles between the star and delta systems and two different steps in the flux level control. It means that, compared to what is known and applied up to now, using n winding sections in each phase, it is possible to obtain 2 n steps (instead of n + 1) in the flux level. To check the analysis validity, two experimental tests are reported on both squirrel-cage, integer-winding, induction motor, and permanent magnet, low-speed, fractional-winding, synchronous generator with a specially designed stator winding, allowing multiple-step air-gap flux regulation.
Oral uridine supplementation antagonizes the peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy induced by antiretroviral nucleoside analogues

Objective:Peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system neurodegeneration may result from the mitochondrial toxicity of some antiretroviral nucleoside analogues. We investigated whether this neuropathology may be antagonized by uridine supplementation in vivo. Design:Because of the obvious difficulties in obtaining human neural tissues, the mitochondrial neurotoxicity of the nucleoside analogues was studied in mice. Methods:BALB/C mice (7 weeks of age) were fed for 9 weeks with zalcitabine (13 mg/kg per day) or zidovudine (100 mg/kg per day) with or without mitocnol (340 mg/kg per day), a dietary supplement with high uridine bioavailability. Hippocampal and sciatic nerve mitochondria were analyzed. Results:Zalcitabine and to a lesser extent zidovudine induced a significant peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy with disrupted mitochondrial ultrastructure, depleted mitochondrial DNA, reduced levels of cytochrome c oxidase activity and diminished expression of mitochondrial DNA-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. Mitocnol had no intrinsic effects but attenuated or fully normalized all measured disorder of the peripheral and central nervous system. Conclusion:Zidovudine and zalcitabine induce a mitochondrial disorder in the peripheral and central nervous system, both of which are antagonized by uridine supplementation.
Black Garlic ( Allium sativum ) Extracts Enhance the Immune System

Black garlic (Allium sativum) was created from ordinary fresh garlic by processing (aging) it in a temperature (65-80°C)and humidity (70-80%)-controlled room for a month. The heat-extracts of black garlic were rich in S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) and enforced anti-tumor activity with a 50% cure rate of BALB/c mouse fibrosarcoma; however, its mechanism still remains unsolved until now. Experiments were carried out to clarify anti-tumor mechanisms using spleen cells culture system obtained from black garlic extracts-treated mice. The black garlic extracts enhanced the cellular immunity by raising the activity of NK (natural killer) cells which was thought to play a critical role in eradication of tumor cells in vivo. Further cytokines of NO (nitric oxide), IFN(interferon), IL-2 (interleukin-2), and TNF(tumor necrosis factor) were preferentially generated from the extracts-treated mouse spleen cells; however, the amount of IL-4 (interleukin-4), which is considered to be associated with the humoral immunity (antibody production such as IgG and IgE), decreased in the culture supernatants of spleen cells. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion and identification of the core set of variables to be used in clinical investigations.

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2003; 21 (Suppl. 29): S47-S48. © Copyright CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY 2003. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder of the connective tissue characterized by substantial heterogeneity – both among different patients at p re s e n t ation and among the dive rs e phases of the disease course in the single patient (1). These aspects challenge the skill of the clinician treating SSc patients and can require the use of sophisticated techniques for their diagnosis and follow-up (2-10). P ro s p e c t ive multi-center studies conducted on real patients have brought home the fact that the SSc patient is investigated in different ways in different tertiary centers and that many of the t e chniques used are potentially va l uabl e, but neither fe a s i ble nor re l i able because of a lack of standard i z ation (11). This confe rence was there fo re organized in order to reach three goals: 1. To agree on a minimal set of items to be investigated in any SSc patient being enrolled in clinical investigational studies in order to improve the c o m p a rability among series fro m different centers. Table I proposes a list of the epidemiological and clinical aspects that should be defined in each series and that could be used for the compiling of national and international registries. The inclusion of disease activity and severity criteria in the list must be underlined. 2. To identify a core set of clinical, laboratory and instrumental variables to assess organ involvement by system (Table II). We are aware that the list is quite resticted and does not include helpful investigations such as lung high resolution CT scan and n a i l fold cap i l l a ro s c o py. Howeve r, these as well as other techniques are not routinely carried out (because of high cost or unavailability) even in tertiary centers. Moreover, there are d i ffe rences in the instruments and procedures used in various centers,
S100β Inhibits α1-Adrenergic Induction of the Hypertrophic Phenotype in Cardiac Myocytes*

In an experimental rat model of myocardial infarction, surviving cardiac myocytes undergo hypertrophy in response to trophic effectors. This response involves gene reprogramming manifested by the re-expression of fetal genes, such as the previously reported isoform switch from adult α- to embryonic β-myosin heavy chain. We now report the transient re-expression of a second fetal gene, skeletal α-actin in rat myocardium at 7 days post-infarction, and its subsequent down-regulation coincident with the delayed induction of S100β, a protein normally expressed in brain. In cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, co-transfection with an S100β-expression vector inhibits a pathway associated with hypertrophy, namely, α1-adrenergic induction of β-myosin heavy chain and skeletal α-actin promoters mediated by β-protein kinase C. The induction of β-myosin heavy chain by hypoxia was similarly blocked by forced expression of S100β. Our results suggest that S100β may be an intrinsic negative regulator of the hypertrophic response of surviving cardiac myocytes post-infarction. Such negative regulators may be important in limiting the adverse consequences of unchecked hypertrophy leading to ventricular remodeling and dysfunction.
Expression profile of cord blood neutrophils and dysregulation of HSPA1A and OLR1 upon challenge by bacterial peptidoglycan

In newborn infants, the innate cellular system plays a crucial role in the first line of defense against pathogens. Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes, and their response to the commonly encountered nosocomial bacterial (Gram positive) infection in newborns remains largely unclear. In this study, a genome‐wide expression array analysis was performed on CB neutrophils after challenge by PGN in vitro and compared with neutrophils in CTL cultures without PGN. We investigated responses of neutrophils to PGN and LPS, with respect to cytokine synthesis, chemotaxis, ROS production, cell death, and pathways of HSP response. Our results provide the first comprehensive expressional profile of neonatal neutrophils stimulated by PGN. mRNA levels of 16 up‐regulated genes and 6 down‐regulated genes were validated by qPCR. Their regulatory networks were identified downstream of TLR‐2 and NOD‐2, which work in concert toward signals of death, cytoprotection, inflammation, and stress responses. Members of the HSP family were significantly up‐regulated in PGN‐stimulated neutrophils, compared with those in LPS‐stimulated cells. We confirmed protein co‐precipitation of HSPA1A and OLR1 in stimulated neutrophils, and their transcription, induced by NF‐κB but not by MAPK signals. We found increased CD11b, chemotaxis, TNF‐α, and IL‐8 in neutrophils stimulated by PGN or LPS. PGN, but not LPS, increased ROS production. We conclude that neonatal neutrophils are capable of vigorous molecular and functional responses to PGN and suggest that HSP plays a critical role in the host defense mechanism, possibly involving proinflammatory OLR1 and CD11b‐facilitated chemotaxis.
Real-time neural inverse optimal control for a linear induction motor

ABSTRACT A discrete-time neural inverse optimal control is designed for a three-phase linear induction motor (LIM) in order to control its position. This controller is optimal in the sense that it minimises a cost functional. A recurrent high-order neural network, trained with the extended Kalman filter, is employed to obtain a mathematical model for the LIM with uncertainties. A super twisting-based state estimator provides an estimate of the unmeasurable state variables of the system. This control scheme is applied in real time in an LIM prototype which achieves trajectory tracking for a position reference.
Serial assessment of ductus arteriosus hemodynamics in hyaline membrane disease.

OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of Doppler echocardiography (DE) in the quantification of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunt volume and to correlate PDA shunt volume with clinical outcome in infants with hyaline membrane disease. METHODS Ninety-eight DE studies were performed in 30 preterm ventilated infants with hyaline membrane disease within the first 24 hours of age and then at 48-hour intervals to a maximum of three studies while ventilated with a final study after extubation. Right and left ventricular outputs (QRV and QLV, respectively) and PDA flow were calculated using cross-sectional area and flow velocity integrals. Left atrial-to-aortic root diameter measurements were also taken. Clinical outcomes were correlated with the shunt fraction (QLV/QRV). RESULTS QLV/QRV demonstrated a linear relationship with the left atrial-to-aortic root diameter ratio (n = 92; r = .79). In the absence of a PDA (n = 33 studies), QRV versus QLV demonstrated a linear relationship (r = .88). In the presence of a PDA (n = 64 studies) the mean QLV (334 +/- 133 ml/kg per minute) was significantly greater than the mean QRV (237 +/- 84 ml/kg per minute). There was a linear relationship between QLV-QRV (PDA shunt volume) and PDA flow (n = 60; r = .84). In studies with exclusive left-to-right shunting at the PDA (n = 48), the mean QLV-QRV (112 +/- 83 ml/kg per minute) was significantly higher than in those with bidirectional shunting (n = 16; mean QLV-QRV = 50 +/- 27 ml/kg per minute). Two infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH grade 3) and two infants with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) had significantly higher QLV/QRV (2.09 +/- 0.36 and 1.67 +/- 0.02 respectively) than those with no IVH (n = 6; QLV/QRV = 1.31 +/- 0.18) or those with IVH grades 1 and 2 (n = 8; QLV/QRV = 1.48 +/- 0.27). There was no difference in QLV/QRV in infants with or without bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity. Necrotizing enterocolitis did not develop in any of the 30 infants. CONCLUSION PDA shunt volume can be quantified by DE. Larger studies are needed to correlate clinical outcome with QLV/QRV.
THE ROTATIONAL SPLITTING OF THE FREE OSCILLATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Rotational splitting parameters for a large number of low-order spheroidal and torsional free oscillations of the earth are computed. These results show that rotation introduces serious errors in estimates of density, Lame parameters, and dissipation obtained from the free oscillations. Methods of correcting for these rotational effects are discussed.
Influencing Carbon Behaviours: What Psychological and Demographic Factors Contribute to Individual Differences in Home Energy Use Reduction and Transportation Mode Decisions?

As pressure mounts on countries to reduce carbon emissions, there is increasing interest in understanding what drives “carbon behaviours”, in order to inform behavioural change policies. This study examined the impact of psychological and demographic variables, on “carbon behaviours”. Secondary data analysis was carried out to investigate the antecedents of residential energy use reduction behaviours and choice of transportation mode for commuting and grocery shopping. Models explained 18.2% and 25.2% of variance in energy use and transport behaviours respectively. Being concerned about climate change and having an environmental identity increased household energy reduction behaviour but did not significantly affect travel mode choices. The antecedents of travel mode decisions were attitudes towards the travel mode itself, and demographic and structural variables such as income and distance travelled. Findings suggest that using “green” messaging will help encourage behavioural change in energy use, but contribute little to encouraging change in travel mode decisions.
Acute hypoxia and exercise improve insulin sensitivity (SI2*) in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Hypoxia has been shown to increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle using the contraction‐stimulated pathway, independent of the actions of insulin. Yet, the same stress has also been linked with causing insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute hypoxia with and without exercise on insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.