Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term risks associated with biologic response modifiers used in rheumatic diseases

Purpose of reviewThe introduction of tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists in 1998 has had a significant impact on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, as use of these agents has increased worldwide, infrequent adverse events that were not apparent in pivotal controlled clinical trials required for registration have emerged. Recent findingsThese adverse events include serious infections, particularly tuberculosis, which may be atypical in presentation. Concern regarding increased risk of lymphoma has also emerged, although it remains unclear whether the risk exceeds that observed in other rheumatoid arthritis patients with comparable disease activity. Development of a systemic lupus erythematosuslike syndrome, which typically abates after discontinuation of the drug, is another rare complication that was further reported during the past year. Finally, additional cases of congestive heart failure and demyelinating syndromes (including cases resembling progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) have been reported that appear to be related to the tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists. SummaryAdditional postmarketing surveillance of these and other serious adverse events is necessary to determine the true risk of their occurrence, and whether a reassessment of the overall risk–benefit of tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists will be required.
Carotid endarterectomy: Lessons from intraoperative monitoring - A decade of experience

Objective The authors analyzed a single institution's 10-year experience with intraoperative monitoring during 709 primary carotid endarterectomies and investigated the impact of contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis on carotid artery stump pressure (SP). Summary Background Data Stump pressure reflects the combination of contralateral carotid artery anatomy, collateral intracranial vasculature, and systemic blood pressure. By controlling for blood pressure with a stump index (SI) (SI = [SP/mean arterial pressure] X 100), a correlation between pressure and contralateral carotid artery anatomy can be demonstrated. Although the use of SP has long been advocated as an indicator of adequate cerebral perfusion, its correlation with perioperative complications while using an intraluminal shunt has not been evaluated completely. Methods From a series of 886 primary carotid endarterectomy cases, SP and mean arterial pressure were measured prospectively in 709 procedures. Temporary intraluminal shunts were used in cases with demonstrated contralateral carotid occlusion, prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or SPs less than 35 mmHg. Ipsilateral and contralateral angiographic degree of carotid stenosis was recorded at the time of the operation. Neurologic status was recorded prospectively for all 709 procedures. Operative electroencephalogram (EEG) changes and SP then were compared with the neurologic status of the patient in the perioperative period. Results The mean SP for the group (n = 709) was 46.7 ± 15.3 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) with a mean SI of 54.9 ± 22.6. The distribution for the SI is a more gaussian curve than that for SP. There were 19 ipsilateral CVAs (2.7%). The mean SP in the nonstroke group was 47.1 ± 15.2 mmHg (mean SI = 54.7 ± 16.5) compared with 31.9 ± 13.2 mmHg (mean SI = 38.8 ± 18.2) in the stroke group (p 35 (p 40, the mean contralateral stenosis is 35.1% (p < 0.05). Continuous EEG monitoring was completed for the 549 most recent operations. Patients who had a perioperative stroke had EEG changes observed during the procedure in only 6 of 12 cases (50% sensitivity), with 76% specificity. Using SP ≤ 35 mmHg, sensitivity was 68% and specificity was 75%. Conclusion Low SPs are associated with perioperative stroke despite the use of shunts. This trend accelerates when SP < 35 mmHg. There is an inverse correlation between contralateral carotid stenosis and SI or SP. A slight increase in pressure with contralateral stenosis greater than 50% may reflect increased collateral development secondary to chronic hypoperfusion. Stump pressure sensitivity is a better indicator of perioperative stroke than EEG monitoring, with a similar specificity.
Optimal Scheduling and Operation of the ESS for Prosumer Market Environment in Grid-Connected Industrial Complex

The prosumer market, where energy surplus can be sold to consumers or utility, has emerged with the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources. The energy management system plays a key role in the prosumer market environment by controlling dispatchable sources—for example, the energy storage systems (ESSs)—to achieve operational goals, such as economic or stable operations. This paper, in this context, proposes the coordination scheme between day-ahead optimizing planning and real-time corrective operations of the ESS, aiming to achieve economic benefit—by reducing operational costs—and contract fulfillment—by providing designated power to customers in a grid-connected industrial complex at peak-load time. All in all, the ultimate goal of the proposed methodology is to maximize the profits of prosumers in various operating conditions, such as the cloudy weather and grid supporting. This paper also presents case studies with a test bed of prosumer market to validate the proposed method. Actual field data of renewable generations and load consumptions in an industrial complex are used as historical data, i.e., production and load profiles. For day-ahead optimization that minimizes operation costs as well as prevents battery deterioration, quadratic programming is used.
A Potential Method for Determining Nonlinearity in Wind Data

This paper investigates a basic problem in modeling time series of wind data: whether there exists detectable correlation or nonlinearity in the observed wind time series. At present, a variety of linear and nonlinear time series models have been applied to predict the wind data. The first question that should be answered before building a model, however, is whether the data studied are correlated or carry nonlinearity. It would be futile to model the relationships if the pertaining wind data cannot be distinguished from the white noise. Advanced nonlinear prediction models are also not necessary if there are no nonlinear structures in the data. In this paper, we test by the surrogate data method: 1) whether the differenced wind speed time series (taking the first difference of the time series) is white noise, and 2) the presence of nonlinearity in the original wind speed time series. Nine data sets, including 10 min and hourly wind speed data, are examined. The results show that all of the differenced wind speed time series are correlated, and three out of the nine original wind speed time series satisfy the hypothesis of a linear stochastic generating process. It is concluded that for a specific wind speed time series, the nonlinearity is data-dependent from the perspective of practical time series analysis.
Infliximab Does Not Worsen Outcomes During Flare-ups Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Background:Immunosuppressive therapies used for treating ulcerative colitis are known to favor chronic and latent viral diseases. This study aimed at evaluating prospectively the association between colonic cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibodies (mabs) by comparison to azathioprine (AZA) in a series of flare-ups occurring in consecutive ulcerative colitis patients. Methods:A total of 109 flare-ups were recorded in 73 patients receiving a maintenance therapy by anti-TNF mabs (n = 69) or AZA (n = 40). The CMV DNA load in colonic tissue was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on a pair of biopsies. Results:The number of CMV reactivation was of 35% and 38% in patients receiving anti-TNF mabs and AZA, respectively. The median of CMV DNA load was 378 [10–29,800] and 8300 [10–3,25,000] copies/mg of tissue in patients treated by anti-TNF mabs and AZA, respectively (P = 0.11 by Mann–Whitney U test). In a subgroup of 45 patients under anti-TNF mabs requiring an optimized treatment by infliximab, clinical remission (partial Mayo score <3) was not significantly impacted by the presence of CMV reactivation at the time of flare-up (P = 0.52). Twenty of these patients underwent a second colonic biopsy 8 weeks after the initiation of flare-up therapy; except for 3 patients, the colonic CMV DNA load was stable or decreased. Conclusions:Patients under anti-TNF maintenance therapy are not at higher risk of CMV reactivation in case of flare-up. No reciprocal adverse influence was observed between anti-TNF mabs and CMV infection, suggesting that these drugs must be considered for treating flare-ups associated to CMV reactivation.
THE PROFILE AND UROLOGICAL SERVICE NEEDS OF OUTPATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CENTRE IN WESTERN KENYA.

BACKGROUND Urological service needs cut across varied ages and related conditions. The outpatient attendance is a reflection of the common conditions constituting the urological burden of a given population (1). The urological burden in turn has implications on access to care and treatment (2) since it will determine the skills needed, mode of treatment, amount of time and other resources required to meet these needs. There is, therefore, a need to have a local data base on the profile of our urological patients and their needs with regard to modes of treatment. This study strives to and meets this important objective. OBJECTIVE To establish the epidemiology of outpatient urology patients and their service needs as seen in a tertiary centre in the Western region of Kenya. DESIGN Hospital based observational, descriptive, prospective, cross sectional study. SETTING The Urology Outpatient clinic of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), a 750 bed tertiary centre in the Western region of Kenya catering for approximately half of the Kenyan population. SUBJECTS Ninety-four first time attendees to the urology clinic seen in the year 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measures were the demographic data and diagnosis while the secondary outcome measure was the urological service needs of the patients in terms of treatment as to whether surgical or medical at presentation. RESULTS Ninety-four patients attended the urology clinic for the first time in the year of study. The male to female ratio was 14.7: 1. Age ranged from one year to 97 years with a mean ± standard deviation of 48.0 ± 25.3 years. Half were below and half were above 50 years of age. Males had longer durations of symptoms compared to females but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.131). The top three urological problems were urethral strictures, prostate diseases and Urinary Tract Infections. There was an overall 70.2% need for surgical interventions with twenty-six point one percent of the prostate disorders being managed medically while all urethral strictures were planned for surgery. The odds ratio for surgery after one year compared to within first year of symptoms was two. CONCLUSION The urological patients attending this tertiary outpatient clinic are predominantly males and are widely spread out in terms of age and diagnosis. The clinical burden of urethral strictures has overtaken that of prostate diseases in this tertiary centre.
Housing costs, poverty and inequality in Australia

Abstract Housing costs have long been recognised as a factor contributing to poverty, and poverty researchers have estimated poverty using income before and after deducting housing costs. This paper examines the treatment of housing in the literatures on poverty and housing and applies the before and after housing costs approach to examine the extent of both poverty and income inequality in Australia and how they have changed since the early 2000s, focusing on the role of housing costs in the periods before and after the global financial crisis (GFC). Account has been taken of changes in the income measure used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in its household income surveys as these have been shown to have a marked impact on empirical estimates. The findings indicate that taking account of housing costs leads to greater increases in both poverty and inequality between 2003–2004 and 2007–2008 and to smaller reductions in both since the GFC in 2007–2008.
Characterization of d-tubocurarine binding site of Torpedo acetylcholine receptor.

d-Tubocurarine (curare) is a well-characterized competitive antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), and it is usually assumed that curare and agonists share a common binding site. We have examined the role of several highly conserved residues of the alpha-, gamma-, and delta-subunits in the interaction of curare with the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Curare inhibition of wild-type receptors is consistent with curare binding to a single high-affinity binding site [inhibitor constant (Ki) = 20 nM]. Phenylalanine substitutions for two tyrosine residues implicated as being in the ligand binding site (alpha Y93F, alpha Y190F) reduce curare affinity, indicating that these residues are also important for high-affinity curare binding. Phenylalanine substitution for alpha Y198 [alpha Y198F (notation used here: subunit/amino acid in wild-type/residue number/substitution)] causes a 10-fold increase in curare affinity (Ki = 3.1 nM), and measurement of the recovery from curare inhibition indicates that this increase in affinity is due to a reduction in the rate of curare dissociation from the receptor. In addition to the alpha-subunits, portions of the ligand binding sites also reside on the gamma- and delta-subunits, and photoaffinity studies have implicated two residues (gamma W55 and delta W57) as forming part of the curare sites. The gamma W55L mutation results in an eightfold decrease in curare affinity (Ki = 170 nM), whereas the delta W57L mutation has no effect. These data support the notion that the high-affinity curare binding site is formed by segments of the alpha- and gamma-subunits. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Co-creating an alternative: the moral economy of participating in farmers’ markets

ABSTRACT Growing dissatisfaction with the globalised food system, articulated on the behalf of both producers and consumers, has caused a variety of public debates surrounding the ethics of food production and consumption to become increasingly visible in society over the last two decades. Simultaneously, farmers’ markets (FMs) and other forms of direct marketing have experienced a noteworthy increase in participants, indicating an emerging demand for an alternative to conventional food networks, alternatives that are often perceived as providing a more just and moral relationship to food production and consumption. This study examines consumer and producer motivations for participation in FMs and opinions towards conventional and alternative agriculture in order to elucidate what (if any) values and morals are shared among producers and consumers. This study draws upon the theoretical framework of moral economy to understand whether these shared values suggest FM participants are working to co-create an alternative economy based on “moral” principles such as fairness, justice, and reciprocity. This mixed-methods study consists of consumer surveys (N = 377) and semi-structured interviews with producers (N = 17) from five FMs in the state of Delaware. The results suggest that producer and consumer motivations to participate in FMs, particularly a shared emphasis on social value, are indicative of a sense of moral economy. However, this moral economy is complicated by tension towards consumers and the alternative food movement more generally expressed on behalf of producers.
Heterogeneous distribution of xylan and lignin in tension wood G-layers of the S1+G type in several Japanese hardwoods

A gradual shift in the microfibril angle of gelatinous layer (G-layer) of tension wood fibres of the S1+G type has been detected via potassium permanganate (KMnO4) staining. Thus, microfibril angles in fibres of the S1+G type are different from S1+S2+G type fibres. We evaluated the microfibril orientation and presence of lignin and xylan in G-layers of tension wood fibres of the S1+G type in several Japanese hardwoods. The distribution of xylan and lignin was examined using immunoelectron microscopy with anti-xylan monoclonal antibody, ultraviolet (UV) microscopy, fluorescence microscopy after acrifravine staining and transmission electron microscopy after KMnO4 staining. In transverse sections, the outer parts of the G-layers showed ultraviolet absorption and a heterogeneous KMnO4 staining pattern, suggesting that lignin was heterogeneously distributed in the outer parts of the G-layers. The heterogeneous staining pattern was found in the G-layers of several tree species; however, the degree of staining differed between tree species. In longitudinal sections, the KMnO4-staining region in the G-layers continued parallel to the cell axis to variable lengths. The orientation of cellulose microfibrils changed gradually from a steep helix to parallel to the cell axis from the outer to inner parts of the G-layers. Xylan immunolabelling was observed in the outer part of the G-layers; in some fibres, labelling was found in the innermost parts of the G-layers. Following immunogold labelling combined with KMnO4 staining, xylan labelling was mainly found in KMnO4-stained electron-opaque regions, suggesting that lignin and xylan were heterogeneously colocalized in the outer parts of the G-layers. The rotation of cellulose microfibrils and heterogeneous distribution of xylan and lignin might be a general phenomenon in S1+G tension wood fibres.
Identification of Novel Transcribed Regions in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Using RNA-Sequencing

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a model organism to investigate vertebrate development and human genetic diseases. However, the zebrafish genome annotation is still ongoing and incomplete, and there are still new gene transcripts to be found. With the introduction of massive parallel sequencing, whole transcriptome studies became possible. In the present study, we aimed to discover novel transcribed regions (NTRs) using developmental transcriptome data from RNA sequencing. In order to achieve this, we developed an in-house bioinformatics pipeline for NTR discovery. Using the pipeline, we detected 152 putative NTRs that at the time of discovery were not annotated in Ensembl and NCBI gene database. Four randomly selected NTRs were successfully validated using RT-PCR, and expression profiles of 10 randomly selected NTRs were evaluated using qRT-PCR. The identification of these 152 NTRs provide new information for zebrafish genome annotation as well as new candidates for studies of zebrafish gene function.
Distribution of Private Practice Offices of Physicians with Specified Characteristics Among Urban Neighborhoods

The office location of New York County physicians in private practice is determined for a verified subpopulation of the “Medical Directory of New York State” listing for the year 1970-71. Physicians are categorized by specialty status, medical schools attended, dates of graduation, and hospital affiliations. Multiple regression analysis is performed to relate numbers of physicians per Health Area (average population: 20,000) to demographic, economic, and medical care characteristics of the areas. There is considerable unevenness in the number of private physician offices among Health Areas (mean, 66; standard deviation, 173; range, 1 to 1,043). Multiple regression analysis shows a strong, positive association between practice location and median area income. The influence of population size on practice location is also found to be significant for many categories of physicians but less strong than that of income. Other independent variables are found to have a weaker to nonsignificant impact on practice location. Disaggregation of physicians into specified categories reveals differences in elasticity of location estimates that would have gone undetected had only the aggregated physician population been investigated. It is concluded that policy decisions concerning physician distribution should be made on the basis of data on smaller areas than has been done in the past, and on specified categories of physicians rather than on aggregates.
Antimicrobial susceptibility, auxotype and plasmid content of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in northern Tanzania: emergence of high level plasmid mediated tetracycline resistance.

OBJECTIVE--To study the antimicrobial susceptibility, plasmid content, auxotype and serogroup of strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from an urban population of STD clinic attenders in Northern Tanzania. METHODS--The minimum inhibitory concentrations of nine common antimicrobial agents were measured by the agar dilution method against 130 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in a free government STD clinic in Mwanza town. The auxotype, plasmid content and serogroup of these strains were also determined by conventional techniques. RESULTS--65 strains (50%) were penicillinase producers (PPNG), and 34 (26%) exhibited chromosomally mediated resistance to penicillin. Seven (5%) were sensitive to tetracycline; 78 (60%) showed intermediate levels of resistance, and 45 (35%) had high level plasmid mediated resistance (TRNG), all of which carried a 25.2 MDa plasmid. 79 strains (61%) showed decreased sensitivity to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, and five (4%) were resistant to this agent. All isolates were fully sensitive to spectinomycin, azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. One hundred and one strains (78%) were of type W11/111, 22 type W1, and seven cross reacting strains. The W1 strains were significantly more likely to be carrying plasmid mediated resistance to both penicillin and tetracycline. Six different auxotypes were present, the major type requiring proline. Plasmid profiles showed the presence of both the 3.2 MDa and the 4.4 MDa beta-lactamase encoding plasmids. CONCLUSION--a high proportion of gonococcal isolates remain resistant to penicillin in this region, and most isolates are now also resistant to tetracycline, with the emergence of plasmic mediated tetracycline resistance. Trimethoprim-sulphonamide sensitivity is also decreasing. The population of strains is heterogeneous, and both African and Asian beta-lactamase encoding plasmids are present.
Nuclear-factor kappa B (NF-kappa B)-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS II) pathway damages the stria vascularis in cisplatin-treated mice.

BACKGROUND Cisplatin is reported to damage the stria vascularis of the cochlea. Free radicals, especially large amounts of nitric oxide catalyzed by inducible nitric oxide synthase, are considered to have an important role in this toxicity. The induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase is regulated by nuclear-factor kappa B (NF-kappa B). We examined the damage of the stria vascularis by immunohistochemical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cisplatin (15 mg/kg b.w.) was injected intraperitoneally into the mice. Three days after the injection, the cochleas were immunohistochemically-stained using specific antibodies for nuclear-factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or single-stranded DNA. RESULTS NF-kappa B was expressed in the cisplatin-treated cochlea, especially in the stria vascularis and the spiral ligament. iNOS was also expressed in the stria vascularis and the spiral ligament. Fragments of DNA were observed only in the stria vascularis. CONCLUSION The large amounts of NO catalyzed by iNOS led to inner ear dysfunction. Our results indicate that apoptosis is triggered by iNOS and that it mediates the ototoxicity induced by cisplatin.