Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction pegylated interferon alfa-2a and high dose ribavirin do not increase SVR in heavy patients with HCV genotype 1 and high viral loads.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, body weight ≥85 kg, and high baseline viral load respond poorly to standard doses of pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and ribavirin. We evaluated intensified therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin. METHODS This double-blind randomized trial included HCV genotype 1-infected outpatients from hepatology clinics with body weight ≥85 kg and HCV RNA titer ≥400,000 IU/mL. Patients were randomized to 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 48 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (standard of care) (group A, n = 191) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group B, n = 189). Additional groups included 360 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 12 weeks then 180 μg/wk peginterferon alfa-2a for 36 weeks plus 1200 mg/day ribavirin (group C, n = 382) or 1400/1600 mg/day ribavirin (group D, n = 383). Follow-up lasted 24 weeks after treatment. RESULTS Sustained virologic response rates (HCV RNA level <15 IU/mL at end of follow-up) in groups A, B, C, and D were 38%, 43%, 44%, and 41%, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 4 groups or between pooled peginterferon alfa-2a regimens (A + B vs C + D: odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-1.39; P = .584) or pooled ribavirin regimens (A + C vs B + D: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.79-1.28; P = .974). CONCLUSIONS In patients infected with HCV genotype 1 who are difficult to treat (high viral load, body weight ≥85 kg), a 12-week induction regimen of peginterferon alfa-2a and/or higher-dose ribavirin is not more effective than the standard regimen.
The importance of hydraulic architecture to the distribution patterns of trees in a central Amazonian forest.

Species distributions and assemblage composition may be the result of trait selection through environmental filters. Here, we ask whether filtering of species at the local scale could be attributed to their hydraulic architectural traits, revealing the basis of hydrological microhabitat partitioning in a Central Amazonian forest. We analyzed the hydraulic characteristics at tissue (anatomical traits, wood specific gravity (WSG)), organ (leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area : sapwood area ratio) and whole-plant (height) levels for 28 pairs of congeneric species from 14 genera restricted to either valleys or plateaus of a terra-firme forest in Central Amazonia. On plateaus, species had higher WSG, but lower mean vessel area, mean vessel hydraulic diameter, sapwood area and SLA than in valleys; traits commonly associated with hydraulic safety. Mean vessel hydraulic diameter and mean vessel area increased with height for both habitats, but leaf area and leaf area : sapwood area ratio investments with tree height declined in valley vs plateau species. [Correction added after online publication 29 March 2017: the preceding sentence has been reworded. ] Two strategies for either efficiency or safety were detected, based on vessel size or allocation to sapwood. In conclusion, contrasting hydrological conditions act as environmental filters, generating differences in species composition at the local scale. This has important implications for the prediction of species distributions under future climate change scenarios.
Contribution of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) to circulating AGE: role of dietary fat

Abstract The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether macronutrient content (low-fat v. high-fat diet) influences an indicator of advanced glycation end products (AGE), N ε carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), in the context of a 1-d, high-AGE diet. The effect of the diets on inflammatory markers was also assessed. A total of nineteen overweight and obese adults (nine men and ten women) without known disease were recruited to participate in a crossover challenge of a high-fat, high-AGE (HFHA) and low-fat, high-AGE (LFHA) diet. In each phase patients had fasting blood drawn, followed by consumption of a high-fat or low-fat breakfast test meal, then three postprandial blood draws at 1, 2 and 3 h after consuming the test meal. After consuming high-AGE meals for the remainder of the day, participants returned the next day for a follow-up analysis. A different pattern in the 3-h post-meal CML and soluble receptor for AGE response to the two diets was observed (P=0·01 and 0·05, respectively). No change in serum CML was observed following consumption of a LFHA breakfast (535 (25th–75th percentile 451–790) to 495 (25th–75th percentile 391–682) ng/ml; P=0·36), whereas a rise in CML occurred after the HFHA breakfast (463 (25th–75th percentile 428–664) to 578 (25th–75th percentile 474–865) ng/ml; P=0·05). High sensitivity C-reactive protein and high molecular weight adiponectin were not affected by either diet. These findings suggest that dietary CML may not be as important in influencing serum CML as other dietary factors. In addition, acute exposure to dietary CML may not influence inflammation in adults without diabetes or kidney disease. This is contrary to previous findings.
TGF-β2 suppresses macrophage cytokine production and mucosal inflammatory responses in the developing intestine.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Premature neonates are predisposed to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an idiopathic, inflammatory bowel necrosis. We investigated whether NEC occurs in the preterm intestine due to incomplete noninflammatory differentiation of intestinal macrophages, which increases the risk of a severe mucosal inflammatory response to bacterial products. METHODS We compared inflammatory properties of human/murine fetal, neonatal, and adult intestinal macrophages. To investigate gut-specific macrophage differentiation, we next treated monocyte-derived macrophages with conditioned media from explanted human fetal and adult intestinal tissues. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression and bioactivity were measured in fetal/adult intestine and in NEC. Finally, we used wild-type and transgenic mice to investigate the effects of deficient TGF-β signaling on NEC-like inflammatory mucosal injury. RESULTS Intestinal macrophages in the human preterm intestine (fetus/premature neonate), but not in full-term neonates and adults, expressed inflammatory cytokines. Macrophage cytokine production was suppressed in the developing intestine by TGF-β, particularly the TGF-β(2) isoform. NEC was associated with decreased tissue expression of TGF-β(2) and decreased TGF-β bioactivity. In mice, disruption of TGF-β signaling worsened NEC-like inflammatory mucosal injury, whereas enteral supplementation with recombinant TGF-β(2) was protective. CONCLUSIONS Intestinal macrophages progressively acquire a noninflammatory profile during gestational development. TGF-β, particularly the TGF-β(2) isoform, suppresses macrophage inflammatory responses in the developing intestine and protects against inflammatory mucosal injury. Enterally administered TGF-β(2) protected mice from experimental NEC-like injury.
PRIMARY INTRAMEDULLARY TUMORS OF THE SPINAL CORD AND FILUM TERMINALE

AND FILUM TERMINALE By J. L. Slooff, J. W. Kemohan, and C. S. MacCarty (Pp. viii + 255; 81 figures. 94s. 6d.) London: W. B. Saunders. 1964. Specialists in all fields have multiplied so exceedingly in the past few decades that monographs on tiny portions of specialized fields now appear in a steady stream from the medical presses. We are apt to presume that the gross basic facts in such fields are established, wellknown, and fully authenticated, and that the purposes of the monograph is to round off the comers, fill in the details and review the general implications of the small amount of knowledge so painstakingly presented. This is what many monographs do, with more or less success. Only infrequently do the authors set about re-examining the main facts of their subject. In this work, however, devoted to intramedullary spinal tumours, forming, apparently, only 0-0152 per cent of gliomas of the central
A transgenic strategy for controlling plant bugs (Adelphocoris suturalis) through expression of double-stranded RNA homologous to fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductase in cotton.

Plant bugs (Miridae species), which are sap-sucking insects, have emerged as major pests of cotton in China. Most Miridae species are not sensitive to commercial Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, resulting in significant economic losses and an increased application of insecticide, which eventually may compromise the future of Bt cotton. We demonstrate that FATTY ACYL-COA REDUCTASE (AsFAR) plays an essential role in the reproduction of the bug Adelphocoris suturalis. Down-regulation of AsFAR expression by injection of double-stranded RNA suppresses ovarian development and female fertility, resulting in females producing few viable offspring. To determine the viability of an RNA interference approach to limit FAR expression and reproductive ability in A. suturalis, a dsRNA targeting the AsFAR gene (dsAsFAR) of A. suturalis was expressed in transgenic cotton plants. AsFAR transcription levels were significantly downregulated in A. suturalis feeding on the transgenic plants. In contained field trials, the transgenic cotton lines significantly suppressed the development of A. suturalis populations and were resistant to damage caused by plant bug infestation. These results suggest a new strategy for the management of plant bug pests of cotton.
Evaluation of a screener to assess diet quality in the Netherlands

Abstract Generally, there is a need for short questionnaires to estimate diet quality in the Netherlands. We developed a thirty-four-item FFQ – the Dutch Healthy Diet FFQ (DHD-FFQ) – to estimate adherence to the most recent Dutch guidelines for a healthy diet of 2006 using the DHD-index. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the DHD-index derived from the DHD-FFQ by comparing it with the index based on a reference method and to examine associations with participant characteristics, nutrient intakes and levels of cardiometabolic risk factors. Data of 1235 Dutch men and women, aged between 20 and 70 years, participating in the Nutrition Questionnaires plus study were used. The DHD-index was calculated from the DHD-FFQ and from a reference method consisting of a 180-item FFQ combined with a 24-h urinary Na excretion value. Ranking was studied using Spearman’s correlations, and absolute agreement was studied using a Bland–Altman plot. Nutrient intakes derived from the 180-item FFQ were studied according to quintiles of the DHD-index using DHD-FFQ data. The correlation between the DHD-index derived from the DHD-FFQ and the reference method was 0·56 (95 % CI 0·52, 0·60). The Bland–Altman plot showed a small mean overestimation of the DHD-index derived from the DHD-FFQ compared with the reference method. The DHD-index score was in the favourable direction associated with most macronutrient and micronutrient intakes when adjusted for energy intake. No associations between the DHD-index score and cardiometabolic risk factors were observed. In conclusion, the DHD-index derived from the DHD-FFQ was considered acceptable in ranking but relatively poor in individual assessment of diet quality.
Effects of Lactobacillus GG Yogurt on Human Intestinal Microecology in Japanese Subjects

Consumption of Lactobacillus GG yogurt by normal healthy Japanese subjects resulted in increased the numbers of fecal bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus GG, and decreased fecal ammonia concentration as well as decreased fecal pH. Beneficial effects were observed during the yogurt intake, and values returned to normal after completing treatment.
Human bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stem cells inhibit inflammation and reduce acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Acute pancreatitis (AP) has a high mortality rate; repetitive AP induces chronic AP and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunoregulatory effects and reduce inflammation. We developed a protocol to isolate human bone marrow-derived clonal MSCs (hcMSCs) from bone marrow aspirate and investigated the effects of these cells in rat models of mild and severe AP. METHODS Mild AP was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by 3 intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (100 μg/kg), given at 2-hour intervals; severe AP was induced by intraparenchymal injection of 3% sodium taurocholate solution. hcMSCs were labeled with CM-1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3'-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchloride and administered to rats through the tail vein. RESULTS hcMSCs underwent self-renewal and had multipotent differentiation capacities and immunoregulatory functions. Greater numbers of infused hcMSCs were detected in pancreas of rats with mild and severe AP than of control rats. Infused hcMSCs reduced acinar-cell degeneration, pancreatic edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration in each model of pancreatitis. The hcMSCs reduced expression of inflammation mediators and cytokines in rats with mild and severe AP. hcMSCs suppressed the mixed lymphocyte reaction and increased expression of Foxp3(+) (a marker of regulatory T cells) in cultured rat lymph node cells. Rats with mild or severe AP that were given infusions of hcMSCs had reduced numbers of CD3(+) T cells and increased expression of Foxp3(+) in pancreas tissues. CONCLUSIONS hcMSCs reduced inflammation and damage to pancreatic tissue in a rat model of AP; they reduced levels of cytokines and induced numbers of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. hcMSCs might be developed as a cell therapy for pancreatitis.
Bacterial contamination of blood and blood components in a tertiary hospital setting in Nigeria

Active screening of blood donors has practically eliminated viral pathogens during provision of transfusion services; however, transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis remains an important health-care concern. Currently, it is the most frequently reported cause of infectious transfusion-related fatalities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in donor blood and/or blood products, and also to identify the isolated microorganism in a semi-urban university teaching hospital setting in Nigeria. The study was carried out at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria over a five-month period (May to September 2009). A total of 162 units of screened blood and blood products consisting of 160 (98.7%) refrigerated packed cells/whole blood and two (1.3%) platelet concentrate were randomly sampled following aseptic procedure. Samples were incubated at 370C for up to 7-days in Brain Heart Infusion growth medium. The identities of the isolated organisms were determined following standard microbiologic techniques. The resistance pattern of isolates to selected antimicrobial agents was also determined by the disc diffusion method. Overall prevalence of bacterial contamination in donated blood bank refrigerated blood is 8.8%. The organisms isolated were Gram-positive, namely, Staphylococcus aureus,coagulase negative staphylococcus, Bacillus sp,and Listeria sp. Resistance of the organisms to the antibiotics ranged from 29% to 100%. Bacterial contamination of blood and blood components for transfusion is common in Nigeria and it is a potential risk for hospital acquired infection. Key Words: bacterial contaminants, hospital-acquired infection, blood/blood components.
Lifetime Victimization, Hazardous Drinking, and Depression Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Women.

PURPOSE Substantial research documents sexual-orientation-related mental health disparities, but relatively few studies have explored underlying causes of these disparities. The goals of this article were to (1) understand how differences in sexual identity and victimization experiences influence risk of hazardous drinking and depression, and (2) describe variations across sexual minority subgroups. METHODS We pooled data from the 2001 National Study of Health and Life Experiences of Women and the 2001 Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study to compare rates of victimization, hazardous drinking, and depression between heterosexual women and sexual minority women (SMW), and to test the relationship between the number of victimization experiences and the study outcomes in each of five sexual identity subgroups. RESULTS Rates of each of the major study variables varied substantially by sexual identity, with bisexual and mostly heterosexual women showing significantly higher risk than heterosexual women on one or both of the study outcomes. The number of victimization experiences explained some, but not all, of the risk of hazardous drinking and depression among SMW. CONCLUSION Although victimization plays an important role, sexual-minority-specific stressors, such as stigma and discrimination, likely also help explain substance use and mental health disparities among SMW.
Abrasion of Enamel

The extent of abrasion of human enamel caused by tooth brushing was investigated in a laboratory study. The enamel was made radioactive by irradiation in a nuclear reactor. The amount of radioactive material removed by brushing with a 30% toothpaste slurry was quantitatively measured as a function of the number of strokes. A detailed description of the brushing machine, the slurry container, the sampling and the calibration is given. The results showed that from polished enamel initially material is removed fairly rapidly. After 500 strokes the amount abraded away was 12.5 μg cm––2 corresponding to a layer in the order of 0.2 μm. In the range between 500 and 10,000 strokes the rate of abrasion was slower; after 10,000 strokes a layer of about 0.4 μm had been removed. The results indicate a considerable biological variation between the various specimens.
Faculty perception and attitude on problem based learning (PBL) in medical college from Central India.

Background: PBL is an innovative teaching learning method that enhances intrinsic motivation, promotes self learning, encourages clinical reasoning, and develops longlasting memory. It is an established leading educational innovative method in medical sciences throughout the world. In India, it is used by only few institutions. The reason may be the lack of awareness or negative perception on PBL. Aims: To study the response of medical faculty on PBL. Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Indore, India. The introductory sensitizing lecture cum discussion was organized on PBL. Pre-Test, Post-Test and feedback data from the faculty was encoded in numerical variables and analyzed by the SPSS. Results: Fifty eight faculty participated, 82.14% were entry and junior level, 80.34% didn’t attend any course on medical education, 94.6% have not attended any kind of formal training on PBL, 78.5% desired to acquire special training and 83.9% were in the Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(9): 1836-1843, 2014 1837 favor of PBL. There was significant improvement in the knowledge of faculty on PBL as evidenced by post test and feedback data (Unpaired t test P value equals to 0.0009). Conclusion: The faculty’s attitude was receptive on implementation of the PBL but majority of them required special training which can be conducted by the medical education department of the institute with the collaboration and support of other institutions that run the PBL in their curriculum. It should be integral part of the PBL implementation programme at institute.
The Brazilian Ethics Research Review System: An Evaluation from the Perspectives of Institutional Review Boards

Background: In Brazil, all studies involving human beings must be evaluated by an institutional review board (IRB) registered with the National Commission for Ethics in Research (CONEP), the entity responsible for coordinating all IRBs in the country. Methods: In 2007, a broad quantitative evaluation of Brazilian IRBs was carried out, followed by a qualitative component conducted using a semistructured interview technique during the last three months of 2008. Twenty IRBs situated in five geographical regions of the country and located within different social and institutional contexts were selected. Eighty interviews were conducted. Results: In general, the functioning of all the IRBs was similar. Problems were found related to the infrastructure provided for their work and noncompliance with the Resolution 196/96 recommendation that IRB members be given time off from their normal duties for their work with the IRB. The research protocols were usually evaluated by only one or two members. It was mentioned that investigators tended to be resistant to sending their projects for evaluation and to challenging the reports issued. In general, the IRBs did not follow up on the studies that they approved because they lacked the means to be able to do so. Conclusions: Although a large network of IRBs has been created in Brazil, many of these IRBs confront serious difficulties in attempting to comply with the regulations established by the National Health Council (NHC), which may affect the ability of some IRBs to fulfill their role.
Arthroscopic Reconstruction of Acute Central Pivot Ligament Disruption of the Knee Using a Single Incision Technique

Since September 1996, 15 patients were treated who had combined ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament after knee dislocation and had been treated surgically for both cruciate ligaments. There were 12 males and 3 females. The average age was 26 years (range: 20–33). Nine of the involved sites were on the right and 6 were on the left. The semitendinosus graft was harvested from the contralateral knee for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and semitendinosus plus gracilis were harvested form the ipsilateral (injured) knee for posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Both hamstring grafts were prepared with double loops. Both grafts were fixed with an endobutton at the femoral end and with screw and washer at the tibial end. The mean follow-up was 26 months (range: 19 to 38). This investigation adopted the Lysholm and Tegner scoring system. Average postoperative of Lysholm score was 80.6 (range: 60 to 92). Moreover, the Tegner score was 7.6 preoperatively and 5.6 postoperatively. Furthermore, the side-to-side total anteroposterior translation with 20 degrees of knee flexion averaged 2.0 mm (range: −3 to +7). The grading of Lysholm system was good to excellent in 80% of cases (12/15). Three patients sustained arthrofibrosis 16 weeks after surgery, but improved following series manipulation under anesthesia. This investigation outlined an incision technique aided by arthroscopy for reconstructing both anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament in the acute injury following knee dislocation. The preliminary results were promising, but require close long-term follow-up.