Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer after renal transplantation

Purpose of reviewProlonged waiting times for renal transplantation, an increase in the average age of recipients, decreased acute rejection rates due to use of newer potent immunosuppressives and improving long-term transplant survival have raised concerns in the transplant community regarding posttransplant cancer. In view of the fact that transplant recipients are living longer, it is of paramount importance that we continue to translate discoveries at the bench to the bedside and document cancers in the posttransplant recipient registries. Analysis of data will help in optimizing patient management. Recent findingsRecent evidence indicates that sirolimus is associated with a decreased incidence of posttransplant de-novo cancer and remission of Kaposi's sarcoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to have an antiproliferative activity against leukemia and lymphoma and an anti-tumor effect against colon and prostate cancer. Clinically it has been shown to be associated with a reduced incidence of cancers like posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. SummaryAppropriate selection of transplant candidates, pretranspant and posttransplant cancer surveillance and judicious evidence-based use of newer immunosuppressants may help reduce the incidence and improve the outcome of posttransplant cancer.
A Neural Parametric Singing Synthesizer

We present a new model for singing synthesis based on a modified version of the WaveNet architecture. Instead of modeling raw waveform, we model features produced by a parametric vocoder that separates the influence of pitch and timbre. This allows conveniently modifying pitch to match any target melody, facilitates training on more modest dataset sizes, and significantly reduces training and generation times. Our model makes frame-wise predictions using mixture density outputs rather than categorical outputs in order to reduce the required parameter count. As we found overfitting to be an issue with the relatively small datasets used in our experiments, we propose a method to regularize the model and make the autoregressive generation process more robust to prediction errors. Using a simple multi-stream architecture, harmonic, aperiodic and voiced/unvoiced components can all be predicted in a coherent manner. We compare our method to existing parametric statistical and state-of-the-art concatenative methods using quantitative metrics and a listening test. While naive implementations of the autoregressive generation algorithm tend to be inefficient, using a smart algorithm we can greatly speed up the process and obtain a system that's competitive in both speed and quality.
The Children's Pathology Index as a Predictor of Follow-Up Adjustment *

The adjustment of 16 boys treated in hospital for acting out behaviour disorders was studied. The discharge Factor I score was 157 or more in Group I (8 subjects) and 156 or below in Group II (8 subjects). As predicted, Group I boys showed significantly fewer antisocial difficulties following discharge. A low Factor I score also predicted hyperkinetic symptoms but at a much lower level of confidence and Factor III (destructive behaviour) predicted antisocial difficulties but less effectively than Factor I (disturbed behaviour towards adults). No advantage was gained by using other than the Factor I rating and it is concluded that this score based on only 10 categories helps to identify boys who on discharge will have continuing serious antisocial difficulties.
Subliminal faces with different valence: Unconscious mismatch detection indicates interactions between unconscious processing

Many studies revealed unconscious effects on conscious processing. However, in this study, we tried to investigate whether unconscious processes could interact with each other by using simultaneously presented face pictures with the same or a different unconscious valence (SUV versus DUV). In the first event-related potential (ERP) study, DUV elicited a smaller N2 as compared with SUV. In the second functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment, the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) was activated under DUV condition in comparison to SUV condition. These results support the idea of interactions between unconscious processes (unconscious mismatch detection). The theoretical implications are discussed in the light of the global neuronal workspace theory.
Text Summarisation based on Human Language Technologies and its Applications

This research work was funded by the Spanish Government through the research program FPI (BES-2007-16268) associated to the project “TEXT-MESS: Mineria de Textos Inteligente, Interactiva y Multilingue basada en Tecnologia del Lenguaje Humano” (TIN2006-1526-C06-01). Moreover, it was also partially funded by projects grants TIN2009-133991-C04 and PROMETEO/2009/199 from the Spanish and the Valencian Government, respectively.
Ketocarotenoid Biosynthesis Outside of Plastids in the Unicellular Green Alga Haematococcus pluvialis *

The carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in algae and plants takes place within plastids. In these organelles, carotenoids occur either in a free form or bound to proteins. Under stress, the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialisaccumulates secondary carotenoids, mainly astaxanthin esters, in cytoplasmic lipid vesicles up to 4% of its dry mass. It is therefore one of the favored organisms for the biotechnological production of these antioxidative compounds. We have studied the cellular localization and regulation of the enzyme β-carotene oxygenase in H. pluvialis that catalyzes the introduction of keto functions at position C-4 of the β-ionone ring of β-carotene and zeaxanthin. Using immunogold labeling of ultrathin sections and Western blot analysis of cell fractions, we discovered that under inductive conditions, β-carotene oxygenase was localized both in the chloroplast and in the cytoplasmic lipid vesicles, which are (according to their lipid composition) derived from cytoplasmic membranes. However, β-carotene oxygenase activity was confined to the lipid vesicle compartment. Because an early carotenogenic enzyme in the pathway, phytoene desaturase, was found only in the chloroplast (Grünewald, K., Eckert, M., Hirschberg, J., and Hagen, C. (2000)Plant Physiol. 122, 1261–1268), a transport of intermediates from the site of early biosynthetic steps in the chloroplast to the site of oxygenation and accumulation in cytoplasmic lipid vesicles is proposed.
Maximum capacity for sequential one-bit auditory decisions.

Studied the maximum intrinsic rate of channel intermittency for sequential decisions in 9 21-30 yr. old Ss, each submitted to about 30 runs of a simple, externally paced task. Any run consisted of a series of 150 stimuli delivered at a regular interval between 2 and . 15 sec. 50% of the stimuli were nonsignal clicks randomly mixed with the signal clicks (20-30 db. higher in intensity) to which S was asked to press a Morse key. Analysis of data on hits and false alarms showed that the achieved decisional rate started to lag behind the required rate at about 1.1/sec and it reached a maximum for rates of stimulus presentation of 3-5/sec. The mean maximum rate of correct decisions under such steady-state sensory overload was estimated by 4 methods as 2.15, 2.33, 2.64, and 2.64/sec. The maximum rate is related to decisional rather than to motor effector limitations and may reflect a basic perceptual mechanism of the brain, as suggested from correlative studies on cerebral evoked potentials. (21 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1970 American Psychological Association.
The beta-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol is a potent inhibitor of the LPS-induced production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN To investigate the suppressive effects of the beta-agonist clenbuterol on the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-model of inflammation, both in vitro and in vivo. MATERIAL AND SUBJECTS Human U-937 cell line (monocyte-derived macrophages), and male Wistar rats (200-250 g). TREATMENT U-937 macrophages were incubated with LPS at 1 microg/ml, with or without 1.0 mM-0.1 nM test drugs (clenbuterol and other cAMP elevating agents) for 1-24 h. Rats were administered either 1 or 10 microg/kg clenbuterol (or saline) orally, 1 h before intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg LPS. METHODS AND RESULTS TNF-alpha and IL-6 time-concentration profiles were determined both in culture media and plasma, using ELISA' s and bioassays. LPS-mediated release of both cytokines was significantly suppressed by clenbuterol. CONCLUSIONS The beta-agonist clenbuterol very potently suppresses the LPS-induced release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 both in vitro and in vivo.
Sequence‐specific detection method for reverse transcription, loop‐mediated isothermal amplification of HIV‐1

HIV diagnosis at the point‐of‐care or in resource‐limited settings poses considerable challenges due to time and cost limitations. Currently, nucleic acid‐based tests are the only reliable method for diagnosing recent infections during the window period post‐infection and pre‐seroconversion, but these tests are only suitable for well‐equipped laboratory settings. The reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) technology exhibits characteristics that are ideal for the development of a rapid, cost‐effective nucleic acid‐based test for detection of HIV DNA and RNA. In this study, a sequence‐specific detection method was developed for immediate, naked‐eye visualization of RT‐LAMP products with high sensitivity and specificity. The rapid detection method was incorporated into the HIV‐1‐specific RT‐LAMP assay and validated using minute volumes of whole blood from HIV‐1‐infected individuals. Together with the minimal sample preparation time and one‐step, isothermal amplification reaction, the sequence‐specific detection method adds to the overall versatility of the RT‐LAMP assay and enhances the applicability for use at point‐of‐care or resource‐limited sites. J. Med. Virol. 81:966–972, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammatory bowel disease in 67 families each with three or more affected first-degree relatives.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Some families have multiple members with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Do clinical features of familial differ from sporadic cases? Is there concordance between affected family members? Do environmental factors affect familial clustering? METHODS In 67 families, each with three or more first-degree relatives with IBD, the 213 affected family members were interviewed, and their case records were reviewed. RESULTS The clinical manifestations of familial cases did not differ from IBD reported in a large series. There was concordance for type of disease (P < 0.001) but not greater than expected concordance for age at diagnosis, site and extent of disease, or transmural aggressiveness of Crohn's disease. A significant association between smoking with Crohn's disease and non-smoking with ulcerative colitis was found (P < 0.001), even in families with both disorders. The intervals between diagnosis of successive family cases varied so greatly that a single etiologic factor with a constant latent period seems to be unlikely. When IBD affected successive generations, parents were diagnosed at a later age than the children (P < 0.001) and after the child in 12 of 49 cases. CONCLUSIONS Analysis has not identified any clinically significant differences between familial and sporadic cases of IBD. Tobacco smoking affects disease type in familial cases.
A sharp rise in the incidence of Hodgkin's lymphoma in young adults in Israel.

BACKGROUND Hodgkin's lymphoma is a distinct primary solid tumor of the immune system that shows wide variation in incidence among different geographic regions and among various races. It was previously suggested that susceptible people living in certain parts of Israel had a higher risk of HL because of exposure to unidentified environmental factors in these regions. Compared with other parts of Israel, these regions were characterized by a higher proportion of Israeli-born Jews. OBJECTIVES To study time trends in the incidence rate of HL in Israeli-born Jews of all age groups during the years 1960-2005. RESULTS A total of 4812 Jewish cases of HL were reported to the Israel Cancer Registry during the study period 1960-2005. There has been a persistent increase in the age-standardized incidence rate of HL, all subtypes pooled, in Israeli-born Jews in both men and women. The age distribution pattern in both genders was bimodal in all periods. The highest incidence was observed in the 20-24 year age group: for women (9.13 per 100,000 per year) during the period 1988-1996, and for men (6.60 per 100,000 per year) during the period 1997-2005. CONCLUSIONS The reported incidence level of HL in Israeli-born young adult Jews in Israel has increased in recent years to high levels compared with other western countries. Our findings suggest a cohort effect to unidentified factors affecting Israeli-born young adult Jews in Israel.
Iron, zinc and iodide status in Mexican children under 12 years and women 12-49 years of age. A probabilistic national survey.

OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiology of iron, zinc and iodide deficiencies in a probabilistic sample of Mexican women and children and explore its association with some dietary and socio-demographic variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS We carried out in 1999 an epidemiological description of iron (percent transferrin saturation, PTS, < 16%), serum zinc (< 65 ug/dl) and iodide (< 50 ug/l urine) deficiencies in a probabilistic sample of 1,363 Mexican children under 12 years and of 731 women of child-bearing age. Serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, and urinary iodide by a colorimetric method. Logistic regression models explored determinants for such micromineral deficiencies. RESULTS Iron deficiency was higher (67%) in infants < 2 years of age. Prevalence declined (34-39%) at school age. The prevalence for iron deficiency in women was 40%. Zinc deficiency was higher in infants < 2 years of age (34%) than in school-age children (19-24%). Prevalence in women was 30%, with no rural/urban difference. In women the likelihood of iron deficiency decreased as SEL improved (p = 0.04) and increased with the intake of cereals (p = 0.01). The likelihood of low serum zinc levels was greater in women and children of low socioeconomic level (SEL) (p < 0.02 and p = 0.001) iodide deficiency was negligible in both children and women. CONCLUSIONS The data shows high prevalence of iron deficiency-specially in infants 12 to 24 months of age. It is suggested that in older children and women 12 to 49 years of age that iron bioavailability is low. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was also very high. The English version of this paper is available too at: http://www.insp. mx/salud/index.html.
Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and risky behaviors among undergraduate students in Tirana, Albania: comparison with Italian students

G. CICCARESE, F. DRAGO, A. HERZUM, A. REBORA, L. COGORNO, F. ZANGRILLO, A. PARODI 1 Dermatologic Clinic, Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; 2 Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Science, University of Genoa, Italy; 3 Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Science, University of Genoa, Italy; 4 Department of Experimental Medicine-Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; 5 Section of Hygiene Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy
TRO40303 Ameliorates Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis Through Reduction of Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester–Induced Mitochondrial Injury and Necrotic Cell Death

Objectives Mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibition is a promising approach to treat acute pancreatitis (AP). We sought to determine (i) the effects of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor 3,5-seco-4-nor-cholestan-5-one oxime-3-ol (TRO40303) on murine and human pancreatic acinar cell (PAC) injury induced by fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) or taurolithocholic acid-3-sulfate and (ii) TRO40303 pharmacokinetics and efficacy in experimental alcoholic AP (FAEE-AP). Methods Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (&Dgr;&psgr;m), cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c), and cell fate were examined in freshly isolated murine or human PACs by confocal microscopy. TRO40303 pharmacokinetics were assessed in cerulein-induced AP and therapeutic efficacy in FAEE-AP induced with palmitoleic acid and ethanol. Severity of AP was assessed by standard biomarkers and blinded histopathology. Results TRO40303 prevented loss of &Dgr;&psgr;m and necrosis induced by 100 &mgr;M palmitoleic acid ethyl ester or 500 &mgr;M taurolithocholic acid-3-sulfate in murine and human PACs. Pharmacokinetic analysis found TRO40303 accumulated in the pancreas. A single dose of 3 mg/kg TRO40303 significantly reduced serum amylase (P = 0.043), pancreatic trypsin (P = 0.018), and histopathology scores (P = 0.0058) in FAEE-AP. Conclusions TRO40303 protects mitochondria and prevents necrotic cell death pathway activation in murine and human PACs, ameliorates the severity of FAEE-AP, and is a candidate drug for human AP.
Clinical field follow-up of high density polyethylene (HDPE)-Jaipur prosthetic technology for trans-femoral amputees

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of the application of the high density polyethylene (HDPE)-Jaipur prosthetic construction in fitting trans-femoral amputees in a number of projects throughout the developing world. Projects in Honduras, Uganda and India were included. One hundred and fifty eight (158) patients had been provided with the HDPE-Jaipur prosthesis and of these 72 were seen for a clinical and technical follow-up after a median of 32 months. More than half the amputees seen had amputation due to trauma and the remainder due to disease. Fabrication and fitting in the three projects was carried out by individuals who had undertaken a three week training course provided by Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti Iimb centre in Jaipur. The individuals involved had limited background training in prosthetics. Craftsmanship and fit were assessed as being poor in 86% of cases. Failure requiring replacement of components was observed in 50% of cases. There was low patient satisfaction (58%) and patient compliance (65%). The outcome was considered unsatisfactory both technically and clinically. This was a reflection of the inadequacies of the prosthetic construction, particularly the knee joint, and the inadequate training of those involved in fitting and fabrication of the devices.
Bone-protecting effect of Rubus coreanus by dual regulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts

Objective:Bone loss occurs with increasing age and/or as a secondary occurrence to chronic metabolic disease. Certain nutritional and pharmacological, as well as nonpharmacologic interventions such as weight-bearing exercise and muscle strengthening help prevent bone loss. We examined the effect of the methanol extract from the fruit of Rubus coreanus (RCM) on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Design:Ovariectomized rats were assigned to sham (negative control), vehicle control, positive control, safflower seed 200 mg/kg, RCM 100 mg/kg (RCM 100), RCM 200 mg/kg (RCM 200), and RCM 400 mg/kg (RCM 400) groups for 10 weeks after the operation. Serum biochemistry, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and other related biomarkers of bone metabolism were investigated. Results:We observed that RCM could prevent bone loss by increasing the femur trabecular bone area in a dose-dependent manner in ovariectomized rats. The mineral composition of RCM contains many more valuable elements, especially potassium, magnesium, and vitamins D and B2, than safflower seed. The effect of RCM increased not only osteoblast differentiation but also osteoclast apoptosis. In addition, the extract of RCM contained in quercetin suggests that the extract of RCM resulted in improved aging-related bone loss through an antioxidant effect. Conclusions:The present data provide the first direct in vivo evidence that RCM has a bone-protecting effect caused by estrogen deficiency, without undesirable side effects on the uterus and other solid organs. The beneficial effect of RCM may be mediated, at least in part, by dual regulation of the enhancement of osteoblast function and induction of osteoclast apoptosis.
Report of a Rare Case of Alopecia Areata Coexisting with Trichotillomania

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common dermatological disease characterized by patchy areas of nonscarring alopecia. Trichotillomania (TT) is an expression of obsessive-compulsive disorder defined by the urge to pull out his/her hair. We describe a case of AA coexisting with TT. A 6-year-old male child presented with a localized patch of hair loss in the occipital area of 2 years duration. Dermoscopy revealed numerous exclamation mark hairs along with signs of scratching and bleeding. A detailed medical anamnesis and thorough examination of the child during the consultation put in evidence TT.
Thermal niche for in situ seed germination by Mediterranean mountain streams: model prediction and validation for Rhamnus persicifolia seeds.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mediterranean mountain species face exacting ecological conditions of rainy, cold winters and arid, hot summers, which affect seed germination phenology. In this study, a soil heat sum model was used to predict field emergence of Rhamnus persicifolia, an endemic tree species living at the edge of mountain streams of central eastern Sardinia. METHODS Seeds were incubated in the light at a range of temperatures (10-25 and 25/10 °C) after different periods (up to 3 months) of cold stratification at 5 °C. Base temperatures (Tb), and thermal times for 50 % germination (θ50) were calculated. Seeds were also buried in the soil in two natural populations (Rio Correboi and Rio Olai), both underneath and outside the tree canopy, and exhumed at regular intervals. Soil temperatures were recorded using data loggers and soil heat sum (°Cd) was calculated on the basis of the estimated Tb and soil temperatures. KEY RESULTS Cold stratification released physiological dormancy (PD), increasing final germination and widening the range of germination temperatures, indicative of a Type 2 non-deep PD. Tb was reduced from 10·5 °C for non-stratified seeds to 2·7 °C for seeds cold stratified for 3 months. The best thermal time model was obtained by fitting probit germination against log °Cd. θ50 was 2·6 log °Cd for untreated seeds and 2·17-2·19 log °Cd for stratified seeds. When θ50 values were integrated with soil heat sum estimates, field emergence was predicted from March to April and confirmed through field observations. CONCLUSIONS Tb and θ50 values facilitated model development of the thermal niche for in situ germination of R. persicifolia. These experimental approaches may be applied to model the natural regeneration patterns of other species growing on Mediterranean mountain waterways and of physiologically dormant species, with overwintering cold stratification requirement and spring germination.
Effect of Personality on Magnitude-Estimation Scaling of Complex Auditory Stimuli

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the personality trait of extraversion/introversion on magnitude-estimation scaling of complex auditory stimuli. Two groups of subjects, 10 who liked rock music (M age = 22.4 yr.) and 10 who disliked rock music (M age = 21.9 yr.), were tested. Subjects were instructed to assign numerical values to a random series of nine suprathreshold intensity levels of a 10-sec. sample of rock music. Each subject was given the Eysenck Personality Inventory, a test designed to measure the personality trait of extraversion/introversion. Statistical analyses indicated that the personality trait of extraversion/introversion did not appear to have an effect on the way the subjects scaled the rock-music stimulus.