Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Relevance of Immunocytochemical Detection of Multidrug-Resistance-Associated P-Glycoprotein in Hematologic Malignancies

P-glycoprotein (P-170) is the phenotypic marker of tumoral cells that show the phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR). Using an immunocytochemical approach, we employed the monoclonal antibody C219 (which recognizes an epitope of such a glycoprotein) to evaluate in cytologic samples the expression of P-170 on neoplastic cells from 52 patients affected by different hematologic malignancies and its eventual correlation to clinical outcome. Longitudinal studies were also performed in 14 patients. Results obtained demonstrated that a) the so-called « MDR phenotype » may be heterogeneously represented (from « 1 to 100% of positive cells) in hemopoietic tumors at diagnosis (without exposure to pharmacologic agents), as well as during the course of the disease, although a more substantial presence of P-170 occurred in treated patients. There was no correlation between neoplastic kinetic activity (such as expression of Ki 67 recognized nuclear proliferation-associated antigen) and P-170-positive cells. b) Percentage of positive cells as well as intensity of staining seemed to be important in determining MDR; in general, there was a strong correlation between expression of P-170 in more than 20% of neoplastic cells and a lack of response to chemotherapy. However, some false-positive and false-negative cases were observed. c) The detection of scattered P-170-positive cells may predict a pharmacologic selection of intrinsic or mutant-resistant clones.
Passivity-Based Control of a Grid-Connected Small-Scale Windmill With Limited Control Authority

The problem of controlling small-scale wind turbines providing energy to the grid is addressed in this paper. The overall system consists of a wind turbine plus a permanent magnet synchronous generator connected to a single-phase ac grid through a passive rectifier, a boost converter, and an inverter. The control problem is challenging for two reasons. First, the dynamics of the plant are described by a highly coupled set of nonlinear differential equations. Since the range of operating points of the system is very wide, classical linear controllers may yield below par performance. Second, due to the use of a simple generator and power electronic interface, the control authority is quite restricted. In this paper we present a high performance, nonlinear, passivity-based controller that ensures asymptotic convergence to the maximum power extraction point together with regulation of the dc link voltage and grid power factor to their desired values. The performance of the proposed controller is compared via computer simulations against the industry standard partial linearizing and decoupling plus PI controllers.
Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from patients in intensive care units in Goiânia, Brazil: Molecular and drug susceptibility profiles

Resistance to antimicrobial agents is increasing worldwide and imposes significant life-threatening risks to several different populations, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs). Bacteria can quickly develop or acquire resistance to antimicrobial drugs, and combined with their intrinsic potential to cause disease in humans, these bacteria can become deadly. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii is notorious as a frequent opportunistic pathogen associated with critically ill patients, and understanding the genetic basis of A. baumannii resistance to beta-lactams among patients in ICUs will result in better protocols to prevent the development of resistance as well as improved treatment regimens. In this study, we assessed 1333 patients in five ICUs, 56 of whom developed A. baumannii infections. Most of the A. baumannii isolates were resistant to beta-lactam antimicrobial drugs, specifically, 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, and 91.1% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR). The most frequent OXA gene present was OXA-23 (55.1%), which is significantly associated with MDR strains. Most of the A. baumannii isolates (76.8%) were capable of forming a biofilm. The antimicrobial drug classes that were effective against most of these isolates were polymyxins and tigecycline. The molecular profile of the isolates allowed detection of 12 different clusters comprising 2 to 8 isolates each. In conclusion, our data indicate a high incidence of resistance to carbapenems as well as MDR strains among the observed A. baumannii isolates, most of which exhibited a high prevalence of OXA-23 gene expression. Only a few selective drugs were effective, reinforcing the notion that bacterial resistance is an emerging problem that should be prioritized in every healthcare facility.
Performance Analysis of MIMO System with Linear MMSE Receiver

This paper considers the uncoded multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system with linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) detection under ideal fast fading. The distribution of SINR at the output of the MMSE detection is derived for a small number of transmit and receive antennas. We present new approximation for the Gaussian Q-function driven by numerical simulation. Based on the SINR distribution and new approximation for Q-function, we analyze the performance of linear MMSE detection under ideal fast fading environment. By comparing the analytical results and Monte Carlo simulated results, we validate the analytical results.
The going public decision: evidence from the IPOs in Italy and in the UK

This paper offers insight into the question of why only few companies go public in Continental Europe. By comparing the Italian and the London Stock Exchange, we draw attention to some of the differences between the equity markets of continental Europe and those of the Anglo-Saxon countries. The main difference is that companies going public on the LSE usually use the capital raised to rebalance their capital structure, while companies going public in Italy use the IPO as a means to temporarily lower their debt exposure and then access to further debt on an improved bargaining position with banks.
Divergent growth strategies between red algae and kelps influence biomechanical properties.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Morphology and material properties are the main components of the mechanical design of organisms, with species groups developing different optimization strategies in the context of their physical environment. For intertidal and subtidal seaweeds, possessing highly flexible and extensible tissues allows individuals to bend and reconfigure in flow, thereby reducing drag. Previous research has shown that aging may compromise these qualities. Tissue age increases with distance from the blade's meristem, which differs in its position on kelps and red algae. Here, we assess whether longitudinal patterns of blade material properties differ between these two algal groups according to tissue age. METHODS We performed tensile tests on tissues samples excised from various positions along the extent of blades in nine kelp species (basal growth) and 15 species of red algae (apical growth). KEY RESULTS We found that older tissues were less flexible and extensible than younger tissues in all species tested. As predicted, tissue near the basal meristem in kelp was more flexible and extensible than older tissue at the blade's distal end. The opposite pattern was observed for red algae, with the most flexible and extensible tissues found near the apical meristem at the distal ends of blades. CONCLUSIONS We propose that divergent patterns in the distribution of material properties along blades may have different consequences for the performance of kelps and red algae. The positioning of younger tissues at the blade base for kelps may enable these species to attain larger body sizes in wave-swept habitats.
Abdominal Wall Defects in Greenland 1989-2015.

BACKGROUND In the last decades, an increasing rate of gastroschisis but not of omphalocele has been reported worldwide. Greenland is the world's largest island, but 80% is covered by an ice cap, it has a small population of around 56,000 peoples (as of 2016). The occurrence of abdominal wall defects has never been investigated in Greenland. METHODS The present study is based on data retrieved from three nationwide and two local registries in the Greenlandic health care system over 27 years (1989-2015). RESULTS We identified 33 infants with abdominal wall defects born in the study time period. All cases were reclassified to 28 cases of gastroschisis, four cases of omphalocele, and there was 1 infant in the indeterminate group. The point prevalence at birth for gastroschisis increased significantly from 8 to 35 (average 10.7) per 10,000 liveborn and -stillborn infants. Mothers below 20 years of age represented 23% of all cases and the prevalence for this group was 17 per 10,000 liveborn and stillborn. Perinatal mortality for infants with gastroschisis was high (18%), and 1 year survival was 71%. For omphalocele, the prevalence varied from 8 to 11 per 10,000 liveborn and stillborn infants. There was no increasing rate in the period, further highlighting an etiological difference between gastroschisis and omphalocele. CONCLUSION This study confirms the increasing prevalence of gastroschisis in Greenland in the period from 1989 to 2015. The average was 10.7 per 10,000 liveborn and -stillborn infants and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the highest prevalence ever reported. Birth Defects Research 109:836-842, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Double disability: the hearing-impaired blind in the Sultanate of Oman

A survey to estimate the magnitude and causes of blindness and hearing loss was undertaken in Oman in 1996–97. An analysis correlating blindness with hearing loss is presented. Twenty-eight subjects among 11 400 examined had double disability, with a prevalence rate of 2.46/1000 (95% CI 1.55–3.36). Females and older age groups had a higher risk of double disability than did males (relative risk (RR) 3.95, 95% CI 1.34–8.1) and younger age groups (RR 9.91, 95% CI 3.9–21.2). Twentyfive per cent of subjects with double disability had curable blindness, while 33% had preventable blindness. Only 10% of subjects with double disability had curable causes of hearing loss. The number of cases with double disabilities in Oman might decrease, due to the improved healthcare in last two decades. However, the increase in the aging population necessitates intervention to prevent double disability. An emphasis on the prevention of blindness could address the problem more effectively. Sumario Se realizó una encuesta para conocer la magnitud y las causas de ceguera e hipoacusia en Omán en 1996–97. Se presenta un análisis de correlación entre ceguera e hipoacusia. Veintiocho sujetos de los 11400 examinados presentaban esta doble discapacidad, representando una prevalencia de 2.46/1000 (95% CI 1.55–3.36). Las mujeres y los grupos de mayor edad tuvieron un riesgo más alto para doble discapacidad que los hombres (riesgo relativo (RR) 3.95, 95% CI 1.34–8.1) y que los jóvenes (RR 9.91, 95% CI 3.9–21.1). Veinticinco por ciento de los sujetos con doble discapacidad tenían una ceguera curable, mientras que en el 33% la ceguera era prevenible. Sólo 10% de los sujetos con doble discapacidad tenían una causa curable de hipoacusia. El número de casos con doble discapacidad en Omán puede disminuir por la mejoría de los servicios de salud en las últimas dos décadas. Sin embargo el aumento del promedio de edad en la población, hace necesaria una intervención para prevenir la doble disabilidad. Podría ser más efectivo el énfasis en la prevención de la ceguera.
Basking and diurnal foraging in the dasyurid marsupial Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis

Several mammal species bask to passively rewarm during arousal from torpor, a strategy that can decrease energetic costs. Nothing is known about basking behaviour in these species or the trade-offs between energetic benefits of basking and potential costs associated with changes in activity patterns and increased predation risk. We assessed basking during winter in Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis, an Australian arid-zone marsupial that belongs to a family (Dasyuridae) that is typically nocturnal. Animals were implanted with temperature-sensitive transmitters to assess body temperatures and to assist in visually locating animals active during the day. Tagged animals regularly exhibited diurnal foraging. Foraging bouts occurred throughout the day; however, most bouts were observed within 3h of sunset. By comparison, basking occurred much more frequently in the morning. Basking and a shift towards diurnal foraging in winter is associated with a decrease in richness and abundance of predators. P. macdonnellensis appears to compensate for the occurrence of torpor during the active phase (i.e. night) in winter by changing activity patterns such that foraging commences during what is usually the rest phase. These activity patterns are not expected to occur during the remainder of the year.
An evaluation of chromatin condensation and DNA integrity in the spermatozoa of men with cancer before and after therapy

Cancer has been known for a long time to have a depressive effect on sperm number and quality. Cytotoxic agents and radiotherapy have also been shown to impair spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess DNA integrity and chromatin condensation in the spermatozoa of men with cancer before and after treatment. Chromatin condensation was evaluated using flowcytometric assessment with propidium iodide, DNA integrity was determined using the comet assay. Thirty‐three men with cancer (testicular cancer, lymphoma and leukaemia) and 14 men with proven fertility took part in the study. The study found that in men with cancer, the percentage of spermatozoa with highly condensed DNA was less than that of controls. DNA integrity when assessed using the comet assay was also reduced by cancer. Percentage head DNA intact and percentage of condensed chromatin in the spermatozoa of men with cancer after treatment were less than those in fertile men. This study, although small, does demonstrate a detrimental effect on chromatin condensation and DNA integrity of cancer and its treatment. These findings are important because of the potential effects impaired chromatin and DNA integrity could have on fertilization, blastocyst and embryo development.
Frame Construction and Frame Promotion (Strategic Framing Choices)

In this article, the authors discuss the three most important strategic framing choices by political actors (“substantive emphasis choice,” “oppositional emphasis choice,” and “contest emphasis choice”) of direct-democratic campaigns. The authors investigate these strategic framing choices in the media input and look at how the political actors change their choices in another communication channel (political advertisement) and over time. The results provide the following insights: First, political actors tend to emphasize one to two main frames in their media input. They generally also use their main frames in the political advertisements and stay on their main frames over time. Second, although political actors tend to emphasize their own frames, they do not exclusively revert to this behavior. The authors find that the political actors pay more attention to their opponents’ frames in the media input than in the ads. With regard to variation over time, the authors can state that campaign dialogue does not disappear over the course of the campaign. Third, framing is primarily accomplished in substantive terms. In the advertisements and toward the end of the campaign, the authors do not find more contest frames.
Plasma netrin-1 is a diagnostic biomarker of human cancers

Context: The axon guidance cues netrin-1 is a secreted protein overexpressed in many different cancer tissues. Objectives: To determine whether plasma netrin-1 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker of human cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 cancer plasma samples from breast, renal, prostate, liver, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, glioblastoma, lung, pancreatic and colon cancer patients were compared against 138 control plasma samples. Netrin-1 levels were quantified by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Results: Plasma netrin-1 levels were significantly increased in breast, renal, prostate, liver, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and glioblastoma cancers as compared to control samples. Discussion and Conclusion: Our results suggest that plasma netrin-1 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for many human cancers.
Cardiac troponins in the elderly: interpretation of elevated levels

Elderly patients with myocardial infarction commonly present with symptoms other than chest pain. The clinician evaluation of the elderly may rely on laboratory methods more so than in younger patients. Fortunately, advances in laboratory science have brought newer biomarkers of cardiac injury to the clinical arena including cardiac troponins I and T(cTnI,cTnT). These regulatory components of the contractile apparatus are sensitive indicators of myocardial injury. Their central role in the current definition of acute myocardial infarction highlights their utility in the diagnosis of acute myocardial ischemic syndromes. The troponins are also released in some clinical situations where thrombotic complications of coronary artery disease and resultant acute myocardial infarction have not occurred. Examples of these conditions include conditions like myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, and acute stroke. Elevated troponins in these conditions are thought to emanate from injured myocardial cells and in most circumstances have been associated with adverse outcomes. Interpretation of elevated troponin in the elderly requires consideration of other possible conditions.
The evidence of mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes in roots of Chlorophytum borivillianum

Mycorrhizal and dark septate endophyte in Chlorophytum borivillianum cultivated in different parts of southwest India was found. Dark septate fungi with melanized hyphae and microsclerotia were documented. During culturing of the microsclerotia-containing roots, fungi with `Rhizoctonia-like’ characters developed. The fungi showed reluctance in sporulation but produced microsclerotia in the medium. Specific taxa and their ecological role can be attributed only after detailed studies as different strains of single taxa may vary greatly in their physiology.
Eating disorders in children.

: Introduction: Upsurges in the incidence and prevalence of eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and other eating disorders in kids and adolescents make it highly important that pediatricians be familiar with early screening and proper treatment of these clinical conditions. Results of epidemiologic studies have shown that the numbers of kids and adolescents with eating disorders have increased constantly since the 1950s. Only in the last decade, the prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has increased significantly, accompanied by further emphasis on dieting and weight loss among children and adolescents. The epidemiology of eating disorders has slowly modified; there is an increasing prevalence of eating disorders in men and in minor populations in the US and worldwide. Of specific importance is the growing prevalence of eating disorders at progressively younger ages. A new analysis by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality revealed that from 1999 to 2006, hospitalizations for eating disorders increased most rapidly for children younger than twelve years. It is projected that about less than one percent of adolescent girls in the US have AN, that approximately one to two percent meet diagnostic criteria for BN, and that up to five percent to ten percent of all cases of eating disorders occur in males. Aim of work: In this review, we will discuss eating disorders in children. Methodology: We did a systematic search for eating disorders in children using PubMed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Google Scholar search engine (https://scholar.google.com). All relevant studies were retrieved and discussed. We only included full articles. Conclusions: There has been an increase in the incidence and prevalence of eating disorders in children and adolescents in recent decades, making it critical for pediatricians to take into consideration these clinical conditions in appropriate clinical settings, to assess patients suspected of having these disorders, and to manage patients in whom eating disorders are diagnosed. We included a discussion of diagnostic criteria and outlines the initial evaluation of the patient with disordered eating. Complications of eating disorders are variable and could affect any organ system, therefore careful monitoring for these complications is needed and recommended. The range of management options, including medications. Pediatricians are advised to advocate for legislation and policies that make sure proper services for patients with eating disorders, including medical care, nutritional intervention, mental health treatment, and care coordination
Airborne occupational contact dermatitis from ethylene oxide

Case Reports 4 patients were referred from the hospital where they worked, all women and 25, 30, 38 and 52 years old, respectively. The latter 2 were nurses and the former 2 assistants, among whose duties was to sterilize reusable hospital linen in a canister containing ethylene oxide. The content of ethylene oxide in the canister was constant and was measured by a meter, but the time of exposure depended on the type of material to be sterilized. Once the material had been sterilized, the canister was left opened to ventilate for a long enough time for no residue to remain. Later, the sterilized material was taken out and wrapped, classified and distributed, a process carried out variously by the 4 patients. 20 days before their presentation, the 4 of them had developed generalized itching and lesions provoked by scratching, mainly on the trunk and upper extremities. The 2 younger patients showed evidence of eczema and other residua of palpebral oedema. All 4 patients initially improved after stopping work and being treated with oral antihistamines and topical liquid talc. Of the 4 patients, 3 of them, the 25-, the 30and the 52-yearold, had a personal and/or family background of atopy, and 2, the 25and the 52-year-old, were intolerant of cosmetic jewellery. The medical service of the hospital confirmed our initial suspicion of ambient ethylene oxide. Due to a technical fault, there had been an escape of this gas during the process of sterilization, while the 4 patients, unconscious of this fact, were working in the room. The 2 older patients repidly became free from itching with treatment, but this persisted in the other 2, particularly the youngest, and especially on the upper back and forearms. GEIDC standard patch tests were negative in the 30year-old patient and the other 3 showed positivity to nickel, the 25-year-old also being positive to cobalt and the 52-year-old to thimerosal, balsam of Peru, colophony and fragrance mix. Consulting the literature in this respect, we decided not to carry out any tests with ethylene oxide in the patients, even though we had some previous experience in this area (12, 13).