Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial Comparing Dose Reduction and Growth Factor Supplementation for Management of Hematological Side Effects in HIV/Hepatitis C Virus Patients Receiving Pegylated-Interferon and Ribavirin

BackgroundPegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), current standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, are frequently associated with neutropenia and anemia, leading to high treatment discontinuation rates in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of intervening with hematologic growth factors versus dose reductions of standard HCV therapy for the management of treatment-induced hematologic disorders. MethodsNinety-two HIV/HCV-coinfected, therapy-naive subjects received PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5 &mgr;g·kg−1·wk−1 and RBV 13 ± 2 mg·kg−1·d−1 for up to 48 weeks. Before treatment initiation, subjects were randomized to subsequently receive growth factors, recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and/or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, or dose reduction (RBV and/or PEG-IFN) for anemia and neutropenia management, respectively. We analyzed the ability of each management strategy to control anemia and neutropenia and the percentage of subjects who achieved a successful treatment outcome according to the different management strategies. ResultsDuring treatment, 43 subjects developed anemia (human erythropoietin, n = 24; dose reduction, n = 19), whereas 25 subjects developed neutropenia (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, n = 10; dose reduction, n = 15). After the intervention, the increase in both hemoglobin and absolute neutrophil counts did not differ between the 2 side effect management strategies. Sustained response percentages were similar comparing anemic and neutropenic subjects regardless of management strategy (anemia: recombinant human erythropoietin, 29% versus dose reduction, 21%, P = 0.92; neutropenia: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, 40% versus dose reduction, 20%, P = 0.46). ConclusionsGrowth factor supplementation and dose reduction do not seem to differ as management strategies for anemia and neutropenia in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals treated with PEG-IFN/RBV.
Replacement of Dietary Fish Oil with Flaxseed Oil and its Effects on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Rainbow Trout Fingerlings (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary fish oil substitution with flaxseed oil on the blood factors of rainbow trout fingerlings (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed with diets containing different oils, including treatment with 100% fish oil (FOD), flaxseed oil (FxOD) and 1:1 ratio of fish and flaxseed oil (FFxOD). Finally, hematologic factors including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), total count of white blood cells and neutrophil showed no significant differences between treatments. In the case of the lymphocytes number in the treatment of 100% of flaxseed oil, a significantly lower value was observed compared with the other treatments. In the blood biochemical parameters including Cholesterol (CHOL), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Triglycerides (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Glucose (Glu) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) no significant differences between treatments were found however, in the factors of Total Protein (TP), Albumin (Alb), Globulin (Glb) and Alb/Glb there were significant differences among treatments. The obtained results showed that the use of flaxseed oil in the diet of rainbow trout fingerlings can lead to changes in some hematological and biochemical parameters of blood.
A Markov Switching Model for UK Acquisition Levels

This paper examines the time series properties of UK acquisition numbers in the period 1969 to 2003 using a three-regime Markov Switching Model. The majority of the data is characterised by a relatively stable series, and this regime has by far the longest duration. It is necessary, however, to also include regimes that represent both the beginning and end of the waves to accurately model the data. The expected duration of the regime that marks the end of a wave is longer than that characterising the start, revealing that the start of a merger wave is marked by more extreme changes in behaviour. This somewhat surprising result is then confirmed with further analysis of the characteristics of the regimes marking the beginning and end of the waves.
An improved breast tissue density classification framework using bag of features model

We present a new approach to classify breast tissue density which is widely accepted to be an important risk indicator for the development of breast cancer. The computer aided diagnosis (CAD) framework developed, first segments the breast area then represents each image using the bag-of-features (BoF) approach. To represent the images, we first extract local binary patterns (LBP) features, which are then quantized to create a codebook. Second, we encode the features using the obtained codebook and a sparse coding algorithm to obtain a final image representation. Finally, we use support vector machines (SVM) classifier to carry out the classification task. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed approach, we tested the framework using the digital database of screening mammograms (DDSM). The results showed that 91.25% of the samples were correctly classified. We also investigated the codebook size and selected the one that enhanced the results. Our proposal showed better performance compared to previous methods that classified the same dataset.
Quantum criticality of hot random spin chains.

We study the infinite-temperature properties of an infinite sequence of random quantum spin chains using a real-space renormalization group approach, and demonstrate that they exhibit nonergodic behavior at strong disorder. The analysis is conveniently implemented in terms of SU(2)_{k} anyon chains that include the Ising and Potts chains as notable examples. Highly excited eigenstates of these systems exhibit properties usually associated with quantum critical ground states, leading us to dub them "quantum critical glasses. " We argue that random-bond Heisenberg chains self-thermalize and that the excited-state entanglement crosses over from volume-law to logarithmic scaling at a length scale that diverges in the Heisenberg limit k→∞. The excited state fixed points are generically distinct from their ground state counterparts, and represent novel nonequilibrium critical phases of matter.
Effects of trans‐resveratrol on hypertension‐induced cardiac hypertrophy using the partially nephrectomized rat model

1. trans‐Resveratrol (resveratrol) has been shown to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system in a number of studies. It is, however, unclear whether this naturally occurring compound can protect against cardiac hypertrophy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol on cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and the potential underlying mechanisms involving endothelin (ET), angiotensin (Ang) II and nitric oxide (NO) in partially nephrectomized rats.
Improving HIV Surveillance in Victoria: The Role of the “Detuned” Enzyme Immunoassay

Between 1999 and 2000, new diagnoses of HIV in Victoria (Australia) rose by 41%, from 140 to 197. In this time period, sera from new HIV diagnoses were tested using the Organon Teknika “detuned” enzyme immunoassay (EIA). We compared the results of the detuned EIA with incident infections defined by surveillance (on the basis of a previous negative or indeterminate HIV test and/or a seroconversion illness within the 12 months preceding HIV diagnosis). Of 317 specimens, 97 (31%) incident infections and 114 (36%) recent infections were detected using surveillance and detuned EIA, respectively. The detuned assay misclassified 11 cases with AIDS and 2 cases with CD4 counts ≤200 μ3 (probable long-standing infections) as recent infections and was unable to identify 31 (32%) of 97 cases previously classified as incident cases by surveillance. The assay detected an extra 35 recent infections that were previously classified as nonincident by surveillance. By combining the detuned assay and surveillance, 132 (42%) incident infections were identified from 317 specimens, 36% more than surveillance alone. We recommend that a detuned assay or similar test become part of the routine strategy to identify incident infections in Victoria. Incident infections provide important information for targeting prevention strategies and the opportunity to interrupt ongoing viral transmission.
Simultaneous expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Conclusion. In laryngeal cancer, arachidonic acid may be metabolized to PGE2 via the cooperative actions of COX-2 and mPGES, which are induced in response to various stimuli. The COX-2-mPGES-PGE2 system may induce differentiation of cancer cells and prevent metastasis, thus improving the survival rate. Objective. To examine the expression of COX-1, COX-2, and two downstream enzymes – microsomal PGE synthase (mPGES) and PGD synthase (PGDS) – using immunohistochemistry in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Patients and methods. Patients with laryngeal carcinoma were referred to the Department of Otolaryngology for treatment. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded laryngeal carcinoma specimens were obtained from 24 patients. Immunohistochemical expression of COX-1, COX-2, mPGES, LPGDS, and HPGDS was investigated in 24 laryngeal carcinoma samples. Results. Among the carcinomas, cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for COX-2 was found in tumor cells in 18 of 24 cases (72%) and that for mPGES in tumor cells in 23 of 24 cases (92%). The localization of mPGES was very similar to that of COX-2. COX-2 in well-differentiated SCCs was higher than in poorly/moderately differentiated SCCs. In terms of lymph node metastasis, there was a significant difference in COX-2 expression.
Quantum Theory on Genome Evolution

A model of genome evolution is proposed. Based on several general assumptions the evolutionary theory of a genome is formulated. Both the deterministic classical equation and the stochastic quantum equation are proposed. The classical equation is written in a form of of second-order differential equations on nucleotide frequencies varying in time. It is proved that the evolutionary equation can be put in a form of the least action principle and the latter can be used for obtaining the quantum generalization of the evolutionary law. The wave equation and uncertainty relation for the quantum evolution are deduced logically. Two fundamental constants of time dimension, the quantization constant and the evolutionary inertia, are introduced for characterizing the genome evolution. During speciation the large-scale rapid change of nucleotide frequency makes the evolutionary inertia of the dynamical variables of the genome largely decreasing or losing. That leads to the occurrence of quantum phase of the evolution. The observed smooth/sudden evolution is interpreted by the alternating occurrence of the classical and quantum phases. In this theory the probability of new-species formation is calculable from the first-principle. To deep the discussions we consider avian genome evolution as an example. More concrete forms on the assumed potential in fundamental equations, namely the diversity and the environmental potential, are introduced. Through the numerical calculations we found that the existing experimental data on avian macroevolution are consistent with our theory. Particularly, the law of the rapid post-Cretaceous radiation of neoavian birds can be understood in the quantum theory. Finally, the present work shows the quantum law may be more general than thought, since it plays key roles not only in atomic physics, but also in genome evolution.
Analyzing and interpreting ceramic production and distribution in the American southwest

Judith A. Habicht‐Mauche. The Pottery from Arroyo Hondo Pueblo, New Mexico: Tribalization and Trade in the Northern Rio Grande. Arroyo Hondo Archaeological Series, Number 8. Santa Fe, New Mexico: School of American Research Press, 1993. xviii + 254 pp. including appendices, additional reports, references and index. $30.00 paper. Marion F. Smith, ed. Function and Technology of Anasazi Ceramics from Black Mesa, Arizona. Occasional Papers, Number 15. Carbondale, Illinois: Center for Archaeological Investigations, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1994. xiv + 253 pp. including appendices and references. $40.00 paper. Maria Nieves Zedeño. Sourcing Prehistoric Ceramics at Chodistaas Pueblo, Arizona: The Circulation of People and Pots in the Grasshopper Region. Anthropological Papers of the University of Arizona, Number 58. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1994. xiii + 151 pp. including appendices, references, abstract, and index. $13.95 paper. Barbara J. Mills and Patricia L. Crown, eds. Ceramic Production in the American Southwest. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1995. viii + 312 pp. including chapter references and index. $45.00 cloth.
Antifungal Amide Alkaloids from the Aerial Parts of Piper flaviflorum and Piper sarmentosum

Abstract Sixty-three amide alkaloids, including three new, piperflaviflorine A (1), piperflaviflorine B (2), and sarmentamide D (4), and two previously synthesized ones, (1E,3S)-1-cinnamoyl-3- hydroxypyrrolidine (3) and N-[7′-(4′-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-methoxybenzamide (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of Piper flaviflorum and Piper sarmentosum. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and, in case of 3, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Most of the isolates were tested for their antifungal and antibacterial activities. Ten amides (6–15) showed antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 90 113 with IC50 values in the range between 4.7 and 20.0 µg/mL.
High road, low road? Choices and challenges on the pathway to a malaria vaccine

Malaria causes much physical and economic hardship in endemic countries with billions of people at risk. A vaccine would clearly benefit these countries, reducing the requirement for hospital care and the economic impact of infection. Successful immunization with irradiated sporozoites and the fact that repeated exposure to malaria induces partial immunity to infection and high levels of protection against the clinical manifestations, suggest that a vaccine is feasible. Numerous candidate antigens have been identified but the vaccine, which has been promised to be ‘just round the corner’ for many years, remains elusive. The factors contributing to this frustratingly slow progress are discussed including gaps in the knowledge of host/parasite biology, methods to induce potent cell-mediated immune responses, the difficulties associated with defining immune correlates of protection and antigen production and delivery. Finally, the use of attenuated organism vaccines is discussed.
Lipopolysaccharide O antigen size distribution is determined by a chain extension complex of variable stoichiometry in Escherichia coli O9a

Significance Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are unique glycolipids that are characteristic components of outer membranes in Gram negative bacteria and play important roles in pathogenesis. Many LPSs contain a long-chain polysaccharide (known as the O antigen) whose length can be an important factor in bacterial resistance to complement-mediated killing. While components involved in chain-length determination are known in many systems, the underlying regulatory mechanism is not. Here we apply a mathematical modeling approach that integrates the existing structural and biochemical data to develop a new model, variable geometry, for chain-length regulation using the prototype for O antigens whose synthesis involves the widespread ATP-binding cassette transporter-dependent pathway. The lengths of bacterial polysaccharides can be critical for their biological function. Unlike DNA or protein synthesis, where polymer length is implicit in the nucleic acid template, the molecular mechanisms for regulating polysaccharide length are poorly understood. Two models are commonly cited: a “molecular clock” regulates length by controlling the duration of the polymer extension process, whereas a “molecular ruler” determines length by measurement against a physical structure in the biosynthetic complex. Escherichia coli O9a is a prototype for the biosynthesis of O polysaccharides by ATP-binding cassette transporter-dependent processes. The length of the O9a polysaccharide is determined by two proteins: an extension enzyme, WbdA, and a termination enzyme, WbdD. WbdD is known to self-oligomerize and also to interact with WbdA. Changing either enzyme’s concentration can alter the polysaccharide length. We quantified the O9a polysaccharide length distribution and the enzyme concentration dependence in vivo, then made mathematical models to predict the polymer length distributions resulting from hypothetical length-regulation mechanisms. Our data show qualitative features that cannot be explained by either a molecular clock or a molecular ruler model. Therefore, we propose a “variable geometry” model, in which a postulated biosynthetic WbdA–WbdD complex assembles with variable stoichiometry dependent on relative enzyme concentration. Each stoichiometry produces polymers with a distinct, geometrically determined, modal length. This model reproduces the enzyme concentration dependence and modality of the observed polysaccharide length distributions. Our work highlights limitations of previous models and provides new insight into the mechanisms of length control in polysaccharide biosynthesis.
The Impact of Abuse Trauma on Alcohol and Drug Use: a Study of High-Risk Incarcerated Girls

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of abuse trauma (physical and sexual) on alcohol and drug use of high-risk girls (12 to 18 years of age) who were surveyed within the first two weeks of their incarceration. One-way ANOVA analyses and Tukey post hoc tests indicate physical abuse with a weapon was associated with higher marijuana use and number of drugs used. Sexual abuse, especially within the past year, increased marijuana use, alcohol use, number of drugs used, and alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. Policy implications reflect the need for treatment protocols within substance abuse programs to address abuse trauma, particularly forced sex which has occurred within the past year.
The allergy‐protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide

To cite this article: Debarry J, Hanuszkiewicz A, Stein K, Holst O, Heine H. The allergy‐protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide. Allergy 2010; 65: 690–697.
Respiratory motile cilia dysfunction in a patient with cranioectodermal dysplasia

Ciliopathies such as cranioectodermal dysplasia, Sensenbrenner syndrome, short‐rib polydactyly, and Jeune syndrome are associated with respiratory complications arising from rib cage dysplasia. While such ciliopathies have been demonstrated to involve primary cilia defects, we show motile cilia dysfunction in the airway of a patient diagnosed with cranioectodermal dysplasia. While this patient had mild thoracic dystrophy not requiring surgical treatment, there was nevertheless newborn respiratory distress, restrictive airway disease with possible obstructive airway involvement, repeated respiratory infections, and atelectasis. High‐resolution videomicroscopy of nasal epithelial biopsy showed immotile/dyskinetic cilia and nasal nitric oxide was reduced, both of which are characteristics of primary ciliary dyskinesia, a sinopulmonary disease associated with mucociliary clearance defects due to motile cilia dysfunction in the airway. Exome sequencing analysis of this patient identified compound heterozygous mutations in WDR35, but no mutations in any of the 30 known primary ciliary dyskinesia genes or other cilia‐related genes. Given that WDR35 is only known to be required for primary cilia function, we carried out WDR35 siRNA knockdown in human respiratory epithelia to assess the role of WDR35 in motile cilia function. This showed WDR35 deficiency disrupted ciliogenesis in the airway, indicating WDR35 is also required for formation of motile cilia. Together, these findings suggest patients with WDR35 mutations have an airway mucociliary clearance defect masked by their restrictive airway disease. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aminophylline in the treatment of fluid overload.

OBJECTIVE Aminophylline has not been studied as an adjunct diuretic in critically ill children. Our purpose was to evaluate its use in the treatment of fluid overload in these patients. DESIGN Open, controlled clinical trial. SETTING Pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENTS Study subjects ranged from 2-46 months of age, were fluid overloaded, and were receiving a continuous infusion of furosemide (> or =6 mg/kg/day). Patients with hemodynamic instability or liver dysfunction were excluded. INTERVENTIONS A single dose of aminophylline (6 mg/kg) was given after establishing baseline values. There were no additional diuretics or changes in vasoactive agents during the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Urine output, creatinine clearance, and sodium and potassium excretion were measured before and after administration of the aminophylline bolus. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure (mm Hg) were recorded hourly. Urine output increased by >80% (p < .01) during the first 2 hrs after administration of the aminophylline bolus and then returned to baseline by 4 to 6 hrs. The change in urine output is consistent with the pharmacokinetics of aminophylline. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure exhibited a change of <10% from baseline. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that aminophylline is an effective adjunct to furosemide in increasing diuresis in critically ill children with fluid overload. The increased diuresis can be accomplished without increased risk if drug levels are adequately monitored.
The effect of mis-labeled training data on the accuracy of supervised image classification by SVM

The quality of the training data used in a supervised image classification can impact on the accuracy of the resulting thematic map obtained. Here the effects of mis-labeled training cases on the accuracy of classifications by discriminant analysis and a support vector machine were explored. The accuracy of both classifiers varied with the amount and nature of mis-labeled training cases. In particular, the SVM, which has been claimed to be relatively insensitive to training data error, showed the greatest sensitivity with overall accuracy declining by 8% with the use of a training set containing 20% mis-labeled cases; the difference in accuracy from that obtained without mis-labeled cases was statistically significant at the 95% level of confidence. Training data quality needs consideration when undertaking a supervised classification and should be considered in the selection of a classifier as the effects will be classifier-specific.