Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) & cardiovascular disease: An Indian perspective

The role of low grade systemic inflammation as evidenced by elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease has been intensely investigated through observational studies and clinical trials in the past two decades. On the basis of evidence that has accrued, hsCRP measurement has been integrated into the Reynolds risk scoring system to predict cardiovascular risk. The JUPITER trial proved the benefit of statins in cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with low grades of systemic inflammation and ‘normal’ cholesterol levels. However, substantial evidence has been generated from western studies. We, therefore, conducted a scoping review for studies done in India with a view to identify gaps in evidence and make further recommendations. Most Indian studies had small sample sizes and short term follow ups. There were no large population based prospective studies where patients were followed up for long periods of time for major cardiovascular end points. An analysis of the hsCRP level from the control arms of case-control studies derived a mean hsCRP value of 1.88 mg/l, which is higher than the western population where values < 1 mg/l are classified as low cardiovascular risk. Further large prospective cohort studies with longer term follow ups are essential before we can make further recommendations to integrate hsCRP into risk prediction models for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Outcome and Prognostic Factors in HIV-1–Infected Patients on Dialysis in the cART Era: a GESIDA/SEN Cohort Study

Background:Prognosis of HIV-infected patients on dialysis has improved. Few studies have compared survival between HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients on dialysis in the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. We compared the outcome of HIV-infected patients on dialysis with a matched HIV-negative cohort. Methods:National, multicenter, retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected patients starting dialysis in Spain (1999-2006). Matching criteria for HIV-negative patients were dialysis center, year of starting dialysis, age, sex, and race. Results:The study population comprised 122 patients, 66 HIV-infected, and 66 HIV-negative patients. Median age was 41 years, and all but 4 HIV-infected patients were white. HIV-associated nephropathy was only present in 4 cases. HIV-infected patients were less frequently included on the kidney transplantation waiting list (17% vs 62%, P < 0.001). They also had more hepatitis C virus coinfection (76% vs 11%, P < 0.001), fewer cardiovascular events (62% vs 88%, P = 0.001), fewer kidney transplants (4.5% vs 38%, P < 0.001), and higher mortality (32% vs 1.5%, P < 0.001). Survival rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] at 1, 3, and 5 years for HIV-infected patients were 95.2% (89.9%-100%), 71.7% (59.7%-83.7%), and 62.7% (46.6%-78.8%). Five-year survival for HIV-negative patients was 94.4% (83.8%-100%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed the following variables to be associated with death in HIV-infected patients: peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis [hazard ratio; (95% CI): 2.88 (1.16-7.17)] and being on effective cART [hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.39 (0.16-0.97)]. Conclusions:Medium-term survival of HIV-infected patients on dialysis was lower than that of matched HIV-negative patients. Fewer HIV-infected patients had access to kidney transplantation. Being on effective cART improves survival. Further studies are needed to determine whether peritoneal dialysis increases mortality.
Exceptional Knowledge Discovery in Databases Based on Information Theory

This paper presents an algorithm for discovering exceptional knowledge from databases. Exceptional knowledge, which is defined as an exception to a general fact, exhibits unexpectedness and is sometimes extremely useful in spite of its obscurity Previous discovery approaches for this type of knowledge employ either background knowledge or domain-specific criteria for evaluating the possible usefulness, i.e. the interestingness of the knowledge extracted from a database It has been pointed out, however, that these approaches are prone to overlook useful knowledge. In order to circumvent these difficulties, we propose an information-theoretic approach in which we obtain exceptional knowledge associated with general knowledge in the form of a rule pair using a depth-first search method. The product of the ACEs (Average Compressed Entropies) of the rule pair is introduced as the criterion for evaluating the interestingness of exceptional knowledge. The inefficiency of depth-first search is alleviated by a branch-and-bound method, which exploits the upper-bound for the product of the ACEs. MEPRO, which is a knowledge discovery system based on our approach, has been validated using the benchmark databases in the machine learning community.
Delayed cerebral ischaemia prevention and treatment after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a systematic review.

UNLABELLED : The leading cause of morbidity and mortality after surviving the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI). We present an update of recent literature on the current status of prevention and treatment strategies for DCI after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. A systematic literature search of three databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Embase) was performed. Human clinical trials assessing treatment strategies, published in the last 5 yr, were included based on full-text analysis. Study data were extracted using tables depicting study type, sample size, and outcome variables. We identified 49 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Clazosentan, magnesium, and simvastatin have been tested in large high-quality trials but failed to show a beneficial effect. Cilostazol, eicosapentaenoic acid, erythropoietin, heparin, and methylprednisolone yield promising results in smaller, non-randomized or retrospective studies and warrant further investigation. Topical application of nicardipine via implants after clipping has been shown to reduce clinical and angiographic vasospasm. Methods to improve subarachnoid blood clearance have been established, but their effect on outcome remains unclear. Haemodynamic management of DCI is evolving towards euvolaemic hypertension. Endovascular rescue therapies, such as percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial spasmolysis, are able to resolve angiographic vasospasm, but their effect on outcome needs to be proved. Many novel therapies for preventing and treating DCI after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage have been assessed, with variable results. Limitations of the study designs often preclude definite statements. Current evidence does not support prophylactic use of clazosentan, magnesium, or simvastatin. Many strategies remain to be tested in larger randomized controlled trials. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This systematic review was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews. PROSPERO CRD42015019817.
Role of the dsdC activator in regulation of D-serine deaminase synthesis

The activator of the D-serine deaminase operon, the product of the dsdC gene, has been partially purified. It is reasonably stable to routine purification procedures in the presence of its ligand D-serine, but not in its absence. It loses activity upon dialysis in amino acid-free buffer, but activity is completely restored upon readdition of D-serine. It apparently functions purely as an activator, no repressor function could be demonstrated at suboptimal D-serine concentration. It is a transcriptional control element. The time required for in vitro transcription of D-serine deaminase mRNA, nearly 4 min, is similar to that for beta-galactosidase. Since the beta-galactosidase monomer is a much protein, this is surprisingly long.
A unified approach to design dead-time compensators for stable and integrative processes with dead-time

This paper proposes a unified 2-DOF robust dead-time compensator, for both stable and integrative plants. Using the performance and robustness as closed loop specifications simple and effective tuning rules are derived for the proposed controller. A comparative analysis with some structures of dead-time compensators that have been recently proposed in literature is presented. The analysis is made using the two most typical models of processes with delay that are found in the process industry. The comparative analysis shows that for the cases studied the proposed controller gives better or at least the same performance as the others. It is also shown that the tuning of this structure is simple because the tuning parameters have the usual physical meaning. Some simulation results illustrate the performance of the controller.
Optical properties of human sclera, and their consequences for transscleral laser applications

The spectral dependence of the optical properties of human sclera adjacent to the limbus was investigated and related to the potentials of transscleral photocoagulation. The total transmission, absorption, and reflection, as well as the angular distribution of the transmitted and reflected light were measured at five laser wavelengths (442 nm, 514 nm, 633 nm, 804 nm, and 1,064 nm), both for noncontact and contact applications. Absorption and scattering coefficients were determined using the Kubelka‐Munk model for light propagation through a scattering tissue. The scleral transmission is only 6% at 442 nm but increases to 35% at 804 nm and to 53% at 1,064 nm. The absorption is high at short wavelengths with 40% at 442 nm but it is only 6% at 804 nm and 1,064 nm. The reflection is generally higher than 40% and shows little wavelength dependence. The transmitted light is scattered diffusely at short wavelengths, but at 804 nm and 1,064 nm it exhibits a fairly narrow angular distribution in forward direction. Fiber contact leads to an increase of transmission, with a factor of 3.5 at 442 nm, of 2.0 at 804 nm, and 1.5 at 1,064 nm. Our results indicate that the diode laser (804 nm) and the Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm) with contact delivery are best suited for transscleral photocoagulation.
Retrospective radiographic analysis of sinus graft and implant placement procedures from the Academy of Osseointegration Consensus Conference on Sinus Grafts.

A retrospective quantitative radiographic analysis determined the effect of graft material and smoking status on the maintenance of graft height over 3 years. Analysis of variance models with planned comparison were constructed to compare mean graft change by (1) graft material and (2) smoking status. Maintenance of bone height was significantly greater in intraoral autogenous grafts versus allografts (P < .05). The effect of smoking on implant loss revealed a significant difference in implant survival (P < .05). Autogenous bone generally resulted in a more favorable outcome over a 3-year period. Smoking adversely impacted implant survival in sinus grafts.
Substance Use and Experienced Stigmatization Among Ethnic Minority Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

Research has documented deleterious effects of racism among ethnic minorities and of homophobia among men who have sex with men (MSM). Less is known about the impact of multiple forms of stigmatization on ethnic minority MSM. This study examined substance use by African American, Asian/Pacific Islander and Latino MSM, and the associations of experienced racism and homophobia from various sources with polydrug use and stimulant drug use. Experienced racism within the general community was associated with higher levels of use; other forms of discrimination were either not associated with polydrug or stimulant use or had more complex relationships with use. Implications for further research and interventions are discussed.
Platform-Switching to Preserve Peri-Implant Bone: A Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the literature-based evidence if platform-switching has an effect in preventing marginal bone loss around prosthodontic implants following their functional loading in comparison to conventional platform-matching. A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar for Literature from 1950 to January 2015, human randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical controlled cohort studies (PCCS) reporting marginal bone loss around platform-switched and matched implants. Six RCTs with a low risk of bias revealed a significantly less mean marginal bone loss (0.57 mm [CI 95% 0.30; 0.84]) around platform-switched implants in comparison to platform-matched implants [1.14 mm (CI 95% 0.69; 1.6, p < 0.001)]. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly less peri-implant marginal bone loss with platform-switched implants as compared to platform-matched implants. The qualitative analysis depicts a trend favouring the platform-switching technique over platform- matching technique to prevent marginal bone loss. However, owing to the heterogeneity of the included studies, their results necessitate cautious interpretation.
HABITAT AVOIDANCE: OVERLOOKING AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HOST-SPECIFIC MATING AND SYMPATRIC SPECIATION?

Abstract Understanding speciation requires discerning how reproductive barriers to gene flow evolve between previously interbreeding populations. Models of sympatric speciation for phytophagous insects posit that reproductive isolation can evolve in the absence of geographic isolation as a consequence of an insect shifting and ecologically adapting to a new host plant. One important adaptation contributing to sympatric differentiation is host-specific mating. When organisms mate in preferred habitats, a system of positive assortative mating is established that facilitates sympatric divergence. Models of host fidelity generally assume that host choice is determined by the aggregate effect of alleles imparting positive preferences for different plant species. But negative effect genes for avoiding nonnatal plants may also influence host use. Previous studies have shown that apple and hawthorn-infesting races of Rhagoletis pomonella flies use volatile compounds emitted from the surface of fruit as key chemosensory cues to recognize and distinguish between their host plants. Here, we report results from field trials indicating that in addition to preferring the odor of their natal fruit, apple and hawthorn flies, and their undescribed sister species infesting flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), also avoid the odors of nonnatal fruit. We discuss the implications of nonnatal fruit avoidance for the evolutionary dynamics and genetics of sympatric speciation. Our findings reveal an underappreciated role for habitat avoidance as a potential postmating, as well as prezygotic, barrier to gene flow.
Telmisartan ameliorates carbon tetrachloride‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats

This study assessed the potential hepatoprotective effect of telmisartan (TLM), a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced acute hepatotoxity in rats. Intraperitoneal injection of male Wistar rats with CCl4 1 mL kg−1, 1:1 mixture with corn oil for 3 days increased serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities as well as total bilirubin, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. This is in addition to the disrupted histological architecture in the CCl4 group. Rats receiving CCl4 and co‐treated with TLM (3 and 10 mg kg−1, orally) showed ameliorated serum biochemical and histological changes almost to the control level. Nevertheless, rats treated with TLM (1 mg kg−1) didn't show any significant changes compared to CCl4 intoxicated group. In addition, TLM rectified oxidative status disrupted by CCl4 intoxication. Interestingly, TLM protected against CCl4‐induced expressions of nuclear factor‐κB, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐II, in a dose related manner. Moreover, TLM (3 and 10 mg kg−1) significantly modified CCl4‐induced elevation in tumor necrosis factor‐α and nitric oxide levels. Furthermore, TLM showed a marked decline in CD68+ cells stained areas and reduced activity of myeloperoxidase enzyme compared to CCl4‐intoxicated group. In conclusion, both doses of TLM (3 and 10 mg kg−1) showed significant hepato‐protective effects. However, TLM at a dose of 10 mg kg−1 didn't show significant efficacy above 3 mg kg−1 which is nearly equivalent to the human anti‐hypertensive dose of 40 mg. Thus, may be effective in guarding against several hepatic complications due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 359–370, 2017.
Substance Use, Medications for Sexual Facilitation, and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Traveling Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine correlates of sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) traveling for leisure. Study Design: MSM (N = 304) visiting popular tourist areas completed a brief survey assessing sexual behavior and substances used while on vacation, including the use of erectile dysfunction medications (e.g., Viagra). Results: Forty-seven percent of the respondents were sexually active during their vacation, with a mean of 1.33 unprotected anal sex acts during their brief stay (mean = 3.6 days). More than half of the sexually active men reported sex with a partner of unknown HIV status. Individuals reporting substance use or taking erectile dysfunction medications reported higher rates of sexual risk behaviors. Conclusion: Many MSM travelers report behaviors that may put their health at risk, including substance use and unprotected sexual activity. Interventions designed to reduce risk behaviors among MSM tourists are needed.
Evidence for the Functional Association of Enzyme I and HPr of the Phosphoenolpyruvate‐Sugar Phosphotransferase System With the Membrane in Sealed Vesicles of Escherichia coli

Several independent assay procedures were used to estimate the activities of the enzyme constituents of the phosphoenolpyruvate‐sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) in osmotically shocked bacterial membrane vesicles. The soluble enzymes of the system were found to be in association with the membrane by several criteria. Phosphoenolpyruvate‐dependent sugar phosphorylation was catalyzed by this membrane‐bound enzyme system far more efficiently than by a mixture of the individual enzymes at corresponding concentrations. By contrast, the rates of the phosphoryl exchange reactions catalyzed by enzyme I and the enzyme II complexes were essentially the same for the associated and dissociated forms of the system. Functional association of the PTS‐enzyme complex was stabilized by Mg++ and phosphoenolpyruvate and could be destroyed by detergent treatment, sonication, or by passage of the vesicle preparation through a French pressure cell. These results lead to the possibility that in the intact bacterial cell the soluble enzymes of the phosphotransferase system exist, in part, as peripheral membrane constituents associated with the integral membrane enzyme II complexes.
Using More End-of-Life Homecare Services is Associated With Using Fewer Acute Care Services: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background:Healthcare systems are investing in end-of-life homecare to reduce acute care use. However, little evidence exists on the timing and amount of homecare services necessary to reduce acute care utilization. Objectives:To investigate whether admission time to homecare and the amount of services, as measured by average nursing and personal support and homemaking (PSH) hours/week (h/wk), are associated with using acute care services at end-of-life. Research Design:Retrospective observational cohort study. Subjects:Decedents admitted to end-of-life homecare in Ontario, Canada. Measures:The odds ratios (OR) of having a hospitalization or emergency room visit in the 2 weeks before death and dying in a hospital. Results:The cohort (n = 9018) used an average of 3.11 (SD = 4.87) nursing h/wk, 3.18 (SD = 6.89) PSH h/wk, and 18% were admitted to homecare for <1 month. As admission time to death and homecare services increased, the adjusted OR of an outcome decreased in a dose response manner. Patients admitted earlier than 6 months before death had a 35% (95% CI: 25%–44%) lower OR of hospitalization than those admitted 3 to 4 weeks before death; patients using more than 7 nursing h/wk and more than 7 PSH h/wk had a 50% (95% CI: 37%–60%) and 35% (95% CI: 21%–47%) lower OR of a hospitalization, respectively, than patients using 1 h/wk, controlling for other covariates. Other outcomes had similar results. Conclusion:These results suggest that early homecare admission and increased homecare services will help alleviate the demand for hospital resources at end-of-life.
Neurones in the dorsal motor vagal nucleus of the cat with non‐myelinated axons projecting to the heart and lungs

Extracellular recordings were made from ninety‐four single motoneurones in the dorsal motor vagal nucleus of chloralose‐anaesthetized or decerebrate cats. Fifty‐five neurones had axons in cardiac vagal branches and thirty‐nine had axons in pulmonary vagal branches; the conduction velocities of the axons were in the C fibre range, i.e. the axons were non‐myelinated. The neurons exhibited little or no spontaneous activity. Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs were demonstrated by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve or its branches. Twenty‐four neurones were tested by carotid sinus distension but only one was excited. Iontophoretic excitation of neurones projecting to cardiac vagal branches had no effect on heart rate. The properties of these neurones and their possible functions are discussed and contrasted with those of cardiac and pulmonary vagal motoneurones in the nucleus ambiguus.
Toxoplasma gondii Recombinant Antigens as Tools for Serodiagnosis of Human Toxoplasmosis: Current Status of Studies

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan which is the cause of toxoplasmosis. Although human toxoplasmosis in healthy adults is usually asymptomatic, serious disease can occur in the case of congenital infections and immunocompromised individuals. Furthermore, despite the exact recognition of its etiology, it still presents a diagnostic problem. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is mainly based on the results of serological tests detecting anti-T. gondii-specific antibodies in the patient's serum sample. The specificities and sensitivities of serology tests depend mostly on the diagnostic antigen(s) used. Most of the commercial serological kits currently available are based on Toxoplasma lysate antigens (TLAs). In recent years, many studies showed that recombinant antigenic proteins of T. gondii may be an alternative source of antigens which are very useful for the serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis. This article presents a review of current studies on the application and usefulness of different T. gondii recombinant antigens in serological tests for the diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis.