Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pitfalls in MLAA and MLACF

In time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, it is possible to correct for attenuation using only the TOF-PET data. Currently two main iterative algorithms exist for this purpose: MLAA [1] and MLACF [2]. In addition to reconstructing the activity image A, MLAA reconstructs the attenuation map μ, whereas MLACF reconstructs the attenuation correction factors a. While implementing MLAA and MLACF, one has to be careful. Possible pitfalls are: (i) obtaining slice dependent scale factors, (ii) converging to local maxima, (iii) obtaining unbounded estimates, (iv) dividing by zero, and (v) using an incorrect or inefficient update scheme. First we will summarize and expand some previous results of MLAA & MLACF convergence and uniqueness issues. Next we will use this knowledge to understand the pitfalls, while giving details on the implementation to avoid them.
PI3-KINASE ACTIVITY IS CRITICAL FOR GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND EMBRYO SURVIVAL IN MURINE BLASTOCYSTS

PI3-KINASE ACTIVITY IS CRITICAL FOR GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND EMBRYO SURVIVAL IN MURINE BLASTOCYSTS Joan K. Riley, Mary O. Carayannopoulos, Amanda H. Wyman, Maggie Chi, 3 and Kelle H. Moley From the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cell Biology and Physiology and Pediatrics Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110 Running Title: PI3-K regulates glucose metabolism and embryo survival Address correspondence to: Kelle H. Moley, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Box 8064, Washington University School of Medicine, 4911 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110. Tel. 314-362-1997; Fax. 314-747-4150; E-mail: moleyk@wustl.edu
Resolution of concomitant Achromobacter xylosoxidans burn wound infection without adjustment of antimicrobial therapy

Achromobacter xylosoxidans is part of an emerging group of Gram negative bacterial infections with potentially severe sequelae, especially in the immunocompromised population such as burn patients. While antimicrobial therapy for patients with A. xylosoxidans bacteremia has been reported, the literature is scarce with regard to treatment in patients with positive tissue cultures only. Herein, we report our institution's experience with such a case and a brief review of the current literature on this micro-organism in the setting of non-bacteremic infection.
Is prime boost strategy a promising approach in HIV vaccine development

Since the discovery of HIV vaccine three decades back, the quest for HIV vaccines has remained unquenched. There has been a transition of preferred approaches from candidates capable of inducing neutralizing antibody (Nab) or cytolytic T cell (CTL) response to vaccines that can induce broad spectrum responses. Heterologous prime boost strategy is believed to induce broad spectrum immunity of higher magnitude and breadth to effectively counter HIV diversity and hence is being studied extensively in the HIV vaccine field. It is important to understand factors affecting the immune responses generated by the prime-boost regimens to get leads for developing effective regimens. This review focuses on the results of completed clinical trials based on the three most frequently used prime-boost regimens, vector (ALVAC)/protein, DNA/vector (MVA) and DNA/vector (Ad5). It will also discuss probable protective immunological responses responsible for efficacy of the vaccine and role of prime boost strategy in eliciting them.
Comparison of Electron Beam Computed Tomography and Technetium Stress Testing in Differentiating Cause of Dilated Versus Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Objective: The current reference standard for differentiating between nonischemic versus ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) is angiography. The diagnostic accuracy of nuclear stress testing and electron beam tomography (EBT) was evaluated to differentiate between nonischemic and ischemic CM, using coronary angiography as the reference standard. Methods: A total of 56 patients who underwent technetium stress testing and coronary angiography for the evaluation of CM were enrolled. Patients then underwent EBT coronary scanning for coronary calcification (CC). Results: Of the 56 patients, 34 (61%) had angiographically significant disease. Using the criteria of ischemia (reversible defect) or infarct (fixed defect) to define a patient with ischemic CM, nuclear stress testing had a sensitivity of 97% (33 of 34 patients) but a specificity of only 18% (4 of 22 patients). Using the criteria of reversible ischemia only, the specificity of nuclear stress testing improved to 50% (P < 0.001); however, the sensitivity decreased to 56%. An EBT score >0 had a sensitivity of 97% (33 of 34 patients) and a specificity of 68% (15 of 22 patients) for defining ischemia. Overall diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher with EBT as compared with nuclear stress testing in this study of patients with reduced ejection fractions (84% vs. 64%; P = 0.009). Conclusion: Given the high sensitivity of nuclear testing and EBT, these tests may prove to be an effective screen before angiography in patients with congestive heart failure of unclear cause.
Feasibility of single-portal access laparoscopic ovariectomy in 17 cats

Laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) using single-portal access was attempted in 17 client-owned cats of different breeds admitted for elective ovariectomy. A 12 mm umbilical portal was placed 1 cm caudal to the umbilicus with the cat in dorsal recumbency. Then, a laparoscope with an operating channel was introduced into the portal with the cat in lateral recumbency. The right ovary was pulled to the abdominal wall using grasping forceps and fixed to the abdominal wall by a transabdominal suspension suture. The ovarian vasculature, suspensory ligament and proper ligament were progressively cauterised and transected with multifunction bipolar electrocoagulation forceps. The resected right ovary was exteriorised through the umbilical portal cannula. The left ovary was then removed from the abdomen in a similar fashion. Surgical time, intraoperative haemorrhage, amount of fat in the ovarian ligament, surgical complications and postoperative pain were recorded. The mean (sd) surgical time was 23 minutes and seven seconds (five minutes and 55 seconds). Intraoperative blood loss and fat deposition of the ovarian ligament were minimal. No intra- and postoperative complications were encountered. No cats needed rescue analgesia within 24 hours postsurgery.
Flow cytometry as a strategy to study radiation‐induced bystander effects in co‐culture systems

There is growing interest in the role of bystander effects in the biological response of mammalian cells to ionizing radiation. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of bystander effects requires quick and reliable methodologies. The present work uses a flow cytometric approach to study proliferation of bystander cells co‐cultured with irradiated cells.
Phase II trial of tipifarnib in patients with recurrent malignant glioma either receiving or not receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs: a North American Brain Tumor Consortium Study.

PURPOSE A phase II study was undertaken in patients with recurrent malignant glioma to determine the efficacy and safety of tipifarnib, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor, dosed at the respective maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) for patients receiving and not receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs). Because tipifarnib undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, MTD is doubled in patients on EIAEDs. The population included 67 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and an exploratory group of 22 patients with anaplastic glioma (AG). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received tipifarnib (300 and 600 mg bid for 21 days every 4 weeks in non-EIAED and EIAED patients, respectively). All patients were assessable for efficacy and safety. RESULTS Two AG patients (9.1%) and eight GBM patients (11.9%) had progression-free survival (PFS) more than 6 months. Among the latter eight GBM patients, six of 36 patients (16.7%; 95% CI, 7% to 32%) were not receiving EIAEDs and two of 31 patients (6.5%; 95% CI, 1% to 20%) were receiving EIAEDs. Four patients had partial responses in group A GBM and one patient had a partial response group B GBM. An exploratory comparison of PFS between GBM groups A and B was statistically significant (P = .01). Patients not receiving EIAEDs had a higher incidence and increased severity of hematologic events. However, the incidence and severity of rash (the previously determined dose-limiting toxicity in patients receiving EIAEDs) seemed similar in EIAED and non-EIAED subgroups. CONCLUSION Tipifarnib (300 mg bid for 21 days every 4 weeks) shows modest evidence of activity in patients with recurrent GBM who are not receiving EIAEDs and is generally well tolerated in this population.
Diurnal Variation in Vascular Function: Role of Sleep

Although vascular function is lower in the morning than afternoon, previous studies have not assessed the influence of prior sleep on this diurnal variation. The authors employed a semiconstant routine protocol to study the contribution of prior nocturnal sleep to the previously observed impairment in vascular function in the morning. Brachial artery vascular function was assessed using the flow-mediated dilation technique (FMD) in 9 healthy, physically active males (mean ± SD: 27 ± 9 yrs of age), at 08:00 and 16:00 h following, respectively, 3.29 ± . 37 and 3.24 ± . 57 h prior sleep estimated using actimetry. Heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also measured. The data of the experimental sleep condition were compared with the data of the “normal” diurnal sleep condition, in which FMD measurements were obtained from 21 healthy individuals who slept only during the night, as usual, before the morning test session. The morning-afternoon difference in FMD was 1 ± 4% in the experimental sleep condition compared with 3 ± 4% in the normal sleep condition (p = .04). This difference was explained by FMD being 3 ± 3% lower in afternoon following the prior experimental sleep (p = .01). These data suggest that FMD is more dependent on the influence of supine sleep than the endogenous circadian timekeeper, in agreement with our previous finding that diurnal variation in FMD is influenced by exercise. These findings also raise the possibility of a lower homeostatic “set point” for vascular function following a period of sleep and in the absence of perturbing hemodynamic fluctuation. (Author correspondence: h.jones1@ljmu.ac.uk)
Randomized controlled trial of the effects of aerobic exercise on physical functioning and quality of life in lymphoma patients.

PURPOSE Lymphoma patients commonly experience declines in physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) that may be reversed with exercise training. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between 2005 and 2008 that stratified 122 lymphoma patients by major disease type and current treatment status and randomly assigned them to usual care (UC; n = 62) or 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise training (AET; n = 60). Our primary end point was patient-rated physical functioning assessed by the Trial Outcome Index-Anemia. Secondary end points were overall QoL, psychosocial functioning, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition. RESULTS Follow-up assessment for our primary end point was 96% (117 of 122) at postintervention and 90% (110 of 122) at 6-month follow-up. Median adherence to the supervised exercise program was 92%. At postintervention, AET was superior to UC for patient-rated physical functioning (mean group difference, +9.0; 95% CI, 2.0 to 16.0; P = .012), overall QoL (P = .021), fatigue (P = .013), happiness (P = .004), depression (P = .005), general health (P < .001), cardiovascular fitness (P < .001), and lean body mass (P = .008). Change in peak cardiovascular fitness mediated the change in patient-rated physical functioning. AET did not interfere with chemotherapy completion rate or treatment response. At 6-month follow-up, AET was still borderline or significantly superior to UC for overall QoL (P = .054), happiness (P = .034), and depression (P = .009) without an increased risk of disease recurrence/progression. CONCLUSION AET significantly improved important patient-rated outcomes and objective physical functioning in lymphoma patients without interfering with medical treatments or response. Exercise training to improve cardiovascular fitness should be considered in the management of lymphoma patients.
Five-year incidence of dental anxiety in an adult population.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to assess the incidence of dental anxiety and factors associated with onset in adults aged 18 years and over. DESIGN A longitudinal mail survey of a random sample of the general population consisting of a baseline phase and a follow-up after five years. SUBJECTS 1,422 individuals completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires concerning dental anxiety; 1,226 subjects who were not anxious at baseline were included in the analysis. A sub-sample of 747 of these subjects had also completed a psychological questionnaire at baseline. MEASURES Dental anxiety was assessed using the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Other measures included the Dental Belief Survey, The Iowa Dental Control Index, a scale to measure attitudes towards pain, and measures of trait anxiety and general fearfulness. Questions were also asked about dental visiting patterns and dental treatment experiences prior to baseline and between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS The five-year incidence of dental anxiety in this population was 5.8%. This varied from 12.2% in those aged 18 to 24 years at baseline to 1.7% among those aged 65 years and over at baseline. Those reporting an episodic visiting pattern between baseline and follow-up and those who avoided dental care altogether were also more likely to become anxious about dental treatment. Seven variables entered a logistic regression model predicting onset: age at baseline, DAS score at baseline, fear of pain, dental visiting pattern and three variables indicating aversive dental experiences between baseline and follow-up. These were: experiencing pain during dental treatment; being treated by a dentist in a cold or uncaring manner and being frightened or worried about things the dentist did. Data from the 747 subjects completing the baseline psychological questionnaire indicated that scores on a trait anxiety index were also predictive of onset. CONCLUSION Dental anxiety may arise during adulthood, younger adults being particularly vulnerable to onset. Both aversive conditioning experiences and pre-existing psychological states appear to be associated with the development of anxiety about dental treatment in this adult population.
Variation in the number of sacral pieces

Sacrum consists of 4 to 7 pieces. Variation in the number of sacral pieces may be produced by sacralization or lumbarization. A sacralized L5 vertebra will give rise to a sacrum with 6 pieces whereas a completely lumbarized S1 will reduce the number of sacral pieces to 4. The first coccygeal piece may also be incorporated into the sacrum to produce a sacrum with 6 pieces. Lumbarization and sacralization are arise because of abnormal development of the vertebrae in this region and are usually associated with low back pain. The aim of the study was to study variation in the number of sacral pieces. Thirty dry human sacra were taken up for the study. The number of sacral pieces varied from 4 to 6. The incidences of sacra with 4, 5 and 6 pieces were 6.7%, 66.7% and 20% respectively. Four (13.3%) of the sacra with 6 segments resulted from incorporation of the first coccyx. Two (6.7%) of the sacra with 6 segments had sacralization of L5 vertebra. Two sacra (6.7%) had complete lumbarization of the S1 vertebra. Morphological or numerical variations of sacrum is common. Knowledge of these variations may help in the better management of low back pain.
Effect of Caffeine on LT, VT and HRVT

Abstract Caffeine has many diverse physiological effects including central nervous system stimulation. Ventilatory threshold and a recently described heart rate variability threshold both have a relationship with autonomic control that could be altered by caffeine consumption. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of caffeine on lactate, ventilatory, and heart rate variability thresholds during progressive exercise. Using a randomized placebo controlled, double-blind study design, 10 adults performed 2 graded maximal cycle ergometry tests with and without caffeine (5 mg·kg − 1). Respiratory gas exchange, blood lactate concentrations, and heart rate variability data were obtained at baseline and throughout exercise. Results: At rest, caffeine (p<0.05) increased blood lactate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and minute ventilation. For indices of heart rate variability at rest, caffeine increased (p<0.05) the coefficient of variation, while standard deviation, and mean successive difference displayed non-significant increases. During progressive exercise, minute ventilation volumes were higher in caffeine trials but no other parameters were significantly different compared to placebo tests. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the robustness of the lactate, ventilatory and heart rate variability thresholds when challenged by a physiological dose of caffeine.
Gel properties of sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) surimi as affected by selected washing process and number of washing cycles

The gel properties of sutchi catfish surimi prepared by conventional washing and alkaline–saline washing method were studied for four washing cycles. Decrease (p < 0.05) in myoglobin content was found in alkaline washing process compared to conventional washing at each washing cycle. The highest hardness, breaking force and deformation was observed in gels prepared from alkaline–saline washing method. Whiteness in conventional washed surimi gels increased non-significantly (p < 0.05) compared to alkaline–saline-washed surimi gels. Protein bands on Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the protein extractability was more in alkaline–saline washing and disappearance of bands in conventional washing method was observed between 116 and 45 kDa indicating less yield of protein.
Porcine Endometrial Expression of Kininogen, Factor XII, and Plasma Kallikrein in Cyclic and Pregnant Gilts1

Abstract Establishment of pregnancy in the pig is accompanied by a localized uterine acute inflammatory response and increase in uterine blood flow. Following rapid trophoblast elongation on Day 12 of pregnancy there is an increase in tissue kallikrein activity and release of bradykinin into the uterine lumen, suggesting the kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system is active in the porcine uterus. The present study investigated endometrial expression and presence of the various factors of the kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system. Endometrial L- and H-kininogen gene expression as well as presence of kininogens in the uterine flushings was evaluated throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in the pig. The possible involvement of plasma kallikrein and Factor XII, activators of the kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system, were evaluated through analysis of gene expression in endometrial and conceptus tissues. Gene expression for plasma kallikrein, Factor XII, and H-kininogen were detected in endometrium but not early conceptus tissues. Factor XII and H-kininogen gene expression were similar across the days of the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Endometrial plasma kallikrein gene expression was low but increased on Day 15 of the estrous cycle, whereas expression was similar across the days of early pregnancy. In comparison to cyclic gilts, endometrial L-kininogen gene expression increased fourfold on Days 15 and 18 of pregnancy. Both L- and H-kininogen were detected in the uterine flushings of cyclic and pregnant gilts. Presence of L- and H-kininogen in the porcine uterus and endometrial gene expression of plasma kallikrein and Factor XII provide evidence that the kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system is biologically active during establishment of pregnancy in the pig.
Evidence for a Black Hole in the X-Ray Transient GRS 1009-45

We report on the result of an X-ray observation of the X-ray Nova Velorum 1993 (GRS 1009—45), made with ASCA on 1993 November 10-11. The energy spectrum was extremely soft and accompanied by a hard tail, characteristics of the Galactic black-hole binaries in the soft state. It is well represented by a two-component model consisting of a multicolor disk model or a general relativistic accretion disk model, both describing emission from an optically thick accretion disk, and a power-law component with a photon index of ~ 2.5. A spectral analysis of the soft component allows an estimation of the mass of the central object. For the optically-estimated distance (> 1 kpc) and inclination (> 37°), the mass is estimated to be > 3.1 M®. These results strongly support that the compact object is a black hole.
Cardiac metabolism in patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardio‐myopathy: Assessment with proton‐decoupled P‐31 MR spectroscopy

Proton‐decoupled phosphorus‐31 heart spectros‐copy was performed in healthy subjects (n = 9) and patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 9) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, n = 8). The phosphocreatine (PCr)‐to–adenosine triphosphate ratio (± one standard deviation) after correction for blood contribution and partial saturation was significantly lower in HCM patients relative to the control subjects (1.32 ± 0.29 vs 1.65 ± 0.26, P < .05) but not in DCM patients (1.52 ± 0.58 vs 1.65 ± 0.26). The inorganic phosphate (Pi) peak was resolved only in patients with the highest spectral quality. Myocardial pH was lower in HCM patients (n = 6) relative to control subjects (n = 4) (7.07 ± 0.07 vs 7.15 ± 0.03, P < .05). The Pi/PCr ratio was higher in DCM (n = 3) and HCM (n = 6) patients relative to control subjects (n = 4) (0.29 ± 0.06 and 0.20 ± 0.04, respectively, vs 0.14 ± 0.06; P < .05). Elevated phosphodiester signal in DCM patients correlated with 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate signal (r = .94), reflecting blood pool contamination. P‐31 spectroscopy enabled detection of abnormalities in cardiac metabolism and determination of pH in patients with HCM and DCM.
Peptidoglycan N-Acetylglucosamine Deacetylase, a Putative Virulence Factor in Streptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT Many glucosamine residues of the pneumococcal peptidoglycan (PG) are not acetylated, which makes the PG resistant to lysozyme. A capsular type III mutant with an inactivated pgdA gene (encoding the peptidoglycan N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase A) became hypersensitive to exogenous lysozyme and showed reduced virulence in the intraperitoneal mouse model.
Second primary cancers after anogenital, skin, oral, esophageal and rectal cancers: Etiological links?

The Swedish Family‐Cancer Database was used to analyze second cancers after oral, esophageal, rectal, cervical, genital and skin (squamous cell carcinoma) cancers. A strong and consistent association of second cancers was observed at all these sites, in men and women. As a novel finding, an association of rectal cancer with the human papillomavirus (HVP)‐related cancers was shown. New evidence on an excess of skin cancer with the HPV‐related cancers was also provided. As an epidemiological study, the associations were strong and often supported by a number of comparisons. These could not be explained by bias or long‐term treatment related effects. However, whether the findings on rectal and skin cancer are due to HPV or other infections, transient or inherited depressed immune function or other constitutional factors remains to be established. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.