Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluconazole versus itraconazole for candida esophagitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Candida Esophagitis.

BACKGROUNDS & AIMS Contrasting opinions exist about the pharmacological treatment of esophageal candidiasis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of fluconazole and itraconazole treatment. METHODS This study evaluated 2213 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients at first episode of esophageal candidiasis diagnosed by endoscopy; 1105 received fluconazole and 1108 received itraconazole. The endoscopic and clinical response to treatment was assessed periodically until the end of the follow-up period (1 year). RESULTS At week 2, endoscopic cure occurred in 81.2% of patients treated with fluconazole and in 65.6% of patients treated with itraconazole (P < 0.001). Clinical cure was observed in 81.5% of patients treated with fluconazole and in 75.2% of patients treated with itraconazole (P < 0.001). At the end of the follow-up period, endoscopic and clinical cure were observed in 96% of patients treated with fluconazole and in 95.6% of patients treated with itraconazole (P = 0.788), with similar differences by intention-to-treat analysis (93.6% vs. 93.3%; P = 0.853). Treatment failure was observed in 22.3% of fluconazole-treated patients and in 26.6% of itraconazole-treated patients (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS Fluconazole and itraconazole are provided with good long-term therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of Candida esophagitis in patients with AIDS. Fluconazole is associated with a higher rate of cure than itraconazole in short-term treatment.
Circulating cell-free DNA: A novel biomarker for response to therapy in ovarian carcinoma

Introduction: Cell-free DNA (CFDNA) is a reflection of both normal and tumor-derived DNA released into the circulation through cellular necrosis and apoptosis. We sought to determine whether tumor-specific plasma DNA could be used as a biomarker for tumor burden and response to therapy in an orthotopic ovarian cancer model. Methods: Female nude mice injected intraperitoneally with HeyA8 ovarian cancer cells were treated with either docetaxel alone or in combination with anti-angiogenic agents (AEE788 -- dual VEGFR and EGFR antagonist or EA5 – monoclonal antibody against ephrin A2). Following DNA extraction from plasma, quantification of tumor-specific DNA was performed by real-time PCR using human specific beta-actin primers. The number of genome equivalents (GE/ml) were determined from a standard curve. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining of treated tumors. Results: The levels of tumor-specific DNA in plasma increased progressively with increasing tumor burden (R2=0.8, p
Application of Remote Sensing Technologies to Map the Structural Geology of Central Region of Kenya

Advancements of digital image processes (DIP) and availability of multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data have greatly benefited mineral investigation, structure geology mapping, fault pattern, and landslide studies: site-specific landslide assessment and landslide quantification. The main objective of this research was to map the geology of the central region of Kenya using remote-sensing techniques to aid rainfall-induced landslide quantification. The study area is prone to landslides geological hazards and, therefore, it was necessary to investigate geological characteristics in terms of structural pattern, faults, and river channels in a highly rugged mountainous terrain. The methodology included application of PCA, band rationing, intensity hue saturation (IHS) transformation, ICA, false color composites (FCC), filtering applications, and thresholding, and performing knowledge-based classification on Landsat ETM + imagery. PCA factor loading facilitated the choice of bands with the most geological information for band rationing and FCC combination. Band ratios (3/2, 5/1, 5/4, and 7/3) had enhanced contrast on geological features and were the input variables in a knowledge-based geological classification. This was compared to a knowledge-based classification using PCs 2, 5, and IC1, where the band ratio classification performed better at representing geology and matched FCC [IC1, PC5, saturation band of IHS (5,7,3)]. Fault and lineament extraction was achieved by filtering and thresholding of pan-band8 and ratio 5/1 and overlaid on the geology map. However, the best visualization of lineaments and geology was in the FCC [IC1, PC5, saturation band of IHS (5,7,3)], where volcanic extrusions, igneous, sedimentary rocks (eolian and organic), and fluvial deposits were well discriminated.
Expression of calcium binding protein S100 A7 (psoriasin) in laryngeal carcinoma

Abstract Many studies have reported increased expression of S100 A7 (psoriasin) in neoplastic lesions. Among them are studies on breast carcinoma, bladder squamous cell carcinoma, skin tumors and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. The expression of S100 A7 has not been described for laryngeal cancer. Objective: This study aims to identify the expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 A7 and its correlation with squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx. Material and Methods: Specimens from 63 patients were submitted to immunohistochemistry testing with antibody S100 A7. Results were classified and compared. Results: The group with highly differentiated tumors had the highest treatment failure scores. Moderately differentiated tumors had higher treatment failure scores than poorly differentiated tumors. Higher scores were predominantly seen on stages I and II in moderately differentiated tumors, whereas score distribution was more homogeneous in advanced stage disease (III and IV). Regarding failure in treatment, the group scoring zero (3/4 complications: 75%) differed significantly from the remaining groups (13/59: 22%). Conclusions: S100 A7 marker was expressed in 93.7% of laryngeal cancer cases, with higher positive correlation rates in more differentiated tumors and significantly lower rates of treatment failure. Scores had no impact on survival rates.
Genotype/Phenotype Analysis in 67 Chinese Patients with Gitelman's Syndrome

Background: Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive renal tubular disorder, which is caused by the mutations in SLC12A3. This study was designed to analyze the characteristics of the genotype and phenotype, and follow-up in the largest group of Chinese patients with GS. Methods: Sixty-seven patients with GS underwent SLCl2A3 analysis, and their clinical characteristics and biochemical findings as well as follow-up were reviewed, aiming to achieve a better description of GS. Additionally, the association of genotype and phenotype was explored. Results: Forty-one different mutations were identified within these 67 GS patients, including 11 novel mutations and 5 recurrent ones. Typical hypocalciuria and hypomagnesemia were not found in 6 (9%) and 8 (11.9%) patients, respectively. Male patients and those harboring severe mutations in both alleles had significant higher urinary fractional excretion (FE) of potassium, magnesium and chlorine. In addition, there were 2 patients who had chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 32 patients with abnormal glucose metabolism. Conclusions: We identified 41 mutations related to GS, containing 11 novel variants and 5 high-frequency ones, which should facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis of GS. FE of electrolytes in urine may be more sensitive in the phenotype evaluation and differential diagnosis than corresponding serum electrolytes. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in GS were difficult to correct; however, spironolactone might be helpful for hypokalemia to some degree. Compared with normal people, patients with GS were at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Role for Serine Protease HtrA (DegP) of Streptococcus pyogenes in the Biogenesis of Virulence Factors SpeB and the Hemolysin Streptolysin S

ABSTRACT The serine protease HtrA is involved in the folding and maturation of secreted proteins, as well as in the degradation of proteins that misfold during secretion. Depletion of HtrA has been shown to affect the sensitivity of many organisms to thermal and environmental stresses, as well as being essential for virulence in many pathogens. In the present study, we compared the behaviors of several different HtrA mutants of the gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus). Consistent with prior reports, insertional inactivation of htrA, the gene that encodes HtrA, resulted in a mutant that grew poorly at 37°C. However, an identical phenotype was observed when a similar polar insertion was placed immediately downstream of htrA in the streptococcal chromosome, suggesting that the growth defect of the insertion mutant was not a direct result of insertional inactivation of htrA. This conclusion was supported by the observation that a nonpolar deletion mutation of htrA did not produce the growth defect. However, this mutation did affect the production of several secreted virulence factors whose biogenesis requires extensive processing. For the SpeB cysteine protease, the loss of HtrA was associated with a failure to proteolytically process the zymogen to an active protease. For the streptolysin S hemolysin, a dramatic increase in hemolytic activity resulted from the depletion of HtrA. Interestingly, HtrA-deficient mutants were not attenuated in a murine model of subcutaneous infection. These data add to the growing body of information that implies an important role for HtrA in the biogenesis of secreted proteins in gram-positive bacteria.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Cellular and EBV‐Specific MicroRNAome in Primary CNS PTLD Identifies Different Patterns Among EBV‐Associated Tumors

Primary central nervous system (pCNS) posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a complication of solid organ transplantation characterized by poor outcome. In contrast to systemic PTLD, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐association of pCNS PTLD is almost universal, yet viral and cellular data are limited. To identify differences in the pattern of EBV‐association of pCNS and systemic PTLD, we analyzed the expression of latent and lytic EBV transcripts and the viral and cellular microRNAome in nine pCNS (eight EBV‐associated) and in 16 systemic PTLD samples (eight EBV‐associated). Notably although 15/16 EBV‐associated samples exhibited a viral type III latency pattern, lytic transcripts were also strongly expressed. Members of the ebv‐miR‐BHRF1 and ebv‐miR‐BART clusters were expressed in virtually all EBV‐associated PTLD samples. There were 28 cellular microRNAs differentially expressed between systemic and pCNS PTLD. pCNS PTLD expressed lower hsa‐miR‐199a‐5p/3p and hsa‐miR‐143/145 (implicated in nuclear factor kappa beta and c‐myc signaling) as compared to systemic PTLD. Unsupervised nonhierarchical clustering of the viral and cellular microRNAome distinguished non‐EBV‐associated from EBV‐associated samples and identified a separate group of EBV‐associated pCNS PTLD that displayed reduced levels of B cell lymphoma associated oncomiRs such as hsa‐miR‐155, ‐21, ‐221 and the hsa‐miR‐17‐92 cluster. EBV has a major impact on viral and cellular microRNA expression in EBV‐associated pCNS PTLD.
Effects of intracellular calcium on sodium current density in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes.

1. Na+ channel mRNA levels in the heart can be modulated by changes in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). We have investigated whether this regulation of Na+ channel biosynthesis by cytosolic Ca2+ translates into functional Na+ channels that can be detected electrophysiologically. 2. Whole‐cell Na+ currents (INa) were recorded using patch‐clamp techniques from single ventricular myocytes isolated from neonatal rats and maintained in tissue culture for 24 h. Na+ current density, measured at a membrane potential of ‐10 mV, was significantly decreased in the cells which were exposed for 24 h to culture medium containing 10 mM of both external Ca2+ and K+ in order to raise [Ca2+]i compared with control cells which were maintained in culture medium containing 2 and 5 mM of Ca2+ and K+, respectively. In contrast, Na+ current density (at ‐10 mV) was significantly increased in cells exposed for 24 h to 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N',N'‐tetra‐acetic acid tetraacetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA AM; a cell membrane‐permeable Ca2+ chelator) which lowered the average [Ca2+]i compared with control. 3. Changes in current density were not associated with changes in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation of INa. There were no changes in single‐channel conductances. 4. It is concluded that Na+ current density in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes is modulated by [Ca2+]i. The findings suggest that the differences in current density are attributable to a change in Na+ channel numbers rather than to changes in single‐channel conductance or gating. These changes are consistent with the previously documented modulation of Na+ channel biosynthesis by cytosolic Ca2+.
Endovascular first strategy for de novo TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D femoro-popliteal disease: Mid-term outcomes from a single tertiary referral center

Purpose: Describe outcomes after endovascular intervention of TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D femoro-popliteal disease. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study. Patient demographics, ankle-brachial indices, and lesion details were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database. In all, 980 limbs treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty ± stenting of the femoro-popliteal segment between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed. Seventy-six patients representing 83 limbs with de novo TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D lesions measuring ≥15 cm continuously were identified (mean age 71.3 ± 12.1 years, 62% male). Results: Twenty-five (30.1%) limbs were treated for severe claudication and 58 (69.9%) for critical limb ischemia. The mean pre-procedural ankle-brachial index was 0.47 ± 0.19. The mean lesion length was 22.9 ± 4.82 cm. Seventy patients representing 77 limbs were available for a mean follow-up length of 19.5 months (range 0–79). The mean post-procedural ankle-brachial index was 0.71 ± 0.28. Primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rates were 68.1%, 72.7%, and 83.3% at 6 months, 55.3%, 63.6%, and 58.3% at 12 months, and 38.2%, unavailable, and 10.4% at 24 months, respectively. Conclusions: Angioplasty-first strategy for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus C and D lesions of the femoro-popliteal artery can be safely performed. However, patency drastically decreases after 12 months suggesting further improvements are required to achieve longer-term clinical benefit.
Composite hepatocellular carcinoma and small cell carcinoma with early nodal metastasis

Rationale: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known to grow in a mosaic pattern, and it can sometimes be combined with non-hepatocellular cells. Despites the variety of combination, HCC with a significant neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) component remains very rare. Most of the reported cases were treated as conventional HCC with a relatively poor prognosis. Early diagnosis may lead to a better treatment modality. Here, we report a case of composite HCC and small cell carcinoma (SCC) with nodal metastasis of the SCC component alone. Patient concerns: A 65-year-old man with chronic viral hepatitis C presented with abdominal discomfort for 2 months. Computed tomography and angiography of the liver showed a 4.3 cm hypervascular tumor in segment 4 and enlargement of the perihilar and paracaval lymph nodes. Interventions: Extended left lobectomy and regional lymph node dissection were performed. Diagnosis: The hepatic tumor was heterogeneous with two distinct gross components. The green part showed a grade III hepatocellular carcinoma with an immunoreaction to Hep Par 1, glypican 3 and &agr;-fetoprotein, whereas the white part exhibited a small cell carcinoma, as evidenced by expressions of chromogranin A and synaptophysin. The lymph node was metastasized by the SCC component. The SCC part was also positive for vimentin with perivascular accentuation. ß-catenin immunostain showed reduced membranous expression in the SCC component, as compared to HCC. Outcomes: The patient expired 39 days after the surgical intervention. Lessons: Clinicians should be highly alert to a composite hepatic tumor, especially in dealing with a small heterogeneous tumor (< 5 cm) with early lymph node metastasis.
Reliability of Ocular Ultrasonography Findings for Pre-surgical Evaluation in Various Vitreo-retinal Disorders

Abstract Objective: To find the reliability of ocular ultrasonography (USG) for pre-surgical evaluation in various vitreo-retinal conditions. Method: In a retrospective study, a chart review of patients who underwent preoperative USG for various vitreoretinal conditions was done. We correlated findings of preoperative USG with intraoperative findings. Results: 131 of 130 patients were included. Various ocular pathologies included trauma, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, and other causes of vitreous hemorrhage. We found overall sensitivity and specificity of 92.31% and 98.31% for identification of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and 96.2% and 100% for posterior vitreous detachment, respectively, whereas it was 100% for vitreous hemorrhage, preretinal bleed, and vitreous exudates. In eyes with trauma, sensitivity and specificity of USG for identifying the status of retina was least (90.9% and 97.7%). Conclusion: Our study highlighted that the reliability of USG findings was least in cases of trauma, hence requiring special care while reporting.
Comparing the relationship between seed germination and temperature for Stipa species on the Tibetan Plateau

Alpine steppe grasslands dominated by Stipa species (Poaceae) on the Tibetan Plateau are important model ecosystems. Here, we present data on seed germination of three typical Stipa species (Stipa purpurea Griseb., Stipa glareosa P.A. Smirn., and Stipa capillacea Keng) from the northern core region of the Tibetan Plateau. We carried out laboratory investigations of germination behavior under both constant and alternating temperatures. Germination varied significantly with temperature. Under constant temperature, we found that temperature and species, but not their interaction, had significant effects on seed germination. Under alternating temperatures, species had a significant effect on seed germination, whereas the effects of alternating temperature and the interaction between species and alternating temperature were not significant. In addition, light and the interaction of light and species had no significant effect on seed germination; however, species had a significant effect, implying that Stipa species on the Tibetan Plateau are not inhibited by light. Base temperatures of S. glareosa, S. purpurea, and S. capillacea were 1.0 degrees C, 0.1 degrees C, and -1.4 degrees C, respectively, with corresponding thermal times at suboptimal temperatures of 233 degrees C-day, 154 degrees C-day, and 263.2 degrees C-day. Our results suggest that Stipa seed germination characteristics are adaptions to a harsh environment and are species-specific.
Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms Among HIV-Positive Concordant and Discordant Heterosexual Couples in China

HIV seropositive individuals and their heterosexual partners/spouses, either seropositive or seronegative, are facing several mental health challenges. The objective of this study was to examine gender differences in depressive symptoms among HIV-positive concordant and HIV-discordant couples. We identified heterosexual couples from participants of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Anhui province, China. A total of 265 couples, comprising 129 HIV+ male/HIV− female couples, 98 HIV− male/HIV+ female couples, and 38 HIV-positive concordant couples, were included in the analyses. We collected data using the computer-assisted personal interview method. We used a linear mixed-effects regression model to assess whether gender differences in depressive symptoms varied across couple types. HIV-positive women reported a significantly higher level of depressive symptoms than their partners/spouses. HIV-positive women with HIV-positive partners had higher depressive symptoms than those with HIV-negative partners, whereas HIV-positive men reported similar levels of depressive symptoms regardless of their partners’ serostatus. Among the concordant couples, those with the highest annual family income showed the greatest gender differences in depressive symptoms. We suggest that family interventions should be gender- and couple-type specific and that mental health counseling is warranted not only for HIV-positive women but also for HIV-negative women in an HIV-affected relationship.
Preoperative functional MR imaging localization of language and motor areas: effect on therapeutic decision making in patients with potentially resectable brain tumors.

PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate the effect of preoperative functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging localization of language and motor areas on therapeutic decision making in patients with potentially resectable brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Institutional Review Board approved this HIPAA-compliant study, and each patient gave written informed consent. Thirty-nine consecutive patients (19 male, 20 female; mean age, 42.2 years) referred for functional MR imaging for possible tumor resection were prospectively evaluated. A preoperative diagnosis of brain tumor was made in all patients. Sentence completion and bilateral hand squeeze tasks were used to map language and sensory motor areas. Neurosurgeons completed questionnaires regarding the proposed treatment plan before and after functional MR imaging and after surgery. They also gave confidence ratings for functional MR imaging results and estimated the effect on surgical time, extent of resection, and surgical approach. The effect of functional MR imaging on changes in treatment plan was assessed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Differences in confidence ratings between altered and unaltered treatment plans were assessed with the Mann-Whitney U test. The estimated influence of functional MR imaging on surgical time, extent of resection, and surgical approach was denoted with summary statistics. RESULTS Treatment plans before and after functional MR imaging differed in 19 patients (P < .05), with a more aggressive approach recommended after imaging in 18 patients. There were no significant differences in confidence ratings for functional MR imaging between altered and unaltered plans. Functional MR imaging resulted in reduced surgical time (estimated reduction, 15-60 minutes) in 22 patients who underwent surgery, a more aggressive resection in six, and a smaller craniotomy in two. CONCLUSION Functional MR imaging enables the selection of a more aggressive therapeutic approach than might otherwise be considered because of functional risk. In certain patients, surgical time may be shortened, the extent of resection increased, and craniotomy size decreased.