Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk stratification by 30-day prognostic factors of clinical outcomes after granulocyte transfusion in acute myeloid leukemia: A single-center retrospective study

Background Granulocyte transfusions (GTs) have been used to treat infections in neutropenic patients undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, there is persistent controversy regarding their outcomes. We aimed to analyze accumulated clinical and laboratory data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent GT at our institution in the last 10 years to determine optimal parameters to estimate the GT effect. We hypothesized that patients grouped according to prognostic factors would have inconsistent clinical outcomes. Materials and methods In this single-center retrospective study, we collected medical records of 219 GT-treated patients diagnosed with AML from 2009 to 2019. Prognostic factors, including clinical and laboratory parameters, were assessed. Serial measurements of laboratory parameters before and after GT were collected, and the area under the curve of the white blood cells (AUC-WBC) was calculated using the trapezoidal method. A prognostic scoring system using 8 factors from multivariate analysis was analyzed. The primary outcome was survival at 30 days (D30) after GT initiation. Results The 8 factors for the prognosis scoring system included secondary AML, mean AUC-WBC, prothrombin time, and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), phosphorus, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Patients were grouped into 4 risk groups (low, medium, high, and very high), and the D30 survival rates for each group were as follows: 87.6% (99/113), 55.9% (33/59), 21.1% (4/19), and 0% (0/19), respectively. Hematopoiesis, liver, and renal function affected the outcome. FLT3 mutation acted as a favorable factor for D30 survival. Conclusions GT response in patients with AML seemed to be reflected by 8 score markers, and GT was significantly effective in the low-risk group. We suggest that it is important to evaluate the risk assessment of patients before GT to achieve better outcomes.
Multimodal cotranslational interactions direct assembly of the human multi-tRNA synthetase complex

Significance Multiprotein complexes form by stochastic interactions between mature proteins or by chaperone-facilitated interactions. Certain complexes form by a cotranslational mechanism in which a fully folded protein binds the N terminus of its partner emerging from the translating ribosome. The multi-tRNA (transfer RNA) synthetase complex (MSC) is among the largest heteromultimeric complexes, containing 11 distinct proteins. We show cotranslational interactions contribute to assembly of several MSC subcomplexes by novel cotranslational mechanisms, i.e., a “multisite” mechanism in which multiple proteins bind the same emerging peptide at distinct sites and a “piggy-back” mechanism in which a mature protein carries a second protein to the emerging peptide. This work will be interesting to investigators of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, multiprotein complexes, and complex assembly, among others.
On measurability and representation of strategic measures in Markov decision processes

This paper deals with a discrete time Markov Decision Process with Borel state and action spaces. We show that the set of all strategic measures generated by randomized stationary policies is Borel. Combined with known results, this fact implies measurability of the sets of strategic measures generated by stationary, Markov, and randomized Markov policies. We consider applications of these measurability results to two groups of problems: (i) measurability of value functions for various classes of policies and (ii) integral representation of strategic measures for randomized Markov and arbitrary randomized policies through strategic measures for corresponding nonrandomized policies.
A General Framework for Nonlinear Model Predictive Control with Abstract Updates

Considering nonlinear processes which are subject to unknown but measurable disturbances, we provide both stability and feasibility proofs for nonlinear model predictive controllers with abstract updates without the use of stabilizing terminal constraints or cost. The result utilizes a relaxed Lyapunov inequality for the nominal system and reasonable affine Lipschitz conditions on the open loop change of the optimal value function and the stage costs. For this methodology, we provide proofs that the known MPC updating techniques based on sensitivities, realtime iterations and hierachically structured MPC updates satisfy our assumptions revealing a common stability framework. To illustrate our approach we present a quartercar example and show performance improvements of the updated solution with respect to comfort and handling properties.
Safety, Tolerability, and Parasite Clearance Kinetics in Controlled Human Malaria Infection after Direct Venous Inoculation of Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoites: A Model for Evaluating New Blood-Stage Antimalarial Drugs

ABSTRACT. Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite (PfSPZ) direct venous inoculation (DVI) using cryopreserved, infectious PfSPZ (PfSPZ Challenge [Sanaria, Rockville, Maryland]) is an established controlled human malaria infection model. However, to evaluate new chemical entities with potential blood-stage activity, more detailed data are needed on safety, tolerability, and parasite clearance kinetics for DVI of PfSPZ Challenge with established schizonticidal antimalarial drugs. This open-label, phase Ib study enrolled 16 malaria-naïve healthy adults in two cohorts (eight per cohort). Following DVI of 3,200 PfSPZ (NF54 strain), parasitemia was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from day 7. The approved antimalarial artemether-lumefantrine was administered at a qPCR-defined target parasitemia of ≥ 5,000 parasites/mL of blood. The intervention was generally well tolerated, with two grade 3 adverse events of neutropenia, and no serious adverse events. All 16 participants developed parasitemia after a mean of 9.7 days (95% CI 9.1–10.4) and a mean parasitemia level of 511 parasites/mL (95% CI 369–709). The median time to reach ≥ 5,000 parasites/mL was 11.5 days (95% CI 10.4–12.4; Kaplan–Meier), at that point the geometric mean (GM) parasitemia was 15,530 parasites/mL (95% CI 10,268–23,488). Artemether-lumefantrine was initiated at a GM of 12.1 days (95% CI 11.5–12.7), and a GM parasitemia of 6,101 parasites/mL (1,587–23,450). Mean parasite clearance time was 1.3 days (95% CI 0.9–2.1) and the mean log10 parasite reduction ratio over 48 hours was 3.6 (95% CI 3.4–3.7). This study supports the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of PfSPZ Challenge by DVI for evaluating the blood-stage activity of candidate antimalarial drugs.
Modulation of Cytosolic Ca 2 (cid:1) Concentration in Airway Epithelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Modulation of cytosolic (intracellular) Ca 2 (cid:1) concentration (Ca i ) may be an important host response when airway epithelial cells are exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa . We measured Ca i in Calu-3 cells exposed from the apical or basolateral surface to cytotoxic and noncytotoxic strains of P. aeruginosa . Apical addition of either noncytotoxic strains or cytotoxic strains failed to affect Ca i over a 3-h time period, nor were changes observed after basolateral addition of noncytotoxic strains. In contrast, basolateral addition of cytotoxic strains caused a slow increase in Ca i from 100 nM to 200 to 400 nM. This increase began after 20 to 50 min and persisted for an additional 30 to 75 min, at which time the cells became nonviable. P. aeruginosa -induced increases in Ca i were blocked by the addition of the Ca channel blocker La 3 (cid:1) to the basolateral but not to the apical chamber. Likewise, replacing the basolateral but not the apical medium with Ca-free solution prevented P. aeruginosa mediated changes in Ca i . With isogenic mutants of PA103, we demonstrated that the type III secretion apparatus, nominally CO 2 free: 145 mM NaCl, 1.2 mM MgSO 4 2 2 , mM 2 4 KH 2 PO 4
Morphological changes in foetal goat Abomasum (Capra hircus)

A study was undertaken to assess the morphogenesis of goat foetal abomasum. For this study 36 foetal embryos were divided into three groups having 12 foetus in each group. In initial stages of gestation, abomasum was comma shaped and later on changed into elongated form; wider in front and narrow behind. During growth of organ cranial ascent was noticed. It was placed between 8 th rib to 3 rd lumbar vertebra from 121 days of gestation. During early prenatal period (0-50 days of gestation) it was completely concealed by left lobe of liver. From 41 days of gestation fundic and pyloric parts could be distinguished separately. Abomasal folds were detected first in fundic part of abomasum at 51 days of gestation. All the biometrical parameters increased significantly from group I to group II and group II to group III. Near term the abomasum was found to be largest compartment as compared to other compartments of stomach.
ISSN 2320-5407 International Journal of Advanced Research (2016), Volume 4, Issue 4, 947-955

Dr. Sneha R. Bhat M.D.S, Dr. Aravind R. Kudva M.D.S, Dr. Dhoom S. Mehta M.D.S. 1. Senior Lecturer, Department of Periodontology, Yenepoya Dental College & Hospital, Mangalore(Karnataka State), India 2. Reader, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Yenepoya Dental College & Hospital, Mangalore(Karnataka State), India 3. Professor & Head, Department of Periodontology & Implantology, Bapuji Dental College & Hospital, Davangere (Karnataka State), India.
Local Differences in HIV Prevalence: A Comparison of Social Venue Patrons, Antenatal Patients, and STI Patients in Eastern Kinshasa

Background— This study compares the sexual behavior and HIV prevalence of men and women at social venues where people meet new sexual partners in Eastern Kinshasa with the HIV prevalence and behavior of STI treatment and antenatal clinic patients in the same area. Methods— ANC clinic patients, STI clinic patients and social venue patrons were interviewed, asked to provide a blood sample onsite, and provided information about obtaining test results. All social venue patrons at all identified social venues in the study area were invited to participate. Results— 1,116 pregnant women; 66 male and 229 female STI clinic patients; and 952 male and 247 female patrons of social venues were interviewed and tested. HIV prevalence ranged by group: ANC patients (4%); female venue patrons (12%); female STI patients (16%); male venue patrons (2%); and male STI patients (23%). HIV prevalence among sexworkers at social venues (29%) was higher than the prevalence among other female patrons with new or multiple partnerships (19%) or among female patrons denying sexwork (6%). However, the absolute number of infected women was higher among women reporting recent new or multiple partnerships than the smaller group of sexworkers (23 vs 18). Two-thirds of the infected female STI patients (24/36) reported no more than one sexual partner in the past year. but have high rates of new sexual partnerships.
Acceptability of thermized shrikhand during storage at refrigeration temperature (8 ± 2 ° C)

: Shrikhand was thermized in a SSHE based continuous shrikhand thermization machine. The sensory attributes of such thermized shrikhand were studied during refrigerated storage at 8 ± 2 °C. Changes occurred in the titratable acidity, consistency and sensory attributes of the thermized shrikhand during storage were compared with that of unthermized shrikhand taken as control and treated alike except thermization step. It was found that the thermized shrikhand retained the sensory attributes for longer period than control. Thermized shrikhand also found to retain titratable acidity and consistency (Penetrometer Reading) throughout the storage period. Different combinations of TS in chakka thermization Temperature and Scraper Speed were studied as treatments. The combination of 50 rpm and 70 °C thermization temperature was found best for the shrikhand prepared from chakka having 19 ± 2 % TS, while the combination of 35 rpm and 70 °C for 1 minute was found best for the shrikhand prepared from chakka having 23 ± 2 % TS. Shrikhand thermized at optimized process parameters was found to give 45 days of shelf life at 8 ± 2°C.
Optimal Bayesian Estimators For Image Segmentation and Surface Reconstruction

A very fruitful approach to the solution of image segmentation and surface reconstruction tasks is their formulation as estimation problems via the use of Markov random field models and Bayes theory. However, the Maximuma Posteriori (MAP) estimate, which is the one most frequently used, is suboptimal in these cases. We show that for segmentation problems the optimal Bayesian estimator is the maximizer of the posterior marginals, while for reconstruction tasks, the threshold posterior mean has the best possible performance. We present efficient distributed algorithms for approximating these estimates in the general case. Based on these results, we develop a maximum likelihood that leads to a parameter-free distributed algorithm for restoring piecewise constant images. To illustrate these ideas, the reconstruction of binary patterns is discussed in detail.
Elliptic operators, discrete groups and von Neumann algebras

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Oestrogen receptor beta: expression profile and possible anti-inflammatory role in disease

Background: Oestrogen receptor (ER) β agonists have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties in inflammatory disease models. Objectives: To determine if ER β agonists impact on in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models of asthma. Methods: mRNA expression assays were validated in human and rodent tissue panels. These assays were then used to measure expression in human cells and our characterised rat model of allergic asthma. ERB-041, an ER β agonist, was profiled on cytokine release from IL-1 β -stimulated human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and in the rodent asthma model. Results: Although ER β expression was demonstrated at the gene and protein level in HASM cells, the agonist failed to impact on the inflammatory response. Similarly, in vivo , we observed temporal modulation of ER β expression after antigen-challenge. However, the agonist failed to impact on the model end-points such as airway inflammation even though plasma levels reflected linear compound exposure and was associated with an increase in receptor activation after drug administration. Conclusions: In these modelling systems of airway inflammation an ER β agonist was ineffective. Capsule Summary: Although ER β agonists are anti-inflammatory in certain models this novel study would suggest that they would not be clinically useful in the treatment of asthma. ligand. This study is the first such study to investigate the effects of a selective ER β agonist in human and rodent models of asthma-like inflammation.
A retrospective chart review of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty functional outcome and the incidence of medial meniscus posterior root tear in spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee

Background : Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) can lead to severe knee osteoarthritis predominantly localized to the medial compartment. We aimed to determine whether unicompartmental knee arthroplasty was an effective treatment for primary SONK. Methods: We analyzed the functional outcomes in 23 patients with SONK (with a magnetic resonance imaging MRI-confirmed diagnosis) who underwent UKA at a single center. The mean follow-up time was 67 months post-UKA. Results: Significant improvements in function were indicated by reduced Oxford Knee and Visual Analogue Scale scores after UKA, and there were no specific complications after the procedures. The incidence of MRI-identified medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) was 69.6% (16/23). Conclusion: Unicompartment arthroplasty for SONK is less destructive to the native knee structure than total knee arthroplasty, but can achieve comparable prognosis with strict patient selection.While the precise etiology of SONK is unknown, one theory posits that a MMPRT may change the biomechanical circumstances of the knee joint, leading to osteonecrosis. Although not confirmatory, the high prevalence rate suggests that MMPRT may have a key role in the development of SONK. UKA is an effective treatment option for SONK, resulting in significant functional improvement. Long-term (>10 years) outcomes should be investigated.
On the Spectrum of Non-Selfadjoint Schrödinger Operators with Compact Resolvent

We determine the Schatten class for the compact resolvent of Dirichlet realizations, in unbounded domains, of a class of non-selfadjoint differential operators. This class consists of operators that can be obtained via analytic dilation from a Schrödinger operator with magnetic field and a complex electric potential. As an application, we prove, in a variety of examples motivated by physics, that the system of generalized eigenfunctions associated with the operator is complete, or at least the existence of an infinite discrete spectrum.
Discovery of a "white-gray-opaque" tristable phenotypic switching system in candida roles of non-genetic diversity in host adaptation.

Non-genetic phenotypic variations play a critical role in the adaption to environmental changes in microbial organisms. Candida albicans , a major human fungal pathogen, can switch between several morphological phenotypes. This ability is critical for its commensal lifestyle and for its ability to cause infections. Here, we report the discovery of a novel morphological form in C. albicans , referred to as the ‘‘gray’’ phenotype, which forms a tristable phenotypic switching system with the previously reported white and opaque phenotypes. White, gray, and opaque cell types differ in a number of aspects including cellular and colony appearances, mating competency, secreted aspartyl proteinase (Sap) activities, and virulence. Of the three cell types, gray cells exhibit the highest Sap activity and the highest ability to cause cutaneous infections. The three phenotypes form a tristable phenotypic switching system, which is independent of the regulation of the mating type locus ( MTL ). Gray cells mate over 1,000 times more efficiently than do white cells, but less efficiently than do opaque cells. We further demonstrate that the master regulator of white-opaque switching, Wor1, is essential for opaque cell formation, but is not required for white-gray transitions. The Efg1 regulator is required for maintenance of the white phenotype, but is not required for gray-opaque transitions. Interestingly, the wor1/wor1 efg1/efg1 double mutant is locked in the gray phenotype, suggesting that Wor1 and Efg1 could function coordinately and play a central role in the regulation of gray cell formation. Global transcriptional analysis indicates that white, gray, and opaque cells exhibit distinct gene expression profiles, which partly explain their differences in causing infections, adaptation ability to diverse host niches, metabolic profiles, and stress responses. Therefore, the white-gray-opaque tristable phenotypic switching system in C. albicans may play a significant role in a wide range of biological aspects in this common commensal and pathogenic fungus.
Comparative evaluation of efficacy of subgingivally delivered 2% indigenously prepared curcumin gel and 1% commercially available hexigel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis patients : A split mouth randomized controlled clinical trial.

: Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of subgingivally delivered curcumin gel and hexigel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and method:A total of 12 subjects of age 18-55years were randomly selected for the study from the Out Patient Department. A total of 36 sites with pocket depths ≥5 mm were chosen as a split mouth design at three different sites in the same patient. After scaling and root planning, in Group I Results:All the groups showed statistically significant reduction in gingival, plaque indices and pocket depth. Group I(curcumin)as a local delivery agent showedcomparable results in terms of pocket depth reduction as group II (Hexigel). Conclusion:Curcumin gel showed effective results and thus, can be used as an alternate to chlorhexidine gel in management of chronic periodontitis patient without any side effects.
Phorbol ester-mediated neurotensin secretion is dependent on the PKC- (cid:1) and - (cid:2) isoforms

B. Mark Evers. Phorbol ester-mediated neurotensin secretion is dependent on the PKC- (cid:1) and - (cid:2) isoforms. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol G1197–G1206, 2002. 10.1152/ajpgi.00177. 2002. —Neurotensin (NT) plays an important role in gastrointestinal secretion, motility, and growth. The mechanisms regulating NT secretion are not entirely known. Our purpose was to deﬁne the role of the PKC signaling pathway in secretion of NT from BON cells, a human pancreatic carcinoid cell line that produces and se-cretes NT peptide. We demonstrated expression of all 11 PKC isoforms at varying levels in untreated BON cells. Expression of PKC- (cid:1) , - (cid:3) 2, - (cid:2) , and - (cid:4) isoforms was most pronounced. Immunoﬂuorescent staining showed PKC- (cid:1) and - (cid:4) expression throughout the cytoplasm and in the membrane. Also, signiﬁcant ﬂuorescence of PKC- (cid:2) was noted in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Treatment with PMA induced translocation of PKC- (cid:1) , - (cid:2) , and - (cid:4) from cytosol to membrane. Activation of PKC- (cid:1) , - (cid:2) , and - (cid:4) was further conﬁrmed by kinase assays. Addition of PKC- (cid:1) inhibitor Go¨-6976 at a nanomolar concentration, other PKC inhibitors Go¨-6983 and GF-109203X, or PKC- (cid:2) -speciﬁc inhibitor rottlerin signiﬁcantly inhibited PMA-mediated NT release. Overexpression of either PKC- (cid:1) or - (cid:2) increased PMA-mediated NT secretion compared with control cells. We demonstrated that PMA-mediated NT secretion in BON cells is associated with translocation and activation of PKC- (cid:1) , - (cid:2) , and - (cid:4) . Furthermore, inhibition of PKC- (cid:1) and - (cid:2) blocked PMA-stimulated NT secretion, suggesting a critical role for these isoforms in NT release. in BON cells stimulated with and inhibition of NT and by and Our results indicate