Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immune tolerance with rituximab in congenital haemophilia with inhibitors: a systematic literature review based on individual patients’ analysis

Summary. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the pan B‐cell antigen CD20, has been successfully used in both adults and children for the management of malignant and non‐malignant immune‐mediated disorders including acquired haemophilia. On the basis of this positive experience, a number of investigators have recently used this agent in patients with congenital haemophilia and inhibitors refractory to first‐line treatments. After a careful electronic and hand search, we have collected 29 studies that included 49 cases. A durable complete remission was obtained in 53% of the cases and no severe adverse events related to rituximab were recorded. A multivariate analysis applied to individual patients’ data identified the diagnosis of a mild/moderate haemophilia and the concomitant treatment with factor VIII concentrates and immunosuppression agents as covariates associated with an increased response to rituximab. Large prospective randomized studies with an adequate follow‐up are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Treating Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections to Prevent HIV in Africa: Still an Effective Control Strategy?

Background:Evidence regarding the effectiveness of sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment for HIV prevention in Africa is equivocal, leading some policy makers to question whether it should continue to be promoted for HIV control. We explore whether treating curable STIs remains a cost-effective HIV control strategy in Africa. Methods:The model STDSIM was fitted to the characteristics of 4 populations in East and West Africa. Over the simulated HIV epidemics, the population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of incident HIV attributable to STIs, the impact of syndromic STI management on HIV incidence, and the cost per HIV infection averted were evaluated and compared with an estimate of lifetime HIV treatment costs (US $3500). Results:Throughout the HIV epidemics in all cities, the total PAF for all STIs remained high, with ≥50% of HIV transmission attributed to STIs. The PAF for herpes simplex virus type 2 increased during the epidemics, whereas the PAF for curable STIs and the relative impact of syndromic management decreased. The models showed that the absolute impact of syndromic management remains high in generalized epidemics, and it remained cost-saving in 3 of the 4 populations in which the cost per HIV infection averted ranged between US $321 and $1665. Conclusion:Curable STI interventions may remain cost-saving in populations with generalized HIV epidemics, particularly in populations with high-risk behaviors or low male circumcision rates.
Analysis of area under curve of PPG and its relation with HbA1c

Diabetes is one contributing factor towards the increasing of arterial stiffness. A contour analysis of photoplethysmogram(PPG) pulse with diminished dicrotic notch caused uncertainty measurement. Therefore, area under curve of PPG (auc-PPG) was proposed to overcome this problem. Auc-PPG was compared for two different levels of HbA1c which are HbA1c<;8% (Group 1) and HbA1c>0% (Group 2). Auc-PPG was found to be significantly higher among diabetic subjects with HbA1c<;8% than among those with HbA1c>10%. The auc-PPG could be a parameter that indicates the hardening of arteries associated with HbA1c levels.
Hepatic encephalopathy: A central neuroinflammatory disorder?

Encephalopathy and brain edema are serious central nervous system complications of liver failure. Recent studies using molecular probes and antibodies to cell‐specific marker proteins have demonstrated the activation of microglial cells in the brain during liver failure and confirmed a central neuroinflammatory response. In animal models of ischemic or toxic liver injury, microglial activation and concomitantly increased expression of genes coding for proinflammatory cytokines in the brain occur early in the progression of encephalopathy and brain edema. Moreover, the prevention of these complications with mild hypothermia or N‐acetylcysteine (two treatments known to manifest both peripheral and central cytoprotective properties) averts central neuroinflammation due to liver failure. Recent studies using anti‐inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen and indomethacin have shown promise for the treatment of mild encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis, whereas treatment with minocycline, a potent inhibitor of microglial activation, attenuates the encephalopathy grade and prevents brain edema in experimental acute liver failure. The precise nature of the signaling mechanisms between the failing liver and central neuroinflammation has yet to be fully elucidated; mechanisms involving blood‐brain cytokine transfer and receptor‐mediated cytokine signal transduction as well as a role for liver‐related toxic metabolites such as ammonia have been proposed. The prevention of central proinflammatory processes will undoubtedly herald a new chapter in the development of agents for the prevention and treatment of the central nervous system complications of liver failure. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Use of social networking sites for knowledge exchange

This research wants to identify the factors that impact the use of the social networking sites for knowledge exchange based on the open and sparse structure of virtual communities. Thus, we have adapted the technology adoption model (TAM) to evaluate the perceptions of the members of virtual communities of professionals hosted inside social networking sites regarding their autonomy, the openness of the sites, the diversity of the members of the networks and the interactivity when using these sites. Social networking sites are beneficial for knowledge exchange since their openness influences diversity of members and ideas. Usefulness increases when users feel to have more autonomy in managing their activity in the sites. Autonomy and diversity of the members are key factors because they influence the level of interactivity inside the network.
Adeno-Associated Virus Rep Protein-Mediated Inhibition of Transcription of the Adenovirus Major Late Promoter In Vitro

ABSTRACT Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a human parvovirus that normally requires a helper virus such as adenovirus (Ad) for replication. The four AAV replication proteins (Rep78, Rep68, Rep52, and Rep40) are pleiotropic effectors of virus integration, replication, transcription, and virion assembly. These proteins exert effects on Ad gene expression and replication. In transient plasmid transfection assays, Rep proteins inhibit gene expression from a variety of transcription promoters. We have examined Rep protein-mediated inhibition of transcription of the Ad major late transcription promoter (AdMLP) in vitro. Rep78/68 are the strongest transcription suppressors and the purine nucleotide binding site in the Rep proteins, and by implication, the ATPase activity or conformational change induced by nucleotide binding is required for full repression. Rep52 has modest effects, and Rep40 exerts no significant effect on transcription. Rep78/68 and their N-terminal 225-residue domain bind to a 55-bp AdMLP DNA fragment in gel shift assays, suggesting that protein-DNA interactions are required for inhibition. This interaction was confirmed in DNase I protection assays and maps to a region extending from the TATA box to the transcription initiation site. Gel shift, DNase I, and chemical cross-linking assays with TATA box-binding protein (TBP) and Rep68 indicate that both proteins interact with each other and with the promoter at adjacent sites. The demonstration of Rep interaction with TBP and the AdMLP suggests that Rep78/68 alter the preinitiation complex of RNA polymerase II transcription. These observations provide new insight into the mechanism of Rep-mediated inhibition of gene expression.
Fabrication of piezoelectric zinc oxide nanorods by Electrospraying method

This study mainly used Electrospraying and Taguchi method to investigate the optimum process of piezoelectric Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods parameters. Zinc oxide seed layer was electrosprayed on Au/Chromium/Silicon substrates. The electric field is around 660 V/mm. In this study, ZnO was made in an array to characterize. We used X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to characterize the morphology and luminescence of ZnO nanorods. The result showed that with higher and longer of annealing temperature and time. Furthermore, this study was obtained optimum height at 3~5 um of piezoelectric Zinc Oxide nanorods by adopting the process of hydrothermal for 14 hours and with 90 degrees Celsius.
New full-colour LED based screen

A new electronic design for LED based screens is presented focusing on three main objectives: to increase the accuracy on the stimulation applied to each LED diode and the screen resolution, and to reduce power consumption. This was achieved implementing a new parallel and distributed architecture that allows a continuous and non-scanning control of each LED. A three level architecture separates the process of video generation, image loading and image displaying. The video generator is a PC multimedia system. Image load is distributed by DSP processors in scalable sections of screen, and the image display is performed by distributed CPLD based processors responding to the behavior of what is written on the CPLDs is what is being displayed. This is because this final level of the architecture is seen by the DSPs as a distributed write-only memory
Aspirin protected against endothelial damage induced by LDL: role of endogenous NO synthase inhibitors in rats.

AIM To study the protective effect of aspirin on damages of the endothelium induced by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and whether the protective effect of aspirin is related to reduction of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor level. METHODS Vascular endothelial injury was induced by a single injection of native LDL (4 mg/kg) in rats. Vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in the isolated aortic rings were determined, and serum concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the activity of dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) were measured. RESULTS A single injection of LDL (4 mg/kg) significantly decreased vasodilator responses to ACh, increased the serum level of ADMA, MDA, and TNF-alpha, and decreased DDAH activity. Aspirin (30 or 100 mg/kg) markedly reduced the inhibition of vasodilator responses to ACh by LDL, and the protective effect of aspirin at the lower dose was greater compared with high-dose aspirin group. Aspirin inhibited the increased level of MDA and TNF-alpha induced by LDL. Aspirin at the dose of 30 mg/kg, but not at higher dose (100 mg/kg), significantly reduced the concentration of ADMA and increased the activity of DDAH. CONCLUSION Aspirin at the lower dose (30 mg/kg) protects the endothelium against damages elicited by LDL in vivo, and the protective effect of aspirin on endothelium is related to reduction of ADMA concentration by increasing DDAH activity.
Preços administrados e discricionariedade do Executivo

Administered prices and government discretion. Administered prices during the first term of President Dilma were used as an instrument to meet inflation target, so as to subordinate industrial policies to short run macroeconomic aims. This strategy was ineffective to control inflation and distorted investment and consumption decisions. The article shows that prices tend to deviate more the larger their weight in the price index, and tend to vary consistently with the political cycles. The article concludes with policy suggestions to control the negative effect of deviations of government discretion to determine administered prices.
Partial State Ownership, Political Connection, and Financing: Evidence from Chinese Publicly Listed Private Sector Enterprises

ABSTRACT The government of China plays an important role in the external environment of private sector enterprises (PSEs), having a significant effect on their survival and development. Therefore, managing their relationship with the government becomes a key aspect of strategic decision-making and operating actions of PSEs. We extend the evidence of this by introducing a new dimension of political connection: partial state ownership of PSEs. Using a data set of 262 publically listed PSEs in China, we empirically investigate the effects of partial state ownership of PSEs on the access to bank loans.
periodontitis : methodology to assess the strength of evidence in support of a causal association

Identification of the cause of the development and progression of periodontitis has received extensive attention, with notable advances over the past decade in clinical, microbiological, immunological, biochemical, and behavioral knowledge. However, it is still largely unknown which factors lead to the conversion of non-destructive forms of periodontal disease into destructive forms and disease progression. Chronic adult periodontitis is believed to be influenced by an interaction of host defense and environmental factors. Although these variables have been studied extensively, no study has employed randomized controlled prospective human or randomized controlled community intervention designs, methodologies necessary to prove a variable to be a cause of periodontitis. Owing to the absence of literature employing rigorous experimental design, this article
Saving and taxation in a voluntary pension system: Toward an agent-based model

Mandatory pension systems only partially replace old-age income, therefore the government also operates a voluntary pension system, where savings are matched by government grants. Accounting for the resulting tax expenditure, our models describe the income flow from shortsighted to farsighted workers. 1. In rational models, explicit results are obtained, showing the limited learning of shortsighted workers. 2. In agent-based models, this learning is improved and this raises the shortsighted workers' saving and reduces perverse income redistribution.
Interferon‐alpha regulates the dynamic balance between human activated regulatory and effector T cells: implications for antiviral and autoimmune responses

An adequate effector response against pathogens and its subsequent inactivation after pathogen clearance are critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. This process involves an initial phase of T‐cell effector (Teff) activation followed by the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), a unique cell population that limits Teff functions. However, significant questions remain unanswered about the mechanisms that regulate the balance between these cell populations. Using an in vitro system to mimic T‐cell activation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), we analysed the patterns of Treg and Teff activation, with special attention to the role of type I interferon (IFN‐I). Interestingly, we found that IFN‐α, either exogenously added or endogenously induced, suppressed the generation of CD4+ FoxP3HI IFN‐γNeg activated Tregs (aTregs) while simultaneously promoting propagation of CD4+ FoxP3Low/Neg IFN‐γPos activated Teffs (aTeffs). We also showed that IFN‐α‐mediated inhibition of interleukin (IL)‐2 production may play an essential role in IFN‐α‐induced suppression of aTregs. In order to test our findings in a disease state with chronically elevated IFN‐α, we investigated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Plasma from patients with SLE was found to contain IFN‐I activity that suppressed aTreg generation. Furthermore, anti‐CD3 activated SLE PBMCs exhibited preferential expansion of aTeffs with a very limited increase in aTreg numbers. Together, these observations support a model whereby a transient production of IFN‐α (such as is seen in an early antiviral response) may promote CD4 effector functions by delaying aTreg generation, but a chronic elevation of IFN‐α may tip the aTeff:aTreg balance towards aTeffs and autoimmunity.
High Performance Virtual Garment Simulation

For virtual characters the simulation of garments is a vital component towards realistic and believable scenarios that range from interactive virtual reality (virtual tailoring and cultural heritage) to realistic synthetic animation (CAD modeling and ﬁlm production). This course addresses the key techniques involved in the latest state-of-the-art in physically based cloth simulation.
Defunctioning Cannula Ileostomy After Lower Anterior Resection of Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:Most surgeons suggest the use of fecal diversion in patients undergoing low anterior resections of rectal tumors at high risk for anastomotic leakage. We describe an exploratory study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new diversion method called a spontaneously closing cannula ileostomy, which was designed to protect rectal anastomoses in patients at high risk for anastomotic leakage. The outcomes of patients treated with cannula ileostomy were compared to those of patients treated with loop ileostomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Outcomes included the rates of anastomotic leakage, reoperation and other complications, as well as length of hospital stay and cost. DESIGN AND PATIENTS:From January 2011 to December 2012, 294 patients undergoing low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis were treated with ileum diversion using cannula ileostomy or traditional loop ileostomy. Demographics, clinical features, and operational data were recorded. RESULTS:The anastomotic leakage rates were 8.1% (12/149) in the cannula ileostomy group and 8.3% (12/145) in the loop ileostomy group (p = 1.0). The reoperation rate was 3% (4/149) in patients treated with a cannula ileostomy and 3.4% (5/145) in those who underwent a loop ileostomy (p = 0.75). The median length of the hospital stay was 8.6 days in the cannula ileostomy group and 17.1 days (p < 0.01) in the loop ileostomy group, including time for the initial and reversal operations. In the cannula ileostomy group, the median time to defecation from the anus was 16.5 days after the operation. During the follow-up period, 13 patients in the loop ileostomy group retained their stoma, as compared to 2 in the cannula ileostomy group (p < 0.01). LIMITATIONS:This study was a nonrandomized design and lacked contrast enema data to identify anastomotic leaks. CONCLUSIONS:Cannula ileostomy is a safe and effective diverting technique that protects low colorectal and coloanal anastomoses. Patients receiving a cannula ileostomy had shorter hospital stays and lower rates of permanent stoma than those receiving a loop ileostomy.
Role for Moesin in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Signal Transduction

ABSTRACT Moesin is a 78-kDa protein with diverse functions in linking the cytoskeleton to the membrane while controlling cell shape, adhesion, locomotion, and signaling. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression and localization of moesin in mononuclear phagocytes by using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting and to analyze the function of moesin as a lipopolysaccharide receptor, utilizing an antisense oligonucleotide approach to knock down the moesin gene. Results revealed that moesin is expressed on the surface of monocytes/macrophages and surface expression is increased after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The total protein mass of moesin is increased in monocytes after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Immunoprecipitation showed that moesin coprecipitates with TLR4, a well-known lipopolysaccharide receptor, suggesting an early role of moesin in the formation of the initiation complex for lipopolysaccharide signaling. Two antisense and two control sense oligonucleotides were synthesized and introduced every 4 h for 48 h in adherent macrophage-like cells. Cells were then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide for 4 h, and the supernatants were assayed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production. Cell lysates were assayed for moesin expression by Western blotting immediately after the 48-h treatment period and also after 116 h of recovery to assess the return of moesin expression and function. Moesin gene expression was completely suppressed after 48 h of incubation with antisense oligonucleotides. The antisense elimination of moesin gene expression led to a significant reduction of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α secretion. Restoration of moesin gene expression led to restoration of TNF-α production. These data suggest an important role for moesin in lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α production, highlighting its importance in lipopolysaccharide-mediated signal transduction.
Semi-Automated Registration of BILSAT-1 XS Imagery via Global Orthorectified Landsat ETM+ Data Set

In this study, a semi-automated registration methodology that can be adapted to BILSAT-1 XS images is proposed. Orthorectified and geodetically accurate global land datasets generated from the Landsat ETM+ images are used as the reference sources. Three different test sites are employed to test the accuracies of the registration. The accuracies of the registration were assessed using independent check points (ICPs) which were manually collected from 1:25000-scale digital topographic maps of Turkey. The computed overall GCP accuracy was found to be better than 0.5 pixels. The registration of BILSAT-1 XS images using panchromatic and green layers of Landsat ETM+ datasets yielded overall ICP RMS errors of plusmn1.03 and plusmn1.08 pixels, respectively.
β‐Carotene Induces Apoptosis in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines via the Cav‐1/AKT/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway

β‐carotene, a type of terpenoid, has many metabolic and physiological functions. In particular, β‐carotene has an antitumor effect. However, the efficacy of β‐carotene against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In our study, β‐carotene inhibited the growth of ESCC cells and downregulated expression of the Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) protein. Cav‐1 protein was expressed only in ESCC cells, not in Het‐1A cells. Moreover, β‐carotene triggered apoptosis, induced cell cycle G0⁄G1 phase arrest, and inhibited cell migration. To explore the mechanism involved in these processes, we further examined the effect of β‐carotene on the Cav‐1‐mediated AKT/NF‐κB pathway. The results showed that the level of AKT and NF‐κB phosphorylation was dramatically inhibited, which led to an increase in the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Correspondingly, the activity of Caspase‐3 was also enhanced. These data suggest that β‐carotene has an antiproliferative role in ESCC cells and may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for use against ESCC cells.