Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food Insufficiency in the Households of Reproductive-Age Ecuadorian Women: Association with Food and Nutritional Status Indicators

Data from a nationally representative survey of Ecuadorian households with reproductive-aged women (n = 10,784) were used to analyze the prevalence of household food insufficiency (HFI) and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, food acquisition and expenditure patterns, dietary diversity, and anthropometric indicators. Fifteen percent of households had food insufficiency and 15% had marginal food sufficiency. HFI was associated with poverty-linked indicators. Marginally food sufficient households reported social and economic capital than food which appeared protective against HFI. Food insufficiency was associated with reduced household acquisition/expenditures on high quality protein and micronutrient-rich food sources. HFI was not associated with adult or adolescent female overweight/obesity but was associated with short adult stature (< 1.45 m). The ongoing nutrition transition in Ecuador is expected to continue to modify population food security, diet, and nutrition. Systematic surveillance of household level food security is needed to inform recent food-related policies and programs implemented by the Ecuadorian government.
Characteristics of anaphylaxis‐inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis

With the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG‐induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates formed by antigen binding can trigger PSA, as not all immune complexes (ICs) are capable of triggering PSA. Here, we characterise mAb–antigen complexes capable of inducing murine PSA to evaluate and predict which ICs are able to induce PSA.
Single‐cell mRNA expression of HCN1 correlates with a fast gating phenotype of hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated ion channels (Ih) in central neurons

Hyperpolarization‐activated currents (Ih) are key players in shaping rhythmic neuronal activity. Although candidate genes for Ih channels have been cloned (HCN1–HCN4), the subunit composition of different native Ih channels is unknown. We used a combined patch‐clamp and qualitative single‐cell reverse transcription multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RT‐mPCR) approach to analyse HCN1–4 coexpression profiles in four neuronal populations in mouse CNS. Coexpression of HCN2, HCN3 and HCN4 mRNA was detected in single neurons of all four neuronal cell types analysed. In contrast, HCN1 mRNA was detected in neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons but not in dopaminergic midbrain and thalamocortical neurons. HCN1 expression was correlated with significantly faster activation kinetics on the level of individual neurons. Semiquantitative single‐cell RT‐mPCR analysis demonstrated that HCN1 mRNA expression is at least eightfold higher in cortical neurons than subcortical neurons. We show that single neurons possess complex coexpression patterns of Ih candidate genes. Alternative expression of HCN1 is likely to be an important molecular determinant to generate the different neuronal Ih channel species adapted to tune either subcortical or cortical network activity.
Changes in function and morphology of normal human skin: evaluation using optical coherence tomography

Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive morphological method for investigating human skin. It allows high‐resolution in vivo imaging of inflammatory skin diseases and tumours. Because it is a newly developed method, systematic studies on standardization and on evaluation of factors influencing the representation of the skin have not yet been performed.
Do We Know When, What and For How Long to Treat?: Antibiotic Therapy for Pediatric Community-acquired Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of morbidity among children in developed countries and accounts for an incidence of 10–40 cases per 1000 children in the first 5 years of life. Given the clinical, social and economic importance of CAP, there is general agreement that prompt and adequate therapy is essential to reduce the impact of the disease. The aim of this discussion paper is to consider critically the available data concerning the treatment of uncomplicated pediatric CAP and to consider when, how and for how long it should be treated. This review has identified the various reasons that make it difficult to establish a rational approach to the treatment of pediatric CAP, including the definition of CAP, the absence of a pediatric CAP severity score, the difficulty of identifying the etiology, limited pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) studies, the high resistance of the most frequent respiratory pathogens to the most widely used anti-infectious agents and the lack of information concerning the changes in CAP epidemiology following the introduction of new vaccines against respiratory pathogens. More research is clearly required in various areas, such as the etiology of CAP and the reasons for its complications, the better definition of first- and second-line antibiotic therapies (including the doses and duration of parenteral and oral antibiotic treatment), the role of antiviral treatment and on how to follow-up patients with CAP. Finally, further efforts are needed to increase vaccination coverage against respiratory pathogens and to conduct prospective studies of their impact.
A realistic game system using multi-modal user interfaces

This study is to propose a realistic game system using a multi-modal interface, including gaze tracking, hand gesture recognition and bio-signal analysis. Our research is novel in the following four ways, compared to previous game systems. First, a highly immersive and realistic game is implemented on a head mounted display (HMD), with a gaze tracker, a gesture recognizer and a bio-signal analyzer. Second, since the camera module for eye tracking is attached below the HMD, a user's gaze position onto the HMD display can be calculated without wearing any additional eye tracking devices. Third, an aiming cursor in the game system is controlled by the gaze tracking. The grabbing and throwing behaviors toward a target are performed by the user's hand gestures using a data glove. Finally, the level of difficulty in the game system is adaptively controlled according to the measurement and analysis of a user's bio-signals. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides more effect on experience of immersion and interest than conventional device such as a keyboard and or a mouse.
A subclass of acylated anti-inflammatory mediators usurp Toll-like receptor 2 to inhibit neutrophil recruitment through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ

Toll-like receptors are host sentinel receptors that signal the presence of infectious nonself and initiate protective immunity. One of the primary immune defense mechanisms is the recruitment of neutrophils from the bloodstream into the infected tissue. Although neutrophils are important in host defense, they can also be responsible for damaging pathologies associated with excessive inflammation. Here, we report that the di-acylated TLR2 ligand lipoteichoic acid can directly inhibit neutrophil recruitment in vivo. This discovery allowed us to test the concept that conventional proinflammatory TLR2 ligands can be made to act as inhibitors through specific structural modifications. Indeed, lipopeptide TLR2 ligands, when modified at their acyl chains to contain linoleate, lose their capacity to induce inflammation and yield ligands that can directly inhibit the in vivo neutrophil recruitment initiated by a wide range of proinflammatory stimuli. The inhibitory capacity of LTA and these modified ligands requires the expression of TLR2, but is independent of the TLR2 signaling adaptor, MyD88. Instead, this inhibitory effect requires functional activity of the fatty acid and nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Therefore, these data support a model in TLR2 biology where structural modifications of these ligands can profoundly influence host–microbial interactions. These inhibitory TLR2 ligands also have broader implications with respect to their potential use in various inflammatory disease settings.
Inter‐observer agreement between physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists for respiratory clinical evaluation in bronchiolitis

Care providers for children with bronchiolitis use various tools to evaluate respiratory status. The use of a single tool by different types of care provider requires a high level of inter‐observer agreement, an aspect rarely studied. This study, involving 82 physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists aimed to evaluate inter‐observer agreement for clinical evaluations in children hospitalized for a first episode of bronchiolitis. Respiratory evaluation included three frequently reported parameters of respiratory status: respiratory rate, retraction signs, and wheezing. The frequency of concordance for observers from the same and from different care provider groups was assessed using a weighted kappa statistic and considering all possible combinations of care providers. We also calculated inter‐provider agreement as a function of patient age, regardless of care provider type. Overall inter‐observer agreement for all provider pairs was 93.1%, with a weighted kappa statistic of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66–0.78), indicating substantial agreement, with no difference as a function of pair composition. Inter‐observer agreements for the various age groups ranged from 87% to 93%, with kappa scores ranging from 0.62 to 0.78. We conclude that a simple clinical evaluation for respiratory status assessment has a high level of inter‐observer agreement within and between physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. Thus, once the validity of this test has been confirmed in a large population sample, it should be possible to use this test to monitor children hospitalized with bronchiolitis and as an endpoint in clinical trials. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:754–762. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gamma Glutamyltranspeptidase Activity and Viral Hepatitis in Dialysis Population

Background Numerous investigations have reported that viral hepatitis is associated with significant hepatocellular damage, as expressed by raised aminotransferases in serum, in dialysis population. However, scarce information exists on the activity of gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) in dialysis patients with infection by hepatotropic viruses. Objectives We measured serum GGTP values in a large cohort (n=757) of patients receiving long-term dialysis; healthy controls were also included. The relationship between GGTP values and a series of demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters was analyzed. Methods Serum GGTP levels were tested by spectrophotometry. A subset (n=333) of dialysis patients was tested by molecular technology (branched-chain DNA (bDNA) assay) to evaluate the relationship between serum GGTP and HCV viremia. A subgroup (n=78) of dialysis patients was analyzed by an ultrasound scan of gallbladder and biliary tract to assess the presence of gallstone disease. Multivariate analyses were made using regression models; serum GGTP values were included as a dependent variable. The usefulness of serum GGTP levels in detecting HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Results Univariate analysis showed that serum GGTP levels were significantly higher in HBsAg positive and/or anti-HCV positive patients than in HBsAg negative/anti-HCV negative patients on dialysis; 85.1±184.1 versus 25.86±23.9 IU/l (P=0.0001). The frequency of raised GGTP levels was 22.2% (41/184) among dialysis patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Multivariate analysis showed a significant and independent association between serum GGTP values and positive HBsAg (P=0.005) and anti-HCV antibody (P=0.0001) status. Mean GGTP values were significantly higher in study patients than controls, 32.32±60.02 versus 23.5±16.92 IU/L (P=0.01); however, no significant difference with regard to GGTP between study and healthy cohorts persisted after correction for age, gender, race, and viral markers. No relationship between gallstone disease and serum GGTP was found (NS). An independent and significant association (P=0.0291) between raised GGTP levels and detectable HCV RNA in serum was noted among patients tested by biology molecular techniques. ROC technology demonstrated that GGTP was equally useful for detecting HBV (P=0.0004) and HCV (P=0.0005) among dialysis patients. Conclusions We found an independent and significant association between serum GGTP values and HBsAg and/or anti-HCV antibody in dialysis population. Twenty-two percent of dialysis patients with chronic viral hepatitis had elevated GGTP. No difference in GGTP between HBsAg- negative/anti-HCV-negative dialysis patients and healthy individuals was found. Routine testing for serum GGTP levels to assess liver disease induced by hepatotropic viruses or other agents in dialysis population is suggested.
Detection and characterization of fungal infections of Ammophila arenaria (marram grass) roots by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of specifically amplified 18s rDNA

Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria L.), a sand-stabilizing plant species in coastal dune areas, is affected by a specific pathosystem thought to include both plant-pathogenic fungi and nematodes. To study the fungal component of this pathosystem, we developed a method for the cultivation-independent detection and characterization of fungi infecting plant roots based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of specifically amplified DNA fragments coding for 18S rRNA (rDNA). A nested PCR strategy was employed to amplify a 569-bp region of the 18S rRNA gene, with the addition of a 36-bp GC clamp, from fungal isolates, from roots of test plants infected in the laboratory, and from field samples of marram grass roots from both healthy and degenerating stands from coastal dunes in The Netherlands. PCR products from fungal isolates were subjected to DGGE to examine the variation seen both between different fungal taxa and within a single species. DGGE of the 18S rDNA fragments could resolve species differences from fungi used in this study yet was unable to discriminate between strains of a single species. The 18S rRNA genes from 20 isolates of fungal species previously recovered from A. arenaria roots were cloned and partially sequenced to aid in the interpretation of DGGE data. DGGE patterns recovered from laboratory plants showed that this technique could reliably identify known plant-infecting fungi. Amplification products from field A. arenaria roots also were analyzed by DGGE, and the major bands were excised, reamplified, sequenced, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Some recovered 18S rDNA sequences allowed for phylogenetic placement to the genus level, whereas other sequences were not closely related to known fungal 18S rDNA sequences. The molecular data presented here reveal fungal diversity not detected in previous culture-based surveys.
Characterization of incisional wound healing in inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout mice.

BACKGROUND Excisional wound healing in inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS-KO) mice has been previously shown to be impaired compared with their background strain controls. Incisional wounds were created in this experiment in both types of animals and paradoxically were found to heal with the same rapidity and breaking strength in both groups. METHODS Dorsal 2.5 cm incisional wounds were created in iNOS-KO mice, as well as their parental strain controls (C57BL/6J). Standardized polyvinyl alcohol sponges were implanted in the wounds to allow for measurement of collagen deposition. Animals were harvested on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 28, and their wounds subjected to tensiometric breaking strength analysis. Nonisotopic in situ hybridization quantitative analysis for iNOS, endothelial NOS (eNOS), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression in the wounds was performed. Hydroxyproline levels were quantitated in the harvested polyvinyl alcohol sponges. Data were analyzed with the Students t test. RESULTS No significant differences were found in breaking strengths or levels of hydroxyproline (and thus collagen) in iNOS-KO versus wild-type wounds at all tested time points. Flawed iNOS expression levels in iNOS-KO animals were similar to (functional) iNOS expression in wild-types. eNOS and bFGF expression nearly doubled on POD 7 in iNOS-KO incisions (P =.002, and.002), respectively and remained 200% to 300% elevated thereafter. TGF-beta1 expression was increased approximately 50% to 100% in iNOS-KO wounds on PODs 5 and 7 (P =.006 and.01, respectively). VEGF and IL-4 expression was elevated by 25% to 100% in wild-type compared with iNOS-KO animals at all time points (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS The overexpression of TGF-beta1 and eNOS may represent mechanisms in iNOS-KO mice to compensate for their loss of functional iNOS, resulting in incisional wound healing equivalent to controls. Their impaired expression of VEGF and IL-4, on the other hand, may partially explain the delayed excisional wound healing noted in these animals.
The sensitivity of muscle spindle afferents to small sinusoidal changes of length

1. Nerve impulses were recorded from spindle afferents of the soleus muscle during sinusoidal changes in muscle length at frequencies from 0·03 to 300 c/s. This was done in the decerebrate cat with intact motor outflow and ‘spontaneous’ fusimotor activity. Computer averaging over a number of cycles was used to measure the response, in impulses/sec, at different phases of the cycle.
Multiphase space vector control modulation technique for voltage source converters

Multilevel multiphase inverters are a promising practical solution for high-power applications. In applications where high switching frequency cannot be accommodated due to the increased switching losses associated to the pulse-width modulation techniques, the space vector control modulation technique is a feasible alternative. The space vector control reduces the number of switchings by selecting one single switching vector during the whole switching period. This paper presents a multiphase space vector control modulation technique based on a multilevel multiphase space vector pulse-width modulation that can be implemented in real-time in a low-cost device. The five-phase case of the proposed technique is validated by simulation, and it is tested with a nine-level inverter feeding a five-phase induction motor.
Operation of an optoelectronic crossbar switch containing a terabit-per-second free-space optical interconnect

The experimental operation of a terabit-per-second scale optoelectronic connection to a silicon very-large-scale-integrated circuit is described. A demonstrator system, in the form of an optoelectronic crossbar switch, has been constructed as a technology test bed. The assembly and testing of the components making up the system, including a flip-chipped InGaAs-GaAs optical interface chip, are reported. Using optical inputs to the electronic switching chip, single-channel routing of data through the system at the design rate of 250 Mb/s (without internal fan-out) was achieved. With 4000 optical inputs, this corresponds to a potential aggregate data input of a terabit per second into the single 14.6 /spl times/ 15.6 mm CMOS chip. In addition 50-Mb/s data rates were switched utilizing the full internal optical fan-out included in the system to complete the required connectivity. This simultaneous input of data across the chip corresponds to an aggregate data input of 0.2 Tb/s. The experimental system also utilized optical distribution of clock signals across the CMOS chip.
A review of monochromatic excimer light in vitiligo

Phototherapy is a mainstay of vitiligo treatment and has varying rates of efficacy. Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B (NB‐UVB) and UVA have been used for decades, but it is only recently that monochromatic excimer light (MEL) was developed for use in dermatology and adapted for the treatment of vitiligo. The specific 308‐nm radiation wavelength is delivered in a targeted form by the xenon‐chloride excimer laser and is also available in an incoherent form that is commonly referred to as the excimer lamp. MEL administered by both laser and lamp has shown efficacy superior to NB‐UVB for the treatment of vitiligo and induces more changes at the cellular level than conventional UVB modalities. The excimer laser is effective in adults and children with vitiligo in all skin types as monotherapy or in combination with other established vitiligo therapeutics. Treatment regimens studied included excimer laser two to three times weekly for up to 36 weeks. Patients commonly achieved > 75% repigmentation. The laser has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and vitamin D analogues, as well as surgery, thus further expanding treatment options for patients with vitiligo. The excimer lamp has been used for treatments one to three times a week for up to 24 weeks and was found to be equal to excimer laser in a head‐to‐head comparison. It has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids and oral vitamin E. Both MEL modalities have a limited adverse side‐effect profile. Long‐term effects are yet to be determined; however, based on available data on UVB phototherapy as well as the properties of MEL devices, there is probably only a minimal increased malignancy risk.
Changes in upper airway size during tidal breathing in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

UNLABELLED We performed respiratory-gated magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate airway dynamics during tidal breathing in 10 children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS; age, 4.3 +/- 2.3 years) and 10 matched control subjects (age, 5.0 +/- 2.0 years). We hypothesized that respiratory cycle fluctuations in upper airway cross-sectional area would be larger in children with OSAS. METHODS Studies were performed under sedation. Respiratory gating was performed automatically at 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90% of inspiratory and expiratory volume. Airway cross-sectional area was measured at four ascending oropharyngeal levels at each increment of the respiratory cycle. RESULTS We noted the following in subjects with OSAS compared with control subjects: (1) a smaller upper airway cross-sectional area, particularly during inspiration; (2) airway narrowing occurred during inspiration without evidence of complete airway collapse; (3) airway dilatation occurred during expiration, particularly early in the phase; and (4) magnitude of cross-sectional areas fluctuations during tidal breathing noted in OSAS at levels 1 through 4 were 317, 422, 785, and 922%, compared with 19, 15 17, and 24% in control subjects (p < 0.001, p < 0.005, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Fluctuations in airway area during tidal breathing are significantly greater in subjects with OSAS compared with control subjects. Resistive pressure loading is a probable explanation, although increased airway compliance may be a contributing factor.