Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sildenafil vs. sodium before nitroprusside for the pulmonary hypertension reversibility test before cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension is associated with a worse prognosis after cardiac transplantation. The pulmonary hypertension reversibility test with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is associated with a high rate of systemic arterial hypotension, ventricular dysfunction of the transplanted graft and high rates of disqualification from transplantation. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed at comparing the effects of sildenafil (SIL) and SNP on hemodynamic, neurohormonal and echocardiographic variables during the pulmonary reversibility test. METHODS The patients underwent simultaneously right cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, BNP measurement, and venous blood gas analysis before and after receiving either SNP (1 - 2 µg/kg/min) or SIL (100 mg, single dose). RESULTS Both drugs reduced pulmonary hypertension, but SNP caused a significant systemic hypotension (mean blood pressure - MBP: 85.2 vs. 69.8 mm Hg; p < 0.001). Both drugs reduced cardiac dimensions and improved left cardiac function (SNP: 23.5 vs. 24.8%, p = 0.02; SIL: 23.8 vs. 26%, p < 0.001) and right cardiac function (SIL: 6.57 ± 2.08 vs. 8.11 ± 1.81 cm/s, p = 0.002; SNP: 6.64 ± 1.51 vs. 7.72 ± 1.44 cm/s, p = 0.003), measured through left ventricular ejection fraction and tissue Doppler, respectively. Sildenafil, contrary to SNP, improved venous oxygen saturation, measured on venous blood gas analysis. CONCLUSION Sildenafil and SNP are vasodilators that significantly reduce pulmonary hypertension and cardiac geometry, in addition to improving biventricular function. Sodium nitroprusside, contrary to SIL, was associated with systemic arterial hypotension and worsening of venous oxygen saturation.
Non‐uniform sampling: post‐Fourier era of NMR data collection and processing

The invention of multidimensional techniques in the 1970s revolutionized NMR, making it the general tool of structural analysis of molecules and materials. In the most straightforward approach, the signal sampling in the indirect dimensions of a multidimensional experiment is performed in the same manner as in the direct dimension, i.e. with a grid of equally spaced points. This results in lengthy experiments with a resolution often far from optimum. To circumvent this problem, numerous sparse‐sampling techniques have been developed in the last three decades, including two traditionally distinct approaches: the radial sampling and non‐uniform sampling. This mini review discusses the sparse signal sampling and reconstruction techniques from the point of view of an underdetermined linear algebra problem that arises when a full, equally spaced set of sampled points is replaced with sparse sampling. Additional assumptions that are introduced to solve the problem, as well as the shape of the undersampled Fourier transform operator (visualized as so‐called point spread function), are shown to be the main differences between various sparse‐sampling methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacteriophages for prophylaxis and therapy in cattle, poultry and pigs

Abstract The successful use of virulent (lytic) bacteriophages (phages) in preventing and treating neonatal enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections in calves, lambs and pigs has prompted investigation of other applications of phage therapy in food animals. While results have been very variable, some indicate that phage therapy is potentially useful in virulent Salmonella and E. coli infections in chickens, calves and pigs, and in control of the food-borne pathogens Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni in chickens and E. coli O157:H7 in cattle. However, more rigorous and comprehensive research is required to determine the true potential of phage therapy. Particular challenges include the selection and characterization of phages, practical modes of administration, and development of formulations that maintain the viability of phages for administration. Also, meaningful evaluation of phage therapy will require animal studies that closely represent the intended use, and will include thorough investigation of the emergence and characteristics of phage resistant bacteria. As well, effective use will require understanding the ecology and dynamics of the endemic and therapeutic phages and their interactions with target bacteria in the farm environment. In the event that the potential of phage therapy is realized, adoption will depend on its efficacy and complementarity relative to other interventions. Another potential challenge will be regulatory approval.
Genome‐wide array‐based comparative genomic hybridization of ocular marginal zone B cell lymphoma: Comparison with pulmonary and nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma

The genetic changes in marginal zone B cell lymphomas (MZBCL) vary according to the anatomical region. This study aimed to investigate genomic aberrations in ocular MZBCL and to compare them with those of tumors from other anatomical sites. The study population comprised 24 cases of primary ocular MZBCL, 11 pulmonary MZBCL, and seven nodal MZBCL. For array CGH, fresh tumor tissues were analyzed with a genome‐wide scanning array containing 2,304 BAC/PAC clones which cover the whole human genome at a resolution of 1.3 Mb. FISH analysis for MALT1 gene alteration was performed for ocular and nodal MZBCL and RT‐PCR for the detection of API2‐MALT1 transcripts was performed for pulmonary MZBCL. The recurrent genomic alterations in ocular MZBCL were losses of chromosome bands 6q23.3 (9/24, 38%), 7q36.3 (2/24, 8%), and 13q34 (2/24, 8%), and gains of chromosomes 3 (9/24, 38%), and 15 (4/24, 16%), and chromosome arms 18q (4/24, 16%), and 6p (2/24, 8%). The t(11;18)(q21;q21) was not detected. The genomic alterations of pulmonary MZBCL included recurrent loss of 18q21 (2/11, 19%). A t(11;18)(q21;q21) fusion transcript was detected in five out of eight cases (63%). Nodal MZBCL showed neither recurrent genome alterations nor any change in MALT1 gene copy number. In conclusion, the array CGH profile of ocular MZBCL is distinct from those of pulmonary and nodal MZBCL. Deletion of chromosome band 6q23.3 in ocular MZBCL is a novel finding and may constitute a crucial genetic alteration in the pathogenesis of ocular MZBCL. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcriptional analysis of Ty1 deletion and inversion derivatives at CYC7

One class of Ty insertion mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae activates expression of adjacent structural genes. The CYC7-H2 mutation, in which a Ty1 element is inserted 5' to the iso-2-cytochrome c coding region of CYC7, causes a 20-fold increase in CYC7 expression. Deletion analysis of CYC7-H2 has shown that distal regions of the Ty1 element are not essential for the transcriptional activation at CYC7. In this report, we have analyzed Ty1 and CYC7 RNA from two CYC7-H2 deletion derivative genes to determine whether a direct correlation exists between transcription of Ty1 and transcription of the adjacent gene. Assuming that all Ty1 elements in the genome are transcribed equally, amounts of CYC7-H2 deletion derivative Ty1 RNA were found to be at least fivefold lower than the amount estimated for the average Ty1 element. These same Ty1 deletion derivatives caused a 20-fold increase in adjacent CYC7 expression. This finding suggests that the mechanism by which Ty1 activates adjacent gene expression does not require normal levels of Ty1 transcription. Two inversion derivatives of the CYC7-H2 Ty1 have also been analyzed. These derivatives did not produce any iso-2-cytochrome c or any normal CYC7 mRNA. Instead they were found to produce a Tyl-CYC7 fusion RNA. Consistent with our findings on CYC7-H2 Ty1 transcription, the amount of the fusion RNA was very low. In addition, the Ty1 inversion derivatives produced a new RNA that mapped to sequences upstream from the inverted Ty1 segment. Similar to Ty1 insertions that activate transcription, the new RNA was found to be transcribed away from Ty1.
MEK/ERK Inhibitor U0126 Increases the Radiosensitivity of Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells In vitro and In vivo by Downregulating Growth and DNA Repair Signals

Multimodal treatment has improved the outcome of many solid tumors, and in some cases the use of radiosensitizers has significantly contributed to this gain. Activation of the extracellular signaling kinase pathway (MEK/ERK) generally results in stimulation of cell growth and confers a survival advantage playing the major role in human cancer. The potential involvement of this pathway in cellular radiosensitivity remains unclear. We previously reported that the disruption of c-Myc through MEK/ERK inhibition blocks the expression of the transformed phenotype; affects in vitro and in vivo growth and angiogenic signaling; and induces myogenic differentiation in the embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) cell lines (RD). This study was designed to examine whether the ERK pathway affects intrinsic radiosensitivity of rhabdomyosarcoma cancer cells. Exponentially growing human ERMS, RD, xenograft-derived RD-M1, and TE671 cell lines were used. The specific MEK/ERK inhibitor, U0126, reduced the clonogenic potential of the three cell lines, and was affected by radiation. U0126 inhibited phospho-active ERK1/2 and reduced DNA protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) suggesting that ERKs and DNA-PKcs cooperate in radioprotection of rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The TE671 cell line xenotransplanted in mice showed a reduction in tumor mass and increase in the time of tumor progression with U0126 treatment associated with reduced DNA-PKcs, an effect enhanced by radiotherapy. Thus, our results show that MEK/ERK inhibition enhances radiosensitivity of rhabdomyosarcoma cells suggesting a rational approach in combination with radiotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(1); 159–68. ©2011 AACR.
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth in systemic sclerosis: detection using direct and indirect methods and treatment outcome.

Twenty-four patients with proven systemic sclerosis and with symptoms suggestive of malabsorption (i.e. chronic diarrhoea and weight loss) were investigated for small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Of the patients selected, six were suffering from the diffuse form of the disease. Jejunal aspiration was performed in all patients, and in nine normal volunteers. A specially designed double-lumen sterile catheter was used for this purpose and was introduced via a gastroscope. Twenty of these patients underwent a glucose hydrogen breath test. Eight patients (33%) had significant bacterial counts: > 10(5) colony forming units per ml (cfu/ml) of jejunal fluid. Less than 10(2) cfu/ml were found in the jejunal fluid from the nine control subjects. Glucose hydrogen breath testing was positive in seven patients, all of whom had significant jejunal bacterial growth. Diarrhoea rather than weight loss was shown to be the symptom which correlated best with the presence of bacterial overgrowth. Ciprofloxacin was used in six patients whose diarrhoeal symptoms ceased dramatically within 48 h of commencing the antibiotic. Trimethoprim produced a partial response despite bacterial sensitivity. A disadvantage of the hydrogen breath test is that subsequent antibacterial therapy cannot be specific, as bacterial species, antibiotic sensitivity and resistance are unknown. Systemic sclerosis involving the small intestine in the past has been said to more prevalent in patients with diffuse disease, whereas this study showed a preponderance of patients with long-standing limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and small bowel involvement.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Env with an Intersubunit Disulfide Bond Engages Coreceptors but Requires Bond Reduction after Engagement To Induce Fusion

ABSTRACT A mutant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope protein (Env) with an engineered disulfide bond between the gp120 and gp41 subunits (SOS-Env) was expressed on cell surfaces. With the disulfide bond intact, these cells did not fuse to target cells expressing CD4 and CCR5, but the fusion process did advance to an intermediate state: cleaving the disulfide bond with a reducing agent after but not before binding to target cells allowed fusion to occur. Through the use of an antibody directed against CCR5, it was found that at the intermediate stage, SOS-Env had associated with coreceptors. Reducing the disulfide bond after this intermediate had been reached resulted in hemifusion at low temperature and fusion at physiological temperature. The addition of C34 or N36, peptides that prevent six-helix bundle formation, at the hemifused state blocked the fusion that would have resulted after raising the temperature. Thus, Env has not yet folded into six-helix bundles after hemifusion has been achieved. Because SOS-Env binds CCR5, it is suggested that the conformational changes in wild-type Env that result from this binding cause disengagement of gp120 from gp41 in the region of the engineered bond. It is proposed that this disengagement is the event that directly frees gp41 to undergo the conformational changes that lead to fusion. The intermediate state achieved prior to reduction of the disulfide bond was stable. The capture of this configuration of Env could yield a suitable antigen for vaccine development, and it may also be a target for pharmacological intervention against HIV-1 entry.
Changing epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in the United States, 2004-2005.

BACKGROUND The impact of pediatric 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV-7) on the population of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the United States was examined by determining the serotypes, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and genetic relatedness of isolates from patients with invasive and noninvasive infections during the 2004-2005 respiratory illness season. METHODS Susceptibility testing, serotyping, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis were performed on 1647 S. pneumoniae isolates obtained from 41 US medical centers in 2004-2005 as part of a longitudinal antimicrobial resistance surveillance program. The results were compared with surveillance data from earlier periods. RESULTS From the 1999-2000 to the 2004-2005 respiratory illness season, the prevalence of isolates with intermediate penicillin resistance (minimum inhibitory concentration, 0.1-1 microg/mL) increased from 12.7% to 17.9%, prevalence of penicillin-resistant isolates (minimum inhibitory concentration, >or=2 microg/mL) decreased from 21.5% to 14.6%, and prevalence of isolates resistant to erythromycin increased from 25.7% to 29.1% among S. pneumoniae isolates. The prevalence of multidrug resistance among isolates did not change (22.4% in 1999-2000 and 20.0% in 2004-2005). Sixty different serotypes were recognized among the isolates from 2004-2005; predominant serotypes were 19A (14.5%), 3 (11.2%), 6A (7.1%), 19F (7%), and 11A (6%). Serotypes that were included in PCV-7 accounted for 16.3% of isolates; 28.4% of strains isolated had PCV-7-related serotypes, and the remaining 55.3% of isolates had serotypes that were unrelated to PCV-7. The serotype distribution of the penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae population changed from 1999-2000 to 2004-2005, with an increase in the prevalence of serotype 19A (1.5% to 35.4%) and serotype 35B (1.2% to 12.5%) and a decrease in the prevalence of most PCV-7 serotypes, including 23F (16.1% to 5%), 9V (16.1% to 4.2%), 6B (13.7% to 3.8%), and 14 (18.5% to 2.9%). CONCLUSIONS The penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae population has changed; most isolates are now closely related to 2 Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology Network clones that increased in prevalence from 1999-2000 to 2004-2005 (Taiwan(19F)-14 [14.6% to 36.7%; 60% were serotype 19A] and Utah(35B)-24 [0.9% to 16.3%]).
Conversational agent and management tools for conference and tourism domain

In this paper we describe a platform and a set of useful tools that allow the fast creation of conversation agents for two different domain applications: a conference information system and local tourist guide. The paper provides detailed descriptions of the implemented tools for developer management and automatic extraction of conference-dependent information. Finally, we provide some usage statistics of the agent that was included in the mobile APP used last year at Interspeech conference
On Determinants Of The Economic Growth Of European Countries During 2005–2015

Abstract The aim of the paper is to examine the economic growth of 32 European countries from 2005 to 2015. This period was characterized by a strong growth prior to 2009, when the Great Recession started, and lasted until 2012-2013 in the majority of examined countries. The growth between 2005 and 2015 was studied with regard to six selected socio-economic factors: initial level of the gross domestic product, economic openness, democracy index, human capital, physical capital, and foreign direct investments. The main result is that the growth was directly proportional to human and physical capital, and indirectly proportional to the initial level of GDP and the democracy index. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed that the historical division of Europe into “West” and “East” still persists to a considerable extent.
Pad Up the Sales Force : The Medium ’ s Impact on Presentation Effectiveness

This single case study explores the iPad’s value as sales force presentation tool in the Prestige Fragrances division at the consumer goods company Procter & Gamble. Quantitative data report a sales increase with three percentage points as a result of utilizing the device and qualitative findings reveal three key value constructs that together augments the sales presentation and drives its effectiveness. First, the medium in itself is the message. Media-context and signaling-effects cause customers to perceive the company as innovative and professional. It also strengthens the perception of the company as being a market leader. Secondly, the mediums’s connectivity, speed, apps, and equity drives sales force motivation which is reflected in the selling effort. Finally, the use of multimedia and vivid content increase customers’ attention and interest, makes the presentation more emotional and memorable, and enhances customers’ holistic experience of the meeting. Although empirical findings also report time savings of 30 minutes per day as well as drastic cost savings through reduced printing, the conclusion of the study is that managers planning to implement sales force technology must shift their focus from efficiency impact solely to also measure impact on sales force effectiveness.
Modeling and control for non-regenerative three-level boost rectifier considering DC-link voltage balance

In this paper, a new average d-q model for the non-regenerative three-level boost rectifier is proposed. The state space analysis is first carried out and an optimal zero sequence injection is found from the perspective of DC-link voltage balance or neutral point control. By utilizing this zero component the equilibrium point of the neutral point voltage is established and then the behavior of the voltage balance can be modeled in the d-q coordinate. Based on the proposed model, a controller with carrier-based implementation is developed, which features great simplicity and good DC-link voltage balance regulation. Both simulation and experimental results verified the feasibility of the proposed model and control approach.
Multidisciplinary consensus on the approach to hospital malnutrition in Spain.

RATIONALE Disease-related malnutrition constitutes a highly prevalent healthcare problem with high costs associated. In Spain, the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients has been reported from 30% to 50%. OBJECTIVES Main purposes of this consensus document were to establish recommendations that facilitate decision-making and action to prevent and early-diagnose disease-related hospital malnutrition, on the management of nutritional support methods and actions to evaluate nutritional treatment compliance and efficacy. METHODS A systematic bibliographical search of authors was performed, complemented by updated bibliography by author references up to 2010. From this review, some recommendations were defined, modified and critically evaluated by the representatives of scientific societies in a consensus conference (Dec 2010) following a structured brainstorming technique: the Metaplan(®) technique. A double validation process was undertaken until final recommendations were obtained. RESULTS 30 consensus recommendations for the prevention and management of hospital malnutrition are presented in this document. Recommendations cover all clinical care settings as well as prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of disease-related malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS Nutritional screening is strongly recommended at all clinical settings when nutritional risk factors are identified or there is clinical suspicion of malnutrition. Nutritional assessment should be designed and performed according to centers' resources, but clearly identified protocols should be available.
Methyl methane sulfonate-sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli deficient in an endonuclease specific for apurinic sites in deoxyribonucleic acid

A methyl methane sulfonate (MMS)-sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli AB 1157 was obtained by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine treatment. The mutant strain, AB 3027, is defective both in endonuclease activity for apurinic sites in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and in DNA polymerase I, as shown by direct enzyme assays. Derivative strains, which retained the deficiency in endonuclease activity for apurinic sties (approximately 10% of the wild-type enzyme level) but had normal DNA polymerase I activity, were obtained by P1-mediated transduction (strain NH5016) or by selection of revertants to decreased MMS sensitivity. These endonuclease-deficient strains are more MMS-sensitive than wild-type strains. Revertants of these deficients strains to normal MMS resistance were isolated. They had increased levels of the endonuclease activity but did not attain wild-type levels. The data suggest that endonuclease for apurinic sites is active in repair of lesions introduced in DNA as a consequence of MMS treatment. Two different endonucleases that specifically attack DNA containing apurinic sites arepresented in E coli K-12. A heat-labile activity, sensitive to inhibition by ethylenediaminetetraacetate, accounts for 90% of the total endonuclease activity for apurinic sties in crude cell extracts. The residual 10% is due to a more heat-resistant activity, refractory to ethylenediaminetetraacetate inhibition. The AB3027 and NH5016 strains have normal amounts of the latter endonuclease but no or very little of the former activity.
Hepatic Actinomycosis: An Overview of Salient Features and Outcome of Therapy

A 34-y-old African-American male developed Actinomyces liver abscess 8 months after appendectomy. Review of the English language literature revealed 56 additional cases of hepatic actinomycosis. Affected patients were typically immunocompetent, had a wide age range (4-86 y) and were predominantly male (70.2%). Infection was frequently (80.7%) cryptogenic, presenting with fever (83.3%), abdominal pain (74.5%) and weight loss (50.9%) over a 3.7 ± 5.1 month period. The most common radiographic finding was a single hypodense mass/abscess (68.4%). Extension to surrounding tissues was evident in 19 cases (33.3%). Diagnosis was usually accomplished microscopically and culture was often (33.3%) negative. Infection was often (35.2%) mixed, usually with anaerobic bacteria. A surgical or percutaneous approach was diagnostic in 29/35 (82.9%) and 24/33 (72.7%) cases, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 8.8%; it was 10.7% with medical therapy alone and 4.0% using a combined medical/intervention approach (p = 0.6). In conclusion, hepatic actinomycosis is a rare subacute infection that may mimic neoplasm. It is usually cryptogenic, is more common among immunocompetent individuals and male subjects and is highly responsive to medical therapy.