Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Law on Syndromic Disease Surveillance Implementation

Context: Legal environments influence how health information technologies are implemented in public health practice settings. Syndromic disease surveillance (SyS) is a relatively new approach to surveillance that depends heavily on health information technologies to achieve rapid awareness of disease trends. Evidence suggests that legal concerns have impeded the optimization of SyS. Objectives: To (1) understand the legal environments in which SyS is implemented, (2) determine the perceived legal basis for SyS, and (3) identify perceived legal barriers and facilitators to SyS implementation. Design: Multisite case study in which 35 key informant interviews and 5 focus groups were conducted with 75 SyS stakeholders. Interviews and focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by 3 coders using thematic content analysis. Legal documents were reviewed. Setting: Seven jurisdictions (5 states, 1 county, and 1 city) that were purposively selected on the basis of SyS capacity and legal environment. Participants: Health department directors, SyS system administrators, legal counsel, and hospital personnel. Results: Federal (eg, HIPAA) and state (eg, notifiable disease reporting) laws that authorize traditional public health surveillance were perceived as providing a legal basis for SyS. Financial incentives for hospitals to satisfy Meaningful Use regulations have eased concerns about the legality of SyS and increased the number of hospitals reporting SyS data. Legal issues were perceived as barriers to BioSense 2.0 (the federal SyS program) participation but were surmountable. Conclusion: Major legal reforms are not needed to promote more widespread use of SyS. The current legal environment is perceived by health department and hospital officials as providing a firm basis for SyS practice. This is a shift from how law was perceived when SyS adoption began and has policy implications because it indicates that major legal reforms are not needed to promote more widespread use of the technology. Beyond SyS, our study suggests that federal monetary incentives can ameliorate legal concerns regarding novel health information technologies.
A study on frequency reconifiguration of microstrip slot antennas using PIN diodes

In this paper, a frequency reconfigurable microstrip slot antenna for S and C band of microwave application is presented. The frequency reconfiguration is achieved due to the change of current distribution on the ground plane of microstrip slot antenna. Thus, RF PIN Diode is used as switching device to change slot length for altering current distribution on the ground plane. Two rectangular slots of total size 260 mm2 are cut on the ground plane for positioning PIN diodes. The proposed reconfigurable antenna is designed to reconfigure in twelve number of frequency bands between frequency 2 GHz and 6.28 GHz. Here all the simulated radiation patterns and return loss graphs are acceptable for microwave applications. Moreover, the frequency reconfigurable antenna presented here reduces the size of front end system and also able to offer pre-filtering at receiving end.
Characterization of Glucose Uptake by Cultured Rat Podocytes

The nonmetabolizable glucose analogue [3H]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (3H-2DG) was used to study glucose transport in cultured rat podocytes. Intracellular accumulation of 3H-2DG was linear up to 20 min and was inhibited by cytochalasin B (80% inhibition) and by phlorizin (20% inhibition). Pretreatment with insulin stimulated the 3H-2DG uptake 1.5-fold. A Hill analysis of the rate of glucose transport yielded a Vmax value of approximately 10 mM and S0.5 of 7.8 mM. The value h = 1.0 for a Hill coefficient confirmed that glucose uptake exhibited a Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Transporters GLUT2 and GLUT4 were expressed in over 90% podocytes. Of the GLUT2- and GLUT4-expressing cells, approximately one-fourth expressed the membrane-bound fraction. We conclude that cultured rat podocytes possess a differentiated glucose transport system consisting chiefly of facilitative GLUT2 and GLUT4 transporters. It seems likely that a sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter may also be present in these cells.
Transcriptional Repressor DAXX Promotes Prostate Cancer Tumorigenicity via Suppression of Autophagy*

Background: Transcriptional repressor DAXX suppresses several tumor suppressor genes and is up-regulated in many cancers. Results: We demonstrate that DAXX has potent growth-enhancing effects on primary prostatic malignancy through inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: In the early stages of tumorigenesis, autophagy suppresses prostate tumor formation. Significance: This is the first study to link prostate cancer development to autophagy suppression by DAXX. The DAXX transcriptional repressor was originally associated with apoptotic cell death. However, recent evidence that DAXX represses several tumor suppressor genes, including the DAPK1 and DAPK3 protein kinases, and is up-regulated in many cancers argues that a pro-survival role may predominate in a cancer context. Here, we report that DAXX has potent growth-enhancing effects on primary prostatic malignancy through inhibition of autophagy. Through stable gene knockdown and mouse subcutaneous xenograft studies, we demonstrate that DAXX promotes tumorigenicity of human ALVA-31 and PC3 prostate cancer (PCa) cells in vivo. Importantly, DAXX represses expression of essential autophagy modulators DAPK3 and ULK1 in vivo, revealing autophagy suppression as a mechanism through which DAXX promotes PCa tumorigenicity. Furthermore, DAXX knockdown increases autophagic flux in cultured PCa cells. Finally, interrogation of the OncomineTM database suggests that DAXX overexpression is associated with malignant transformation in several human cancers, including prostate and pancreatic cancers. Thus, DAXX may represent a new cancer biomarker for the detection of aggressive disease, whose tissue-specific down-regulation can serve as an improved therapeutic modality. Our results establish DAXX as a pro-survival protein in PCa and reveal that, in the early stages of tumorigenesis, autophagy suppresses prostate tumor formation.
A new genetic concept: uniparental disomy and its potential effect, isodisomy.

In recent years, cytogenetic studies of spontaneous abortion products have disclosed a relatively high frequency of aneuploid embryos. These karyotypic anomalies chiefly stem from meiotic errors affecting the distribution of the chromosomes in one of the two gametes. This information not only implies the remarkable frequency of gonocyte aneuploidy but also reveals the prevalence of certain types of errors. It follows that gametal haploidy is often altered by the loss (nullisomy) or the addition (disomy) of certain members, in particular the X, the Y, and chromosomes 15, 16, 21, and 22. Therefore, it is to be expected that, in some exceptional zygotes, euploidy could result from the random union of a disomic gamete with a gamete nullisomic for the homologue. To this hypothetical phenomenon - which is, however, statistically likely and foreseeable - we have ascribed the name of uniparental disomy, owing to the fact that both members of such a pair arise from only one parent. Furthermore, such a mechanism implies the probability of introducing into the genome pairs of chromosomes with whole sequences of identical alleles, a consequence which we describe by the neologism of isodisomy. Such homozygosity for a series of colinear alleles implies, from the genetic stand-point, risks and advantages akin to those of parental consanguinity. An analogous mechanism could also modulate and modify the consequences of trisomies in which entire segments of two of the three implicated chromosomes, including the supernumerary one, could as well be isoallelic (isodisomic trisomy or di-isotrisomy). This article briefly states some other predictions stemming from the concept of uniparental disomy, whose confirmation should serve as a test of the proposed hypothesis.
Characterization of a balanced reciprocal translocation, rcp(9;11)(q27;q11) in cattle

Cytogenetic analysis of a phenotypically normal young bull from Marchigiana breed revealed the presence of an abnormal karyotype. The observation of longer and smaller chromosomes than BTA1 and BTA29, respectively in all metaphases suggested the presence of a reciprocal translocation. RBG-banding confirmed this hypothesis revealing the involvement of BTA9 and BTA11. FISH analyses using cattle-specific BAC clones (474A12 and 293G09 for BTA9; 035D03 for BTA11) identified rcp(9;11)(q27;q11) in the two regions affected. Moreover analyses performed on both parents established the ‘de novo’ origin of the anomaly. Comparison with human homologue sequences (HSA6q24.3→q25.3 for BTA9q27 and HSA2q11.1→q12.1 for BTA11q11) revealed that both breakpoint regions are gene rich as up to date at least 200 genes have been localized in these regions. Thus, further analyses are required to identify the sequences disrupted by the breakpoints and to verify their consequences on rcp carrier phenotype.
A novel mixed basis functions for method of moments

The basis functions defined on triangular patches have been widely used in the method of moments for the radiation and scattering prediction of 3D structures. However, traditional RWG basis functions cannot describe the singular current on the object's boundary edges effectively. Although the new TL basis functions can describe the edge current, it generates so many unknowns. To alleviate this problem, a mixed basis functions, called STL+RWG basis, have been presented in this paper. The new STL basis functions are only defined on the triangular patches with boundary edges, which are added to the RWG basis defined on all the triangular patches. It is validated and demonstrated by the numerical examples that the mixed basis can describe the edge current much better compared with the RWG basis. At the same time, the mixed basis functions need much fewer unknowns than the TL basis, on the premise of ensuring the calculation accuracy.
Comparison of genome fingerprinting with conventional typing methods used on Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis patients

Two hundred Pseudomonas aeruginosa serial isolates from 61 cystic fibrosis patients were examined using restriction fragment length polymorphism in connection with pulsed field gel electrophoresis. A comparison was made of results obtained by genome fingerprinting and by conventional typing methods. It was possible to subdivide the majority of the genome types with the conventional typing methods, indicating the likelihood of bacterial phenotypes occurring in the lung of the cystic fibrosis patient. Two clusters of strains were observed among the 200 P. aeruginosa isolates from the 61 patients. Strains belonging to one cluster were present in 26 (42.6%) of the 61 patients. Strains belonging to the other cluster were present in 11 (18.0%) of the 61 patients. The occurrence of these clusters indicates that cross‐infection has taken place among CF patients attending the Danish Cystic Fibrosis Centre. Conventional typing methods are based on the presence of specific bacterial surface structures. Therefore, conventional typing methods may sometimes lead to wrong classification of isolates from cystic fibrosis patients, especially if applied alone. A combination of two to six methods decreased the reproducibility of the typing results. The best combination was genome fingerprinting and phage typing, which yielded a reproducibility of 82.5%. Each time a method is added, the reproducibility decreases by an average of 14.4%.
Breaking the Time Barrier

Abstract This study addresses issues related to mandatory versus optional service-learning assignments and presents findings from a study of an option-based service-learning program. Using qualitative data collected from students over two semesters, this study examines one of the biggest barriers students cite to successful participation in service-learning options-“not having enough time. ” Typically, time constraints manifest themselves in one of two ways: first is students who elect not to participate in the service-learning option because they do not see the required time commitment as feasible; a second concern is the small percentage of students who have difficulty completing the hours for which they have signed up. With the majority of students employed part- or even full-time in addition to their school work, these time barriers are not surprising. A variety of strategies to help students “find the time” to do service-learning are explored.
A Comparison of the Beneficial Effects of Live and Heat-Inactivated Baker’s Yeast on Nile Tilapia: Suggestions on the Role and Function of the Secretory Metabolites Released from the Yeast

Yeast is frequently used as a probiotic in aquaculture with the potential to substitute for antibiotics. In this study, the involvement and extent to which the viability of yeast cells and thus the secretory metabolites released from the yeast contribute to effects of baker’s yeast was investigated in Nile tilapia. No yeast, live yeast or heat-inactivated baker’s yeast were added to basal diets high in fishmeal and low in soybean (diet A) or low in fishmeal and high in soybean (diet B), which were fed to fish for 8 weeks. Growth, feed utilization, gut microvilli morphology, and expressions of hsp70 and inflammation-related cytokines in the intestine and head kidney were assessed. Intestinal microbiota was investigated using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Gut alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was measured after challenging the fish with Aeromonas hydrophila. Results showed that live yeast significantly improved FBW and WG (P < 0.05), and tended to improve FCR (P = 0.06) of fish compared to the control (no yeast). No significant differences were observed between inactivated yeast and control. Live yeast improved gut microvilli length (P < 0.001) and density (P < 0.05) while inactivated yeast did not. The hsp70 expression level in both the intestine and head kidney of fish was significantly reduced by live yeast (P < 0.05) but not inactivated yeast. Live yeast but not inactivated yeast reduced intestinal expression of tnfα (P < 0.05), tgfβ (P < 0.05 under diet A) and il1β (P = 0.08). Intestinal Lactococcus spp. numbers were enriched by both live and inactivated yeast. Lastly, both live and inactivated yeast reduced the gut AKP activity compared to the control (P < 0.001), indicating protection of the host against infection by A. hydrophila. In conclusion, secretory metabolites did not play major roles in the growth promotion and disease protection effects of yeast. Nevertheless, secretory metabolites were the major contributing factor towards improved gut microvilli morphology, relieved stress status, and reduced intestinal inflammation of Nile tilapia fed diets supplemented with baker’s yeast.
Spatial relationships between above-ground biomass and bird species biodiversity in Palawan, Philippines

This study maps distribution and spatial congruence between Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) and species richness of IUCN listed conservation-dependent and endemic avian fauna in Palawan, Philippines. Grey Level Co-Occurrence Texture Matrices (GLCMs) extracted from Landsat and ALOS-PALSAR were used in conjunction with local field data to model and map local-scale field AGB using the Random Forest algorithm (r = 0.92 and RMSE = 31.33 Mg·ha-1). A support vector regression (SVR) model was used to identify the factors influencing variation in avian species richness at a 1km scale. AGB is one of the most important determinants of avian species richness for the study area. Topographic factors and anthropogenic factors such as distance from the roads were also found to strongly influence avian species richness. Hotspots of high AGB and high species richness concentration were mapped using hotspot analysis and the overlaps between areas of high AGB and avian species richness was calculated. Results show that the overlaps between areas of high AGB with high IUCN red listed avian species richness and endemic avian species richness were fairly limited at 13% and 8% at the 1-km scale. The overlap between 1) low AGB and low IUCN richness, and 2) low AGB and low endemic avian species richness was higher at 36% and 12% respectively. The enhanced capacity to spatially map the correlation between AGB and avian species richness distribution will further assist the conservation and protection of forest areas and threatened avian species.
Risk for tuberculosis in child contacts. Development and validation of a predictive score.

RATIONALE Contact investigation of persons exposed to tuberculosis (TB) is resource intensive. To date, no clinical prediction rule for TB risk exists for use as a guide during contact investigation. OBJECTIVES We sought to develop and validate a simple and easy-to-use predictive score for TB risk, using data routinely available during contact investigation. METHODS The derivation cohort consisted of 9,411 children aged 0 to 12 years from 2008 to 2009 national contacts cohort. We used a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to predict the risk of developing active TB. The validation cohort consisted of 2,405 children from the 2005 national contacts cohort. We calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the model as well as the predicted risk of TB for contacts with different scores. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS An 8-point scoring system was developed, including reaction to tuberculin skin test of the contacts, as well as smear-positivity, residence in high-incidence areas, and sex of the index cases. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.872 (95% confidence interval, 0.810-0.935) for the derivation cohort and 0.900 (95% confidence interval, 0.830-0.969) for the validation cohort. The risk of developing active TB within 3 years is 100, 7.8, 4.3, 1.0, 0.7, and 0.2% for contacts with risk scores of 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A risk predictive score was developed and validated to identify child contacts aged 0 to 12 years at increased risk for active TB. This predictive score can help to prioritize active case finding or isoniazid preventive therapy among children exposed to TB.
Long-Term Effects of a Very Low-Carbohydrate Weight Loss Diet on Exercise Capacity and Tolerance in Overweight and Obese Adults

Aim: Compare the long-term effects of an energy-restricted very low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LC) diet with an isocaloric high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HC) diet on exercise tolerance and capacity in overweight and obese adults. Methods: Seventy-six adults (25 males; age 49.2 ± 1.1 years; BMI 33.6 ± 0.5 kg/m2) were randomized to either a hypocaloric (6–7 MJ/day) LC diet (35% protein, 4% carbohydrate, 61% fat) or isocaloric HC diet (24% protein, 46% carbohydrate, 30% fat) for 52 weeks. Pre- and postintervention, participants’ body weight and composition, handgrip, and isometric knee extensor strength were assessed and participants performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion. Results: Forty-three participants completed the study (LC = 23; HC = 20). Overall, peak relative oxygen uptake increased (+11.3%) and reductions occurred in body weight (−14.6%), body fat percentage (−6.9% [absolute]), isometric knee extensor strength (−12.4%), handgrip strength (−4.5%), and absolute peak oxygen uptake (−5.2%; p ≤ 0.02 time for all) with no diet effect (p ≥ 0.18). During submaximal exercise, rating of perceived exertion did not change in either group (p = 0.16 time, p = 0.59 Time × Group). Compared to the HC diet, the LC diet had greater reductions in respiratory exchange ratio (LC −0.04 ± 0.01, HC −0.00 ± 0.01; p = 0.03), and increased fat oxidation (LC 15.0 ± 5.3% [of energy expenditure], HC 0.5 ± 3.9%; p = 0.04). Conclusion: In overweight and obese patients, an LC diet promoted greater fat utilization during submaximal exercise. Both an LC diet and an HC diet had similar effects on aerobic capacity and muscle strength, suggesting that long-term consumption of an LC weight loss diet does not adversely affect physical function or the ability to perform exercise.
Relationship Factors and Outcome in Child Anxiety Treatment Studies

This study reviews 19 randomized controlled trials examining the association between three relationship factors — participation, treatment involvement, and therapeutic relationship — and outcome of cognitive-behavioral anxiety treatments for children and adolescents. In 12 studies, parent participation was considered as an independent variable compared to child-only participation. In three studies, parental involvement was measured. Child involvement was measured in one study. The child's perception of the therapeutic relationship was considered in three studies. Six studies found a significant positive effect of parent participation on diagnostic status, symptom level, or global functioning outcome measures. One study found a significant effect of parental involvement on global outcome measures. Another study found a significant positive association between child involvement and symptom measures and global functioning measures. No association was found between the quality of the child's perception of the therapeutic relationship and treatment outcome. Clinical implications are discussed.
The Use of a Rusch Intrauterine Balloon to Cause Tamponade on a Severe Hemorrhage in a Case of Endometrial Cancer

Abstract Intractable vaginal bleeding is a complication of gynecological tumors of the cervix and endometrium. The management of torrential bleeding usually requires laparotomy or laparoscopy, or less invasive techniques such as uterine artery embolization. This case report describes the use of an intrauterine Rusch balloon catheter, previously only used in the obstetric setting. This is a safe and inexpensive method of management, which does not need specific training. We also review all the current options for the management of severe bleeding as a complication of gynecological cancers.