Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parent Identity and ???Virtual??? Children: Why Patients Discard Rather Than Donate Unused Embryos

Many persons initially express a wish to donate their unused embryos but, for reasons that are not clear, a majority later change their minds. In many clinics, there continue to be more recipients than donors. This study reviewed the lived experience of individuals who had considered various outcomes for their unused, cryopreserved embryos. Twelve couples and 9 women, totaling 33 participants, were interviewed using a narrative approach. They had chosen to discard their embryos 6 to 17 months before the interview. Only one of the couples had no children. When starting in vitro fertilization treatment, the patients had been told about cryopreservation and encouraged to consider alternative outcomes if they did not use their embryos. At this point, the patients intended to donate any unused embryos to another couple having difficulty becoming pregnant. After completing their families, however, all participants had changed their minds and had discarded their unused embryos rather than donating them. At first, the participants wanted to help other infertile couples who, like themselves, were disappointed at not having achieved pregnancy. Through shared experiences, they had developed empathy for other women and couples. After determining that they would not use the embryos themselves, however, the participants found the idea of donating them unpleasant and uncomfortable. Many of them spoke of the physical, emotional, and financial investments they had made. The final decision to discard embryos was driven by a new view of themselves from the standpoint of parents. The embryos were seen as having a "personhood" and a biologic and spiritual reality. Participants now felt as if they would be giving away their child. Unlike sperm or oocytes, the embryos were seen as being full relatives. Participants were concerned about the environment in which their embryos might be delivered and brought up. Several women feared that the "child" would be mistreated or abused. Some women imagined themselves continuously looking for likenesses of themselves or their existing children. Embryo donation has a status somewhere between adoption and tissue donation. Further work is needed to learn the implications of donating an embryo in a social context in which genetic relationships are a dominant theme. Hopefully, it then will be possible to develop counseling that addresses this unique situation.
Improved global robust delay-dependent stability criteria for delayed cellular neural networks

This paper is concerned with the global robust asymptotical stability for a class of cellular neural networks with time-varying delays and parameter uncertainties. By using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method and employing the convexity of the matrix equation, some new stability criteria are derived, which are expressed by a set of linear matrix inequalities. To show the effectiveness and less conservatism of our method, two numerical examples are presented finally.
Cytokine levels in supernatants of whole blood and mononuclear cell cultures in adults and neonates reveal significant differences with respect to interleukin‐13 and interferon‐gamma

Findings regarding cytokine levels in neonates and their impact on the development of allergic diseases are controversial. This might be attributed to different laboratory approaches. To compare cytokine levels in supernatants of whole blood (WB) and mononuclear cell (MC) cultures in response to unspecific and allergen specific stimuli. A total population of n = 25 healthy full‐term neonates and n = 25 adults was recruited. WB was diluted 1 in 5 and incubated with phytohaemagglutinine (PHA; 20 μg/ml) and the cows’ milk protein betalactoglobulin (BLG) for 24 and 120 h. In parallel, cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated, and cells were cultured with PHA and BLG in the same concentrations in a medium supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS) and in a serum‐ free medium (only PBMC from adults). The cytokines interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and IL‐13 in the cell culture supernatants were measured using the ELISA technique. IFN‐γ and IL‐10 levels in response to PHA in supernatants of MC of neonates were significantly lower compared to that in adults (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon two‐sample test). IL‐13 levels were significantly higher in response to PHA in neonates. In adults, only levels of IL‐10 were significantly correlated in WB and PBMC cultures (PHA: rS 0.6; p = 0.002; BLG: rS 0.54; p = 0.005). In neonates, IL‐10 (PHA: rS 0.77; p < 0.001; BLG: rS 0.63; p < 0.001) and IFN‐γ (PHA: rS 0.48; p = 0.02; BLG: rS 0.4; p < 0.047) were significantly correlated. Supernatants of PBMC cultured with an FCS‐supplemented medium showed a significant lower IFN‐γ release (PHA 1297 pg/ml; BLG 2762 pg/ml) compared to serum‐free cell cultures (PHA 6592.5 pg/ml, p < 0.0001; BLG 14228 pg/ml, p = 0.04). IFN‐γ and IL‐13 levels in WB and MC supernatants revealed significant differences. Our data indicate the need for thoroughly defined and standardized culture conditions for the detection of in vitro cytokine levels.
A high-order ADI method for parabolic problems with variable coefficients

A high-order compact alternating direction implicit (ADI) method is proposed for solving two-dimensional (2D) parabolic problems with variable coefficients. The computational problem is reduced to sequence one-dimensional problems which makes the computation cost-effective. The method is easily extendable to multi-dimensional problems. Various numerical tests are performed to test its high-order accuracy and efficiency, and to compare it with the standard second-order Peaceman–Rachford ADI method. The method has been applied to obtain the numerical solutions of the lid-driven cavity flow problem governed by the 2D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using the stream function-vorticity formulation. The solutions obtained agree well with other results in the literature.
Characterization of a Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) brummer gene and analysis of its role in lipid metabolism.

The brummer (bmm) genes encode the lipid storage droplet-associated triacylglycerols (TAG) lipases, which belong to the Brummer/Nutrin subfamily. These enzymes hydrolyze the ester bonds in TAG in lipid metabolism and act in insect energy homeostasis. Exposure to some agricultural chemicals leads to increased fecundity, which necessarily involves lipid metabolism, in some planthopper species. However, the biological roles of bmm in planthopper lipid storage and mobilization have not been investigated. Here, the open reading frame (ORF) of bmm (Nlbmm) was cloned and sequenced from the brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens). The ORF is 1014 bp encoding 338 amino acid residues. Nlbmm contained patatin domains and shared considerable evolutionary conservation with other insect bmms. Nlbmm is highly expressed in the fat body, consistent with its roles in lipid metabolism. Injection with Nlbmm double-stranded RNA (dsNlbmm) led to reduced Nlbmm mRNA accumulation, but did not influence expression of several genes related to lipid synthesis including acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and a lipophorin receptor (LpR). Nlbmm knockdown led to increased TAG contents in whole bodies, accumulation of total fat body lipid, and decreased hemolymph lipid content. Nlbmm knockdown did not influence the synthesis and distribution of glycerol. We infer that Nlbmm acts in TAG breakdown and fat metabolism in N. lugens.
Association of nutrient intake and wheeze or asthma in a Greek pre‐school population

Emmanouil E, Manios Y, Grammatikaki E, Kondaki K, Oikonomou E, Papadopoulos N, Vassilopoulou E. Association of nutrient intake and wheeze or asthma in a Greek pre‐school population. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 90–95. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S
CD14 polymorphisms in mother and infant, soluble CD14 in breast milk and atopy development in the infant (KOALA Study)

Snijders BEP, Stelma FF, Reijmerink NE, Thijs C, van der Steege G, Damoiseaux JGMC, van den Brandt PA, van Ree R, Postma DS, Koppelman GH. CD14 polymorphisms in mother and infant, soluble CD14 in breast milk and atopy development in the infant (KOALA Study). Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 541–549. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Gasto energético corporal: conceitos, formas de avaliação e sua relação com a obesidade

Despite many studies in the last years, obesity still needs more investigation, including its relation with energetic expenditure (EE). This manuscript consisted of a review considering: the existing techniques to measure EE, showing their advantages and limitations and modifications in EE due to obesity. EE can be evaluated by calorimetric methods, spectroscopic methods, or by questionnaires. According to the researchs objectives and possibilities, all techniques present advantages and limitations. Obese individuals have been recognized as "economics" in metabolic point of view, which means that they are able to expend little energy, compared to non-obese individuals. This economy has been investigated in many aspects. They have been analyzed every component of daily energetic expenditure (resting EE, thermogenic response to feeding and EE by physical activity), and the results are controversial, mainly because of the lack on standardization of procedures and techniques. Together with evaluation of EE in humans, molecular studies have contributed to clarify many aspects. They have been identified hormones and cellular proteins located in different kinds of cells. Studies are still necessary, and it is imperative to standardize the procedures and techniques to allow the reproducibility of the results.
Lung function at 10 yrs is not improved by early corticosteroid treatment in asthmatic children

Lødrup Carlsen KC, Devulapalli CS, Mowinckel P, Håland G, Munthe‐Kaas MC, Carlsen K‐H. Lung function at 10 yrs is not improved by early corticosteroid treatment in asthmatic children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 814–822. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Controle do calazar canino: comparação dos resultados de um programa de eliminação rápida de cães sororreagentes por ensaio imuno-enzimático com outro de eliminação tardia de cães sororreagentes por teste de imunofluorescência indireta de eluato de papel filtro

The kala-azar control program, adopted by the Fundacao Nacional de Saude- FNS (National Health Foundation) has not been able to reduce to an acceptable level the incidence of human cases. The diagnostic method utilized is a blood eluate immunofluorescence. A dogs diagnosed as infected is eliminated a mean of eighty days after the blood collection. The low sensitivity of the test used and the continuing residence of the infected dog in the region due to the elimination delay may be critical in the lack of success of this program. In this study, the FNS standard canine control method is compared to a strategy based on ELISA identification of infected dog and elimination within 7 days. In both study areas the canine seroprevalence was noted ten months before and ten months after the intervention. In the routine FNS area a 9% decrease in seroprevalence was noted, compared to statistically significant greater 27%, reduction (p = 0.0015) in the ELISA intervention area.
Specific profiles of house dust mite sensitization in children with asthma and in children with eczema

Shek LP, Chong AR, Soh SE, Cheong N, Teo ASM, Yi FC, Giam YC, Chua KY, Van Bever HP. Specific profiles of house dust mite sensitization in children with asthma and in children with eczema. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e718–e722. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Part five: Irish ethnicity and alcohol use

Abstract This paper examines the changing meanings the Irish‐American pattern of heavy drinking has undergone from the nineteenth century to the present: a first stage heavy drinking was symbolic of Irish‐American identity; a second stage in which it was both a product of the American ethic of consumption and American identity, and finally, a third stage when with the rise of the “new ethnicity” both the meanings of the first and second stages are brought together.
Optimal fast tracking observer bandwidth of the linear extended state observer

In current industrial control applications, the proportional + integral + derivative (PID) control is still used as the leading tool, but constructing controller requires precise mathematical model of plant, and tuning the parameters of controllers is not simple to implement. Motivated by the gap between theory and practice in control problems, linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) addresses a set of control problems in the absence of precise mathematical models. LADRC has two parameters to be tuned, namely, a closed-loop bandwidth and observer bandwidth. The performance of LADRC depends on the quick convergence of a unique state observer, known as the extended state observer, proposed by Jinqing Han (1994). Only one parameter, observer bandwidth, significantly affects the tracking speed of extended state observer. This paper studies numerically the optimal fast tracking observer bandwidth and the absolute tracking error estimation for a class of non-linear and uncertain motion control problems by finite difference method.
Predictors of abnormal glucose tolerance among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, and it is one of the most common endocrine disorders, affecting 5% to 10% of reproductive age women [1]. Although the etiology of the syndrome is complex, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are thought to play a major role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Insulin resistance is thought to be caused by obesity, although recent studies have found that underweight women with PCOS are more likely to show insulin resistance than a normal control group. These results suggest that PCOS is independent of body weight for underweight women, although it is widely accepted that obesity is a key factor in insulin resistance in the general population. Prevalence rates PREDICTORS OF ABNORMAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE AMONG WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Feedforward control design for finite-time transition problems of non-linear MIMO systems under input constraints

A new approach is presented for the feedforward control design of non-linear systems with the application to finite-time setpoint transitions under input constraints. This contribution extends recently presented results for the SISO case to non-linear quadratic MIMO systems. The inversion-based design treats the transition task as a two-point boundary value problem (BVP) defined in the input–output coordinates of the considered system. For its solvability, free parameters are provided in ansatz functions for the highest output derivatives. This concept allows the direct incorporation of input constraints within the formulation of the BVP. The resulting BVP with free parameters can be solved, e.g., with a standard MATLAB function. The load transport of an overhead crane serves as an example to illustrate the concept.
Outcome of bowel perforation after pediatric liver transplantation

Abstract: Bowel perforation is one of the causes of mortality after pediatric liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentations, and outcomes of bowel perforation in pediatric liver recipients. This is a retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation at a single liver transplant center in Iran between 1999 and 2006. During this period 72 liver transplantations were performed in children <18 yr. Twenty‐two children underwent 33 re‐explorations after liver transplantation. Five bowel perforations occurred in four children (incidence, 6.9%). One patient required two re‐explorations. The median time between liver transplantation and the diagnosis of the bowel perforation was seven days. All patients had abdominal distention before re‐exploration. The sites of perforation were jejunum (n = 3) and ileum (n = 2), and simple repair was performed in all cases. Three children had a history of prior Kasai operation. One of them received high dose of methylprednisolone before bowel perforation. Two children expired after bowel perforation (mortality rate, 50%). Bowel perforation is relatively frequent after pediatric liver transplantation. Among risk factors, prior Kasai operation may have a role. We observed that abdominal distention is a sign of bowel perforation and a high index of suspicion is required for rapidly diagnosis of this complication. The outcome of bowel perforation is poor and its mortality is high. Further studies are needed to establish real risk factors for this complication.
Estimated one‐yr glomerular filtration rate is an excellent predictor of long‐term graft survival in pediatric first kidney transplants

Abstract: Acute rejection episodes following pediatric renal transplantation have been progressively reduced by recent immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, grafts continue to fail over time and surrogate parameters for long‐term RGS are lacking. We investigated post‐transplant renal function within the first yr as an independent predictor of long‐term RGS in 104 pediatric first kidney transplant recipients (mean age 11.1 ± 3.9 yr; mean follow‐up 8.3 ± 3.5 yr) transplanted between January 1989 and December 2000. GFR was assessed by use of the Schwartz formula at 30 days and six and 12 months after transplantation, respectively. Patients were further stratified at all times according to GFR: (i) GFR<45 mL/min/1.73 m2, (ii) GFR 45–80 mL/min/1.73 m2, and (iii) GFR>80 mL/min/1.73 m2. Cox regression analysis including factors potentially influencing long‐term RGS, e.g., age, gender, transplant yr, HLA‐mismatch, underlying renal disease, clinical acute rejection, absolute GFR as well as the change in GFR within the first yr was performed. Graft failure occurred in 24 out of 104 patients (23%) 6.2 yr (mean) after transplantation corresponding to a cumulative five‐yr graft survival of 87.5%. GFRs at 30 days and six and 12 months were significantly associated with long‐term RGS in the univariate cox regression analysis (GFR at 30 days, p = 0.045; GFR at six months, p = 0.004; GFR at 12 months, p < 0.001). None of the other variables were significant parameters of correlation. Multivariate cox analysis revealed a GFR below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 12 months after transplantation as the only independent predictor of long‐term RGS (hazard ratio 55.9, 95% CI 5.29–591, p = 0.001). GFR at 12 months post‐transplant is an excellent surrogate parameter for long‐term RGS in children. This parameter might be useful as a primary end‐point in short‐term pediatric clinical trials.
Output tracking control of nonlinear switched cascade systems using a variable structure control method

This article is concerned with the output tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear switched cascade systems under some average dwell-time-based switching laws. Firstly, stabilisation problem of this class of switched systems is considered. Then, the result is extended to the output tracking control problem. Based on the variable structure control technique and the characteristic of the system, the variable structure controllers and the average dwell-time are designed. The effectiveness of the proposed design approach is illustrated with simulation results.
Thermomagnetic Features of Crust in Southern Parts of the Structural Provinces of Tocantins and São Francisco, Brazil

In the present work we report results of a regional scale investigation of the thermal and magnetic characteristics of the crust in the southern sector of the geologic provinces of Tocantins and Sao Francisco, Brazil. Updated compilations of aeromagnetic and geothermal data sets were employed for this purpose. Use of such techniques as vertical derivative, analytic signal, and Euler deconvolution in analysis of aeromagnetic data has allowed precise locations of the sources of magnetic anomalies and determination of their respective depths. The anomalies in the Tocantins province are considered as arising from variations in the magnetic susceptibilities and remnant magnetizations of alkaline magmatic intrusions of the Tertiary period. The lateral dimensions of the bodies are less than 10 km, and these are found to occur at shallow depths of less than 20 km. On the other hand, the anomalies in the cratonic areas are related to contrasts in magnetic properties of bodies situated at depths greater than 20 km and have spatial dimensions of more than 50 km. Analysis of geothermal data reveals that the cratonic area is characterized by geothermal gradients and heat flow values lower when compared with those of the Tocantins province.
Urinary excretion of ganciclovir contributes to improvement of adenovirus‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Abstract: A nine‐yr‐old girl developed AdV‐associated HC after bone marrow transplantation. Intravenous GCV markedly reduced urinary AdV DNA loads and improved clinical findings. This appeared to result partly from a high concentration of GCV in urine. GCV may be effective for AdV‐induced HC without definitive disseminated infection.
Double apheresis of peripheral blood stem cells in a single day in children mobilized by granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor for transplantation

Abstract: Due to the movement of hematopoietic stem cells through the bone marrow environment, it may be possible to effectively harvest peripheral blood stem cells in a second apheresis within a few hours after a first apheresis. In a retrospective analysis, 107 aphereses were performed in consecutive 33 pediatric and six healthy pediatric donors who received granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor at 10 μg/kg/day or 400 μg/m2/day for five days. The median age and weight of cases were seven yr (range 1–19) and 20 kg (range 8–87). The toxicities related to apheresis procedure were minimal in both aphereses. In 22 double aphereses, the average number of CD34‐positive cells per body weight (kg) collected was 5.3 ± 4.2 (range 0.6–16.6) and 4.7 ± 3.1 (range 0.2–10.9) × 106 in the first and second aphereses, respectively (p = 0.569). Multivariate analysis showed that number of CD34‐positive cells collected in the first apheresis (p = 0.008) was an independent factor of increased CD34‐positive cells in the second apheresis. Double apheresis in a single day was feasible and this procedure may be able to lessen the burden of apheresis compared to two consecutive‐day apheresis.