Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin levels in children with meningitis: a comparison with blood leukocyte count and C-reactive protein.

OBJECTIVES To determine the level of serum procalcitonin, blood leukocyte count (TLC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with bacterial and non bacterial meningitis and document their efficacy in differential diagnosis. Also described are procalcitonin levels variation during treatment. METHODS From March 2005 to February 2008, we evaluated 38 clinically suspected meningitis patients in the paediatric departments, Al-Jedaany Hospital, Jeddah, KSA, for Serum procalcitonin, CRP, TLC and Lumbar punctures and CSF analysis. Patients were classified into bacterial meningitis group I (18) and non bacterial meningitis group II (20). RESULTS Serum PCT levels were significantly higher in bacterial meningitis (BM) {mean 4.8 +/- 3.85 ng/ml (2.9-11.6)} compared with non bacterial meningitis (NBM) {mean 0.38 +/- 0.25 ng/ml (0.31-0.61)} {P < 0.001}. Mean of all CSF parameters, TLC {15,000 +/- 2,900 cell/ml(BM) & 9500 +/- 1105 cell/ml (NBM)} and CRP {20 +/- 6.8 mg/l (BM) & 12.5 +/- 12.0 mg/l (NBM)} showed a zone of overlapping between the two groups. There is a positive correlation between serum PCT, TLC and CRP in bacterial and non bacterial meningitis cases but this relation becomes highly significant with bacterial meningitis positive group. Day 3 and day 6 treatment serum PCT was less than on admission levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION PCT can be used in the early diagnosis of bacterial meningitis and may be a useful adjunct in differentiating bacterial and non bacterial meningitis than CRP or TLC and diminishing the value of lumbar puncture performed 48-72 hours after admission to assess treatment efficacy.
Effect of Artemether on Infectivity of Schistosoma Haematobium Larval Stages to Bulinus Truncatus Snails and to Hamster

The effect of sublethal concentrations of the antihelminthic plant derivative, dihydro- artemisinin methyl ether (Artemether) on the infectivity of the larval stages of Schistosoma haematobium to Bulinus truncatus and to hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) and certain physiological parameters of B. truncatus snails was studied. The results obtained showed infectivity of B. truncatus to infection with S. haematobium miracidia was greatly reduced by exposure to LC0, LC10, LC25 of Artemether and also a reduction in the infectivity of the Schistosome cercariae shed from infected B. truncatus post exposure to sublethal concentrations of Artemether. The present results showed viable Bilharzial egg deposition, with related granulomas of chronic inflammatory cellular collection having a portal location in the liver of hamster infected with S. haematobium cercariae. The results obtained showed also that the glucose level in haemolymph of exposed snails was elevated while glycogen content in the soft tissues of the snails was significantly reduced. Sublethal concentrations of Artemether had strong In vivo and In vitro inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase activity of B. truncatus.
Molecular markers of paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas

Paragangliomas/pheochromocytomas comprise rare tumors that arise from the extra-adrenal paraganglia, with an incidence of about 2 to 8 per million people each year. Approximately 40% of cases are due to genetic mutations in at least one out of more than 30 causative genes. About 2530% of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas develop under the conditions of a hereditary tumor syndrome a third of which are caused by mutations in the VHL gene. Together, the gene mutations in this disorder have implicated multiple processes including signaling pathways, translation initiation, hypoxia regulation, protein synthesis, differentiation, survival, proliferation, and cell growth. The present review contemplates the mutations associated with the development of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas and their potential to serve as specific markers of these tumors and their progression. These data will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of these tumors and likely reveal certain features that may be useful for early diagnostics, malignancy prognostics, and the determination of new targets for disease therapeutics.
Lower bounds for adaptive locally decodable codes

An error‐correcting code is said to be locally decodable if a randomized algorithm can recover any single bit of a message by reading only a small number of symbols of a possibly corrupted encoding of the message. Katz and Trevisan On the efficiency of local decoding procedures for error correcting codes, STOC, 2000, pp. 80–86 showed that any such code C : {0, 1}n → Σm with a decoding algorithm that makes at most q probes must satisfy m = Ω((n/log |Σ|)q/(q−1)). They assumed that the decoding algorithm is non‐adaptive, and left open the question of proving similar bounds for adaptive decoders. We show m = Ω((n/log |Σ|)q/(q−1)) without assuming that the decoder is nonadaptive. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2005
Nursing and midwifery use, perceptions and barriers to evidence-based practice: a cross-sectional survey

Aim: The study aimed to explore how nurses and midwives obtain, use and embed evidence in everyday practice. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional survey method. The setting was one local health district in metropolitan Sydney, Australia. All nurses and midwives working within the local health district, with access to an email account, were invited to participate in the study. An online survey questionnaire was distributed to explore how evidence is obtained, used and embedded within the clinical setting. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages). Pearson's Chi-square tests were used for comparison between groups. Results: There were 204 survey respondents. The findings identified that the majority (n = 157; 76.96%) of respondents obtained evidence primarily from clinical practice guidelines. The majority (n = 149; 73.04%) of respondents reportedly searched databases and used evidence related to general clinical practice. There was a statistical difference (&khgr;2 = 17.069; df = 8; P = 0.029) when comparing leadership positions and other registered practitioner groups in the frequency of searching for evidence. Most respondents (n = 138; 67.65%) were confident in their ability to change practice on the basis of available evidence. Thematic analysis identified four barriers to sustaining evidence-based practice, which included: the need for time; the need for organizational and management support; the need for educational opportunities and challenges to accessing evidence. Conclusion: The study provided an understanding of how nurses and midwives obtain, use and embed evidence into everyday practice. More importantly, the role of leadership is significant to support a process of knowledge generation, research translation and the implementation of evidence into clinical settings.
Recent Advances: The Imbalance of Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cytokines play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, where they drive and regulate multiple aspects of intestinal inflammation. The imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines that occurs in IBD results in disease progression and tissue damage and limits the resolution of inflammation. Targeting cytokines have been novel strategies in the treatment of IBD. Recent studies show the beneficial effects of anticytokine treatments to IBD patients, and multiple novel cytokines are found to be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances of novel biologics in clinics and clinical trials, and novel proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines found in IBD with focusing on IL-12 family and IL-1 family members as well as their relevance to the potential therapy of IBD.
Dual-Modal Tactile Perception and Exploration

Tactile sensing is required for human-like control with robotic manipulators. Multimodality is an essential component for these tactile sensors, for robots to achieve both the perceptual accuracy required for precise control, as well as the robustness to maintain a stable grasp without causing damage to the object or the robot itself. In this study, we present a cheap, 3D-printed, compliant, dual-modal, optical tactile sensor that is capable of both high (temporal) speed sensing, analogous to pain reception in humans and high (spatial) resolution sensing, analogous to the sensing provided by Merkel cell complexes in the human fingertip. We apply three tasks for testing the sensing capabilities in both modes; first, a depth modulation task, requiring the robot to follow a target trajectory using the high-speed mode; second, a high-resolution perception task, where the sensor perceives angle and radial position relative to an object edge; and third, a tactile exploration task, where the robot uses the high-resolution mode to perceive an edge and subsequently follow the object contour. The robot is capable of modulating contact depth using the high-speed mode, high accuracy in the perception task, and accurate control using the high-resolution mode.
Disjunctive logic programs with existential quantification in rule heads

Abstract We consider disjunctive logic programs without function symbols but with existential quantification in rule heads, under the semantics of general stable models. There are at least two interesting prospects in these programs. The first is that a program can be made more succinct by using existential variables, and the second is on the potential in representing defeasible ontological knowledge by these logic programs. This paper studies some of the properties of these programs. First, we show a simple yet intuitive definition of stable models for these programs that does not resort to second-order logic. Second, the stable models of these programs can be characterized by an extension of progression for disjunctive programs, which provides a native characterization of justification for stable models. We then study the decidability issue. While the stable model existence problem for safe disjunctive programs is decidable, with existential quantification allowed in rule heads the problem becomes undecidable. We identify an interesting decidable fragment by exploring a new notion of stratification over existential quantification.
Probing protein flexibility reveals a mechanism for selective promiscuity

Many eukaryotic regulatory proteins adopt distinct bound and unbound conformations, and use this structural flexibility to bind specifically to multiple partners. However, we lack an understanding of how an interface can select some ligands, but not others. Here, we present a molecular dynamics approach to identify and quantitatively evaluate the interactions responsible for this selective promiscuity. We apply this approach to the anticancer target PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. We discover that while unbound PD-1 exhibits a hard-to-drug hydrophilic interface, conserved specific triggers encoded in the cognate ligands activate a promiscuous binding pathway that reveals a flexible hydrophobic binding cavity. Specificity is then established by additional contacts that stabilize the PD-1 cavity into distinct bound-like modes. Collectively, our studies provide insight into the structural basis and evolution of multiple binding partners, and also suggest a biophysical approach to exploit innate binding pathways to drug seemingly undruggable targets. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.22889. 001
Effects of maleated-PLA compatibilizer on the properties of poly(lactic acid)/halloysite clay composites

A series of maleic anhydride grafted poly(lactic acid) (PLA-g-MAH) was prepared by mixing PLA, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and maleic anhydride (MAH). Effects of DCP and MAH concentration on the grafting percentage were determined. PLA composites were prepared via melt mixing with halloysite clay (HNC; 3 wt%) and various amount of PLA-g-MAH (4–10 phr) using internal mixer followed by compression molding. Properties of the PLA composites were characterized using three-point bending flexural tests, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the grafting percentage of PLA-g-MAH was influenced by both DCP and MAH concentrations; however, DCP showed more profound effect. By the addition of PLA-g-MAH, the adhesion between PLA and HNC improved, which can be manifested by the enhancement in flexural properties. Degree of crystallinity of PLA/HNC increased significantly by the addition of PLA-g-MAH.
Effect of spinal orthoses and postural taping on balance, gait and quality of life in older people with thoracic hyperkyphosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common spinal disorders in older people, creating impairment, postural instability, gait disorders and a reduced quality of life. The use of spinal orthoses and/or postural taping may be feasible conservative interventions, but their efficacy is uncertain. The aim of this review is therefore to investigate the effectiveness of spinal orthoses and taping on the balance and gait of older people with hyperkyphosis. Methods and analysis We will include randomised controlled trials and clinical trial studies which assess the efficacy of spinal orthoses and taping using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) outcome measures in older people with hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine. A search will be performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Knowledge, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, REHAB DATA and RECAL databases with no restriction of language. Two independent reviewers will perform the study selection and data extraction. Quality assessment will be implemented using modified Down and Black checklists. Publication bias and data synthesis will be assessed by funnel plots, Begg’s and Egger’s tests, and plots using STATA software V.12. 1 version. Ethics and dissemination No ethical issues are predicted. These findings will be published in a peer reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences. PROSPERO registration number CRD42016045880.
Effects of extended-release naltrexone on the brain response to drug-related stimuli in patients with opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND Heightened response to drug-related cues is a hallmark of addiction. Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy for relapse prevention in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). In these patients, XR-NTX has been shown to reduce brain responses to opioid-related visual stimuli. To assess the biomarker potential of this phenomenon, it is necessary to determine whether this effect is limited to opioid-related stimuli and whether it is associated with key OUD symptoms. METHODS Using functional MRI (fMRI), we measured the brain responses to opioid-related and control (i.e., sexual and aversive) images in detoxified patients with OUD before, during and after XR-NTX treatment. Craving and withdrawal severity were evaluated using clinician- and self-administered instruments during each session. RESULTS We included 24 patients with OUD in our analysis. During XR-NTX treatment, we found reduced responses to opioid-related stimuli in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC). The reduction in mOFC response was specific to the opioid-related stimuli. The reduced NAcc and mOFC opioid cue reactivity was correlated with reduction in clinician-assessed and self-reported withdrawal symptoms, respectively. LIMITATIONS The study was not placebo-controlled owing to ethical, safety and feasibility concerns. CONCLUSION Extended-release naltrexone reduces the NAcc and mOFC cue reactivity in patients with OUD. This effect is specific to opioid-related stimuli in the mOFC only. The reduction in neural response to opioid-related stimuli is more robust in patients with greater decline in withdrawal severity. Our results support the clinical utility of mesocorticolimbic cue reactivity in monitoring the XR-NTX treatment outcomes and highlight the link between opioid withdrawal symptomatology and neural opioid cue reactivity.
The Microbiota, the Gut and the Brain in Eating and Alcohol Use Disorders: A ‘Ménage à Trois’?

Aims Accumulating evidence for the influence of the gut microbiota on the bidirectional communication along the gut-brain axis suggests a role of the gut microbiota in eating disorders (EDs) and alcohol and substance use disorders. The potential influence of altered gut microbiota (dysbiosis) on behaviors associated with such disorders may have implications for developing therapeutic interventions. Methods A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies evaluating the gut microbiota, EDs and alcohol and substance use disorders was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases with the objective being to examine the role of the gut microbiota in behavioral correlates of these disorders. Original papers focused on the gut microbiota and potential behavioral implications were deemed eligible for consideration. Results The resulting 12 publications were limited to gut microbiota studies related to EDs and alcohol and substance use disorders. Some studies suggest that dysbiosis and gut microbial byproducts may influence the pathophysiology of EDs via direct and indirect interference with peptide hormone signaling. Additionally, dysbiosis was shown to be correlated with alcohol use disorder-related symptoms, i.e. craving, depression and anxiety. Finally, a mouse study suggests that manipulations in the gut microbiota may affect cocaine-related behaviors. Conclusions Promising, albeit preliminary, findings suggest a potential role of the gut microbiota in behavioral correlates of EDs and alcohol and substance use disorders. Short summary Preliminary evidence exists supporting the role of the gut microbiota in eating disorders and alcohol and substance use disorders, although additional investigation is needed to determine what is causative versus epiphenomenological.
Linked health data for pharmacovigilance in children: perceived legal and ethical issues for stakeholders and data guardians

Objective The inclusion of the Community Health Index in the recording of National Health Service (NHS) contacts in Scotland facilitates national linkage of data such as prescribing and healthcare utilisation. This linkage could be the basis for identification of adverse drug reactions. The aim of this article is to report the views of healthcare professionals on data sharing, ownership and the legal and other applicable frameworks relevant to linkage of routinely collected paediatric healthcare data. Design Qualitative study using semistructured face-to-face interviews addressing the study aims. Participants Purposive sample of professional stakeholders (n=25) including experts on ethics, data protection, pharmacovigilance, data linkage, legal issues and prescribing. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using a framework approach. Results Participants identified existing data sharing systems in the UK. Access to healthcare data should be approved by the data owners. The definition of data ownership and associated legal responsibilities for linked healthcare data were seen as important factors to ensure accountability for the use of linked data. Yet data owners were seen as facilitators of the proposed data linkage. Twelve frameworks (legal, regulatory and governance) applicable to the linkage of healthcare data were identified. Conclusions A large number of potentially relevant legal and regulatory frameworks were identified. Ownership of the linked data was seen as an extension of responsibility for, or guardianship of, the source datasets. The consensus emerging from the present study was that clarity is required on the definition of data sharing, data ownership and responsibilities of data owners.
Novel and heteroplasmic mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes in Brugada syndrome.

BACKGROUND Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare cardiac arrhythmia characterized by sudden death associated with electrocardiogram patterns characterized by incomplete right bundle-branch block and ST-segment elevations in the anterior precordial leads. This syndrome predominantly is seen in younger males with structurally normal hearts. Mitochondrial variants particularly mt-tRNA mutations, are hot spots that lead to cardiological disorders. Previous studies have shown that mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes play an important causal or modifying role in BrS. The present study aims to evaluate the involvement of mitochondrial tRNA genes in arrhythmogenic BrS. METHODS In this study, 40 Iranian patients were investigated for the presence of the mutations in 6 mitochondrial tRNA genes (tRNA Ile, Met, Gln, Asn, Ala and Trp) by PCR-SSCP analysis. RESULTS There were 4 mutations in tRNA genes, that for first time, were found in BrS patients and these mutations were not in controls. Three of them were heteroplasmic and located in tRNAGln (T4377A) and tRNAMet (G4407A and C4456T) which were assessed as pathogenic mutations. A homo-plasmic variant (5580T > C) in tRNATrp gene was located within the junction region between tRNATrp and tRNAAla genes. This mutation may disturb the processing of mt-tRNATrp. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that mutations in mitochondrial tRNA genes might lead to deficiencies in translational process of critical proteins of the respiratory chain and potentially lead to BrS in Iranian subjects. (Cardiol J 2018; 25, 1: 113-119).
Electrical Studies of Semiconductor-Nanocrystal Colloids

The study of nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals has been advancing at a rapid pace. Much of the interest in these materials stems from the fact that their physical and chemical properties can be systematically tuned by variation of the size, according to increasingly well-established scaling laws. This article describes colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals belonging to the II-VI and III-V families, and outlines strategies for obtaining electrical access to such dots. If an inorganic cluster exceeds a certain size—generally in the 10s of unit cells—then it will likely possess a bonding geometry characteristic of a bulk phase. Above this critical size, the nature of the chemical bonds in the cluster remains fixed as a function of the size, but the total number of atoms—or the surface to volume ratio—changes smoothly. This leads to a slow extrapolation of the properties for ideal nanocrystals toward bulk values with increasing size, according to the scaling laws. The ability to control systematically the properties of inorganic materials by variation of size and shape is an important development with many implications for how materials should be processed and assembled. Many scaling laws have been investigated, including the size variation of bandgap, charging energy, magnetization reversal, and melting. Study of the scaling laws reveals lessons for how to make nanocrystals. This article focuses on the properties of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, how to make them, and ways of gaining electrical access to them. Advances in metal, magnetic, and structural nanomaterials are also occurring. Semiconductor dots produced by other processing techniques in the articles by Bimberg, Gammon, and Tarucha in this issue.