Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Women’s appraisal of the management of vulvodynia by their general practitioner: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Provoked Vulvodynia (PVD) is the most common cause of vulvar pain. General practitioners (GPs) are insufficiently familiar with it, causing a delay in many women receiving correct diagnosis and treatment. Besides patients factors, this delay can partly be explained by the reluctance of GPs to explore the sexual context of PVD and by their negative emotional reactions such as helplessness and frustration when consulted by patients with medically unexplained symptoms like PVD. Objective To gain insight into how women with PVD perceive and evaluate condition management by their GP, in order to support GPs in the consultation of women with PVD. Methods We performed face-to-face in-depth interviews with women diagnosed with PVD. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. The Consolidated Criteria for reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ-criteria) were applied. Results Analysis of the interviews generated four interrelated themes: Doctor-patient relationship, Lack of knowledge, Referral process and Addressing sexual issues. Empathy of the GP, involvement in decision-making and referral were important factors in the appreciation of the consultation for women with PVD who were referred to a specialist. Because women were reluctant to start a discussion about sexuality, they expected a proactive attitude from their GP. The communication with and the competence of the GP ultimately proved more important in the contact than the gender of the GP. Conclusion Women with PVD prefer a patient-centred approach and want GPs to acknowledge their autonomy and to address sexuality proactively.
Cancer immunotherapy with peptide-based vaccines: what have we achieved? Where are we going?

Many human tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have recently been identified and molecularly characterized. When bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules, TAA peptides are recognized by T cells. Clinical studies have therefore been initiated to assess the therapeutic potential of active immunization or vaccination with TAA peptides in patients with metastatic cancer. So far, only a limited number of TAA peptides, mostly those recognized by CD8(+) T cells in melanoma patients, have been clinically tested. In some clinical trials, partial or complete tumor regression was observed in approximately 10%-30% of patients. No serious side effects have been reported. The clinical responses, however, were often not associated with a detectable T-cell-specific antitumor immune response when patients' T cells were evaluated in ex vivo assays. In this review, we analyze the available human TAA peptides, the potential immunogenicity (i.e., the ability to trigger a tumor-specific T-cell response) of TAA peptides in vitro and ex vivo, and the potential to construct slightly modified forms of TAA peptides that have increased T-cell stimulatory activity. We discuss the available data from clinical trials of TAA peptide-based vaccination (including those that used dendritic cells to present TAA peptides), identify possible reasons for the limited clinical efficacy of these vaccines, and suggest ways to improve the clinical outcome of TAA peptide-based vaccination for cancer patients.
Evaluation of mutagenic and anti-mutagenic potential of alpha-lipoic acid by chromosomal aberration assay in mice

Abstract This study investigated both the mutagenicity and anti-mutagenicity of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in the bone marrow cells of mice using a chromosomal aberration assay. Cyclophosphamide (CP) 40 mg/kg was used as a clastogen in the positive control, and a vehicle-treated negative control group was also included. Multiple dose levels (15, 30, and 100 mg/kg of ALA) were given by intraperitoneal injection (IP) alone and in combination with CP (CP was administered 1 h prior to ALA). Bone marrow samples were collected 12 and 24 h after drug administration. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) in bone marrow cells with depressions in the mitotic index (MI) of the positive control group of mice. However, in the groups of mice treated with different doses of ALA in the presence of CP, the percentages of CA decreased significantly with increases in mitotic activity. The results also indicate that ALA given alone in different doses had no mutagenic effect on mouse bone marrow cells. ALA has a dose and time-dependent protective effect against the mutagenicity induced by CP.
Shaping of Drosophila Neural Cell Lineages Through Coordination of Cell Proliferation and Cell Fate by the BTB-ZF Transcription Factor Tramtrack-69

Cell diversity in multicellular organisms relies on coordination between cell proliferation and the acquisition of cell identity. The equilibrium between these two processes is essential to assure the correct number of determined cells at a given time at a given place. Using genetic approaches and correlative microscopy, we show that Tramtrack-69 (Ttk69, a Broad-complex, Tramtrack and Bric-à-brac - Zinc Finger (BTB-ZF) transcription factor ortholog of the human promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger factor) plays an essential role in controlling this balance. In the Drosophila bristle cell lineage, which produces the external sensory organs composed by a neuron and accessory cells, we show that ttk69 loss-of-function leads to supplementary neural-type cells at the expense of accessory cells. Our data indicate that Ttk69 (1) promotes cell cycle exit of newborn terminal cells by downregulating CycE, the principal cyclin involved in S-phase entry, and (2) regulates cell-fate acquisition and terminal differentiation, by downregulating the expression of hamlet and upregulating that of Suppressor of Hairless, two transcription factors involved in neural-fate acquisition and accessory cell differentiation, respectively. Thus, Ttk69 plays a central role in shaping neural cell lineages by integrating molecular mechanisms that regulate progenitor cell cycle exit and cell-fate commitment.
Immune reconstitution following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using different stem cell sources

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adequate immune reconstitution post-HSCT is crucial for the success of transplantation, and can be affected by both patient- and transplant-related factors. Areas covered: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and abstracts of international congresses is performed to investigate immune recovery posttransplant. In this review, we discuss the pattern of immune recovery in the post-transplant period focusing on the impact of stem cell source (bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, and cord blood) on immune recovery and HSCT outcome. We examine the impact of serotherapy on immune reconstitution and the need to tailor dosing of serotherapy agents when using different stem cell sources. We discuss new techniques being used particularly with cord blood and haploidentical grafts to improve immune recovery in each scenario. Expert opinion: Cord blood T cells provide a unique CD4+ biased immune reconstitution. Initial studies using targeted serotherapy with cord grafts showed improved immune recovery with limited alloreactivity. Two competing haploidentical approaches have developed in recent years including TCRαβ/CD19 depleted grafts and post-cyclophosphamide haplo-HSCT. Both approaches have comparable survival rates with limited alloreactivity. However, delayed immune reconstitution is still an ongoing problem and could be improved by modified donor lymphocyte infusions from the same haploidentical donor.
Development of Packaged Ultra-Wideband Bandpass Filters

In this paper, we present a very compact ultra-wideband (UWB) filter (patent pending), which is integrated in a commercial leaded package. This UWB filter is designed through quasi-equally allocating the first three resonant frequencies of the stub-loaded resonator. Input/output excitation is realized by a technique of wire-bonded interdigital capacitors for obtaining strong wideband coupling. After formulating the resonance conditions and analyzing the characteristics of the stub-loaded resonator, an equivalent-circuit topology is developed and a single-stage prototype is fabricated. Measured results agree well with the results generated from both circuit and full-wave simulations. In order to improve the selectivity, two stages of stub-loaded resonators are cascaded. A two-stage prototype is then assembled in a commercial leaded package and measured with a test fixture. Both simulation and measurement results validate our proposed design methods and packaging solutions. This filter is the first demonstration of integrated UWB filters with a commercial package, which can be conveniently applied in UWB communication and radar systems.
Performance analysis of MRC and EGC based cooperative diversity system using incremental relaying

Cooperative diversity decreases the fading in communication system. It comprises of a source, a destination and a relay to do the error analyses. Analysis is done using Equal Gain Combining (EGC) and Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) technique with Incremental Relaying. For a cooperative diversity system employing incremental relaying, it is assumed feedback channel is present to relay from the destination. Receiver sends the feedback to the relay then Incremental relaying works. when the receiver SNR value is below the threshold, the relay forwards source signal to the destination. This achieves better performance than other relaying protocols. The Symbol Error Probability (SEP) with incremental relaying for MRC and EGC Technique is analyzed in closed form.
Emerging Autopoietic Communities - Scalability of Knowledge Transfer in Complex Systems

Knowledge-based communities are important but poorly understood systems for helping enterprises maintain their organizational integrity and address organizational imperatives. Based on an autopoietic theory of organization, we examine the emergence and development of knowledge-based communities at different scales up to large distributed enterprises and industry clusters. Knowledge-based communities are highly complex systems that evolve and mature through the phased emergence of new features and capabilities. Development and support of successfully sustainable communities needs to be based on a better understanding of how these features and capabilities emerge. To comprehend the impact of emergent behavior within and beyond organizational communities requires an understanding of the social or sociological aspects of a system in relation to the explicit formal/physical structures in the organization.
A convolutional neural network for fast upsampling of undersampled tomograms in X-ray CT time-series using a representative highly sampled tomogram

A convolutional neural network has been designed to quickly and accurately upscale the sinograms of X-ray tomograms captured with a low number of projections, effectively increasing the number of projections. This is particularly useful for tomograms that are part of a time-series as, in order to capture fast-occurring temporal events, tomograms have to be collected quickly, requiring a low number of projections. The upscaling process is facilitated using a single tomogram with a high number of projections for training, which is usually captured at the end or the beginning of the time-series when capturing the tomogram quickly is no longer needed.
A genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction of extremely halophilic bacterium Salinibacter ruber

A genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction of Salinibacter ruber DSM13855 is presented here. To our knowledge, this is the first metabolic model of an organism in the phylum Rhodothermaeota. This model, which will be called iMB631, was reconstructed based on genomic and biochemical data available on the strain Salinibacter ruber DSM13855. This network consists of 1459 reactions, 1363 metabolites and 631 genes. Model evaluation was performed based on existing biochemical data in the literature and also by performing laboratory experiments. For growth on different carbon sources, we show that iMB631 is able to correctly predict the growth in 91% of cases where growth has been observed experimentally and 83% of conditions in which S. ruber did not grow. The F-score was 93%, demonstrating a generally acceptable performance of the model. Based on the predicted flux distributions, we found that under certain autotrophic condition, a reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle (rTCA) has fluxes in all necessary reactions to support autotrophic growth. To include special metabolites of the bacterium, salinixanthin biosynthesis pathway was modeled based on the pathway proposed recently. For years, main glucose consumption pathway has been under debates in S. ruber. Using flux balance analysis, iMB631 predicts pentose phosphate pathway, rather than glycolysis, as the active glucose consumption method in the S. ruber.
MIFEPRISTONE TREATMENT FOR MILD AUTONOMOUS CORTISOL SECRETION DUE TO ADRENAL ADENOMAS: A PILOT STUDY.

Objective Adrenal incidentalomas are increasingly detected with the widespread use of thoracic and abdominal imaging. The most common secretory syndrome in adrenal nodules is autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). Recent data show that even mild cortisol excess is associated with adverse outcomes. The glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone has been used in patients with overt Cushing's syndrome and hyperglycemia. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of mifepristone on metabolic parameters in patients with ACS and concomitant prediabetes or diabetes. Methods Eight patients with either unilateral or bilateral adrenal nodules with ACS were included in the study. Fasting laboratory tests including glucose and insulin levels to calculate HOMA-IR were performed at baseline and again after either 3 months (3 patients) or 6 months (5 patients) on mifepristone 300mg daily treatment. Patients also completed several validated surveys on mood and quality of life at baseline and follow up. Results There were significant reductions in fasting glucose measurements and insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR in the 6 of 8 study patients in whom these measurements were available (p-value 0.03). Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates that mifepristone treatment of ACS is associated with a significant decrease in fasting glucose and insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR scores. Mifepristone treatment of ACS may be considered as a medical option for patients with ACS due to adrenal adenomas with concomitant abnormal glucose parameters in whom surgical removal is not being considered.
Complete Genome Sequence of Serratia marcescens Siphophage Scapp

Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that typically infects the respiratory and urinary tract, with the majority of cases being hospital acquired. The study of S. marcescens phages may help control drug-resistant S. marcescens strains. ABSTRACT Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that typically infects the respiratory and urinary tract, with the majority of cases being hospital acquired. The study of S. marcescens phages may help control drug-resistant S. marcescens strains. In this study, we announce the complete genome sequence and the features of S. marcescens siphophage Scapp.
Current Hospital Demographics of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Based on CT Angiography and 3D Rotational Angiography in a Neurosurgical Center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Modern hospital demographics are scarce. We evaluated the diagnosis and treatment of patients with SAH in a neurosurgical referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2013 and April 2015, two hundred eighty-four patients with SAH diagnosed on CT or lumbar puncture were admitted. All patients underwent 64– to 128–detector row CT angiography. Additional imaging was with 3D rotational angiography of all vessels. In patients with aneurysms, characteristics and mode of treatment were recorded. RESULTS: In 197 of 220 patients with an aneurysmal bleeding pattern, we found a cause of the bleeding: One hundred ninety-five patients had a ruptured aneurysm (98%); 1 patient, a micro-AVM; and 1 patient, reversible vasoconstriction syndrome. Of 195 ruptured aneurysms, 6 were dissecting aneurysms and 3 were AVM-associated flow aneurysms. In 23 of 204 patients (11%) with an aneurysmal bleeding pattern and 3D rotational angiography performed, no cause was found. In 8 of 9 patients (89%) with lumbar puncture positive for SAH but CT negative for it, no cause was found. Of 180 patients with a ruptured aneurysm eligible for treatment, 147 (82%) were treated endovascularly and 30 aneurysms (17%) were clipped. Of 204 patients with an aneurysmal bleeding pattern and 3D rotational angiography, 72 (35%) had multiple aneurysms. These 72 patients had, altogether, 117 additional aneurysms, of which 24 (21%) were treated by either coiling or clipping. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides robust data on hospital demographics of SAH in a neurosurgical referral center, based on CTA and 3D rotational angiography of all vessels.
Frequency Hopping Pattern Recognition Algorithms for Wireless Sensor Networks

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) as a communications technique has also been considered as one of security mechanisms to provide a good level of security against eavesdroppers in wireless sensor networking environment. We claim that the version presently used in wireless sensor communications does not yield a high level of security. In this paper, we develop algorithms to break the FHSS hopping patterns. Simulations are performed to verify the algorithms. Results suggest that wireless sensor networking is not secure in its current form.
Stress-Induced Thermoprotection of Neuromuscular Transmission1

Abstract Environmental stresses such as high temperature or low levels of oxygen can lead to structural destabilization of cells, disruption of cellular processes, and, in extreme cases, death. Previous experience of sub-lethal stress can lead to protection during a subsequent stress that may otherwise have been lethal. Synapses are particularly vulnerable to extreme environmental conditions and failure of function at this level may be the primary cause of organismal death. Prior heat shock induces enhanced thermotolerance at neuromuscular junctions in the locust extensor tibiae muscle and in abdominal muscles of larval Drosophila. Synaptic thermoprotection is associated with an increase in short-term plasticity at these synapses. Prior anoxic coma in locusts induces synaptic thermotolerance suggesting that the same protective pathways are activated. It is well established that diverse forms of stress induce the upregulation of cellular chaperones (heat shock proteins; HSPs) that mediate acquired protection. The mechanisms underlying HSP-mediated synaptic protection are currently unknown but evidence is accumulating that stabilization of the cytoskeleton may play an important role.
Interactions between 14 Elements in the Human Placenta, Fetal Membrane and Umbilical Cord

The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between the concentrations of macroelements (Ca), microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) and heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Pb) in the placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord. ‪Furthermore, we examined relationships between the concentrations of these metals in the studied afterbirths and maternal age, gestational age, placenta parameters (breadth, length, weight) and newborn parameters (length, weight and Apgar score). This study confirms previously reported Zn-Cd, Pb-Cd and Ni-Pb interactions in the placenta. New types of interactions in the placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord were also noted. Analysis of the correlations between metal elements in the afterbirths (placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord) and biological parameters showed the following relationships: maternal age and Mn (in the fetal membrane); gestational age and Cr, Fe, Zn (in the fetal membrane), Ag and Cu (in the umbilical cord); newborn’s length and Sr (in the placenta), Ag (in the umbilical cord); newborn’s weight and Sr (in the placenta), Cu (in the fetal membrane), Ag (in the umbilical cord); Apgar score and Ca, Cr and Ni (in the umbilical cord); placenta’s length and Cr and Sn (in the fetal membrane), Cu (in the umbilical cord); placenta’s width and Mo, Pb (in the placenta) and placenta weight and Sr (in the placenta), Ag, Fe, Mn (in the fetal membrane). The results show the influence of metals on the placenta, mother and newborn parameters, and the same point indicates the essential trace elements during the course of pregnancy.
Programmable Active Memories: Recon(cid:12)gurable Systems Come of Age

|Programmable Active Memories (PAM) are a novel form of universal recon(cid:12)gurable hardware co-processor. Based on Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, a PAM is a virtual machine, controlled by a standard micro-processor, which can be dynamically and inde(cid:12)nitely recon-(cid:12)gured into a large number of application-speci(cid:12)c circuits. PAMs o(cid:11)er a new mixture of hardware performance and software versatility. We review the important architectural features of PAMs, through the example of DECPeRLe-1, an experimental device built in 1992. PAM programming is presented, in contrast to classical gate-array and full custom circuit design. Our emphasis is on large, code-generated synchronous systems descriptions; no compromise is made with regard to the performance of the target circuits. We exhibit a dozen applications where PAM technology proves superior, both in performance and cost, to every other existing technology, including supercomputers, massively parallel machines, and conventional custom hardware. The (cid:12)elds covered include computer arithmetic, cryptography, error correction, image analysis, stereo vision, video compression, sound synthesis, neural networks, high-energy physics, thermodynamics, biology and astronomy. At comparable cost, the computing power virtually available in a PAM exceeds that of conventional processors by a facteur 10 to 1000, depending on the speci(cid:12)c application, in 1992. A technology shrink increases the performance gap between conventional processors and PAMs. By Noyce’s law, we predictby how muchtheperformancegap will widen with time.