Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How ‘Fake News’ Affects Autism Policy

Since autism was first recognised, prevalence has increased rapidly. The growing economic as well as social cost to families and society can only be mitigated by effective interventions and supports. It is, therefore, not surprising that there is much heated debate and most governments have developed public policies to address the management of autism. This paper describes how well-known ‘propaganda’ techniques, that have become prevalent in the helping professions have been used to influence autism policies by spreading ‘fake news’ about the scientific discipline of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Over the past 40–50 years, meaningful evidence has accrued showing that interventions based on ABA can help people with autism reach their potential. In view of this, nearly all of North America has laws to mandate that ABA-based interventions are available through their health care systems. In contrast, across Europe there are no such laws. In fact, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body guiding health and social policy in the UK, concluded that it could not find any evidence to support ABA, and therefore could not recommend it. This paper addresses the reasons for these diametrically opposed perspectives.
Occurrence of antibodies reactive with more than one variant of the putative envelope glycoprotein (gp70) hypervariable region 1 in viremic hepatitis C virus-infected patients

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a frequent cause of chronic liver disease. A mechanism proposed as being responsible for virus persistence is evasion of the host immune response through a high mutation rate in crucial regions of the viral genome. We have sequenced the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the virus isolated from three serum samples, collected during 18 months of follow-up, from an asymptomatic HCV-infected patient. A synthetic peptide of 27 amino acids, corresponding to the HVR1 sequence found to be predominant in both the second and third samples, was used as the antigen for detection of antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed reactivity against this HVR1 sequence in the first serum sample before the appearance of the viral isolate in the bloodstream; the reactivity increased in the second and third samples while the cognate viral sequence became predominant. Moreover, our results show that antibodies from all three samples recognize a region mapping at the carboxyl-terminal part of the HVR1 and are cross-reactive with the HVR1 sequence previously found in the same patient. The presence of anti-HVR1 antibodies was investigated in a further 142 HCV patients: 121 viremic and 21 nonviremic. Two synthetic peptides were used, the first corresponding to the sequence derived from the patient described above and the second one synthesized according to the sequence of the HCV BK strain. A high frequency of positive reactions against both HVR1 variants was detected in the samples from the viremic individuals. Finally, antibodies cross-reactive with both variants were shown to be present by competitive ELISA in 6 of 10 viremic patients. The potential negative implications of this observation for the host are discussed.
Experience of using of machine learning methods to identify the left ventricle region in echocardiographic records

The possibility of an ultrasound study of the heart (Echocardiography, EchoCG) is widely used in modern cardiology. This non-invasive technology allows studying cardiac activity of the patient by determining the global contractility of the heart muscle. The methods, which used in echocardiography, require performing manual operations from specially trained medical professionals. A number of researchers are working on the problem of automation of this medical technology. The article shows the way of solving the problem of the left ventricle area identification in echocardiography records with machine learning techniques. The task of the left ventricle delineation is reduced to the problem of pixels classification on video frames. A pixel can belong to one of two classes (the background region or the region of the left ventricle). The possibility of solving the task was tested with the following classifiers: decision tree, gaussian naive Bayes, linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, adaboost classifier, random forest classifier. The assessment of classification results was performed using ROC curves. The best performance was obtained for both algorithms: decision tree classifier (AUC 0.93) and random forest classifier (AUC 0.93).
Beliefs and behaviour about smoking among inflammatory bowel disease patients

Background and aims We investigated the beliefs and behaviours about tobacco among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Materials and methods A questionnaire of 18 items was developed and administered to all consecutive patients followed for IBD at Nancy University Hospital from October 2012 to March 2013. Results Two hundred and thirty-one patients participated in the survey [Crohn’s disease (CD)=171, ulcerative colitis (UC)=60]. Among IBD patients who were smokers at diagnosis, 10.5% of CD patients versus 14.3% of UC patients believed that tobacco could have triggered their IBD; about half the CD smokers at diagnosis were not aware that smoking might promote their disease. Three quarters of smokers after diagnosis knew that tobacco was not beneficial for their CD, whereas all UC were aware that smoking had a beneficial effect on their disease course. About half of the CD patients had stopped smoking during a flare-up. Four former smokers with UC (21.1%) resumed smoking during a relapse. Nearly 90% of IBD current smokers wished to quit smoking. About half the IBD patients were aware of the relation between smoking and IBD, and the Internet was a source for 24.3% of these patients. Conclusion The majority of IBD patients are unaware of the effects of tobacco on their disease. Better information through a therapeutic education programme should be systematically recommended in IBD.
Lean Six Sigma for reducing student dropouts in higher education – an exploratory study

This paper investigates the potential causes behind student dropouts in higher education institutions (HEIs), and explores the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools in reducing dropout rates. This qualitative study used 12 semi-structured interviews with university employees (n = 9) and LSS experts (n = 3), in order to understand the complexity of the student dropout phenomenon and the role of various LSS tools in reducing the dropout rates. Analysis revealed that in order to develop a typology of student dropouts, HEIs have to maintain detailed records and sensitise relevant authorities about the impact of a student’s dropout decision. Though the small number of semi-structured interviews is a limitation of the study, the revelations of HEIs authorities and LSS experts have given new impetus to look at and take action on the issue of student dropouts in HEIs.
IL15 Infusion of Cancer Patients Expands the Subpopulation of Cytotoxic CD56bright NK Cells and Increases NK-Cell Cytokine Release Capabilities

Infusions of the cytokine IL15 in cancer patients altered NK cell populations, favoring CD56bright NK cells and improving cytotoxic activities toward target cells. IL15 infusions may be particularly useful with tumor-targeted antibodies in the treatment of cancer. The cytokine IL15 is required for survival and activation of natural killer (NK) cells as well as expansion of NK-cell populations. Here, we compare the effects of continuous IL15 infusions on NK-cell subpopulations in cancer patients. Infusions affected the CD56bright NK-cell subpopulation in that the expansion rates exceeded those of CD56dim NK-cell populations with a 350-fold increase in their total cell numbers compared with 20-fold expansion for the CD56dim subset. CD56bright NK cells responded with increased cytokine release to various stimuli, as expected given their immunoregulatory functions. Moreover, CD56bright NK cells gained the ability to kill various target cells at levels that are typical for CD56dim NK cells. Some increased cytotoxic activities were also observed for CD56dim NK cells. IL15 infusions induced expression changes on the surface of both NK-cell subsets, resulting in a previously undescribed and similar phenotype. These data suggest that IL15 infusions expand and arm CD56bright NK cells that alone or in combination with tumor-targeting antibodies may be useful in the treatment of cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 929–38. ©2017 AACR.
Potentiation by adenosine of ATP‐evoked dopamine release via a pertussis toxin‐sensitive mechanism in rat phaeochromocytoma PC12 cells

1 The effects of adenosine on adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP)‐evoked dopamine release from rat phaeochromocytoma PC12 cells was investigated to determine whether adenosine exerts a regulatory effect on the ATP‐evoked response. Adenosine potentiated ATP (30 μm)‐evoked dopamine release in a concentration‐dependent manner over a concentration‐range of 1 to 100 μm. Adenosine (100 μm) shifted the concentration‐dependence of the ATP‐evoked response to the left without affecting the maximal response. 2 Aminophylline, a non‐selective adenosine receptor antagonist, and CP66713, a selective antagonist at the A2 subclass of adenosine receptors, abolished the adenosine‐induced potentiation. Furthermore, 8‐cyclopentyltheophylline, a selective antagonist at the adenosine A1 receptor partially inhibited the adenosine‐evoked potentiation. CGS22492, a selective A2 receptor agonist, potentiated ATP‐evoked dopamine release whereas N6‐cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), a selective A1 receptor agonist, had no effect. 3 Pertussis toxin (PTX), a bacterial exotoxin which catalyzes the ADP‐ribosylation of guanosine 5′‐triphosphate (GTP)‐binding proteins (G‐proteins), inhibited the adenosine‐induced potentiation of dopamine release. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db cyclic AMP), an analogue of cyclic AMP, had no effect on the release on the ATP‐evoked response. 4 Adenosine potentiated the ATP‐evoked rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca]i) in PC12 cells. This potentiation was also observed with CGS 22492 but not with CHA. PTX completely inhibited the adenosine‐induced potentiation of the rise in [Ca]i. 5 On the basis of these findings, we suggest that the adenosine‐induced potentiation of ATP‐evoked dopamine release was due to an increase in [Ca]i in the cells. Although the potentiation is most likely mediated by a subclass of A2 receptors, the subclass may be different from those previously reported since the potentiation was sensitive to PTX and was not reproduced by db cyclic AMP.
Understanding Google: Search Engines and the Changing Nature of Access, Thought and Knowledge within a Global Context

This thesis explores the impact of Google’s search engine within contemporary digital culture. Search engines have been studied in various disciplines, for example information retrieval, computer science, law, and new media, yet much of this work remains fixed within disciplinary boundaries. The approach of this thesis is to draw on work from a number of areas in order to link a technical understanding of how search engines function with a wider cultural and philosophical context. In particular, this thesis draws on critical theory in order to attend to the convergence of language, programming, and culture on a global scale. The chapter outline is as follows. Chapter one compares search engine queries to traditional questions. The chapter draws from information retrieval research to provide a technical framework that is brought into contact with philosophy and critical theory, including Plato and Hans-Georg Gadamer. Chapter two investigates search engines as memory aids, deploying a history of memory and exploring practices within oral cultures and mnemonic techniques such as the Ars Memoria. This places search engines within a longer historical context, while drawing on contemporary insights from the philosophy and science of cognition. Chapter three addresses Google’s Autocomplete functionality and chapter four explores the contextual nature of results in order to highlight how different characteristics of users are used to personalise access to the web. These chapters address Google’s role within a global context and the implications for identity and community online. Finally, chapter five explores how Google’s method of generating revenue, through advertising, has a social impact on the web as a whole, particularly when considered through the lens of contemporary Post-Fordist accounts of capitalism. Throughout, this thesis develops a framework for attending to algorithmic cultures and outlines the specific influence that Google has had on the web and continues to have at a global scale.
A role for cytoplasmic determinants in the development of the mouse early embryo?

A role for cytoplasmic determinants in the early development of several organisms has been suggested by results from a variety of studies. Ideally, a demonstration of the existence of determinants requires their transfer between regions of an embryo, but this has been achieved only rarely (see chapters by Nusslein-Volhard and Jackle, this volume). In many cases, the existence of cytoplasmic determinants is inferred indirectly, for example where procedures that disturb the asymmetric arrangement of the cytoplasm also disrupt the normal allocation of cell types, or where a correspondence exists between the prospective fate of a cell and the cytoplasmic endowment it has received (see chapters by Gurdon, Schierenberg, Strome and Kalthoff, this volume). In these latter examples, a heterogeneity within the cell may indeed exist and influence further development, but its nature may preclude direct testing by cytoplasmic transfer, or a regulatory capacity may exist whereby the localization and/or expression of putative determinants can be modified (Jeffery & Raff, 1983; Johnson & Pratt, 1983).
Long‐term clinical outcome of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients in clinical remission phase evaluated at phenotypic level

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long‐term prognostic impact of phenotypic remission in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients who have achieved clinical, haematological and bone‐marrow complete remission (CR) after conventional chemotherapy. The clinical and phenotypic data of 77 CLL patients in CR with a median follow‐up from CR achievement of 54 months (range 5–127) were analysed. 32 patients (42%) displayed a normalized phenotype as evaluated by k:λ ratio or by CD5+/CD19+ cell numbers. Patients with normalized phenotype demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of female sex, a lower relapse rate, a trend for higher prevalence of stage A and a lower occurrence of CLL‐related deaths. The relapse‐free survival of patients with normalized phenotype was significantly longer (P=0.02), whereas no difference in overall survival was found between the two groups. Interestingly, Binet's stage at diagnosis was highly predictive of the overall survival following CR achievement. From the results of the present study we conclude that a phenotype normalization at CR obtained with conventional chemotherapy indicates a higher probability of a longer CR but it does not translate into prolonged survival. Clinical features at diagnosis, such as stage distribution, are apparently stronger predictors of the final outcome. These results emphasize, however, the need for a routine assessment of the quality of response since this information could be crucial in designing therapeutic strategies for young patients suffering from advanced CLL.
Alterations in the structural gene and the expression of p53 in rat liver tumors induced by aflatoxin B1

Rat hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB) treatment were examined for changes in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and in p53 suppressor gene expression. A high proportion of HCCs (nine of 11 tumors in six of eight animals) exhibited new p53 restriction fragments, indicating genomic alterations of one of the p53 alleles. Each tumor with an altered p53 restriction‐fragment pattern exhibited a new fragment in one of two size classes (3 kb or 7 kb with EcoRl digestion) that were missing portions of the 3' end of the p53 gene. These findings indicate that apparently similar genomic rearrangements or deletions occurred independently in AFB‐induced tumors. When compared with nontumor liver tissue from the same animal, the tumors with p53 gene alterations showed dramatically reduced levels of p53 mRNA and protein and greatly increased levels of histone H2B and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (Rb) mRNA. In two HCCs showing no evidence of p53 restriction‐fragment alterations, mutant p53 protein was detected. Mutant protein was also detected in two liver samples containing an adenoma and altered foci. These data suggest that alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene are involved in the induction of rat HCC by AFB. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between TP53 Codon 72 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism and Radiation Sensitivity of Human Fibroblasts

Abstract Alsbeih, G. , Al-Harbi, N. , Al-Buhairi, M. , Al-Hadyan, K. and Al-Hamed, M. Association between TP53 Codon 72 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism and Radiation Sensitivity of Human Fibroblasts. Radiat. Res. 167, 535–540 (2007). Inherent radiosensitivity varies widely between individuals. We hypothesized that amino acid substitution variants in two highly radiation-responsive proteins, TP53 (p53) and CDKN1A (p21, Waf1, Cip1), are associated with and could explain individual variations in radiosensitivity. The two non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) TP53 codon 72 Arg/Pro G>C and CDKN1A codon 31 Ser/Arg C>A were genotyped in 92 normal fibroblast cell strains of different radiosensitivity. The clonogenic surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) ranged between 0.15 and 0.50 (mean = 0.34, SD = 0.08). The mean SF2 was used to divide the cell strains into radiosensitive (45) and normal groups (47). A significant association was observed between SF2 and the TP53 codon 72 haplotype (C compared to G, P = 0.01). No association was observed between CDKN1A codon 31 haplotype and radiosensitivity (P = 0.86). The variant TP53 Arg72 allele was associated with a decrease in radiosensitivity, presumably due to suboptimal function leading to less stringent control of cell division. We conclude that certain SNPs in susceptible genes can influence cellular radiation response. Such risk alleles could ultimately be used as predictive markers for radiosensitivity to help stratifying individuals during assessment of risk of radiation exposure.
Evaluation of two rapid methods for identification of commonly encountered nonfermenting or oxidase-positive, Gram-negative rods

The ability of the expanded API-20E and the Oxi-Ferm System to identify 176 isolates of nonfermenting or oxidase-positive, gram-negative rods from 17 species or groups was studied. The expanded API-20E, without referral to a computer reference center, was able to identify 61.4% of the isolates to the species level. If reference to the computer center was utilized, an additional 25% could be identified. Of the isolates examined, 13.6% were misidentified, partially identified, or assigned no identification. Those assigned to the incorrect genus constituted 0.5% of the isolates tested; those assigned to the correct genus, but the wrong species, constituted 0.5%; 4.5% were placed in the correct genus with no species given; and 7.9% were assigned no identification. The Oxi-Ferm System was able to assign 75% of the isolates to the correct species without further testing, and an additional 19.3% required additional testing for correct identification. Those assigned to the incorrect genus represented 3.4% of the isolates tested; 1.1% were assinged to the correct genus, but the wrong species; and 1.1% were assigned to the correct genus, with no species indicated.
Hospital Acquired Antibiotic-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Infections in a 400-Bed Hospital in Tehran, Iran

Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii is an omnipresent pathogen known as a major agent in healthcare and nosocomoal-associated infections. Its ability to develop resistant pattern to the major and broad spectrum antibiotics is an important issue to be studied. Methods: In this study, 101 strains of Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated from the hospitalized patients during July 2007 to June 2009 in one teaching hospital in the southern Tehran. The identification of Acinetobacter baumannii and resistant pattern was performed by using conventional bacteriological methods and Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Respiratory tract specimens were the most common place of Acinetobacter isolation. The organism was resistant to ceftazidime (96%), ceftizoxime (95%), ceftriaxone (93%), amikacin (58%), gentamicin (68%), co-terimoxazole (85%), and ciprofloxacin (85%). This pattern also pointed that imipenem had the lowest resistance rate (9%). Conclusions: Susceptibility rates of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates to third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, amikacin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) were very low and the rate of resistant Acinetobacter baumannii to imipenem was significant. It would be a good idea to consider surveillance of antibiotic usage and restriction of using broad spectrum antibiotics before development of resistance to these agents.
Evaluation of Patient‐Administered Tampon Specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Background: The patient‐administered tampon specimen has proven to be an easy and sensitive method for the diagnosis of genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in women by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method avoids the need for endocervical sampling and stringent criteria for transport. Goal: To evaluate two commercial amplification systems for the detection of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae from tampon specimens. Study Design: A group of 400 positive and negative tampon specimens tested by an in‐house PCR method were selected from a pool of more than 2000 previously collected tampons. Overall, 93 C trachomatis‐positive and 77 N gonorrhoeae‐positive specimens were evaluated. Each specimen was tested by Roche Cobas Amplicor and Abbott LCx (LCR), and results were compared to the in‐house PCR method. Results: Detection of C trachomatis by both assays was not significantly different from the in‐house PCR assay. Fewer tampons were positive for N gonorrhoeae by LCR than either the in‐house assay (P = 0.0001) or by Roche Amplicor (P = 0.01). However, tampon specimens tested by Roche Amplicor required DNA extraction to achieve comparative sensitivity. Conclusion: Both commercial assays can be applied to tampon‐collected specimens for automated detection of sexually transmitted diseases. The detection of C trachomatis was similar to the in‐house PCR test for both assays (P = 0.73, 0.68). Detection of N gonorrhoeae resulted in fewer positive tampon specimens when tested by ligase chain reaction than both Roche Amplicor and in‐house PCR.