Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Preeclampsia, and Intrauterine Mortality at High Altitude in Bolivia

Infant mortality and stillbirth rates in Bolivia are high and birth weights are low compared with other South American countries. Most Bolivians live at altitudes of 2500 m or higher. We sought to determine the impact of high altitude on the frequency of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and other pregnancy-related complications in Bolivia. We then asked whether increased preeclampsia and gestational hypertension at high altitude contributed to low birth weight and increased stillbirths. We performed a retrospective cohort study of women receiving prenatal care at low (300 m, Santa Cruz, n = 813) and high altitude (3600 m, La Paz, n = 1607) in Bolivia from 1996 to 1999. Compared with babies born at low altitude, high-altitude babies weighed less (3084 ± 12 g versus 3366 ± 18 g, p < 0.01) and had a greater occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction [16.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 14.9-18.6 versus 5.9%; 95% CI: 4.2-7.5; p < 0.01]. Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension were 1.7 times (95% CI: 1.3-2.3) more frequent at high altitude and 2.2 times (95% CI: 1.4-3.5) more frequent among primiparous women. Both high altitude and hypertensive complications independently reduced birth weight. All maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications surveyed were more frequent at high than low altitude, including fetal distress (odds ratio, 7.3; 95% CI: 3.9-13.6) and newborn respiratory distress (odds ratio, 7.3; 95% CI: 3.9-13.6; p < 0.01). Hypertensive complications of pregnancy raised the risk of stillbirth at high (odds ratio, 6.0; 95% CI: 2.2-16.2) but not at low altitude (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% CI: 0.2-17.5). These findings suggest that high altitude is an important factor worsening intrauterine mortality and maternal and infant health in Bolivia.
Trouble de stress post-traumatique chez les jeunes enfants

Introduction Le trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT) est l’un des troubles mentaux les plus graves et debilitants qui puisse apparaitre suite a un traumatisme. La recherche indique que le TSPT se manifeste typiquement, chez les jeunes enfants tout comme chez les enfants plus âges et les adolescents, par ces trois classes caracteristiques de symptomes : reviviscence de l’evenement (par ex. lors de cauchemars ou de jeux post-traumatiques), evitement des elements qui rappellent l’evenement et hypereveil ou hypervigilance physiologique (par ex., irritabilite, perturbation du sommeil, tendance exageree aux sursauts). Cependant, la recherche a montre que les criteres diagnostiques du TSPT de la 4 edition du Manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux (DSM-IV-TR) ne rendent pas compte des symptomes tels qu’ils se manifestent chez les nourrissons et les enfants d’âge prescolaire et que ces criteres sous-estiment le nombre d’enfants souffrant de detresse et de limitations suite a un traumatisme. Depuis, un nombre croissant d’etudes a genere des resultats justifiant l’inclusion d’un sous-type de TSPT dans le DSM-V pour les enfants d’âge prescolaire.
A canonical problem in electromagnetic backscattering from buildings

In this paper, a geometric and electromagnetic model of a typical element of urban structure is presented, in order to analytically evaluate in closed form its electromagnetic return to an active microwave sensor. This model can be used to understand what information on geometric and dielectric properties of a building can be extracted from microwave remote sensing data. The geometrical model consists of a rectangular parallelepiped whose vertical walls form a generic angle with respect to the sensor line of flight. The parallelepiped is placed on a rough surface. The radar return from such a structure can be decomposed into single-scattering contributions from the (rough) ground, the building roof (a plane surface in our model), and vertical walls and multiple scattering contributions from dihedral structures formed by vertical walls and ground. In our model, single-scattering contributions are evaluated by using either physical optics (PO) or geometrical optics (GO), depending on surface roughness. In order to account for multiple scattering between buildings and terrain, we use GO to evaluate the field reflected by the smooth wall toward the ground (first bounce) or the sensor (second or third bounce) and GO or PO (according to ground surface roughness) to evaluate the field scattered by the ground toward the wall (first or second bounce) or the sensor (second bounce). Finally, the above model is used to analyze the field backscattered from a building as a function of the main scene parameters; in particular, the angle between vertical walls and sensor line of night and the dependence on the look angle are analyzed.
Adaptation of visually evoked responses of relay cells in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat following prolonged exposure to drifting gratings

Abstract Adaptation of visual cortical cells' responses is observed following repeated presentation of grating stimuli. Grating adaptation is believed to exist only at the cortical level. The purpose of this study was to see if grating adaptation also occurs in the lateral geniculate nucleus. We studied the responses of 164 relay cells in layer A and A1 of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) to grating stimuli. Normal cats, as well as cats in which visual cortex was ablated, were studied. Adaptation was investigated using repeated presentation of gratings of different contrasts and orientations. The results showed the following: (1) Grating adaptation reduced the responses of 46% of the LGNd cells recorded. The responses normally decreased within 30 s and then stabilized. However, there was heterogeneity in the effects observed. About 38% of the cells studied were not affected by the adapting gratings. Some cells (16%) showed facilitation rather than habituation of their responses to test stimuli. (2) There was no significant difference between X and Y cells in their susceptibility to adaptation. This suggests that grating adaptation is a general property, independent of cell type. (3) The contrast-response curves of 57% of the LGNd cells studied shifted down after exposure to high-contrast adapting gratings. (4) Adapting gratings of the cells' preferred orientation decreased the orientation sensitivity of 56% of the orientation-sensitive cells. Adapting gratings at the nonpreferred orientation did not affect orientation sensitivity. (5) Prolonged grating adaptation also reduced the responses of 49% of the LGNd cells after inactivation of cortical inputs to the LGNd.
Unambiguous regiochemical assignment of sulfoquinovosyl mono- and diacylglycerols in parsley and spinach leaves by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization sequential mass spectrometry assisted by regioselective enzymatic hydrolysis.

RATIONALE Sulfoquinovosylmonoglycerides (SQMG) and sulfoquinovosyldiglycerides (SQDG) in the lipid extracts of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves were investigated. The aim of this work was to assess and establish the chemical characterization of fatty acyl chains in sulfolipids (SQMG and SQDG) and their regiochemistry. METHODS A key component of this approach is a combination of hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by Lecitase® Ultra, which is a sn1 -regioselective hydrolase enzyme, and reversed-phase liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and sequential mass spectrometry (RPLC/ESI-MS) by collision-induced dissociation (CID)-MSn (n = 2, 3). RESULTS The occurrence of SQMG bearing 16:0 or 18:3 acyl chains was established for the first time. A regiochemistry-dependent fragmentation pattern of SQMG was attained whereby the sulfoquinovosyl anion ([C6 H11 O8 S]- at m/z 243.0) provides a diagnostic product ion. Regioselective enzymatic treatment also provided a posteriori confirmation of a widely accepted fragmentation rule for SQDG. The sulfoquinovosyl anion was found to play a role also in the fragmentation pattern of SQDG, whose regiochemical assignment could be ultimately confirmed by MS3 experiments. CONCLUSIONS The predominant sulfolipid in leaf extracts of raw parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was identified as SQDG 18:3/16:0, along with SQMG 18:3/0:0 and SQMG 16:0/0:0. The present CID-MS-based method can be considered a successful approach to validate the regiochemical characterization of sulfolipids paving the way for their unambiguous characterization.
Trust in physicians and elements of the medical interaction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE To identify components of the patient-doctor relationship associated with trust in physicians. METHODS We assessed 102 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seen at publicly funded hospitals in Houston, Texas. Patients completed a self-response survey examining patient perceptions of the medical encounter and trust in their physicians. Evaluated components of physicians' behaviors included: informativeness, sensitivity to concerns, reassurance and support, patient-centeredness, and participatory decision-making style. Scales were scored 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more positive perceptions of communication. RESULTS Seventy patients had RA and 32 SLE; 25% were white, 43% Latino, 31% African American, and 75% were female. Mean scores for the medical interaction and trust scales ranged from 6.2-7.1, indicating moderate degrees of positive perceptions. All components were highly and positively correlated with each other, and with trust, suggesting that these traits are all elements of a positive style of doctor-patient communication. In multivariate analysis, ethnicity, physicians' informativeness, physicians' sensitivity to concerns, patient-centeredness, disease activity, and patient trust in the US health care system were independent predictors of trust in physicians. A separate model examined the predictors of patient disclosure of information. Patient perceptions of physicians' patient-centeredness and severity of disease activity were independently predictive of patient disclosure of information. CONCLUSION In patients with SLE and RA, trust in physicians is significantly associated with patients' ethnicity and their perceptions about specific components of physicians' communication style. Trust in physicians can be improved by using a patient-centered approach, being sensitive to patient concerns, and providing adequate clinical information. Furthermore, patients appear to be more willing to disclose concerns when physicians use a patient-centered communication style.
Disruption of the Plasmodium falciparum liver‐stage antigen‐1 locus causes a differentiation defect in late liver‐stage parasites

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum infects humans and first targets the liver where liver‐stage parasites undergo pre‐erythrocytic replication. Liver‐stage antigen‐1 (LSA‐1) is currently the only identified P. falciparum protein for which expression is restricted to liver stages. Yet, the importance of LSA‐1 for liver‐stage parasite development remains unknown. Here we deleted LSA‐1 in the NF54 strain of P. falciparum and analysed the lsa‐1‐ parasites throughout their life cycle. lsa‐1‐ sporozoites had normal gliding motility and invasion into hepatocytes. Six days after infection of a hepatocytic cell line, lsa‐1‐ parasites exhibited a moderate phenotype with an ∼50% reduction of late liver‐stage forms when compared with wild type. Strikingly, lsa‐1‐ parasites growing in SCID/Alb‐uPA mice with humanized livers showed a severe defect in late liver‐stage differentiation and exo‐erythrocytic merozoite formation 7 days after infection, a time point when wild‐type parasites develop into mature merozoites. The lsa‐1‐ parasites also showed aberrant liver‐stage expression of key parasite proteins apical membrane antigen‐1 and circumsporozoite protein. Our data show that LSA‐1 plays a critical role during late liver‐stage schizogony and is thus important in the parasite transition from the liver to blood. LSA‐1 is the first P. falciparum protein identified to be required for this transitional stage of the parasite life cycle.
Haplotype preference in lymphocyte differentiation. I. Development of haplotype-specific helper and suppressor activities in F1 hybrid-activated T cell populations.

An experimental protocol was designed to study the regulatory activity of carrier-specific F 1 hybrid T cells prepared by immunization of unprimed thymocytes within the environment of one or the other of the parental haplotypes. Thus, normal (BALB/c × A/J) F 1 (CAF 1 ) thymocytes were transferred into irradiated CAF 1 hybrids or parental A/J or BALB/c recipients and primed to KLH. The resulting KLH-specific activated T cells (ATC) were then co-transferred with DNP-specific B cells obtained from CAF 1 , BALB/c or A/J donors into irradiated CAF 1 recipients which were then secondarily challenged with DNP-KLH. The result of this type of experiment revealed that KLH-primed CAF 1 ATC primed in a CAF 1 recipient provide comparable helper activity for DNP-primed B cells obtained from either parent or from F 1 donors. In contrast, CAF 1 ATC primed in parental A/J recipients were found to cooperate considerably better with B cells derived from A/J than from BALB/c donors, and vice-versa in the case of CAF 1 ATC primed in parental BALB/c recipients. The crucial, and unexpected, observation was that CAF 1 ATC prepared in either parental strain failed to provide adequate helper activity for CAF 1 B cells. These findings suggested the possibility that during the course of priming of F 1 T cells in the environment of one of the parents: 1) helper T cells are generated capable of preferentially cooperating with B cells of the same parental haplotype as used for priming; and 2) suppressor cells are generated capable of preferentially interacting with lymphoid cells bearing the opposite parental haplotype. Indeed, strong evidence was found that suppressor cell activity directed against the opposite parental haplotype does exist in populations of CAF 1 ATC prepared in either parental strain, as shown by the capacity of such ATC to inhibit the cooperative response between conventionally primed CAF 1 spleen cells and DNP-primed B cells bearing the relevant parental haplotype. Moreover, CAF 1 thymocytes exposed in situ to low-dose ionizing irradiation before priming manifested even greater suppressive activity measured in this manner. These observations can be most readily understood by the concept that a population of lymphocytes heterozygous at the major histocompatibility locus consists, either before or after antigen encounter, of separate populations of regulatory lymphocytes, one of which is genetically restricted in its capacity to interact with lymphoid cells bearing one of the parental haplotypes, and a second which is genetically restricted to interact only with lymphoid cells possessing the opposite parental haplotype. The basis of this cellular dichotomy may involve the “restricted expression” of cell interaction (CI) genes and their molecular products in these respective lymphoid subpopulations.
Protonmotive force, ExbB and ligand‐bound FepA drive conformational changes in TonB

TonB couples the cytoplasmic membrane protonmotive force (pmf) to active transport across the outer membrane, potentially through a series of conformational changes. Previous studies of a TonB transmembrane domain mutant (TonB‐ΔV17) and its phenotypical suppressor (ExbB‐A39E) suggested that TonB is conformationally sensitive. Here, two new mutations of the conserved TonB transmembrane domain SHLS motif were isolated, TonB‐S16L and ‐H20Y, as were two new suppressors, ExbB‐V35E and ‐V36D. Each suppressor ExbB restored at least partial function to the TonB mutants, although TonB‐ΔV17, for which both the conserved motif and the register of the predicted transmembrane domain α‐helix are affected, was the most refractory. As demonstrated previously, TonB can undergo at least one conformational change, provided both ExbB and a functional TonB transmembrane domain are present. Here, we show that this conformational change reflects the ability of TonB to respond to the cytoplasmic membrane proton gradient, and occurs in proportion to the level of TonB activity attained by mutant–suppressor pairs. The phenotype of TonB‐ΔV17 was more complex than the ‐S16L and ‐H20Y mutations, in that, beyond the inability to be energized efficiently, it was also conditionally unstable. This second defect was evident only after suppression by the ExbB mutants, which allow transmembrane domain mutants to be energized, and presented as the rapid turnover of TonB‐ΔV17. Importantly, this degradation was dependent upon the presence of a TonB‐dependent ligand, suggesting that TonB conformation also changes following the energy transduction event. Together, these observations support a dynamic model of energy transduction in which TonB cycles through a set of conformations that differ in potential energy, with a transition to a higher energy state driven by pmf and a transition to a lower energy state accompanying release of stored potential energy to an outer membrane receptor.
The relationship between attention, executive functions and reading domain abilities in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and reading disorder: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND Co-morbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading disorder (RD) is frequent. The objective of this investigation was to assess the potential uniqueness of co-morbid ADHD + RD and extend existing findings to the Hebrew language. METHOD A parallel group design with post-hoc analysis of group differences was employed comparing four groups of children (19 ADHD, 17 RD, 27 ADHD + RD, and 23 controls) on reading measures, attention and executive functions (EF) as well as functions of phonemic awareness and rapid naming. Forward stepwise regressions were run in order to delineate significant relationships between phonemic awareness, rapid naming, attention and EF with outcome variables of reading. RESULTS The co-morbid group shared the basic characteristic impairments in attention and executive functions with the pure ADHD group and in reading domain functions with the pure RD group. In addition, this group showed unique deficits in rapid naming and a more severe impairment in working memory. Forward stepwise regression pointed to associations between executive functions and word reading accuracy in children with ADHD, in contrast to associations between linguistic functions and word accuracy in non-ADHD. CONCLUSION The combination of cognitive deficits in the subgroup of children with both ADHD and RD and the relationship between accuracy in word decoding and executive functions shown for the ADHD groups point to a distinct clinical profile of the co-morbid condition. Attention and EF should be considered in the diagnosis of RD and in the remediation protocol.
Are Early Cannulation Arteriovenous Grafts (ecAVG) a Viable Alternative to Tunnelled Central venous Catheters (TCVCs)? An Observational “Virtual Study” and Budget Impact Analysis

Background Early cannulation arteriovenous grafts (ecAVGs) are advocated as an alternative to tunnelled central venous catheters (TCVCs). A real-time observational “virtual study” and budget impact model was performed to evaluate a strategy of ecAVG as a replacement to TCVC as a bridge to definitive access creation. Methodology Data on complications and access-related bed days was collected prospectively for all TCVCs inserted over a six-month period (n = 101). The feasibility and acceptability of an alternative strategy (ecAVGs) was also evaluated. A budget impact model comparing the two strategies was performed. Autologous access in the form of native fistula was the goal wherever possible. Results We found 34.7% (n = 35) of TCVCs developed significant complications (including 17 culture-proven bacteraemia and one death from line sepsis). Patients spent an average of 11.9 days/patient/year in hospital as a result of access-related complications. The wait for TCVC insertion delayed discharge in 35 patients (median: 6 days). The ecAVGs were a practical and acceptable alternative to TCVCs in over 80% of patients. Over a 6-month period, total treatment costs per patient wereGBP5882 in the TCVC strategy and GBP4954 in the ecAVG strategy, delivering potential savings of GBP927 per patient. The ecAVGs had higher procedure and re-intervention costs (GBP3014 vs. GBP1836); however, these were offset by significant reductions in septicaemia treatment costs (GBP1322 vs. GBP2176) and in-patient waiting time bed costs (GBP619 vs. GBP1870). Conclusions Adopting ecAVGs as an alternative to TCVCs in patients requiring immediate access for haemodialysis may provide better individual patient care and deliver cost savings to the hospital.
Histology as a treatment effect modifier in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: A systematic review of the evidence

Background and objective: We conducted a systematic review of prospective, randomized, controlled trials (RCT) to examine whether histology had a treatment modifying effect (TME) on the efficacy outcomes of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with advanced (stage IIIB‐IV) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Coded Excitation and Annular Arrays for High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging

High-frequency ultrasound (HFU) shows promises for with fine-resolution imaging. However, the limited depth of field (DOF) and penetration depth of HFU waves mitigates in significance for clinical evaluation. The aim of this study is to use modern annular transducer technology and coded excitation to simultaneously improve DOF and penetration depth. A 20-MHz, five-element annular array with a focal length of 18 mm and a total aperture of 6 mm was custom made using a 25-mum thick polyvinylidene fluoride membrane. The annular array was excited by a 8-mus coded signal to image a phantom made of seven regularly spaced 25-mum wire. The coded signal was a chirp linearly spanning the frequency range to 40 MHz. Results of this study demonstrate that the DOF can be improved by factor of 3 and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can improved by more than 24 dB with coded-excitation methodologies. The increased SNR offers the potential to increase the penetration depth when imaging in vivo
The calanolides, a novel HIV-inhibitory class of coumarin derivatives from the tropical rainforest tree, Calophyllum lanigerum.

Eight new coumarin compounds (1-8) were isolated by anti-HIV bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract of Calophyllum lanigerum. The structures of calanolide A (1), 12-acetoxycalanolide A (2), 12-methoxycalanolide A (3), calanolide B (4), 12-methoxycalanolide B (5), calanolide C (6) and related derivatives 7 and 8 were solved by extensive spectroscopic analyses, particularly HMQC, HMBC, and difference NOE NMR experiments. The absolute stereochemistry of calanolide A (1) and calanolide B (4) was established by a modified Mosher's method. Calanolides A (1) and B (4) were completely protective against HIV-1 replication and cytopathicity (EC50 values of 0.1 microM and 0.4 microM, respectively), but were inactive against HIV-2. Some of the related compounds also showed evidence of anti-HIV-1 activity. Studies with purified bacterial recombinant reverse transcriptases (RT) revealed that the calanolides are HIV-1 specific RT inhibitors. Moreover, calanolide A was active not only against the AZT-resistant G-9106 strain of HIV-1 but also against the pyridinone-resistant A17 strain. This was of particular interest since the A17 virus is highly resistant to previously known HIV-1 specific, non-nucleoside RT inhibitors (e.g., TIBO; BI-RG-587; L693,593) which comprise a structurally diverse but apparently common pharmacologic class. The calanolides represent a substantial departure from the known class and therefore provide a novel new anti-HIV chemotype for drug development.