Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HCV genotype 1 is almost exclusively present in Romanian patients with chronic hepatitis C.

AIM To investigate the HCV genotype distribution in Romania in the first national study, to establish the correlations with epidemiological, biochemical, virological and histological features and to compare our results with those from neighboring countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two distinct groups of patients and two methods were used: 153 patients in the frame of ACHIEVE study with genotyping and subtypes determination (Versant HCV genotype 2.0 assay) and 461 patients in the frame of an Epidemiological National Multicenter Study having only genotype determination with a commercial kit (Roche Molecular System). Epidemiological, biochemical, virological and histological features were investigated only in the ENMS group. RESULTS Genotype 1b was found in 93.46% (ACHIEVE study) and genotype 1 (without subtype identification) in 99.13% of patients (ENMS study). Percutaneous routes of transmission were found in 85.9% of cases. The prevalence of HCV infection increased with age. A high viral load (> or = 600,000 IU/ml) was found in 67.9% of patients, especially those older than 40 years. Significant fibrosis > or = F2 was present in patients older than 40 years (70.9%). There were no correlations between HCV-RNA levels and histological features or between ALT levels and METAVIR activity or fibrosis scores. A similar homogeneity of HCV genotype distribution has been reported for Moldavia (96%) and Hungary (94.5%). CONCLUSIONS Type 1 HCV genotype was found almost exclusively in Romanian patients with chronic hepatitis C by two different methods of investigation. The pattern showed by this distribution in Romania and some neighboring countries suggests an epidemic profile of HCV infection.
The Idiosyncratic Momentum Anomaly

This paper seeks to uncover the drivers of the idiosyncratic momentum anomaly. We show that: (i) idiosyncratic momentum is a distinct phenomenon that exists next to conventional momentum and is not explained by it; (ii) idiosyncratic momentum is priced in the cross-section of stock returns after controlling for established and recently proposed asset pricing factors, including the ones that explain a host of momentum-related anomalies; (iii) some of the prominent explanations for the momentum premium, such as crash risk, and investor overconfidence and overreaction linked to market states and dynamics cannot explain idiosyncratic momentum profits; (iv) long-term return dynamics of idiosyncratic momentum support the underreaction hypothesis for its existence; (v) idiosyncratic momentum generates robust returns across a range of developed and emerging markets.
Smad7 Is Required for the Development and Function of the Heart*

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members, including TGF-βs, activins, and bone morphogenetic proteins, exert diverse biological activities in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, embryonic development, and many other processes. These effects are largely mediated by Smad proteins. Smad7 is a negative regulator for the signaling of TGF-β family members. Dysregulation of Smad7 is associated with pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. However, the in vivo physiological roles of Smad7 have not been elucidated due to the lack of a mouse model with significant loss of Smad7 function. Here we report generation and initial characterization of Smad7 mutant mice with targeted deletion of the indispensable MH2 domain. The majority of Smad7 mutant mice died in utero due to multiple defects in cardiovascular development, including ventricular septal defect and non-compaction, as well as outflow tract malformation. The surviving adult Smad7 mutant mice had impaired cardiac functions and severe arrhythmia. Further analyses suggest that Smad2/3 phosphorylation was elevated in atrioventricular cushion in the heart of Smad7 mutant mice, accompanied by increased apoptosis in this region. Taken together, these observations pinpoint an important role of Smad7 in the development and function of the mouse heart in vivo.
Toxicity of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein to cultured fibroblasts is selective for S phase of the cell cycle

Oxidized LDL (o‐LDL) is toxic to a variety of cultured cells. Preliminary results suggested that susceptibility is enhanced by cell proliferation. As a step toward determining the mechanism of cytotoxicity, we chose to identify the cell cycle phase(s) during which exposure of cultured human fibroblasts to o‐LDL leads to death. Cytochalasin B, which blocks cell migration and proliferation, and irradiation, which prevents mitosis but not migration, both blocked cytotoxicity. Colchicine, which arrests cells in mitosis but does not inhibit DNA synthesis, did not block cytotoxicity. Treatment of cells with hydroxyurea, which blocks cells prior to S phase, prevented cell death. Addition of o‐LDL to cells immediately after S phase allowed mitosis without death. The above results coupled with results using cells synchronized by three different means indicate that cell death is selective for proliferating cells and occurs after exposure to o‐LDL during S phase. Understanding the mechanism of o‐LDL‐induced death may have implications for tissue damage in vivo in the numerous instances of pathology in which oxidized lipoproteins or lipids are present.
Stigma and Human Rights Abuses against People Who Inject Drugs in Russia—A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Policy and Public Health Strategies

Introduction Drug policing practices in the Russian Federation (Russia) are often punitive and have been shown to be associated with HIV risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID). Less is known about strategies to address the problem in that setting, where substance use stigma is highly persistent. A better understanding of forms, causes and consequences of drug policing in Russia could inform drug policy in a context of substantial policy resistance. This qualitative study’s goal is to characterize the phenomenon of police involvement with Russian PWID and to explore strategies for drug policing in the Russian country context. Methods Using a semi-structured interview guide, we collected data from a purposive sample of 23 key informants including PWID, police officers, and experts from civil society and international organizations in Russia. We used a thematic analysis approach to inductively generate new insight into the phenomenon of police involvement and potential strategies to address it. Results Policing practices involving PWID include unjustified arrests, planting of false evidence and extrajudicial syringe confiscations, and often constitute human rights violations. Russian PWID personally experienced police violence as ubiquitous, taking on various forms such as beating, unjustified arrests, verbal harassment, and coercion. The persistent societal stigma dehumanizes PWID, and such stigmatization facilitates police abuse. To address stigma and overcome the PWID-police adversity, study participants suggested fostering a mutual understanding between the police and public health sectors. Conclusions Participants describe substantial human rights violations as part of policing illicit drug use in Russia. Police should include principles of effective prevention of substance use and HIV risk reduction in their trainings. Alignment of public safety and public health goals could address drug use-related risks and HIV prevention among key populations in Russia.
4. Lifestyle Management

Lifestyle management is a fundamental aspect of diabetes care and includes diabetes self-management education (DSME), diabetes self-management support (DSMS), nutrition therapy, physical activity, smoking cessation counseling, and psychosocial care. Patients and care providers should focus together on how to optimize lifestyle from the time of the initial comprehensive medical evaluation, throughout all subsequent evaluations and follow-up, and during the assessment of complications and management of comorbid conditions in order to enhance diabetes care.
Co‐occurrence of Prader–Willi and Sotos syndromes

A patient with atypical phenotypes of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) was subjected to investigate genomic copy numbers by microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Severe developmental delay, relative macrocephaly, protruding forehead, cardiac anomalies, and hydronephrosis were atypical for PWS. Concurrent deletions of 15q11‐13 and 5q35 regions were revealed and identified as paternally derived. The sizes and locations of the two deletions were typical for both deletions. Although each deletion independently contributed to the clinical features, developmental disturbance was very severe, suggesting combined effects. This is the first report of co‐occurrence of PWS and STS. The co‐occurrence of two syndromes is likely incidental. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ZIKA-001: Safety and Immunogenicity of an Engineered DNA Vaccine Against ZIKA virus infection

Abstract Background While Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is typically self-limited, congenital birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome are well-described. There are no therapies or vaccines against ZIKV infection. Methods ZIKA-001 is a phase I, open label, clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety, side effect profile, and immunogenicity of a synthetic, DNA vaccine (GLS-5700) targeting the pre-membrane+envelope proteins (prME) of the virus. Two groups of 20 participants received GLS-5700 at one of two dose levels: 1 mg or 2 mg DNA/dose at 0, 4, and 12 weeks. Vaccine was administered as 0.1 or 0.2 ml (1 or 2 mg) intradermal (ID) injection followed by electroporation (EP) with the CELLECTRA®-3P device Results The median age of the 40 participants was 38 (IQR 30–54) years; 60% were female 30% Latino and 78% white. No SAEs have been reported to date. Local minor AEs were injection site pain, redness, swelling and itching that occurred in half of the participants. Systemic adverse events were rare and included headache, myalgias, upper respiratory infections, fatigue/malaise and nausea. Four weeks after the first dose 25% vs. 60% of the participants in the 1 mg and 2 mg dose seroconverted. By week 6, 2 weeks after the second dose, the response was 65 and 84% respectively and 2 weeks after the third dose all participants in both dosing groups developed antibodies. At the end of the vaccination period over 60% of vaccinated person neutralized Zika virus in a vero cell assay and greater than 80% on neuronal cell targets. The protective efficacy of the antibodies generated by the vaccine was evaluated in the lethal IFNAR−/− mouse model. After the intraperitoneal administration of 0.1 ml of either baseline, week 14 serum or PBS the animals were challenged with 106 PFUs of ZIKV PR209 isolate. Whereas animals administered PBS (control) or baseline serum succumbed after a median of 5 days, those pretreated with week 14 serum from study participants survived suggesting that the humoral response generated by the vaccine is protective in this model. Conclusion Our trial shows for the first time in humans the safety and immunogenicity of an engineered DNA encoding consensus viral protein against ZIKV. Future studies will evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine. Disclosures C. C. Roberts, GeneOne: Member, Salary. S. White, GeneOne: Member, Salary. A. S. Khan, Inovio: Employee and Shareholder, Salary and Stock. J. Boyer, Inovio: Employee and Shareholder, Salary and Stock. Y. K. Park, GeneOne: Board Member, CEO and Employee, Salary and Stock. S. Trottier, Canadian Institutes of Health Research: Investigator, Research grant. C. Remigio, GeneOne: Employee and Shareholder, Salary and Stock. G. P. Kobinger, GeneOne: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Grant recipient and Research support. D. Weiner, GeneOne: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Grant recipient, Licensing agreement or royalty and Stock. J. Maslow, GeneOne: Employee, Salary and Stock.
Gemcitabine Plus Celecoxib in Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Results of a Phase II Trial

Objectives:Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) is overexpressed in pancreatic tumors where it may be involved in inflammation, carcinogenesis, and the regulation of neoangiogenesis. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the combination of intravenous gemcitabine with selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib for effect on survival, disease progression, and tolerability in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. In addition, limited pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses were preformed. Materials and Methods:Eligible patients included those with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer with no prior chemotherapy and ECOG performance status 0–2. The treatment consisted of intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 weekly × 7 weeks and concurrent daily oral celecoxib 400 mg orally twice a day. Daily oral low-dose aspirin 81 mg was administered throughout the study as a precaution for increased risk of thrombotic events. Those with stable or responsive disease were continued on intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 weekly × 3 weeks and concurrent oral celecoxib. Results:Twenty five patients have been enrolled at 3 centers. Five patients had locally advanced cancer; 20 had metastatic disease. The most common grade 3/4 hematological toxicities were neutropenia (32%) and anemia (20%). Four patients (17%) had partial response and 7 (35%) demonstrated stable disease. The estimated 12-month survival rate was 15%, which did not reach the predetermined efficacy end point. There was a trend suggestive of correlation between a decrease in serum vascular endothelial growth factor and patient survival. Conclusion:The addition of celecoxib to gemcitabine therapy did not demonstrate significant improvement in measured clinical outcomes, in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Higher doses of celecoxib may be needed to observe significant antitumor activity.
Developing an Integrated, Agile, and High-Performing Future Workforce: The DoD Logistics Human Capital Strategy

Abstract : The Department of Defense logistics workforce ,numbering approximately 1 million, exists to deliver agile, timely, precise, and cost-effective support to the warfighter, ensuring readiness and sustainability for those who support the armed forces across the spectrum of military operations. While its mission and purpose are constant, the logistics workforce faces a perpetually evolving strategic environment. As the world changes rapidly, profoundly, and in every dimensionsocial, economic, and politicalthe logistics workforce needs to continuously evolve and operate in away that optimizes the human capital of the entire enterprise rather than individual parts.
Mitigating Downward Reserve Deficiency of Power System via Coordinating EV Demand Response at Valley Period

The high penetration rate of electric vehicles (EVs) will have impacts on the operation of power system in the near future. One of the most significant impacts is the extreme load valley caused by “consistency” in off-grid actions of EVs automatically finishing their charging, which normally occurs at night. The dramatic load reduction at limited period not only leads to security problem of power system due to the deficiency of downward reserve in generation side, but also forces the thermal units to operate in the extremely uneconomical deep peak regulation (DPR) state. To address this issue, a coordinated optimization strategy considering nighttime DPR state of units and uncertain EV demand response (DR) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, unlike traditional studies, a detailed unit commitment (UC) model considering life loss and oil cost is established in this paper. After that, on the basis of elastic pricing method and day-ahead contract, price-based demand response (PDR) and incentive-based demand response (IDR) model are proposed to avoid units operating in the DPR state. The uncertainty of both IDR and PDR progress are considered as a whole in the form of opportunity constrain, and then transformed into deterministic linear constraints for solving by adopting sequence operations. Finally, various cases are simulated in the improved IEEE 30-bus system, the results indicate that the presented coordinated optimization strategy can reduce the units’ operating cost effectively, as well as bring benefits to EV owners.
Detection in fecal DNA of colon cancer-specific methylation of the nonexpressed vimentin gene.

BACKGROUND Increased DNA methylation is an epigenetic alteration that is common in human cancers and is often associated with transcriptional silencing. Aberrantly methylated DNA has also been proposed as a potential tumor marker. However, genes such as vimentin, which are transcriptionally silent in normal epithelium, have not until now been considered as targets for cancer-associated aberrant methylation and for use as cancer markers. METHODS We applied methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction to the vimentin gene, which is transcriptionally silent in normal colonocytes, and compared methylation of vimentin exon 1 in cancer tissues and in fecal DNA from colon cancer patients versus control samples from healthy subjects. RESULTS Vimentin exon-1 sequences were unmethylated in 45 of 46 normal colon tissues. In contrast, vimentin exon-1 sequences were methylated in 83% (38 of 46) and 53% (57 of 107) of tumors from two independently collected groups of colon cancer patients. When evaluated as a marker for colon cancer detection in fecal DNA from another set of colon cancer patients, aberrant vimentin methylation was detected in fecal DNA from 43 of 94 patients, for a sensitivity of 46% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 35% to 56%). The sensitivity for detecting stage I and II cancers was 43% (26 of 60 case patients) (95% CI = 31% to 57%). Only 10% (20 of 198 case patients) of control fecal DNA samples from cancer-free individuals tested positive for vimentin methylation, for a specificity of 90% (95% CI = 85% to 94%). CONCLUSIONS Aberrant methylation of exon-1 sequences within the nontranscribed vimentin gene is a novel molecular biomarker of colon cancer and can be successfully detected in fecal DNA to identify nearly half of individuals with colon cancer.
Nonseparable multidimensional perfect reconstruction filter banks and wavelet bases for Rn

New results on multidimensional filter banks and their connection to multidimensional nonseparable wavelets are presented. Among the topics discussed are sampling in multiple dimensions, multidimensional perfect reconstruction filter banks, the two-channel case in multiple dimensions, the synthesis of multidimensional filter banks, and the design of compactly supported wavelets. >
3D statistical shape models of radius bone for segmentation in multi resolution MRI data sets

Extracting the structures of interest accurately is one of the main challenges in medical imaging segmentation. Statistical models of shape are a promising approach for robust and automatic segmentation of medical image data. This work describes the construction of a statistical shape model of the Radius bone. For 3-D model-based approaches, however, building the 3-D shape model from a training data set of segmented instances of an object is a major challenge and currently remains an open problem. In this study, we propose an active contour image segmentation method for three-dimensional (3-D) medical images. Our dataset contains T1-weighted images of hand wrist in coronal view. Such images are usually acquired in 9 slices, but we also used 27 slices images in which the spatial resolution is improved by reducing the in depth from 3mm to 1mm. In this study we use 27-slices MRI images to segment radius bone due to their higher resolutions in comparison to 9-slices images. First, using 2D active contour algorithm, radius bone is segmented in coronal slices automatically. Then, a statistical model of radius bone is derived and its mean model is used as the initial mask for 3D active contour algorithm, and 9-slices images are segmented using this algorithm. To compare the 2D and 3D active contour algorithms, 27-slices images are segmented through produced statistical atlas of mean model. Comparison of obtained segmentation and manual segmentation shows that segmentation accuracy in 9-slices images which use mean model will be increased from 75.68% to 91.57%. Acquisition of 9-slicese images takes a shorter time (1/3) in comparison to 27-slices images; therefore, we also derived the statistical model of 9-slices images. In the future works we utilize the proposed approach as part of a computer-aided diagnosis system for bone age estimation.
Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes Containing Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) for Rhodamine B (RhB)

A simple method for the formation of molecularly imprinted membrane of Rhodamine B (RhB) was developed by electrospinning. RhB molecularly imprinted microspheres were produced by precipitation polymerization using RhB, acrylamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylatea (EGDMA), azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and acetonitrile as template, functional monomer, cross-linking agent, initiator and porogen, respectively. Then molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) were produced via electrospinning technique with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the matrix polymer. The as-prepared nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optimization studies with the aim to enhance the MIP selection adsorption were carried out with respect to the amount of membrane, pH and adsorption time. Linear range and detection limit were 0.01 ~ 20 μmol/L and 2.0 × 10-3 μmol/L, respectively. HPLC analysis showed that in the optimized conditions of separation and enrichment, the recovery rate can reach 97.8% ~ 117.1%, relative standard deviation (n = 3) was 1.36% ~ 2.19% in employing MIMs to the RhB simulated water samples. The results showed that the imprinted polymer exhibited higher affinity for Rhodamine B compared to non-molecularly imprinted polymers membranes (NIMs) and molecularly imprinted particles (MIP).
Capacitive Biosensing of Bacterial Cells: Sensitivity Optimization

Capacitive biosensors are promising tools toward detection of bacterial cells. However, their sensitivity remains insufficient compared with more conventional techniques. To understand how to optimize it, we propose a complete and quantitative analysis of the sensitivity of capacitive biosensors using a previously developed 2-D numerical simulator based on Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations. All key parameters of the electrolyte, bacterial cell, and electrode design are investigated, studied, and optimized. For each, an analytical expression relating the sensitivity to the parameter of interest is given. The guidelines and design tools, provided throughout this paper for the designer of capacitive biosensors, are eventually demonstrated by improving the sensitivity of our device under test by a factor of 4. Discussions based on experimental values and analytical models are provided throughout this paper.