Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumour necrosis factor alpha blocking agents for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND Anti-TNF-alpha agents have been shown to be effective for the induction of remission in Crohn's disease. The role of TNF-alpha blocking agents in ulcerative colitis is, however, unclear and recent studies have yielded conflicting results. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of TNF-alpha antibody for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis, and to determine adverse events associated with TNF-alpha antibody treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched MEDLINE (1966 to 2005), EMBASE (1984 to 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2004) and the IBD/FBD Review Group Specialized Trials Register. We hand-searched the articles cited in each publication. SELECTION CRITERIA Only randomised controlled trials in which patients with active ulcerative colitis (defined by a combination of clinical, radiographic, endoscopic and histologic criteria) were randomly allocated to receive a TNF-alpha blocking agent in the treatment arm, and to receive placebo or another treatment in the comparison arm were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality of each study were independently performed by two reviewers. Any disagreement among reviewers was resolved by consensus. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of remission as defined by the primary studies. Other endpoints were clinical, histological or endoscopic improvement as defined by the primary studies; improvement in quality of life as measured by a validated quality of life tool and the occurrence of adverse events. MAIN RESULTS Seven randomised controlled trials were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria. In patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis whose disease was refractory to conventional treatment using corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents, infliximab (three intravenous infusions at 0, 2, and 6 weeks) was more effective than placebo in inducing clinical remission (Relative Risk (RR) 3.22, 95% CI 2.18 to 4.76); inducing endoscopic remission (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.28); and in inducing clinical response (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.41) at 8 weeks. A single infusion of infliximab was also more effective than placebo in reducing the need for colectomy within 90 days after infusion (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.87). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis whose disease is refractory to conventional treatment using corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents, infliximab is effective in inducing clinical remission, inducing clinical response, promoting mucosal healing, and reducing the need for colectomy at least in the short term. Serious adverse events attributable to infliximab were not common in the included studies but physicians should be aware of and be prepared to deal with potential adverse events such as anaphylactic reactions and infections.
The effective factors on the acceptance and willingness of Iranian users toward electronic banking

At present, e-banking is being considered not only as a competitive advantage, but rather as a competitive necessity for banks. The question that arises for the majority of users of e-banking is whether the e-banking technology in Iran is the same as other countries? Millions of Iranians already take advantage of e-banking technology and the number of e-banking user is increasing every day. In this paper we examines the factors that affect the adoption of e-banking and users tendency to use it and also the willingness of customers in using electronic banking or traditional banking. Research has shown that the factors of comparative advantage, the ability to view the results of using e-banking, the complexity or simplicity of the process, security, existing appropriate legal infrastructure, ease of use, and users' information literacy have an impact on the acceptance of e-banking by users. The results of this paper can help the managers of developing banks to achieve better distribution solutions for serving the customers.
Urinary fluoride levels in Jamaican children in 2008, after 21 years of salt fluoridation.

RATIONALE In 1984, the DMFT12 in Jamaican children was 6.7 (very severe). In 1987, national salt fluoridation was implemented (250 mg F-/kg salt). In 1995, a national survey showed a substantial decrease of caries severity (DMFT12 of 1.8). OBJECTIVES To see whether the favorable exposure of fluoride was continued. METHODS Assessment of urinary fluoride parameters based on WHO guidelines. Children were sampled in two urban and two rural sites. Valid nocturnal and daytime urinary collections were obtained from 128 children (mean age 4.7 y). A questionnaire administered to parents provided information on oral hygiene practice, and use of fluoride via salt, dentifrices or supplements. RESULTS Excretion rate values extrapolated to 24 h were 271 in urban and 330 microgF/24 h in rural, F-concentrations were in the range of 1.13 and 1.30. Almost all children were reported to use toothpaste, most with 600 to 1000 ppm F; 65% of children use more than the recommended amount of toothpaste. Fluoridated salt was consumed by 98% of the children. There was no other apparent usage of fluorides. CONCLUSIONS Urinary excretion results point to a suboptimal exposure of fluoride, whereas concentrations would suggest an optimal or slightly higher intake. Dentifrices with 500 ppm F should be made available in order to minimize the risk of enamel fluorosis.
Recombinant human cachectin/tumor necrosis factor but not interleukin-1 alpha downregulates lipoprotein lipase gene expression at the transcriptional level in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is synthesized primarily in muscle and adipose tissue and by hydrolyzing triglycerides in chylomicrons and very low density lipoprotein allows uptake of the resultant free fatty acids by these tissues. This report describes the cloning of the mouse LPL gene from which probes were derived to study the regulation of LPL synthesis in the 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell culture system. Preconfluent 3T3-L1 preadipocytes had very small amounts of LPL mRNA (less than 1 pg/micrograms of RNA). At confluency, LPL mRNA levels increased to 5 to 15 pg/micrograms of RNA. After insulin and dexamethasone were added, LPL activity and mRNA levels rose in parallel. Peak mRNA levels were reached within 4 to 10 days, achieving LPL mRNA concentrations of 150 to 500 pg/micrograms of RNA. This represents a 15- to 50-fold increase over confluent cells. Two cytokines known to diminish adipose tissue LPL activity were studied to see how their effects were regulated. Recombinant human cachectin/tumor necrosis factor diminished both LPL activity and LPL mRNA levels. The effect on LPL activity compared with mRNA levels was quicker, at a lower dose, and more complete (95 versus 75% maximum effect). The effect of recombinant human cachectin tumor necrosis factor on LPL mRNA levels was shown by nuclear run-on experiments to be exerted transcriptionally. It was also independent of new protein synthesis. Recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha diminished only LPL activity but not mRNA levels. This study suggests that during times of stress, cytokines secreted by activated macrophages can alter energy balance by affecting transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes in adipocytes.
Transethmoidal Drainage of Frontal Brain Abscesses

Background: The frontal lobe is the second most common location for brain abscess after the temporal lobe. Since the advent of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanning, diagnosis has become easier, but the prognosis of brain abscess is still poor. Treatment is based on antimicrobial therapy and neurosurgical evacuation, but controversy still remains as to the merits place of each. Methods: This study describes 2 cases of patients with frontal abscesses treated by endonasal transethmoidal sinus surgery (ESS) and reviews the literature on this topic. Results: Follow-up revealed no cerebrospinal fluid leak in both patients, complete abscess drainage in one patient, and incomplete drainage in the other. Conclusions: ESS drainage of frontal abscesses is feasible in intracerebral and epidural abscesses if they have a thick shell and are in contact with the skull base. The procedure is minimally invasive and relatively simple. It allows for rapid microbial identification and an effective drainage.
Processus attentionnels et apprentissage moteur

Le but de cet article est de synthetiser les travaux portant sur les effets de l’attention volontaire sur l’apprentissage d’une habilete motrice. Les premiers modeles d’apprentissage considerent que l’apprenant franchit plusieurs etapes au cours desquelles la sollicitation des processus attentionnels diminue (Fitts & Posner, 1967). Ainsi, la realisation d’un mouvement necessiterait d’engager de l’attention en debut d’apprentissage alors qu’elle serait automatique en fin d’apprentissage. Cet article propose de verifier cette affirmation au regard des recherches recentes qui revelent que l’apprenant debutant module volontairement son attention a fin d’optimiser la realisation de ses gestes.Cette focalisation attentionnelle est dite « interne » ou « externe » si elle porte respectivement sur le mouvement lui-meme ou sur des elements exterieurs au corps. La focalisation de l’attention a des repercutions importantes a la fois sur les performances et l’apprentissage. Ainsi, une focalisation externe entraine de meilleurs resultats qu’une focalisation interne. L’explication de ce phenomene est controversee. Deux hypotheses seront presentees : celle de « l’action contrainte » formulee par Wulf (2007) et celle des « processus conscients » de Masters (Masters & Maxwell, 2004). En fin, cet article se terminera par la presentation des consequences de ces travaux sur l’enseignement.
Una Solución de la Ecuación de Rachford-Rice para Sistemas Multifases Aplicando el Método Newton-Raphson, un Parámetro de Broyden y el Flash Negativo

A solution is obtained for the generalized Rachford-Rice equation (GR-R) for multiple phases and multicomponent systems by using a numeric approach that coupled a modified Newton-Raphson’s method, a Broyden-type damping parameter (obtained from the Euclidian vector norm of the GR-R residual functions) and the Negative Flash, which conditioned the positive nature of the component fractions in the resulting phases. This solution was tested on hypothetical systems of P phases and N components randomly generated, and the same was done with the initial value vectors. It was found that the proposed solution is highly stable and converges for any type of the initial value vector and that the number of iterations is critically affected by this vector and not necessarily for the amount of phases or the number of components.
Isolation and characterization of an Escherichia coli mutant lacking the cytochrome o terminal oxidase

A respiration-deficient mutant of Escherichia coli has been isolated which is unable to grow aerobically on nonfermentable substrates such as succinate and lactate. Spectroscopic and immunological studies showed that this mutant lacks the cytochrome o terminal oxidase of the high aeration branch of the aerobic electron transport chain. This strain carries a mutation in a gene designated cyo which is cotransducible with the acrA locus. Mutations in cyo were obtained by mutagenizing a strain that was cyd and, thus, was lacking the cytochrome d terminal oxidase. Strain RG99, which carries both the cyd- and cyo- alleles, grows normally under anaerobic conditions in the presence of nitrate. Introduction of the cyd+ allele into the strain restores the respiration function of the strain, indicating that the cytochrome o branch of the respiratory chain is dispensable under normal laboratory growth conditions.
BK Channels Localize to the Paranodal Junction and Regulate Action Potentials in Myelinated Axons of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells

In myelinated axons, K+ channels are clustered in distinct membrane domains to regulate action potentials (APs). At nodes of Ranvier, Kv7 channels are expressed with Na+ channels, whereas Kv1 channels flank nodes at juxtaparanodes. Regulation of axonal APs by K+ channels would be particularly important in fast-spiking projection neurons such as cerebellar Purkinje cells. Here, we show that BK/Slo1 channels are clustered at the paranodal junctions of myelinated Purkinje cell axons of rat and mouse. The paranodal junction is formed by a set of cell-adhesion molecules, including Caspr, between the node and juxtaparanodes in which it separates nodal from internodal membrane domains. Remarkably, only Purkinje cell axons have detectable paranodal BK channels, whose clustering requires the formation of the paranodal junction via Caspr. Thus, BK channels occupy this unique domain in Purkinje cell axons along with the other K+ channel complexes at nodes and juxtaparanodes. To investigate the physiological role of novel paranodal BK channels, we examined the effect of BK channel blockers on antidromic AP conduction. We found that local application of blockers to the axon resulted in a significant increase in antidromic AP failure at frequencies above 100 Hz. We also found that Ni2+ elicited a similar effect on APs, indicating the involvement of Ni2+-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, axonal application of BK channel blockers decreased the inhibitory synaptic response in the deep cerebellar nuclei. Thus, paranodal BK channels uniquely support high-fidelity firing of APs in myelinated Purkinje cell axons, thereby underpinning the output of the cerebellar cortex.
Occupational hazards for the male reproductive system.

The etiology of male infertilities is largely undetermined, and our knowledge of exogenous factors affecting the male reproductive system is still limited. In particular, the role of specific environmental and occupational factors is incompletely elucidated. Various occupational (physical and chemical) agents have been shown to affect male reproductive functions in animals, but large differences in reproductive function and/or xenobiotic handling between species limit extrapolation to humans. When available, human data are often conflicting and, except in a few instances, usually refer to broad and heterogenous occupational categories or to groups of agents (e.g., solvents). It is often difficult to elucidate the role of a single agent because occupational exposure conditions are often complex and various confounding factors related to lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, and diet) or socioeconomic state may also affect sperm quality, fertility, or pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this work is to summarize the main epidemiological and, where relevant, experimental findings pertaining to agents (physical and chemical) encountered in the occupational environment that might affect the male reproductive system (sperm count, motility and morphology, libido, and fertility) and/or related pregnancy outcomes (spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, and birth defects and childhood malignancy in offspring). Some methodological issues related to research on the reproductive effects of toxicants are also discussed briefly.
Semen quality is influenced by androgen receptor and aromatase gene synergism.

STUDY QUESTION Does synergism between AR(CAG)(n) and CYP19(TTTA)(n) polymorphisms influence the quality of sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER AR(CAG)(n) and CYP19(TTTA)(n) polymorphisms had a synergistic effect on sperm concentration and motility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Androgens exert their action in the testicular tissue by binding to androgen receptor (AR), while their action is mediated by the aromatase P450 enzyme (CYP19). AR(CAG)(n) alleles are associated with sperm motility and CYP19(TTTA)(n) allelic variants have implications for sperm concentration and motility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two hundred oligozoospermic and 250 normozoospermic men who presented for infertility investigation were examined during a period of 2 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Conventional semen analysis was performed. DNA was extracted from spermatozoa and both polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Serum hormone levels were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Six combined genotypes were identified between the 18 AR(CAG)(n) alleles with 12-32 repeats and the 6 CYP19(TTTA)(n) alleles with 7-12 repeats. A gradual reduction in the sperm concentration (10(6)/ml) and motility (%) from long AR allele-non-CYP19(TTTA)(7) allele carriers to long AR allele-CYP19(TTTA)(7) homozygotes and from short AR allele-non-CYP19(TTTA)(7) carriers to short AR allele-CYP19(TTTA)(7) homozygotes was observed in normozoospermic men (means ± SD; concentration: 93 ± 53.1 versus 65 ± 48.6 and 85 ± 60.1 versus 37 ± 17.2l, P < 0.002; motility: 63 ± 10.3 versus 55 ± 14.5 and 52 ± 19.6 versus 41 ± 13.7, P < 0.001, respectively). Similar associations were observed in oligozoospermic men (concentration: 10 ± 4.2 versus 9 ± 5.9 and 10 ± 6.3 versus 6 ± 3.1, P < 0.03; motility: 47 ± 17.1 versus 39 ± 6.2 and 39 ± 22 versus 27 ± 18.3, P < 0.003, respectively). The above associations of the combined genotypes with sperm concentration and motility were confirmed in the total study population (P < 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study population was limited to Greek Caucasian adult males, residents of Northwest Greece. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The confirmation of our findings in other populations would verify the significance of AR and CYP19 genes for spermatogenesis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
An OFDM Scheme with a half Complexity

The paper deals with an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) system based on filter-bank architecture. The known implementation uses a DFT (discrete Fourier transform) processor and a polyphase network (PPN). Even if it is based on complex components, in the final step it operates the real part extraction of the incoming signal. This leads to redundant operations in the DFT processor and in the PPN. Specifically, for the transmission of N complex symbol sequences at a given rate ½F, an N-point DFT processor and an N-branch PPN, both working at the rate F, are required. This implementation can be improved with a complexity reduction by a factor of two. In fact, in the paper an architecture is presented based on an N-point DFT processor and N-branch PPN at the rate F, for the transmission of 2N (in place of N) complex symbol sequences at the rate ½F
Importin beta negatively regulates nuclear membrane fusion and nuclear pore complex assembly.

Assembly of a eukaryotic nucleus involves three distinct events: membrane recruitment, fusion to form a double nuclear membrane, and nuclear pore complex (NPC) assembly. We report that importin beta negatively regulates two of these events, membrane fusion and NPC assembly. When excess importin beta is added to a full Xenopus nuclear reconstitution reaction, vesicles are recruited to chromatin but their fusion is blocked. The importin beta down-regulation of membrane fusion is Ran-GTP reversible. Indeed, excess RanGTP (RanQ69L) alone stimulates excessive membrane fusion, leading to intranuclear membrane tubules and cytoplasmic annulate lamellae-like structures. We propose that a precise balance of importin beta to Ran is required to create a correct double nuclear membrane and simultaneously to repress undesirable fusion events. Interestingly, truncated importin beta 45-462 allows membrane fusion but produces nuclei lacking any NPCs. This reveals distinct importin beta-regulation of NPC assembly. Excess full-length importin beta and beta 45-462 act similarly when added to prefused nuclear intermediates, i.e., both block NPC assembly. The importin beta NPC block, which maps downstream of GTPgammaS and BAPTA-sensitive steps in NPC assembly, is reversible by cytosol. Remarkably, it is not reversible by 25 microM RanGTP, a concentration that easily reverses fusion inhibition. This report, using a full reconstitution system and natural chromatin substrates, significantly expands the repertoire of importin beta. Its roles now encompass negative regulation of two of the major events of nuclear assembly: membrane fusion and NPC assembly.
Neural tube defects between folate metabolism and genetics

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common severely disabling human congenital defects. Worldwide, NTDs incidence is approximately one per 1000 live births and varies between 0.78 and 12 per 1000 births in general populations. NTDs causation involves multiple genes, nutritional and environmental factors. Research in the next stage should include bigger populations and bigger studies that would be suitable to detect significant links and conclusions with relatively minor risk factors; analysis of multiple candidate genes to detect potential gene-gene interactions; detailed analysis of patient samples stratified by phenotype.
Fast and Scalable Multi-Way Analysis of Massive Neural Data

Analysis of neural data with multiple modes and high density has recently become a trend with the advances in neuroscience research and practices. There exists a pressing need for an approach to accurately and uniquely capture the features without loss or destruction of the interactions amongst the modes (typically) of space, time, and frequency. Moreover, the approach must be able to quickly analyze the neural data of exponentially growing scales and sizes, in tens or even hundreds of channels, so that timely conclusions and decisions may be made. A salient approach to multi-way data analysis is the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) that manifests its effectiveness in the decomposition of the electroencephalography (EEG). However, the conventional PARAFAC is only suited for offline data analysis due to the high complexity, which computes to be O(n2) with the increasing data size. In this study, a large-scale PARAFAC method has been developed, which is supported by general-purpose computing on the graphics processing unit (GPGPU). Comparing to the PARAFAC running on conventional CPU-based platform, the new approach dramatically excels by >360 times in run-time performance, and effectively scales by >400 times in all dimensions. Moreover, the proposed approach forms the basis of a model for the analysis of electrocochleography (ECoG) recordings obtained from epilepsy patients, which proves to be effective in the epilepsy state detection. The time evolutions of the proposed model are well correlated with the clinical observations. Moreover, the frequency signature is stable and high in the ictal phase. Furthermore, the spatial signature explicitly identifies the propagation of neural activities among various brain regions. The model supports real-time analysis of ECoG in > 1;000 channels on an inexpensive and available cyber-infrastructure.