Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Familial risk of pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United STATES: Although smoking and age are known risk factors for pancreatic cancer, several case reports and case-control studies have suggested that there is also a familial risk. We evaluated whether a family history of pancreatic cancer increases the risk of pancreatic cancer in first-degree relatives and whether smoking and younger age at cancer diagnosis further increase this risk. METHODS We conducted in-person interviews with 247 patients ("case probands") with pancreatic cancer and 420 population-based control probands to collect risk factor data and pancreatic cancer family history for 1816 first-degree relatives of the case probands and 3157 first-degree relatives of the control probands. We analyzed the data by unconditional logistic regression models, with adjustment for correlated data by use of generalized estimating equations. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS A positive family history of pancreatic cancer (i.e., being related to a case proband) or ever-smoking cigarettes approximately doubled the risk of pancreatic cancer (relative risk [RR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32 to 4.69; RR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.09 to 3.83, respectively). The RR increased to 8.23 (95% CI = 2.18 to 31.07) for relatives who ever smoked and were related to a case proband who was diagnosed before age 60 years. CONCLUSION Routine questioning of patients about a family history of pancreatic cancer, the age of onset of this cancer in their relatives, and the patient's smoking status may identify individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer. Future research exploring the genetic and environmental interactions associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer is critically important.
Metalloproteinase inhibitors: new opportunities for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

The clinical efficacy of anti-TNF-α therapies have highlighted the apparently central role that TNF-α plays in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly the inflammatory component. Recent identification of a metalloproteinase from the metzincin superfamily responsible for the production of the soluble form of this cytokine, has generated a large amount of pharmaceutical interest and presents the prospect of a metalloproteinase inhibitor as an anti-inflammatory drug. However, the traditional focus of metzincin inhibitor research has been the identification of inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; enzymes associated with matrix destruction, a feature common to both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Inhibitors of this class of metalloproteinase are now in clinical evaluation in patients. This review summarises the current development status of metalloproteinase inhibitors in arthritic diseases and discusses some of the issues that have arisen during their progress to become clinical treatments for these diseases.
Perceptual contrast enhancement of dark images based on textural coefficients

We propose perceptual contrast enhancement of dark images based on textural coefficients. The textural coefficient indicates textural degree of intensity and adaptively stretches the dynamic range in an image. First, we calculate gray level difference between a central pixel and its adjacent ones. Because some differences are obviously noticeable by human eyes, we only use unnoticeable differences to obtain the textural coefficient. We apply the just noticeable difference (JND) of the human visual system (HVS) to obtain the proper threshold. Then, we apply a Gaussian kernel to texture coefficients for avoiding excessive differences between adjacent ones. Finally, we perform optimal contrast tone mapping to obtain a mapping function. Experimental results show that the proposed method successfully enhances dark regions while avoiding over-enhancement in bright regions without halo artifact and tone distortion.
Antibacterial Activity of Medicinally Important Two Species of Allophylus- Allophylus Cobbe (L.) Raeusch. and Allophylus Serratus (Roxb.) Kurz.

Allophylus (L.) (family Sapindaceae) has a ethnophramacological background and medicinally important genus.The two species of AllophylusA.cobbe (L.) Raeusch. and A.serratus Roxb. (Kurz.) are used by local inhabitants in India against bone fractures, dislocations, wounds, cuts, ulcers and diarrhoea. In the present investigation, terpenoids and saponins are found accumulated in leaves of both species. A.cobbe shows higher level of terpenoids and saponins than A. serratus. Young and mature leaves of A.cobbe and A.serratus were evaluated for their antibacterial potential against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of young and mature leaves of A.cobbe and A. serratus exhibit good antibacterial potential against B.subtilis as compared to that of Cefotaxime. Thus, the leaves of A.cobbe and A. serratus may prove beneficial as a natural antibiotic against bacterial infections. Keyword: Antibacterial activity, Allophylus cobbe, Allophylus serratus, B.subtilis, S.aureus
Exploiting Software

Attack Patterns. Foreword. Preface. What This Book Is About. How to Use This Book. But Isn't This Too Dangerous? Acknowledgments. 1. Software-The Root of the Problem. A Brief History of Software. Bad Software Is Ubiquitous. The Trinity of Trouble. The Future of Software. What Is Software Security? Conclusion. 2. Attack Patterns. A Taxonomy. An Open-Systems View. Tour of an Exploit. Attack Patterns: Blueprints for Disaster. An Example Exploit: Microsoft's Broken C++ Compiler. Applying Attack Patterns. Attack Pattern Boxes. Conclusion. 3. Reverse Engineering and Program Understanding. Into the House of Logic. Should Reverse Engineering Be Illegal? Reverse Engineering Tools and Concepts. Methods of the Reverser. Writing Interactive Disassembler (IDA) Plugins. Decompiling and Disassembling Software. Decompilation in Practice: Reversing helpctr.exe. Automatic, Bulk Auditing for Vulnerabilities. Writing Your Own Cracking Tools. Building a Basic Code Coverage Tool. Conclusion. 4. Exploiting Server Software. The Trusted Input Problem. The Privilege Escalation Problem. Finding Injection Points. Input Path Tracing. Exploiting Trust through Configuration. Specific Techniques and Attacks for Server Software. Conclusion. 5. Exploiting Client Software. Client-side Programs as Attack Targets. In-band Signals. Cross-site Scripting (XSS). Clients Scripts and Malicious Code. Content-Based Attacks. Backwash Attacks: Leveraging Client-side Buffer. Conclusion. 6. Crafting (Malicious) Input. The Defender's Dilemma. Intrusion Detection (Not). Partition Analysis. Tracing Code. Reversing Parser Code. Example: Reversing I-Planet Server 6.0 through the Front Door. Misclassification. Building "Equivalent" Requests. Audit Poisoning. Conclusion. 7. Buffer Overflow. Buffer Overflow 101. Injection Vectors: Input Rides Again. Buffer Overflows and Embedded Systems. Database Buffer Overflows. Buffer Overflows and Java? Content-Based Buffer Overflow. Audit Truncation and Filters with Buffer Overflow. Causing Overflow and Environment Variables. The Multiple Operation Problem. Finding Potential Buffer Overflows. Stack Overflow. Arithmetic Errors in Memory Management. Format String Vulnerabilities. Heap Overflows. Buffer Overflows and C++. Payloads. Payloads on RISC Architectures. Multiplatform Payloads. Prolog/Epilog Code to Protect Functions. Conclusion. 8. Rootkits. Subversive Programs. A Simple Windows XP Kernel Rootkit. Call Hooking. Trojan Executable Redirection. Hiding Files and Directories. Patching Binary Code. The Hardware Virus. Low-Level Disk Access. Adding Network Support to a Driver. Interrupts. Key Logging. Advanced Rootkit Topics. Conclusion. References. Index.
Design and evaluation of proniosomes as a carrier for ocular delivery of lomefloxacin HCl

Abstract The current investigation aims to develop and evaluate novel ocular proniosomal gels of lomefloxacin HCl (LXN); in order to improve its ocular bioavailability for the management of bacterial conjunctivitis. Proniosomes were prepared using different types of nonionic surfactants solely and as mixtures with Span 60. The formed gels were characterized for entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and in vitro drug release. Only Span 60 was able to form stable LXN-proniosomal gel when used individually while the other surfactants formed gels only in combination with Span 60 at different ratios. The optimum proniosomal gel; P-LXN 7 (Span 60:Tween 60, 9:1) appeared as spherical shaped vesicles having high entrapment efficiency (>80%), appropriate vesicle size (187 nm) as well as controlled drug release over 12 h. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the amorphous nature of LXN within the vesicles. Stability study did not show any significant changes in entrapment efficiency or vesicle size after storage for 3 months at 4 °C. P-LXN 7 was found to be safe and suitable for ocular delivery as proven by the irritancy test. The antibacterial activity of P-LXN 7 evaluated using the susceptibility test and topical therapy of induced ocular conjunctivitis confirmed the enhanced antibacterial therapeutic efficacy of the LXN-proniosomal gel compared to the commercially available LXN eye drops.
New data on dermatitis from propolis

standard for human serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM. Bull Wid Hlth Org 1970: 42: 535-552. 8. Sears M R, Chow C M, Morseth D J. Serum total IgE in normal subjects and the influence of a family history of allergy. Clin Allergy 1980: 10: 423--431. 9. Fust Gy, Szondy E, Szekely J, Nanai I, Ger6 S. Studies on the occurrence of circulating immune complexes in vascular diseases. Artherosclerosis 1978: 29: 1981-1990. 4. Reimer et al. Progress towards international reference standards for human serum proteins. J Bioi Standardization 1978: 6: 133-158. 5. Schneidegger J H. Une micro-methode de l'immuno-electrophorese. Int Arch Allergy 1955: 7: 103-110. 6. Mancini G, Vaermon P P, Carbonara A 0, Heremans J F. A single radial diffusion method for immunological quantification. Protides Bioi Fluids Proc Colloq 1961: 11: 370-379. 7. Rowe D S, Anderson S G, Grab B. A research
On the infectivity of the Sindbis virus nucleocapsid.

The nucleocapsid fraction derived either from Sindbis virions or from infected cell cultures was studied with respect to its ability to adsorb to susceptible cells as well as to initiate stages in viral replication. Neither preparation was adsorbed to BHK 21 cells under conditions where virion adsorption could be demonstrated. In addition parental RNA from virions was shown to be converted to an RNAase-resistant 16–20 S form, whereas no evidence for the penetration and conversion of RNA present in viral cores was observed. These studies emphasize the role of envelope proteins in facilitating entry of intact virus into susceptible cells.
Impact of reduced chemotherapy treatment for good risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on infectious morbidity *

Reducing infectious morbidity is an important goal to improve childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) survival. To explore the impact of chemotherapy reduction on infectious morbidity, we compared outpatient and inpatient infectious morbidity of reduced versus intensive (conventional) chemotherapy. One hundred and seventy‐one children newly diagnosed with ALL between 2004 and 2007 and treated according to the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL 10 protocol were prospectively followed during the 2‐year treatment course. Stratified by minimal residual disease, 54 patients received reduced (standard risk; SR) and 117 patients received intensive (medium risk; MR) intensification/maintenance treatment. SR outpatients had a median of 1 febrile episode versus 4 in MR outpatients (P = 0·002). SR patients had fewer hospitalizations for fever. They were admitted a median of 0 times, with a median of 0 days of hospitalization, median 0 days of fever, median 0 times chemotherapy interruption and median 0 times intravenous antibiotics. MR patients were admitted for fever median 2 times (P < 0·001) with 10 days of hospitalization (P < 0·001), 2 days of fever (P < 0·001), one chemotherapy interruption (P < 0·001) and two intravenous antibiotics administration (P < 0·001). These data indicate that reduced intensification/maintenance compared to conventional intensive intensification/maintenance chemotherapy for good risk childhood ALL resulted in major decrease of infectious morbidity.
Sex similarities and differences in risk factors for recurrence of major depression

Abstract Background Major depression (MD) occurs about twice as often in women as in men, but it is unclear whether sex differences subsist after disease onset. This study aims to elucidate potential sex differences in rates and risk factors for MD recurrence, in order to improve prediction of course of illness and understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Methods We used prospective data from a general population sample (n = 653) that experienced a recent episode of MD. A diverse set of potential risk factors for recurrence of MD was analyzed using Cox models subject to elastic net regularization for males and females separately. Accuracy of the prediction models was tested in same-sex and opposite-sex test data. Additionally, interactions between sex and each of the risk factors were investigated to identify potential sex differences. Results Recurrence rates and the impact of most risk factors were similar for men and women. For both sexes, prediction models were highly multifactorial including risk factors such as comorbid anxiety, early traumas, and family history. Some subtle sex differences were detected: for men, prediction models included more risk factors concerning characteristics of the depressive episode and family history of MD and generalized anxiety, whereas for women, models included more risk factors concerning early and recent adverse life events and socioeconomic problems. Conclusions No prominent sex differences in risk factors for recurrence of MD were found, potentially indicating similar disease maintaining mechanisms for both sexes. Course of MD is a multifactorial phenomenon for both males and females.
Comparison of Meropenem MICs and Susceptibilities for Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates by Various Testing Methods

ABSTRACT We describe the levels of agreement between broth microdilution, Etest, Vitek 2, Sensititre, and MicroScan methods to accurately define the meropenem MIC and categorical interpretation of susceptibility against carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC). A total of 46 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates with KPC genotypes, all modified Hodge test and bla KPC positive, collected from two hospitals in NY were included. Results obtained by each method were compared with those from broth microdilution (the reference method), and agreement was assessed based on MICs and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) interpretative criteria using 2010 susceptibility breakpoints. Based on broth microdilution, 0%, 2.2%, and 97.8% of the KPC isolates were classified as susceptible, intermediate, and resistant to meropenem, respectively. Results from MicroScan demonstrated the most agreement with those from broth microdilution, with 95.6% agreement based on the MIC and 2.2% classified as minor errors, and no major or very major errors. Etest demonstrated 82.6% agreement with broth microdilution MICs, a very major error rate of 2.2%, and a minor error rate of 2.2%. Vitek 2 MIC agreement was 30.4%, with a 23.9% very major error rate and a 39.1% minor error rate. Sensititre demonstrated MIC agreement for 26.1% of isolates, with a 3% very major error rate and a 26.1% minor error rate. Application of FDA breakpoints had little effect on minor error rates but increased very major error rates to 58.7% for Vitek 2 and Sensititre. Meropenem MIC results and categorical interpretations for carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae differ by methodology. Confirmation of testing results is encouraged when an accurate MIC is required for antibiotic dosing optimization.
Overcoming barriers to distributed interorganizational systems

We examine the challenges associated with implementing distributed interorganizational systems (DIOS), which can play an enabling role in information sharing required by many organizational forms. In particular, we discuss the role that middleware and information infrastructures play in facilitating DIOS. An example of how an infrastructure is used is discussed. Also, a research agenda is presented which, when completed, will enhance understanding of the role of middleware and information infrastructures in enabling DIOS.
The particle interpretation of N = 1 supersymmetric spin foams

We show that N = 1-supersymmetric BF theory in 3D leads to a supersymmetric spin foam amplitude via a lattice discretization. Furthermore, by analysing the supersymmetric quantum amplitudes, we show that they can be re-interpreted as 3D gravity coupled to embedded fermionic Feynman diagrams.
The Scottish mountain rescue casualty study

Aim: To describe injuries and illnesses in casualties rescued by Scottish mountain rescue teams during 1998 and 1999, with particular emphasis on major trauma. Methods: Retrospective study. Information from mountain rescue reports, Scottish Trauma Audit Group database, and hospital case notes. Results: Teams undertook 622 emergency callouts in the two years. A total of 333 casualties with injuries and illnesses rescued. There were 57 fatal incidents, 261 (78.4%) rescued with traumatic injuries, 12 (3.6%) suffering from major trauma, and 12 (3.6%) had spinal injuries. Half had lower limb injuries. Twenty six (7.7%) were suffering from non-traumatic medical problems. Forty six (13.8%) were suffering from cold or exhaustion. Fifty three casualties were dead when the rescue team arrived. Four died during or after rescue, one from hypothermia and three from trauma. All major trauma casualties were evacuated by helicopter. Discussion: No previous similar studies identified. Significant numbers of seriously injured and ill casualties are being cared for by mountain rescue team casualty carers, many of whom are not healthcare professionals. The need for improved training, research, and equipment is discussed. Conclusion: Scottish MRTs are called upon to provide an advanced level of care for a significant number of casualties. There is a need for formalised opportunities for in hospital training, management protocols, and continuing research and audit—none of which currently exists.
Characterization and Expression Analysis of a Serine Acetyltransferase Gene Family Involved in a Key Step of the Sulfur Assimilation Pathway in Arabidopsis 1

Ser acetyltransferase (SATase; EC 2.3.1.30) catalyzes the formation of O -acetyl-Ser from L -Ser and acetyl-CoA, leading to synthesis of Cys. According to its position at the decisive junction of the pathways of sulfur assimilation and amino acid metabolism, SATases are subject to regulatory mechanisms to control the ﬂux of Cys synthesis. In Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ) there are ﬁve genes encoding SATase-like proteins. Two isoforms, Serat3;1 and Serat3;2, were characterized with respect to their enzymatic properties, feedback inhibition by L -Cys, and subcellular localization. Functional identity of Serat3;1 and Serat3;2 was established by complementation of a SATase-deﬁcient mutant of Escherichia coli . Cytosolic localization of Serat3;1 and Serat3;2 was conﬁrmed by using fusion construct with the green ﬂuorescent protein. Recombinant Serat3;1 was not inhibited by L -Cys, while Serat3;2 was a strongly feedback-inhibited isoform. Quantiﬁcation of expression patterns indicated that Serat2;1 is the dominant form expressed in most tissues examined, followed by Serat1;1 and Serat2;2 . Although Serat3;1 and Serat3;2 were expressed weakly in most tissues, Serat3;2 expression was signiﬁcantly induced under sulfur deﬁciency and cadmium stress as well as during generative developmental stages, implying that Serat3;1 and Serat3;2 have speciﬁc roles when plants are subjected to distinct conditions. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the green ﬂuorescent protein under the control of the ﬁve promoters indicated that, in all Serat genes, the expression was predominantly localized in the vascular system, notably in the phloem. These results demonstrate that Arabidopsis employs a complex array of compartment-speciﬁc SATase isoforms with distinct enzymatic properties and expression patterns to ensure the provision of Cys in response to developmental and environmental changes.
Public Awareness of Beta Thalassemia in Bahrain

Result: Two thousand questionnaires were received; nevertheless, not all of them did answer all the questions. One thousand two hundred ninety-seven (65.1%) heard of beta thalassemia and 809 (40.5%) knew that both parents have to be carriers to have an affected child. One thousand five hundred forty-seven (77.8%) strongly agreed that premarital checking could prevent beta thalassemia. Females showed better knowledge than males and married individuals seem to know more about beta thalassemia than unmarried.
Towards an Advanced Implementation of the Connection Method

This paper is intended to give a glance at some issues involved in implementing an advanced proof component based on the connection method. The material presented comprises contributions to the following problem domains: (a) Dealing with formulas In non-normal form, (b) The dynamic incorporation of unification into a proof procedure, (c) Controlling the generation of copies of clauses.
Recall and recognition of old information in relation to age and sex.

Recall and recognition memory were tested in 120 men and women from each of six age decades, 20-29, 30 to 39.70 to 79. The memory test was of items which had occurred long ago, ranging from 1910-1919 to the 1970s, covering socio-historic events and events from the world of entertainment. Unlike with newly acquired information, the difference between recall and recognition memory for this type of naturally obtained information was similar for all age groups. Thus, retrieval deficits as a function of age were not observed. The memory for this type of information was good throughout most of the lifespan. Although an interaction between the age of the subject and the age of the information was found, contrary to previous results no one age period appeared best for information encoding.
The Life Course of Activity Limitations:

Objective: To strengthen the foundations for the use of survey-based measures of functional limitations and to explore associations between limitations in a variety of activities across the adult life course. Method: Five panels of data from the young and mature women’s cohorts of the National Longitudinal Surveys are used to (a) examine patterns of limitations in activities as women age, (b) compare how limitations develop over the life course, (c) explore how limitations in one activity are associated with limitations in others, and (d) investigate whether limitations develop incrementally or occur in clusters. Results: We find that scales of functional limitations are not dependent on the age of the respondent, activity limitations emerge in clusters, and relationships between items do not consistently fall into upper and lower body groups. Discussion: Scales of functional limitations are equally applicable to younger and older women, but further research is needed to compare substantive results using different methods of scale construction.