Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induced thermotolerance and expression of heat shock protein 70 in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

Thermal limits, induced thermotolerance and the expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in an echinoderm Apostichopus japonicus were studied. The sublethal and lethal temperatures for the juveniles were 30 and 34°C, respectively; a previous sublethal heat shock exposure (30°C, 2 h) could increase the survival rates of the sea cucumbers when they were exposed to 34°C. This induced thermotolerance could last for at least 2 days. Levels of Hsp70 increased substantially after sublethal heat shock exposure and linearly decreased with time. This result indicated that a close relationship existed between the induction of thermotolerance and the levels of Hsp70 in A. japonicus.
Clonal expansions of CD4+ B helper T cells in autoimmune myasthenia gravis

The weakness in myasthenia gravis (MG) is mediated by T helper cell (Th)‐dependent autoantibodies against neuromuscular epitopes. So far, analyzing Th phenotypes or antigen specificities has yielded very few clues to pathogenesis. Here we adopt an alternative antigen‐independent approach, analyzing T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ usage/expansions in blood from 118 MG patients. We found major expansions (⩾ five standard deviations above the mean of 118 healthy, individually age‐ and sex‐matched controls) in diverse Vβ in 21 patients (17.6%, p<0.001) among CD4+ T cells, and in 45 patients (38.1%, p<0.001) among CD8+ T cells. In informative probands, the expanded CD4+ cells consistently showed a Th cell phenotype (CD57+CXCR5+) and expressed Th1 cytokines. Furthermore, their expression of markers for activation, lymphocyte trafficking and B cell‐activating ability persisted for ⩾3 years. Surprisingly, we noted a selective decline in the expansions/their CD57 positivity while the probands’ MG was improving. CDR3 spectratyping suggested mono‐ or oligoclonal origins, which were confirmed by the prevalent TCR Vβ CDR3 sequences of Th cells cloned from repeat bleeds. Thus, our data provide evidence for persistent clonally expanded CD4+ B helper T cell populations in the blood of MG patients. These unexpected CD4+ expansions might hold valuable clues to MG immunopathogenesis.
Dietary Support to Underweight Patients with End-Stage Pulmonary Disease Assessed for Lung Transplantation

Background: Undernutrition in hospitalized patients is often not recognized and nutritional support neglected. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is frequently characterized by weight loss. No data exist on the effects of nutritional supplementation in underweight lung transplantation candidates during hospitalization. Objective: To evaluate the effects on energy intake and body weight of an intensified nutritional support compared to the regular support during hospitalization. Methods: The participants were underweight (n = 42) and normal-weight (n = 29) patients with end-stage pulmonary disease assessed for lung transplantation. The underweight patients were randomized to receive either an energy-rich diet planned for 10 MJ/day and 45–50 energy percentage fat and offered supplements (group 1), or the normal hospital diet planned for 8.5–9 MJ/day and 30–35 energy percentage fat and regular support (group 2, control group). The normal-weight control patients (group 3) received the normal diet. Food intake was recorded for 3 days. Results: During a mean hospital stay of 12 days, the energy intake was significantly greater for the patients on intensified nutritional support (median 11.2 MJ) than for the underweight patients on the regular support (8.4 MJ; p < 0.02) and the normal-weight patients (7.0 MJ; p < 0.001). The increase in energy intake in group 1 resulted in a significant weight gain (median 1.2 kg) compared with group 2 (p < 0.01) and group 3 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In a group of underweight patients with lung disease assessed for lung transplantation, it was possible to increase energy intake by an intensified nutritional support which was associated with a significant weight gain, compared to the regular nutritional support during a short hospital stay.
A 3-day diary of dietary protein and calorie intake by serum phosphate concentration and binder use in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: The use of phosphate binders to control hyperphosphatemia may allow diets less restricted in protein and calories for maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. The study compared intakes of protein, calorie and phosphate among MHD patients with different serum phosphate concentrations, taking into account binder use. The hypothesis was that low serum phosphate would be associated with low intakes of protein and calories only in patients not on binders. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 443 patients enrolled in the Prospective Study of the Prognosis of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients (PROHEMO) in Salvador, Brazil, with stratified sampling on serum phosphate: ≤3.0 (n = 41), 3.5-5.5 (n = 328) and ≥7.0 mg/dL (n = 74). A 3-day diet diary was used to determine dietary intakes. Results: Approximately 49.0% confirmed binder use. Covariate-adjusted linear regression showed that associations between dietary intakes and serum phosphate were modified by the binder use. In patients not on binders, protein intake was >20% lower for serum phosphate ≤3.0 mg/dL compared to higher concentrations. Also in those not on binders, calorie intake was >30% lower for serum phosphate ≤3.0 mg/dL compared to ≥7.0 mg/dL. Differences in dietary intakes by serum phosphate were virtually absent in patients on binders. Conclusions: The results are consistent with the hypothesis that low serum phosphate is associated with low protein and calorie intake only among MHD patients not on binders. This study supports recommendations to prevent hyperphosphatemia in MHD patients by adequate combination of binder use and selection of foods restricted in phosphors but not severely restricted in protein and calories.
Feeding Strategies for High-Producing Dairy Cows During Periods of Elevated Heat and Humidity

Summary A re-evaluation of the temperature humidity index (THI) confirmed that current THI values underestimate the severity of heat stress levels. Previously, a THI equal to or greater than 72 has been used to define onset of heat stress, but our research demonstrated that a THI greater than or equal to 68 is low enough to cause adverse affects when cows suffer from heat stress. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that when average THI is 68 or higher, the milk yield loss becomes highly significant after 17 hours of exposure. Supplementation of lactating dairy cows with encapsulated niacin proved to alleviate some affects of heat stress during acute thermal stress. This was observed through increased evaporative heat loss, increased water intake to support the increased sweating rate, and decreased rectal and core temperatures. Milk production was not affected by the supplementation of encapsulated niacin.
Carfilzomib: a novel agent for multiple myeloma

Carfilzomib is a new agent for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM). This article presents a comprehensive overview of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dosing schedule, safety, efficacy, preparation and administration of carfilzomib, and its role in treating MM patients.
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among pregnant women in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) represent a group of conditions associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is an important cause of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. The aims of the study were to find the prevalence of hypertensive disorders and its associated risk factors among women attending the antenatal clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital,(UDUTH) Sokoto. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study of 216 consecutively recruited women that were less than 20 weeks pregnant at booking was carried out. Blood pressure was measured for each woman at booking and at subsequent visits. Urinalysis was done at booking and whenever blood pressure was elevated. Patients were followed-up to delivery and 6 weeks postpartum. Data entry and analysis was done using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) statistical package. Results: The prevalence of HDP in the study was 17% while preeclampsia was 6%. Previous history of preeclampsia (P < 0.001; Relative risk (RR) 4.2; conficence interval (CI) 2.144-6.812), multiple gestation (P < 0.03; RR 3.8; CI 1.037-6.235), gestational diabetes (P < 0.02; RR 4.8; CI 1.910-6.751) and obesity (P < 0.002; RR 2.7; CI 1.373-5.511) were the significant risk factors in the development of HDP among the study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of HDP in the study group is high. Therefore, paying attention to the risk factors will ensure early detection and prevention of the progression of the disease and its sequelae.
Personality Dimensions in Schizophrenia: Associations with Symptoms and Coping Concurrently and 12 Months Later

Background: Research has indicated that stable individual differences in personality exist among persons with schizophrenia, and that they likely predate the onset of illness. Less is known about whether individual differences in personality are related to levels of psychopathology and function. Sampling and Methods: This study tested the hypotheses that levels of neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness are associated with symptomatology and coping in schizophrenia both concurrently and as measured 12 months later for 46 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Baseline assessments were conducted, which included measurements of the personality dimensions of neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness measured using the NEO, coping preferences using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The symptom and coping measures were repeated 12 months after the date of the baseline assessment. Results: Univariate correlations comparing baseline assessments suggested that higher neuroticism and lower extraversion were concurrently linked to more emotional discomfort and avoidant coping. Agreeableness was linked only to positive symptoms. Correlations controlling for baseline levels revealed greater levels of neuroticism at baseline, predicted a preference for resigning when under stress and higher emotional discomfort 12 months later. Lesser levels of agreeableness continued to predict greater positive symptoms 12 months later. No long-term associations were found between coping and symptoms at 12 months with levels of extraversion. Conclusions: The results suggest individual differences in personality are associated with psychopathology in schizophrenia and may affect function over time. More research is needed with broader samples and with more frequent follow-up assessments.
An experimental evaluation of different face recognition algorithms using closed circuit Television images

Bio-metric based recognition is rapidly replacing the non-biometric based recognition systems. Face recognition is one of the most important bio-metric based recognition technique. Different algorithms exist for face recognition that works well on high resolution digital images. The aim of this work is to check whether these existing face recognition algorithms work on low quality Closed Circuit Television images? We have considered three such algorithms. These algorithms are Artificial Neural Network, Principal Component Analysis and Single Value Decomposition. We have experimentally evaluated these for Closed Circuit Television images. Our experiments show that using the CCTV images the accuracy rate of ANN for face recognition is 85%, for PCA the accuracy rate is 75% and for SVD the accuracy rate is 65%. The experiments also show that the accuracy of all the three algorithms reduces when the number of input faces increases.
Diagnostic accuracy and image quality using a digital camera for teledermatology.

OBJECTIVE The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital photography for dermatologic diagnoses and compare it with in-person diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients referred for specialty consultations (n = 308) were recruited from a university dermatology clinic. Patients were examined in-person by one of three board-certified dermatologists who provided clinical diagnoses. Digital photos were obtained on all patients and were evaluated as computer images by a panel of dermatologists. RESULTS There was 83% concordance between in-person versus digital photo diagnoses. Intradermatologist concordance averaged 84%, and interdermatologist concordance averaged 81%. Decision confidence was rated as "very definite" to "definite" 62% of the time. Concordance with biopsy results was achieved in 76% of the cases. Image sharpness and color quality were rated "good" to "excellent" 83% and 93% of the time, respectively. CONCLUSION Digital photography for store-and-forward teledermatology produces high-quality images and diagnostic concordance rates that compare favorably with in-person clinical diagnoses.
Brain-machine interface control using broadband spectral power from local field potentials

Recent progress in brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) has shown tremendous improvements in task complexity and degree of control. In particular, closed-loop decoder adaptation (CLDA) has emerged as an effective paradigm for both improving and maintaining the performance of BMI systems. Here, we demonstrate the first reported use of a CLDA algorithm to rapidly achieve high-performance control of a BMI based on local field potentials (LFPs). We trained a non-human primate to control a 2-D computer cursor by modulating LFP activity to perform a center-out reaching task, while applying CLDA to adaptively update the decoder. We show that the subject is quickly able to readily reach and hold at all 8 targets with an average success rate of 74% ± 7% (sustained peak rate of 85%), with rapid convergence in the decoder parameters. Moreover, the subject is able to maintain high performance across 4 days with minimal adaptations to the decoder. Our results indicate that CLDA can be used to facilitate LFP-based BMI systems, allowing for both rapid improvement and maintenance of performance.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Fibrotest in Hemodialysis and Renal Transplant Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

Background. An accurate diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver lesions is mandatory in dialysis patients and kidney recipients to better define the treatment of and contraindications to kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the fibrotest (a noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis in HCV on a scale from 0 to 1) in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients infected by chronic HCV. Methods. In all, 110 patients with biopsy-proven HCV (60 renal transplant recipients and 50 hemodialysis patients), determined using the METAVIR scoring system, were studied. Results. Forty-six percent of patients had fibrosis ≥F2. A positive predictive value of a score >0.6 for the presence of significant fibrosis by comparison with liver biopsy was 71%, and an negative predictive value of <0.2 for excluding significant fibrosis was 77%, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis were 0.66, 0.47, and 0.71 in the global population, hemodialysis patients, and renal transplant patients, respectively. In all, 75% of patients were correctly classified using the fibrotest. If biopsy was restricted to scores in the intermediate range (<0.6 and >0.2), the index could reduce the indication for biopsy by 47%. The results did not differ significantly in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients. Conclusion. The fibrotest has a diagnostic value in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients which is similar to that reported in the general population (75%) and its use could avoid 32% of liver biopsies if it were interpreted in detail in nephrology patients.
Comparative Evaluation of Pulsewidth Modulation Strategies for Z-Source Neutral-Point-Clamped Inverter

Z-source neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter has recently been proposed as an alternative three-level buck-boost power conversion solution with an improved output waveform quality. In principle, the designed Z-source inverter functions by selectively "shooting through" its power sources, coupled to the inverter using two unique Z-source impedance networks, to boost the inverter three-level output waveform. Proper modulation of the new inverter would therefore require careful integration of the selective shoot-through process to the basic switching concepts to achieve maximal voltage-boost, minimal harmonic distortion, lower semiconductor stress, and minimal number of device commutations per switching cycle. To date, the theoretical background on Z-source NPC modulation has not been fully established, and it is the theme of this paper to propose a number of enhanced voltage-boost pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategies for controlling the Z-source NPC inverter. While developing the PWM techniques, attention has been devoted to carefully derive them from a common generic basis for improved portability, easier implementation, and most importantly, assisting readers in understanding all concepts that have been presented. The presented strategies are also comparatively evaluated to identify their individual advantages and disadvantages, which are subsequently summarized in a comprehensive reference table. Last, simulation and experimental results are included for validating the performances and practicalities of the presented modulation schemes
Non-steroidal anti-androgens in prostate cancer - current treatment practice

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is a common disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in the adult male population. Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer is considered when a patient fails with initial curative therapy, such as radical prostatectomy or definitive radiation therapy, or if he is found with an advanced disease. Many hormonal agents have been developed to exploit the fact that prostate cancer growth is dependent on androgen. Non-steroidal anti-androgens (NSAAs) block androgen at the cellular level. Numerous clinical trials comparing monotherapy of castration and combination therapy of castration and NSAAs have been performed. At present, the results of the trials with regard to the survival of patients under therapy are conflicting. When the disease recurs in a patient in the middle of combination androgen blockade therapy, androgen withdrawal should be considered. The benefits of NSAA in monotherapy, intermittent or neoadjuvant therapy are not clear at present. Better designed, larger cohort clinical trial may be necessary to clarify the confusion.
Peritoneal Catheter Loss and Death in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Peritonitis: Correlation with Clinical and Biochemical Parameters

Clinical and biochemical parameters associated with the removal of the peritoneal catheter and death following continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis were analyzed In 120 episodes of peritonitis. Episodes resulting In catheter removal (n=24, 20%) and those ending in patient death (n=12, 10%) were respectively compared with episodes in which peritoneal catheters were saved and from which the patients survived. Variables associated with catheter removal included advanced age, long duration of peritonitis, coexisting exit-site/tunnelinfection, Infection caused by pseudomonas or fungi, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and malnutrition at presentation with peritonitis (serum albumin 29.5±7.6 g/L vs 33.8±4.8 glL In episodes In which the catheters were saved, p=0.014), and worsening malnutrition during peritonitis. Variables associated with death from peritonitis included diabetes mellitus, persistence of the infection, removal of the peritoneal catheter, Infection with pseudomonas, malnutrition prior to the infection (serum albumin 29.5±3.2 glL vs 34.7±4.2 glL In survivors, p<0.001), presentation with elevated AST and worsening malnutrition, and the development of pronounced malnutrition during infection (serum albumin 18.1:t4. 1 g/L vs 28.9±5.8 glL in survivors, p<0.001). Deaths were caused primarily by cardiovascular events. Both removal of the peritoneal catheter and death as consequences of CAPD peritonitis are associated with malnutrition and pseudomonas Infection. In addition, death is more frequent in diabetic patients.
Lessons learned from a multidisciplinary fall-prevention programme: The occupational-therapy element

Abstract Objective: To gain insight into the contribution of the occupational-therapy part of a multidisciplinary fall prevention programme towards the reduction of falls and functional decline. Design: A descriptive and exploratory study. Methods: Data were collected in the context of a randomized controlled trial that found no effect of a multidisciplinary fall prevention programme. The study population comprised 166 participants, two occupational therapists (OTs), and one official from each of the five participating municipalities. Data were collected on the recommendations arising from the OT part of the programme, the extent to which those recommendations were implemented and what OTs did to stimulate implementation of behaviour change. Results: The occupational-therapy programme resulted in 457 recommendations; 65% of the recommendations regarding services and assistive devices were implemented. It took on average six months to implement recommended home modifications. Advice on behaviour change predominantly comprised recommendations to reduce risky behaviour. Conclusion: To improve the occupational-therapy programme more rapid implementation of recommendations is suggested. Second, participants should be supported to achieve recommended changes. Furthermore, occupational therapists should use theory-based techniques to stimulate behaviour change and use follow-up visits to promote maintenance of the desired behaviour.
Staging the Initiation of Autoantibody-Induced Arthritis: A Critical Role for Immune Complexes1

In the K/B×N mouse model of arthritis, autoantibodies against glucose-6-phosphate isomerase cause joint-specific inflammation and destruction. We have shown using micro-positron emission tomography that these glucose-6-phosphate isomerase-specific autoantibodies rapidly localize to distal joints of mice. In this study we used micro-positron emission tomography to delineate the stages involved in the development of arthritis. Localization of Abs to the joints depended upon mast cells, neutrophils, and FcRs, but not on C5. Surprisingly, anti-type II collagen Abs alone did not accumulate in the distal joints, but could be induced to do so by coinjection of irrelevant preformed immune complexes. Control Abs localized to the joint in a similar manner. Thus, immune complexes are essential initiators of arthritis by sequential activation of neutrophils and mast cells to allow Abs access to the joints, where they must bind a target Ag to initiate inflammation. Our findings support a four-stage model for the development of arthritis and identify checkpoints where the disease is reversible.