Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐term efficacy of tenofovir monotherapy for hepatitis B virus‐monoinfected patients after failure of nucleoside/nucleotide analogues

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has demonstrated high antiviral efficacy in treatment‐naive patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but experience in nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA)‐experienced patients is limited. In this retrospective multicenter study we therefore assessed the long‐term efficacy of TDF monotherapy in patients with prior failure or resistance to different NA treatments. Criteria for inclusion were HBV DNA levels >4.0 log10 copies/mL at the start and a minimum period of TDF therapy for at least 6 months. In all, 131 patients (mean age 42 ± 12 years, 95 male, 65% hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]‐positive) were eligible. Pretreatment consisted of either monotherapy with lamivudine (LAM; n = 18), adefovir (ADV; n = 8), and sequential LAM‐ADV therapy (n = 73), or add‐on combination therapy with both drugs (n = 29). Three patients had failed entecavir therapy. Resistance analysis in 113 of the 131 patients revealed genotypic LAM and ADV resistance in 62% and 19% of patients, respectively. The mean HBV DNA level at TDF baseline was 7.6 ± 1.5 log10 copies/mL. The overall cumulative proportion of patients achieving HBV DNA levels <400 copies/mL was 79% after a mean treatment duration of 23 months (range, 6–60). Although LAM resistance did not influence the antiviral efficacy of TDF, the presence of ADV resistance impaired TDF efficacy (100% versus 52% probability of HBV DNA <400 copies/mL, respectively). However, virologic breakthrough was not observed in any of the patients during the entire observation period. Loss of HBeAg occurred in 24% of patients and HBsAg loss occurred in 3%. No significant adverse events were noticed during TDF monotherapy. Conclusion: TDF monotherapy induced a potent and long‐lasting antiviral response in NA‐experienced patients with previous treatment failure. Our data may have implications for current add‐on strategies. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Exploring the role of a nonablative laser (1320 nm cooltouch laser) in skin photorejuvenation

Background: Nonablative laser has been used for the treatment and prevention of skin aging for many years. Although the mechanism has not been elucidated, histological evaluation showed that the dermal fibroblasts and its collagen production should be the main target for this rejuvenation. In order to determine the effects of a 1320 nm nonablative laser on the human dermal fibroblasts, the two main secretion factors, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor β1(TGF‐β1), in vitro were detected.
THz spectroscopy of polymer materials

The terahertz dielectric properties of polymers were characterized by transmission terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) in the frequency range extending from 0.2 to 3.0 THz. The terahertz absorption spectra, the refractive indices and the dielectric functions of various polymer materials were measured and compared.
Pathogenesis of adenovirus type 5 pneumonia in cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus)

Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) were inoculated intranasally with 10(2.0) to 10(10.0) PFU of human adenovirus type 5. The virus replicated to a high titer in pulmonary tissues, with the peak titer being proportional to the input dose. The 50% lethal dose was 10(9.4) PFU. Histopathologic changes were proportional to the infecting inoculum and included the infiltration of interstitial and intra-alveolar areas, moderate damage to bronchiolar epithelium, and cellular infiltration of peribronchiolar and perivascular regions. These changes could be divided into two phases: an early phase (affecting alveoli, bronchiolar epithelium, and peribronchiolar regions) with an infiltrate consisting primarily of monocytes-macrophages and neutrophils, with occasional lymphocytes, and a later phase (affecting peribronchiolar and perivascular regions) with an infiltrate consisting almost exclusively of lymphocytes. In both phases, the predominant process was the response of the host to infection, rather than direct viral damage to infected cells. An infecting inoculum of 10(8.0) PFU or larger caused severe damage to type II alveolar cells, which were swollen, showed a loss of lamellar bodies, and were surrounded by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages. No evidence of complete viral replication was found in type II alveolar cells.
Monitoring and controlling buildings indoor air quality using WSN-based technologies

Ventilation systems operate at buildings level for enhancing air quality by injecting fresher air from outside into inside buildings. In many situations, occupants have to open doors or windows in order to get fresh air. However, in cold or hot periods, or when there are no windows, ventilation systems automatically act on behalf of occupants by insuring good indoor air quality. More precisely, the ventilation controller performs this task by adjusting fresh air as much as needed based on actual indoor CO2 concentration. Several approaches have been implemented and deployed in real-setting scenarios, but most of them are either time-triggered or are based on fixed threshold values. In this paper, we propose to use contextual data, mainly indoor/outdoor CO2 concentration, for developing a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) based platform for monitoring and ventilation control. A prototype was developed and deployed in a laboratory-based test scenario for ventilation control. Experiments have been conducted and obtained results show the efficiency of the proposed context-driven control approach.
Abridged Mindfulness Intervention to Support Wellness in First-Year Medical Students

Background: Medical students experience a high burden of stress and suffer elevated rates of depression, burnout, and suicide compared to the general population, yet there is no consensus on how to address student wellness. Purposes: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an abridged mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention can improve measures of wellness in a randomized sample of 1st-year medical students. Methods: Fifty-eight participants were randomized to control or 8-week MBSR intervention and then invited to participate in the study. All participants were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Resilience Scale (RS), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) at 3 separate time points: baseline, at the conclusion of the study intervention (8 weeks), and at 6 months after the conclusion of the intervention. The intervention consisted of 75 minutes of weekly class time, suggested meditation at home, and a half-day retreat in the last week. Results: The intervention group achieved significant increase on SCS scores both at the conclusion of the study (0.58, p =.002), 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.23, 0.92], and at 6 months (0.56, p =.001), 95% CI [0.25, 0.87]. PSS scores achieved significant reduction at the conclusion of the study (3.63, p =.03), 95% CI [0.37, 6.89], but not at 6 months poststudy (2.91, p =.08), 95% CI [–0.37, 6.19]. The study did not demonstrate a difference in RS after the intervention, though RS was significantly correlated with both SCS and PSS. Conclusions: An abridged MBSR intervention improves perceived stress and self-compassion in 1st-year medical students and may be a valuable curricular tool to enhance wellness and professional development.
Effects of LDL Apheresis and Vitamin E-Modified Membrane on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Hemodialyzed Patients with Arteriosclerosis obliterans

Background: Hemodialysis patients manifest accelerated atherosclerosis. Hemodialysis is associated with oxidative stress, which can be partially prevented with the use of a vitamin E-coated dialyzer. Adsorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been applied in the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). The aim of the present study was to determine whether the vitamin E-coated dialyzer and/or LDL apheresis affects carotid atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients with ASO. Methods: Thirty hemodialysis patients with ASO were divided into four treatment groups: treatment with conventional cellulose or synthetic membranes (group A, n = 12), treatment with vitamin E-coated membrane (group B, n = 7), treatment with conventional membrane and LDL apheresis (group C, n = 6), and treatment with vitamin E-coated membrane and LDL apheresis (group D, n = 5). Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured before and 10 weeks after treatment and compared between groups. All values were referred to measurements after LDL apheresis. Results: IMT and PWV, plasma CRP and IL-6 showed little change in group A throughout the experimental period. These decreased slightly from the baseline value in group B, but the change was not significant. In group C, IMT decreased from 1.12 ± 0.24 to 1.02 ± 0.18 mm (p < 0.05), and PWV decreased from 2,266 ± 380 to 1,968 ± 342 cm/s (p < 0.05). Plasma CRP and IL-6 concentrations also decreased significantly compared with baseline (p < 0.05). In group D, IMT decreased from 1.18 ± 0.26 to 0.92 ± 0.18 mm (p < 0.01), and PWV decreased from 2,284 ± 390 to 1,786 ± 284 cm/s (p < 0.01). Plasma CRP and IL-6 levels also decreased significantly compared with baseline (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These data suggest that LDL apheresis and the vitamin E-coated membrane dialysis in combination may prevent further progression of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients with ASO.
Sirolimus-eluting versus bare nitinol stent for obstructive superficial femoral artery disease: the SIROCCO II trial.

PURPOSE To investigate further the safety and efficacy of the sirolimus-eluting S. M.A.R.T. Nitinol Self-expanding Stent by comparison with a bare stent in superficial femoral artery (SFA) obstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized, double-blind study involved 57 patients (29 in the sirolimus-eluting stent group and 28 in the bare stent group) with chronic limb ischemia and SFA occlusions (66.7%) or stenoses (average lesion length, 81.5 mm +/- 41.2). Stent implantation followed standard interventional techniques and a maximum of two stents could be implanted. The primary endpoint was the in-stent mean lumen diameter at 6 months as determined by quantitative angiography. RESULTS Both stent types were effective in revascularizing the diseased SFA and allowing sustained patency for at least 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in the in-stent mean lumen diameter at 6 months (4.94 mm +/- 0.69 and 4.76 mm +/- 0.54 mm for sirolimus-eluting and bare stent groups, respectively; P = .31). Although the diameter of the target lesion tended to be larger and percent stenosis tended to be lower with the sirolimus-eluting stent, there were no statistically significant differences between treatments in terms of any of the variables. The mean late loss values were 0.38 mm +/- 0.64 and 0.68 mm +/- 0.97 for the sirolimus-eluting stent group and the bare stent group, respectively (P = .20). The binary restenosis rates, with a cutoff of 50% at 6 months, were zero in the sirolimus-eluting stent group and 7.7% in the bare stent group (P = .49). Clinical outcomes matched angiographic outcomes with improvements in ankle-brachial index and symptoms of claudication. There was no significant difference between treatments in terms of adverse events. CONCLUSION Although there is a trend for greater efficacy in the sirolimus-eluting stent group, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the variables.
Transmission of HIV-1 drug resistance in Switzerland: a 10-year molecular epidemiology survey

Objectives:Representative prevalence data of transmitted drug-resistant HIV-1 are essential to establish accurate guidelines addressing resistance testing and first-line treatments. Methods:Systematic resistance testing was carried out in individuals in Switzerland with documented HIV-1 seroconversion during 1996–2005 and available samples with RNA > 1000 copies/ml obtained within 1 year of estimated seroconversion. Resistance interpretation used the Stanford list of mutations for surveillance of transmitted drug resistance and the French National Agency for AIDS Research algorithm. Results:Viral sequences from 822 individuals were available. Risk groups were men having sex with men (42%), heterosexual contacts (32%) and intravenous drug users (20%); 30% were infected with non-B subtype viruses. Overall, prevalence of transmitted resistance was 7.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.9–9.5] for any drug, 5.5% (95% CI, 3.9–7.1) for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 1.9% (95% CI, 1.0–2.8) for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and 2.7% (95% CI, 1.6–3.8) for protease inhibitors. Dual- or triple-class resistance was observed in 2% (95% CI, 0.8–2.5). No significant trend in prevalence of transmitted resistance was observed over years. There were no differences according to ethnicity, risk groups or gender, but prevalence of transmitted resistance was highest among individuals infected with subtype B virus. Conclusions:The transmission rate of drug-resistant HIV-1 has been stable since 1996, with very rare transmission of dual- or triple-class resistance. These data suggest that transmission of drug resistance in the setting of easy access to antiretroviral treatment can remain stable and be kept at a low level.
Low and Moderate Plyometric Training Frequency Produces Greater Jumping and Sprinting Gains Compared with High Frequency

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 3 different plyometric training frequencies (e.g., 1 day per week, 2 days per week, 4 days per week) associated with 3 different plyometric training volumes on maximal strength, vertical jump performance, and sprinting ability. Forty-two students were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: control (n = 10, 7 sessions of drop jump (DJ) training, 1 day per week, 420 DJs), 14 sessions of DJ training (n = 12, 2 days per week, 840 DJs), and 28 sessions of DJ training (n = 9, 4 days per week, 1680 DJs). The training protocols included DJ from 3 different heights 20, 40, and 60 cm. Maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM] and maximal isometric strength), vertical height in countermovement jumps and DJs, and 20-m sprint time tests were carried out before and after 7 weeks of plyometric training. No significant differences were observed among the groups in pre-training in any of the variables tested. No significant changes were observed in the control group in any of the variables tested at any point. Short-term plyometric training using moderate training frequency and volume of jumps (2 days per week, 840 jumps) produces similar enhancements in jumping performance, but greater training efficiency (∼12% and 0.014% per jump) compared with high jumping (4 days per week, 1680 jumps) training frequency (∼18% and 0.011% per jump). In addition, similar enhancements in 20-m-sprint time, jumping contact times and maximal strength were observed in both a moderate and low number of training sessions per week compared with high training frequencies, despite the fact that the average number of jumps accomplished in 7S (420 jumps) and 14S (840 jumps) was 25 and 50% of that performed in 28S (1680 jumps). These observations may have considerable practical relevance for the optimal design of plyometric training programs for athletes, given that a moderate volume is more efficient than a higher plyometric training volume.
2015 Clinical trials update in sickle cell anemia

Polymerization of HbS and cell sickling are the prime pathophysiological events in sickle cell disease (SCD). Over the last 30 years, a substantial understanding at the molecular level has been acquired on how a single amino acid change in the structure of the beta chain of hemoglobin leads to the explosive growth of the HbS polymer and the associated changes in red cell morphology. O2 tension and intracellular HbS concentration are the primary molecular drivers of this process, and are obvious targets for developing new therapies. However, polymerization and sickling are driving a complex network of associated cellular changes inside and outside of the erythrocyte, which become essential components of the inflammatory vasculopathy and result in a large range of potential acute and chronic organ damages. In these areas, a multitude of new targets for therapeutic developments have emerged, with several ongoing or planned new therapeutic interventions. This review outlines the key points of SCD pathophysiology as they relate to the development of new therapies, both at the pre‐clinical and clinical levels. Am. J. Hematol. 90:934–950, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced Sensitivity of “Metabotropic” Glutamate Receptors After Induction of Long‐Term Potentiation in Rat Hippocampus

Stimulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate <[3H]InsP) formation by ibotenate or trans‐1‐aminocyclopentyl‐l, 3‐dicarboxylic acid (t‐ACPD) in rat hippocampal slices was enhanced after tetanic stimulation of die Schaffer collaterals projecting to the CA1 region (in vitro) or the perforant pathway projecting to the dentate gyms (in freely moving animals). This effect was observed 5 h (but not 2 h) after long‐term potentiation (LTP) induction and was abolished if tetanic stimulation was performed in the presence of specific antagonists of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors. The delayed increase in excitatory amino acid‐induced polyphosphoinositide (PPI) hydrolysis was accompanied by an enhanced responsiveness to norepinephrine, whereas the basal and carbamylcholine‐stimulated [3H]InsP formation were unchanged. These results suggest that an increased activity of „metabotropic” glutamate receptors may contribute to the synaptic mechanisms enabling the late expression and or maintenance of LTP. Accordingly, LTP decayed more rapidly (within 5 h) in rats repeatedly injected with LiCl (60–120 mg/kg, i.p., for 10 days), a treatment that led to a reduced efficacy of ibotenate and norepinephrine in stimulating PPI hydrolysis in hippocampal slices.
Distribution of dopamine β‐hydroxylase‐like immunoreactive fibers within the shell subregion of the nucleus accumbens

The nucleus accumbens (Acb) can be divided into distinct subfields, delineated on the basis of histochemical markers as well as by afferent and efferent projection patterns. The shell subregion has reciprocal relationships with a variety of limbic areas and brainstem autonomic structures, and has been suggested to participate in motivation‐related processes, including reward, stress, and arousal. The locus coeruleus (LC)‐noradrenergic system has similarly been implicated in the modulation of behavioral state and stress‐related processes, and previous studies have demonstrated reciprocal projections between the locus coeruleus and Acb shell. To better understand the anatomical substrate through which LC could influence activity within Acb shell, immunohistochemical methods were used to visualize the extent and the distribution of noradrenergic axons within this structure. Coronal sections of rat brain were processed to visualize immunoreactivity for the norepinephrine synthetic enzyme dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH), a specific marker for noradrenergic processes. In some cases, alternate sections were processed for immunohistochemical localization of substance P, in order to delineate core, shell, and pallidal compartments. Moderate‐to‐dense DBH‐like immunoreactivity (DBHir) was found in approximately the caudal half of the shell subregion, particularly in caudalmost (septal pole) and ventral zones. The innervation of the septal pole was contiguous with a dense innervation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Few immunoreactive fibers were observed in the caudate‐putamen, Acb core, or rostral Acb shell. Many DBHir fibers within the shell region were highly arborized with numerous varicosities, features indicative of terminal fields. These observations suggest noradrenergic systems might modulate certain processes associated with stress, behavioral state, or reinforcement via actions within the Acb shell. Synapse 27:230–241, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Characteristics and effectiveness of smoking cessation programs in Italy. Results of a multicentric longitudinal study].

AIM to describe the characteristics and effectiveness of various smoking cessation programs offered by Italian treatment services operating within the National Health Service. DESIGN prospective longitudinal multicentre study involving 41 smoking cessation services in 16 Italian regions. STUDY POPULATION the study population includes patients entering smoking cessation programs between April 2003 and June 2004. The "study population" includes 1226 patients (54.2% males and 45.4% females), mean age 47 years. Patients have a middle/high level of education and a long history of smoking; most are highly dependent on nicotine and report previous attempts to quit smoking. METHODS treatment effectiveness in smoking cessation is assessed six months after entering treatment service. Logistic Regression Model was used to determine the predictors of successfiul cessation, independent of treatment typology. The predictors were included as confounding variables in the logistic regression model that was used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Besides the effect of treatment completion on smoking cessation was estimated. RESULTS predictors of successful smoking cessation are: being male, presence of a partner, strong motivation to quit, previous attempts to give up smoking, mild nicotine dependence, and not suffering from mood disturbances. All treatments are effective in helping people to stop smoking: cessation rate ranges between 25.00% for patients receiving a single session of motivational counselling and 65.3% for those receiving nicotine replacement therapy combined to group therapy. Compared to a single session of motivational counseling, nicotine replacement therapy combined to group therapy is the most effective therapeutic program (OR 5.4; 95%CI 12.5-12.0). Treatment completion is a strong determinant ofsuccess (OR 4.8; 95%CI 3.5-6.4). CONCLUSION enrolling people in any type of therapeutic program, in particular nicotine replacement therapy combined with group therapy increases the probability of successfully quitting smoking; moreover, patients that begin a smoking cessation program should be encouraged to complete the therapy
Reliability of CSP Interconnections Under Mechanical Shock Loading Conditions

Failure modes and mechanisms under mechanical shock loading were studied by employing the statistical and fractographic research methods, and the finite element (FE) analysis. The SnAgCu-bumped components were reflow-soldered with the SnAgCu solder paste on Ni(P)|Au-coated and organic solderability preservative-coated multilayer printed wiring boards with and without micro-via structure in the soldering pads. The component boards were designed, fabricated, assembled, and drop tested according to the JESD22-B111 standard for portable electronic products. The test data were analyzed by utilizing the Weibull statistics, and the characteristic lifetimes (eta) and shape parameters (beta) were calculated. Statistically significant differences in the reliability were found between the different coating materials and pad structures. The results on the failed assemblies showed good correlation between the failure modes and the FE calculations. Under high deformation rates the solder material undergoes strong strain-rate hardening, which increases the stresses in the interconnections as compared to those in the thermal cycling tests. Therefore, the failure mechanisms under high deformation rates differed essentially from those observed in thermal cycling tests