Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human dicrocoeliasis in northern Iran: two case reports from Gilan province

Dicrocoelium dendriticum is a liver fluke that, in its adult stage, lives in the gall bladder and bile ducts of many mammals. Ruminants such as sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes and camels are frequently infected while rabbits, pigs, horses and humans are occasional hosts (Manga-González and González-Lanza, 2005; Khandelwal et al., 2008). It is in Europe, Asia, North Africa, South America and Australia that the parasite has its greatest economic impact, as the result of the condemnation of infected liver and reduced milk and meat production (Otranto and Traversa, 2003; MangaGonzález and González-Lanza, 2005). The trematode has a complex life-cycle involving two intermediate hosts: the terrestrial snail and the ant. The infection of grazing mammals and, occasionally, humans is usually the result of the ingestion of live, metacercariae-carrying ants on grass, herbs, fruit or vegetables (Khandelwal et al., 2008). Once ingested by a mammal, the metacercariae excyst in the duodenum and the immature flukes migrate up the biliary-duct system (without penetrating the gut wall, liver capsule or liver parenchyma, as seen in fascioliasis), where they mature into adults (Khandelwal et al., 2008). About 100 snail species have been reported as natural or experimental intermediate hosts of D. dendriticum and at least 21 species of ant, most of them in the genus Formica, have also been described as susceptible to the parasite (Manga-González and González-Lanza, 2005). In humans, even heavy infections with D. dendriticum are usually asymptomatic but diarrhoea, flatulence, biliary obstruction, cholangitis and/or acute urticaria may develop (Karadag et al., 2005; Khandelwal et al., 2008; Sing et al., 2008). The drugs that have been used, orally, for the treatment of human dicrocoeliasis include praziquantel (25 mg/kg given three times a day for 3–4 days), triclabendazole (10 mg/kg as a single dose) and myrrh (600 mg/day for 6 days) (Khandelwal et al., 2008; Schweiger and Kuhn, 2008; Abdul-Ghani et al., 2009). During a recent, community-based study of human fascioliasis, two cases of human dicrocoeliasis were detected in rural areas of the district of Bandar-e-Anzali, close to the Caspian Sea and in the northern Iranian province of Gilan. These two cases are described and discussed below.
A study of transitive closure as a recursion mechanism

We show that every linearly recursive query can be expressed as a transitive closure possibly preceded and followed by operations already available in relational algebra. This reduction is possible even if there are repeated variables in the recursive literals and if some of the arguments in the recursive literals are constants. Such an equivalence has significant theoretical and practical ramifications. One the one hand it influences the design of expressive notations to capture recursion as an augmentation of relational query languages. On the other hand implementation of deductive databases is impacted in that the design does not have to provide the generality that linear recursion would demand. It suffices to study the single problem of transitive closure and to provide an efficient implementation for it.
erent Beauveria bassiana isolates on W eld populations of Lygus lineolaris in pigweed ( Amaranthus spp . )

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is a pest of various fruit, vegetable, Wber, and seed crops; including cotton. Lygus spp. populations often build on alternate host plants before moving to cotton, and in the midsouthern U.S. wild host plants, such as pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), play a major role in L. lineolaris population development. Three isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) were evaluated for L. lineolaris control in redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroXexus L.): one from L. lineolaris in Mississippi (TPB3); one from Lygus hesperus (Knight) in California (WTPB2); and one commercial isolate from Mycotrol® (GHA). Fungal applications resulted in moderate to high mycosis in adults (33 to 80%) and moderate mycosis in nymphs (36 to 53%) that were collected from Weld plots at 2 days post-treatment and incubated under laboratory conditions. Although TPB3 was previously found to be more pathogenic in laboratory bioassays, there was not a consistent separation of this isolate from the other two isolates in Weld trials. Where diVerences in adult mycosis or mortality were observed, TPB3 was the most pathogenic. However, in one Weld trial 7 day mortality for nymphs treated with GHA was higher than those treated with TPB3 or WTPB2. Infection rates at 2, 7, and 14 days posttreatment from caged and non-caged adults suggested that movement of adults among plots occurred, which could have masked some treatment eVects. Fungal treatments did not signiWcantly reduce populations relative to controls. This may have been caused by delayed mortality rates under Weld conditions and/or diYculties with estimating population change under Weld conditions characteristic of wild host plant populations (e.g., heterogeneous populations, adult movement, and small plot size). Further work evaluating time–dose–mortality over dynamic temperatures, spring and fall Weld trials on this and other wild hosts, and improved methods for estimating populations on wild hosts are needed. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Global behaviour of a predator–prey like model with piecewise constant arguments

The present study deals with the analysis of a predator–prey like model consisting of system of differential equations with piecewise constant arguments. A solution of the system with piecewise constant arguments leads to a system of difference equations which is examined to study boundedness, local and global asymptotic behaviour of the positive solutions. Using Schur–Cohn criterion and a Lyapunov function, we derive sufficient conditions under which the positive equilibrium point is local and global asymptotically stable. Moreover, we show numerically that periodic solutions arise as a consequence of Neimark-Sacker bifurcation of a limit cycle.
A retrospective measure of childhood behavior problems and its use in predicting adolescent problem behaviors.

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to support the dimensional structure of a four-factor retrospective measure of childhood behavior problems with a large, nonclinical adolescent sample. Acceptable levels of internal consistency and low-to-moderate levels of parent-adolescent interrater agreement were indicated for the four factors of attentional deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional behavior, conduct disorder symptoms and avoidance behaviors. The externalizing childhood problems (i.e., attentional deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional behavior, conduct disorder) were associated significantly with both internalizing (depression) and externalizing (e.g., alcohol consumption, delinquent activity) adolescent problem behaviors, as well as with an earlier age of onset for substance use. Avoidant behaviors in childhood were associated specifically with depressive symptomatology in adolescence. Results are discussed with regard to the role of childhood problems as precursors to adolescent/adult disorders.
A pathogenic role for T cell–derived IL-22BP in inflammatory bowel disease

Interleukin-22 binding protein (IL-22BP) drives inflammatory bowel disease by sopping up the tissue-protective protein IL-22. Intestinal inflammation can impair mucosal healing, thereby establishing a vicious cycle leading to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the signaling networks driving chronic inflammation remain unclear. Here we report that CD4+ T cells isolated from patients with IBD produce high levels of interleukin-22 binding protein (IL-22BP), the endogenous inhibitor of the tissue-protective cytokine IL-22. Using mouse models, we demonstrate that IBD development requires T cell–derived IL-22BP. Lastly, intestinal CD4+ T cells isolated from IBD patients responsive to treatment with antibodies against tumor necrosis factor–α (anti–TNF-α), the most effective known IBD therapy, exhibited reduced amounts of IL-22BP expression but still expressed IL-22. Our findings suggest that anti–TNF-α therapy may act at least in part by suppressing IL-22BP and point toward a more specific potential therapy for IBD.
Association between prescription burden and medication adherence in patients initiating antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy.

PURPOSE The association between prescription burden and medication adherence in patients initiating antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy was studied. METHODS Patients enrolled in managed care organizations who initiated antihypertensive therapy coincident with lipid-lowering therapy (no more than 90 days apart) between January 1, 1997, and April 30, 2000, were eligible for inclusion. Analysis was limited to new users of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy. The proportion of days covered (PDC) by antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy was calculated for the first year after therapy initiation; patients with a PDC of > or =80% for both drug classes were considered adherent. Prescription burden was defined as the number of prescription medications taken in the year prior to starting antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy. Demographic, clinical, and health-service-use variables associated with both prescription burden and medication adherence were measured using medical and pharmacy claims data from the year before initiation of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy. RESULTS Among 5759 patients, the mean +/- S.D. prescription burden was 3.6 +/- 3.7 (median, 3) medications, and the mean +/- S.D. PDC with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy was 53.9% +/- 31.9% (median, 58.5%). Among patients with 0, 1, and 2 prior medications, 41%, 35%, and 30% of patients were adherent, respectively, to antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy. Among patients with 10 or more prior medications, 20% were adherent. CONCLUSION Among patients in a managed care database taking antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications, adherence to those regimens became less likely as the number of prescription medications increased. The reduction in adherence with additional prescription medications was greatest in patients with the fewest preexisting prescriptions.
Lifetime costs of surgical versus medical treatment of severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Finland.

BACKGROUND Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be effectively treated pharmacologically or surgically. As GERD is often a chronic condition, we compared the long-term costs of medical and surgical management. METHODS The medical regimens were ranitidine (150 or 300 mg/day), omeprazole (20 or 40 mg/day), and lansoprazole (30 mg/day), with costs calculated for total life expectancy after diagnosis and for one-third of that time. Costs for open or laparoscopic surgery (Nissen fundoplication) included pre- and post-operative investigations, sick leave, and calculated financial loss due to fatal outcome. RESULTS Costs were lowest with ranitidine, 150 mg/day, for one-third of the patient's lifetime and highest with lifelong omeprazole, 40 mg/daily. The cost of open or laparoscopic operation was less than that of lifelong daily treatment with proton pump inhibitors or ranitidine, 300 mg daily. CONCLUSION In Finland, antireflux surgery for GERD is cheaper than lifetime treatment with proton pump inhibitors.
Signaling mechanisms mediated by G-protein coupled receptors in human platelets.

AIM The present study deals with the investigation of mechanisms involved in the synergistic interaction between epinephrine and arachidonic acid (AA). METHODS Venous blood was taken from healthy human volunteers reported to be free of medications for one week. Platelet aggregation was monitored at 37 degree using Dual-channel Lumi-aggregometer. The resulting aggregation was recorded for 5 min by the measurement of light transmission as a function of time. RESULTS The data show that a synergism in platelet aggregation mediated by subthreshold concentrations of epinephrine (1 micromol/L) and AA (0.2 micromol/L) was inhibited by the alpha2-receptor antagonist (yohimbine, IC50)=0.6 micromol/L) and an inhibitor of AA-cyclooxygenase (COX), indomethacin (IC50=0.25 micromol/L). In examining receptor influence on intraplatelet signalling pathways, it was found that the synergistic effect was inhibited by calcium channel blockers, verapamil (IC50=0.4 micromol/L) and diltiazem (IC50=2.5 micromol/L), as well as by low concentrations of inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC) (U73122; IC50=0.2 micromol/L) and mitogens activated protein kinase (MAPK) (PD 98059; IC50=3.8 micromol/L). Herbimycin A, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine light chain kinase (TLCK), showed inhibition at IC50 value of 15 micromol/L, whereas chelerythrine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, had no effect up to 20 micromol/L. CONCLUSION These data suggest that synergism between epinephrine and AA in platelet aggregation is triggered through receptors coupled to G-protein, which in turn, activate PLC, COX, and MAP kinase-signaling pathways.
Meniere's disease: An immune complex‐mediated illness?

The cause of Menière's disease is unknown. Recent clinical research suggests that one etiology is immune-mediated damage to the inner ear. The diagnosis of autoimmune Menière's syndrome is largely based on history, response to steroids, or results of nonspecific laboratory tests such as serological studies. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) assay was used to determine levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in 30 patients with Menière's disease and 20 control subjects. Patients with Menière's disease had a statistically significant elevation of serum circulating immune complexes when compared to the control group. This suggests that CICs may be involved in the pathogenesis of Menière's disease, either as a direct cause of damage, or as a by-product of an underlying autoimmune abnormality. Therapeutic implications include use of plasmapheresis to remove the complexes or CIC monitoring to serve as a marker for treatment efficacy.
Docking of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) to the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane

Despite growing evidence for a mitochondrial localization of nitric oxide (NO) synthase and a broadening spectrum of NO actions on mitochondrial respiration and apoptosis, the basis for interaction between the enzyme and the organelle remain obscure. Here we investigated mitochondrial localization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human embryonic kidney cells transfected or infected with eNOS expression vectors. Copurification of eNOS with mitochondria was observed in both human umbilical vein endothelial cells and eNOS-expressing human embryonic kidney cells. Immunodetectable eNOS was cleaved from mitochondria by proteinase K treatment, suggesting eNOS association with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Localization of eNOS to a proteinase K-cleavable site on the cytoplasmic face of the outer membrane was confirmed by immunogold labeling of non-permeabilized mitochondria. Markers for mitochondrial subfractions ruled out the possibility of eNOS association with an intramitochondrial site or inverted mitochondrial particles. Denaturation of eNOS did not attenuate association with mitochondria. Mutant eNOS lacking a pentabasic amino acid sequence within the autoinhibitory domain (residues 628–632 of the bovine eNOS) showed dramatically reduced binding to the mitochondrial but not to the plasma membrane, which was associated with increased oxygen consumption. Collectively, these findings argue in favor of eNOS localization to the outer mitochondrial membrane in endothelial cells and identify elements of a novel anchoring mechanism.
Diagnostic imaging in Takayasu arteritis

Purpose of reviewNew imaging modalities may help accurately diagnose and monitor Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Examination of the published literature on arterial imaging studies other than conventional angiography will help guide appropriate use of these studies in TAK. MRI, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), Doppler ultrasound, CT, and positron emission tomography (PET) are all potentially useful for evaluation of TAK. Recent findingsMRI/A avoids the risks of arterial puncture, iodinated contrast load, and radiation exposure, while providing information on arterial wall anatomy and obtaining a generalized arterial survey in TAK. Ultrasound can be helpful in detecting submillimeter changes in wall thickness of the carotid arteries and in differentiating TAK from atherosclerotic disease based on minimal plaque content, concentric and long segmental involvement, and location of lesion. Like MRI, CT angiography can be used to detect areas of aortic wall thickening and obtain a generalized survey of the aorta and its proximal branches for areas of stenosis and without the risks associated with arterial puncture. However, CT provides less detailed resolution than ultrasound and incurs the risks of contrast administration. Finally, PET scanning may provide valuable information about cellular activity within an inflamed arterial wall before morphologic changes on other imaging studies. SummaryAlthough it is still unclear how often early arterial wall changes lead to stenotic lesions, use of these modalities in combination, for both routine monitoring and evaluation of new symptoms, may facilitate the detection of TAK disease activity at a more treatable stage.
Application and test of sliding mode control for indoor vehicles

In these days, tracking control for vehicles with nonlinear dynamics is intensively studied. Especially when vehicles run at low speed, exact linearization based on time-state controller form realizes exponential convergence to the reference trajectory. When a vehicle corners a curve at high speed, however, tracking error due to sideslip angle of tires appears. To recover the exponential convergence and to compensate for the uncertainty of tire force, a sliding mode control for active front steering vehicle has been proposed by one of the author. In this study, that method is applied to a RC model car to explore the possibilities of indoor type high speed mobile robots.
Estimating spatial cues for audio coding in MDCT domain

Although widely used otherwise, MDCT is excluded in the current scheme for spatial cues representation, due to its lacking of phase information and energy conservation. But combining MDCT with MDST overcomes the difficulties. Moreover, MDST spectra can be built perfectly from neighboring MDCT spectra. The MDCT-MDST conversion, in matrix form, is approximating to a banded sparse matrix. When applied to spatial audio coding using MDCT based core coders, this method avoids separate transforming for cues representation and saves significant computation. Listening tests also show that it has same audio quality as other complex transform based methods.
Aids to computer-based multimedia learning: a comparison of human tutoring and computer support

Learners are usually provided with support devices because they find it difficult to learn from multimedia presentations. A key question, with no clear answer so far, is how best to present these support devices. One possibility is to insert them intothe multimedia presentation (canned support), while another is to have a human agent provide them (human tutoring). Human tutoring poses potential advantages: it uses spoken modality, displays non-verbal cues and implies social interaction. However, there is mixed evidence regarding these supposed advantages, and prior research comparing human and computer support presents problems. Our goal was to explore whether the advantages of human tutoring actually exist while avoiding the problems of prior research. In one experiment, participants learned Geology from a multimedia presentation including one of three forms of support: human tutoring, canned support or no support. After viewing the presentation, participants solved retention and transfer tests. Results revealed that participants in the human tutoring condition outperformed those in the other two conditions, who did not differ from each other. This means that human tutoring is advantageous, a fact that has implications in the design of support devices in multimedia learning.
Preparative Scale Cell-free Production and Quality Optimization of MraY Homologues in Different Expression Modes*

Background: Functional MraY translocases can be cell-free expressed in high levels. Results: Bacillus subtilis MraY activity is stable and robust, whereas Escherichia coli MraY depends on lipids. Conclusion: Activity of MraY can be modulated by cell-free expression modes. Artificial hydrophobic environments have a strong impact on the MraY sample quality. Significance: New strategy for the efficient production and analysis of drug targets. MraY translocase catalyzes the first committed membrane-bound step of bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis leading to the formation of lipid I. The essential membrane protein therefore has a high potential as target for drug screening approaches to develop antibiotics against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. However, the production of large integral membrane proteins in conventional cellular expression systems is still very challenging. Cell-free expression technologies have been optimized in recent times for the production of membrane proteins in the presence of detergents (D-CF), lipids (L-CF), or as precipitates (P-CF). We report the development of preparative scale production protocols for the MraY homologues of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis in all three cell-free expression modes followed by their subsequent quality evaluation. Although both proteins can be cell-free produced at comparable high levels, their requirements for optimal expression conditions differ markedly. B. subtilus MraY was stably folded in all three expression modes and showed highest translocase activities after P-CF production followed by defined treatment with detergents. In contrast, the E. coli MraY appears to be unstable after post- or cotranslational solubilization in detergent micelles. Expression kinetics and reducing conditions were identified as optimization parameters for the quality improvement of E. coli MraY. Most remarkably, in contrast to B. subtilis MraY the E. coli MraY has to be stabilized by lipids and only the production in the L-CF mode in the presence of preformed liposomes resulted in stable and translocase active protein samples.