Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Administration of Intravaginal Dehydroepiandrosterone on Regression of Low-Grade Cervical Dysplasia – A Pilot Study

Although many dysplastic cervical lesions regress spontaneously, treatment is common due to concern for progression. Lesions persist or progress in women whose immune systems are unable to clear infection by human papillomavirus (HPV). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid that has both immune modulatory and tumor inhibitory activity. A pilot study was conducted to examine the feasibility, safety and potential efficacy of intravaginal DHEA in women with low-grade cervical dysplasia. Twelve women with low-grade dysplasia, confirmed by colposcopic exam, were given 150 mg of intravaginal micronized DHEA daily for up to 6 months. Follow-up evaluations of the cervix were done at 3 and 6 months of use. DHEA, DHEA-S, androstenedione and testosterone levels were also measured. By the end of the study period, 10 of the 12 women (83%) had no evidence of dysplasia; the remaining 2 had normal colposcopic exams but cytology showing atypical cells of undetermined significance. There were no serious side effects. Androstenedione levels were elevated at 3 months, whereas testosterone levels were unchanged over the course of treatment. The results suggest that intravaginal DHEA is safe and well tolerated and may promote regression of low-grade cervical lesions. Further study is needed to establish efficacy.
Multidimensional ranking : the design and development of u-multirank

Preface. - 1. Introduction: Towards a New Ranking Approach in Higher Education and Research Frans van Vught, Don Westerheijden and Frank Ziegele. - PART I: MULTIDIMENSIONAL RANKING. - 2. Transparency, Quality and Accountability Frans van Vught and Don Westerheijden. - 3. Classifications and Rankings Gero Federkeil, Frans van Vught and Don Westerheijden. - 4. An Evaluation and Critique of Current Rankings Gero Federkeil, Frans van Vught and Don Westerheijden. - 5. Impact of Rankings Frans van Vught and Don Westerheijden. - PART II: U-MULTIRANK. - 6. Background and Design Gero Federkeil, Frans Kaiser, Frans van Vught and Don Westerheijden. - 7. Dimensions and Indicators Gero Federkeil, Ben Jongbloed, Frans Kaiser and Don Westerheijden. - 8. Data Collection Julie Callaert, Elisabeth Epping, Gero Federkeil, Ben Jongbloed, Frans Kaiser and Robert Tijssen. - 9. The Pilot Test and Its Outcomes Julie Callaert, Elisabeth Epping, Gero Federkeil, Jon File, Ben Jongbloed, Frans Kaiser, Isabel Roessler, Robert Tijssen, Frans van Vught and Frank Ziegele. - 10. An Interactive Multidimensional Ranking Web Tool Gero Federkeil, Jon File, Frans Kaiser, Frans van Vught and Frank Ziegele. - 11. Concluding Remarks Frans van Vught and Frank Ziegele. - References. - Contributors. - Index.
Research of robot model behaviour depending on model parameters using physic engines bullet physics and ODE

Simulation of robotic systems is becoming much more important because the modelling process allows one to avoid many problems and reduce costs. The main objective of the work is to investigate the possibility of using open source physics libraries like Bullet Physics and ODE for the simulation of such complex mechatronic systems as a two-legged walking robot. In addition, the authors obtain experimental data which allows one to evaluate the accuracy of modeling in mentioned libraries. The latest improved version of the library Bullet Physics and ODE were used for obtaining of such experimental data. The libraries were connected to the program for the robotics experimental systems modeling V-REP (Virtual robotics Experimentation Platform). A biped robot and its virtual model were used in the experimental part. The data presents the results of experiments which were con-ducted under various conditions. This data provide insight into a possibility of using modern libraries for modeling. The obtained results shows that use of the simulation library Bullet Physics and ODE gives sufficient accuracy which allows one to apply them for modelling of a large variety of tasks including simulation of bipedal walking robots.
Mechanisms of neuromuscular block

The anatomy of the neuromuscular junction can be briefly summarized as follows. As the nerve approaches the motor endplate it loses its myelin sheath and bifurcates into fine nerve terminals. Electron microscopy shows that these contain large numbers of vesicles, particularly in relation to the synaptic area. At the endplate the muscle fibre surface is shaped into a gutter receiving the nerve ending. Within the gutter are deep folds. The surface of the gutter and the folds can be shown histochemically to be lined with cholinesterase. There is a gap of 2W3O0A1, partly occupied by basement membrane material, between the nerve ending and the postsynaptic surface. The original evidence for the theory of chemical transmission by acetylcholine at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction can only be briefly mentioned here. It was established that a particular choline ester, acetylcholine, is synthesized and stored in the motor nerve and is released as a result of a propagated nerve impulse. Acetylcholine specifically depolarizes the endplate region, leading to a propagated action potential and muscle contraction. Curare, long known to block transmission, was shown also to antagonize these actions and to exert competitive antagonism against acetylcholine on striated muscle in vitro. The effect of eserine (physostigmine) and other anticholinesterases in reversing curare block was satisfactorily interpreted as causing an increase in the effective local concentration of acetylcholine at the endplate, which shifts the competitive balance between curare and acetylcholine in favour of the latter. For a deeper understanding of the transmission process, it is necessary to discuss in more detail: (1) the properties of the muscle membrane and the control of its ionic permeability; (2) acetylcholine action and, (3) the acetylcholine receptors and, (4) acetylcholine synthesis and release. This discussion will include reference to more recent work which has both endorsed and greatly extended the theory of chemical transmission and has been admirably reviewed by Katzs4.
Comparison of the intraocular pressure lowering effect of latanoprost and a fixed combination of timolol-pilocarpine eye drops in patients insufficiently controlled with beta adrenergic antagonists. French Latanoprost Study Group, and the Swedish Latanoprost Study Group.

AIMS To compare the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of latanoprost monotherapy and timolol-pilocarpine in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension with inadequately controlled IOP on topical beta adrenergic antagonists. METHODS This was a multicentre, randomised, observer masked, 6 week study performed in France and Sweden. 23 centres enrolled 237 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension and an IOP of at least 22 mm Hg on treatment with topical beta adrenergic antagonists, alone or in combination. After a 21 day run in period on timolol 0.5% twice daily, patients were randomised either to latanoprost 0.005% once daily or to a fixed combination of timolol-pilocarpine twice daily. Changes in mean diurnal IOP from the baseline to the 6 week visit were determined with an analysis of covariance. RESULTS Mean diurnal IOP was statistically significantly decreased from baseline in both groups (p<0.001). Switching to latanoprost treatment reduced mean diurnal IOP by 5.4 (SEM 0.3) mm Hg (ANCOVA -22%) and switching to timolol-pilocarpine treatment reduced mean diurnal IOP by 4.9 (0.4) mm Hg (-20%). Blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, decreased twilight vision, and headache were statistically significantly more frequent in the timolol-pilocarpine group. CONCLUSIONS Latanoprost monotherapy was at least as effective as fixed combination timolol-pilocarpine twice daily treatment in reducing mean diurnal IOP in patients not adequately controlled on topical beta adrenergic antagonists. Latanoprost was better tolerated than timolol-pilocarpine regarding side effects. These results indicate that a switch to latanoprost monotherapy can be attempted before combination therapy is initiated.
Sense of coherence - stability over time and relation to health, disease, and psychosocial changes in a general population: A longitudinal study

Aims: To explore the stability of sense of coherence (SOC) over time in a normal population and to examine its relation to gender and psychosocial factors. Methods: The Northern Sweden MONICA Project population surveys were performed in 1994 and 1999. A cohort of 1,254 subjects participating in both surveys answered questions about experiences of disease, perceived health, marital status, psychosocial factors, and Antonovsky's SOC scale with 13 items. Results: The mean SOC score showed a decrease in the five-year follow-up and those with identified disease and the oldest age group (45 - 74 years) had the largest decrease of the SOC score. People with the lowest SOC scores in 1994 had the largest decrease during the period. Men and women shared a similar pattern regarding the decrease in SOC over time. The impact of individual social changes during the study period showed that both men and women who had experienced loss of perceived good health and high social support had the largest decrease. Furthermore, women seemed to be more affected by changes than men. Conclusions: We found that SOC was only stable for those with initially high levels of SOC. For other people, individual conditions and societal changes influenced their SOC. Further longitudinal studies in normal populations are needed to investigate the stability of SOC scores.
Prognostic Factors for Survival of Patients with Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma

Prospective identification of patients with stage IV renal cell carcinoma more likely to benefit from cytokine therapy could be used as a stratification factor in Phase III trials and in risk-directed therapy. The relationship between pretreatment clinical features and survival was evaluated in patients treated in Phase II and III clinical trials for metastatic renal cell carcinoma at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The first analysis was performed in 670 patients treated with cytokines or chemotherapy, and a multivariate model was created to predict survival. Studies that followed addressed four topics: (1) the survival of patients given interferon α as first-line therapy, (2) a comparison of survival for patients treated with chemotherapy versus cytokine therapy, (3) survival of patients with nonclear cell histologic features, and (4) survival of patients treated with a second-line therapy. Prognostic models based on pretreatment clinical and laboratory variables can help identify patients more likely to benefit from standard therapies, as well as assist in the interpretation of drug effectiveness in Phase II clinical trials. Investigations into new prognostic factors based on tumor biology are needed and of high priority.
Effect of a 13-Week Aerobic Training Programme on the Maximal Power Developed During a Force-Velocity Test in Prepubertal Boys and Girls

The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of an aerobic training programme on the maximal power (Pmax) developed during a short-term exercise test in prepubertal children. Thirty-three 10-11 year old boys and girls were investigated: 17 (TG) participated twice a week (1 h per session) in a 13-week running programme and 16 (CG) served as a control group. Pmax was measured during a force-velocity test conducted on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer. The force (Fopt) and velocity (Vopt) at which Pmax was obtained were determined. Lower limb muscle mass (LMM) was evaluated by means of dual X-ray absorptiometry. Following training, Pmax increased even when muscle mass change due to the growth process was taken into account (Pmax W: + 23 %, W x kg(-1) LMM: + 18%, p < 0.001). The increase in Fopt was principally responsible for such an improvement since no alteration was noticed for Vopt after training. As for Pmax, Fopt was still greater following training when LMM was taken into account (p < 0.01). Furthermore, no changes were noticed for CG for all variables evaluated during the anaerobic test after the study period. Differences between TG and CG regarding Pmax and Fopt were obtained after training only. In conclusion this study highlights the effectiveness of an aerobic training programme to improve the maximal power during short-term exercise in prepubertal children.
Chemical characterization and biological properties of lipopolysaccharides isolated from smooth and rough strains of Brucella abortus

The chemical composition and some of the biological activities of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) extracted from a smooth-intermediate strain (45/0) and a rough strain (45/20) of Brucella abortus have been examined. LPS were found in both the phenolic and aqueous extraction phases of strain 45/0, but only in the aqueous phase of 45/20. The phenolic LPS contained 9- to 16-fold-lower levels of heptose and reduced amounts of dideoxyaldoses compared with aqueous fractions. The major neutral sugars were glucose, galactose, and mannose. beta-Hydroxymyristic-acid, a common marker of enteric LPS, was not detected. Fatty acids present in highest amounts were hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated species with chain lengths of 16, 18, and 20 carbons. Only the phenolic LPS of strain 45/0 exhibited mouse lethality and a curable wasting disease; however, both phenolic and aqueous fractions caused carbohydrate depletion in mice. The toxicity of aqueous LPS could not be potentiated with Pb(OAc)4. These data, coupled with the lack of mitogenic activity for B-lymphocytes, are indicative of the unique structure-function relationships of Brucella LPS.
Oxidized omega-3 fatty acids inhibit NF-kappaB activation via a PPARalpha-dependent pathway.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oxidized versus native omega-3 fatty acids on the endothelial expression of chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8, and, if effective in inhibiting chemokine expression, to determine the mechanism for the inhibition of chemokine expression. METHODS AND RESULTS Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we show that oxidized EPA and DHA but not unoxidized EPA or DHA inhibit cytokine-induced endothelial expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and, to a lesser extent, IL-8. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, oxidized EPA but not unoxidized EPA potently inhibited cytokine-induced activation of endothelial nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Using Western blot analyses, we show that the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation was not caused by prevention of phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha because oxidized EPA did not inhibit cytokine-induced phosphorylation and ubiquination of IkappaBalpha. Furthermore, oxidized EPA inhibited NF-kappaB activation in endothelial cells derived from wild-type mice but had no inhibitory effects on NF-kappaB activation in endothelial cells derived from peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)-deficient mice, indicating that oxidized EPA requires PPARalpha for its inhibitory effects on NF-kappaB. CONCLUSIONS These studies show that the antiinflammatory effects of fish oil may result from the inhibitory effects of oxidized omega-3 fatty acids on NF-kappaB activation via a PPARalpha-dependent pathway.
Symbiotic phenotypes and translocated effector proteins of the Mesorhizobium loti strain R7A VirB/D4 type IV secretion system

The symbiosis island of Mesorhizobium loti strain R7A contains genes with strong similarity to the structural vir genes (virB1‐11; virD4) of Agrobacterium tumefaciens that encode the type IV secretion system (T4SS) required for T‐DNA transfer to plants. In contrast, M. loti strain MAFF303099 lacks these genes but contains genes not present in strain R7A that encode a type III secretion system (T3SS). Here we show by hybridization analysis that most M. loti strains contain the VirB/D4 T4SS and not the T3SS. Strikingly, strain R7A vir gene mutants formed large nodules containing bacteroids on Leucaena leucocephala in contrast to the wild‐type strain that formed only uninfected tumour‐like structures. A rhcJ T3SS mutant of strain MAFF303099 also nodulated L. leucocephala, unlike the wild type. On Lotus corniculatus, the vir mutants were delayed in nodulation and were less competitive compared with the wild type. Two strain R7A genes, msi059 and msi061, were identified through their mutant phenotypes as possibly encoding translocated effector proteins. Both Msi059 and Msi061 were translocated through the A. tumefaciens VirB/D4 system into Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis thaliana, as shown using the Cre recombinase Reporter Assay for Translocation (CRAfT). Taken together, these results suggest that the VirB/D4 T4SS of M. loti R7A plays an analogous symbiotic role to that of T3SS found in other rhizobia. The heterologous translocation of rhizobial proteins by the Agrobacterium VirB/D4 T4SS is the first demonstration that rhizobial effector proteins are translocated into plant cells and confirms functional conservation between the M. loti and A. tumefaciens T4SS.
Investigation of a side‐chain‐side‐chain hydrogen bond by mutagenesis, thermodynamics, and NMR spectroscopy

Anomalous NMR behavior of the hydroxyl proton resonance for Ser 31 has been reported for histidine‐containing protein (HPr) from two microorganisms: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The unusual slow exchange and chemical shift exhibited by the resonance led to the proposal that the hydroxyl group is involved in a strong hydrogen bond. To test this hypothesis and to characterize the importance of such an interaction, a mutant in which Ser 31 is replaced by an alanine was generated in HPr from Escherichia coli. The activity, stability, and structure of the mutant HPr were assessed using a reconstituted assay system, analysis of solvent denaturation curves, and NMR, respectively. Substitution of Ser 31 yields a fully functional protein that is only slightly less stable (ΔΔGfolding = 0.46 ± 0.15 kcal mor−1) than the wild type. The NMR results confirm the identity of the hydrogen bond acceptor as Asp 69 and reveal that it exists as the gauche− conformer in wild‐type HPr in solution but exhibits conformational averaging in the mutant protein. The side chain of Asp 69 interacts with two main‐chain amide protons in addition to its interaction with the side chain of Ser 31 in the wild‐type protein. These results indicate that removal of the serine has led to the loss of all three hydrogen bond interactions involving Asp 69, suggesting a cooperative network of interactions. A complete analysis of the thermodynamics was performed in which differences in side‐chain hydrophobicity and conformational entropy between the two proteins are accounted for. This analysis, performed in the context of information afforded by the NMR studies, indicates that this network of interactions contributes ca. 4–5 kcal mol−1 to the conformational free energy of wild‐type HPr.
Question Classification in a code-mixed language

Code-Mixing (CM) is defined as the embedding of linguistic units such as phrases, words, and morphemes of one language into an utterance of another language [1]. Analysing code-mixed text is important for natural language processing tasks especially in bilingual or multilingual communities. And understanding the type of answer expected for a particular question is the initial step towards building an automatic question-answer system. Now for a code-mixed question, inferring the type of answer expected, will require require a solution for the above two problems.
Low-dose SoluMatrix diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis: A 1-year, open-label, Phase III safety study

Abstract Introduction. Diclofenac is used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA); however, like other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) it can be associated with serious dose-related adverse events (AEs). Low-dose SoluMatrix® diclofenac has been developed to provide efficacy at lower diclofenac doses. A recently published Phase III study evaluated the efficacy and safety of SoluMatrix diclofenac 35 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) and thrice daily (t.i.d.) in patients with OA pain treated for 12 weeks. Methods. This Phase III multicenter, open-label study assessed the safety of SoluMatrix diclofenac in patients with OA dosed up to 52 weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01510912). The study enrolled 602 chronic NSAID/acetaminophen users, aged ≥40 years with OA of the knee or hip. Patients received SoluMatrix diclofenac 35 mg b.i. d. , which could be increased to t.i. d. and subsequently reduced to b.i. d. as needed. Safety assessments included AEs, vital signs, physical examination findings, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and clinical laboratory test results. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated by the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results. A total of 601 patients received SoluMatrix diclofenac; 373 of 601 patients (62.1%) received treatment for ≥11 months. The most frequent AEs included upper respiratory tract infection, headache, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, and nausea. Serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic AEs were uncommon. A small proportion (99 patients, 16.5%) of patients discontinued participation in the study due to AEs. Clinically meaningful improvements from baseline in Physical Component Summary Scores of the SF-36 were noted at week 12 and were sustained through week 52. Improvements in six of the eight individual physical and mental SF-36 domains were also noted. Conclusion. SoluMatrix diclofenac treatment for up to 1 year was generally well tolerated in patients with OA pain and associated with improvement in quality of life measures. Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials. gov identifier: NCT01510912.
Women's attitudes, preferences, and perceived barriers to treatment for perinatal depression.

BACKGROUND Perinatal depression is associated with potential negative consequences for the mother and infant, and therefore efforts to improve treatment access and efficacy are warranted. The purpose of this study was to examine pregnant women's preferences and attitudes about treatment for depression, and perceived potential barriers to accessing treatment. METHODS Data were collected by means of a questionnaire from a convenience sample of 509 predominantly well-educated, high-income, married women in the northeastern United States during the last trimester of pregnancy. Participants were queried as to treatment modalities in which they would most likely participate if they wanted help for depression, their attitudes toward psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments, and perceived barriers to receiving help. RESULTS Most women (92%) indicated that would likely participate in individual therapy if help was needed. Only 35 percent stated that they would likely take medication if recommended, and 14 percent indicated that they would participate in group therapy. The greatest perceived potential barriers to treatment were lack of time (65%), stigma (43%), and childcare issues (33%). Most women indicated a preference to receive mental health care at the obstetrics clinic, either from their obstetrics practitioner or from a mental health practitioner located at the clinic. Factors associated with acceptability of various depression treatments are presented. CONCLUSIONS Understanding what prevents women from seeking or obtaining help for depression and determining what they prefer in the way of treatment may lead to improved depression treatment rates and hold promise for improving the overall health of childbearing women.