Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in Human Fetal Hematopoiesis Are Associated with Maternal HIV Infection

ABSTRACT: In the majority of adult and pediatric patients with AIDS, hematologic abnormalities including leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia are commonly observed. In addition to these findings, changes in hematopoietic progenitor cells occur, including a reduction of multipotential-forming units, granulocyte-macrophages, macrophage as well as eosinophil colony-forming units, and bone marrow erythyroid burst-forming units. This study examined alterations in human fetal liver hematopoiesis in 2nd trimester abortuses from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive women. The differentiation and growth potential of hematopoietic cells in vitro were monitored. Upon initial isolation, some populations of liver hematopoietic cells from abortuses of HIV-sero-positive women were significantly decreased when compared to age-matched samples from fetuses of normal females including the percentage of early T cells [cluster of differentiation (CD)2], B cells (CD19), and early monocytes (CD14). A decrease in multipotent progenitors (CD34), myelomonocytes (CD33), and panleukocytes (CD45) was also observed. In contrast, after 21 d in culture, cells from HIV abortuses demonstrated an increase in the percentage of CD14 cells when stimulated with erythro-poietin and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor, as well as an increase in CD45 phenotype after exposure to granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor alone. These samples showed a persistence of erythropoietic elements (transferrin and CD36 phenotype) when compared to normal controls. No significant difference in the in vitro growth of hematopoietic progenitors (bone marrow erythroid burst-forming units, granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, and multipotential forming units) between these samples and normal controls was found. These findings may be the result of transplacental hematopoietic inhibitors produced as a consequence of maternal HIV infection that result in similar hematologic abnormalities in AIDS patients.
Postoperative Change of the Cross-Sectional Area of Back Musculature After 5 Surgical Procedures as Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Many investigators have reported that persistent low back pain may occur after posterior surgical intervention, and studies have investigated the histologic and histochemical changes in back muscle after posterior lumbar spine surgery. The purpose of the current study is to compare the pre- and postoperative cross-sectional area of the back musculature among 5 surgical groups including anterior lumbar interbody fusion, which has no direct invasion of the back musculature, using magnetic resonance imaging, and to correlate the clinical results with the degree of atrophy. The cross-sectional area of the back musculature was measured before and after surgery in T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance images using a computer-linked digitizer. The degree of atrophy (atrophy ratio) was calculated as a ratio of the postoperative cross-sectional area to the preoperative cross-sectional area. Clinical results were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association's scores for the management of low back pain. Atrophy of the back musculature was confirmed in each group. However, no significant difference was seen in the atrophy ratio between the groups. Back musculature atrophy occurred even in anterior lumbar interbody fusion, which does not involve any direct surgery of the back muscle. A positive correlation was noted between the atrophy ratio and operation time only in posterior surgery, especially in nonfusion surgery. In conclusion, the current study suggests that a shorter operation time may minimize back muscle injury, and shows that factors inducing back musculature atrophy include not only direct invasion of the back muscle via a posterior approach, but also postoperative external fixation.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for fibromyalgia syndrome.

BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a chronic condition of unknown aetiology characterised by musculoskeletal pain that often co-exists with sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction and fatigue. Patients often report high disability levels and poor quality of life. Since there is no specific treatment that alters the pathogenesis of FM, drug therapy focuses on pain reduction and improvement of other bothersome symptoms. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the treatment of FM syndrome. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2010), EMBASE (1980 to November 2010) and the reference lists of reviewed articles. SELECTION CRITERIA We selected all randomised, double-blind trials of MAOIs used for the treatment of FM pain in adult participants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors assessed risk of bias and extracted data independently onto a specially designed pro forma and a third review author cross-checked them. MAIN RESULTS We included two studies of inconsistent risk of bias with a total of 230 patients diagnosed with FM. We evaluated two MAOIs: pirlindole and moclobemide. Pirlindole showed statistically significant results compared with placebo for several outcomes (pain, tender points and overall assessment by the patient and the physician), whereas moclobemide did not show statistically significant differences between groups. Pooled results of the two studies displayed a modest effect size in pain (mean difference (MD) -1.45 (121 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.71 to -0.20; number needed to treat (NNT) 2 (95% CI 1 to 12); I(2) = 59%)), implying a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and a small effect on tender points (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.36 (121 patients; 95% CI -0.72 to -0.00; I(2) = 31%)). No effect was seen on global assessment by patient. Physical function and sleep disturbance were not measured. The most frequent adverse events were nausea and vomiting, with statistically significant differences between groups (risk ratio (RR) 7.82 (89 patients; 95% CI 1.02 to 59.97; NNT 7 (95% CI 4 to 33)). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that the effectiveness of MAOIs for the treatment of FM symptoms is limited. Although we observed a moderate effect size on pain and a small one on tender points, these results should be taken with caution as they are only based on two studies with a small number of patients and inconsistent risk of bias among them.
Analysis of Market Power Using an AC Transmission System

Using an AC transmission network, oligopolistic competition in power markets is formulated as a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem, and characterized by a multi-leader single-follower game. The follower is composed of a set of competitive suppliers, demands and the system operator, while the leaders are the dominant suppliers. An AC network is modelled using rectangular coordinates. This approach allows one to capture the strategic behavior of suppliers regarding not only active but also reactive power. With this setting, the voltage and apparent power flow constraints can be easily explored. Based on a three-node system, an illustrative study case is used to highlight the features of the formulation
Dynamic compressor selection

Various simulation and control software programs are available for modelling of compressed air networks. However, there is presently no software available that combines simulation and control capabilities for optimum compressor selection. This paper describes the development of a compressed air control system that dynamically selects compressors based on their efficiency and position on the compressed air network. Presently the compressor delivery set point is updated daily and consists of a histogram divided into 30 minute intervals. REMS-DCS will replace this system by dynamically changing these set points based on the simulations results. The project is funded through Eskom-IDM (Integrated Demand Management) and will result in a payback of less than one year by providing an estimated average daily power saving of 3.3MW per annum. Other features and products that are derived from the initial REMS-DCS are described and quantified further in this paper.
Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are the two essential nutrients which are known for their vital role in the health of bones. But over the last few years, the general public has heard conflicting reviews over the benefits of these nutrients- especially vitamin D-and also about how much calcium and vitamin D needs to be taken in order to stay healthy. To help and clarify this pertinent issue, major steps were drawn with the help of U.S and Canadian Governments and also by the European Commission to set a dietary reference value and also set the Tolerance upper intake level of both these nutrients. The purpose of this article is to cover exhaustively the potential health outcomes of these essential nutrients not just in bone health but also in overall health condition of an individual.
Sleep signal slew rate modulation for mode transition noise suppression in ground gated integrated circuits

Ground bouncing noise produced during SLEEP to ACTIVE mode transitions is an important reliability concern in multi-threshold CMOS (MTCMOS) circuits. Single-phase and multi-phase sleep signal slew rate modulation techniques are explored in this paper to drastically suppress ground bouncing noise in MTCMOS circuits. Reactivation time, reactivation energy, leakage power consumption, and layout area of different MTCMOS circuits are characterized under an equi-noise constraint with a UMC 80nm CMOS technology.
Accumulation of Vitrified Embryos Followed by Frozen Embryo Transfer in Poor Ovarian Responders According to Bologna Criteria

Background: The aim of current study is to compare the pregnancy outcome between natural cycle IVF-ET (NC group) and frozen ET following accumulation of vitrified embryos (ACC-E group). Methods: The ACC-E group included 38 frozen ETs in 30 patients and the NC group included 92 natural or modified IVF-ET cycles in 91 patients. In the ACC-E group, natural cycle or modified natural cycle with minimal stimulation was used for follicular growth. Embryos were frozen by the vitrification method for several rounds and then thawed embryos were transferred. Results: Ongoing pregnancy rate (15.8% vs. 8.7%; p=0.24; Ψ=0.1), and live birth rate (15.8% vs. 6.6%; p=0.1; Ψ=0.14) were comparable for ACC-E versus NC group, respectively. However, even though the effect size was small, the chemical pregnancy rate of the ACC-E group was significantly higher than that of the NC group (31.6% vs. 11.9%; p=0.02; Ψ=0.23). Conclusion: Accumulation of vitrified embryos followed by frozen ET can be considered as a new strategy to improve pregnancy rate in poor ovarian responders.
Bayesian Estimation of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Parameters in a Mode‐of‐Action‐Based Cancer Risk Assessment for Chloroform

Chloroform is a carcinogen in rodents and its carcinogenicity is secondary to events associated with cytotoxicity and regenerative cell proliferation. In this study, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model that links the processes of chloroform metabolism, reparable cell damage, cell death, and regenerative cellular proliferation was developed to support a new cancer dose‐response assessment for chloroform. Model parameters were estimated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis in a two‐step approach: (1) metabolism parameters for male and female mice and rats were estimated against available closed chamber gas uptake data; and (2) PD parameters for each of the four rodent groups were estimated from hepatic and renal labeling index data following inhalation exposures. Subsequently, the resulting rodent PD parameters together with literature values for human age‐dependent physiological and metabolism parameters were used to scale up the rodent model to a human model. The human model was used to predict exposure conditions under which chloroform‐mediated cytolethality is expected to occur in liver and kidney of adults and children. Using the human model, inhalation Reference Concentrations (RfCs) and oral Reference Doses (RfDs) were derived using an uncertainty factor of 10. Based on liver and kidney dose metrics, the respective RfCs were 0.9 and 0.09 ppm; and the respective RfDs were 0.4 and 3 mg/kg/day.
Early Interaction of Rhinoviruses with Host Cells

The rate of attachment of type 2 virions to suspensions of HeLa cells is much greater than that of type 14, but the number of receptor sites per cell is similar for each type. The receptor sites may be partly saturated with excess virions; attachment is greatly reduced after about 104 particles have been taken up per cell. A lack of saturation of type 14 receptors by excess type 2 indicates that their receptor sites are separate on the cell surface. Excess of type 2 blocks attachment of type 1A, however, and excess of type 14 blocks type 51. Attachment of the human rhinoviruses is temperature-dependent with a Q10 of 2.7. The eclipse reaction is also temperature-dependent. At 34.5 C, the irreversible eclipse of cell-associated rhinovirus type 2 requires only a few minutes, whereas the rate of eclipse of cell-associated type 14 is considerably slower. The eclipse product of type 2 rhinovirus has been recovered from infected cells. It sediments at about 90% of the rate of the infective virions and is missing virus polypeptide 4 (the smallest of the capsid polypeptides). Upon being subjected to CsCl gradient centrifugation, virus polypeptide 2 is also lost but the product still contains ribonucleic acid and bands at about 1.45 g/cc.
The neurology of autism: many unanswered questions

Autism is a behaviorally defined developmental disorder of the brain almost always presenting in infancy or the preschool years. Its symptoms persist life‐long, although partial compensation is possible through targeted special education that addresses children's deficits in sociability, verbal and non‐verbal communication, and atypical range of interests, activities, and cognitive skills. Although a majority of autistic individuals are mentally deficient, IQ is not a defining feature and verbal autistic persons of normal intelligence are increasingly being identified, referred to as Asperger syndrome. Meager neuropathologic data have disclosed subtle prenatal cellular limbic and cerebellar abnormalities. Autism is associated with a variety of defined genetic and acquired conditions, with multifactorial genetic traits, alone or interacting with environmental events, presumably responsible for most unexplained cases. Autistic regression is frequent and poorly understood and may be associated with clinical or subclinical epilepsy. Unravelling the neurobiologic basis of a disorder that may affect 1–2 in 1000 children will require a concerted multidisciplinary attack.
Control of potassium homeostasis is an essential function of the second messenger cyclic di-AMP in Bacillus subtilis

The second messenger cyclic di-AMP enables bacteria to adapt to changes in environmental potassium concentrations. c-di-AMP controls potassium homeostasis in bacteria In Bacillus subtilis, the second messenger cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) regulates the expression of many genes encoding potassium transporters by binding to a regulatory RNA structure called a riboswitch in a gene called ydaO, preventing transcription beyond the riboswitch. Gundlach et al. found that ydaO encoded a high-affinity potassium transporter and renamed it kimA (K+ importer A). Binding of c-di-AMP to the kimA riboswitch under high external concentrations of potassium and the resulting inhibition of kimA expression were essential to ensure bacterial viability under these conditions. KimA is a member of an evolutionarily conserved family of potassium transporters, suggesting that this regulatory mechanism for potassium homeostasis could be widespread among diverse bacterial taxa. The second messenger cyclic di–adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) is essential in the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis and in related pathogenic bacteria. It controls the activity of the conserved ydaO riboswitch and of several proteins involved in potassium (K+) uptake. We found that the YdaO protein was conserved among several different bacteria and provide evidence that YdaO functions as a K+ transporter. Thus, we renamed the gene and protein KimA (K+ importer A). Reporter activity assays indicated that expression beyond the c-di-AMP–responsive riboswitch of the kimA upstream regulatory region occurred only in bacteria grown in medium containing low K+ concentrations. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis indicated that c-di-AMP accumulated in bacteria grown in the presence of high K+ concentrations but not in low concentrations. A bacterial strain lacking all genes encoding c-di-AMP–synthesizing enzymes was viable when grown in medium containing low K+ concentrations, but not at higher K+ concentrations unless it acquired suppressor mutations in the gene encoding the cation exporter NhaK. Thus, our results indicated that the control of potassium homeostasis is an essential function of c-di-AMP.
Investigation of Artifacts Left by BitTorrent Client on the Local Computer Operating under Windows 8.1

BitTorrent client application is a popular tool to download large files from Internet, but this application is quite frequently used for illegal purposes that are one of the types of cybercrimes. If order to fight against this type of cybercrime we carried out the research, during which we investigated the evidences left by BitTorrent client application in registry under Windows 8.1 operating system. The experiment was carried out in three steps: installation, download, and uninstallation. The snapshots of registry were taken and compared prior and after each step. Changes in Windows registry were collected and joined into tables. The experiment revealed that BitTorrent client application creates Windows registry artefacts that can contain information which might be used as evidence during an investigation. The evidence remains in the registry even after the removal of the application, although it can really prove the fact of usage of the application only. The investigation of file system can reveal the purpose and the contents of the BitTorrent client session. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.itc. 44.4. 13082
Economic challenges associated with tuberculosis diagnostic development

Tuberculosis remains a global health crisis in part due to underdiagnosis. Technological innovations are needed to improve diagnostic test accuracy and reduce the reliance on expensive laboratory infrastructure. However, there are significant economic challenges impeding the development and implementation of new diagnostics. The aim of this piece is to examine the current state of TB diagnostics, outline the unmet needs for new tests, and detail the economic challenges associated with development of new tests from the perspective of developers, policy makers and implementers.
Design and evaluation of two MTJ-based content addressable non-volatile memory cells

This paper proposes two non-volatile content addressable memory (CAM) cells using magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) devices and nanoscaled CMOS transistors. The first novelty of the proposed non-volatile cells is that their operation and comparison outcome are voltage-based, hence requiring no current sensor. Two types of MTJ CAM cell are proposed; each of them utilizes two MTJs in a voltage divider arrangement. They differ in the number of required transistors, i.e. the first is a NOR type cell requiring six MOSFETs, while the second is a NAND type cell requiring five MOSFETs. Performance metrics (as related to search delay, power dissipation and static noise margin) as well as variation to process, voltage and temperature (PVT) are assessed by simulation at different feature sizes of the MOSFETs. The simulation results show that the proposed designs significantly improve in terms of search delay and power delay product (PDP) over existing non-volatile CAM memory cells utilizing MTJs.
Extended infusion versus intermittent infusion of imipenem in the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia

BACKGROUND Mechanical ventilation support can be the main source of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is a serious infection that may be associated with dangerous gram-negative bacteria mainly, and it leads to an increase in the mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Imipenem is one of the strongest antibiotics now available for treating VAP which is associated with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and it belongs to beta-lactam antibiotic group (carbapenem). OBJECTIVE This study tried to investigate the efficacy of imipenem against VAP when it was infused within 180 min versus the efficacy when it was infused within 30-60 min. SETTING This study was conducted in main ICU in general hospital which consists of surgical and medical beds within 2 years. One hundred and eighty-seven patients were enrolled on it. METHOD This study is a retrospective cohort which was conducted within 2 years. The efficacy of imipenem which was administered by intermittent infusion (30-60 min) within first year was compared with the efficacy of imipenem which was administered by extended infusion (180 min) within second year in the field of VAP curing and cost reduction. All data were collected retrospectively from patient medical files and were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 20. MAIN OUTCOME The study was designed to measure clinical and cost reduction outcomes, mortality and hospital stay. RESULTS The results indicated that there is a significant decrease in mortality, number of recurrent infection, and ICU stay length, and the number of mechanical ventilator days was associated with extended imipenem infusion during the second year of the study. CONCLUSION The use of imipenem with extended infusion over 3 hours enhances its clinical outcomes in the treatment of VAP.
Assessment of patient safety culture in Palestinian public hospitals.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalent patient safety culture in Palestinian public hospitals. DESIGN A cross-sectional design, Arabic translated version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was used. SETTING All the 11 general public hospitals in the West Bank. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1460 clinical and non-clinical hospital staff. INTERVENTION(S) No. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Twelve patient safety culture composites and 2 outcome variables (patient safety grade and events reported in the past year) were measured. RESULTS Most of the participants were nurses and physicians (69.2%) with direct contact with patients (92%), mainly employed in medical/surgical units (55.1%). The patient safety composites with the highest positive scores were teamwork within units (71%), organizational learning and continuous improvement (62%) and supervisor/manager expectations and actions promoting patient safety (56%). The composites with the lowest scores were non-punitive response to error (17%), frequency of events reported (35%), communication openness (36%), hospital management support for patient safety (37%) and staffing (38%). Although 53.2% of the respondents did not report any event in the past year, 63.5% rated patient safety level as 'excellent/very good'. Significant differences in patient safety scores and outcome variables were found between hospitals of different size and in relation to staff positions and work hours. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the existence of a punitive and blame culture, under-reporting of events, lack of communication openness and inadequate management support that are key challenges for patient safe hospital care. The baseline survey results are valuable for designing and implementing the patient safety program and for measuring future progress.