Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nasoalveolar Molding Improves Appearance of Children with Bilateral Cleft Lip–Cleft Palate

Background: Bilateral cleft lip–cleft palate is associated with nasal deformities typified by a short columella. The authors compared nasal outcomes of cleft patients treated with banked fork flaps to those of patients who underwent nasoalveolar molding and primary retrograde nasal reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective review of 26 consecutive patients with bilateral cleft lip–cleft palate was performed. Group 1 patients (n = 13) had a cleft lip repair and nasal correction with banked fork flaps. Group 2 patients (n = 13) had nonsurgical columellar elongation with nasoalveolar molding followed by cleft lip closure and primary retrograde nasal correction. Group 3 patients (n = 13) were age-matched controls. Columellar length was measured at presentation and at 3 years of age. The number of nasal operations was recorded to 9 years. The Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey-Kramer tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Initial columellar length was 0.49 ± 0.37 mm in group 1 and 0.42 ± 0.62 mm in group 2. Post–nasoalveolar molding columellar length was 4.5 ± 0.76 mm in group 2. By 3 years of age, columellar length was 3.03 ± 1.47 mm in group 1, 5.98 ± 1.09 mm in group 2, and 6.35 ± 0.99 mm in group 3. Group 2 columellar length was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than that of group 1 and not statistically different from that of group 3 (p > 0.05). All group 1 patients (13 of 13) needed secondary nasal surgery. No nasoalveolar molding patients (zero of 13, group 2) required secondary nasal surgery. Conclusion: Nonsurgical columellar elongation with nasoalveolar molding followed by primary retrograde nasal reconstruction restored columellar length to normal by 3 years and significantly reduced the need for secondary nasal surgery.
Solid Low-Grade In Situ Carcinoma of the Breast: Role of Associated Lesions and E-Cadherin in Differential Diagnosis

Low-grade solid in situ carcinomas of the breast are difficult to classify. The authors investigated 12 cases of in situ carcinomas with equivocal features and correlated their histologic attributes with those of the associated invasive carcinomas as well as with E-cadherin expression in both in situ and invasive disease. E-cadherin–positive in situ lesions were invariably associated with invasive carcinomas of the ductal type. In situ carcinomas that were E-cadherin negative were associated with invasive carcinomas of the lobular type in five of six cases. In all cases, the invasive carcinomas showed the same pattern of E-cadherin reactivity as the in situ lesions. Sharply defined cellular membranes, necrosis, and occasional microacini were seen in both E-cadherin—positive and negative in situ carcinomas, whereas intracytoplasmic lumina and a noncohesive appearance were seen only in E-cadherin—negative lesions.
iNOS Activity Modulates Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Tissue Fibrosis in Polyether-Polyurethane Synthetic Implants

There is considerable interest in implantation techniques and scaffolds for tissue engineering and, for safety and biocompatibility reasons, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis need to be determined. The contribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the regulation of the foreign body reaction induced by subcutaneous implantation of a synthetic matrix was never investigated. Here, we examined the role of iNOS in angiogenesis, inflammation, and collagen deposition induced by polyether-polyurethane synthetic implants, using mice with targeted disruption of the iNOS gene (iNOS−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice. The hemoglobin content and number of vessels were decreased in the implants of iNOS−/− mice compared to WT mice 14 days after implantation. VEGF levels were also reduced in the implants of iNOS−/− mice. In contrast, the iNOS−/− implants exhibited an increased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. However, no alterations were observed in levels of CXCL1 and CCL2, chemokines related to neutrophil and macrophage migration, respectively. Furthermore, the implants of iNOS−/− mice showed boosted collagen deposition. These data suggest that iNOS activity controls inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis in polyether-polyurethane synthetic implants and that lack of iNOS expression increases foreign body reaction to implants in mice.
Parallel arithmetic encryption for high-bandwidth communications on multicore/GPGPU platforms

In this work we study the feasibility of high-bandwidth, secure communications on generic machines equipped with the latest CPUs and General-Purpose Graphical Processing Units (GPGPU). We first analyze the suitability of current Nehalem CPU architectures. We show in particular that high performance CPUs are not sufficient by themselves to reach our performance objectives, and that encryption is the main bottleneck. Therefore we also consider the use of GPGPU, and more particularly we measure the bandwidth of the AES ciphering on CUDA. These tests lead us to the conclusion that finding an appropriate solution is extremely difficult.
A pseudo metamesh approach for 3D mesh morphing

The effect of morphing from one object to another has become a popular trend in computer graphics due to its applicability in various domains as architecture, gaming, cinema. In this paper, we propose a novel 3D mesh morphing algorithm for genus-0, closed manifold models. The technique firstly embeds the two 3D source and target objects into a common, spherical domain. For this we employ a modified version of the Gaussian curvature that returns a locally flattened version of the original models with a convex structure which can be simply projected onto the unit sphere. By overlapping the two embeddings and warping them in a suitable manner with the aid of RBF functions, we can establish a correspondence between the models. We also introduce a new method to create the supermesh model that share the topology of both input objects and which can easily be transformed from the source model into the target.
Incidence and risk factors for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome during highly active antiretroviral therapy

Background:There is little systematic information regarding the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Objective:To determine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcome of IRIS in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who were coinfected with one of three common opportunistic pathogens. Design:A retrospective cohort identified through a city-wide prospective surveillance program. Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed for 180 HIV-infected patients who received HAART and were coinfected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, or Cryptococcus neoformans between 1997 and 2000. Medical records were reviewed for baseline demographics, receipt and type of HAART, response to antiretroviral therapy, development of IRIS, and long-term outcome. Results:In this cohort, 31.7% of patients who received HAART developed IRIS. Patients with IRIS were more likely to have initiated HAART nearer to the time of diagnosis of their opportunistic infection (P < 0.001), to have been antiretroviral naive at time of diagnosis of their opportunistic infection (P < 0.001), and to have a more rapid initial fall in HIV-1 RNA level in response to HAART (P < 0.001). Conclusions:IRIS is common among HIV-infected persons coinfected with M. tuberculosis, M. avium complex, or C. neoformans. Antiretroviral drug-naive patients who start HAART in close proximity to the diagnosis of an opportunistic infection and have a rapid decline in HIV-1 RNA level should be monitored for development of this disorder.
Evaluation of pertussis in U.S. Marine Corps trainees.

One hundred twenty male U.S. Marine Corps trainees with histories of at least 7 days of cough underwent evaluation for Bordetella pertussis infection by culture, B. pertussis-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and serology. Antibody levels in preexposure, acute-phase, and convalescent-phase serum samples were measured in a microagglutination assay and in enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for IgG and IgA antibodies to pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin, and fimbriae types 2 and 3. Culture and PCR analysis revealed that none of the patients were positive for B. pertussis; however, 20 of 120 trainees had serological evidence of B. pertussis infection. Of these cases, one was confirmed by a rise in the level of antibody to pertussis toxin, and six were classified as probable by increases in levels of antibodies measured by two or more assays. Of the 20 individuals with serological evidence of infection, 16 had rises in levels of antibodies to fimbriae or agglutinating antibodies. The utility of ELISA for detecting antibodies to fimbriae and the microagglutination assay for diagnosing pertussis in adults should be evaluated by application to larger and more diverse study populations. These results indicate that pertussis should be considered in the diagnosis of coughing illness in military populations.
G quadruplex RNA structures in PSD-95 mRNA: potential regulators of miR-125a seed binding site accessibility

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability caused by the CGG trinucleotide expansion in the 3′-untranslated region of the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome, that silences the expression of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP has been shown to bind to a G-rich region within the PSD-95 mRNA which encodes for the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and together with the microRNA miR-125a, to play an important role in the reversible inhibition of the PSD-95 mRNA translation in neurons. The loss of FMRP in Fmr1 KO mice disables this translation control in the production of the PSD-95 protein. Interestingly, the miR-125a binding site on PSD-95 mRNA is embedded in the G-rich region bound by FMRP and postulated to adopt one or more G quadruplex structures. In this study, we have used different biophysical techniques to validate and characterize the formation of parallel G quadruplex structures and binding of miR-125a to its complementary sequence located within the 3′ UTR of PSD-95 mRNA. Our results indicate that the PSD-95 mRNA G-rich region folds into alternate G quadruplex conformations that coexist in equilibrium. miR-125a forms a stable complex with PSD-95 mRNA, as evident by characteristic Watson–Crick base-pairing that coexists with one of the G quadruplex forms, suggesting a novel mechanism for G quadruplex structures to regulate the access of miR-125a to its binding site.
Determinants of variations in coronary revascularization practices

Background: The ratio of percutaneous coronary interventions to coronary artery bypass graft surgeries (PCI:CABG ratio) varies considerably across hospitals. We conducted a comprehensive study to identify clinical and nonclinical factors associated with variations in the ratio across 17 cardiac centres in the province of Ontario. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we selected a population-based sample of 8972 patients who underwent an index cardiac catheterization between April 2006 and March 2007 at any of 17 hospitals that perform invasive cardiac procedures in the province. We classified the hospitals into four groups by PCI:CABG ratio (low [< 2.0], low–medium [2.0–2.7], medium–high [2.8–3.2] and high [> 3.2]). We explored the relative contribution of patient, physician and hospital factors to variations in the likelihood of patients receiving PCI or CABG surgery within 90 days after the index catheterization. Results: The mean PCI:CABG ratio was 2.7 overall. We observed a threefold variation in the ratios across the four hospital ratio groups, from a mean of 1.6 in the lowest ratio group to a mean of 4.6 in the highest ratio group. Patients with single-vessel disease usually received PCI (88.4%–99.0%) and those with left main artery disease usually underwent CABG (80.8%–94.2%), regardless of the hospital’s procedure ratio. Variation in the management of patients with non-emergent multivessel disease accounted for most of the variation in the ratios across hospitals. The mode of revascularization largely reflected the recommendation of the physician performing the diagnostic catheterization and was also influenced by the revascularization “culture” at the treating hospital. Interpretation: The physician performing the diagnostic catheterization and the treating hospital were strong independent predictors of the mode of revascularization. Opportunities exist to improve transparency and consistency around the decision-making process for coronary revascularization, most notably among patients with non-emergent multivessel disease.
Laplacian-based consensus on spatial computers

Robotic swarms, like all spatial computers, are a challenging environment for the execution of distributed consensus algorithms due to their scale, diameter, and frequent failures. Exact consensus is generally impractical on spatial computers, so we consider approximate consensus algorithms. In this paper, we show that the family of self-organizing protocols based on the graph Laplacian of a network[19] are impractical as well. With respect to the structure of a finite-neighborhood spatial computer, we find that these protocols have an expected convergence time of O(diameter2) when the inputs are strongly correlated with location. Verifying this result in simulation, we further determine that the constant factor on the convergence time is high, rendering Laplacian-based approximate consensus unsuitable for general use on spatial computers.
Management of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors in seven countries: a comparison of data from national health examination surveys.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of the health system response to the challenge of diabetes across different settings and explore the inequalities in diabetes care that are attributable to socioeconomic factors. METHODS We used nationally representative health examination surveys from Colombia, England, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mexico, Scotland, Thailand and the United States of America to obtain data on diagnosis, treatment and control of hyperglycaemia, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia among individuals with diabetes. Using logistic regression, we explored the socioeconomic determinants of diagnosis and effective case management. FINDINGS A substantial proportion of individuals with diabetes remain undiagnosed and untreated, both in developed and developing countries. The figures range from 24% of the women in Scotland and the USA to 62% of the men in Thailand. The proportion of individuals with diabetes reaching treatment targets for blood glucose, arterial blood pressure and serum cholesterol was very low, ranging from 1% of male patients in Mexico to about 12% in the United States. Income and education were not found to be significantly related to the rates of diagnosis and treatment anywhere except in Thailand, but in the three countries with available data insurance status was a strong predictor of diagnosis and effective management, especially in the United States. CONCLUSION There are many missed opportunities to reduce the burden of diabetes through improved control of blood glucose levels and improved diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia. While no large socioeconomic inequalities were noted in the management of individuals with diabetes, financial access to care was a strong predictor of diagnosis and management.
Regional Calcium Regulation within CulturedDrosophila Neurons: Effects of Altered cAMP Metabolism by the Learning Mutations dunce andrutabaga

The dunce (dnc) andrutabaga (rut) mutations ofDrosophila affect a cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase and a Ca2+/CaM-regulated adenylyl cyclase, respectively. These mutations cause deficiencies in several learning paradigms and alter synaptic transmission, growth cone motility, and action potential generation. The cellular phenotypes either are Ca2+dependent (neurotransmission and motility) or mediate a Ca2+ rise (action potential generation). However, interrelations among these defects have not been addressed. We have established conditions for fura-2 imaging of Ca2+dynamics in the “giant” neuron culture system ofDrosophila. Using high K+depolarization of isolated neurons, we observed a larger, faster, and more dynamic response from the growth cone than the cell body. This Ca2+ increase depended on an influx through Ca2+ channels and was suppressed by the Na+ channel blocker TTX. Altered cAMP metabolism by the dnc and rut mutations reduced response amplitude in the growth cone while prolonging the response within the soma. The enhanced spatial resolution of these larger cells allowed us to analyze Ca2+ regulation within distinct domains of mutant growth cones. Modulation by a previous conditioning stimulus was altered in terms of response amplitude and waveform complexity. Furthermore, rut disrupted the distinction in Ca2+ responses observed between the periphery and central domain of growth cones with motile filopodia.
Periodontal changes in liver cirrhosis and post-transplantation patients. I: clinical findings.

BACKGROUND Cyclosporin A (CsA) is widely used to prevent liver transplantation failure. CsA-induced gingival overgrowth is a common side effect. However, the effect of cirrhotic liver disease, liver transplantation, and immunosuppressive therapy on the periodontium is yet unclear. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of liver cirrhosis, transplantation, and immunosuppressive therapy on the periodontium. METHODS The experimental group (LC) consisted of 13 liver cirrhosis patients. A second experimental group (PT) included 24 patients, post-liver transplantation, receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Seventeen healthy subjects formed a control group. The Ramfjord index teeth were recorded for plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival overgrowth (GO). RESULTS Mean PI and mean GI for the LC, PT, and C groups were not statistically different (P >0.05). Mean PD for the LC (3.32+/-0.24 mm) and PT group (3.41+/-0.13 mm) was significantly higher (P = 0.0001, ANOVA) compared to the C group (2.45+/-0.16 mm). Likewise, CAL for the LC (4.89+/-0.47 mm) and PT group (4.68+/-0.47 mm) was significantly higher (P = 0.001, ANOVA) than the C group (2.78+/-0.23 mm). Patients in the PT group exhibited the greatest mean GO scores (0.88+/-0.09) compared to the LC group (0.37+/-0.07) and the C group (0.09+/-0.02). All 3 groups were significantly different from each other (P = 0.0001) despite great variability within the groups. GO in the CsA-treated patients (1.1+/-0.09) was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) than in those treated with tacrolimus (0.57+/-0.1). CONCLUSIONS Liver cirrhosis patients demonstrated greater pocketing and attachment loss compared to healthy matched controls. These same differences were observed in patients post-transplantation. Gingival overgrowth occurred as a result of the immunosuppressive therapy with CsA, while to a lesser degree with tacrolimus. Replacement of CsA by tacrolimus in patients manifesting gingival overgrowth might be recommended whenever possible to overcome this problem.
The apolipoprotein B signal peptide insertion/deletion polymorphism is not associated with myocardial infarction in Norway

The three‐amino acid insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the apoB signal peptide (27 amino acid versus 24 amino acid signal peptide) was evaluated as a possible risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) in a case‐control study population comprising 238 MI survivors and 547 controls. In controls, homozygotes for the deletion allele (DD) had the highest mean levels of both total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDLC), the homozygotes for the insertion allele (II) had the lowest mean values, while the heterozygotes (ID) had intermediate mean levels (p < 0.05). In MI survivors, the trend was similar, but only differences in mean LDLC levels were statistically significant (p < 0.05). No differences in genotype frequencies were detected between cases and controls in univariate analysis or in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Despite the results from the lipid analyses, we conclude that the I/D polymorphism in the apoB signal peptide is unlikely to be of major importance for MI risk in relatively young Norwegians.
Contrasting mechanisms of envZ control of mal and pho regulon genes in Escherichia coli

The envZ11 missense mutation in the regulatory gene envZ pleiotropically repressed synthesis of OmpF, alkaline phosphatase, and several proteins of the maltose regulon. Procaine treatment of wild-type cells resulted in the same phenotype through an envZ+-mediated mechanism. Here we show that envZ11-procaine act differently on the mal and pho regulons. In the mal system, the expression of the positive regulator gene malT, measured as beta-galactosidase activity of a malT-lac+ operon fusion, was drastically reduced by procaine treatment or by the envZ11 mutation. In contrast, expression of the positive regulator of the pho regulon phoB was not reduced by procaine treatment. The products of the regulatory genes phoM, phoR, and phoU were also not required for procaine action. Procaine and envZ11 inhibited expression of only two products of the pho regulon, alkaline phosphatase and the PhoE porin. The conclusion that envZ11-procaine act differently on the mal and the pho regulons is supported by our ability to isolate second-site mutations with a Mal+ PhoA- phenotype in an envZ11 strain.
Inference of Low and High-Grade Glioma Gene Regulatory Networks Delineates the Role of Rnd3 in Establishing Multiple Hallmarks of Cancer

Gliomas are a highly heterogeneous group of brain tumours that are refractory to treatment, highly invasive and pro-angiogenic. Glioblastoma patients have an average survival time of less than 15 months. Understanding the molecular basis of different grades of glioma, from well differentiated, low-grade tumours to high-grade tumours, is a key step in defining new therapeutic targets. Here we use a data-driven approach to learn the structure of gene regulatory networks from observational data and use the resulting models to formulate hypothesis on the molecular determinants of glioma stage. Remarkably, integration of available knowledge with functional genomics datasets representing clinical and pre-clinical studies reveals important properties within the regulatory circuits controlling low and high-grade glioma. Our analyses first show that low and high-grade gliomas are characterised by a switch in activity of two subsets of Rho GTPases. The first one is involved in maintaining normal glial cell function, while the second is linked to the establishment of multiple hallmarks of cancer. Next, the development and application of a novel data integration methodology reveals novel functions of RND3 in controlling glioma cell migration, invasion, proliferation, angiogenesis and clinical outcome.