Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transport Characteristics of Asymmetric Cellulose Triacetate Hemodialysis Membranes

Aims: The objective of this study was to compare the transport characteristics of highly asymmetric cellulose triacetate (ATA™) membranes with that of both symmetric cellulose triacetate and asymmetric polysulfone membranes. Methods: Data were obtained for solute clearance and sieving coefficients of vitamin B12 and a range of polydisperse dextrans using ATA™ SOLACEA-25H and Optiflux F250NR polysulfone dialyzers. Results for these, and the CT190 symmetric cellulose triacetate dialyzer, were analyzed using available membrane transport models. Results: The ATA™ had the largest solute clearance, although the homogeneous CT190 dialyzer had the highest sieving coefficients. These differences were a direct result of the differences in the underlying membrane morphology, with the asymmetric ATA™ membrane providing much higher diffusive transport rates (and thus higher solute clearance). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the importance of membrane morphology on dialyzer transport and provide important insights into the effective clinical performance observed with the highly asymmetric ATA™ dialyzers.
Morphological Distinction of Histiocytic Sarcoma from Other Tumor Types in Bernese Mountain Dogs and Flatcoated Retrievers.

BACKGROUND/AIM Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) represents a group of malignant canine tumors to which Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMD) and Flatcoated Retrievers (FCR) are predisposed. The differential diagnosis for HS is broad, encompassing round cell tumors, sarcomas and other histiocytic diseases. The aim of this study was to establish morphological and immunohistochemical criteria for routine use on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples and cytological smears for the recognition and differentiation of canine HS and its subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospectively, tumor sections were reviewed from 449 BMD and 380 FCR with confirmed or suspected HS, other histiocytic conditions, or a disease of the differential diagnosis of HS. RESULTS In a large proportion of cases, 47.5% for histology and for 46.3% cytology, the initial diagnosis was changed after the revision process. A large variation in morphological features of HS was observed in this study, making the existence of several subtypes in dogs also very likely. Furthermore, the different percentage of morphological features between BMD and FCR indicates the different mixture of cell type origins resulting possibly from genetic or environmental differences at the onset of HS in those breeds. CONCLUSION This study stresses the value of a strictly applied and standardized scoring system for microscopic evaluation of tumor sections and smears, and the implementation of review and revision of pathological diagnoses.
DIMENSIONAL AND JUDGMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF ILLUSIONS OF VISUAL SIZE

Among the various theories that have been put forward in recent times to account for optical illusions, one of the best known is the theory of depth processing. This approach has recently been elaborated by Tausch (1954) and Gregory (1963, 1964, 1965), and has been called"inappropriate constancy scaling"(Gregory, 1963). The basic notion of the theory is that illusions represent flat projections of three-dimensional objects that are common to everyday visual experience, and that the visual illusions resemble the perspective distortions of the retinal projections of objects and contours in three-dimensional space. Assuming a mechanism of perceptual constancy" scaling" that responds directly to such visual features, the perceived visual distortions resulting from illusion figures can be ascribed to the same mechanism that contribute to visual constancy. In this connection, Gregory (1963) distinguishes between primary and secondary constancy scaling. Primary constancy scaling is determined by perspective or other features normally associated with distance in the three-dimensional world, and does not necessarily implicate perceived distance. Thus, distortions of visual illusions occur in spite of the fact that the elements of such illusions are seen to occur in a single plane. Secondary constancy scaling, according to Gregory, implies an involvement of apparent distance. The size of an object is determined at least in part by its perceived distance. An example of the effectiveness of secondary constancy scaling, according to Gregory, is the variable perceived size of a visual after-image when projected onto surfaces at different actual (and therefore perceived) distances. Secondary constancy scaling is clearly ruled out in the visual illusions, where sufficient cues are present to indicate that the elements of the illusion
Characterization of Adsorption by Quartz Crystal Microbalance for Wearable Gas Sensors.

LIM, MICHAEL STEVEN. Characterization of Adsorption by Quartz Crystal Microbalance for Wearable Gas Sensors. (Under the direction of Veena Misra and Bongmook Lee.) This work performed here is meant to characterize the nature of adsorption of O3 for different surfaces. Three different surfaces were investigated for their adsorption properties: Au, as-deposited SnO2, and post-deposition annealed SnO2. The adsorption capacity and time domain behavior are analyzed using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to quantify the adsorbed mass. The QCM is sensitized by ultra-thin SnO2 by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and the thickness is confirmed using frequency measurements before and after deposition. The QCM is exposed to various concentrations of O3 and isotherms are constructed from the experimental adsorbed mass. The values are fit by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Within the range of 1-5 parts per million (ppm) O3, the Langmuir isotherm describes the saturation limit of all three surfaces and with a Type I isotherm shape. The Freundlich isotherm rapidily saturates within this concentration range and does not convey any low concentration insights. The Over consecutive isotherm runs, Au shows a large progressive mass load over the runs until adsorption, with a maximum run mass of 32 ng. As-deposited SnO2 shows low adsorbed mass (9.3 ng), but rapid saturation and desorption. PDA SnO2 demonstrates the highest run mass loading (51 ng) and rapid saturation/desorption behavior. The adsorbed mass is converted to surface adsorption site density to allow for conductometric sensor predictions. The surface resistivity is estimated to transduce the adsorbed quantity into conductometric respsonse;∆RS = 4.0375e5 Ω s q for an O3 saturated as-deposited ALD SnO2 surface and∆RS = 4.859e3 Ω s q for the annealed ALD SnO2. Finally, low concentrations were introduced to the QCM in the range of 50 ppb 1 ppm. Unlike the high concentration exposures, the Freundlich isotherm provides a more accurate model for adsorption. The low concentration isotherms overestimate the maximum adsorbed mass, however the PDA SnO2 shows convergence of the two isotherm sets and indicates the use of a hybrid isotherm is appropriate. © Copyright 2018 by Michael Steven Lim
Increased interleukin‐36γ expression in skin and sera of patients with atopic dermatitis and mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome

Interleukin (IL)‐36γ is expressed by keratinocytes and functions as a key initiator of inflammation in the skin. IL‐36γ expression is enhanced by tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐17A, having a strong association with psoriasis. In this study, we examined the role of IL‐36γ in atopic dermatitis (AD) and mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS). Serum levels of IL‐36γ in AD patients and MF/SS patients were elevated compared with those of healthy controls. Importantly, serum IL‐36γ levels in AD patients positively correlated with Eczema Area and Severity Index and those of MF/SS patients positively correlated with serum soluble IL‐2 receptor levels. IL‐36γ mRNA levels in AD skin and MF/SS skin were significantly higher than those of normal skin. IL‐36γ mRNA levels in MF/SS skin positively correlated with IL‐17A mRNA levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that IL‐36γ was highly expressed in keratinocytes in lesional skin of AD and MF/SS. Taken together, our study demonstrated that IL‐36γ expression was increased in sera and skin of patients with AD and MF/SS as was reported in psoriatic patients.
Preparation of an injectable doxorubicin surface modified cellulose nanofiber gel and evaluation of its anti‐tumor and anti‐metastasis activity in melanoma

Cellulose nanofibers (Cel‐NFs) gel can be considered as a useful drug carrier because of its biocompatibility, high specific surface area, and high loading capacity of drugs. Injectable Cel‐NFs gel could deliver doxorubicin (DOX) for localized chemotherapy of melanoma and suppress melanoma cells migration because of the physical barrier property of Cel‐NFs. We prepared DOX surface modified Cel‐NFs (DOX‐Cel‐NFs) gel by the electrostatic attachment of DOX molecules on the surface of Cel‐NFs. The increase in the zeta potential of nanofibers and the changes in the FTIR spectra of DOX‐Cel‐NFs compared to Cel‐NFs proved this attachment. DOX‐Cel‐NFs showed nano‐fibrous structure with an average diameter of 22.32 ± 10.66 nm after analyzing using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The suitable injectability of DOX‐Cel‐NFs gel verified its promising application for the localized chemotherapy. DOX‐Cel‐NFs gel exhibited a sustained drug release manner. The cytotoxicity results showed that DOX‐Cel‐NFs were more cytotoxic against melanoma cancer cells than the free DOX during 48 h incubation period. Moreover, DOX‐Cel‐NFs gel can suppress the melanoma cancer cells migration efficiently. Thus our results emphasize the potential of DOX‐Cel‐NFs gel as a chemotherapeutic agent for local delivery of DOX in order to treat melanoma and prevent its metastasis. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 34:537–545, 2018
Trehalose accumulation in rice plants confers high tolerance levels to different abiotic stresses

Trehalose is a nonreducing disaccharide of glucose that functions as a compatible solute in the stabilization of biological structures under abiotic stress in bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates. With the notable exception of the desiccation-tolerant “resurrection plants,” trehalose is not thought to accumulate to detectable levels in most plants. We report here the regulated overexpression of Escherichia coli trehalose biosynthetic genes (otsA and otsB) as a fusion gene for manipulating abiotic stress tolerance in rice. The fusion gene has the advantages of necessitating only a single transformation event and a higher net catalytic efficiency for trehalose formation. The expression of the transgene was under the control of either tissue-specific or stress-dependent promoters. Compared with nontransgenic rice, several independent transgenic lines exhibited sustained plant growth, less photo-oxidative damage, and more favorable mineral balance under salt, drought, and low-temperature stress conditions. Depending on growth conditions, the transgenic rice plants accumulate trehalose at levels 3–10 times that of the nontransgenic controls. The observation that peak trehalose levels remain well below 1 mg/g fresh weight indicates that the primary effect of trehalose is not as a compatible solute. Rather, increased trehalose accumulation correlates with higher soluble carbohydrate levels and an elevated capacity for photosynthesis under both stress and nonstress conditions, consistent with a suggested role in modulating sugar sensing and carbohydrate metabolism. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of engineering rice for increased tolerance of abiotic stress and enhanced productivity through tissue-specific or stress-dependent overproduction of trehalose.
Persistence of Coxsackievirus B4 in pancreatic ductal-like cells results in cellular and viral changes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although known as cytolytic viruses, group B coxackieviruses (CVB) are able to establish a persistent infection in vitro and in vivo. Viral persistence has been reported as a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of CVB-associated chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). The impact of CVB4 persistence on human pancreas ductal-like cells was investigated. Methods: A persistent CVB4 infection was established in ductal-like cells. PDX-1 expression, resistance to CVB4-induced lysis and CAR expression were evaluated. The profile of cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) was investigated through miRNA-sequencing. Viral phenotypic changes were examined, and genomic modifications were assessed by sequencing of the viral genome. Results: The CVB4 persistence in ductal-like cells was productive, with continuous release of infectious particles. Persistently infected cells displayed a resistance to CVB4-induced lysis upon superinfection and expression of PDX-1 and CAR was decreased. These changes were maintained even after virus clearance. The patterns of cellular miRNA expression in mock-infected and in CVB4-persistently infected ductal-like cells were clearly different. The persistent infection-derived virus (PIDV) was still able to induce cytopathic effect but its plaques were smaller than the parental virus. Several mutations appeared in various PIDV genome regions, but amino acid substitutions did not affect the predicted site of interaction with CAR. Conclusion: Cellular and viral changes occur during persistent infection of human pancreas ductal-like cells with CVB4. The persistence of cellular changes even after virus clearance supports the hypothesis of a long-lasting impact of persistent CVB infection on the cells.
Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B‐immobilized fibre treatment for acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE‐IPF) is recognized as an important cause of mortality. AE has also been reported in patients with other interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and interstitial pneumonia associated with collagen vascular disease (CVD). Current therapies such as high‐dose corticosteroid with immunosuppressive agents have provided little benefit for AE. Direct hemoperfusion (DHP) with a polymyxin B‐immobilized fibre column (PMX) was originally developed for the treatment of endotoxaemia. Recent clinical reports have suggested beneficial effects of PMX‐DHP treatment on patients with AE. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of PMX‐DHP treatment for patients with AE.
Multimodal Secondary Prevention Behavioral Interventions for TIA and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Guidelines recommend implementation of multimodal interventions to help prevent recurrent TIA/stroke. We undertook a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of behavioral secondary prevention interventions. Strategy Searches were conducted in 14 databases, including MEDLINE (1980-January 2014). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing multimodal interventions against usual care/modified usual care. All review processes were conducted in accordance with Cochrane guidelines. Results Twenty-three papers reporting 20 RCTs (6,373 participants) of a range of multimodal behavioral interventions were included. Methodological quality was generally low. Meta-analyses were possible for physiological, lifestyle, psychosocial and mortality/recurrence outcomes. Note: all reported confidence intervals are 95%. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 4.21 mmHg (mean) (−6.24 to −2.18, P = 0.01 I2 = 58%, 1,407 participants); diastolic blood pressure by 2.03 mmHg (mean) (−3.19 to −0.87, P = 0.004, I2 = 52%, 1,407 participants). No significant changes were found for HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, high sensitivity-CR, BMI, weight or waist:hip ratio, although there was a significant reduction in waist circumference (−6.69 cm, −11.44 to −1.93, P = 0.006, I2 = 0%, 96 participants). There was no significant difference in smoking continuance, or improved fruit and vegetable consumption. There was a significant difference in compliance with antithrombotic medication (OR 1.45, 1.21 to 1.75, P<0.0001, I2 = 0%, 2,792 participants) and with statins (OR 2.53, 2.15 to 2.97, P< 0.00001, I2 = 0%, 2,636 participants); however, there was no significant difference in compliance with antihypertensives. There was a significant reduction in anxiety (−1.20, −1.77 to −0.63, P<0.0001, I2 = 85%, 143 participants). Although there was no significant difference in odds of death or recurrent TIA/stroke, there was a significant reduction in the odds of cardiac events (OR 0.38, 0.16 to 0.88, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%, 4,053 participants). Conclusions There are benefits to be derived from multimodal secondary prevention interventions. However, the findings are complex and should be interpreted with caution. Further, high quality trials providing comprehensive detail of interventions and outcomes, are required. Review Registration PROSPERO CRD42012002538.
Critical points in the experience of spouse caregivers of patients who have suffered a stroke. A phenomenological interpretive study

Aims To explore and document the experiences and values of spouse caregivers of stroke survivors. To gain more in-depth knowledge of how the act of caring and the adaption process affects caregiving spouses. Materials and methods Phenomenological, qualitative study. This study included spouses of stroke survivors who also served as primary caregivers. Individual, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic content analysis as proposed by Giorgi. Data was analysed and managed using Atlas-ti (version 7.0). This study was approved by our institution´s Complejo Hospitalario de Caceres Ethics and Research Committee. Results Spouse caregivers of stroke survivors undergo a process of disruption in their private lives and relationships, marked by their caregiving duties. The experiences of spouses caring for stroke survivors is condensed into topics and subtopics: “Caregiving and that´s all” summarizes the sense of having no life horizons and also caregiver impossibility of moving away from caring role. Otherwise, “Breaking the couple´s life together” enlightens the further consequences of stroke in couples shared live biography, which needs to be understood and rebuilt. Finally, “Going through the (non) loss alone” alludes to how spouses reinterpret meaning of loss, which is not appreciated by others and that refers to the balance between stroke survival and any acquired global disability. Conclusions A comprehensive approach to the couple (family), from a psycho-socio-emotional and relational perspective, is essential for ensuring adequate quality of life for people who suffered a stroke as well as their caregivers. Spouses-caregivers must be considered as individuals living a transition process due to their unexpected disrupting change, which nurses should address through a comprehensive and integrated approach focused on transition care. Care resources must be adapted to the interpretation that the spouses have of their caregiving role and their relationship with the different components of the caregiving process.
Item Analysis of Multiple Choice Questions at the Department of Paediatrics, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain.

Objectives The current study aimed to carry out a post-validation item analysis of multiple choice questions (MCQs) in medical examinations in order to evaluate correlations between item difficulty, item discrimination and distraction effectiveness so as to determine whether questions should be included, modified or discarded. In addition, the optimal number of options per MCQ was analysed. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Paediatrics, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain. A total of 800 MCQs and 4,000 distractors were analysed between November 2013 and June 2016. Results The mean difficulty index ranged from 36.70-73.14%. The mean discrimination index ranged from 0.20-0.34. The mean distractor efficiency ranged from 66.50-90.00%. Of the items, 48.4%, 35.3%, 11.4%, 3.9% and 1.1% had zero, one, two, three and four nonfunctional distractors (NFDs), respectively. Using three or four rather than five options in each MCQ resulted in 95% or 83.6% of items having zero NFDs, respectively. The distractor efficiency was 91.87%, 85.83% and 64.13% for difficult, acceptable and easy items, respectively (P <0.005). Distractor efficiency was 83.33%, 83.24% and 77.56% for items with excellent, acceptable and poor discrimination, respectively (P <0.005). The average Kuder-Richardson formula 20 reliability coefficient was 0.76. Conclusion A considerable number of the MCQ items were within acceptable ranges. However, some items needed to be discarded or revised. Using three or four rather than five options in MCQs is recommended to reduce the number of NFDs and improve the overall quality of the examination.
Measurements of leaf water content using terahertz radiation

A novel technique for the noninvasive continuous measurement of leaf water content is presented. The technique is based on transmission measurements of terahertz radiation with a null-balance quasi-optical transmissometer operating at 94 GHz. A model for the propagation of terahertz radiation through leaves is presented. This, in conjunction with leaf thickness information determined separately, may be used to quantitatively relate transmittance measurements to leaf water content. Measurements using a dispersive Fourier transform spectrometer in the range of 100 GHz-500 GHz using Phormium tenax and Fatsia japonica leaves are also reported.
A practical guide to the meta-analysis of rare events

Meta-analysing studies with low event rates is challenging as some of the standard methods for metaanalysis are not well suited to handle rare outcomes. This is more evident when some studies have zero events in one or both treatment groups. In this article, we discuss why rare events require special attention in meta-analysis, we present an overview of some approaches suitable for meta-analysing rare events and we provide practical recommendations for their use. Methods We go through several models suggested in the literature for performing a rare events meta-analysis, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. We illustrate these models using a published example from mental health. We provide the software code needed to perform all analyses in the appendix. Results Different methods may give different results, and using a suboptimal approach may lead to erroneous conclusions. When data is very sparse, the choice between the available methods may have a large impact on the results. Methods that use the so-called continuity correction (e.g. adding 0.5 to the number of events and non-events in studies with zero events in one treatment group) may lead to biased estimates. Conclusions Researchers should define the primary analysis a priori, in order to avoid selective reporting. A sensitivity analysis using a range of methods should be used to assess the robustness of results. Suboptimal methods such as using a continuity correction should be avoided. Accepted author’s manuscript. Published in final edited form as: Evidence Based Mental Health 2018; 21(2): 72-76. Publisher DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.1136/eb-2018-102911