Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Myeloma and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Young Woman

Although systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with lymphoid malignancies, concurrent multiple myeloma and SLE are rare. We report a 28-year-old black woman with SLE who developed smoldering IgA kappa multiple myeloma. The coexistence of these conditions in this age and race has not been previously reported. A literature search was conducted and all 12 previously reported cases of concurrent SLE and multiple myeloma were reviewed. The demographic and clinical features of multiple myeloma in SLE are summarized. Possible mechanisms underlying this association are also discussed. In the appropriate clinical context, multiple myeloma should be considered in SLE patients irrespective of young age, race, SLE disease activity, or duration.
Evaluating the quorum quenching potential of bacteria associated to Aurelia aurita and Mnemiopsis leidyi

The associated microbiota of marine invertebrates plays an important role to the host in relation to fitness, health and homeostasis of the metaorganism. As one key chemically-mediated interaction, Quorum sensing (QS) and interference with QS among colonizing bacteria ultimately affects the establishment and dynamics of the microbial community on the host. Aiming to address interspecies competition of cultivable microbes associated to merging model species of the basal animal phyla Cnidaria (Aurelia aurita) and Ctenophora (Mnemiopsis leidyi) as well as to evaluate their potential to shape the associated community by interfering with QS, we performed a classical isolation approach. Overall, 84 bacteria were isolated from A. aurita medusae and polyps, 64 bacteria from M. leidyi, and 83 bacteria from the ambient seawater, followed by taxonomically classification by full length 16S rRNA gene analysis. The results show that the moon jellyfish A. aurita and the comb jelly M. leidyi harbor a cultivable core microbiota consisting of typical marine and ubiquitously found bacteria (e.g. Chryseobacter, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Olleya, Phaeobacter, Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Shewanella, Staphylococcus, and Vibrio) which can also be found in the ambient seawater. However, several bacteria were restricted to one host (e.g. for A. aurita: Bacillus, Glaciecola, Ruegeria, Luteococcus; for M. leidyi: Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Colwellia, Exiguobacterium, Marinomonas, Pseudoclavibacter, Psychrobacter, Sagittula, Thalassomonas) suggesting host-specific microbial community patterns. Evaluating QQ activities, out of 231 isolates, 121 showed QS-interfering activity. They mainly interfered with the acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) based communication, whereas 21 showed simultaneous quorum quenching activities against AHL and autoinducer-2. Overall, this study provides insights into the cultivable part of the microbiota associated to two environmentally important marine non-model organisms and discloses their potential in synthesizing QS interfering compounds, potentially important in shaping a healthy and resilient microbiota.
Prospective Randomized Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Novel Bioabsorbable Biocomposite Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Cage Implant.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the suitability of a novel bioabsorbable biocomposite cage (BC) implant for use in tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgery in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease and to compare radiographic osteotomy healing scores and complications between groups that received either a BC or stainless steel cage (SSC). STUDY DESIGN Prospective randomized clinical study. ANIMALS Dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture (n=56). METHODS TTA was performed in 60 consecutive dogs using either a BC (30 dogs) or SSC (30 dogs). Patient parameters, 6 week and 6 month postoperative radiographic osteotomy healing scores, time elapsed to postoperative rechecks, and complications were compared between groups. Osteotomy healing was graded using a 5-point (0-4) scale. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests and χ(2) tests with significance set at P<. 05. RESULTS Fifty-six dogs (30 BC, 26 SSC) had complete medical and radiographic records at 6 months for inclusion in data analysis. Three complications occurred in the BC group (1 major, 2 minor) and 2 occurred in the SSC group (2 minor). There was no statistical difference in patient parameters, 6 week healing scores, or complications between BC and SSC groups. Healing scores at 6 months were significantly higher in the BC group (3.3 ± 0.52) compared to the SSC group (2.9 ± 0.69; P=.04). CONCLUSION Based on improved BC osteotomy healing scores 6 months after surgery with no significant differences in complications compared to SSC, BC TTA cages are a viable alternative to SSC.
Textual reading comprehension and naming in Alzheimer’s disease patients

Among linguistic-cognitive failures, the retelling of stories and lexical disorders occur from the onset of AD. Recent studies have discussed whether lexical failures in AD patients include naming actions. Objectives The aims of this study were to verify naming and reformulation of action difficulties in AD patients and their relationship with the retelling of stories. Our main questions were: Are there two linguistic abilities impaired in the early stages of AD? Is there some correlation between the capacity of naming actions and the retelling of stories? Methods We assessed 28 elderly participants: 17 with probable AD and 11 control subjects, with schooling ≥4 years. The textual reading comprehension was measured using four stories with descriptive and narrative textual structure. The lexical production was verified by 17 actions on video, assessed by the participants' first and second verbal emissions. Results The results showed that the retelling of stories is a task that discriminates patients with AD from healthy individuals. The naming and reformulation of actions tasks did not show significant differences among the patients and their controls. A positive correlation was found between the difficulties in retelling stories and the reformulation of the naming of actions. Conclusions These results confirm previous findings that show the preservation of naming actions in patients with AD, which involve familiar actions, and that the retelling of short stories is an instrument that discriminates patients with AD from healthy elders. Results also suggest that the difficulties in retelling are related a breakdown in reformulating information, perhaps stemming from mechanisms of decreased memory work.
Fluctuation Analysis of Adaptive Multilevel Splitting

Multilevel Splitting is a Sequential Monte Carlo method to simulate realisations of a rare event as well as to estimate its probability. This article is concerned with the convergence and the fluctuation analysis of Adaptive Multilevel Splitting techniques. In contrast to their fixed level version, adaptive techniques estimate the sequence of levels on the fly and in an optimal way, with only a low additional computational cost. However, very few convergence results are available for this class of adaptive branching models, mainly because the sequence of levels depends on the occupation measures of the particle systems. This article proves the consistency of these methods as well as a central limit theorem. In particular, we show that the precision of the adaptive version is the same as the one of the fixed-levels version where the levels would have been placed in an optimal manner.
Differential localization of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits in the lateral and basal nuclei of the amygdala: A light and electron microscopic study

Anatomical and physiological studies indicate that the amino acid L‐glutamate is the excitatory transmitter in sensory afferent pathways to the amygdala and in intraamygdala circuits involving the lateral and basal nuclei. The regional, cellular, and subcellular immunocytochemical localizations of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and L‐α‐amino‐3–hydroxy‐5–methyl‐ 4–isoxazole propionate (AMPA), two major classes of glutamate receptors, were examined in these areas of the amygdala. A monoclonal antibody and a polyclonal antiserum directed against the R1 subunit of the NMDA receptor were used. Each immunoreagent produced distinct distributions of perikaryal and neuropilar staining. Dendritic immunoreactivity was localized primarily to asymmetric (excitatory) synaptic junctions, mostly on spines, consistent with the conventional view of the organization and function of NMDA receptors. Whereas the anti‐NMDAR1 antiserum produced sparse presynaptic axon terminal labeling and extensive glial labeling, the anti‐NMDAR1 antibody labeled considerably fewer glia and many more presynaptic axon terminals. Labeled presynaptic terminals formed asymmetric and symmetric synapses, suggesting presynaptic regulation of both excitatory and inhibitory transmission. Immunoreactivity for different subunits of the AMPA receptor (GluR1, GluR2/3, and GluR4) was uniquely distributed across neuronal populations, and some receptor subunits were specific to certain cell types. Immunoreactivity for GluR1 and Glu2/3 was predominately localized to dendritic shafts and was more extensive than that of GluR4 due to heavy labeling of proximal portions of dendrites. The distribution of GluR4 immunoreactivity was similar to NMDAR1: GluR4 was seen in presynaptic terminals, glia, and dendrites and was primarily localized to spines. The presynaptic localization of GluR4 in the absence of GluR2 suggests glutamate. mediated modulation of presynaptic Ca++ concentrations. These data add to our understanding of the morphological basis of pre‐ and postsynaptic transmission mechanisms and synaptic plasticity in the amygdala. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First Record of Lagenophrys dennisi (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) on the Exoskeleton of Crayfish Cambarellus patzcuarensis

Abstract Lagenophrys dennisi, a peritrich ciliate, was observed attached to the exoskeleton of the crayfish Cambarellus patzcuarensis in Lake Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, Mexico. Lagenophrys dennisi presents a hemispheroidal, suboval or oval lorica in dorsal view, the distinctive lorica aperture consists of a pair of lips highly arched, unthickened, and smooth. Comparison of morphometric characters of the ciliate with previous records is made. Structures such as a “V”-shaped lorica suture, collar ridges, and myoneme are proposed for species identification. An anterior crescentic thickening on the dorsal surface of the lorica was observed under the scanning electron microscope. Lagenophryids were associated with 11 of 13 body parts with antennules and rostrum showing the highest prevalence. Lagenophrys dennisi was also found attached to submerged glass slides. This study represents the first record of L. dennisi on C. patzcuarensis and the first record of its presence in Mexico.
One Small Step for a Yeast - Microevolution within Macrophages Renders Candida glabrata Hypervirulent Due to a Single Point Mutation

Candida glabrata is one of the most common causes of candidemia, a life-threatening, systemic fungal infection, and is surpassed in frequency only by Candida albicans. Major factors contributing to the success of this opportunistic pathogen include its ability to readily acquire resistance to antifungals and to colonize and adapt to many different niches in the human body. Here we addressed the flexibility and adaptability of C. glabrata during interaction with macrophages with a serial passage approach. Continuous co-incubation of C. glabrata with a murine macrophage cell line for over six months resulted in a striking alteration in fungal morphology: The growth form changed from typical spherical yeasts to pseudohyphae-like structures – a phenotype which was stable over several generations without any selective pressure. Transmission electron microscopy and FACS analyses showed that the filamentous-like morphology was accompanied by changes in cell wall architecture. This altered growth form permitted faster escape from macrophages and increased damage of macrophages. In addition, the evolved strain (Evo) showed transiently increased virulence in a systemic mouse infection model, which correlated with increased organ-specific fungal burden and inflammatory response (TNFα and IL-6) in the brain. Similarly, the Evo mutant significantly increased TNFα production in the brain on day 2, which is mirrored in macrophages confronted with the Evo mutant, but not with the parental wild type. Whole genome sequencing of the Evo strain, genetic analyses, targeted gene disruption and a reverse microevolution experiment revealed a single nucleotide exchange in the chitin synthase-encoding CHS2 gene as the sole basis for this phenotypic alteration. A targeted CHS2 mutant with the same SNP showed similar phenotypes as the Evo strain under all experimental conditions tested. These results indicate that microevolutionary processes in host-simulative conditions can elicit adaptations of C. glabrata to distinct host niches and even lead to hypervirulent strains.
Asset Pricing with Arbitrage Activity

We study an economy populated by three groups of myopic agents: constrained agents subject to a portfolio constraint that limits their risk taking, unconstrained agents subject to a standard nonnegative wealth constraint, and arbitrageurs with access to a credit facility. Such credit is valuable as it allows arbitrageurs to exploit the limited arbitrage opportunities that emerge endogenously in reaction to the demand imbalance generated by the portfolio constraint. The model is solved in closed-form, and we show that, in contrast to existing models with frictions and logarithmic agents, arbitrage activity has an impact on the price level and generates both excess volatility and the leverage effect. We show that these results are due to the fact that arbitrageurs amplify fundamental shocks by levering up in good times and deleveraging in bad times.
Prevention and Control of Worldwide Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Nurses as Teachers

Public health responses to increases in mosquito-borne viruses, such as chikungunya, dengue, and recently the Zika virus outbreak, have increased awareness about these illnesses. This is especially so with the Zika virus and its devastating effects on unborn children. Awareness and prevention guides are now more widely available. However, information provided is often limited to telling consumers what to do to protect themselves from mosquito bites, lacking an explanation about the cycle of transmission in a simple and concise way. Better understanding about why protection is critical, and how this action protects others, may lead to more consistent protective behaviors. Nurses interact with patients on a daily basis and are trained to convey complex scientific and medical information in ways that are understandable to different populations. For this reason, nurses are critical partners to teach about prevention and control of mosquito-borne illnesses. This article will first briefly review arboviruses, followed by an exemplar that discusses customized teaching tools about dengue fever developed for lay persons traveling for mission trips. The summary offers recommendations for nurses to consider as they plan intervention to increase awareness and prevent and control outbreaks.
Perforin-dependent CD4+ T-cell cytotoxicity contributes to control a murine poxvirus infection

CD4+ T cells are generally regarded as helpers and regulators of the immune response. Although cytolytic CD4+ T cells have been described, whether those generated during the course of a viral infection play a role in virus control remains unknown. Here we show that during acute infection with ectromelia virus, the mouse homolog of the human virus of smallpox, large numbers of CD4+ T cells in the draining lymph node and liver of resistant mice have a cytotoxic phenotype. We also show that these cells kill targets in vivo in a perforin-dependent manner and that mice with specific deficiency of perforin in CD4+ T cells have impaired virus control. Thus, perforin-dependent CD4+ T-cell killing of infected cells is an important mechanism of antiviral defense.
SIMULATION OF THE DIFFUSION IN THE INTERSTITIAL SPACE OF A FIBER PHANTOM

The diffusion in the extra cellular space of brain white matter in vivo can be considered as the analogue of diffusion in porous media and can be studied ex vivo by fiber phantoms with diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Based on phantom studies and Monte Carlo simulations, the diffusion properties in the interstitial space were studied in the short and long time limit, whereby the effect of the fiber geometry and density was evaluated.
Inferring direct DNA binding from ChIP-seq

Genome-wide binding data from transcription factor ChIP-seq experiments is the best source of information for inferring the relative DNA-binding affinity of these proteins in vivo. However, standard motif enrichment analysis and motif discovery approaches sometimes fail to correctly identify the binding motif for the ChIP-ed factor. To overcome this problem, we propose ‘central motif enrichment analysis’ (CMEA), which is based on the observation that the positional distribution of binding sites matching the direct-binding motif tends to be unimodal, well centered and maximal in the precise center of the ChIP-seq peak regions. We describe a novel visualization and statistical analysis tool—CentriMo—that identifies the region of maximum central enrichment in a set of ChIP-seq peak regions and displays the positional distributions of predicted sites. Using CentriMo for motif enrichment analysis, we provide evidence that one transcription factor (Nanog) has different binding affinity in vivo than in vitro, that another binds DNA cooperatively (E2f1), and confirm the in vivo affinity of NFIC, rescuing a difficult ChIP-seq data set. In another data set, CentriMo strongly suggests that there is no evidence of direct DNA binding by the ChIP-ed factor (Smad1). CentriMo is now part of the MEME Suite software package available at http://meme.nbcr. net. All data and output files presented here are available at: http://research.imb. uq.edu. au/t.bailey/sd/Bailey2011a.
unctional connectivity of the amygdala and subgenual cingulate uring cognitive reappraisal of emotions in children with MDD istory is associated with rumination

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by poor emotion regulation. Rumination, a maladaptive strategy for dealing with negative emotions, is common in MDD, and is associated with impaired inhibition and cognitive inflexibility that may contribute to impaired emotion regulation abilities. However, it is unclear whether rumination is differently associated with emotion regulation in individuals with MDD history (MDD-ever) and healthy individuals. In this study, children (8–15 years old) performed a cognitive reappraisal task in which they attempted to decrease their emotional response to sad images during fMRI scanning. Functional connectivity (FC) between both the amygdala and subgenual anterior cingulate (sACC) increased with cortical control regions during reappraisal as rumination increased in MDD-ever, while connectivity between those regions decreased during reappraisal as rumination increased in healthy controls. As the role of cortical control regions is to down-regulate activity of emoubgenual cingulate tion processing regions during reappraisal, this suggests that rumination in MDD-ever, but not controls, is associated with inefficient regulation. This finding suggests that rumination may be particularly associated with poor emotion regulation in MDD-ever, and may also indicate qualitative group differences in whether rumination is maladaptive. These differences in rumination may provide important insight into depressive risk and potential avenues for treatment. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND
Differential diagnosis of selective mutism in bilingual children.

Early diagnosis of selective mutism (SM) is an important concern. SM prevalence is higher than initially thought and at least three times higher in immigrant language minority children. Although the DSM-IV precludes diagnosing SM in immigrant children with limited language proficiency (as children acquiring a second language may normally undergo a “silent period”), specific diagnostic boundaries are not clear. The specific focus of this article is, therefore, the exact circumstances in which a language minority child should be diagnosed with SM.
Characterization and differential expression of human vascular smooth muscle myosin light chain 2 isoform in nonmuscle cells.

The 20-kDa regulatory myosin light chain (MLC), also known as MLC-2, plays an important role in the regulation of both smooth muscle and nonmuscle cell contractile activity. Phosphorylation of MLC-2 by the enzyme MLC kinase increases the actin-activated myosin ATPase activity and thereby regulates the contractile activity. We have isolated and characterized an MLC-2 cDNA corresponding to the human vascular smooth muscle MLC-2 isoform from a cDNA library derived from umbilical artery RNA. The translation of the in vitro synthesized mRNA, corresponding to the cDNA insert, in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate results in the synthesis of a 20,000-dalton protein that is immunoreactive with antibodies raised against purified chicken gizzard MLC-2. The derived amino acid sequence of the putative human smooth muscle MLC-2 shows only three amino acid differences when compared to chicken gizzard MLC-2. However, comparison with the human cardiac isoform reveals only 48% homology. Blot hybridizations and S1 nuclease analysis indicate that the human smooth muscle MLC-2 isoform is expressed restrictively in smooth muscle tissues such as colon and uterus and in some, but not all, nonmuscle cell lines. Previously reported MLC-2 cDNA from rat aortic smooth muscle cells in culture is ubiquitously expressed in all muscle and nonmuscle cells, and it was suggested that both smooth muscle and nonmuscle MLC-2 proteins are identical and are probably encoded by the same gene. In contrast, the human smooth muscle MLC-2 cDNA that we have characterized from an intact smooth muscle tissue is not expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscles and also in a number of nonmuscle cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Quantum automata for infinite periodic words

Quantum computing defines the use of quantum mechanics in the computation process. Given that Moore's law is about to reach its physical limits, it is natural to search for new technologies and computation models. The need for mechanisms and verification processes for infinite quantum computation will draw the attention of the research community. Potential applications of the proposed automata concern the verification of quantum systems and the design of appropriate quantum circuits. In the present work we define a quantum version of ω-automata, the periodic quantum automata that are able to efficiently recognize ω-languages of the form (amb)ω, where m is a finite number. We present our definitions through examples and figures. Even if our definition is simple, yet it has several interesting and useful properties. For example, they seem to be space efficient for periodic ω-languages of the form (amb)ω.