Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Faecal microbiota profiles as diagnostic biomarkers in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Dear Sir, Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive disease of unknown aetiology. The presumed involvement of the gut–liver axis in disease pathogenesis1 has prompted investigations into mucosal2 and faecal intestinal microbiota composition, as has been reported by Kummen et al 3 in this journal. Microbiota as diagnostic biomarkers of disease are of interest from the clinician’s point of view and Kummen et al 3 have suggested a panel of taxa and even a single genus ( Veillonella ) with a reasonable diagnostic accuracy differentiating PSC and healthy controls (HCs). We here report on a cohort study from northern Germany, using stool samples of 98 HC subjects, 73 patients with well-characterised PSC and 88 subjects with UC for 16S rDNA sequencing of the V1-V2 variable region. The PSC subgroup included 38 subjects with concomitant UC (PSC-UC). The data were subjected to quality control and operational taxonomic units (OTU) picking according to the methods described.3 Of the 12 taxa proposed to be differentially abundant in …
Assessing the Relationship Between the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential and Speech Recognition Abilities in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Recipients

Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between suprathreshold electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measures and speech recognition abilities in bilateral cochlear implant listeners. We tested the hypothesis that the magnitude of ear differences in ECAP measures within a subject (right–left) could predict the difference in speech recognition performance abilities between that subject’s ears (right–left). Design: To better control for across-subject variables that contribute to speech understanding, the present study used a within-subject design. Subjects were 10 bilaterally implanted adult cochlear implant recipients. We measured ECAP amplitudes and slopes of the amplitude growth function in both ears for each subject. We examined how each of these measures changed when increasing the interphase gap of the biphasic pulses. Previous animal studies have shown correlations between these ECAP measures and auditory nerve survival. Speech recognition measures included speech reception thresholds for sentences in background noise, as well as phoneme discrimination in quiet and in noise. Results: Results showed that the between-ear difference (right–left) of one specific ECAP measure (increase in amplitude growth function slope as the interphase gap increased from 7 to 30 µs) was significantly related to the between-ear difference (right–left) in speech recognition. Frequency-specific response patterns for ECAP data and consonant transmission cues support the hypothesis that this particular ECAP measure may represent localized functional acuity. Conclusions: The results add to a growing body of literature suggesting that when using a well-controlled research design, there is evidence that underlying neural function is related to postoperative performance with a cochlear implant.
A Meta-Analysis of Sex and Race Differences in Perceived Workplace Mistreatment

Despite the growing number of meta-analyses published on the subject of workplace mistreatment and the expectation that women and racial minorities are mistreated more frequently than men and Whites, the degree of subgroup differences in perceived workplace mistreatment is unknown. To address this gap in the literature, we meta-analyzed the magnitude of sex and race differences in perceptions of workplace mistreatment (e.g., harassment, discrimination, bullying, incivility). Results indicate that women perceive more sex-based mistreatment (i.e., mistreatment that explicitly targets a person’s sex) in the workplace than men (&dgr; = .46; k = 43), whereas women and men report comparable perceptions of all other forms of mistreatment (&dgr; = .02; k = 300). Similarly, although racial minorities perceive more race-based mistreatment (i.e., mistreatment that explicitly targets a person’s race) in the workplace than Whites (&dgr; = .71; k = 18), results indicate smaller race differences in all other forms of workplace mistreatment (&dgr; = .10; k = 61). Results also indicate that sex and race differences have mostly decreased over time, although for some forms of mistreatment, subgroup differences have increased over time. We conclude by offering explanations for the observed subgroup differences in workplace mistreatment and outline directions for future research.
Controlled-release fertilizers: advances and challenges

Controlled- release fertilizers (CRFs) offer an excellent option to improve nutrients uptake by plants and reduce the environmental hazards due to excess release of chemicals. Polymer-coated fertilizers, compared to the other types of CRF, are by far the most intensively researched topic because of their great characteristics. Polymer- coated fertilizers, which are less sensitive to the soil and environmental factors, offer superior control over nutrients release for plants uptake. In recent years, the art has mainly focused on the design of biodegradable polymer-based coating for fertilizers considering the effective control on nutrient release. This review covers the basic information about CRFs with an emphasis on the development of polymer-coated fertilizers. Topics that are discussed herewith include materials and methods utilized for coated fertilizer, particularly polymer-coated fertilizers, manufacturing and related issues. The large market potential for fertilizer using necessitates more studies for development and commercial production of polymer-coated fertilizers. (Salmiaton Ali, Firoozeh Danafar. Controlled-Release Fertilizers: Advances and Challenges. Life Sci J 2015;12(11):33-45). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 5
Immunoisolation of murine islet allografts in vascularized sites through conformal coating with polyethylene glycol

Islet encapsulation may allow transplantation without immunosuppression, but thus far islets in large microcapsules transplanted in the peritoneal cavity have failed to reverse diabetes in humans. We showed that islet transplantation in confined well‐vascularized sites like the epididymal fat pad (EFP) improved graft outcomes, but only conformal coated (CC) islets can be implanted in these sites in curative doses. Here, we showed that CC using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and alginate (ALG) was not immunoisolating because of its high permselectivity and strong allogeneic T cell responses. We refined the CC composition and explored PEG and islet‐like extracellular matrix (Matrigel; MG) islet encapsulation (PEG MG) to improve capsule immunoisolation by decreasing its permselectivity and immunogenicity while allowing physiological islet function. Although the efficiency of diabetes reversal of allogeneic but not syngeneic CC islets was lower than that of naked islets, we showed that CC (PEG MG) islets from fully MHC‐mismatched Balb/c mice supported long‐term (>100 days) survival after transplantation into diabetic C57BL/6 recipients in the EFP site (750‐1000 islet equivalents/mouse) in the absence of immunosuppression. Lack of immune cell penetration and T cell allogeneic priming was observed. These studies support the use of CC (PEG MG) for islet encapsulation and transplantation in clinically relevant sites without chronic immunosuppression.
Bauschinger and yield effects during cyclic loading of high temperature alloys at 550°C

Abstract High strain fatigue experiments were carried out on thirteen different high temperature alloys at 550°C. By means of multiple step tests and interrupted tests in the steady state, the asymmetrical nature of the Bauschinger effect was examined, i.e. having regard to the magnitude and direction of the stress reversal point during the course of the hysteresis loop. The cyclic stress–strain curve was characterised using the well known Ramberg—Osgood deformation relationship, and distinction was made between actual curve shape and the locus approximation. The yield stress during the course of a cycle could be made to vary according to the reversal point in the interrupted tests, but even in steady state cycling, the cyclic yield point was found to decrease as the total strain range was increased. Limited investigations were also performed during evolutionary (hardening or softening) cycling and all results were interpreted in terms of the prevailing back stress and friction stress. A formula to predic.
Evaluation of Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Content: Cannabis Flower Compared to Supercritical CO2 Concentrate

Abstract A recent cannabis use survey revealed that 60% of cannabis users rely on smelling the flower to select their cannabis. Olfactory indicators in plants include volatile compounds, principally represented by the terpenoid fraction. Currently, medicinal- and adult-use cannabis is marketed in the United States with relatively little differentiation between products other than by a common name, association with a species type, and Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol potency. Because of this practice, how terpenoid compositions may change during an extraction process is widely overlooked. Here we report on a comparative study of terpenoid and cannabinoid potencies of flower and supercritical fluid CO2 (SC-CO2) extract from six cannabis chemovars grown in Washington State. To enable this comparison, we employed a validated high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector methodology for quantification of seven cannabinoids and developed an internal gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for quantification of 42 terpenes. The relative potencies of terpenoids and cannabinoids in flower versus concentrate were significantly different. Cannabinoid potency increased by factors of 3.2 for Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and 4.0 for cannabidiol in concentrates compared to flower. Monoterpenes were lost in the extraction process; a ketone increased by 2.2; an ether by 2.7; monoterpene alcohols by 5.3, 7 and 9.4; and sesquiterpenes by 5.1, 4.2, 7.7, and 8.9. Our results demonstrate that the product of SC-CO2 extraction may have a significantly different chemotypic fingerprint from that of cannabis flower. These results highlight the need for more complete characterization of cannabis and associated products, beyond cannabinoid content, in order to further understand health-related consequences of inhaling or ingesting concentrated forms.
Morbidity and Mortality Conference: Its Purpose Reclaimed and Grounded in Theory

ABSTRACT Issue: The morbidity and mortality conference (MMC) remains a central activity within the departments of our academic healthcare institutions. It is deeply rooted in the premise that we can learn from our mistakes, thereby improving the care we provide. Recent advances in our understanding of medical error and quality improvement have challenged the value of traditional models of MMC. As a result the purpose of MMC has become clouded and ill-defined: Is it an educational conference that promotes mastery of clinical acumen, or is it a venue to drive quality improvement by addressing systems-based issues in delivering care? Or can it serve both purposes? Evidence: Review of the history of MMC, the literature, and critical application of education theory demonstrates the source of the confusion and the challenges in viewing it through the exclusive lens of either education or quality improvement. Application of experiential learning theory helps resolve this discord showing how the conference facilitates the development of clinical mastery while informing quality improvement programs about important and relevant systems-based issues. Implication: Building on this, we present a model for MMC involving five essential elements: case-based involving an adverse patient event, anonymity for participants, expert guided critical analysis, reframing understanding of the case presentation and related systems-based factors, and projection to practice change. This model builds on previously described models, is grounded in the literature, and helps clarify its role from both the educational and the quality improvement perspectives.
Expanding Porencephalic Cysts: Prenatal Imaging and Differential Diagnosis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the prenatal imaging findings of expanding porencephalic cyst, which have not been previously described in the prenatal period, and to underline that these lesions can involve the cerebellum and not exclusively the supratentorial structures. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of five cases with a prenatal diagnosis of expanding porencephalic cyst. Results: The cystic lesion was located in the supra- and infratentorial space in 2 cases, respectively, or in both in one case. The lesion expanded into the pericerebral space or communicated with the ventricular system in 4 and 1 cases, respectively. Differential diagnosis included tumoural lesion in 2 cases because of internal echogenic components related to haemorrhagic changes, which were identified using foetal MRI, and arachnoid cyst in 2 cases because of expansion into the pericerebral space. In the last case, communication within the ventricular system mimicked a unilateral ventriculomegaly. Conclusion: Differential diagnosis of any cystic lesion with extra-axial component should include expanding porencephalic cyst. Foetal MRI is helpful to differentiate this entity from extra-axial lesions such as arachnoid cysts but also from rare tumours.
Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) activates bortezomib-resistant NF-κB activity and increases drug resistance in multiple myeloma

Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a family of transcription factors that play a key role in cell survival and proliferation in many hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor used in the management of MM, can inhibit both canonical and noncanonical activation of NF-κB in MM cells. However, we previously reported that a significant fraction of freshly isolated MM cells harbor bortezomib-resistant NF-κB activity. Here, we report that hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) is produced in bone marrow stromal cells from MM patients, is detected in patients' bone marrow plasma, and can activate an atypical bortezomib-resistant NF-κB pathway in MM cells. We found that this pathway involves bortezomib-resistant degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), despite efficient bortezomib-mediated inhibition of proteasome activity. Moreover, HAPLN1 can also confer bortezomib-resistant survival of MM cells. We propose that HAPLN1 is a novel pathogenic factor in MM that induces an atypical NF-κB activation and thereby promotes bortezomib resistance in MM cells.
Absence of change in choroidal nevi across 5 years in an older population.

OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of choroidal nevi that were previously identified in a population cross section and that showed evidence of growth or progression during a 5-year period. METHODS The Blue Mountains Eye Study was a cohort study of residents 49 years and older living in an area west of Sydney, Australia. Retinal photographs were used to identify choroidal nevi. Repeat photographs were obtained 5 years later and graded side-by-side to ascertain clinical growth or progression of all identified nevi. The greatest diameter and surface area of each nevus were measured. Nevus growth was defined as an increase in size of at least 33%. RESULTS There were 160 choroidal nevi identified in the 128 subjects with nevi who participated in both eye examinations. Only 1 nevus (0.6%) exhibited clinical growth during the 5 years. No nevi developed other indicators of progression, such as subretinal fluid or orange pigment accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study indicate that benign nevi in older persons rarely progress. Regular eye examinations may be unnecessary for clearly defined small nonsuspicious choroidal nevi. This information could relieve patient anxiety and reduce costs associated with regular monitoring of nevi.
Optimal Items for Assessing Sluggish Cognitive Tempo in Children Across Mother, Father, and Teacher Ratings

A recent meta-analysis identified optimal items for assessing sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) as distinct from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder inattention (ADHD-IN), and a preliminary study with teacher ratings of children in the United States found strong support for the convergent and discriminant validity of 15 SCT items. The current study evaluated whether the same 15 SCT items demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity from ADHD-IN in a large, community-based sample of children in Spain, and whether validity results were replicated across mother, father, and teacher ratings. Mothers, fathers, and teachers completed measures of SCT, ADHD-IN, ADHD-hyperactivity/impulsivity, oppositional defiant disorder, limited prosocial emotions, anxiety, depression, shyness, peer rejection, social impairment, and academic impairment on 2,142 Spanish children (49.49% girls; ages 8–13). The 15 SCT symptoms demonstrated convergent validity along with discriminant validity with ADHD-IN across all three informants. The SCT symptom ratings also showed measurement invariance across the informants. In addition, SCT and ADHD-IN factors had different and unique associations with the other symptom and impairment factors. The 15 SCT symptoms identified in this study—consistent across mother, father, and teacher ratings—appear appropriate to serve as a standard symptom set for assessing SCT in children. Use of a common set of symptoms in future studies will advance our understanding of the SCT construct, including its etiology and developmental progression, associations with ADHD and other psychopathologies, links to impairment, and implications for clinical intervention.
Birefringence of polyethylene melt in transient elongational flow at constant strain rate

Simultaneous birefringence and elongational viscosity measurements were carried out on molten commercial grade, low-density polyethylenes during simple elongational flow at constant strain rate and constant temperature. The birefringence increased with time during constant strain rate elongation. The increase in birefringence was a linear function of elongational stress throughout whole elongation, but the elongational viscosity increased in two stages. The increase in elongational viscosity can be divided into linear viscoelastic and nonlnear viscoelastic regions. The linear region appeared at small strain and the nonlinear region appeared at strain greater than 0.7. The elongational viscosity in the nonlinear region increased much more rapidly than that in the linear region. The Gaussian approximation, which is commonly used in molecular models, could be used for the transient elongational flow. A constant stress-optical coefficient C = 1.3 × 10−10 cm2/dyn was obtained for all the elongational experiments, independent of strain rate (0.002-0.2s−1). The stress-optical coefficients were weakly dependent on temperature, as predicted by the theory of rubber elasticity.
The Impact of Non-LTE Effects and Granulation Inhomogeneities on the Derived Iron and Oxygen Abundances in Metal-Poor Halo Stars

This paper presents the results of a detailed theoretical investigation of the impact of non-LTE (NLTE) effects and of granulation inhomogeneities on the derived iron and oxygen abundances in the metal-poor halo subgiant HD 140283. Our analysis is based on both the "classical" one-dimensional stellar atmosphere models and on the new generation of three-dimensional hydrodynamic models. The NLTE calculations presented here have been carried out without inelastic collisions with neutral hydrogen atoms. We find that if NLTE effects are taken into account when synthesizing the Fe I spectrum in both types of atmospheric models, then the derived iron abundance turns out to be very similar in both cases. The emergent spectral line profiles in both models are very much weaker in NLTE than in LTE because the UV overionization mechanism produces a very strong underpopulation of the Fe I levels, in particular in the granular regions of the three-dimensional model. As a result, the NLTE effects on the derived iron abundance are very important, amounting to ~0.9 and to ~0.6 dex in the three- and one-dimensional cases, respectively. On the other hand, we find that NLTE and three-dimensional effects have to be taken into account for a reliable determination of the iron abundance from weak Fe II lines, because the significant overexcitation of their upper levels in the granular regions tend to produce emission features. As a result, such Fe II lines are weaker than in LTE and the abundance correction amounts to ~0.4 dex for the three-dimensional case. We also derive the oxygen-to-iron abundance ratio in the metal-poor star HD 140283 by using the O I triplet at 7772-7775 Å and the forbidden [O I] line at 6300 Å. Our results for the oxygen abundance confirm the values reported in some recent investigations. While the oxygen abundance derived from the O I IR triplet is not very sensitive to the presence of granulation inhomogeneities, such three-dimensional effects amount to ~-0.2 dex for the [O I] line. The NLTE abundance correction for the O I IR triplet turns out to be -0.2 dex, approximately. Interestingly, when both NLTE and three-dimensional effects are taken into account there still remain significant discrepancies in the iron abundances derived from Fe I and Fe II lines, as well as in the oxygen abundances inferred from the O I and [O I] lines. We conclude that the discrepancies could be due to uncertainties in the stellar parameters of this metal-poor star. We argue that adopting Teff ≈ 5600 K (instead of Teff ≈ 5700 K) and [Fe/H] ≈ -2.0 (instead of [Fe/H] ≈ -2.5) substantially reduces the discrepancies in the abundances of iron and oxygen inferred from several spectral lines. Under such circumstances, we find [O/Fe] ≈ 0.5 at [Fe/H] = -2. Obviously, our tentative conclusion that the metallicity of this type of metal-poor star is significantly larger than previously thought may have far-reaching implications in stellar astrophysics.
Implications of immune dysfunction on endometriosis associated infertility

Endometriosis is a complex, inflammatory disease that affects 6-10% of reproductive-aged women. Almost half of the women with endometriosis experience infertility. Despite the excessive prevalence, the pathogenesis of endometriosis and its associated infertility is unknown and a cure is not available. While many theories have been suggested to link endometriosis and infertility, a consensus among investigators has not emerged. In this extensive review of the literature as well as research from our laboratory, we provide potential insights into the role of immune dysfunction in endometriosis associated infertility. We discuss the implication of the peritoneal inflammatory microenvironment on various factors that contribute to infertility such as hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress and how these could further lead to poor oocyte, sperm and embryo quality, impaired receptivity of the endometrium and implantation failure.