Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Patient Blood Management Program and an Outpatient Anemia Management Protocol on Red Cell Transfusions in Oncology Inpatients and Outpatients.

BACKGROUND Patient blood management (PBM) programs are associated with reduced transfusion usage, reduced hospital costs, and improved patient outcomes. The application of PBM principles in patients with malignant disease might achieve similar results. However, this population presents unique challenges. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of a PBM program on blood usage and patient outcomes in cancer patients, particularly in the setting of restricted use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective observational study was performed of patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of malignancy treated at Eastern Maine Medical Center as inpatients or outpatients, or both, from January 2008 through July 2013. RESULTS The proportion of inpatients and outpatients receiving ESAs decreased from 2.9% in 2008 to 1.1% in 2013 (p < .001). During the same period, an increase occurred in the mean dose of intravenous (IV) iron from 447 mg (95% confidence interval [CI], 337-556) to 588 mg (95% CI, 458-718). The mean red blood cell (RBC) units transfused per inpatient and outpatient episode decreased from 0.067 to 0.038 unit (p < .001). In inpatients, significant increases occurred in the proportion of single-unit RBC transfusions (p < .001) and patients infused with IV iron (p = .02), and significant decreases in the mean pretransfusion hemoglobin (p = .02) and RBC transfusion rate (p = .04). In-hospital mortality and length of stay did not change significantly during this period. CONCLUSION Despite the decreased use of ESA therapy, the implementation of a PBM program and outpatient anemia management protocol in cancer patients at our medical center was associated with significant reductions in RBC usage.
Reduced Complications during Hemodialysis by Automatic Blood Volume Controlled Ultrafiltration

Background Intradialytic morbid events (IMEs, mostly hypotension) are frequent complications during hemodialysis (HD). This study investigated whether automatic feedback control via adjustment of the ultrafiltration rate reduces IME frequency. Methods In this multi-center cross-over study, 56 hypotension-prone patients were treated both with standard HD (sHD, applying a constant ultrafiltration rate) and HD applying a blood volume controlled ultrafiltration rate (cHD). The relative blood volume (RBV) was continuously monitored. The individual relative blood volume limit (RBVcrit) was determined from the measured RBV during initial sHD. During cHD, the ultrafiltration rate was automatically adjusted to keep the actual RBV above RBVcrit. Results In 3,081 HD treatments, slightly fewer IMEs were observed during cHD than during sHD (0.785±0.613 versus 0.695±0.547 per treatment, P=0.144). Less symptomatic events were seen during cHD: -13% for symptomatic hypotension (0.594 versus 0.685 per treatment, P=0.120), and -32% for cramps (0.049 versus 0.072 per treatment, P=0.009). Thirty-one patients with the highest IME rate (IME in at least every second treatment) especially benefited from cHD: 1.185±0.554 versus 0.979±0.543 IME per treatment (P=0.004). The reduction in blood pressure (BP) and the increase in heart rate were lower during the treatments with cHD than with sHD: systolic BP: -18.8±26.7 versus -22.2±28.9 mmHg (P=0.007), diastolic BP: -7.8±14.8 versus -9.1±15.3 mmHg (P=0.064), heart rate: 1.8±10.4 versus 2.3±11.6 per minute (P=0.014). Neither treatment duration nor ultrafiltration volume was significantly different between cHD and sHD. Conclusion For cHD, less intradialytic morbid events were observed than for sHD, and pre- to post-dialytic changes in blood pressure and heart rate were less pronounced.
The SPRINTARS version 3.80/4D-Var data assimilation system: development and inversion experiments based on the observing system simulation experiment framework

Abstract. We present an aerosol data assimilation system based on a global aerosol climate model (SPRINTARS – Spectral Radiation-Transport Model for Aerosol Species) and a four-dimensional variational data assimilation method (4D-Var). Its main purposes are to optimize emission estimates, improve composites, and obtain the best estimate of the radiative effects of aerosols in conjunction with observations. To reduce the huge computational cost caused by the iterative integrations in the models, we developed an offline model and a corresponding adjoint model, which are driven by pre-calculated meteorological, land, and soil data. The offline and adjoint model shortened the computational time of the inner loop by more than 30%. By comparing the results with a 1 yr simulation from the original online model, the consistency of the offline model was verified, with correlation coefficient R > 0.97 and absolute value of normalized mean bias NMB The feasibility and capability of the developed system for aerosol inverse modelling was demonstrated in several inversion experiments based on the observing system simulation experiment framework. In the experiments, we used the simulated observation data sets of fine- and coarse-mode AOTs from sun-synchronous polar orbits to investigate the impact of the observational frequency (number of satellites) and coverage (land and ocean), and assigned aerosol emissions to control parameters. Observations over land have a notably positive impact on the performance of inverse modelling as compared with observations over ocean, implying that reliable observational information over land is important for inverse modelling of land-born aerosols. The experimental results also indicate that information that provides differentiations between aerosol species is crucial to inverse modelling over regions where various aerosol species coexist (e.g. industrialized regions and areas downwind of them).
Insights into the Mechanisms Underlying Boron Homeostasis in Plants

Boron is an essential element for plants but is toxic in excess. Therefore, plants must adapt to both limiting and excess boron conditions for normal growth. Boron transport in plants is primarily based on three transport mechanisms across the plasma membrane: passive diffusion of boric acid, facilitated diffusion of boric acid via channels, and export of borate anion via transporters. Under boron -limiting conditions, boric acid channels and borate exporters function in the uptake and translocation of boron to support growth of various plant species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, NIP5;1 and BOR1 are located in the plasma membrane and polarized toward soil and stele, respectively, in various root cells, for efficient transport of boron from the soil to the stele. Importantly, sufficient levels of boron induce downregulation of NIP5;1 and BOR1 through mRNA degradation and proteolysis through endocytosis, respectively. In addition, borate exporters, such as Arabidopsis BOR4 and barley Bot1, function in boron exclusion from tissues and cells under conditions of excess boron. Thus, plants actively regulate intracellular localization and abundance of transport proteins to maintain boron homeostasis. In this review, the physiological roles and regulatory mechanisms of intracellular localization and abundance of boron transport proteins are discussed.
Necrotizing myositis and septic shock caused by Haemophilus influenzae type f in a previously healthy man diagnosed with an IgG3 and a mannose-binding lectin deficiency

Abstract An increased incidence of infections by Haemophilus influenzae type f (Hif) has recently been suggested, but such infections have mainly been regarded as opportunistic. We present here a dramatic case of Hif necrotizing myositis and septic shock. A subsequently diagnosed IgG3 and mannose-binding lectin deficiency possibly contributed to the severe outcome.
Fast-folding α-helices as reversible strain absorbers in the muscle protein myomesin

The highly oriented filamentous protein network of muscle constantly experiences significant mechanical load during muscle operation. The dimeric protein myomesin has been identified as an important M-band component supporting the mechanical integrity of the entire sarcomere. Recent structural studies have revealed a long α-helical linker between the C-terminal immunoglobulin (Ig) domains My12 and My13 of myomesin. In this paper, we have used single-molecule force spectroscopy in combination with molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the mechanics of the myomesin dimer comprising immunoglobulin domains My12–My13. We find that at forces of approximately 30 pN the α-helical linker reversibly elongates allowing the molecule to extend by more than the folded extension of a full domain. High-resolution measurements directly reveal the equilibrium folding/unfolding kinetics of the individual helix. We show that α-helix unfolding mechanically protects the molecule homodimerization from dissociation at physiologically relevant forces. As fast and reversible molecular springs the myomesin α-helical linkers are an essential component for the structural integrity of the M band.
Characterizing graphs with convex and connected configuration spaces

We define and study exact, efficient representations of realization spaces Euclidean Distance Constraint Systems (EDCS), which includes Linkages and Frameworks. Each representation corresponds to a choice of Cayley parameters and yields a different parametrized configuration space. Significantly, we give purely graph-theoretic, forbidden minor characterizations that capture (i) the class of graphs that always admit efficient configuration spaces and (ii) the possible choices of representation parameters that yield efficient configuration spaces for a given graph. In addition, our results are tight: we show counterexamples to obvious extensions. This is the first step in a systematic and graded program of combinatorial characterizations of efficient configuration spaces. We discuss several future theoretical and applied research directions. Some of our proofs employ an unusual interplay of (a) classical analytic results related to positive semi-definiteness of Euclidean distance matrices, with (b) recent forbidden minor characterizations and algorithms related to the notion of d-realizability of EDCS. We further introduce a novel type of restricted edge contraction or reduction to a graph minor, a "trick" that we anticipate will be useful in other situations.
From Dating to Mating and Relating: Predictors of Initial and Long–Term Outcomes of Speed–Dating in a Community Sample

We studied initial and long–term outcomes of speed–dating over a period of 1 year in a community sample involving 382 participants aged 18–54 years. They were followed from their initial choices of dating partners up to later mating (sexual intercourse) and relating (romantic relationship). Using Social Relations Model analyses, we examined evolutionarily informed hypotheses on both individual and dyadic effects of participants’ physical characteristics, personality, education and income on their dating, mating and relating. Both men and women based their choices mainly on the dating partners’ physical attractiveness, and women additionally on men's sociosexuality, openness to experience, shyness, education and income. Choosiness increased with age in men, decreased with age in women and was positively related to popularity among the other sex, but mainly for men. Partner similarity had only weak effects on dating success. The chance for mating with a speed–dating partner was 6%, and was increased by men's short–term mating interest; the chance for relating was 4%, and was increased by women's long–term mating interest. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in neuronal action potential shape and spiking rate caused by pulsed 60 GHz millimeter wave radiation

This study demonstrates effect of 60 GHz radiation applied in a pulsed mode to the finite neuronal network. Short powerful pulses of 50 to 300 msec duration were applied to leech neuronal ganglion and electrophysiological activity of the Retzius cells were recorded via sharp electrodes. Pulses were applied with respect to the natural activity of the tested cell and preconditioned every recorded action potential. Despite fairly low increase of sample's temperature caused by radiation's heating, clear and instant alteration in action potential parameters occurred. Along with that the prolonged utilization of this mode resulted into decrease of action potential spiking rate. Obtained results demonstrate the potential use of sub-terahertz radiation for wireless modulation of neuronal activity.
Electromyographic Response of Global Abdominal Stabilizers in Response to Stable- and Unstable-Base Isometric Exercise

Abstract Atkins, SJ, Bentley, I, Brooks, D, Burrows, MP, Hurst, HT, and Sinclair, JK. Electromyographic response of global abdominal stabilizers in response to stable- and unstable-base isometric exercise. J Strength Cond Res 29(6): 1609–1615, 2015—Core stability training traditionally uses stable-base techniques. Less is known as to the use of unstable-base techniques, such as suspension training, to activate core musculature. This study sought to assess the neuromuscular activation of global core stabilizers when using suspension training techniques, compared with more traditional forms of isometric exercise. Eighteen elite level, male youth swimmers (age, 15.5 ± 2.3 years; stature, 163.3 ± 12.7 cm; body mass, 62.2 ± 11.9 kg) participated in this study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to determine the rate of muscle contraction in postural musculature, associated with core stability and torso bracing (rectus abdominus [RA], external obliques [EO], erector spinae [ES]). A maximal voluntary contraction test was used to determine peak amplitude for all muscles. Static bracing of the core was achieved using a modified “plank” position, with and without a Swiss ball, and held for 30 seconds. A mechanically similar “plank” was then held using suspension straps. Analysis of sEMG revealed that suspension produced higher peak amplitude in the RA than using a prone or Swiss ball “plank” (p = 0.04). This difference was not replicated in either the EO or ES musculature. We conclude that suspension training noticeably improves engagement of anterior core musculature when compared with both lateral and posterior muscles. Further research is required to determine how best to activate both posterior and lateral musculature when using all forms of core stability training.
Receptor-targeted therapy of human experimental urinary bladder cancers with cytotoxic LH-RH analog AN-152 (AEZS-108)

Many bladder cancers progress to invasion with poor prognosis; new therapeutic methods are needed. We developed a cytotoxic LH-RH analog, AN-152 (AEZS-108) containing doxorubicin (DOX), for targeted therapy of cancers expressing LHRH receptors. We investigated the expression of LH-RH receptors in clinical bladder cancers and in HT-1376, J82, RT-4 and HT-1197 human bladder cancer lines. The effect of analog, AN-152, on growth of these tumor lines xenografted into nude mice was analyzed. Using molecular and functional assays, we also evaluated the differences between the effects of AN-152, and DOX alone. We demonstrated the expression of LH-RH receptors on 18 clinical bladder cancers by immunohistochemistry and on four human urinary bladder cancer lines HT-1376, J82, RT-4 and HT-1197 by Western blotting and binding assays. AN-152 powerfully inhibited growth of these bladder cancers in nude mice. AN-152 exerted greater effects than DOX and was less toxic. DOX activated strong multidrug resistance mechanisms in RT-4 and HT-1197 cancers, while AN-152 had no or less such effect. PCR assays and in vitro studies revealed differences in the action of AN-152 and DOX on the expression of genes involved in apoptosis. These results suggest that targeted cytotoxic LH-RH analog, AN-152 (AEZS-108), should be examined for treatment of patients with LH-RH receptor positive invasive bladder cancers.
Comparative Study between Intravenous and Intraperitoneal Stem Cell Therapy in Amiodarone Induced Lung Injury in Rat

Background and Objectives: The fibrosing form of lung injury (occupational, environmental, infective or drug induced) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Amiodarone (AM), often prescribed for control of arrhythmias is considered a potential cause. No effective treatment was confirmed, except lung transplantation. Intravenous (IV) stem cell therapy may produce pulmonary emboli or infarctions. Despite being commonly used in clinical practice, the intraperitoneal (IP.) route has been rarely used for cell delivery. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the possible effect of IP stem cell therapy (SCT) on pulmonary toxicity versus the intravenous route in a rat model of amiodarone induced lung damage. Methods and Results: 36 adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Rats of AM group were given 30 mg/kg daily orally for 4 weeks. Rats of IV SCT group were injected with stem cells in the tail vein. Rats of IP SCT group received IP cell therapy. Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies were performed. Obstructed bronchioles, overdistended alveoli, reduced type I pneumocytes, increased thickness of alveolar septa and vessels wall besides increased area% of collagen fibers regressed in response to IV and IP SCT. The improvement was more obvious in IV group. The area% of Prussion blue +ve and CD105 +ve cells was significantly higher in IV group. Conclusions: Cord blood MSC therapy proved definite amelioration of lung injury ending in fibrosis. The effect of IP SCT was slightly inferior to that of IV SCT, which may be overwhelmed by repeated IP injection.
Highest Plasma Phenylalanine Levels in (Very) Premature Infants on Intravenous Feeding; A Need for Concern

Objective To analyse the association in newborns between blood levels of phenylalanine and feeding method and gestational age. Study Design This observational, cross-sectional study included a sample of 11,829 infants between 2008 and 2013 in a Spanish region. Data were recorded on phenylalanine values, feeding method [breast, formula, mixed (breast plus formula), or partial or fully intravenous feeding], gestational age in weeks (<32, 32–37, ≥37), gender and days since birth at the moment of blood collection. Outcomes were [phenylalanine] and [phenylalanine] ≥95th percentile. Associations were analysed using multivariate models [linear (means difference) and logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios)]. Results Higher phenylalanine values were associated with lower gestational age (p<0.001) and with intravenous feeding (p<0.001). Conclusion The degree of prematurity and intravenous feeding influenced the plasma concentration of phenylalanine in the newborn. Caution should be taken in [phenylalanine] for newborns with intravenous feeding, monitoring them carefully. Very preterm infants given the recommended amount of amino acids should also be strictly monitored. These findings should be taken into consideration and call for adapting the amounts to the needs of the infant.
On capacity achieving property of rotational coding for acyclic deterministic wireless networks

It has been shown that the well-known cutset bounds can be achieved for deterministic wireless networks by performing random coding at each intermediate node. The complexity and forwarding overhead of random coding scheme prohibits its application in practice. Recently, a practical low complexity alternative, rotational coding scheme, was proposed in where it was proved that the rotational coding can achieve the capacity of the layered deterministic wireless networks. In this paper, we extend the result and prove that the rotational coding is in fact capacity achieving for a general acyclic network. Our result adds to the practical property of rotational coding scheme and makes it desirable for communication networks with arbitrary topology as long as there is no directional cycle in the network.
Do people self-reporting information about chronic respiratory disease have corroborative evidence in their general practice medical records? A study of intermethod reliability.

AIMS To use intermethod reliability to compare self-reported data about chronic respiratory disease and health service utilisation with data contained in general practice medical records. METHODS Self-reported postal questionnaire information from a small cohort of an age-sex stratified sample of 2318 patients was compared with information contained in their medical records. The agreement between the two sources of information was assessed. RESULTS The case notes of 115/135 individuals from eight general practices were examined. For self-reported chest injury or operation (kappa, kappa=-0.03), or chronic bronchitis (kappa=0.10), agreement was poor. Agreement for self-reported pleurisy (kappa=0.32), hay fever or rhinitis (kappa=0.40), or eczema or dermatitis (kappa=0.30) was fair; for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema (kappa=0.56), or heart trouble (kappa=0.54), agreement was moderate; for asthma (kappa=0.78) or pneumonia (kappa=0.62), agreement was good; and for pulmonary tuberculosis (kappa=0.88), agreement was very good. The strength of agreement for information about health service utilisation for respiratory problems ranged from moderate to very good and was good for smoking status. CONCLUSIONS Although based on small numbers, our results suggest good or very good agreement between self-reported data and general practice medical records for the absence or presence of some respiratory conditions and some types of respiratory-related health care utilisation. Depending on the research question being examined self-reported information may be appropriate.
Multiple Memory Traces for Olfactory Reward Learning in Drosophila

Physical traces underlying simple memories can be confined to a single group of cells in the brain. In the fly Drosophila melanogaster, the Kenyon cells of the mushroom bodies house traces for both appetitive and aversive odor memories. The adenylate cyclase protein, Rutabaga, has been shown to mediate both traces. Here, we show that, for appetitive learning, another group of cells can additionally accommodate a Rutabaga-dependent memory trace. Localized expression of rutabaga in either projection neurons, the first-order olfactory interneurons, or in Kenyon cells, the second-order interneurons, is sufficient for rescuing the mutant defect in appetitive short-term memory. Thus, appetitive learning may induce multiple memory traces in the first- and second-order olfactory interneurons using the same plasticity mechanism. In contrast, aversive odor memory of rutabaga is rescued selectively in the Kenyon cells, but not in the projection neurons. This difference in the organization of memory traces is consistent with the internal representation of reward and punishment.
Mind in society : the development of higher psychological processes

Introduction Michael Cole and Sylvia Scribner Biographical Note on L. S. Vygotsky Basic Theory and Data 1. Tool and Symbol in Child Development 2. The Development of Perception and Attention 3. Mastery of Memory and Thinking 4. Internalization of Higher Psychological Functions 5. Problems of Method Educational Implications 6. Interaction between Learning and Development 7. The Role of Play in Development 8. The Prehistory of Written Language Afterword Vera John-Steiner and Ellen Souberman Notes Vygotsky's Works Index