Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A pilot study identifying a potential plasma biomarker for determining EGFR mutations in exons 19 or 21 in lung cancer patients

The most common type of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is frequently characterized by a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Determining the presence of an EGFR mutation in lung cancer is important, as it determines the type of treatment that a patients will receive. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to apply high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify significant compounds in human plasma samples obtained from South Korean NSCLC patients, as potential biomarkers for providing early detection and diagnosis of minimally-invasive NSCLC. The metabolic differences between lung cancer patients without EGFR mutations were compared with patients harboring EGFR mutations. Univariate analysis was performed, with a false discovery rate of q=0.05, in order to identify significant metabolites between the two groups. In addition, hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to discriminate between the metabolic profiles of the two groups. Furthermore, the significant metabolites were identified and mapped using Mummichog software, in order to generate a potential metabolic network model. Using metabolome-wide association studies, metabolic alterations were identified. Linoleic acid [303.23 m/z, (M+Na)+], 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate [231.10 m/z, (M+2H)+] and N-succinyl-L-glutamate-5 semialdehyde [254.06 m/z, (M+Na)+], were observed to be elevated in patients harboring EGFR mutations, whereas tetradecanoyl carnitine [394.29 m/z, (M+Na)+] was observed to be reduced. This suggests that these compounds may be affected by the EGFR mutation. In conclusion, the present study identified four potential biomarkers in patients with EGFR mutations, using HRM combined with pathway analysis. These results may facilitate the development of novel diagnostic tools for EGFR mutation detection in patients with lung cancer.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Longitudinal and Offspring Risk

Background Despite substantial similarities and overlaps in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and autism spectrum disorders, little is known about the clinical and etiologic cohesion of these two disorders. We therefore aimed to determine the patterns of comorbidity, longitudinal risks, and shared familial risks between these disorders. Methods In a prospective study design we explored the effect of a prior diagnosis of OCD in patients and parents on the susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders and vice versa. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, calendar year, parental age and place at residence at time of birth. As measures of relative risk incidence rate ratios (IRR) and accompanying 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed. Results The risk of a comorbid diagnosis of OCD in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and aggregation of autism spectrum disorders in offspring of parents with OCD were increased. Individuals first diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders had a 2-fold higher risk of a later diagnosis of OCD (IRR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.91–2.48), whereas individuals diagnosed with OCD displayed a nearly 4-fold higher risk to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (IRR = 3.91, 95% CI = 3.46–4.40) later in life. The observed associations were somewhat stronger for less severe types of autism spectrum disorders without a comorbid diagnosis of mental disabilities. Conclusions The high comorbidity, sequential risk, and shared familial risks between OCD and autism spectrum disorders are suggestive of partially shared etiological mechanisms. The results have implications for current gene-searching efforts and for clinical practice.
The p53 protein plays a central role in the mechanism of action of epigentic drugs that alter the methylation of cytosine residues in DNA

Both normal and cancerous cells, treated with drugs that block cytosine methylation of DNA, are preferentially killed by these drugs when they have p53 mutations and survive if they have a wild type protein. It appears that the wild type p53 protein functions to eliminate cells that undergo large epigenetic alterations and save other cells from death by this drug treatment. This has now been observed in cancerous cells in culture, tumors in animals and tumors in humans. AML cells with p53 mutations in humans treated with decitabine are killed by differentiation or senescense, but then relapse at a high rate becoming drug resistant. The mechanism of resistance to epigenetic drugs in p53 mutant cells, by possibly restoring a wild type p53 gene or restoring a defective p53 pathway, is now an interesting hypothesis to explore.
The Incidence and Outcome of Extubation Failure in Burn Intensive Care Patients

To identify the incidence and outcome of extubation failure in patients with burn. Retrospective cohort study in a tertiary burn intensive care unit. A review of the casenotes of 132 consecutive adult patients with burn admitted between 2001 and 2005, and requiring mechanical ventilation for >24 hours, was undertaken. Sixty-seven patients underwent extubation and entered data analyses. Extubation failure was defined as reintubation within 48 hours. The outcomes of interest were incidence and cause of extubation failure, duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), length of stay (LOS), and mortality. The patients who succeeded and failed extubation were similar in terms of age, sex, burn size (P = .3), and incidence of inhalation injury (P = .1). Of 67 planned extubations, 20 (30%) failed. DMV (22.5 vs. 4 days; P < .001), intensive care LOS (1.20 vs. 0.41 days/% burn; P < .001), and hospital LOS (1.90 vs. 1.18 days/ % burn; P < .003) were significantly longer in reintubated patients when compared with those who extubated successfully. Extubation outcome, burn size, and age provided the best predictive model for patient outcome (P = .02), but extubation outcome was the only predictor that operated individually (P = .05). The aetiology of extubation failure in 15 (75%) patients was poor pulmonary toilet. The incidence of extubation failure in this homogenous population of patients with burn is higher than general intensive care patients (30% vs. 4–23%). The DMV, lengths of intensive care, and hospital stay are significantly longer in patients who failed extubation. In addition to burn size and age, extubation outcome is an important predictor of intensive care mortality. The indication for reintubation in most patients is poor airway clearance.
Use of High-Frequency Percussive Ventilation in Inhalation Injuries

Inhalation injury causes significant morbidity and mortality, accounting for nearly 80% of non-fire-related deaths and affecting nearly 25% of all patients hospitalized with thermal injury. High-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) has been reported to decrease both the incidence of pulmonary barotrauma and pneumonia in inhalation injury. It has evolved into a ventilatory modality promoted to rapidly remove airway secretions and improve survival of patients with smoke inhalation injury. From 1997 to 2005, a total of 92 patients with inhalation injury were treated with HFPV. This group was compared with 130 patients treated with conventional mechanical ventilation between 1997 and 2005. The diagnosis of inhalation injury was made on admission, based on the following clinical criteria: injury in a closed space, carbonaceous sputum, and/or positive bronchoscopy (presence of carbonaceous deposits, erythema or ulceration). Both modes of ventilation were begun within 24 hours of injury. Both groups were similar with respect to demographics and injury severity. The mean number of ventilator days, days in the intensive care unit, length of stay, and incidence of pneumonia did not differ significantly between groups. Twenty-six of 92 (28%) patients treated with HFPV, and 56 of 130 with conventional mechanical ventilation (43%) died. There was a significant decrease in both overall morbidity and mortality in the subset of patients with ≤40% TBSA treated with HFPV. Future randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine the precise role of HFPV in the treatment of inhalation injuries.
Vibrational entropy estimation can improve binding affinity prediction for non‐obligatory protein complexes

Predicting the binding affinity between protein monomers is of paramount importance for the understanding of thermodynamical and structural factors that guide the formation of a complex. Several numerical techniques have been developed for the calculation of binding affinities with different levels of accuracy. Approaches such as thermodynamic integration and Molecular Mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) methodologies which account for well defined physical interactions offer good accuracy but are computationally demanding. Methods based on the statistical analysis of experimental structures are much cheaper but good performances have only been obtained throughout consensus energy functions based on many different molecular descriptors. In this study we investigate the importance of the contribution to the binding free energy of the entropic term due to the fluctuations around the equilibrium structures. This term, which we estimated employing an elastic network model, is usually neglected in most statistical approaches. Our method crucially relies on a novel calibration procedure of the elastic network force constant. The residue mobility profile is fitted to the one obtained through a short all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation on a subset of residues only. Our results show how the proper consideration of vibrational entropic contributions can improve the quality of the prediction on a set of non‐obligatory protein complexes whose binding affinity is known.
Polyphase-Basis Discrete Cosine Transform for Real-Time Measurement of Heart Rate With CW Doppler Radar

This paper presents a novel polyphase-basis discrete cosine transform that can be used for challenges to observe heart rate (HR) variability and sudden changes of HR in short time. To succeed in the challenges, real-time measurement which requires a short window length is needed. As the window length decreases, however, increased main-lobe width (MLW) and sidelobe width (SLW) result errors in measuring HR. Unlike commonly used discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the proposed method is based on DCT, which improves the accuracy of measured HR even though the short window length is used for the real-time measurement of HR. We demonstrate that the DCT can give 2 times shorter MLW and SLW than the DFT can. To verify the proposed method, it is compared with well-known existing methods, arctangent demodulation and complex signal demodulation, which use the DFT. We measured HR using a 10.225-GHz continuous-wave Doppler radar. In each experiment, the window lengths of 3, 2, and 1.5 s were used to measure HR in real time. Experimental results show that the proposed method has lower mean and standard deviation of errors than the existing methods have.
Preparation and Evaluation of Epoxy-Clay Nanocomposite Coatings for Corrosion Protection

Polymer-clay nanocomposite coatings have attracted much attention because of impressive enhancements of coating properties. In this research, both commercially available and isophoronediamine-modified montmorillonite clays were used to obtain epoxy-clay nanocomposite coatings. These nanocomposite materials with different clay loadings in the form of coatings were applied to cold-rolled steel (CRS). The morphology and structure of the coating compositions were characterized using sedimentation tests of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion resistance properties of the neat resin and nanocomposite coatings in 3.5% NaCl solution were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for more than 210 days. After making the measurements, we found advanced protection of nanocomposite samples against corrosion compared with the neat resin. Also, the results showed that the dispersion quality of clay layers into the matrix depended on the structure and modification of clay and the compounding method. Coating compositions containing two or more weight percent of well-dispersed clay resulted in superior corrosion protection. Considering the structure and compounding methods, corrosion protection of both nanocomposite coatings containing amine-modified and commercially available clays was excellent.
Mixed Species Flock, Nest Height, and Elevation Partially Explain Avian Haemoparasite Prevalence in Colombia

The high avian biodiversity present in the Neotropical region offers a great opportunity to explore the ecology of host-parasite relationships. We present a survey of avian haemoparasites in a megadiverse country and explore how parasite prevalences are related to physical and ecological host characteristics. Using light microscopy, we documented the presence of haemoparasites in over 2000 individuals belonging to 246 species of wild birds, from nine localities and several ecosystems of Colombia. We analysed the prevalence of six avian haemoparasite taxa in relation to elevation and the following host traits: nest height, nest type, foraging strata, primary diet, sociality, migratory behaviour, and participation in mixed species flocks. Our analyses indicate significant associations between both mixed species flocks and nest height and Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon prevalence. The prevalence of Leucocytozoon increased with elevation, whereas the prevalence of Trypanosoma and microfilariae decreased. Plasmodium and Haemoproteus prevalence did not vary significantly with elevation; in fact, both parasites were found up to 3300m above sea level. The distribution of parasite prevalence across the phylogeny of bird species included in this study showed little host phylogenetic signal indicating that infection rates in this system are evolutionarily labile. Vector distribution as well as the biology of transmission and the maintenance of populations of avian haemoparasites deserve more detailed study in this system.
Modulation of EMG-EMG Coherence in a Choice Stepping Task

The voluntary step execution task is a popular measure for identifying fall risks among elderly individuals in the community setting because most falls have been reported to occur during movement. However, the neurophysiological functions during this movement are not entirely understood. Here, we used electromyography (EMG) to explore the relationship between EMG-EMG coherence, which reflects common oscillatory drive to motoneurons, and motor performance associated with stepping tasks: simple reaction time (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT) tasks. Ten healthy elderly adults participated in the study. Participants took a single step forward in response to a visual imperative stimulus. EMG-EMG coherence was analyzed for 1000 ms before the presentation of the stimulus (stationary standing position) from proximal and distal tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles. The main result showed that all paired EMG-EMG coherences in the alpha and beta frequency bands were greater in the SRT than the CRT task. This finding suggests that the common oscillatory drive to the motoneurons during the SRT task occurred prior to taking a step, whereas the lower value of corticospinal activity during the CRT task prior to taking a step may indicate an involvement of inhibitory activity, which is consistent with observations from our previous study (Watanabe et al., 2016). Furthermore, the beta band coherence in intramuscular TA tended to positively correlate with the number of performance errors that are associated with fall risks in the CRT task, suggesting that a reduction in the inhibitory activity may result in a decrease of stepping performance. These findings could advance the understanding of the neurophysiological features of postural adjustments in elderly individuals.
Cold Atmospheric Plasma Parameters Investigation for Efficient Drug Delivery in HeLa Cells

We used a cold atmospheric plasma device as an innovative drug delivery technique in HeLa cells. The focus of this paper is to evaluate key parameters to achieve an efficient cell membrane permeabilization. Propidium iodide (PI) and FITC-Dextran were used as permeabilization markers. Cellular uptake was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Effect of plasma electric field and inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis on plasma-induced permeabilization were studied. Cell viability and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species produced were measured. PI positive cell percentage was the highest for 1000, 10 000, and 100 000 pulses for 100-s long treatments. We found that cellular uptake was more efficient after a 30-min incubation time at 37 °C. Unexpectedly, plasma-induced permeabilization appeared to be dependent on endocytosis and plasma electric field did not seem to be responsible for the uptake by itself. No significant toxicity was observed 24 h after plasma treatment up to 1000 pulses. Level of reactive species produced in the treated medium increased with the number of pulses and peaked using 10 000 pulses. Considering a balance between cell viability and drug uptake, best results were obtained for 100-s treatments for 1000 and 10 000 pulses. A combined effect between plasma electric field and plasma-induced chemistry seem to be necessary for drug delivery.
The effects of hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative suggestion on pain

Background: Few studies have compared placebo and suggested pain reduction.Purpose: Hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative analgesia suggestions were compared against a placebo in reducing experimental pain. The mediator role of response expectancies and the moderator role of hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative suggestibility were evaluated.Methods: Sixty participants previously assessed for hypnotic and nonhypnotic imaginative suggestibility were assigned to one of two experimental conditions or a no-treatment control condition. In the “placebo first” condition, participants received placebo, followed by imaginative and then hypnotic analgesia suggestions. In the “placebo last” condition, participants received imaginative and then hypnotic suggestions, followed by placebo.Results: Imaginative and hypnotic suggestions did not differ significantly and were more effective than no treatment in reducing pain. The placebo was no different from the analgesia suggestions and was more effective than no treatment, but only when administered after the suggestions. Pain reduction was mediated by expectancy but was not significantly related to suggestibility or hypnotizability, the latter operationalized as hypnotic suggestibility with imaginative suggestibility statistically controlled.Conclusions: In the general population, nonhypnotic imaginative suggestions may be as effective as hypnotic suggestions in reducing pain. Response expectancies would seem to be an important mechanism of placebo and suggested pain reduction.
Screening, safety, and adverse events in physical activity interventions: Collaborative experiences from the behavior change consortium

Researchers who conduct physical activity (PA) intervention studies provide an invaluable opportunity to further the prevention science knowledge base for implementing and delivering PA programs. Despite recommendations that screening is important to increase patient safety, the specific screening criteria best suited for different community applications are unknown. To add to the limited knowledge base, we examined the screening procedures and the occurrence of adverse events among more than 5,500 participants from 11 diverse PA interventions participating in a trans-National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborative known as the Behavior Change Consortium (BCC). Numerous adverse events occur in sedentary, chronically ill, or older populations, although few are attributed to activity/exercise interventions. No serious study-related adverse events (SRAEs) were reported across different screening practices, interventions, and/or populations. Relatively few minor SRAEs were reported (primarily musculoskeletal injuries), emphasizing the need to be aware of potential musculoskeletal sequelae during exercise interventions. One common characteristic of these studies is that they recommended “start low and go slow” strategies, with moderate intensity PA as the goal behavior. Recommendations to reframe the meaning and use of screening criteria to initiate PA in the community are discussed. Although we were unable to conduct generalizable quantitative analyses from our data, the combined experience of the BCC studies provides a unique opportunity to examine PA-related screening and safety issues across diverse populations, settings, and intervention programs.
Evidence for Field-Evolved Resistance of Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1F Bacillus thuringiensis Protein and Transgenic Corn Hybrids in Ontario, Canada

Abstract Western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest of corn (Zea mays L.) that has recently expanded its range into Ontario, Canada. Control of S. albicosta damage to corn hybrids containing event TC1507-expressing Cry1F Bacillus thuringiensis protein alone or pyramided with event MON 89034 expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 Bt proteins was tested in 2011–2015 in Ontario in small- and large-scale field plots with natural infestation. In 2011, significantly lower incidence and severity of kernel damage was sustained by Cry1F × Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 corn compared with a non-Bt near-isogenic hybrid. However, from 2012 to 2015, there was no difference in incidence or severity of damage comparing non-Bt hybrids with Cry1F hybrids alone or pyramided with Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 planted as a pure stand or with an integrated refuge (95% Bt: 5% non-Bt seeds). In 2015, neonate larvae derived from Ontario field-collections were tested in concentration-response diet-overlay bioassays with lyophilized Cry1F protein at concentrations up to 75 µg cm–2. The concentrations at which mortality of 50% (LC50) of the collections occurred ranged from approximately 10 µg cm–2 (F0) to >28 µg cm–2 (F1) in a 7-d bioassay, indicating relative insensitivity to Cry1F. Results from field experiments, laboratory bioassays, and the history of exposure to Cry1F in corn show that S. albicosta in Ontario are not controlled by Cry1F-expressing corn hybrids and provide evidence for the conclusion that the evolution of resistance to Cry1F has occurred.
American Burn Association Practice Guidelines Burn Shock Resuscitation

Abstract : There are insufficient data to support a treatment standard treatment at this time. Guidelines - Adults and children with burns greater than 20% TBSA should undergo formal fluid resuscitation using estimates based on body size and surface area burned. - Common formulas used to initiate of resuscitation estimate a crystalloid need for 2 to 4 ml/kg body weight/%TBSA during the first 24 hours. - Fluid resuscitation,regardless of solution type or estimated need, should be titrated to maintain a urine output of approximately 0.5 1.0 ml/ kg/hr in adults and 1.0 1.5 ml/kg/hr in children. - Maintenance fluids should be administered to children in addition to their calculated fluid requirements caused by injury. - Increased volume requirements can be anticipated in patients with full-thickness injuries, inhalation injury, and a delay in resuscitation. Options - The addition of colloid-containing fluid following burn injury, especially after the first 12 to 24 hours postburn, may decrease overall fluid requirements.