Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between pre-transplant dialysis modality and patient and graft survival after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have found inconsistent associations between pre-transplant dialysis modality and subsequent post-transplant survival. We aimed to examine this relationship using the instrumental variable method and to compare the results with standard Cox regression. METHODS We included 29 088 patients (age >20 years) from 16 European national or regional renal registries who received a first kidney transplant between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2008 and were on dialysis before transplantation for a period between 90 days and 10 years. Standard multivariable Cox regression examined the association of individually assigned pre-transplant dialysis modality with post-transplant patient and graft survival. To decrease confounding-by-indication through unmeasured factors, we applied the instrumental variable method that used the case-mix adjusted centre percentage of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as predictor variable. RESULTS Standard analyses adjusted for age, sex, primary renal disease, donor type, duration of dialysis, year of transplantation and country suggested that PD before transplantation was associated with better patient [hazard ratio, HR (95% CI) = 0.83 (0.76-0.91)] and graft survival (HR (95% CI) 0.90 (0.84-0.96)) when compared with haemodialysis (HD). In contrast, the instrumental variable analysis showed that a 10% increase in the case-mix adjusted centre percentage of patients on PD was neither associated with post-transplant patient survival [HR (95% CI = 1.00 (0.97-1.04)] nor with graft survival [HR (95% CI) = 1.01 (0.98-1.04)]. CONCLUSIONS The instrumental variable method failed to confirm the associations found in standard Cox regression between pre-transplant dialysis modality and patient and graft survival after transplantation. The lack of association in instrumental variable analysis may be due to better control of residual confounding.
Individual Differences in Optimum Sleep for Daily Mood During Adolescence

Efforts to establish an empirical basis for recommended sleep durations during adolescence need to take into account individual differences in optimum sleep, defined as the amount of sleep at which peak functioning is observed. A total of 419 adolescents (M age = 15.03 years) with Mexican American backgrounds reported their nightly sleep duration and daily mood for a 2-week period at 1 or 2 waves of data collection, 1 year apart. Adolescents also completed an established measure of symptomatology. Multilevel modeling revealed a nonlinear association between sleep duration and next-day mood, whereby both too little and too much sleep were associated with elevated levels of daily distress. Significant individual differences in optimum sleep were observed such that younger adolescents and those with elevated levels of internalizing and total symptomatology evidenced greater sleep durations on nights before they reported their lowest levels of daily distress. Younger adolescents and those with higher internalizing and total symptomatology may need more sleep to reach their peak functioning the next day, at least in terms of daily mood.
CO2 leakage alters biogeochemical and ecological functions of submarine sands

CO2 leakage alters benthic carbon cycling and leads to shifts in the food web and ecological functioning of local communities. Subseabed CO2 storage is considered a future climate change mitigation technology. We investigated the ecological consequences of CO2 leakage for a marine benthic ecosystem. For the first time with a multidisciplinary integrated study, we tested hypotheses derived from a meta-analysis of previous experimental and in situ high-CO2 impact studies. For this, we compared ecological functions of naturally CO2-vented seafloor off the Mediterranean island Panarea (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) to those of nonvented sands, with a focus on biogeochemical processes and microbial and faunal community composition. High CO2 fluxes (up to 4 to 7 mol CO2 m−2 hour−1) dissolved all sedimentary carbonate, and comigration of silicate and iron led to local increases of microphytobenthos productivity (+450%) and standing stocks (+300%). Despite the higher food availability, faunal biomass (−80%) and trophic diversity were substantially lower compared to those at the reference site. Bacterial communities were also structurally and functionally affected, most notably in the composition of heterotrophs and microbial sulfate reduction rates (−90%). The observed ecological effects of CO2 leakage on submarine sands were reproduced with medium-term transplant experiments. This study assesses indicators of environmental impact by CO2 leakage and finds that community compositions and important ecological functions are permanently altered under high CO2.
Relationship between serum homocysteine levels and structural-functional carotid arterial abnormalities in inactive Behçet's disease.

BACKGROUND Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with symptoms manifesting from an underlying vasculitis. Since the disease activity is correlated with characteristic vascular endothelial dysfunction, BD places individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for arteriosclerotic vascular diseases. AIM This study was designed to investigate how plasma homocysteine (Hcy) affects the structural and functional properties of the carotid artery in humans. METHODS Sixty-eight BD patients with subclinical atherosclerosis and 40 healthy controls underwent carotid sonography and Doppler ultrasound to measure carotid artery intima-media thickness (C-IMT) and carotid stiffness and distensibility (indicat-ing elasticity). Total Hcy level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For analysis, the BD patients were sub-grouped according to hyperhomocysteinaemia (> 15 μmol/L). RESULTS The patients with BD were found to have increased C-IMT and beta stiffness and decreased distensibility. In addition, hyperhomocysteinaemia was significantly correlated with these detrimental changes in the carotid artery, possibly raising the risk of these patients developing atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a potential mechanism of atherosclerosis in BD and highlight the processes that future research should focus on to address identification and prophylactic treatment of BD patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Expression of diaphragmatic myostatin and correlation with apoptosis in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation and loss of lung function. The present study aimed to investigate the diaphragmatic protein expression of myostatin and its correlation with apoptosis in a rat model of CPOD. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group and a COPD group, the latter of which were exposed to cigarette smoke to build a rat model of COPD. The validity of the COPD model was evaluated by assessment of lung function and histopathological analysis. Diaphragmatic myostatin expression and apoptosis were measured by western blot and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling, respectively. The rat model of COPD was efficiently established by cigarette smoke exposure. Diaphragmatic myostatin expression and apoptotic index in COPD rats were obviously increased as compared with that in the control animals. A positive correlation between diaphragmatic myostatin expression and apoptotic index was identified (r=0.857). Diaphragmatic myostatin overexpression in rats with COPD may promote diaphragmatic apoptosis and atrophy, leading to diaphragm weakness and respiratory muscle dysfunction, which is involved in the pathology of COPD.
Peripheral Tissue Homing Receptor Control of Naïve, Effector, and Memory CD8 T Cell Localization in Lymphoid and Non-Lymphoid Tissues

T cell activation induces homing receptors that bind ligands on peripheral tissue vasculature, programing movement to sites of infection and injury. There are three major types of CD8 effector T cells based on homing receptor expression, which arise in distinct lymphoid organs. Recent publications indicate that naïve, effector, and memory T cell migration is more complex than once thought; while many effectors enter peripheral tissues, some re-enter lymph nodes (LN), and contain central memory precursors. LN re-entry can depend on CD62L or peripheral tissue homing receptors. Memory T cells in LN tend to express the same homing receptors as their forebears, but often are CD62Lneg. Homing receptors also control CD8 T cell tumor entry. Tumor vasculature has low levels of many peripheral tissue homing receptor ligands, but portions of it resemble high endothelial venules (HEV), enabling naïve T cell entry, activation, and subsequent effector activity. This vasculature is associated with positive prognoses in humans, suggesting it may sustain ongoing anti-tumor responses. These findings reveal new roles for homing receptors expressed by naïve, effector, and memory CD8 T cells in controlling entry into lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues.
Implantation of intracorneal ring segments in pediatric patients: long-term follow-up

Purpose To analyze the long-term outcomes of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation for keratoconus management in pediatric patients. Methods Retrospective case series review of the long-term (>5 years) outcomes of Intacs® ICRS implantation for keratoconus in pediatric patients (age <18 years old at the time of surgery) between January 2008 and December 2011 at Ophthalmology Department of Hospital de Santo António. Demographic data, follow-up time, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in decimal scale, and corneal topography were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS for windows (version 24). Significance was set at p<0.0125. Results Fourteen eyes of 14 patients, with a mean age of 15.36 years (range 10–18 years), were included in this study. All patients had been diagnosed with keratoconus with reported progression in the 6 months prior to surgery. Follow-up time was 6.36±0.97 years. UCVA and BCVA improved after ICRS implantation (p<0.0125). Keratometry (K) minimum (Kmin) and K maximum (Kmax) decreased after surgery (p<0.0125). During follow-up, UCVA, BCVA, Kmin, and Kmax values ranged, showing a tendency to worsen at the end of follow-up. However, statistically significant differences were not observed. Conclusion: ICRS implantation showed good visual and topographic results in pediatric patients. Long-term follow-up suggests that, despite ICRS implantation, there is still progression of keratoconus. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports regarding the long-term efficacy of ICRS implantation in pediatric patients.
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis in AP-2–depleted cells

We have used RNA interference to knock down the AP-2 μ2 subunit and clathrin heavy chain to undetectable levels in HeLaM cells. Clathrin-coated pits associated with the plasma membrane were still present in the AP-2–depleted cells, but they were 12-fold less abundant than in control cells. No clathrin-coated pits or vesicles could be detected in the clathrin-depleted cells, and post-Golgi membrane compartments were swollen. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of transferrin was severely inhibited in both clathrin- and AP-2–depleted cells. Endocytosis of EGF, and of an LDL receptor chimera, were also inhibited in the clathrin-depleted cells; however, both were internalized as efficiently in the AP-2–depleted cells as in control cells. These results indicate that AP-2 is not essential for clathrin-coated vesicle formation at the plasma membrane, but that it is one of several endocytic adaptors required for the uptake of certain cargo proteins including the transferrin receptor. Uptake of the EGF and LDL receptors may be facilitated by alternative adaptors.
Microstructure Development in Single Crystal Welds

Previous work on Fe-15Cr-15Ni single crystals has led to the development of a geometric model that describes the orientation and growth of dendrites. This paper describes the extension of that work using the Fe-15Cr-15Ni alloy with selected additions to study the details and mechanisms that control stray grain formation. The propensity to form stray grains has been related to solidification conditions such as thermal gradient, growth velocity, and solidification temperature range. The models developed for the Fe-Cr-Ni system have also been applied to welding of single crystal nickel-base superalloys. The formation of stray grains has been studied as a function of welding conditions. Examples will also be presented that show that the grain boundaries that are produced by stray grains are susceptible to weld cracking. Some early results are promising in that welds made under certain conditions have been shown to yield perfect single crystal welds with the same orientation as the base material. However, the tendency to form stray grains is still quite strong and complete avoidance of stray grain formation may require strategic alloy
The ILAE classification of seizures and epilepsies: implications for the clinic

ABSTRACT Introduction: The classification of epileptic seizures and the epilepsies has recently been revised by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and a new classification scheme issued. Areas covered: The new classification scheme has been critically appraised in the light of the previous classifications and subsequent revisions. The purposes of the classification and its potential use have been extensively discussed. Expert commentary: This ILAE classification scheme, the latest of a series of proposals published in the last 30 years, has made progress as it has a multi-level structure (seizure types, epilepsy types, epilepsy syndromes) allowing for differing uses and combines the previously separate seizure types and epilepsies schemes into a single instrument. Seizures and epilepsies can also be classified based on the available diagnostic aids, which may differ substantially between counties with mature economies and resource-poor countries. An intrinsic limitation of the classification, however, is the attempt to box cases as seen in clinical practice into schematic categories, leaving no room for variants and atypical clinical presentations. Another limitation is the lack of flexibility which hampers the ability to link the instrument to the preceding classifications in order to preserve continuity and monitor disease trends in time and space.
Rankin-Selberg without unfolding and bounds for spherical Fourier coefficients of Maass forms

In this paper we study periods of automorphic functions. We present a new method which allows one to obtain non-trivial spectral identities for weighted sums of certain periods of automorphic functions. These identities are modelled on the classical identity of R. Rankin [Ra] and A. Selberg [Se]. We recall that the RankinSelberg identity relates the weighted sum of Fourier coefficients of a cusp form φ to the weighted integral of the inner product of φ with the Eisenstein series (e.g., formula (1.7) below). We show how to deduce the classical Rankin-Selberg identity and similar new identities from the uniqueness principle in representation theory (also known under the following names: the multiplicity one property, Gelfand pair). The uniqueness principle is a powerful tool in representation theory; it plays an important role in the theory of automorphic functions. We associate a non-trivial spectral identity to certain pairs of different triples of Gelfand subgroups. Namely, we associate a spectral identity (see formula (1.4) below) with two triples F ⊂ H1 ⊂ G and F ⊂ H2 ⊂ G of subgroups in a group G such that pairs (G,Hi) and (Hi,F) for i = 1, 2 are strong Gelfand pairs having the same subgroup F in the intersection (for the notion of Gelfand pair that we use, see Section 1.1.3). We call such a collection (G,H1,H2,F) a strong Gelfand formation. In the Introduction we explain our general idea and describe how to implement it in order to reprove the classical Rankin-Selberg formula. We also obtain a new anisotropic analog of the Rankin-Selberg formula. We present then an analytical application of these spectral identities towards non-trivial bounds for various Fourier coefficients of cusp forms. The novelty of our results lies mainly in the method, as we do not rely on the well-known technique of Rankin and Selberg
Proton charge radius from electron scattering

The rms-radius $R$ of the proton charge distribution is a fundamental quantity needed for precision physics. This radius, traditionally determined from elastic electron-proton scattering via the slope of the Sachs form factor $G_e(q^2)$ extrapolated to momentum transfer $q^2$=0, shows a large scatter. We discuss the approaches used to analyze the e-p data, partly redo these analyses in order to identify the sources of the discrepancies, and explore alternative parameterizations. The problem lies in the model dependence of the parameterized $G(q)$ needed for the extrapolation. This shape of $G(q<q_{min})$ is closely related to the shape of the charge density $\rho (r)$ at large radii $r$, a quantity which is ignored in most analyses. When using our {\em physics} knowledge about this large-$r$ density together with the information contained in the high-$q$ data, the model dependence of the extrapolation is reduced and different parameterizations of the pre-2010 data yield a consistent value for $R = 0.887 \pm 0.012fm$. This value disagrees with the more precise value $0.8409 \pm 0.0004 fm$ determined from the Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen.
Comparative analysis of subgingival red complex bacteria in obese and normal weight subjects with and without chronic periodontitis

Background: Obesity is one of the systemic conditions which influence the onset and progression of periodontal disease and it is stated that the metabolic changes associated with obesity may contribute to alteration in subgingival microbial flora. Aim: Our study was aimed to quantify and compare the red complex microorganisms in obese or overweight and normal weight participants with and without chronic periodontitis to identify obesity as a risk for the presence of red complex bacteria. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 120 participants of age between 20 and 45 years of both the sexes. According to periodontal status, the participants were categorized into four groups as follows: thirty overweight or obese individuals with generalized chronic periodontitis (Group I), thirty normal weight individuals with chronic periodontitis (Group II), thirty overweight or obese individuals with healthy periodontium (Group III), and thirty normal weight individuals with healthy periodontium (Group IV). After the assessment of periodontal parameters, subgingival plaque sample collection was carried out to quantify the red complex bacteria by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Increase in red complex bacterial count was seen in group I compared to other groups. A positive correlation of red complex bacteria with body mass index and waist circumference was seen in Group I and III. Conclusion: In our study, obese individuals with periodontal disease harbored increased red complex bacteria. This states that the obesity could be a risk for the colonization of red complex microorganisms, which in turn may further lead to periodontal inflammation.
Comparison of Satellite-Observed XCO2 from GOSAT, OCO-2, and Ground-Based TCCON

CO2 is one of the most important greenhouse gases. Its concentration and distribution in the atmosphere have always been important in studying the carbon cycle and the greenhouse effect. This study is the first to validate the XCO2 of satellite observations with total carbon column observing network (TCCON) data and to compare the global XCO2 distribution for the passive satellites Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT), which are on-orbit greenhouse gas satellites. Results show that since GOSAT was launched in 2009, its mean measurement accuracy was −0.4107 ppm with an error standard deviation of 2.216 ppm since 2009, and has since decreased to −0.62 ppm with an error standard deviation of 2.3 ppm during the past two more years (2014–2016), while the mean measurement accuracy of the OCO-2 was 0.2671 ppm with an error standard deviation of 1.56 ppm from September 2014 to December 2016. GOSAT observations have recently decreased and lagged behind OCO-2 on the ability to monitor the global distribution and monthly detection of XCO2. Furthermore, the XCO2 values gathered by OCO-2 are higher by an average of 1.765 ppm than those by GOSAT. Comparison of the latitude gradient characteristics, seasonal fluctuation amplitude, and annual growth trend of the monthly mean XCO2 distribution also showed differences in values but similar line shapes between OCO-2 and GOSAT. When compared with the NOAA statistics, both satellites’ measurements reflect the growth trend of the global XCO2 at a low and smooth level, and reflect the seasonal fluctuation with an absolutely different line shape.
Analysis of 13C and 14C labeling in pyruvate and lactate in tumor and blood of lymphoma‐bearing mice injected with 13C‐ and 14C‐labeled pyruvate

Measurements of hyperpolarized 13C label exchange between injected [1‐13C]pyruvate and the endogenous tumor lactate pool can give an apparent first‐order rate constant for the exchange. The determination of the isotope flux, however, requires an estimate of the labeled pyruvate concentration in the tumor. This was achieved here by measurement of the tumor uptake of [1‐14C]pyruvate, which showed that <2% of the injected pyruvate reached the tumor site. Multiplication of this estimated labeled pyruvate concentration in the tumor with the apparent first‐order rate constant for hyperpolarized 13C label exchange gave an isotope flux that showed good agreement with a flux determined directly by the injection of non‐polarized [3‐13C]pyruvate, rapid excision of the tumor after 30 s and measurement of 13C‐labeled lactate concentrations in tumor extracts. The distribution of labeled lactate between intra‐ and extracellular compartments and the blood pool was investigated by imaging, by measurement of the labeled lactate concentration in blood and tumor, and by examination of the effects of a gadolinium contrast agent and a lactate transport inhibitor on the intensity of the hyperpolarized [1‐13C]lactate signal. These measurements showed that there was significant export of labeled lactate from the tumor, but that labeled lactate in the blood pool produced by the injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate showed only relatively low levels of polarization. This study shows that measurements of hyperpolarized 13C label exchange between pyruvate and lactate in a murine tumor model can provide an estimate of the true isotope flux if the concentration of labeled pyruvate that reaches the tumor can be determined.
Second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma: an overview and IMWG consensus.

Second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma: an overview and IMWG consensus / Musto, P; Anderson, K C; Attal, M; Richardson, P G; Badros, A; Hou, J; Comenzo, R; Du, J; Durie, B G M; Miguel, J San; Einsele, H; Chen, W M; Garderet, L; Pietrantuono, G; Hillengass, J; Kyle, R A; Moreau, P; Lahuerta, J J; Landgren, O; Ludwig, H; Larocca, A; Mahindra, A; Cavo, M; Mazumder, A; Mccarthy, P L; Nouel, A; Rajkumar, S V; Reiman, A; Serra, E R; Sezer, O; Terpos, E; Turesson, I; Usmani, S; Weiss, B M; Palumbo, A. In: ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY. ISSN 0923-7534. 28:2(2016), pp. 228-245. Original Citation: Second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma: an overview and IMWG consensus