Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia. Evidence for a Role of the Erythrocyte Enzyme Activities Involved in the Detoxification of Oxygen Radicals

ABSTRACT. Determinations of erythrocyte enzyme scavengers of oxygen radicals (glutathione‐peroxidase, superoxide‐dismutase and catalase) and determinations of erythrocyte age‐dependent glycolytic activities (glucose‐6‐phosphatedehydrogenase, pyruvate‐kinase and glucose‐phosphate‐isomerase) were carried out in cord blood and in the blood taken on the 4th day of life in 152 newborn infants with different peak bilirubin levels. The enzyme activities scavenging oxygen radicals, glutathione‐peroxidase and superoxide‐dismutase were significantly lower in infants with peak bilirubinemia higher than 214 μmol/l, compared to less‐jaundiced neonates, both at birth and on the 4th day of life; their values correlated negatively with peak bilirubinemia at birth and on the 4th day of life. Glycolytic age‐dependent enzyme activities were significantly higher in more jaundiced newborn infants only on the 4th day of life, when their values correlated positively with peak bilirubinemia. The results of this investigation suggest that a deficiency of factors protecting from oxygen toxicity, may play a role in the development of neonatal hemolysis and jaundice.
Quality of service and power consumption in WCDMA cellular systems with SIR-based closed loop power control

In this work we investigate and discuss the behavior of a wideband CDMA cellular system from the point of view of the power efficiency and the quality level at the physical layer. More precisely, special attention is given to the role played by the SIR-based closed loop power control when it tries to compensate for channel loss variations in different conditions of fading velocity. It is shown that, for a heavily loaded system in a slow fading environment, the largest amount of power is required by those users experiencing the worst quality level. This aspect should be taken into account in the management of the system resources. The results have been obtained from a suitable simulation tool which joins the system level analysis with the link level analysis and includes many features of the WCDMA air interface of UMTS.
Restarting radio activity and dust emission in radio-loud broad absorption line quasars

Context. Broad absorption line quasars (BAL QSOs) are objects that show absorption from relativistic outflows that have velocities up to 0.2c. In about 15% of quasars, these manifest as absorption troughs on the blue side of UV emission lines, such as C iv and Mg ii. The launching mechanism and duration of these outflows is not clear yet. Aims: In this work, we complement the information collected in the cm band for our previously presented sample of radio loud BAL QSOs (25 objects with redshifts 1.7 <z <3.6) with new observations in the m and mm bands. Our aim is to verify the presence of old, extended radio components in the MHz range and probe the emission of dust (linked to star formation) in the mm domain. Methods: We observed 5 sources from our sample, which already presented hints of low-frequency emission, with the GMRT at 235 and 610 MHz. Another 17 sources (more than half the sample) were observed with bolometer cameras at IRAM-30 m (MAMBO2, 250 GHz) and APEX (LABOCA and SABOCA, 350 and 850 GHz, respectively). Results: All sources observed with the GMRT present extended emission on a scale of tens of kpc. In some cases these measurements allow us to identify a second component in the SED at frequencies below 1.4 GHz, beyond the one already studied in the GHz domain. In the mm band, only one source shows emission clearly ascribable to dust, detached from the synchrotron tail. Upper limits were obtained for the remaining targets. Conclusions: These findings confirm that BAL QSOs can also be present in old radio sources or even in restarting ones where favourable conditions for the outflow launching or acceleration are present. A suggestion that these outflows could be precursors of the jet comes from the possibility that ~70% of our sample is in a GigaHertz Peaked Spectrum (GPS) or Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS)+GPS phase. This would confirm the idea proposed by other authors that these outflows could be recollimated to form the jet. Compared with previous works in the literature, dust emission seems to be weaker than what is expected in "normal" QSOs (both radio loud and radio quiet ones), suggesting that a feedback mechanism could inhibit star formation in radio-loud BAL QSOs.
CDC42 Gtpase Activation Affects Hela Cell DNA Repair and Proliferation Following UV Radiation‐Induced Genotoxic Stress

Cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) homolog is a small Rho GTPase enzyme that participates in such processes as cell cycle progression, migration, polarity, adhesion, and transcription. Recent studies suggest that CDC42 is a potent tumor suppressor in different tissues and is related to aging processes. Although DNA damage is crucial in aging, a potential role for CDC42 in genotoxic stress remains to be explored. Migration, survival/proliferation and DNA damage/repair experiments were performed to demonstrate CDC42 involvement in the recovery of HeLa cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation‐induced stress. Sub‐lines of HeLa cells ectopically expressing the constitutively active CDC42‐V12 mutant were generated to examine whether different CDC42‐GTP backgrounds might reflect different sensitivities to UV radiation. Our results show that CDC42 constitutive activation does not interfere with HeLa cell migration after UV radiation. However, the minor DNA damage exhibited by the CDC42‐V12 mutant exposed to UV radiation most likely results in cell cycle arrest at the G2/M checkpoint and reduced proliferation and survival. HeLa cells and Mock clones, which express endogenous wild‐type CDC42 and show normal activity, are more resistant to UV radiation. None of these effects are altered by pharmacological CDC42 inhibition. Finally, the phosphorylation status of the DNA damage response proteins γ‐H2AX and p‐Chk1 was found to be delayed and attenuated, respectively, in CDC42‐V12 clones. In conclusion, the sensitivity of HeLa cells to ultraviolet radiation increases with CDC42 over‐activation due to inadequate DNA repair signaling, culminating in G2/M cell accumulation, which is translated into reduced cellular proliferation and survival. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2086–2097, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First case of L1CAM gene mutation identified in MASA syndrome in Asia

ABSTRACT We report here the first case of an L1CAM gene mutation identified in mental retardation, adducted thumbs, shuffling gait, and aphasia (MASA) syndrome in Japan. The patient was a 10‐year‐old boy with mild mental retardation, bilateral adducted thumbs and corpus callosum hypoplasia. His family had no history of MASA syndrome. The L1CAM gene contained a nonsense mutation (R1166X) in exon 26 in the cytoplasmic domain. No mutation was found in the extracellular and transmembrane domains of L1CAM. The abnormal development of axon tracts resulting in the corpus callosum hypoplasia and adducted thumbs appears to be caused by malfunction of the cytoplasmic domain of L1CAM.
Micropropagation of eclipta alba (L.) hassk—An important medicinal plant

SummaryAn efficient and reproducible protocol for mass propagation of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk, an important medicinal plant, was standardized by culturing shoot tips and nodal segments taken from in vitro raised plants. Maximum shoot proliferation occurred when the explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg l−1 benzylaminopurine (BAP). The shoot buds formed were further multiplied and maintained on medium containing BAP (0.5 mgl−1) and gibberellic acid (0.5 mgl−1). Rooting was best achieved on MS medium supplement with 1 mg−1 indole-3-butyric acid. Rooted plantlets attained maturity and flowered normally in the field.
Concordance and transmission of human papillomavirus within heterosexual couples observed over short intervals.

BACKGROUND Because many human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are transient, rates of transmission may be miscalculated if the interval between testing spans several months. We examined rates of concordance and transmission in heterosexual couples over short intervals. METHODS Twenty-five adult couples were enrolled and sampled for HPV DNA from the genitals, hand, and mouth 5 times over a 6-week period, including 24 hours after sexual intercourse and after 48 hours of abstinence. Concordance and transmission patterns were described. RESULTS Concordance between the couple's genital sites ranged from 64% to 95% for at least 1 HPV type. The highest rates of concordance were observed 24 hours after sexual intercourse. A similar peak in concordance was not seen between genital and nongenital anatomic sites. Transmission rates for female genital to male genital ranged from 26.8 to 187.5 per 100 person-months and for male genital to female genital from 14.5 to 100 per 100 person-months. CONCLUSIONS High rates of concordance shortly after intercourse suggest that some DNA detections in the genital area are contaminants from a partner and not established HPV infections. Female-to-male transmission appeared more common than male-to-female transmission.
Micro-Shuttle Lifting of the Neck: A Percutaneous Loop Suspension Method Using a Novel Double-Ended Needle.

BACKGROUND Most younger patients expect to be able to achieve significant improvements and lift to their neck, yet they don't want to undergo extensive surgery. They are now able to do that and restore their youthful appearance thanks to new concepts the techniques through volume redistribution. OBJECTIVES The authors' goal was to achieve results that are comparable to a necklift and durable through minimally invasive surgery, utilizing punctures instead of incisions. METHODS The concept of micro-shuttle lifting creates a percutaneous hammock to achieve the lifting of all different planes of the neck at once. This is accomplished by putting nonabsorbable sutures on nonundermined platsyma through the use of a double-ended (micro-shuttle) needle and anchoring it to fixed thread loops around the ears. Mitigation of gravitational force is accomplished through the loop suspensions, to obtain effective skin redraping over the suture-created internal splint. RESULTS This combined technique for the neck was applied in 221 selected patients between December 2005 and May 2014, with follow-up ranging from 8 months to 7 years. The mean age of the patients was 42.5 years. Outcomes were satisfactory in all but 12 cases, of which 7 found the result inadequate. The operation time for the neck was less than 40 minutes under local anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and the recovery time was 5-7 days. CONCLUSIONS The sustainability of this percutaneous procedure does not rely on the suspensions, but rather on the skin redraping in the new position in a similar manner to orthopedic fracture treatment. In selected patients, this safe and simple percutaneous necklifting method can be quickly and easily performed under local anesthesia with long-term durability, low morbidity, and a high patient satisfaction rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.
Variability of RANKL and osteoprotegerin staining in synovial tissue from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: quantification using color video image analysis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the interpatient, interbiopsy, and intrabiopsy variability of receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) immunostaining within synovial tissue from rheumatoid knee joints with active synovitis, using digital image analysis. METHODS Synovial biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and active synovitis. Immunohistologic analysis was performed on frozen synovial tissue biopsy specimens from 6 patients using a monoclonal antibody (Mab) to detect RANKL (626) or OPG (805 or 8051). Patients with a minimum of 4 synovial biopsies were included in the study. Sections were evaluated by computer assisted image analysis to assess between-patient, between-biopsy, and intra-biopsy variability of OPG and RANKL protein expression. The study was designed to deliberately maximize the variability. RESULTS Computerized image analysis of staining with Mab to RANKL and OPG revealed variance for each antibody across the 3 components of the total variability. CONCLUSION Our study shows that variability in synovial immunostaining of RANKL and OPG protein is a significant and complex problem. We discuss methods to reduce this variability and suggest that the auspices of OMERACT may be employed to advance the study of synovium in collaborative international studies.
Results of 2-year follow-up of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of fluoroscopic caudal epidural injections in central spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common causes of low back pain among older adults and can cause significant disability. Despite its prevalence, there is a paucity of literature concerning the treatment of spinal stenosis symptoms. Multiple interventions, including surgery and interventional techniques such as epidural injections and adhesiolysis, are commonly utilized in managing pain related to central spinal stenosis. However, there is a paucity of literature from randomized, controlled trials about the effectiveness of epidural injections for lumbar central spinal stenosis. OBJECTIVE This study sought to assess the effectiveness of caudal epidural injections with or without steroids in providing effective and long-lasting pain relief for the management of chronic low back pain related to lumbar central stenosis. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial. METHODS One hundred patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups, with Group I patients receiving caudal epidural injections of local anesthetic (lidocaine 0.5%), whereas Group II patients received caudal epidural injections with 0.5% lidocaine 9 mL mixed with 1 mL of steroid, 6 mg (non-particulate betamethasone). OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT Multiple outcome measures, including the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI), employment status, and opioid intake were utilized. Assessments were carried out at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months posttreatment. The primary outcome was defined as pain relief and improvement in disability scores of 50% or more. Successful treatment was considered as at least 3 weeks of relief following the first 2 injections, categorizing these patients into a successful group, and others into a failed group. RESULTS Significant pain relief and functional status improvement were seen in 51% in Group I and 57% in Group II at the end of 2 years in the successful group when the participants were separated into successful and failed groups. However, overall, significant pain relief and functional status improvement (≥ 50%) was demonstrated in 38% in Group I and 44% in Group II at the end of 2 years. The overall number of procedures for 2 years were 4 in both groups, with 5 procedures on average in the successful groups, and approximately 60 weeks of relief in Group I and 54 weeks of relief in Group II at 2 years in the successful group. CONCLUSION Caudal epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids provide relief in a modest proportion of patients undergoing the treatment and may be considered as an effective treatment for a select group of patients who have chronic function-limiting low back and lower extremity pain secondary to central spinal stenosis.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping by regulating the field to source inverse problem with a sparse prior derived from the Maxwell Equation : validation and application to brain

INTRODUCTION The field inhomogeneity mapped using MRI offers the opportunity to characterize tissue magnetic susceptibility. The field measured in a voxel is a dipole kernel convolution of all tissue susceptibility sources surrounding the voxel [1]. The zero cone surfaces of the dipole kernel in Fourier domain undersamples the measured field, causing illposedness for the inverse problem of deriving susceptibility source maps from the magnetic field [2,3]. However, if a proper prior could be found to sparsify the signal, even highly undersampled data may allow an exact reconstruction [4]. Here, we propose an approach for achieving quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) by exploiting the sparsity derived from Maxwell’s equation and the T2* weighted image. Phantom experiments demonstrate artifact free and accurate susceptibility reconstruction. High quality QSM of human brain indicates the encouraging advances of QSM.
The extension of the interference effect to multiplication.

Using multiplication facts, this experiment demonstrated an interference effect in the number-matching task. Here, subjects verified the presence of a target number (e.g., 8) in a previously presented cue (e.g., 5 x 8) that was masked after 60 ms. The SOAs between cue and target were 100, 120, 220, and 350 ms. Subjects were slower to reject targets that were the product of the cue (e.g., 40) than to reject unrelated targets (e.g., 42), but this was true only at the 100- and 120-ms SOAs (i.e., the interference effect). This pattern is consistent with the interference effect found by LeFevre and colleagues using addition facts. Furthermore, the present result supports the interpretation that the interference effect previously found with addition facts was due to obligatory activation and not to automatic counting.
Conformational instability of the N‐ and C‐terminal lobes of porcine pepsin in neutral and alkaline solutions

Pepsin contains, in a single chain, two conformationally homologous lobes that are thought to have been evolutionarily derived by gene duplication and fusion. We have demonstrated that the individual recombinant lobes are capable of independent folding and reconstitution into a two‐chain pepsin or a two‐chain pepsinogen (Lin, X., et al., 1992, J. Biol. Chem. 267, 17257–17263). Pepsin spontaneously inactivates in neutral or alkaline solutions. We have shown in this study that the enzymic activity of the alkaline‐inactivated pepsin was regenerated by the addition of the recombinant N‐terminal lobe but not by the C‐terminal lobe. These results indicate that alkaline inactivation of pepsin is due to a selective denaturation of its N‐terminal lobe. A complex between recombinant N‐terminal lobe of pepsinogen and alkaline‐denatured pepsin has been isolated. This complex is structurally similar to a two‐chain pepsinogen, but it contains an extension of a denatured pepsin N‐terminal lobe. Acidification of the complex is accompanied by a cleavage in the pro region and proteolysis of the denatured N‐terminal lobe. The structural components that are responsible for the alkaline instability of the N‐terminal lobe are likely to be carboxyl groups with abnormally high pKa values. The electrostatic potentials of 23 net carboxyl groups in the N‐terminal domain (as compared to 19 in the C‐terminal domain) of pepsin were calculated based on the energetics of interacting charges in the tertiary structure of the domain. The groups most probably causing the alkaline denaturation are Asp11, Asp159, Glu4, Glu13, and Asp118. Especially, the partially buried Asp11, which interacts with Asp159, could cause one of these two groups to have an abnormally high pKa and the other an abnormally low pKa value. Thus, the ionization of Asp11 at a high pH may place two negatively charged residues in close vicinity. This unfavorable situation may be the trigger for the denaturation of the N‐terminal lobe of pepsin.
Septicaemic melioidosis in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Melioidosis and the causative organism Burkholderia pseudomallei are being recognized gradually in various centres in India. In the septicaemic form, melioidosis is a serious and life threatening condition which requires early detection and specific treatment to avoid case fatality. A review of patients with septicaemic melioidosis at a tertiary care hospital in south India was carried out with a view to define the clinical features, predisposing conditions, if any, and the outcome. METHODS A total of 28 patients with culture proven septicaemic melioidosis during December 1993 to December 2002 were included. Information on clinical details and outcome was obtained and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates studied. RESULTS Of the 28 patients of blood culture proven septicaemic melioidosis, the organism was also isolated from pus in two patients. The presenting clinical features were varied, most presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin or visceral abscesses, or septic arthiritis. Associated/predisposing conditions were present in 50 per cent of the patients, and diabetes mellitus was the commonest one. mortality was 58 per cent in our series. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Melioidosis is an emerging infection in India. The magnitude of the problem can only be assessed by increasing awareness, both of its existence in the clinical setting and its identification in the laboratory.
Daptomycin for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus diabetic foot infections.

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is a serious, difficult-to-treat infection, especially when caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin has been the standard treatment for MRSA infection, but lower response rates in MRSA skin infections have been reported. This analysis assessed the outcome and safety of daptomycin therapy in patients with a DFI caused by MRSA. METHODS Using the Cubicin Outcomes Registry and Experience and the European Cubicin Outcomes Registry and Experience (2006-2009), 79 patients with MRSA DFI were identified and included in this analysis. RESULTS In the 74 evaluable patients, daptomycin was administered at a median dose of 4.8 mg/kg primarily every 24 hours (85.1%) and for a median of 15.0 days. Overall, 77.0% of the patients (57 of 74) received initial therapy with activity against MRSA; however, of patients receiving daptomycin as second-line therapy (n = 31), only 45.2% were treated with an antibiotic agent active against MRSA. The overall clinical success and treatment failure rates were 89.2% and 10.8%, respectively. Success with daptomycin therapy was higher in patients who had surgery and in those whose initial therapy was daptomycin. Eleven patients had 14 adverse events, two of which were possibly related to daptomycin use and led to discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS In a large real-world cohort of patients with MRSA DFI, daptomycin therapy was shown to be generally well tolerated and effective. The use of an anti-MRSA antibiotic agent should be considered when implementing first-line antibiotic drug therapy for DFI in countries where MRSA is common to avoid inappropriate empirical treatment and potential negative effects on outcomes.