Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indications for routine repeat head computed tomography (CT) stratified by severity of traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND Controversy exists as to the role of a routine repeat head computed tomography (CT) for patients with traumatic brain injury and an initially abnormal head CT. The specific aim of this study is to identify patients with head injuries who would benefit from a routine repeat head CT. METHODS This was a 2-year (2003 and 2004) prospective study of all patients with blunt trauma admitted to an urban, Level I trauma center that presented with an abnormal head CT. Results of initial head CT and indications for repeat head CT (routine vs. neurologic change) were recorded. Interventions were both medical (diuresis, hyperventilation, barbiturates) and surgical (intracranial pressure monitor placement or craniotomy). Patients were categorized by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score as having mild (GCS 13-15), moderate (GCS 9-12), or severe (GCS < or = 8) head injury. RESULTS There were 354 patients admitted with an initially abnormal head CT. The 37 (10%) patients who went directly to craniotomy and the 43 (12%) patients who died within 24 hours of admission were excluded from analysis. The remaining 274 patients (44 years old, 70% male, mean injury severity score = 19, mean GCS = 10) are the focus of this analysis. After admission, 163 patients underwent a total of 241 repeat CT scans. Of the repeat scans obtained, 102 scans (43%) were unchanged, 54 scans (22%) were better, and 85 scans (35%) were worse. Neurologic deterioration prompted 45 repeat scans (19%), and 196 repeat scans (81%) were obtained routinely after admission without change in neurologic status. The 45 CT scans obtained for neurologic change led to medical or surgical intervention in 38% (n = 17) of cases, whereas scans obtained led to an intervention in only two patients (1%). Both patients who underwent an intervention after a routine scan had a GCS score < or =8 at admission and at the time of routine repeat head CT. One patient had an intracranial pressure monitor placed and the other was taken for craniotomy. No patient with a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury underwent an intervention after a routine repeat head CT. CONCLUSIONS Patients with any head injury (mild, moderate, or severe) should undergo a repeat head CT after neurologic deterioration, because it leads to intervention in over one-third of patients. Routine repeat head CT is indicated for patients with a GCS score < or =8, as results might lead to intervention without neurologic change.
Single-Cell Level Response of HIV-Specific and Cytomegalovirus-Specific CD4 T Cells Correlate With Viral Control in Chronic HIV-1 Subtype A Infection

Background and Objective:HIV-1 subtype A is the second most prevalent subtype globally and is associated with reduced viral load, higher CD4 absolute counts, and slower disease progression. To study the possible role of T cells associated with better outcome, we examined CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses against HIV-1 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Ugandans infected with subtype A HIV-1. Methods:T-cell responses were investigated using flow cytometry and novel subtype A variant inclusive peptide (VIP) sets designed for this evaluation. CD4 T-cell responses focused primarily on Gag, whereas CD8 T-cell responses were broadly directed against Gag, gp41, and Nef VIP sets. CD4 T cells primarily responded with interferon (IFN)-&ggr;, whereas CD8 cells were more diverse with degranulation (CD107a), IFN-&ggr;, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1&bgr; production. Results:No relationship was observed between CD8 T-cell responses and the HIV-1 load. Similarly, the frequency of CD4 T cells responding to these antigens did not associate with viral control. However, in CD4 T cells responding against Gag or CMV, the IFN-&ggr; intensity, indicative of the production at the single-cell level, was inversely proportional to viral load. No significant relationship was found between T-cell effector/memory phenotype and viral control. Conclusions:The per cell production of IFN-&ggr; in CD4 T cells responding to HIV-1 or CMV correlated with viral control in chronic HIV-1 subtype A infection. These data suggest that quantitative aspects at the single-cell level may be more important than the frequency of antigen-specific CD4 T cells in HIV-1 subtype A infection control.
Practice patterns in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in thoracic surgery: a comprehensive Canadian Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND The incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) after resection of thoracic malignancies can reach 15%, but prophylaxis guidelines are yet to be established. We aimed to survey Canadian practitioners regarding perioperative risk factors for VTE, impact of those factors on extended prophylaxis selection, type of preferred prophylaxis, and timing of initiation and duration of thromboprophylaxis. METHODS A modified Delphi survey was undertaken over three rounds with thoracic surgeons, thoracic anesthesiologists and thrombosis experts across Canada. Participants were asked to rate each parameter on a ten-point scale. Agreement was determined a priori as an item reaching a coefficient of variation of ≤30% (0.3), with the item then discontinued from later rounds. RESULTS In total, 72, 57 and 50 respondents participated in three consecutive rounds, respectively. Consensus was reached on previous VTE, age, cancer diagnosis, thrombophilia, poor mobilization, extended resections, and pre-operative chemotherapy as risk factors. Consensus on risk factors impacting extended prophylaxis decisions was achieved on cancer diagnosis, obesity, previous VTE and poor mobilization. With respect to perioperative prophylaxis, once daily low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was the only parameter that demonstrated agreement as a common practice pattern. No agreement was achieved regarding the role of mechanical prophylaxis, unfractionated heparin (UFH) or timing of initiation of peri-operative treatment. VTE prophylaxis until discharge reached agreement but there was substantial variability regarding the role of extended prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS There is agreement between Canadian clinicians treating patients with thoracic malignancies regarding most risk factors for VTE, but there is no agreement on timing of initiation of prophylaxis, the agents used or factors mandating usage of extended prophylaxis.
The mystery of TFP

I analyse TFP growth at the sectoral and aggregate level, using data for 10 industry groups covering the market sector for 18 countries over the period 1970-2007 drawn from the EU KLEMS dataset. TFP growth displays persistence at the aggregate level but not at the industry level, suggesting industry outputs are measured with error. In all countries resources have been shifting away from industries with high TFP growth towards industries with low TFP growth. Nevertheless I find that structural change (as measured by changes in value added shares) has favoured growth in most countries. Errors in measuring capital or in measuring the elasticity of output with respect to capital are unlikely to substantially reduce the role of TFP in explaining growth. The pattern of growth in these 18 countries is more consistent with an underlying two-sector model than with the one-sector (Solow) model. Standard theory suggests that TFP growth induces capital accumulation, at least in the long run. This is not the case with the raw EU KLEMS data used here. But standard theory finds some support when the data are smoothed to remove cyclical effects.
Sublingual Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy Adjuvanted with Monophosphoryl Lipid A: A Phase I/IIa Study

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) allergy vaccines have an excellent safety profile, but opinions vary on their efficacy, and treatment regimens are often lengthy. This study assessed the effects of the Toll-like receptor 4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL®) on safety/tolerability and clinical and immunological efficacy when combined with grass pollen SLIT formulations in treating patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. This is the first reported study of adjuvanted SLIT. Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled phase I/IIa study, 80 grass pollen-sensitive subjects were randomized into 4 groups of 20 subjects to receive daily treatment for 8 weeks. Sixteen patients per group received SLIT and 4 received placebo. The formulation given to each group varied with respect to grass pollen extract and MPL content. Grass allergen nasal challenge tests (NCTs) were performed prior to dosing and in weeks 4 and 10. Grass pollen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgE antibodies were measured at baseline and prior to dosing in weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10. Results: Local and systemic adverse events were generally comparable for patients who received active treatment and placebo. Patients in the 2 groups given SLIT containing the highest amount of MPL experienced the highest proportion of negative NCTs after 10 weeks (47 and 44%, vs. 20% with placebo). These patients also showed earlier median increases in specific IgG and smaller increases in IgE levels than those receiving other formulations. Conclusions: These results suggest that SLIT preparations containing MPL are well tolerated and alter the immunological response to grass antigens after 3 weeks of exposure, with an associated suppression of nasal challenge responses.
Ablation of Perk in Schwann Cells Improves Myelination in the S63del Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1B Mouse

In factory cells, the accumulation of misfolded protein provokes the unfolded protein response (UPR). For example, deletion of serine 63 (S63del) in myelin protein zero (P0) induces P0 accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of Schwann cells and a persistent UPR associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1B (CMT1B) demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in human and mouse. PERK (protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase) is the ER stress sensor that attenuates global translation by phosphorylating eIF2α. Inhibition of the eIF2α holophosphatase GADD34:PP1, increases the phosphorylation of eIF2α in Schwann cells and largely rescues S63del neuropathy. Nonetheless, reducing phosphorylation of eIF2α, by Perk haploinsufficiency, also ameliorates the myelin defects of S63del nerves. This contradictory finding prompted us to investigate whether the beneficial effect of Perk deficiency on myelination could derive from neurons. To test this hypothesis, we generated and compared Schwann cell- and neuron-specific ablation of Perk in S63del nerves. Our data suggest that the detrimental effect of Perk in CMT1B derives primarily from Schwann cells. Furthermore, we show that Perk loss of function in Schwann cells restores myelination without diminishing accumulation of P0 or markers of ER stress, suggesting that Perk may modulate myelination through a pathway independent of the UPR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In many endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related disorders, activation of the unfolded protein sensor protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) kinase is beneficial. Nonetheless, in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1B neuropathy mice, we show that activation of PERK in Schwann cells, but not in neurons, is detrimental for myelination. PERK may interfere with myelination, independent of its role in ER stress.
Modulation of the decay of Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents in rabbit portal vein smooth muscle cells by external anions

1 The effects of external anions on the decay kinetics of Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents (ICl(Ca)) were studied in smooth muscle cells isolated from rabbit portal vein using the perforated patch whole‐cell voltage clamp technique. 2 In normal NaCl‐containing external solution the decay of spontaneous Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents (STICs) and Ca2+‐activated Cl−‘tail’ currents (Itail) was described by a single exponential with a time constant (τ) that was prolonged by external anions which are more permeable than Cl− (Br−, I− and SCN−) and accelerated by less permeant anions. However, intracellular I− did not affect the τ of STICs and Itail. 3 There was a positive correlation between the ability of an external anion to affect the decay τ of ICl(Ca) and its permeability relative to Cl−. 4 The voltage dependence of STIC and Itail decay was not affected by external or internal anions. 5 External permeating anions were not obligatory for activation of ICl(Ca) and STIC τ was not altered in Cl−‐free external solution. 6 Modulation of τ by mole fractions of SCN− and Cl− ions was fitted by a logistic curve, suggesting competition between SCN− and Cl− ions for a binding site. 7 In conclusion, external anions affect the decay of ICl(Ca) by a mechanism compatible with an interaction with a binding site which modulates Cl− channel kinetics.
Responsiveness and Validity of the SF-36, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Score, and Foot Function Index in End Stage Ankle Arthritis

Background: We examined four commonly used scores, the SF-36, the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hindfoot Score, and the Foot Function Index (FFI) to determine their responsiveness and validity. Methods: Patients with end stage ankle arthritis were recruited into a prospective multicenter cohort study and baseline and one year outcome scores were compared. The Standardized Response Mean and Effect Size for the AOS, AOFAS, and FFI were calculated and the three region- or disease-specific scores were compared with the SF-36 to determine their criterion validity. Results: All four scores showed acceptable responsiveness, and when using the validated SF-36 as the standard the three region or disease specific scores all showed similar criterion validity. Conclusion: All four scores are responsive and can be considered for use in this population. The objective component of the AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Score may make it harder to perform than the other three scores which have subjective components only, and as yet its objective component has not been shown to demonstrate reliability. We recommend use of a purely subjective score such as the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale or Foot Function Index as the region- or disease-specific score of choice in this population. As the SF-36 shows acceptable responsiveness, using it alone could also be considered. Level of Evidence: II, Prospective Comparative Study
Production of tumor necrosis factor and granulocyte colony stimulating factor by bone marrow accessory cells in myelodysplastic patients

Abstract: This paper reports on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) by cultured mononuclear adherent cells derived from bone marrow of 25 patients affected by myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) of different FAB subtypes. Mean production of GM‐CSF was much lower than in controls, without significant differences among different subtypes. Mean production of TNF was similar in MDS patients and in controls, but noteworthy differences were observed between patients with RA, RAEB and RAEB‐t and patients with RARS and CMML. Growth of bone marrow granulocyte macrophage and erythroid progenitors did not correlate with TNF and GM‐CSF production, although in MDS subtypes with higher GM‐CSF levels, colony growth was slightly higher than in subtypes with lower GM‐CSF production.
Enhanced process control of pitch split double patterning by use of CD-SEM critical dimension uniformity and local overlay metrics

A Critical Dimension-Scanning Electron Microscopy (CD-SEM) technique for determination of both the CD width and the local overlay between individual pitch split layer 1 and layer 2 is employed for measurement on electrical device test structures and nearby in-die metrology sites. Measured overlay correlation studies by varying radial distances of in-die overlay metrology sites to the electrical test structures within the field show distance threshold effects. The lack of overlay vector correlation above a distance threshold is confirmed by examining the correlation of the electrically measured capacitance difference between the pitch split layers and the measured overlay at different in-die site locations. This methodology is applied to examine pitch split process improvements.
Molecular basis for the impaired function of the natural F112L sorcin mutant: X‐ray crystal structure, calcium affinity, and interaction with annexin VII and the ryanodine receptor

The penta‐EF hand protein sorcin participates in the modulation of Ca2+‐induced calcium‐release in the heart through the interaction with several Ca2+ channels such as the ryanodine receptor. The modulating activity is impaired in the recently described natural F112L mutant. The F112 residue is located at the end of the D helix next to Asp113, one of the calcium ligands in the EF3 hand endowed with the highest affinity for the metal. The F112L‐sorcin X‐ray crystal structure at 2.5 Å resolution displays marked alterations in the EF3 hand, where the hydrogen bonding network established by Phe112 is disrupted, and in the EF1 region, which is tilted in both monomers that give rise to the dimer, the stable form of the molecule. In turn, the observed tilt is indicative of an increased flexibility of the N‐terminal part of the molecule. The structural alterations result in a 6‐fold decrease in calcium affinity with respect to the wild‐type protein and to an even larger impairment of the interaction with annexin VII and of the ability of sorcin to interact with and inhibit ryanodine receptors. These results provide a plausible structural and functional framework that helps elucidate the phenotypic alterations of mice overexpressing F112L‐sorcin. — Franceschini, S. , Ilari, A. , Verzili, D. , Zamparelli, C. , Antaramian, A. , Rueda, A. , Valdivia, H. H. , Chiancone, E. , and Colotti, G. Molecular basis for the impaired function of the natural F112L sorcin mutant: X‐ray crystal structure, calcium affinity, and interaction with annexin VII and the ryanodine receptor. FASEB J. 22, 295–306 (2008)
Quorum sensing and Candida albicans

Candida albicans is one of the most commonly identified nosocomially acquired pathogens. This organism has a number of virulence traits including production of degrading enzymes, the ability to undergo phenotypic switching, and can rapidly undergo morphogenic switch from a blastospore (yeast) phase to that of a hyphal state. Interest in C. albicans morphogenic regulation has been the focus of a large number of studies, which have characterised transcriptional modulators of these morphologies. Recently, C. albicans has been shown to regulate its morphogenic shift through changes in cell density. It was observed that C. albicans inoculated at cell densities below 106 cells ml−1 under conditions which favour hyphal morphogenesis (pH 7.5, 37 °C), will germinate to form hyphae. However, if cells densities are greater than 106 cells ml−1, little germination will occur and cells will maintain yeast morphology. The basis for this cell‐density‐dependent control of morphogenesis is similar to that which is seen with bacterial cells regulating their activities via quorum sensing (QS). A number of molecules have been identified which affect the ability of C. albicans to undergo the yeast‐to‐hyphal shift, and three compounds have been demonstrated to be quorum‐sensing molecules. The scope of this review is to bring to light what is now understood about QS in C. albicans and address the roles of these molecules in relation to virulence in the host and potential roles in cross‐kingdom interactions.
Diatom-Specific Oligosaccharide and Polysaccharide Structures Help to Unravel Biosynthetic Capabilities in Diatoms

Diatoms are marine organisms that represent one of the most important sources of biomass in the ocean, accounting for about 40% of marine primary production, and in the biosphere, contributing up to 20% of global CO2 fixation. There has been a recent surge in developing the use of diatoms as a source of bioactive compounds in the food and cosmetic industries. In addition, the potential of diatoms such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum as cell factories for the production of biopharmaceuticals is currently under evaluation. These biotechnological applications require a comprehensive understanding of the sugar biosynthesis pathways that operate in diatoms. Here, we review diatom glycan and polysaccharide structures, thus revealing their sugar biosynthesis capabilities.
The putative human stem cell marker, Rex‐1 (Zfp42): Structural classification and expression in normal human epithelial and carcinoma cell cultures

Human Rex‐1 (hRex‐1) (also referred to as zinc‐finger protein‐42, Zfp42) encodes a zinc finger protein expression of which is believed to be characteristic of pluripotent stem cells. We have applied bioinformatics to classify the relationship of human, rat, and mouse REX1 proteins in the C2H2 family of zinc finger proteins and demonstrate that REX1 is a member of the YY1 sub‐family of transcription factors, which includes the Drosophila pleiohomeotic (Pho) protein. We have generated a molecular model of the human REX1 zinc finger domains based on the crystal structure of the YY1 transcription factor. To date, expression of hRex‐1 and its extensively studied mouse homolog mRex‐1, has been reported only in embryonic and adult stem cells and in differentiated spermatocytes. In this study, reverse transcription‐PCR and Western analysis were employed to assay for hRex‐1 expression in cultured normal human epithelial cells and human carcinoma cell lines. Expression of hRex‐1 mRNA was detected in normal human epidermal keratinocytes, normal prostate epithelial cells (PrEC), bronchial, and small airway lung epithelial cells. Other stem cell markers, such as Oct 4, DAB2, and cMyc were also detected in normal human epidermal keratinocyte cultures. Expression of hRex‐1 was also detected in some human tumor cell lines including MDA‐MB‐468 mammary carcinoma, SCC‐15 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and N‐TERA2 human teratocarcinoma cells. Western analyses confirmed expression of the human REX1 (ZFP42) protein in MDA‐MB‐468 cells and normal human keratinocytes. This research has identified model human cell culture systems, in addition to embryonic stem (ES) cells, in which Rex‐1 is expressed, and this should enable the characterization of REX1 functions in normal adult epithelial cells and tumorigenic stem cells. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High frequency performance limits of nanointerconnects based on CVD-grown graphene films transferred on SiO2-substrate

Graphene films are grown by chemical vapour deposition on copper layer and then transferred onto a silicon substrate, coated with silicon dioxide. The topological characterization of the produced film is performed by atomic force microscopy, and the sheet resistance is measured by applying the four-probe test method. The equivalent single conductor model is then used in order to analyze the signal propagation along a nanointerconnect made with multilayer graphene over silicon dioxide, in a wide frequency range, up to 100 GHz. The comparison of the radio-frequency performances of the nanointerconnect, modeled by using either the measured value of effective resistivity or a theoretical estimation of the p.u. l. resistance, suggests that graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition are more suitable for application as low frequency electrical interconnections in flexible electronics, than in high-speed integrated circuits.