Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The development of the osteocranium in the snake Psammophis sibilans (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae)

Non‐avian reptiles are good models to investigate structural and developmental differences between amniotes. Investigations of craniofacial development in a complete series of embryos from oviposition up to hatching are still relatively rare. Consideration of a complete series can reveal developmental events that were previously missed, and thus correct or confirm theories about developmental events. The Egyptian Sand snake, Psammophis sibilans, has been a key species in descriptions of the snake skull development. However, published work was based on a limited sample of specimens collected from the wild. Here, we supplement previous descriptions with an illustrated account of skull development in P. sibilans based on a staged series of embryos and histological sections. Our findings largely agree with those of previous authors, although we record differences in developmental timing, confirming the presence of an egg tooth in this species. We add further observations on the enigmatic fenestra X, showing that it closes rather than merging with the prootic notch. Our observations revealed the likely contribution of the tectum posterius to the occipital roof, the presence of an internal carotid foramen (possibly transitory or variable), and the formation of the initial laterosphenoid pillar.
An unusual case of pericardial effusion

Abstract We report a case of a 13-year-old male with trisomy 21 in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, who presented with bilateral pneumonia, pericardial effusion, and peripheral oedema. The pericardial effusion did not respond to standard treatment options. Evaluation revealed severe dietary restriction, consistent with kwashiorkor. Hospital course was complicated by severe hypoalbuminaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypophosphataemia. The pericardial effusion and other findings resolved gradually upon slow introduction of a well-balanced diet and adequate caloric and protein intake. Kwashiorkor is an unusual cause of pericardial effusion and can be overlooked especially in developed countries. It is a type of protein–calorie malnutrition often seen in children of impoverished countries and famine. It is a result of insufficient protein intake in the context of adequate caloric intake. Pericardial effusion not responding to usual treatment is a challenge, and other aetiologies must be considered. Malnutrition is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in developed countries with devastating outcomes if unrecognised. This makes it imperative to consider this diagnosis, recognise potential risk factors, and be prepared to accurately assess overall nutritional status.
Experimental study of dam-break dry granular flows

This work presents some experimental results of dry granular flows produced by dam breaks. Granular flows have been the subject of several researches in the last years, not only in fluvial hydraulics and risk assessment and management but also in many other engineering applications (material stockpiling and freights, food manufacturing and industrial processes). It is interesting, for example, to investigate the fluid-like behavior of a granular material flow. This research is aimed at giving a contribution in the comprehension of such phenomena through a campaign of small-scale laboratory experiments conducted in the Laboratory of Water Engineering (LIA) at University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy. Tests have been performed with different initial sand heights and two different sands. They provided data available for the validation of numerical models, not only those describing granular flows, but also morphodynamic models adopted for the simulation of fluvial hydraulic processes by analyzing the behavior of the only solid phase. Key-Words: Granular Flows, Dam Break, Laboratory Experiments, Image Analysis, Debris Flows
Nrf2–Keap1 pathway–mediated effects of resveratrol on oxidative stress and apoptosis in hydrogen peroxide–treated rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes

Resveratrol (Res) is a polyphenolic compound that has a variety of biological functions and activities. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of the antioxidant and proapoptotic effects of Res in H2O2‐treated rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLSs) by the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway. We found that 5 µM H2O2 promoted cell proliferation and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in RA‐FLSs. However, Res could reverse these effects in 5 µMH2O2‐treated RA‐FLSs by (1) promoting expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), (2) reducing expression of Kelch‐like ECH–related protein 1 (Keap1), (3) inhibiting production of ROS and MDA, (4) blocking activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65, (5) inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, and (6) activating Bcl‐2/Bax to induce apoptosis. After lentiviral silencing of Nrf2 (siNrf2) mRNA expression in RA‐FLSs, Res addition did not increase the expression of Nrf2 or HO‐1 to reduce the production of mitochondrial ROS caused by 5 µM H2O2. Res reduced the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, but siNrf2 reduced the ability of Res to promote apoptosis. We conclude that Res inhibits ROS production by activating the Nrf2 pathway, thereby inhibiting activation of NF‐κB and proliferation and migration of RA‐FLSs, to induce apoptosis. Targeting the Nrf2–Keap1 pathway may be a relevant aim of using Res in the treatment of RA.
Preliminary GC-MS Profiling and Anti-bacterial activity Investigation of Ageratum conyzoides Linn . ( Asteraceae )

Article Received : 06-06-2015 Accepted for publications: 15-07-2015 Published Online: 31-7-2015 ABSTRACT In this study, preliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaves and roots of Ageratum conyzoides Linn. indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones, saponins, and triterpenes. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative profiles of the hexane and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts from the leaves and roots of A. conyzoides were determined by GC-MS. The individual constituents of the extracts (34 compounds) were identified by matching their data with those of similar compounds stored in the NIST 05L Library. The most abundant compounds in the hexane and DCM leaf extracts were caryophyllene (63.17%), and caryophyllene oxide (15.66%), and phytol (18.79%), caryophyllene oxide (17.12%), methyl-(Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoate (11.71%), 6,10,14trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (7.41%), 2-nonadecanone (6.05%), and methylhexadecanoate (5.64%); respectively. Likewise, the root extracts consisted of mainly caryophyllene oxide (32,75%), 2methylnonadecane (13,07%), hexadecanal (11,98%), and ethylhexadecanoate (11,33%) for the hexane extract, and oxacycloheptadec-8-en-2-one (63,76%) and caryophyllene oxide (31,57%) from the DCM extract. The extracts were subsequently evaluated for their antibacterial activity using a 96-well microdilution broth assay. They were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and the DCM extract exhibited moderate activity (MIC=500 μg/mL) against S. aureus while the hexane extract was inactive (MIC > 2000 μg/mL). Both extracts were inactive against E. coli.
Examining the Psychometric Properties of the CEAC (Comparing e-Cigarette and Cigarette) Questionnaire and Its Usefulness as a Predictor of e-Cigarette Use

Abstract Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use continues to rise, while there is conflicting evidence about the health effects of its use. As such, research is needed to better determine risks factors for e-cigarette use. Accumulating evidence suggests that attitudes toward e-cigarette use could be a potential risk factor for e-cigarette use. Objectives: This study sought to examine the psychometric properties of the Comparing E-cigarette And Cigarette questionnaire (CEAC), and to replicate a structural model of the relationship between impulsive-related personality traits and e-cigarette use mediated by positive attitudes toward e-cigarettes. Methods: Participants were 525 adults (mean age = 33.42, SD = 11.27) who completed the CEAC and UPPS-P (trait impulsivity) questionnaires online. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of the CEAC replicated the a priori factor structure of the questionnaire reasonably well (χ2(df = 32) =172.85, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.09 (0.08–0.11, 90% Confidence Interval, SRMR = 0.06). Structural path analysis showed that deficits in conscientiousness was significantly negatively related to e-cigarette attitudes (β = –0.20, p = .01), while urgency (β = 0.19, p = .018) showed a significant positive relationship to e-cigarette attitudes. E-cigarette users showed significantly more positive attitudes toward e-cigarettes than nonusers (β = 0.59, p < .001). No significant direct effects were found between impulsivity-related traits and e-cigarette use. Conclusions: The present study suggests that impulsivity-related traits and attitudes toward e-cigarettes are likely to be important risk factors for e-cigarette use. Future prospective and experimental studies should test if the causal model described in this study predicts risk for e-cigarette use, and whether this model could therefore be used to guide strategies for reducing risk for e-cigarette use.
Lisboa School of Economics & Management Masters in Applied Econometrics and Forecasting Correcting For Attrition in Panel Data Using Inverse Probability Weighting: An application To the EU15 Bank System

This thesis discusses techniques to correct for the potentially biasing effects of missing data. We apply the techniques on an economic model that explains the Net Interest margin (NIM) of banks, using data from 15 countries that are part of the European Union (EU15) banking system. The variables that describe banks cover the period 2004 and 2010. We use the variables that were also used in Valverde and Fernández (2007). In addition, also macroeconomic variables are used as regressors. The selection that occurs as a consquence of missing values in these regressor variables is dealt with by means of Inverse Probablity Weighting (IPW) techniques. The weights are applied to a GMM estimator for a dynamic panel data model that would have been consistent in the absence of missing data.
First-time Blood Donors Are Double-edged Swords for Blood Transfusion Centers: A Retrospective Study in Southwest Iran

Objective: First-time blood donors are the most common group of blood donors. They usually have different motivations for blood donation, some of which provoke the donors to hide risk factors of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). Therefore, detection of TTIs among first-time donors is crucial and can decrease the rate of TTIs among blood recipients. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TTIs among first-time donors in the transfusion center of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province (KBTC), Iran. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted with volunteer blood donors in 2004-2014 in the KBTC. Various data, including sex, confidential unit exclusion (CUE), previous donation history, and the laboratory findings of confirmatory tests, were extracted from blood donor software. Data were analyzed by SPSS using the chi-square test. Results: Among 198,501 blood donors, 52,527 (26.46%) were first-time donors, while 145,974 donors (73.54%) were repeat and regular donors. Most of the donors (94.5%) were male, while a minority (5.5%) were female. The CUE option was chosen by 2,237 (1.13%) donors. The incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) was 247 (0.13%) and 134 (0.07%) among the entire study population, respectively. Three donors (0.002%) had confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while none of the blood donors were positive for syphilis. Most of the donors with positive HBsAg (95.8%), HCV (86.6%), and HIV (100%) infection were first-time donors. Conclusion: Since TTIs are more common among first-time blood donors than regular and repeat donors, special considerations should be taken into account for this common group of blood donors.
Risk factors of early death in adult patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a single-institution study of 171 Chinese patients

ABSTRACT Background: Adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially life-threatening syndrome characterized by excessive activation of mononuclear-phagocytic system resulting in hyperinflammatory response. To date, the factors influencing early death of HLH are still not fully elucidated. Patients and Methods: We did a retrospective study of 171 adult patients with newly diagnosed HLH at our institution from January 2012 to April 2018. All patients’ clinical features, laboratory findings, treatments and prognosis were reviewed. Results: The median age was 49 years (range, 18–88 years), and 110 (64.3%) were male. The major underlying trigger of HLH was malignancy (88/171, 51.5%), especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In a multivariate analysis, age ≥54 years (P = 0.002), platelet ≤39.5 × 109/L (P = 0.028), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) ≥54 sec (P = 0.048), triglyceride ≥3.23 mmol/L (P < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥1300 U/L (P = 0.012) and malignancy (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with early death in HLH. Then, patients were classified into four groups according to the number of risk factors at the time of diagnosis: low risk (zero, one or two risk factors), low intermediate risk (three risk factors), high intermediate risk (four risk factors) and high risk (at least five risk factors), with the 30-day overall survival (OS) of 92.4%, 58.8%, 30.0% and 4.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with old age, thrombocytopenia, prolonged APTT, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated LDH and malignancy had inferior survival. It is important to identify those patients at risk of early death, which may guide treatment and reduce mortality.
Blind exchange with mini-pinning technique for distal occlusion thrombectomy

Introduction Technical improvements to enhance distal occlusion thrombectomy are desirable. We describe the blind catheter exchange technique and report the pinning technique with small devices (‘mini-pinning’) for distal occlusions. Methods A retrospective review of a prospective database from January 2015 to August 2018 was performed for cases of distal occlusion in which the ‘blind exchange/mini-pinning’ (BEMP) techniques were used. The technique involves the deployment of a 3 mm Trevo retriever followed by microcatheter removal and blind advancement of a 3MAX aspiration catheter over the bare retriever delivery wire (‘blind exchange’) until clot contact under aspiration. The retriever is subsequently partially recaptured in order to ‘cork’ the thrombus (‘mini-pinning’) and the system pulled as a unit. Patients with distal occlusions treated with BEMP and standard techniques (either 3 mm Trevo or 3MAX) were compared. Results Twenty-five vessels were treated in 22 patients. The majority of patients had isolated distal occlusions predominantly in the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments, half of which involved the superior division. The comparison between BEMP (n=25 vessels) and standard techniques (n=144 vessels) revealed balanced groups. One of the highlighted differences was the more distal MCA occlusions among those who underwent BEMP (M3 occlusions 52% vs 22%; p=0.001). Otherwise, the vessel, segments, divisions and luminal diameter were comparable. There was a higher rate of first-pass modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b–3 (80% vs 56%; p=0.03) and a trend towards higher rates of first-pass full reperfusion (60% vs 40%; p=0.07) with BEMP compared with standard techniques. Final reperfusion and clinical outcomes were comparable. Conclusion BEMP appears to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of distal occlusions. Additional studies are warranted.
Tibial nailing using a suprapatellar rather than an infrapatellar approach significantly reduces anterior knee pain postoperatively: a multicentre clinical trial.

AIMS The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior knee pain after antegrade tibial nailing using suprapatellar and infrapatellar surgical approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 95 patients with a tibial fracture requiring an intramedullary nail were randomized to treatment using a supra- or infrapatellar approach. Anterior knee pain was assessed at four and six months, and one year postoperatively, using the Aberdeen Weightbearing Test - Knee (AWT-K) score and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain. The AWT-K is an objective patient-reported outcome measure that uses weight transmitted through the knee when kneeling as a surrogate for anterior knee pain. RESULTS A total of 53 patients were randomized to a suprapatellar approach and 42 to an infrapatellar approach. AWT-K results showed a greater mean proportion of weight transmitted through the injured leg compared with the uninjured leg when kneeling in the suprapatellar group compared with the infrapatellar group at all timepoints at all follow-up visits. This reached significance at four months for all timepoints except 30 seconds. It also reached significance at six months at 0 seconds, and for one year at 60 seconds. CONCLUSION The suprapatellar surgical approach for antegrade tibial nailing is associated with less anterior knee pain postoperatively compared with the infrapatellar approach Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1138-1143.
Low haemoglobin at admission is associated with mortality after hip fractures in elderly patients.

AIMS Low haemoglobin (Hb) at admission has been identified as a risk factor for mortality for elderly patients with hip fractures in some studies. However, this remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the association between Hb level at admission and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS All consecutive patients (prospective database) admitted with hip fracture operated in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, time to surgery, duration and type of surgery, comorbidities, Hb at admission, nadir of Hb after surgery, the use and amount of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion products, postoperative complications, and death. The main outcome measures were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery. RESULTS We included 829 patients; the mean age was 81 years (sd 11). Mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year was 5.7%, 12.3%, 18.1%, and 23.5%, respectively. The highest mortality was observed in patients aged over 80 years (162/557, 29%) and in male patients (85/267, 32%). Survival at 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery was significantly lower in patients with a Hb level below 120 g/l at admission. In multivariate analysis, Hb level below 120 g/l at admission was found to be an independent factor associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.31); p = 0.001), along with age (aHR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06); p < 0.001), male sex (aHR 2.19 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.96); p < 0.001), and need for RBC transfusions (aHR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.19); p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that low Hb at admission along with age and RBC transfusions is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture surgery, independently of comorbidity confounders. Further studies should be performed to understand how preoperative Hb could be taken into account in perioperative management. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1122-1128.
A qualitative risk assessment of cleansing and disinfection requirements after an avian influenza outbreak in commercial poultry

ABSTRACT 1. During an avian influenza (AI) outbreak in the United Kingdom, the joint aim of the poultry industry and the Government is to eliminate and prevent the spread of infection, through control measures based on the current European Union (EU) Council Directive (2005/94/EC). An essential part of these measures is the cleansing and disinfection (C&D) of infected premises. 2. This risk assessment assessed the differences in re-infection in a repopulated flock if the EU Directive is interpreted to permit secondary C&D to be undertaken either with or without dismantling complex equipment. The assessment estimated the probability of virus survival on different types of equipment in a depopulated contaminated poultry house before and after preliminary and secondary C&D procedures. A risk matrix spreadsheet tool was used to carry out the assessment and concluded that, provided secondary C&D is carried out with due diligence (i.e. carried out to a defined code of practice as agreed by both industry and policymakers), the risk of re-infection from equipment is negligible, both with and without dismantling complex equipment in all farm types considered. 3. By considering the equipment types individually, the assessment identified those areas of the house which may still contain viable virus post-preliminary C&D and on which attention should be focussed during secondary C&D. The generic risk pathway and matrix spreadsheet tool have the potential to be used for other pathogens and species, given appropriate data.
Development and reactivity of the immune system of Japanese quail lines divergently selected for the shape of the growth curve

ABSTRACT 1. Selection strategies for broilers must balance rapid growth with the welfare and health of animals, strategies must deal with the trade-off with other vital functions. 2. Divergent selection of Japanese quail for high (HG) and low (LG) relative body weight gain between 11 and 28 days of age has been conducted to accelerate linear phase growth without influencing the final adult body weight. Higher body growth rate is often connected with a weakened immune system. Therefore, the present study explored the immunological characterisation of quail from HG and LG lines, which differ substantially in their growth rate. 3. The trial evaluated the maternal investment to immunologically active substances, cell-mediated immunity stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection and the acute phase of the immune response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in three different phases of early postnatal growth. 4. Except for higher lysozyme activity in the LG group when compared to the HG line, the maternal investment did not differ between the two lines. Plasma antibody concentrations responded quickly to any change in growth rate in both lines. Overall, it seems that initial rapid growth of the LG line had long-lasting effects on immune responsiveness, even after the growth rate of the HG line escalated during the linear phase of growth. 5. The study indicated that changes in the growth rate caused by the selection for growth in meat-type Japanese quail can influence the acute phase of the immune response and development of the immune system.