Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution and dynamics of laser-polarized (129)Xe magnetization in vivo.

The first magnetic resonance imaging studies of laser-polarized (129)Xe, dissolved in the blood and tissue of the lungs and the heart of Sprague-Dawley rats, are described. (129)Xe resonances at 0, 192, 199, and 210 ppm were observed and assigned to xenon in gas, fat, tissue, and blood, respectively. One-dimensional chemical-shift imaging (CSI) reveals xenon magnetization in the brain, kidney, and lungs. Coronal and axial two-dimensional CSI show (129)Xe dissolved in blood and tissue in the thorax. Images of the blood resonance show xenon in the lungs and the heart ventricle. Images of the tissue resonance reveal xenon in lung parenchyma and myocardium. The (129)Xe spectrum from a voxel located in the heart ventricle shows a single blood resonance. Time-resolved spectroscopy shows that the dynamics of the blood resonance match the dynamics of the gas resonance and demonstrates efficient diffusion of xenon gas to the lung parenchyma and then to pulmonary blood. These observations demonstrate the utility of laser-polarized (129)Xe to detect exchange across the gas-blood barrier in the lungs and perfusion into myocardial tissue. Applications to measurement of lung function, kidney perfusion, myocardial perfusion, and regional cerebral blood flow are discussed. Magn Reson Med 42:1137-1145, 1999.
First report of Melittobia australica Girault in Europe and new record of M. acasta (Walker) for Italy

Abstract Melittobia acasta and Melittobia australica are newly recorded from Sicily, Italy, and the second species is reported in Europe for the first time. A short historical background about Melittobia parasitoid wasps, their hosts, and distribution, with emphasis in those two species is presented together with illustrations to facilitate their identification. Brief discussion about the presence and possible distribution of the species in Sicily is also included.
Restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies for red blood cell transfusion after hip or knee surgery

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are commonly used in surgical patients, but accompanied by many risks such as metabolic derangement, and allergic and febrile reactions. Indications for transfusion in patients after hip or knee surgery have not been definitively evaluated and remain controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the benefits and harms of restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies in patients after hip or knee surgery. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies through September 2015. The main clinical outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included 30-day mortality, infection rate, cardiogenic complications, and length of hospital stay. The meta-analysis program of the Cochrane Collaboration (RevMan version 5.3.0) was used for data analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by both Cochran chi-squared test (Q test) and I2 test. Begg and Egger test were used to assess potential publication bias. Results: We identified 10 eligible RCTs, involving 3788 patients in total. In patients undergoing hip or knee surgery, we found no differences in mortality, or the incidence rates of pneumonia, wound infection, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure, between restrictive and liberal thresholds for RBC transfusion (P > .05). Conclusion: Restrictive transfusion has no advantage over the liberal strategy. However, considerably less patients received blood transfusion via the restrictive strategy than with the liberal counterpart. Due to variations in the included studies, additional larger scale and well-designed studies are required to validate these conclusions.
MTase Domain of Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus VP3 Mediates Virion Attachment and Interacts with Host ALP Protein

Dendrolimus punctatus cypovirus (DpCPV) is an important pathogen of D. punctatus, but little is known about the mechanisms of DpCPV infection. Here, we investigated the effects of VP3, VP4 and VP5 structural proteins on the viral invasion. Both the C-terminal of VP3 (methyltransferase (MTase) domain) and VP4 (A-spike) bound to Spodoptera exigua midgut brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) in a dose-dependent manner, and the binding was inhibited by purified DpCPV virions. Importantly, anti-MTase and anti-VP4 antibodies inhibited viral binding to S. exigua BBMVs. Using far-Western blots, a 65 kDa protein in Bombyx mori BBMVs, identified as alkaline phosphatase protein (BmALP) by mass spectrometry, specifically interacted with DpCPV MTase. The interaction between MTase and BmALP was verified by co-immunoprecipitation in vitro. Pretreatment of B. mori BBMVs with an anti-ALP antibody or incubation of DpCPV virions with prokaryotically expressed BmALP reduced viral attachment. Additionally, BmALP inhibited DpCPV infection in S. exigua larvae. Our data provide evidence that the MTase domain and A-spike function as viral attachment proteins during the DpCPV infection process, and ALP is the ligand that interacts with DpCPV via the MTase domain. These results augment our understanding of the mechanisms used by cypoviruses to enter their hosts.
WHAT IS ON TAP? THE ROLE OF SPIN IN COMPACT OBJECTS AND RELATIVISTIC JETS

We examine the role of spin in launching jets from compact objects across the mass scale. Our work includes 3 different Seyfert samples with a total of 37 unique Seyferts, as well as 11 stellar-mass black holes, and 13 neutron stars. We find that when the Seyfert reflection lines are modeled with simple Gaussian line features (a crude proxy for inner disk radius and therefore spin), only a slight inverse correlation is found between the Doppler-corrected radio luminosity at 5 GHz (a proxy for jet power) and line width. When the Seyfert reflection features are fit with more relativistically blurred disk reflection models that measure spin, there is a tentative positive correlation between the Doppler-corrected radio luminosity and the spin measurement. Further, when we include stellar-mass black holes in the sample, to examine the effects across the mass scale, we find a slightly stronger correlation with radio luminosity per unit mass and spin, at a marginal significance (2.3σ confidence level). Finally, when we include neutron stars, in order to probe lower spin values, we find a positive correlation (3.3σ confidence level) between radio luminosity per unit mass and spin. Although tentative, these results suggest that spin may have a role in determining the jet luminosity. In addition, we find a slightly more significant correlation (4.4σ and 4.1σ confidence level, respectively) between radio luminosity per bolometric luminosity and spin, as well as radio luminosity corrected for the fundamental plane (i.e., ) and spin, using our entire sample of black holes and neutrons stars. Again, although tentative, these relations point to the possibility that the mass accretion rate, i.e., bolometric luminosity, is also important in determining the jet luminosity, in addition to spin. Our analysis suggests that mass accretion rate and disk or coronal magnetic field strength may be the “throttle” in these compact systems, to which the Eddington limit and spin may set the maximum jet luminosity that can be achieved.
Treatment for life for severe haemophilia A– A cost‐utility model for prophylaxis vs. on‐demand treatment

Prophylaxis has been established as the treatment of choice in children with haemophilia and its continuation into the adult years has been shown to decrease morbidity throughout life. The cost of factor therapy has made the option questionable in cost‐effectiveness studies. The role of prophylaxis in pharmacokinetic dosage and tolerization against inhibitor formation were used to model the cost utility of prophylaxis vs. on‐demand (OD) therapy over a lifetime horizon in severe haemophilia A. The model was applied to a single provider national health system exemplified by the United Kingdom's National Health Service and a third party provider in the United States. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated and compared to threshold values used by payer agencies to guide reimbursement decisions. A cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) was also estimated for Sweden. Prophylaxis was dominant over OD treatment in the UK. The model resulted in an ICER – $68 000 – within the range of treatments reimbursed in the USA. In Sweden, a cost/QALY of SEK 1.1 million was also within the range of reimbursed treatments in that country. Dosage‐ and treatment‐induced inhibitor incidence were the most important variables in the model. Subject to continuing clinical evidence of the effectiveness of pharmacokinetic dosage and the role of prophylaxis in decreasing inhibitor incidence, treatment for life with prophylaxis is a cost‐effective therapy, using current criteria for the reimbursement of health care technologies in a number of countries.
Aetiology of uveitis in Sierra Leone, west Africa.

BACKGROUND: In 1992, non-onchocercal uveitis caused 9% of blindness, 8% of visual impairment, and 11% of uniocular blindness among patients visiting an eye hospital in Sierra Leone, west Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the aetiology of uveitis in this population. METHODS: General and ophthalmic examination complemented by serum and aqueous humour analyses for various infectious agents was performed for 93 uveitis patients and compared with serum (n = 100) and aqueous humour (n = 9) analysis of endemic controls. RESULTS: At the initial examination, 45 patients (48%) proved to be severely visually handicapped. After clinical and laboratory analyses, an aetiological diagnosis was established for 49 patients (52%). Toxoplasma gondii was the most important cause of uveitis (40/93; 43%). Anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies were detected in serum samples of seven of 93 patients (8%) compared with one of 100 controls (1%, p < 0.05). At least six patients (15%) with ocular toxoplasmosis had acquired the disease postnatally. Antibodies against Treponema pallidum were detected in 18 of 92 patients (20%) and in 21 controls (21%). Other causes of uveitis were varicella zoster virus (one patient), herpes simplex virus (two patients), and HLA-B27 positive acute anterior uveitis with ankylosing spondylitis (one patient), while one patient had presumed HTLV-I uveitis. CONCLUSIONS: In a hospital population in Sierra Leone, west Africa, uveitis was associated with severe visual handicap and infectious diseases. Toxoplasmosis proved to be the most important cause of the uveitis. Although the distribution of congenital versus acquired toxoplasmosis in this population could not be determined, the results indicate an important role of postnatally acquired disease. The results further suggested minor roles for HIV, tuberculosis, toxocariasis, and sarcoidosis as causes of uveitis in this population.
Monoclonal gammopathy after liver transplantation: a risk factor for long‐term medical complications other than malignancies

The aims of the study were to evaluate (i) the prevalence of MGUS in patients after liver transplantation (LT), (ii) the role of MGUS as a risk factor for malignancy and other medical complications after LT. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients were included in the study and followed prospectively after LT for more than 18 months. Eighteen patients had MGUS before LT, whereas 49 patients developed MGUS after LT (‘de novo’ MGUS). Thirty‐six of these patients showed a MGUS along all the follow up after LT (‘permanent’ MGUS). In 31 patients, MGUS disappeared after LT (‘transient’ MGUS). No patient with MGUS developed B‐malignant lymphoproliferative disorder and only one patient developed a myeloma after LT. Comparing patients with ‘permanent’ MGUS to patients with ‘transient’ MGUS or without MGUS after LT, the former group showed a higher rate of serious infections (30% versus 13%, P = 0.01), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (75% versus 44%, P = 0.001) and mortality (33% versus 17%, P = 0.04). Permanent MGUS was confirmed as an independent risk factor for serious infections and CKD by multivariate analysis. Permanent MGUS after LT does not entail a significant risk of malignancy, but it is associated with a higher risk of serious infections and CKD.
CNA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles improve humoral response againstS. aureus-mediated infections in a mouse model: subcutaneous vs. nasal administration strategy

Abstract The aim of this work was the assessment of the “in vivo” immune response of a poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-based nanoparticulate adjuvant for a sub-unit vaccine, namely, a purified recombinant collagen-binding bacterial adhesion fragment (CNA19), against Staphylococcus aureus-mediated infections. “In vivo” immunogenicity studies were performed on mice: immunisation protocols encompassed subcutaneous and intranasal administration of CNA19 formulated as nanoparticles (NPs) and furthermore, CNA19-loaded NPs formulated in a set-up thermosetting chitosan-β-glycerolphosphate (chitosan-β-GP) solution for intranasal route in order to extend antigen exposure to nasal mucosa. CNA19 loaded NPs (mean size of about 195 nm, 9.04 ± 0.37μg/mg as CNA19 loading capacity) confirmed as suitable vaccine for subcutaneous administration with a more pronounced adjuvant effect (about 3-fold higher) with respect to aluminium, recognised as “reference” adjuvant. CNA19 loaded NPs formulated in an optimised thermogelling chitosan-β-GP solution showed promising results for eliciting an effective humoral response and a good chance as intranasal boosting dose.
Excision of vestibular schwannomas – is there a learning curve and how best to demonstrate it?

Objective. To demonstrate the existence of a learning curve in a consultant neurosurgeon's performance in excising vestibular schwannomas by plotting the cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart. Also, to evaluate the influence of new technology in the form of the facial nerve monitor (FNM) and the KTP-532 Laser on surgical performance. Method. Analysis was carried out on a prospectively collected data series of 102 consecutive cases of vestibular schwannomas excisions between 1986 and 2000 by a single neurosurgeon using the retrosigmoid approach. The CUSUM score chart of the surgical outcomes across the series was plotted for all and large tumour sizes separately. The changes in CUSUM scores were assessed using statistical change-point analysis. Using the multivariate logistic regression analysis, we inspected the association between use of FNM and laser on outcome. Results. After the first 27 cases and coinciding with the introduction of the FNM there was a clear change in the direction of the slope of the CUSUM chart, showing a clear improving trend in performance (p = 0.09). The same phenomenon was also seen when plotting the CUSUM chart for large tumours only, although this was not statistically significant. The use of FNM reduces the risk of bad House Brakmann-score by approximately 90% for all tumours (risk of bad outcome with FNM = 3.2% and without FNM = 26.7%, odds ratio = 0.10 and 95% confidence interval (0.02–0.61), p = 0.013) after adjusting for age at operation, but no significant association was seen with the use of laser. Conclusion. There appears to be a learning curve in the performance of a neurosurgeon. Compared to previous reports of sequential block analysis, the CUSUM method is less arbitrary and more transparent. The CUSUM is most useful as an audit tool that can help spare patients from undesirable learning curves, and help to demonstrate good standards in appraisal and revalidation.
A Reliability Study for Standing Functional Reach Test Using Modified and Traditional Rulers

The purposes of the study were (1) to estimate the standing reach distance, test-retest, and interrater reliability of the functional reach test using traditional and modified rulers and (2) to evaluate the difference in the scores based on one trial, the mean of two or of three trials. Sixty-four individuals (M age = 36.3 yr., SD = 19.5, range = 19 to 70 years; 24 men, 40 women) volunteered to participate. Differences in measurements were examined. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the test-retest and interrater reliability. Analysis indicated that the reach score measured by the rulers were not statistically significantly different, but the three measurements were significantly different. Reliability estimates were similar for the two mean scores, the mean of two trials (ICC2,2 = 0.87–1.00) or three trials (ICC2,3 = 0.89–1.00). The standard error of measurement (SEM) was always smaller when the modified ruler was used than when the traditional ruler was used. Performance with the modified ruler is an alternative to that with a traditional ruler. The mean of two trials as a measure of performance of reach distance when standing is recommended with either ruler.
What was good about admission to an aged psychiatry ward? The subjective experiences of patients with depression

ABSTRACT Background: The treatment of depression in Australian aged psychiatry units has been found to be effective in terms of symptom improvement and readmission rates. There is little information, however, about how such hospitalization is viewed by the patients themselves. While users' views are increasingly seen as important for the evaluation of mental health services and for improving outcomes, the views of older patients are less likely to be sought. In this study, former patients were asked about their experience of admission, which aspects were helpful and which were not. Negative experiences have been described in an earlier paper. This paper focuses on what study participants considered to be the positive aspects of their time in hospital. Methods: Fifty former patients from three Melbourne hospitals were interviewed in their own homes using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire. Results: Forty-six percent expressed an overall favorable view of their hospital stay; 34% had some reservations; and 20% had a poor overall view. Favorable views did not necessarily preclude distressing incidents or complaints but were associated with the ward environment, experienced as a safe haven; the re-evaluation of negative experiences; and, in most but not all cases, recovery. Conclusions: Retrospective accounts are useful for understanding the ways in which hospital experience is processed. Remembering the experience as positive is, in itself, a good therapeutic outcome. In addition, it may influence readiness to seek future treatment, help prevent relapse, and, indirectly, be helpful to others with similar problems.
Diamond–Blackfan anemia with mandibulofacial dystostosis is heterogeneous, including the novel DBA genes TSR2 and RPS28

Patients with physical findings suggestive of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) or mandibulofacial dysostosis (MFD) and macrocytic anemia diagnostic of Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) have been reported. Disease‐causing genes have been identified for TCS and other MFDs. Mutations in several ribosomal protein genes and the transcription factor GATA1 result in DBA. However, no disease‐causing mutation had been identified in the reported patients with the combination of TCS/MFD and DBA phenotype, and we hypothesized that pathogenic mutations in a single gene could be identified using whole exome analysis. We studied probands from six unrelated families. Combining exome analysis and Sanger sequencing, we identified likely pathogenic mutations in 5/6 families. Two mutations in unrelated families were seen in RPS26, the known DBA10 gene. One variant was predicted to affect mRNA splicing, and the other to lead to protein truncation. In another family a likely pathogenic X‐linked mutation affecting a highly conserved residue was found in TSR2, which encodes a direct binding partner of RPS26. De novo mutations affecting the RPS28 start codon were found in two unrelated probands, identifying RPS28 as a novel disease gene. We conclude that the phenotype combining features of TCS with DBA is genetically heterogeneous. Each of the pathogenic variants identified is predicted to impede ribosome biogenesis, which in turn could result in altered cell growth and proliferation, causing abnormal embryologic development, defective erythropoiesis and reduced growth. The phenotype combining TCS/MFD and DBA is highly variable, overlaps with DBA and lies within the phenotypic spectrum of ribosomopathies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peripheral Medulloepithelioma: An Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural, and Cytogenetic Study of a Rare, Chemotherapy-Sensitive, Pediatric Tumor

A case of peripheral medulloepithelioma, a rapidly growing tumor involving the pelvic cavity of a 12-year-old girl, is presented. The diagnosis was supported by expression of vimentin, nestin, &agr;-internexin, neurofilaments, and microtubule-associated protein 5 and by characteristic ultrastructure that included absence of cilia or microvilli. Trisomy of chromosomes 2 and 8 was the only detectable chromosomal abnormality. Combination chemotherapy resulted in complete remission. Because some of these rare tumors are sensitive to chemotherapy, their recognition and separation from other neuroectodermal tumors are advisable for better understanding of their biology and determination of optimal treatment.
A New Prediction Model of Rain Attenuation That Separately Accounts for Stratiform and Convective Rain

An improved version of the exponential cell (EXCELL) rain attenuation model is presented here. Analogously to the original one, it predicts attenuation through a cellular representation of precipitation, but, in addition, is able to discriminate between stratiform and convective rain by means of an embedded algorithm. Accordingly, two separate physical rain heights, derived from the ERA-15 database, are used to calculate stratiform and convective rain attenuation and, when considering stratiform precipitation, the melting layer contribution to attenuation is added. Eventually, the predicted cumulative distribution function (CDF) of excess attenuation is the combination of the contributions due to stratiform and convective precipitation types. Some input parameters of the prediction model, such as those defining the melting layer process or the rain plateau embedding rain cells, can be modified in order to account for the local meteorological characteristics.
CGP 35348, a new GABAB antagonist, prevents antinociception and muscle‐relaxant effect induced by baclofen

1 CGP 35348, a new GABAB antagonist, was examined on antinociception induced by (±)‐baclofen by use of the hot plate and writhing tests in mice and the paw pressure test in rats. CGP 35348 was also studied in mice on (±)‐baclofen‐induced impairment of rota‐rod performance. 2 CGP 35348, injected either i.p. (60–100 mg kg−1 in mouse) or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) (0.5–2.5 μg per mouse; 25 μg per rat) prevented (±)‐baclofen‐induced antinociception. 3 CGP 35348 did not modify oxotremorine‐ and morphine‐induced antinociception in mice and rats. 4 CGP 35348 (2.5 μg i.c.v. per mouse) also prevented (±)‐baclofen‐induced impairment of the rota‐rod test. 5 Two other GABAB antagonists, phaclofen (50 μg i.c.v. per mouse) and 2‐OH‐saclofen (2.5 μg‐10 μg i.c.v. per mouse) did not modify (±)‐baclofen‐induced antinociception. 7 These results suggest that, at present, CGP 35348 is the only compound able to antagonize (±)‐baclofen‐induced antinociception.