Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions Induced by Topical Application of Mite Antigens in NC/Nga Mice

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation usually observed in patients with an individual or a familial history of atopic diseases, precipitated by environmental factors including mite antigens (Ag). However, the exact etiology of AD is unclear. To further explore the pathogenesis and treatment of AD, a suitable animal model is necessary. In this study, we developed a new animal model of AD induced by mite Ag in NC/Nga mice. Methods: We injected the extracts of mite Ag intradermally at the ventral side of the ear of SPF NC/Nga mice on days 0, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16, and measured the clinical symptoms and the ear thickness. On day 18, we collected blood and submandibular lymph nodes (LN) of the immunized ear to perform a histochemical analysis, and to measure the plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines. Results: The NC/Nga mice immunized with mite Ag suffered from AD-like skin lesions including erythema followed by edema, excoriation and scaling. The histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the affected skin showed epidermal hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis, severe infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages, and degranulation of mast cells. The total plasma IgE level was markedly elevated in mite Ag-treated mice. LN cells of mice immunized with mite Ag synthesized IgE in an Ag-dependent manner and secreted interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 but not interferon-γ. Conclusions: NC/Nga mice treated with mite Ag manifest clinical and immunological aspects similar to patients with AD, suggesting that this model is suitable for exploring the pathogenesis of human AD.
Time-to-Effect–Based Dosing Strategy for Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the plusONE Multicenter Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial

Background The optimal dosage of cryotherapy during cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins is still unclear. This trial tested the noninferiority of a novel, individualized, cryotherapy-dosing strategy for each vein. Methods and Results This prospective, randomized, multicenter, noninferiority study included 140 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which was refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Patients were randomly assigned to a conventional strategy of 180-second cryoballoon applications per vein with a bonus freeze (control group, n=70) or to a shorter-time application protocol, with 1 application that lasted the time required for electric block time to effect plus 60- and a 120-second freeze bonus (study group, n=70). Patients were followed with a long-term monitoring system of 30 days. At 1-year follow-up, no difference was observed in terms of free atrial fibrillation-recurrence rates: 79.4% in control versus 78.3% in study group (&Dgr;=1.15%; 90% confidence interval, −10.33% to 12.63%; P=0.869). Time to effect was detected in 72.1% of veins. The control and study groups had similar mean number of applications per patient (9.6±2 versus 9.9±2.4; P=0.76). Compared with controls, the study group had a significantly shorter cryotherapy time (28.3±7 versus 19.4±4.3 minutes; P<0.001), left atrium time (104±25 versus 92±23 minutes; P<0.01), and total procedure time (135±35 versus 119±31 minutes; P<0.01). No differences were observed in complications or acute reconnections. Conclusions The new time-to-effect–based cryotherapy dosage protocol led to shorter cryotherapy and procedure times, with equal safety, and similar acute and 1-year follow-up results, compared with the conventional approach. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02789358.
The IFNG rs1861494 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Is Associated with Protection against Tuberculosis Disease in Argentina

Interferon gamma (IFNG) plays a key role during Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, and several polymorphisms located in its gene are associated with risk of tuberculosis in diverse populations. Nevertheless, the genetic resistance/susceptibility to tuberculosis in Argentina is unknown. The IFNG rs1861494 polymorphism (G→A) was reported to alter the binding of transcription factors to this region, influencing IFNG production. Using a case-control study, we found an association between the AA and AG genotypes and tuberculosis resistance (AA vs. GG: odds ratio (OR) = 0.235, p-value = 0.012; AG vs. GG: OR = 0.303, p-value = 0.044; AA vs. AG: OR = 0.776, p-value = 0.427; AA + AG vs. GG: OR = 0.270, p-value = 0.022). Moreover, Mtb-antigen stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and AA carriers secreted the highest amounts of IFNG in culture supernatants (p-value = 0.034) and presented the greatest percentage of CD4+IFNG+ lymphocytes (p-value = 0.035), in comparison with GG carriers. No association between the polymorphism and clinical parameters of tuberculosis severity was detected. However, our findings indicate that the rs1861494 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) could be considered as a biomarker of tuberculosis resistance in the Argentinean population.
Detecting and Managing Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes in Patients With Acute Stroke

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes (pre-DM) in acute stroke patients, to evaluate recommendations of diabetes treatment and follow-up care in a hospital setting, and to examine 1-year readmission rates based on admission A1C measure. Methods This retrospective study comprised 200 patients randomly selected from 1095 patients admitted with an acute stroke and an A1C measurement during admission. DM and pre-DM prevalence levels were determined per A1C level. Recommendations for diabetes treatment during and after hospitalization were assessed; charts were reviewed for readmission. Results Among 200 patients, 43% had known DM, and 0.5% had pre-DM. Among 113 patients without history of DM or pre-DM, 61.9% had A1C 5.7% to 6.4% (39-46 mmol/mol), and 8.8% had A1C ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). None of the newly diagnosed pre-DM and 60% of newly diagnosed DM were documented. Only 7 of newly diagnosed DM or pre-DM patients received diabetes education. For patients with known DM and A1C ≥7.0% (53 mmol/mol), 40.5% registered no change of diabetic regimen. Few patients were recommended for diabetes follow-up care. Patients with A1C ≥6.5% or <5.7% were more likely to be readmitted for any reason within 1 year (33.3% and 31.6%, respectively) than patients with A1C levels of 5.7% to 6.4% (16.5%). Conclusions The majority of acutely admitted stroke patients without known DM or pre-DM had A1C ≥5.7%. Newly diagnosed DM or pre-DM patients received inadequate diabetes education and follow-up care. These findings provide significant opportunities for improving acute stroke management.
An Infrared Dye–Conjugated Virus-like Particle for the Treatment of Primary Uveal Melanoma

The work outlined herein describes AU-011, a novel recombinant papillomavirus-like particle (VLP) drug conjugate and its initial evaluation as a potential treatment for primary uveal melanoma. The VLP is conjugated with a phthalocyanine photosensitizer, IRDye 700DX, that exerts its cytotoxic effect through photoactivation with a near-infrared laser. We assessed the anticancer properties of AU-011 in vitro utilizing a panel of human cancer cell lines and in vivo using murine subcutaneous and rabbit orthotopic xenograft models of uveal melanoma. The specificity of VLP binding (tumor targeting), mediated through cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), was assessed using HSPG-deficient cells and by inclusion of heparin in in vitro studies. Our results provide evidence of potent and selective anticancer activity, both in vitro and in vivo. AU-011 activity was blocked by inhibiting its association with HSPG using heparin and using cells lacking surface HSPG, indicating that the tumor tropism of the VLP was not affected by dye conjugation and cell association is critical for AU-011–mediated cytotoxicity. Using the uveal melanoma xenograft models, we observed tumor uptake following intravenous (murine) and intravitreal (rabbit) administration and, after photoactivation, potent dose-dependent tumor responses. Furthermore, in the rabbit orthotopic model, which closely models uveal melanoma as it presents in the clinic, tumor treatment spared the retina and adjacent ocular structures. Our results support further clinical development of this novel therapeutic modality that might transform visual outcomes and provide a targeted therapy for the early-stage treatment of patients with this rare and life-threatening disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(2); 565–74. ©2017 AACR.
Predictors of Transfer to Home Hemodialysis after Peritoneal Dialysis Completion

♦ Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictors of transfer to home hemodialysis (HHD) after peritoneal dialysis (PD) completion. ♦ Methods: All Australian and New Zealand patients treated with PD on day 90 after initiation of renal replacement therapy between 2000 and 2012 were included. Completion of PD was defined by death, transplantation, or hemodialysis (HD) for 180 days or more. Patients were categorized as “transferred to HHD” if they initiated HHD fewer than 180 days after PD had ended. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of transfer to HHD in a restricted cohort experiencing PD technique failure; a competing-risks analysis was used in the unrestricted cohort. ♦ Results: Of 10 710 incident PD patients, 3752 died, 1549 underwent transplantation, and 2915 transferred to HD, among whom 156 (5.4%) started HHD. The positive predictors of transfer to HHD in the restricted cohort were male sex [odds ratio (OR): 2.81], obesity (OR: 2.20), and PD therapy duration (OR: 1.10 per year). Negative predictors included age (OR: 0.95 per year), infectious cause of technique failure (OR: 0.48), underweight (OR: 0.50), kidney disease resulting from hypertension (OR: 0.38) or diabetes (OR: 0.32), race being Maori (OR: 0.65) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (OR: 0.30). Comparable results were obtained with a competing-risks model. ♦ Conclusions: Transfer to HHD after completion of PD is rare and predicted by patient characteristics at baseline and at the time of PD end. Transition to HHD should be considered more often in patients using PD, especially when they fulfill the identified characteristics.
ASSESSMENT OF THE NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY AND RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN LAO CEMENT SAMPLES

The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K natural radionuclides in Lao Portland cement samples were measured using a gamma-spectrometry with a HPGe detector. The activity concentrations were found to vary from 28.32 ± 2.23 to 65.50 ± 2.83 Bq kg-1 with a mean value of 41.12 ± 2.44 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra; from 7.25 ± 2.00 to 44.01 ± 2.45 Bq kg-1 with a mean of 16.60 ± 2.37 Bq kg-1 for 232Th and from 49.19 ± 4.27 to 196.74 ± 4.75 Bq kg-1 with a mean of 141.48 ± 4.50 Bq kg-1 for 40K, respectively. The radiological parameters were estimated to assess the potential radiological hazard including radium equivalent activity, total external absorbed dose rate in outdoor air at 1 m above the earth's surface, the annual effective dose, the gamma and alpha-indices were calculated using the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. The results obtained in this study show no significant radiological hazards arising from using Lao Portland cement for building construction.
Glitch-aware variable pipeline optimization for CGRAs

Although some coarse grained reconfigurable arrays (CGRAs) have a function to unify multiple processing elements (PEs) to enhance the energy efficiency, it sometimes causes propagation of glitches widely resulting in the power increases. We propose a dynamic power model considering glitches and an optimization technique using it for CGRAs. The model aims to estimate the energy consumption from the switching counts of a PE array approximately. The model and optimization were applied to a real chip of the low power CGRA called the VPCMA (Variable Pipeline Cool Mega Array). Compared with the energy estimation with a post-layout simulation, the model could estimate it with more than 10000 times faster with smaller error from the results of the real chip measurement. The optimized pipeline structure using the proposed method achived better energy consumption compared to fixed pitch pipeline structures in most cases.
Pancreatic Pseudocyst Ruptured due to Acute Intracystic Hemorrhage

Rupture of pancreatic pseudocyst is one of the rare complications and usually results in high mortality. The present case was a rupture of pancreatic pseudocyst that could be treated by surgical intervention. A 74-year-old man developed abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and he was diagnosed with cholecystitis and pneumonia. Three days later, acute pancreatitis occurred and computed tomography (CT) showed slight hemorrhage in the cyst of the pancreatic tail. After another 10 days, CT showed pancreatic cyst ruptured due to intracystic hemorrhage. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed leakage of contrast agent from pancreatic tail cyst to enclosed abdominal cavity. His left hypochondrial pain was increasing, and CT showed rupture of the cyst of the pancreatic tail into the peritoneal cavity was increased in 10 days. CT showed also two left renal tumors. Therefore we performed distal pancreatectomy with concomitant resection of transverse colon and left kidney. We histopathologically diagnosed pancreatic pseudocyst ruptured due to intracystic hemorrhage and renal cell carcinoma. Despite postoperative paralytic ileus and fluid collection at pancreatic stump, they improved by conservative management and he could be discharged on postoperative day 29. He has achieved relapse-free survival for 6 months postoperatively. The mortality of pancreatic pseudocyst rupture is very high if some effective medical interventions cannot be performed. It should be necessary to plan appropriate treatment strategy depending on each patient.
Diamond burs versus curettes in root planing: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND This study compares diamond burs and curettes by clinical, microbiological, biochemical and scanning electron microscopic parameters and treatment time data in the non-surgical periodontal treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS Two quadrants of each of the 12 patients received root planing with diamond burs, whereas the other two quadrants were treated with curettes. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded at baseline and then 1, 3 and 6 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment. Subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained at baseline and 1-month control. Twenty-one hopeless teeth received root planing with diamond burs or curettes or no treatment and then extracted for microscopic evaluations. RESULTS Clinical periodontal parameters improved similarly with both treatment modalities. Microbiological analyses revealed similar findings for the bacterial load (16S gene copy numbers) and ratio of each bacterium to the total bacterial count at baseline and 1-month control. Cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid samples exhibited differences between the two treatments. Scanning electron microscopic analyses indicated that diamond burs were better in terms of calculus removal and loss of tooth substance indices but roughness index values were better for curettes. CONCLUSIONS Diamond burs provide findings comparable with curettes in root planing.
Fungicidal PMMA-Undecylenic Acid Composites

Undecylenic acid (UA), known as antifungal agent, still cannot be used to efficiently modify commercial dental materials in such a way that this affects Candida. Actually, issues with Candida infections and fungal resistance compromise the use of Poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) as dental material. The challenge remains to turn PMMA into an antifugal material, which can ideally affect both sessile (attached) and planktonic (free-floating) Candida cells. We aimed to tackle this challenge by designing PMMA-UA composites with different UA concentrations (3–12%). We studied their physico-chemical properties, the antifungal effect on Candida and the cytotoxicity toward human cells. We found that UA changes the PMMA surface into a more hydrophilic one. Mainly, as-preparation composites with ≥6% UA reduced sessile Candida for >90%. After six days, the composites were still efficiently reducing the sessile Candida cells (for ~70% for composites with ≥6% UA). Similar results were recorded for planktonic Candida. Moreover, the inhibition zone increased along with the UA concentration. The antifungal effect of UA was also examined at the surface of an UA-loaded agar and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) was below the lowest-studied 0.0125% UA. Furthermore, the embedded filamentation test after 24 h and 48 h showed complete inhibition of the Candida growth at 0.4% UA.
Psychological Features of Hypnotizability: A First Step Towards Its Empirical Definition

Abstract This study examined the relationship between the Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP) and several psychological tests: Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS), Spontaneity Assessment Inventory-Revised (SAI-R), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Short-Form Boundary Questionnaire (SFBQ), Mini Locus of Control (MLOC), Testoni Death Representation Scale (TDRS), and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Two hundred and forty volunteers were administered the above tests; 78 of them were also administered the HIP, and its scores were compared to those on the other tests. A significant correlation was found among the TAS, DES, SFBQ, and IRI. The HIP was significantly correlated to the DES (r = .19 p 1tail = .045), and the IRI-ec subscale (r = .19 p 1tail = .044); 14 test items from DES, IRI, TAS, SAIR, and SFBQ were also significantly related to the HIP. The findings suggest that hypnotizability may relate to stronger perception of the inner world, decreased aptitude for managing memory processing, and increased sensitivity and empathy.
The victim–offender overlap in late adulthood

ABSTRACT This study contributes to the general knowledge of the victim–offender overlap by determining whether the phenomenon exists among older adults and whether known correlates of crime and victimization explain the relationship. Cross-sectional survey data from telephone interviews conducted with individuals 60 years and older (N = 2,000) residing in Arizona and Florida are used to estimate confirmatory factor models for both victimization and criminal offending. The results from a series of multivariate regression models show that victimization is associated with criminal offending. While factors such as low self-control, depression, and spending time in commercial drinking establishments partially attenuate the victimization–crime link, the statistically significant relationship persists in a multivariate context. Further testing indicates that the observed findings are robust across measurement and modeling strategies. Coupled with prior research, the results support the argument that the victim–offender overlap exists (and is difficult to explain) over the life course.
Dietary Intake Among Opioid- and Alcohol-Using Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT Background: Substance abuse in nonpregnant adults has been associated with increased intake in calories and decreased intake of nutrient-dense foods; however, studies examining dietary intake in opioid-using and alcohol-using pregnant women are lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary intake in opioid-using pregnant women with or without concurrent light-to-moderate alcohol use as compared to abstaining controls. Methods: This prospective birth cohort included 102 pregnant women classified into four study groups: controls (n = 27), medication-assisted treatment (MAT; n = 26), alcohol (ALC; n = 22), and concurrent use of both substances (MAT + ALC; n = 27). Percentage differences in macro- and micronutrient intake were estimated from the food frequency questionnaire and compared among the study groups. Proportions of participants with intakes below the estimated average requirements (EAR) based on diet and diet with supplements were estimated. Results: Three exposed groups had lower prevalence of multivitamin use in periconceptional period (11.5–31.8%) than controls (44.4%). Unadjusted mean energy intake was significantly higher in the MAT + ALC group compared to controls, while micronutrient intake per 1000 kcal was the highest in the control group for almost all of the micronutrients analyzed. After adjustment for energy intake and sociodemographic characteristics, MAT group had lower estimated dietary intake of iron (−15.0%, p = 0.04) and folate (−16.8%, p = 0.04) compared to controls. A high proportion of participants in all study groups had dietary intake below the EAR for vitamin E, iron, and folate. Conclusion: Results highlight the need for targeted dietary interventions for opioid-using pregnant women.
The ARF guanine nucleotide exchange factor GBF1 is targeted to Golgi membranes through a PIP-binding domain

ABSTRACT ADP-ribosylation factors (ARF) GTPases are activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) to support cellular homeostasis. Key to understanding spatio-temporal regulation of ARF signaling is the mechanism of GEF recruitment to membranes. Small GEFs are recruited through phosphoinositide (PIP) binding by a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain downstream from the catalytic Sec7 domain (Sec7d). The large GEFs lack PH domains, and their recruitment mechanisms are poorly understood. We probed Golgi recruitment of GBF1, a GEF catalyzing ARF activation required for Golgi homeostasis. We show that the homology downstream of Sec7d-1 (HDS1) regulates Golgi recruitment of GBF1. We document that GBF1 binds phosphoinositides, preferentially PI3P, PI4P and PI(4,5)P2, and that lipid binding requires the HDS1 domain. Mutations within HDS1 that reduce GBF1 binding to specific PIPs in vitro inhibit GBF1 targeting to Golgi membranes in cells. Our data imply that HDS1 and PH domains are functionally analogous in that each uses lipid-based membrane information to regulate GEF recruitment. Lipid-based recruitment of GBF1 extends the paradigm of lipid regulation to small and large GEFs and suggests that lipid-based mechanisms evolved early during GEF diversification. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Our work represents the first report showing PIP binding by a large GEF GBF1 and the crucial importance of such binding in membrane recruitment.