Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations on the interhemisphreic transmission of information in 9 patients with corpus callosum defect.

1) This is a report of nine patients with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Three of them had a complete defect of the corpus callosum as seen on X-rays; in 4 patients there was a partial agenesis and two patients partial defect was combined with a lipoma. Most of these patients were epileptics. 2) In order to determine the interhemispheric transfer of somaesthetic patterns bimanual tests (comparison of lengths and weights and a maze test) were used. The test results obtained by the acallosal patients have been compared with those of two groups of control persons, one group of normal subjects and a second group of epileptics. 3) A slight impairment of interhemispheric transmission of somaesthetic patterns has been found in the weight test and in the maze test. In part of the tests these results could be established statistically. 4) With comparisons against the control groups the disturbances of the interhemispheric transfer in acallosal patients were more obvious with the more difficult and complex perceptuomotor tasks. 5) In testing the reactions to hemioptic informations we found no hints for special disturbances of interhemispheric transmission in the acallosal patients. 6) On the Hamburg-Wechsler intelligence scale the mean IQ of the nine patients was slightly below average. 7) The test results are discussed in regard to findings after split brain operations in humans and animals.
The built environment and older adults: A literature review and an applied approach to engaging older adults in built environment improvements for health

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This paper presents a review of the literature about the built environment as it impacts the health of older people. It then introduces the gerontological nurse and researcher to the Our Voice framework for engaging older people as citizen scientists in order to empower them as agents of change in improving their local built environment and ultimately advancing community health. BACKGROUND Community-level strategies to promote successful ageing in place are critical both to optimising health outcomes and containing healthcare costs. Such strategies must take into account the influence of the built environment both on individual health behaviours and on overall community health. At the same time, the perspectives and experiences of older people themselves ought to inform policies and practices in a systematic way. DESIGN Integrative literature review. METHOD A wide scan of English language articles published in the EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL bibliographic databases was conducted. Additional articles were sourced by mining relevant reference lists (i.e., snowball sampling). Papers included were published between 2005 and 2016. RESULTS Three distinct components emerged from the review: the impact of the built environment on health-in particular the health of older persons; citizen science and its applicability for older people research; and the promise of the Our Voice citizen science framework to activate changes in the built environment that improve older peoples' health. CONCLUSION The ageing of the world's population brings with it an increased population-level risk of chronic disease and disability. We present the Our Voice framework, developed by researchers at Stanford University, as a promising strategy for engaging and empowering older people as citizen scientists, as a framework to apply to gerontological nursing and improving community health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Gerontology nurses are encouraged to: (i) Recognise the impact of the built environment and other community-level factors on the health of their patients. (ii) Encourage older adults to take an active role in documenting features of their environments that promote or hinder healthy living. (iii) Support policies and programmes that promote healthy environments.
Scorpion Venom Causes Apoptosis by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Cycle Arrest in MDA-MB-231 and HCT-8 Cancer Cell Lines

Objectives. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of scorpion venoms on cancer cell progression, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Scorpion venoms are known to possess numerous bioactive compounds that act against cancer progression by inducing apoptosis. In this study, we have taken the venoms from the following 2 species of scorpion—Androctonus crassicauda and Leiurus quinquestriatus—and tested the anticancer properties of the venom against breast and colorectal cancer cell lines. Methods. Milking of scorpion venom and culturing the breast and colorectal cancer cell lines were done according to the standard procedure. The venom cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT methods, and the cellular and nuclear changes were studied with phase contrast and propidium iodide staining, respectively. The cell cycle arrest and accumulation of reactive oxygen species were analyzed on a Muse cell analyzer. Results. The venoms exerted cytotoxic effects on breast and colorectal cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Enhanced apoptotic cells, increase in reactive oxygen species, and cell cycle arrest were observed after challenging these cell lines with scorpion venoms. Conclusions. Scorpion venom induces apoptosis in breast and colorectal cell lines as reflected by the changes in the cell morphology and cell cycle studies. Furthermore, a high percentage of total reactive oxygen species as well as apoptotic cells also contribute to cell death as observed after venom treatments. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first scientific evidence demonstrating the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by these species of scorpion venoms.
Reply to Ziesenitz, Victoria; Erb Thomas; Trachsel, Daniel; van den Anker Johannes, regarding their comment “Safety of dipryone (metamizole) in children—what's the risk of agranulocytosis?”

_Sir_ We would like to thank Ziesenitz and colleagues for their additive comments to our review concerning the evidence of analgesic efficacy of dipyrone in children. Since dipyrone was recently included in the Dutch national guideline for postoperative pain treatment, our first aim was to obtain more insight in the evidence of the analgesic efficacy when used in children: eg, if it is more potent than other analgesics prescribed for mild pain like paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For this we found no evidence. On the contrary, in good quality randomized controlled trials, the efficacy of dipyrone or paracetamol appeared similar. In lower quality RCTs, it was similar or even less effective than ketorolac. About the safety we have given a warning but the pharmaco-epidemiologic calculations are done for the risk on agranulocytosis; results and estimations differ every time in each study. We share the concerns by Ziesenitz regarding the risk of agranulocytosis with dipyrone; as pediatric studies largely differed in design, we were not able to provide a risk to develop this serious adverse event in children.2 In the studies mentioned by Ziesenitz, mean age of patients who developed agranulocytosis was around 60 years (11-93). Only a small proportion of patients (3.7% and 3.9%) were younger than 18 years. The greatest risk factors mentioned in both articles are: older age, female sex, triple blood line dyscrasia, and concomitant treatment with methotrexate. We are worried that the risk of developing agranulocytosis is underestimated. First, because of the possibility of underreporting of this serious and sometimes fatal adverse drug reaction and second because the numbers are increasing because of an increase in prescriptions of dipyrone partly due to off label indications. We are aware of the increasing use of opioids in both North America and Europe with associated life-threatening respiratory events, a subject also frequently debated in the Pediatric Pain List. Therefore, we would certainly advocate the perioperative use of adjuvant analgesics to reduce opioid prescriptions. But based on the available evidence in literature, there is certainly no place for the use of dipyrone. There are enough alternatives available, including intravenous paracetamol, though for some also with limited evidence.
Intravesical BCG in Patients with Carcinoma in situ of the Urinary Bladder: Long–Term Results of EORTC GU Group Phase II Protocol 30861

Objectives: This phase II study was designed to assess the response rate, side effects and long–term efficacy of BCG in the treatment of carcinoma in situ (Cis) of the urinary bladder. Methods: 103 eligible patients with Cis were treated with 6 consecutive weekly intravesical instillations of 120 mg BCG–Connaught. In case of no response, a second 6–week course was given. Results: A complete response (CR) was observed in 77 of the 103 eligible patients (75%) and 93 evaluable patients (83%). In 6 of 10 patients the CR was induced by a second cycle of 6 weekly instillations. After a median follow–up of 7.6 years, 39 of the 77 CR patients (50%) are still alive and have retained their bladder, 31 (40%) without tumor recurrence. Another 7 patients underwent cystectomy and are still alive while 16 (20%) have died due to bladder cancer. Ten patients stopped treatment due to toxicity. In 2 patients, cystectomy was done because of severe cystitis and reduced bladder capacity. Drug cystitis, bacterial cystitis and fever occurred in 45, 15 and 15% of the patients, respectively. Severe drug cystitis was noted in 3 out of 10 patients receiving more than 6 instillations, necessitating cystectomy in 1 case. Conclusion: Intravesical short–term BCG is an effective treatment modality in Cis, yielding a high CR rate. This therapy may however be suboptimal in some patients as the 5–year disease–free rate in complete responders drops to 60%. Still, this is an acceptable result for patients in whom cystectomy would otherwise be performed in virtually all cases.
A chemical and histological study of artificial caries in human dental enamel in vitro.

A method is described for the preparation of caries-like lesions in human enamel using a short column of methyl cellulose gel to restrict demineralisation by lactate buffer. The procedure permits the analytical determination of the ions leaving the enamel. It is found that there is a preferential removal of calcium compared to phosphorus and this is interpreted in terms of a calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite system. The lesions produced show the apparently intact surface zone characteristic of the early carious lesion. Ground sections, when examined by polarised light, show a surface zone with 1–5% pore volume over a more extensively demineralised main body of the lesion. Only the dark zone was missing in sections examined after imbibition with quinoline.
New Developments in Genetic rat models of Parkinson's Disease

Preclinical research on Parkinson's disease has relied heavily on mouse and rat animal models. Initially, PD animal models were generated primarily by chemical neurotoxins that induce acute loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. On the discovery of genetic mutations causally linked to PD, mice were used more than rats to generate laboratory animals bearing PD‐linked mutations because mutagenesis was more difficult in rats. Recent advances in technology for mammalian genome engineering and optimization of viral expression vectors have increased the use of genetic rat models of PD. Emerging research tools include “knockout” rats with disruption of genes in which mutations have been causally linked to PD, including LRRK2, α‐synuclein, Parkin, PINK1, and DJ‐1. Rats have also been increasingly used for transgenic and viral‐mediated overexpression of genes relevant to PD, particularly α‐synuclein. It may not be realistic to obtain a single animal model that completely reproduces every feature of a human disease as complex as PD. Nevertheless, compared with mice with the same mutations, many genetic rat animal models of PD better reproduce key aspects of PD including progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, locomotor behavior deficits, and age‐dependent formation of abnormal α‐synuclein protein aggregates. Here we briefly review new developments in genetic rat models of PD that may have greater potential for identifying underlying mechanisms, for discovering novel therapeutic targets, and for developing greatly needed treatments to slow or halt disease progression. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Polyphosphate as a donor of high-energy phosphate for the synthesis of ADP and ATP

ABSTRACT Here, we studied the potential role of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) as an energy source for ADP and ATP formation in the extracellular space. In SaOS-2 cells, we show that matrix vesicles are released into the extracellular space after incubation with polyP. These vesicles contain both alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and adenylate kinase (AK) activities (mediated by ALPL and AK1 enzymes). Both enzymes translocate to the cell membrane in response to polyP. To distinguish the process(es) of AMP and ADP formation during ALP hydrolysis from the ATP generated via the AK reaction, inhibition studies with the AK inhibitor A(5′)P5(5′)A were performed. We found that ADP formation in the extracellular space occurs after enzymatic ATP synthesis. After exposure to polyP, a significant increase of the ADP level was observed, which is likely to be been catalyzed by ALP. This increase is not due to an intensified ATP release via exocytosis. The ATP level in the extracellular space of SaOS-2 cells is strongly increased in response to polyP, very likely mediated by the AK. We propose that the ALP and AK enzymes are involved in the extracellular ADP and ATP synthesis. Summary: Polyphosphate is a prime candidate for the compound that serves as a donor for the formation of extracellular ‘high-energy’ bonds during the formation of extracellular ATP and ADP, and hence can act as a metabolic fuel.
Nearly single-mode Raman lasing at 954  nm in a graded-index fiber directly pumped by a multimode laser diode.

High beam quality and narrow spectrum have been obtained in a Raman fiber laser based on a 1.1 km long graded-index fiber directly pumped by a multimode 915 nm laser diode. The generation of a near-diffraction-limited beam at 954 nm with M2≤1.27 and Δλ=0.42 nm at an output power above 10 W is enabled by a cavity mirror made of a special fiber Bragg grating inscribed by a femtosecond technique in the central part of the graded-index fiber core.
T-cell Responses in the Microenvironment of Primary Renal Cell Carcinoma—Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy

TILs isolated from primary RCC specimens could recognize tumors. However, their immune responses were weaker than TILs from metastatic melanoma and displayed a mono-/oligo-functional pattern. The ability to select and expand poly-functional T cells may improve cell therapy for RCC. In vitro expansion of large numbers of highly potent tumor-reactive T cells appears a prerequisite for effective adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) as shown in metastatic melanoma (MM). We therefore sought to determine whether renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are infiltrated with tumor-reactive T cells that could be efficiently employed for adoptive transfer immunotherapy. TILs and autologous tumor cell lines (TCL) were successfully generated from 22 (92%) and 17 (77%) of 24 consecutive primary RCC specimens and compared with those generated from metastatic melanoma. Immune recognition of autologous TCLs or fresh tumor digests was observed in CD8+ TILs from 82% of patients (18/22). Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the tumoricidal capacity of RCC-TILs. The overall expansion capacity of RCC-TILs was similar to MM-TILs. However, the magnitude, polyfunctionality, and ability to expand in classical expansion protocols of CD8+ T-cell responses was lower compared with MM-TILs. The RCC-TILs that did react to the tumor were functional, and antigen presentation and processing of RCC tumors was similar to MM-TILs. Direct recognition of tumors with cytokine-induced overexpression of human leukocyte antigen class II was observed from CD4+ T cells (6/12; 50%). Thus, TILs from primary RCC specimens could be isolated, expanded, and could recognize tumors. However, immune responses of expanded CD8+ RCC-TILs were typically weaker than MM-TILs and displayed a mono-/oligofunctional pattern. The ability to select, enrich, and expand tumor-reactive polyfunctional T cells may be critical in developing effective ACT with TILs for RCC. In summary, TILs isolated from primary RCC specimens could recognize tumors. However, their immune responses were weaker than MM-TILs and displayed a mono-/oligofunctional pattern. The ability to select and expand polyfunctional T cells may improve cell therapy for RCC. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(2); 222–35. ©2018 AACR.
A Surgical Treatment of Infected Pancreatic Necrosis: Retroperitoneal Laparotomy

Background/Aims: Due to the anatomical location of the pancreas, sufficient drainage of a pancreatic necrosis by laparotomy may be unsatisfactory. Methods: CT and helical CT have provided extremely useful information on the surgical treatment of necrotic pancreatitis. The retroperitoneal approach (RPA) allows direct and complete removal of necrotic tissues. Results: RPA was used to treat 8 patients with infected pancreatic necrosis. Excision of necrotic tissues was effective and could minimize the complications often associated with laparotomy such as bleeding and intestinal injuries. Conclusion: By CT and helical CT, three-dimensional images of pancreatic necrosis are obtained. These investigations have greatly facilitated RPA, which has advantages over laparotomy in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Acrossocheilus beijiangensis (Cyprinidae, Barbinae)

Abstract Acrossocheilus beijiangensis is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of A. beijiangensis has been determined using polymerase chain reaction technique. The genome is 16 600 bp in length, it includes 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, a D-loop control region, and another non-coding region called replication origin of Light strand (OL). The order of mitochondrial genes was found to be analogous to other vertebrates. The overall base composition of A. beijiangensis, mitochondrial DNA, was calculated and determined to consist of 30.6% A, 24.9% T, 28.1% C, and 16.3% G. Additionally it was found that most of the mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand except the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) and eight tRNA genes. The availability of A. beijangesis mitogenome will provide basic data for the systematic categorization of Acrossocheilus sp. , as well as the phylogenetic analysis of Cyprinid fishes.
Meeting other moms: Lesbian adoptive mothers' relationships with other parents at school and beyond

ABSTRACT Little research has examined the friendships of lesbian parents, especially within the context of children's schools. This study of 40 lesbian adoptive parents (20 couples) focused on their relationships with other parents in the school community and how sexual orientation, race, and class dynamics impacted these relationships. Half of the participants described friendships with parents at the school, sometimes in spite of demographic differences, whereas others felt disconnected due to these differences. Outside of school, most participants reported friendships with other lesbian/gay parents. Parents who felt less connected to other parents at school tended to describe more lesbian/gay parent connections. Findings highlight the impact of life stage and context in shaping friendship patterns among lesbian parents.
Multiple Organ Dysfunction: The Defining Syndrome of Sepsis.

BACKGROUND Sepsis as a process has been recognized since the time of the Ancient Greeks. The concept has evolved recently to reflect a disease process of a severe, systemic response to infection. Acute, life-threatening but potentially reversible organ dysfunction is its hallmark, and unresolving organ dysfunction is the dominant cause of death in critical illness. Its evolution, persistence, and resolution reflect a complex interplay of factors originating in the initial inciting insult, the innate immune and metabolic response of the host, and the beneficial and harmful consequences of intensive care unit (ICU) supportive care. DISCUSSION We describe the common clinical manifestations of the six prototypic organ system dysfunction syndromes of severe sepsis and review the associated epidemiology and suspected pathophysiology.
Discrepancy between Gleason Scores of Biopsy and Radical Prostatectomy Specimens

Objective: The grade of the prostate cancer is an important factor in defining prognosis and deciding on treatment. In this study, we compared the Gleason score determined by 18–gauge core needle biopsies with both the Gleason score and pathological staging of the radical prostatectomy specimens.Patients and Methods: Between July 1992 and September 1998, we performed 144 radical retropubic prostatectomies for clinically localized prostatic carcinoma, after a negative frozen section in bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy in all cases. Ten patients with pathologic stage T1a and T1b were excluded. The final study group consisted of 134 patients, all of whom had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma by transrectal needle biopsies with an 18–gauge automated spring–loaded biopsy gun. No patients received neoadjuvant therapy, including androgen deprivation and radiation therapy. All patients had a designated Gleason score on the needle biopsy and prostatectomy specimens.Results: We found that grading error was greatest with well–differentiated (Gleason score 2–4) tumors, The accuracy was 15% for Gleason score 2–4 on needle biopsy. Of the 113 evaluable patients with Gleason score 5–7 on needle biopsy, 110 (97%) were graded correctly. All of the Gleason score 8–10 on needle biopsy was graded correctly. But only 1 patient in our series had Gleason score 8 on needle biopsy. Twenty–seven (25%) of 110 patients with a biopsy grade of Gleason score <7 had the cancer upgraded to 7. Of patients with both Gleason score <7 in the needle biopsy and Gleason score 7 in the prostatectomy specimen, only 3 (11%) had tumor confined to the prostate.Conclusion: The potential for grading error is greatest with well–differentiated tumors and of patients with both Gleason scores <7 in the needle biopsy and Gleason score 7 in the prostatectomy specimen, only 11% had tumor confined to the prostate. This effects treatment policy, especially for watchful waiting criteria.
Running in people with cerebral palsy: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Running is a fundamental motor skill which is important for participation in recreational activities throughout the lifespan. Aim: To identify, appraise, and synthesize the evidence related to running in people with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A search of electronic databases was conducted in April 2016. Articles were reviewed by two assessors and had to meet the following criteria: 1) population included people with CP; and 2) included information about running. Articles were assessed for quality using the Checklist for Measuring Study Quality by Downs and Black. Results: Of 2607 articles initially identified, 56 underwent full-text review and 17 were included. Quantitative analysis was not possible. The quality of descriptive studies was fair-good, while intervention studies scored poor-good. Four of the 12 descriptive studies reported kinematic and kinetic data. Five intervention studies included running as an outcome measure, although running was not the focus of intervention. A few studies showed that sprint speed, agility, and running efficiency are impaired in people with CP, but mechanisms underlying these impairments have yet to be reported. Interpretation: Research on running in people with CP is limited, methodology and findings are inconsistent and studies are generally fair quality. Further investigation is warranted.