Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
D-Dimer Levels, Constitutional Thrombophilia, and Venous Thrombosis Prediction: Clinical Aspects and Implications

The negative predictive value of D-dimers in the diagnosis of a recent venous thromboembolism (VTE) episode is well established. The plasma level of D-dimer is usually increased in hypercoagulable states. The measurement of D-dimer could be of clinical interest in patients with constitutional thrombophilia as there is no close relationship between the clinical expression and the genotype indicating the existence of a hypercoagulable state. Moreover, the predictive value of D-dimer testing in patients with thrombophilia has been questioned. The review of the literature and results of a recent study of our group are presented. Decreased levels of D-dimer are observed in patients receiving an oral anticoagulant treatment versus untreated patients. In contrast, no significant difference was observed between those with and those without thrombophilia among treated or untreated patients. Patients with constitutional thrombophilia are supposed to have an increased risk of postoperative VTE. The review of the existing literature could not confirm this opinion but this could be due to the fact that most patients receive a prophylactic treatment. Thus, there is an indirect evidence of its efficacy in these patients.
Optimization-based Multigrid Applied to Aerodynamic Shape Design

In this paper an optimization-based multigrid algorithm is applied to the optimization of systems governed by differential equations. The multigrid algorithm relies on nonlinear optimization models as sub-problems on coarser levels and employs a line search globalization technique. The application of the algorithm to an elliptic model problem and aerodynamic shape design shows the potential for large improvement in the overall computational cost for high fidelity optimizations which typically involve many design and state variables.
Abnormal distribution of dendritic cells in (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice

(NZW × BXSB)F1 mice (W/BF1 mice) have been reported to develop autoimmune diseases with aging. We have also reported that the number of dendritic cells (DCs) increases in the various organs, and that the B-cell response to LPS or interleukin-4 plus anti-μ increase with aging in W/BF1 mice. In the present experiment, we show that many DCs exist not only in the T-cell area but also in the B-cell area and the sinus in the spleen of aged W/BF1 mice, and that the coculturing of DCs from aged W/BF1 mice and B cells from disease-free young W/BF1 mice produces much more IgG and IgM than normal mice. These results suggest that an abnormal distribution of DCs and the interaction of DCs and B cells induce the hyperproduction of immunoglobulin in aged W/BF1 mice.
Reduction of advanced liver fibrosis by short‐term targeted delivery of an angiotensin receptor blocker to hepatic stellate cells in rats

There is no effective therapy for advanced liver fibrosis. Angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers attenuate liver fibrogenesis, yet their efficacy in reversing advanced fibrosis is unknown. We investigated whether the specific delivery of an AT1 receptor blocker to activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reduces established liver fibrosis. We used a platinum‐based linker to develop a conjugate of the AT1 receptor blocker losartan and the HSC‐selective drug carrier mannose‐6‐phosphate modified human serum albumin (losartan‐M6PHSA). An average of seven losartan molecules were successfully coupled to M6PHSA. Rats with advanced liver fibrosis due to prolonged bile duct ligation or carbon tetrachloride administration were treated with daily doses of saline, losartan‐M6PHSA, M6PHSA or oral losartan during 3 days. Computer‐based morphometric quantification of inflammatory cells (CD43), myofibroblasts (smooth muscle α‐actin [α‐SMA]) and collagen deposition (Sirius red and hydroxyproline content) were measured. Hepatic expression of procollagen α2(I) and genes involved in fibrogenesis was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Losartan‐M6PHSA accumulated in the fibrotic livers and colocalized with HSCs, as assessed by immunostaining of anti‐HSA and anti–α‐SMA. Losartan‐M6PHSA, but not oral losartan, reduced collagen deposition, accumulation of myofibroblasts, inflammation and procollagen α2(I) gene expression. Losartan‐M6PHSA did not affect metalloproteinase type 2 and 9 activity and did not cause apoptosis of activated HSCs. Conclusion: Short‐term treatment with HSC‐targeted losartan markedly reduces advanced liver fibrosis. This approach may provide a novel means to treat chronic liver diseases. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.)
Children with autism spectrum disorders: A comparison of those who regress vs. those who do not

Objective: While autism spectrum disorders (ASD) constitute a group of similar conditions, considerable heterogeneity in symptoms of these neurodevelopmental disorders have been noted. One of the most important, yet least studied, of these factors is developmental regression. Methods: One-hundred and twenty-five children were studied and broken down into the following three groups: ASD children with and without substantial regression and typically developing children. In study one, the three groups were compared on global measures of ASD symptomatology, comorbid psychopathology, challenging behaviour and social skills. In study two, the two ASD groups were compared on each individual item from the dependent measures. Results: Mean age when regression occurred was 27.76 months. The ASD children as a whole differed from the typically developing controls, showing more symptoms of ASD, as would be expected, and poorer social skills, while differences were also noted between the two ASD groups. Conclusions: It was determined that children with ASD who regress present with a distinct behavioural profile when compared to children with ASD who do not regress, which included greater levels of impairment on global measures of ASD symptomatology, comorbid psychopathology, challenging behaviour and social skills.
Age Estimation of Korean Adults by Occlusal Tooth Wear

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of the modified Kim's scoring system as a practical method of recording occlusal tooth wear and estimating age. For this purpose, 1092 pairs of maxillary and mandibular full‐arch casts were randomly selected, scored, and analyzed. The results showed that the modified Kim's scoring system had excellent reliability, and that occlusal tooth wear had a positive correlation with age. Tooth wear scores of all teeth except the two lower central incisors were higher in males than in females. Calculating tables for age estimation were designed by multiple linear regression analysis. Estimated ages were within ±5 years of actual ages in 63.5% of male subjects, and 64.0% of female subjects. The accuracy of age estimation was increased when the subjects were divided into two age groups and data were re‐analyzed. Collectively, it was shown that the modified Kim's scoring system is a reliable and accurate method for age estimation, and that the data from these 1092 individuals can be used as a standard for age estimation of Korean adults.
The Structural Organization of the Readily Releasable Pool of Synaptic Vesicles

The defining morphological feature of chemical synapses is the vesicle cluster in the presynaptic nerve terminal. It has generally been assumed that vesicles closest to release sites are recruited first during nerve activity. We tested this by selectively labeling the “readily releasable” pool, those vesicles released first during physiological stimulation. The readily releasable vesicles were not clustered close to the presynaptic membrane but instead were dispersed almost randomly throughout the vesicle cluster. Thus, vesicles are not recruited according to proximity to release sites but are mobilized differently, perhaps by being peeled from the surface of the cluster.
Extracellular taurine in the substantia nigra: Taurine‐glutamate interaction

Taurine has been proposed as an inhibitory transmitter in the substantia nigra (SN), but the mechanisms involved in its release and uptake remain practically unexplored. We studied the extracellular pool of taurine in the rat's SN by using microdialysis methods, paying particular attention to the taurine–glutamate (GLU) interaction. Extracellular taurine increased after cell depolarization with high‐K+ in a Ca2+‐dependent manner, being modified by the local perfusion of GLU, GLU receptor agonists, and zinc. Nigral administration of taurine increased the extracellular concentration of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GLU, the transmitters of the two main inputs of the SN. The modification of the glial metabolism with fluocitrate and L‐methionine sulfoximine also changed the extracellular concentration of taurine. The complex regulation of the extracellular pool of taurine, its interaction with GABA and GLU, and the involvement of glial cells in its regulation suggest a volume transmission role for taurine in the SN. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Costantino Landslide Dam Evolution (Southern Italy) by Means of Satellite Images, Aerial Photos, and Climate Data

Large landslides, triggered by earthquakes or heavy rainfall, often obstruct the river’s flow to form landslide dams, causing upstream inundations, and downstream flooding. In Italy, landslide dams are rather widespread along in Alps and Apennines: although the identification of past events is a complex task, some hundreds of landslide dams are identified in the literature. In order to assess the formation and evolution of landslide dams, several studies suggested the employment of geomorphological indexes. In this framework, the knowledge of site-specific time-space evolution can be useful in the understanding of the landslide dams phenomena. The present work focuses on a landslide dam that occurred in January 1973, which totally dammed the Bonamico River Valley (Southern Italy): the lake reached an area of about 175,000 m2, a volume of about 3.6 × 106 m3 and a maximum depth of 40 m. During 1973–2008, the lake surface gradually decreased and nowadays it is completely extinct by filling. By using satellite and aerial images, the paper discusses the evolution of the lake surface and the causes of the lake extinction. The use of a climate index (i.e., standardized precipitation index at different time scale) indicates that in recent decades the alternance of drought and heavy rainfall periods affected the inflow/outflow dynamics, the filling of lake due to the solid transport of the Bonamico River, and the failure of the landslide dam.
Proposal for a new risk stratification classification for meningioma based on patient age, WHO tumor grade, size, localization, and karyotype.

BACKGROUND Tumor recurrence remains the major clinical complication of meningiomas, the majority of recurrences occurring among WHO grade I/benign tumors. In the present study, we propose a new scoring system for the prognostic stratification of meningioma patients based on analysis of a large series of meningiomas followed for a median of >5 years. METHODS Tumor cytogenetics were systematically investigated by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in 302 meningioma samples, and the proposed classification was further validated in an independent series of cases (n = 132) analyzed by high-density (500K) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. RESULTS Overall, we found an adverse impact on patient relapse-free survival (RFS) for males, presence of brain edema, younger patients (<55 years), tumor size >50 mm, tumor localization at intraventricular and anterior cranial base areas, WHO grade II/III meningiomas, and complex karyotypes; the latter 5 variables showed an independent predictive value in multivariate analysis. Based on these parameters, a prognostic score was established for each individual case, and patients were stratified into 4 risk categories with significantly different (P < .001) outcomes. These included a good prognosis group, consisting of approximately 20% of cases, that showed a RFS of 100% ± 0% at 10 years and a very poor-prognosis group with a RFS rate of 0% ± 0% at 10 years. The prognostic impact of the scoring system proposed here was also retained when WHO grade I cases were considered separately (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Based on this risk-stratification classification, different strategies may be adopted for follow-up, and eventually also for treatment, of meningioma patients at different risks for relapse.
Do age, gender and marital status influence job strain development for general practitioner?

BACKGROUND General practice is one of the most stressful workplaces among health care workers and is characterized by higher rates of job strain than in reference population. We need to take into account that respondents are influenced by quite similar working conditions and health status differently. Thus this article aimed to review the subjective processes, which make general practitioners more vulnerable to the job strain. METHODS Computerized database Medline was searched. Search included data for 1983-2003. In this review data form many comparative cross-sectional studies found in this database were included. A data collection form was developed, prepared and filled up on reading each article. RESULTS Collected studies highlighted that age, gender and marital status influence job strain development for general practitioner but were very controversial on how and whom they influence. We found that outcomes of job strain have higher impact for females than for males. We also found data that males have also high rates of job strain working in general practice. The age impact on job strain between females and males increases in older age groups. The rate of job strain is the highest among middle-aged general practitioners and depends on marital status. Married females have the worst health and are most vulnerable to job strain. CONCLUSIONS Magnitude of job strain varies depending on age, gender and marital status of general practitioner. The highest rates of job strain are mostly observed in married females, younger or older general practitioners. Sociodemographic factors contribute to this. The development of job strain, in some extent, can be explained within social context.
Design and control of a dexterous micro manipulator for the accurate miniature electro device assembly

For the assemblies of miniature electronic or optic devices, precision micro manipulation for the accurate alignment is one of the principal challenges. Noting the mechanical misalignment of those precision devices normally results in failure of device functionality, it is necessary to develop an efficient tool for the identification and correction of the problem. Since the corrective activity of those devices usually accompanies some level of plastic deformation, a proper identification of force and deformation during the operation might be essential. Besides, since most of the devices have very dense population of tiny parts spread and arranged in a two-dimensional surface, during the corrective operation maintaining accessibility with a clear path would not be straightforward. Designing process of a manipulating system that accommodates these specific requirements is presented in the present article
Success-based, noncoercive treatment of oppositional behavior in children from violent homes.

OBJECTIVES Errorless compliance training is a success-based, noncoercive intervention for children with severe oppositional behavior. The strategy involves hierarchical introduction of more demanding parental requests at a gradual pace that greatly reduces noncompliance and obviates the need for constraining consequences (e.g., time-out). In this study, this approach was evaluated as a treatment for severe disciplinary problems in children from violent homes. METHOD Participants were 15 children (aged 3-10 years) and their mothers. All participants had experienced long-term family violence. Using a multiple-baseline design, the authors trained parents in a group format and conducted observations of child compliance in the home throughout the intervention. RESULTS Observations indicated improvements in generalized child compliance that were maintained up to 6 months posttreatment. Pre-/post maternal reports indicated significant reductions in maternal perception of child noncompliance, externalizing and internalizing problems, and parenting stress. CONCLUSIONS Researchers have noted a dearth of empirically supported interventions for children from violent homes. Errorless compliance training may help to fill this void, as it appears well suited to treatment of difficulties encountered by these youngsters and their parents.
Human Thrombi Contain an Abundance of Active Thrombin

Summary This study assessed the abundance and activity of thrombin in human thrombi, removed at autopsy or during surgery. Arterial and venous thrombus sections showed thrombin activity by in situ zymography, based on conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Hirudin or antibodies to thrombin abolished the activity. Thrombin activity in extracts of 40 thrombi was quantified by cleavage of fibrinogen or small peptide substrates; the results correlated well (r = 0.87, p<0.0001) with a median activity of about 4.5 IU/g of thrombus (wet weight). Activity correlated poorly with total prothrombin (median 27 μg/g) and was inversely related to antithrombin, but not to PAI-1. Zymography showed two major active bands, thrombin at 37 kDa, and a 50 kDa form that probably corresponds to meizothrombin desF1. The abundant local thrombin demonstrated here has implications for thrombus lysis and extension; incomplete lysis and exposure of active thrombin may lead to re-occlusion of vessels.
ISOLATION AND IN VITRO CULTIVATION OF HUMAN UROTHELIAL CELLS FROM BLADDER WASHINGS OF ADULT PATIENTS AND CHILDREN

To acquire urothelial cells for in vitro engineering of urothelium, biopsy specimens were taken from the urological tract. In clinical practice the number of cells harvested by biopsy are limited and the procedure requires general anaesthesia in children. The purpose of this study was to find out if bladder washings from adult patients as well as children contained enough proliferative and colony-forming uroepithelial cells to regenerate urethral mucosa in vitro, and if the cells could be stored by freezing. Bladder washings from nine children and eight adult patients were collected from patients who were having procedures that required an indwelling catheter. All cultures grew colonies of cells with a morphological appearance typical for epithelial cell growth. The cultures could be expanded to confluent, stratified sheets, and cells that stained for pancytokeratin, indicating an epithelial origin. Cells stored in 3150 C could be cultured and expanded in vitro. N o differences were seen between cells from adults and children. Bladder washing is a non-invasive way to obtain many autologous urothelial cells. The method is reproducible and well tolerated by children. The possibility of culturing cells obtained in this way into stratified grafts provides a unique way of reconstructing the urogenital tract by "tissue engineering''.
Risk for the development of atherosclerosis in women with a high amount [corrected] of dental plaque and severe gingival inflammation.

INTRODUCTION Chronic infection and inflammation are considered to be risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases; the chronic inflammatory and microbial burden caused by the dental plaque in these individuals may predispose them to atherosclerotic process. AIMS The aims were to study the involvement of a high level of dental plaque, severe gingival inflammation and periodontitis in the development of early atherosclerotic process in women. METHODS Forty-six randomly chosen women with periodontitis and 21 periodontally healthy women were subjected to a comprehensive clinical oral examination, including oral hygiene status and level of gingival inflammation. Atherosclerotic risk factor analysis and carotid ultrasonography were performed. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and lumen diameter were measured and intima-media area (cIMA) was calculated. The following statistical methods were used: analysis of variance, chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS There were highly significant differences between the patients and controls in the amount of dental plaque, gingival inflammation as well as bleeding on probing and pocket depth. The mean values of IMT and cIMA were significantly higher in women with periodontal disease than in controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified periodontitis as a principal-independent predictor of both the common carotid artery cIMA and IMT. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that a high amount of dental plaque, severe gingival inflammation as well as periodontitis seem to be associated with the development of atherosclerotic lesions in women already at its early and subclinical stages.
HLA matching of CB: it's complicated.

In this issue of Blood , Stevens and colleagues report that in single cord blood (CB) transplantations, donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches in the graft-versus-host only (GVH-O) direction produce engraftment and survival comparable to HLA-matched CB units and are significantly
Intersectional stigma among midlife and older Black women living with HIV

Abstract HIV-related stigma is a barrier to the prevention and treatment of HIV. For midlife and older Black women, the nature and intensity of HIV-related stigma may be compounded by their multiple marginalised social status based on gender, race, and age. We examined the perceptions and experiences of HIV-related stigma among midlife and older Black women living in Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA. Between 2014 and 2015, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of 35 midlife and older Black women living with HIV. Using a modified grounded theory approach, we explored emergent themes related to the manifestation and experience of intersectional stigma and changes in stigma experience over time. Our findings suggest that intersectional stigma is a central feature in midlife and older Black women’s lives, with women reporting experiences of intersectional stigma at the interpersonal/familial, community, and institutional/structural levels. Although women acknowledged gradual acceptance of their HIV-positive status over time, they continued to experience negative responses related to gender, race, age, and disease. Our findings indicate that a more robust understanding of the impact of HIV-related stigma requires work to consider the complex manifestations of intersectional stigma among an increasingly aging population of Black women in the USA.