Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Closely linked polymorphic marker: successful application in preimplantation genetic diagnosis for beta-thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the applicability of the polymorphic marker closely linked with beta-globin gene for the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in couples at risk of having child with beta-thalassemia. METHODS Single cell multiplex nested PCR which coamplifies the beta-globin gene and the closely linked polymorphic marker, HumTHO1 gene, was applied in six clinical PGD cycles for four couples with beta-thalassemia. RESULTS In six clinical PGD cycles, a total of 44 embryos were biopsied and 44 blastomeres were obtained. Forty-one blastomeres were amplified and thirty-five embryos were given definite diagnoses. Fourteen embryos were transferred back to the uterus of the patients and one pregnancy went on well and ended with one live healthy birth, which confirmed the results of PGD. The average amplification efficiency of single blastomere was 89.7% and the average allele drop-out(ADO) rate was 14.4%. The coamplification of HumTHO1 could help to detect the existence of ADO and contamination. CONCLUSION This is the first report on unaffected pregnancy resulting from PGD using multiplex nested PCR in China. The simultaneous amplification of polymorphic marker closely linked to beta-globin gene(HumTHO1) could help to resist the risk of misdiagnosis in PGD caused by ADO and contamination.
Panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone: impact of dose intensity and administration frequency on safety in the PANORAMA 1 trial

Panobinostat in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone demonstrated a significant and clinically meaningful progression‐free survival benefit compared with placebo, bortezomib and dexamethasone in the phase 3 PANORAMA 1 (Panobinostat Oral in Multiple Myeloma 1) trial. Despite this benefit, patients in the panobinostat arm experienced higher rates of adverse events (AEs) and higher rates of discontinuation due to AEs. This PANORAMA 1 subanalysis examined AEs between 2 treatment phases of the study (TP1 and TP2), in which administration frequency of bortezomib and dexamethasone differed per protocol. The incidences of several key AEs were lower in both arms following the planned reduction of bortezomib dosing frequency in TP2. In the panobinostat arm, rates of thrombocytopenia (grade 3/4: TP1, 56·7%; TP2, 6·0%), diarrhoea (grade 3/4: TP1, 24·1%; TP2, 7·1%), and fatigue (grade 3/4: TP1, 16·3%; TP2, 1·8%) were lower in TP2 compared with TP1. Dose intensity analysis of panobinostat and bortezomib by cycle in the panobinostat arm showed reductions of both agent doses during cycles 1–4 due to dose adjustments for AEs. Exposure‐adjusted analysis demonstrated a reduction in thrombocytopenia frequency in TP1 following dose adjustment. These results suggest that optimization of dosing with this regimen could improve tolerability, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
Decisional style, mood and work communication: email diaries

To understand the use of technology to support interpersonal interaction, a theory of decisional style was applied to email use within the workplace. Previous research has used self-report and rating scales to address employee email behaviours, but this falls short of management's capability to monitor the actual behaviour. Thirty-nine employed individuals completed a five‐day communication diary recording their actual behaviour upon receiving personal and work-related emails as well as the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. It was found that vigilant individuals were more likely to use email in an efficient manner by deleting personal email and being less likely to open email later. Procrastinators, buckpassers and people experiencing high levels of negative affect were all more likely to delay dealing with email, which could be viewed as dealing with email in a less efficient manner. Statement of Relevance: This work offers insights as to how people receive and process emails and is thus relevant to the development and implementation of collaborative technologies. Whilst other studies use individual's self-reports, this study uses a more accurate communication diary. Decisional style can predict the monitoring and response to electronic communication.
Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy for the Management of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Purpose: To describe the successful use of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy as an adjunct to thrombolysis for acute subclavian vein thrombosis due to venous thoracic outlet syndrome Case Report: A 40-year-old man presented with arm swelling due to acute subclavian vein thrombosis and venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy with the AngioJet device and thrombolysis were used to restore venous patency. Immediately following operative thoracic outlet decompression, the patient experienced rethrombosis, which was successfully treated using percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy. After 6 months, the patient remains symptom-free, with a patent subclavian vein by duplex ultrasonography. Conclusions: Thrombus debulking or removal with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy devices may reduce the amount or duration of thrombolytic therapy required, making treatment of venous thoracic outlet syndrome safer. Moreover, patients with recurrent thrombosis after thoracic outlet decompression may be safely treated with percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy, even when thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated.
Slow pace of life in tropical sedentary birds: a common-garden experiment on four stonechat populations from different latitudes

It has been hypothesized that organisms living at different latitudes or in different environments adjust their metabolic activity to the prevailing conditions. However, do differences in energy turnover simply represent a phenotypic adaptation to the local environment, or are they genetically based? To test this, we obtained nestling stonechats (Saxicola torquata) from equatorial Kenya (0° N), Ireland (51.5° N), Austria (47.5° N) and Kazakhstan (51.5° N). Birds were hand-raised and kept in Andechs, Germany. We measured their resting metabolic rates (RMR) and locomotor activity at an age of ca. 14 months (July) and 20 months (January), when birds went through postnuptial moult (July), and neither moulted nor exhibited enlarged gonads or migratory activity (January). RMR was generally higher during moult, but differed among populations: RMR was lowest in the resident Kenyan birds, higher in mostly sedentary Irish birds, and highest in migratory Austrian and Kazakhstan birds. Thus our data demonstrate that even in birds kept from early life under common-garden conditions, the ‘pace of life’, as indicated by metabolic turnover, is lower in sedentary tropical than in north-temperate migratory individuals of the same species. Such intrinsically low energy expenditure in sedentary tropical birds may have important implications for slow development, delayed senescence and high longevity in many tropical organisms.
Channel Feasibility for Outdoor Non-Line-of-Sight mmWave Mobile Communication

Due to the scarcity of spectrum below 3 GHz for wireless communications, there have been proposals to explore millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum (3- 300 GHz) for commercial mobile applications. MmWave spectrum provides unique advantages such as availability of GHz bandwidth and use of antenna arrays with beamforming to compensate for path loss. While there exist well-established models for mmWave indoor non-line-of-sight (60 GHz) and mmWave outdoor line-of-sight (backhaul) communication, mmWave channels for outdoor, non-line-of-sight, mobile communication have not been explored sufficiently. We present penetration and reflection measurements for different materials and line-of-sight and non- line-of-sight measurements for outdoor mmWave mobile communication. We find that while well-known lossy objects such as human body and concrete can have poor penetration, they are good reflectors at these frequencies, enabling the receiver to capture secondary reflections for non-line-of-sight communication. We also show that a wide beam width, low gain antenna at the mobile receiver can capture more energy in scattered non-line-of-sight environments and thus, can provide more gain than a narrow beam, high gain antenna for mobile communication. Our initial measurements motivate utilizing mmWave frequencies for outdoor non-line- of-sight mobile communication.
Natural History of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Relation to the Hemodynamic Environment

Carotid atherosclerosis may lead to devastating clinical outcomes such as stroke. Data on the value of local factors in predicting progression in carotid atherosclerosis are limited. Our aim was to investigate the association of local endothelial shear stress (ESS) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulation with the natural history of atherosclerotic disease using a series of 3 time points of human magnetic resonance data. Three-dimensional lumen/wall reconstruction was performed in 12 carotids, and blood flow and LDL mass transport modeling were performed. Our results showed that an increase in plaque thickness and a decrease in lumen size were associated with low ESS and high LDL accumulation in the arterial wall. Low ESS (odds ratio [OR]: 2.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.31-3.88; P < .001 vs higher ESS) and high LDL concentration (OR: 3.26; 95% CI: 2.44-4.36; P < .001 vs higher LDL concentration) were significantly associated with substantial local plaque growth. Low ESS and high LDL accumulation both presented a diagnostic accuracy of 67% for predicting plaque growth regions. Modeling of blood flow and LDL mass transport show promise in predicting progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATIVE CORRUPTION ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Realizing the objectives of an organization rely heavily on the effectiveness and efficient utilization of resources by it steaming administrative functionaries. As such, good governance and accountability in service has remained the bedrock through which improved organizational performance is guaranteed. Thus, the paper is aimed at examining the effect of systemic corruption in relation to administrative functions, especially in the business of government. The phenomenon has demonstrated a network of relationship in the abuse of public trust in the work places, whereby distorting smooth running of practice of public administration. While the practice of administrative corruption has continued long ago, its effects on good governance and performance received less attention in the field. As a result, this article deals with the question of why such practice has continued in organisational settings. And to what extent lack of effective control has led to mismanagement and distortion in public accountability? Using analytical descriptive method, the paper depends on secondary data source for analysis. Through our investigation, numerous theoretical issues concerning principles of management and governance in the public service were reviewed, particularly issues related to administrative corruption and its implication. Finally, the paper concludes that, while the systemic administrative corruption has negative effects on organization outcome, the prevalence of corrupt practices demonstrated how beneficial government officials are in their quest for wealth accumulation and get rich quick plans at the expense of improved services. KEYWORDS: Good governance, performance, administrative corruption, public service, financial loss
Normal versus Pathological Cardiac Fibroblast-Derived Extracellular Matrix Differentially Modulates Cardiosphere-Derived Cell Paracrine Properties and Commitment

Human resident cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) isolated as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) are under clinical evaluation as a therapeutic product for cardiac regenerative medicine. Unfortunately, limited engraftment and differentiation potential of transplanted cells significantly hamper therapeutic success. Moreover, maladaptive remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during heart failure progression provides impaired biological and mechanical signals to cardiac cells, including CPCs. In this study, we aimed at investigating the differential effect on the phenotype of human CDCs of cardiac fibroblast-derived ECM substrates from healthy or diseased hearts, named, respectively, normal or pathological cardiogel (CG-N/P). After 7 days of culture, results show increased levels of cardiogenic gene expression (NKX2.5, CX43) on both decellularized cardiogels compared to control, while the proportion and staining patterns of GATA4, OCT4, NKX2.5, ACTA1, VIM, and CD90-positive CPCs were not affected, as assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analyses. Nonetheless, CDCs cultured on CG-N secreted significantly higher levels of osteopontin, FGF6, FGF7, NT-3, IGFBP4, and TIMP-2 compared to those cultured on CG-P, suggesting overall a reduced trophic and antiremodelling paracrine profile of CDCs when in contact with ECM from pathological cardiac fibroblasts. These results provide novel insights into the bidirectional interplay between cardiac ECM and CPCs, potentially affecting CPC biology and regenerative potential.
Assessment of quality of life in lung transplantation using a simple generic tool

BACKGROUND The EuroQol is a generic questionnaire developed to provide a simple method for assigning utility values to health. This study examines the applicability of the EuroQol to the measurement of quality of life in single, bilateral, and heart-lung transplantation. METHODS A cross sectional study was performed in 87 patients awaiting lung transplantation and in 255 transplant recipients attending follow up clinics in four transplant units. RESULTS In the waiting list group 61% reported extreme problems in at least one of the five EuroQol quality of life domains compared with 20% single lung recipients, 4% bilateral lung recipients, and 2% heart-lung recipients at 3 or more years after transplantation. The mean utility value of patients on the waiting list was 0.31. In comparison, utility values for recipients 3 years after transplantation were 0.61 for single, 0.82 for bilateral, and 0.87 for heart-lung transplants. The utility scores and health profiles of bilateral and heart-lung recipients were consistently superior to those of single lung recipients. Problems in all five domains were more frequent in single lung recipients. Subjective assessment with a visual analogue scale showed a similar trend. CONCLUSIONS The EuroQol is a simple method of deriving a single utility value for quality of life and is responsive to changes after lung transplantation. It is worth considering as a means of monitoring quality of life after transplantation and as an index of quality of survival in research studies in solid organ transplantation. These data suggest that quality of life after transplantation of one lung is inferior to that after transplantation of two lungs.
Interstitial MR lymphography with a conventional extracellular gadolinium-based agent: assessment in rabbits.

PURPOSE To evaluate gadoterate meglumine as a contrast agent for interstitial magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography in combination with an adapted fast three-dimensional (3D) MR sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 12 New Zealand White rabbits, 0.5 mL of undiluted gadoterate meglumine was injected subcutaneously into the dorsal foot pad (n = 9) or the foreleg (n = 3) bilaterally. Immediately after administration, a slight massage was performed at the injection site. Imaging was performed with a 3D spoiled gradient-recalled echo sequence (6.7/1.6 [repetition time msec/echo time msec]; field of view, 28.0 x 19.6; two signals acquired) similar to that used for 3D MR angiography. Thus, 3D maximum intensity projection images could be obtained. Images were obtained before injection and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after injection. RESULTS In the hind legs, as many as four successive lymph node groups were depicted with maximum enhancement after 5-15 minutes for the popliteal lymph node group, 15-30 minutes for the inguinal lymph group, and 30-60 minutes for the iliac-paraaortal lymph node group; the iliac-paraaortal lymph node group was not consistently enhanced. In the forelegs, four successive lymph node groups, including axillary and mediastinal lymph node groups, showed marked gadolinium uptake, with maximum enhancement 5-15 minutes after injection. CONCLUSION As a widely tested positive-enhancing T1 contrast agent with favorable safety features, gadoterate meglumine allows the depiction of three to four successive lymph node groups early after subcutaneous injection. With the sequence used, 3D MR lymphangiograms can be obtained.
Adding a visual linear scale probability to the pioped probability of pulmonary embolism

Purpose: Reporting a lung scintigraphy diagnosis as a PIOPED categorical probability of pulmonary embolism offers the clinician a wide range of interpretation. Therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze the impact on lung scintigraphy reporting of adding a visual linear scale (VLS) probability assessment to the ordinary PIOPED categorical probability. Material and Methods: the study material was a re-evaluation of lung scintigrams from a prospective study of 170 patients. All patients had been examined by lung scintigraphy and pulmonary angiography. the scintigrams were re-evaluated by 3 raters, and the probability of pulmonary embolism was estimated by the PIOPED categorization and by a VLS probability. the test was repeated after 6 months. Results: There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the area under the ROC curve between the PIOPED categorization and the VLS for any of the 3 raters. Analysis of agreement among raters and for repeatability demonstrated low agreement in the mid-range of probabilities. Conclusion: A VLS probability estimate did not significantly improve the overall accuracy of the diagnosis compared to the categorical PIOPED probability assessment alone. from the data of our present study we cannot recommend the addition of a VLS score to the PIOPED categorization.
Diel Pattern of Locomotor Activity in Populations of Root Voles, Microtus oeconomus

Surface locomotor activity of root voles (Microtus oeconomus) during summer and autumn was recorded with passage-counters in four experimental populations in 0.5 ha outdoor enclosures. Populations differed considerably with respect to density, geographical origin and social behavior of animals, and year of observation. The general characteristics of diel activity patterns, however, were very similar among populations. Root voles were generally more active during daytime than during the night, and high activity always occurred around sunrise and sunset. The most prominent feature of the activity patterns was a clear-cut ultradian rhythm at both day and night, resulting in seven activity bouts per 24 h. Pattern adjustment to changing daylength was achieved by an interaction between endogenous ultradian rhythmicity and resetting of the ultradian rhythm at both sunrise and sunset. The daytime rhythm had a period length of 3.0 to 3.5 h, while the nighttime rhythm had a significantly longer period length of 3.5 to 4.0 h. Data in the literature suggest that this mechanism of triggering activity may also occur in other microtine species.
The Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation among Acute Medical Admissions in Kuwait

Objective: To establish the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among acute medical admissions to the Adan Hospital, Kuwait, and to evaluate the clinical features of the patients. Subjects and Methods: Of 2,833 acute medical admissions to the Adan Hospital from January 1 to May 31, 2003, 120 patients with AF were included in the study. The patients were divided into paroxysmal or persistent (PPAF), and chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). The prevalence of stroke and clinical features of the CAF patients with and without strokes were studied. All the patients with AF underwent echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial dimension (LAD). Results: The prevalence of AF in the study period was 4.24%, of which 68.3% had CAF and 31.7% had PPAF. The prevalence of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, systemic hypertension, and diabetes mellitus was 27.5, 55.8, 65.8, and 53.3%, respectively. Patients with CAF were older and had a higher prevalence of heart failure compared to PPAF patients. Of the patients with CAF, 26.8% had at least one episode of stroke. The CAF patients had lower LVEF and larger LAD than PPAF patients. Stroke patients with CAF had lower LVEF and larger LAD as compared to those without stroke. Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation is a common admission diagnosis in our hospital. Patients with AF commonly suffer from heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease. There was a high prevalence of stroke among CAF patients.
Phase I/II study of hepatic arterial therapy with floxuridine and dexamethasone in combination with intravenous irinotecan as adjuvant treatment after resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE Patients who undergo resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer have an average 2-year survival of 65%. With hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) plus systemic fluorouracil and leucovorin, 2-year survival increased to 86%. For further improvement in both local and systemic control, combinations of new systemic drugs with HAI are being explored. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of systemic irinotecan (CPT-11) and HAI floxuridine (FUDR) plus dexamethasone (DEX) as combination adjuvant therapy after liver resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-six patients who underwent complete resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer were treated with six monthly cycles of HAI FUDR plus DEX for 14 days of each 4-week cycle plus escalating doses of systemic CPT-11. The primary end points of the phase I/II study were the MTD and efficacy of this regimen. RESULTS The MTD for combined systemic CPT-11 and HAI FUDR was CPT-11 at 200 mg/m2 every other week and FUDR at 0.12 mg/kg x pump volume / pump flow rate. The dose-limiting toxicities were diarrhea and neutropenia. With a median follow-up time of 26 months, the 2-year survival rate is 89%. All of the 27 patients who were treated at the MTD are alive. CONCLUSION In patients who undergo resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer, adding systemic CPT-11 to HAI therapy in an adjuvant regimen is feasible. This regimen seems to have comparable activity to fluorouracil and leucovorin, but further studies are needed to assess whether it improves local control or decreases extrahepatic recurrences.