Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Mortality Data Be Used to Estimate Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Incidence?

Background: Because studies of the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have uncertain feasibility and high costs, mortality rates are often used to provide an estimate. We performed a systematic review of the literature concerning mortality related to ALS. We aimed to use well-known criteria of good epidemiological practice to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Methods: A Medline and ScienceDirect literature search was performed to identify studies on ALS mortality published from 1971 to 2009. The literature was examined following 6 criteria. Results: Of the 29 studies examined, almost all presented a clear definition of the population at risk, but 55% of the papers did not report on the accuracy of death certificates, and the use of both ‘underlying’ and ‘contributory’ causes of death was identified in only 41% of cases. When comparing ALS mortality data between calendar dates, the codes from the International Classification of Diseases were consistent overall, except in 3 studies. A majority of articles that compared mortality patterns between geographical regions or ethnic groups discussed the key issues of comparability of health care and equality of access. Overall, among the 29 ALS mortality studies, only 3 complied with all the criteria. In 2 of them, the mortality rates were highly consistent with available incidence data. Conclusion: Only few studies on mortality data followed a high-quality methodology. When studies complied with the criteria, they showed good accuracy with regard to incidence rates. The criteria used in this study could also be used to guide future studies based on mortality data.
A metamaterial surface for compact cavity resonators

We suggest an idea for miniaturization of cavities by utilizing a properly designed metamaterial thin surface inserted inside the cavities. This metamaterial surface is constituted by a thin dielectric slab on both sides of which "gangbuster" dipoles are printed. Inserting the thin slab inside a parallel-plate one-dimensional (1D) cavity resonator has the effect of decreasing the resonant frequency. Placing the metamaterial slab at the center of a rectangular waveguide lowers the cut-off frequency of the dominant mode of the waveguide also. The corresponding dispersion curve exhibits a smooth transition from a fast-wave to a slow-wave regime and then asymptotically tends to the dispersion curve of the first TE surface-wave mode of the metamaterial slab. This suggests a natural way to conceive a 3D compact cavity resonator by placing two perfectly electrically conducting walls, a half of the wavelength of the slow-wave mode apart, inside the above rectangular waveguide. The analysis, performed by a circuit network theory and validated by a full-wave numerical analysis, provides simple formulas to predict the resonant frequency and the dispersion diagrams of these structures.
Evidence of specific inflammatory condition in nucleus tractus solitarii of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Since the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is a pivotal region for regulating the set‐point of arterial pressure, we proposed a role for it in the development of neurogenic hypertension. Recent studies have suggested that proinflammatory molecules, such as junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM‐1) are highly expressed in the NTS of an animal model of human essential hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), compared with normotensive rats (Wistar–Kyoto, WKY). Moreover, we have also shown endogenous leukocyte accumulation inside capillaries within the NTS of SHR but not WKY rats. Based on this evidence, we hypothesized that gene expression of cytokines/chemokines is altered in the NTS of SHR. We have screened for abnormally expressed inflammatory mediators in the NTS of SHR using the RT2 Profiler PCR arrays, which were designed specifically to target major cytokines/chemokines. The specific PCR array revealed that seven genes were less expressed in the NTS of SHR compared with WKY rats (more than twofold differences), while only two genes were more expressed in the SHR. Moreover, we identified that some of these validated molecules exhibit important functional roles for cardiovascular homeostasis at the level of the NTS. We suggest that abnormal gene expression of proinflammatory molecules, such as JAM‐1, causes leukocyte accumulation within the vasculature in the NTS of SHR. Consequently, gene expression of specific cytokines/chemokines may be downregulated to avoid further strong inflammatory activity in the NTS of SHR at the expense of an alteration in neuronal activity that leads to cardiovascular autonomic pathology. Importantly, to allow translation of our work, these novel insights need to be assessed in hypertensive human brainstem tissue; their confirmation could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for one of the world's most prevalent diseases.
Proline trapping in granulomas, the site of collagen biosynthesis in murine schistosomiasis

Proline, a critical substrate for collagen synthesis, is increased in liver undergoing fibrosis. In mice with schistosomiasis, the incorporation of proline into collagen occurs within liver granulomas. To study the interaction of liver cells and granulomas in the development of fibrosis, we assayed the enzymes that catalyze the formation and degradation of proline in isolated granulomas and liver.
Mortality among styrene-exposed workers in the reinforced plastic boatbuilding industry

Background We updated mortality through 2011 for 5203 boat-building workers potentially exposed to styrene, and analysed mortality among 1678 employed a year or more between 1959 and 1978. The a priori hypotheses: excess leukaemia and lymphoma would be found. Methods Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% CIs and standardised rate ratios (SRRs) used Washington State rates and a person-years analysis programme, LTAS.NET. The SRR analysis compared outcomes among tertiles of estimated cumulative potential styrene exposure. Results Overall, 598 deaths (SMR=0.96, CI 0.89 to 1.04) included excess lung (SMR=1.23, CI 0.95 to 1.56) and ovarian cancer (SMR 3.08, CI 1.00 to 7.19), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (SMR=1.15, CI 0.81 to 1.58). Among 580 workers with potential high-styrene exposure, COPD mortality increased 2-fold (SMR=2.02, CI 1.08 to 3.46). Conclusions COPD was more pronounced among those with potential high-styrene exposure. However, no outcome was related to estimated cumulative styrene exposure, and there was no change when latency was taken into account. We found no excess leukaemia or lymphoma mortality. As in most occupational cohort studies, lack of information on lifestyle factors or other employment was a substantial limitation although we excluded from the analyses those (n=3525) who worked <1 year. Unanticipated excess ovarian cancer mortality could be a chance finding. Comparing subcohorts with potential high-styrene and low-styrene exposure, COPD mortality SRR was elevated while lung cancer SRR was not, suggesting that smoking was not the only cause for excess COPD mortality.
Differential involvement of ipsilateral and contralateral spinal cord astrocyte D‐serine in carrageenan‐induced mirror‐image pain: role of σ1 receptors and astrocyte gap junctions

Although we have recently demonstrated that spinal astrocyte gap junctions mediate the development of mirror‐image pain (MIP), it is still unclear which astrocyte‐derived factor is responsible for the development of MIP and how its production is controlled. In the present study, we focused on the role of ipsilateral versus contralateral D‐serine in the development of MIP and investigated the possible involvement of σ1 receptors and gap junctions in astrocyte D‐serine production.
Design and Evaluation of a Web-Based Symptom Monitoring Tool for Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition where symptom recognition and between-visit communication with providers are critical. Patients are encouraged to track disease-specific data, such as weight and shortness of breath. Use of a Web-based tool that facilitates data display in graph form may help patients recognize exacerbations and more easily communicate out-of-range data to clinicians. The purposes of this study were to (1) design a Web-based tool to facilitate symptom monitoring and symptom recognition in patients with chronic heart failure and (2) conduct a usability evaluation of the Web site. Patient participants generally had a positive view of the Web site and indicated it would support recording their health status and communicating with their doctors. Clinician participants generally had a positive view of the Web site and indicated it would be a potentially useful adjunct to electronic health delivery systems. Participants expressed a need to incorporate decision support within the site and wanted to add other data, for example, blood pressure, and have the ability to adjust font size. A few expressed concerns about data privacy and security. Technologies require careful design and testing to ensure they are useful, usable, and safe for patients and do not add to the burden of busy providers.
Epithelial skin cancers after kidney transplantation: a retrospective single-centre study of 376 recipients

BackgroundPost-transplant non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common malignancies in kidney transplant recipients.ObjectivesTo analyse risk factors associated with the occurrence of basal cell carcinomas (BBC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in kidney transplant recipients.Materials and methodsStatistical analysis was performed on 376 kidney transplant recipients screened for NMSC in 2002-2009 and followed until 2013.ResultsNMSC developed in 23.67% of individuals with an SCC/BCC ratio of 2.15:1 and an age-standardised incidence ratio (IR) of 2.71 cases (95% CI: 1.97-3.46) per 100 patients/year. Based on multivariable analysis, NMSC occurrence significantly correlated with higher age (p<0.001), fair skin type (p = 0.01), and particularly SCCs with male gender (p = 0.001). Patients with >10 actinic keratoses were at higher risk of developing NMSCs (IRR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.97-4.42; p<0.001) and more prone to SCCs, compared to BCCs (p = 0.04). Also, more SCC carriers had high counts of warty lesions (p = 0.006). Calcineurin inhibitors were associated with higher NMSC incidence (IRR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.1-7.01; p = 0.03), while no difference was seen with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.ConclusionOur results confirm an influence of the individual immunosuppressive regimen, in addition to the duration of immunosuppression, and suggest that older patients, males, fair skinned recipients or those affected with high counts of actinic keratoses (field cancerisation) are particularly prone to development of NMSC.
Multivariate classification of systemic vascular resistance using photoplethysmography

Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) classification is useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of critical pathophysiological conditions, with the ability to identify patients with abnormally high or low SVR of immense clinical value. In this study, a supervised classifier, based on Bayes’ rule, is employed to classify a heterogeneous group of intensive care unit patients (N = 48) as being below (SVR < 900 dyn s cm−5), within (900 ⩽ SVR ⩽ 1200 dyn s cm−5) or above (SVR > 1200 dyn s cm−5) the clinically accepted range for normal SVR. Features derived from the finger photoplethysmogram (PPG) waveform and other routine cardiovascular measurements (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) were used as inputs to the classifier. In the construction of the classifier model, two techniques were used to approximate the class conditional probability densities-–a single Gaussian distribution model (also known as discriminant analysis) and a non-parametric model using the Parzen window kernel density estimation method. An exhaustive feature search was performed to select a feature subset that maximized the performance indicator, Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). The Gaussian model with multiple features achieved the best overall kappa coefficient (κ = 0.57), although the results from the non-parametric model were comparable (κ = 0.51). The optimum subset in the Gaussian model consisted of PPG waveform variability features, including the low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF/HF) and the normalized mid-frequency power (MFNU), in addition to the PPG pulse wave features, such as pulse width, peak-to-notch time, reflection index, and notch time ratio. The classifier performed particularly well in discriminating low SVR, with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 86%, positive predictive value of 88% and a negative predictive value of 82%. The results highlight the feasibility of deploying a multivariate statistical approach of SVR classification in the clinical setting, simply using a non-invasive and easy-to-measure PPG waveform signal.
Toward the Formulation of a Realistic Fault Governing Law in Dynamic Models of Earthquake Ruptures

Dynamic earthquake models can help us in the ambitious understanding, from a deterministic point of view, of how a rupture starts to develop and propagates on a fault, how the excited seismic waves travel in the Earth crust and how the high frequency radiation can damage a site on the ground. Since analytical solutions of the fully dynamic, spontaneous rupture problem do not exist (even in homogeneous conditions), realistic and accurate numerical experiments are the only available tool in studying earthquake sources basing on Newtonian Mechanics. Moreover, they are a credible way of generating physics– based ground motions. In turn, this requires the introduction of a fault governing law, which prevents the solutions to be singular and the crack tip and the energy flux to be unbounded near the rupture front. Contrary to other ambits of Physics, Seismology presently lacks knowledge of the exact physical law which governs natural faults and this is one of the grand challenges for modern seismologists. While for elastic solids it exists an equation of motion which relates particle motion to stresses and forces through the material properties (the scale–free Navier–Cauchy’s equation), for a region undergoing inelastic, brittle deformations this equation is presently missed and scientists have yet to fully decipher the fundamental mechanisms of friction. The traction evolution occurring during an earthquake rupture depends on several mechanisms, potentially concurrent and competing one with each other. Recent laboratory data and field observations revealed the presence, and sometime the coexistence, of thermally–activated processes (such as thermal pressurization of pore fluids, flash heating of asperity contacts, thermally–induced chemical reactions, melting of rocks and gouge debris), porosity and permeability evolution, elasto–dynamic lubrication, etc. In this chapter we will analyze, in an unifying and comprehensive sketch, all possible chemico–physical mechanisms that can affect the fault weakening and we will explicitly indicate how they can be incorporated in a realistic governing model. We will also show through numerical simulations that simplified constitutive models that neglect these phenomena appear to be inadequate to describe the details of the stress release and the consequent high frequency seismic wave radiation. In fact, quantitative estimates show that in most cases the incorporation of such nonlinear phenomena has significant effects, often dramatic, on the dynamic rupture propagation, that finally lead to different damages on the free surface.
Influence of Erythropoietin on Blood Pressure in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

To assess the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) treatment on blood pressure in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPO) patients, we analyzed in a retrospective study the results of 6 months of EPO treatment in 17 CAPO patients. There were 10 females and 7 males, mean age 52 years, mean duration on CAPO 35 months. They received subcutaneously a mean initial EPO dose of 114±45 U/kg/week (range 59–209). This dose was adjusted throughout 6 months to achieve and maintain a target Hb of 100 g/L (Hct 30%). Seven of the patients were hypertensive before starting EPO treatment. Fifteen paients (88.2%) achieved the target hemoglobin. For all subjects (n=17) there was a significant increase in lying mean blood pressure (MBP) from 93.8± 10.0 to 1 05.2± 14.4 mmHg (p=0.0024). Four patients required an increase in their antihypertensive medication, and 4 were not treated before we started antihypertensive treatment (Group I). This group represents 46% (8/17) of the patints. There was no change in the antihypertensive medication status of the remaining 9 patients (Group II). The baseline lying MBP was not significantly different for the two groups (98.8±9.8 mmHg vs 96.1±7.2 mmHg). The mean weekly dose of EPO during the first 3 months was higher in Group I (126 vs 100 U/kg) and conversely was lower during the last 3 months (mean dose 108 vs 117 U/kg). Patients of Group I were younger (mean age 47 vs 56 years), had a lower body weight at the time of EPO start (55 vs 66 kg), a higher increase of Hb during the first 2 months (28.8 vs 20.8 g/L), and reached the target Hb sooner (2.25 vs 4.0 months). A comparison group of 17 patients (matched for age, sex, duration on CAPO, underlying disease and antihypertensive treatment) who did not receive EPO did not show an increase in MBP over time, and only 2 patients increased their antihypertensive medication. Our data suggest that higher Initial EPO doses may be accompanied by hypertension changes In CAPD patients. This may be prevented by a lower Initial dose and lower rates of increase of Hb and Hct. Our study shows that EPO treatment is effective in correcting anemia in uremic patients on CAPD. Increase of blood pressure during the treatment is frequent. It seems that higher initial EPO doses may be accompanied by increased hypertension in CAPD patients and that this may be prevented by a lower initial dose and lower rate of increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions

ABSTRACT 1. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2015 to July 2016 in South Tyrol, Northern Italy to examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in free-range laying hens under mountain farming production conditions. 2. A total of 280 laying hens from 14 free-range mountain farms (4 organic, 10 conventional) were randomly collected at the end of the laying period. Faecal samples were taken to analyse faecal egg counts (FEC) and faecal oocyst counts (FOC). The gastrointestinal tracts were removed post mortem and examined for the presence of helminths. 3. In faeces, FEC values averaged 258 eggs per g of faeces, which were dominated by Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum. Mean FOC was 80 oocysts/g. In the gastrointestinal tract, at least one nematode species was found in 99.3% of the examined hens. H. gallinarum was the most prevalent nematode (95.7%), followed by Capillaria spp. (66.8%) and A. galli (63.6%). Thirty per cent of the chickens were infected with cestodes (tapeworms). Correlation coefficients between worm counts of H. gallinarum, Capillaria spp. and A. galli ranged from 0.41 to 0.51. 5. The helminth prevalence did not differ between conventional and organic farms, whereas total worm burden was higher in organic compared with conventional farms (318.9 vs. 112.0). Prevalence and infection intensity did not differ between farms that used anthelmintic treatments and those that did not. 6. In conclusion, free-range laying hens under the studied mountain farming conditions are at high risk of nematode infection, especially in organic systems. The vast majority of hens are subclinical infected with at least one helminth species.
Efficacy of ECT in Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review

Summary: This study analyzed the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depression by means a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials that compared ECT with simulated ECT or placebo or antidepressant drugs and by a complementary meta-analytic review of nonrandomized controlled trials that compared ECT with antidepressants drugs. The review revealed a significant superiority of ECT in all comparisons: ECT versus simulated ECT, ECT versus placebo, ECT versus antidepressants in general, ECT versus TCAs and ECT versus MAOIs. The nonrandomized controlled trials also revealed a significant statistical difference in favor of ECT when confronted with antidepressants drugs. Data analyzed suggest that ECT is a valid therapeutic tool for treatment of depression, including severe and resistant forms.
Utility of internally transcribed 16S-23S rDNA spacer regions for the definition of Pseudomonas stutzeri genomovars and other Pseudomonas species.

Bacteria identified and classified as Pseudomonas stutzeri, on the basis of traditional criteria, are recognized to be markedly heterogeneous, such that a systematic phenotypic characterization has not been correlated with genotypic groupings (i.e. genomovars) based upon DNA-DNA similarities. The internally transcribed 16S-23S rDNA spacer (ITS1) regions of P. stutzeri were analysed with respect to the ability of these nucleic acid regions to differentiate and identify the genomic groups (i.e. genomovars) of P. stutzeri. The ITS1s of 34 strains of P. stutzeri were amplified by PCR and the PCR product was subjected to RFLP analysis, which allowed the differentiation and identification of the strains to their respective genomovars. Sequence determination and analysis of ITS1s supported further the results obtained by RFLP, i.e. nucleotide signatures were identified in strains belonging to different genomovars. The ITS1s of all strains of P. stutzeri contained the tandem tRNA(Ile)/tRNA(Ala) genes and did not exhibit distinct sequence heterogeneity between different operons of a strain. Phylogenetically informative variable sites were located, exclusively, in non-coding regions. The results of the RFLP and sequence analysis of ITS1s supported and correlated with the phylogenetic relationships estimated from 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons and DNA-DNA hybridizations, offering an alternative tool for genomovar and species differentiation.
Autotransplantation of Unmanipulated Bone Marrow into Scarred Myocardium is Safe and Enhances Cardiac Function in Humans

Stem cell transplants into damaged myocardium may have the potential to improve cardiac function. We investigated the safety of transplanting unmanipulated autologous bone marrow into infarcted myocardium of patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and assessed its efficacy to improve cardiac function. Fourteen patients with one or more areas of transmural myocardial infarction were studied. Autologous bone marrow was obtained by sternal bone aspirate at the time of surgery, diluted in autologous serum at a ratio of 1:2, and then injected 1 cm apart into the mid-depth of the left ventricular scar. There were no deaths, no perioperative myocardial infarctions, and no significant ventricular arrhythmias. Dobutamine stress echocardiography demonstrated overall improvement in the global and regional left ventricular function 6 weeks and 10 months after surgery. Of 34 infarcted left ventricular segments, 11 were injected with bone marrow alone, 13 were revascularized with a bypass graft alone, and 10 received bone marrow transplantation and a bypass graft in combination. Only the left ventricle segmental wall motion score of the areas injected with bone marrow and receiving a bypass graft in combination improved at low dose and at peak dobutamine stress. These findings suggest that transplantation of unmanipulated autologous bone marrow into scar tissue of the human heart is safe and enhances cardiac function only when used in combination with myocardial revascularization. This benefit can be seen after 6 weeks of the bone marrow transplant and is maintained after 10 months of follow-up.