Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA Methylation in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and one of the most ag‐ gressive malignancies in human population. The most common histologic type among the head and neck tumors are the squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Despite the significant ef‐ forts committed during the last decades in its early detection, prevention and treatment, head and neck cancer prognosis remains very poor with the rising incidence in developed countries and younger population. Carcinogenesis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carci‐ noma (HNSCC) is a multistep process, which arises through an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Although the impact of genetic changes in oral carcinogenesis is wellknown, over the last decade it has been demonstrated that epigenetic changes, especially aberrant DNA methylation, play a significant role in HNSCC.
Carbon monoxide and ventricular fibrillation threshold in normal dogs.

In a blind, randomized study, the effect of breathing 100 ppm of carbon monoxide versus compressed, purified air for 2 hr on ventricular fibrillation threshold was investigated in twenty anesthetized normal open-chested dogs. The mean arterial carboxyhemoglobin level was 1.12% in the air control period, 0.99% after air, 1.10% in the carbon monoxide control period, and 6.48% after carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide increased the mean arterial carboxyhemoglobin (P less than .001). Mean ventricular fibrillation thresholds were 19.9 +/- 6.5 mA in the carbon monoxide control period, 15.7 +/- 5.6 mA after carbon monoxide 20.8 +/- 6.3 mA in the air control period, and 24.5 +/- 9.5 mA after air. Carbon monoxide decreased the ventricular fibrillation threshold (P less than .005). These data show that breathing 100 ppm of carbon monoxide for 2 hr reduces the ventricular fibrillation threshold in anesthetized normal open-chested dogs.
Correlation of Scoliotic Curvature With Z-Score Bone Mineral Density and Body Mass Index in Patients With Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Study Design. A cross-sectional radiographic and clinical study of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Objective. To determine demographic, anthropometric, and radiographic parameters that correlate with development of scoliosis in patients with OI. Summary of Background Data. Despite the relatively high prevalence of scoliosis in patients with OI and its clinical significance, little is known about demographic and anthropometric parameters that correlate with the development of scoliosis. Methods. Clinical records and spinal radiographs of 19 OI patients were reviewed. There were 5 male and 14 female patients with an average age of 14.2 years (range, 4–20 years). Seven patients were Sillence Type I and 12 patients were Type III. The Cobb angle of scoliosis was analyzed for correlations with age, body mass index (BMI), physical capability, leg-length discrepancy, Z-score bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine, thoracic kyphosis angle, and lumbar lordosis angle by using Pearson’s correlation method. A probability of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The average Cobb angle of scoliosis was 25.2° (range, 5°–108°) including 6 patients with an angle of ≥30°. Five of these 6 patients were Sillence Type III. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the extent of scoliosis and BMI, as well as leg-length discrepancy. There was an inverse correlation between the extent of scoliotic curvature and the Z-score BMD as well as the thoracic kyphosis angle. Conclusion. The correlation of scoliosis with the Z-score BMD and BMI supports the pathology of scoliosis based on vertebral fragility. Proper management of BMD and BMI may have therapeutic value in delaying the progression of scoliosis in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Blood loss following tonsillectomy in children

One hundred and ninety‐eight children, aged 3 to 12 years, who were scheduled for tonsillectomy were randomly allocated to receive either diclofenac 1.0 mg.kg−1 or papaveretum 0.2 mg.kg−1 by intramuscular injection after induction of anaesthesia. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in operating theatre blood loss, the frequency of bleeding on the ward, or the need for operative haemostasis. However, the incidence of above average bleeding in the recovery room was significantly higher in the diclofenac group (p < 0.05). Similarly, marked restlessness in the recovery room was more frequent in the diclofenac group (p < 0.01). In both treatment groups there was an association between bleeding and restlessness during recovery so the increased bleeding in the diclofenac group may not be a direct effect.
Isolation of Dobrava Virus from Apodemus flavicollis in Greece

ABSTRACT Dobrava virus (DOBV) carried by Apodemus flavicollisis the causative agent of severe hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). DOBV was isolated from an A. flavicollis mouse trapped in northeastern Greece. This is the third DOBV cell culture isolate in the world, clustering together with other Greek DOBV sequences from HFRS patients and rodents.
The free penicillate nerve endings of the human hairy skin.

The skin possesses two morphologically distinct kinds of sensory receptor organs: (1) the 'corpuscular' receptors and (2) the so-called 'free' nerve endings (Cauna, 1966). The corpuscular receptors can easily be recognized histologically in unstained preparations, and even some time after degeneration of their nerves, because of the non-nervous components within their structure. The free nerve endings, on the other hand, can only be visualized by the use of neurohistological or specific histochemical procedures that reveal nerve fibres. The free nerve endings have a widespread distribution in the skin, mucous membranes, joints, periosteum, bone and viscera. In some situations they constitute the only kind of sensory receptor organ (Bradlow, 1939; Lele & Weddell, 1956; Rapp, Avery & Rector, 1957; Whitear, 1960; Cauna, Hinderer & Wentges, 1969; Schulman & Dorfman, 1970). Yet so far these receptor organs have attracted relatively little attention from morphologists. In addition to the tactile hairs and Merkel corpuscles, the superficial corium of the human hairy skin and the overlying epidermis contain at least two morphologically distinct kinds of free nerve endings. The dermal papillae surrounding the hair orifices reveal simple papillary endings that exhibit a positive butyrylcholinesterase activity. They are derived from nerve fibres that ascend towards the surface alongside the hair sheaths. The rest of the superficial corium contains free endings of 'horizontal' distribution, frequently referred to as the subepidermal nerve net. The present paper reports a study of the endings that compose this network. It is proposed to call them 'penicillate endings' because of the typical tuft-like manner of their arrangement.
The effect of organic acids on base cation leaching from the forest floor under six North American tree species

Organic acidity and its degree of neutralization in the forest floor can have large consequences for base cation leaching under different tree species. We investigated the effect of organic acids on base cation leaching from the forest floor under six common North American tree species. Forest floor samples were analysed for exchangeable cations and forest floor solutions for cations, anions, simple organic acids and acidic properties. Citric and lactic acid were the most common of the acids under all species. Malonic acid was found mainly under Tsuga canadensis (hemlock) and Fagus grandifolia (beech). The organic acids were positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon and contributed significantly to the organic acidity of the solution (up to 26%). Forest floor solutions under Tsuga canadensis contained the most dissolved C and the most weak acidity among the six tree species. Under Tsuga canadensis we also found significant amounts of strong acidity caused by deposition of sulphuric acid from the atmosphere and by strong organic acids. Base cation exchange was the most important mechanism by which acidity was neutralized. Organic acids in solution from Tsuga canadensis, Fagus grandifolia, Acer rubrum (red maple) and Quercus rubra (red oak) were hardly neutralized while much more organic acidity was neutralized for Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Fraxinus americana (white ash). We conclude that quantity, nature and degree of neutralization of organic acids differ among the different tree species. While the potential for base cation leaching with organic acids from the forest floor is greatest under Tsuga canadensis, actual leaching with organic anions is greatest under Acer saccharum and Fraxinus americana under which the forest floor contains more exchangeable cations than does the strongly acidified forest floor under Tsuga canadensis.
Infectious complications of rituximab therapy in renal disease

Abstract Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, was originally used to treat B-cell malignancies. Its use has significantly increased in recent years, as it is now also used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Initial studies suggested that the adverse effects of rituximab were minimal. Though the risk of malignancy with rituximab-based immunosuppressive regimens appears similar to that of the general population, there are now concerns regarding the risk of infectious complications. Rituximab has been associated with serious infections, including Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) and the reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis (TB). The risk of infection appears to be the result of a variety of mechanisms, including prolonged B-cell depletion, B-cell–T-cell crosstalk, panhypogammaglobulinaemia, late-onset neutropenia and blunting of the immune response after vaccination. Importantly, the risk of infectious complications is also related to individual patient characteristics and the indication for rituximab. Individualization of treatment is, therefore, crucial. Particular attention should be given to strategies to minimize the risk of infectious complications, including vaccinating against bacterial and viral pathogens, monitoring white cell count and immunoglobulin levels, prophylaxis against PJP and screening for HBV and TB.
A first-principles study on three-dimensional covalently-bonded hexagonal boron nitride nanoribbons

We studied three-dimensional honeycomb-structure boron nitride (BN) allotrope using first-principles calculations and the tight-binding method. Interconnected by sp3-bonding at the vertices, hexagonal BN nanoribbons construct highly-porous, covalently-bonded hexagonal BN nanoribbons (CBBNs). We investigated the structural and mechanical properties of CBBNs with various sizes, compared with those of carbon and other BN allotropes. The mechanical and thermal stabilities are also checked. Our calculations show that, despite the high porosity and low mass density, CBBNs are stable and mechanically hard materials as cubic BN. Moreover, our calculated results suggest that CBBNs can be regarded as a binary alloy of sp2- and sp3-bonded BNs following the Vegard's rule in average bond lengths and bulk moduli. Calculated band structures show that the band gap of CBBNs has similar variation upon increasing size as BN nanoribbons and is also limited by the second-neighbor interaction between the pz states of sp2-bonded atoms in adjacent nanoribbons.
A MAP kinase encoded by the ubc3 gene of Ustilago maydis is required for filamentous growth and full virulence

Ustilago maydis, the causal agent of corn smut disease, displays dimorphic growth in which it alternates between a budding haploid saprophyte and a filamentous dikaryotic pathogen. We are interested in identifying the genetic determinants of filamentous growth and pathogenicity in U. maydis. To do this, we have taken a forward genetic approach. Previously, we showed that haploid adenylate cyclase (uac1) mutants display a constitutively filamentous phenotype. Mutagenesis of a uac1 disruption strain allowed the isolation of a large number of budding suppressor mutants. These mutants are named ubc, for Ustilagobypass of cyclase, as they no longer require the production of cAMP to grow in the budding morphology. Complementation of one of these suppressor mutants led to the identification of ubc3, which is required for filamentous growth and encodes a MAP kinase most similar to those of the yeast pheromone response pathway. In addition to filamentous growth, the ubc3 gene is required for pheromone response and for full virulence. Mutations in the earlier identified fuz7 MAP kinase kinase also suppress the filamentous phenotype of the uac1 disruption mutant, adding evidence that both ubc3 and fuz7 are members of this same MAP kinase cascade. These results support an important interplay of the cAMP and MAP kinase signal transduction pathways in the control of morphogenesis and pathogenicity in U. maydis.
A simple slope model for oriented and isotropic longitudinal media

A simple model to predict the effect of medium orientation of longitudinal media on the transition sharpness is reported. It is shown that a traditional slope model can be suitably modified by multiplying the total field gradient with the medium squareness to reflect the loss in effective field gradient due to reversible magnetization rotations. The results agree well with experimental data.
Statin therapy after first stroke reduces 10-year stroke recurrence and improves survival

Objective: To determine whether statin therapy after hospital discharge affects ischemic stroke recurrence and long-term mortality in patients admitted for a first-ever occurrence of ischemic stroke. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving linked hospitalization and death records. The cohort comprised a series of 794 consecutive, first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients from the Athenian Stroke Registry, admitted to the acute stroke unit and the general medicine and neurology ward of our institutions since January 1997 for whom there was available information covering a 10-year follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for stroke recurrence and death. Results: The recurrence rate was 16.3% among stroke patients not receiving a statin after hospital discharge compared with 7.5% among those who received statin therapy (p = 0.002). Cox regression analyses revealed only statin therapy postdischarge to be a significant independent predictor of stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39 to 0.97, p < 0.01). Similarly, patients receiving a statin had a significantly lower mortality during the 10-year period after the acute cerebrovascular event (adjusted HR, 0.43; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.61, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Prescribing statin therapy upon hospital discharge to patients with first-ever acute stroke lowers the risk of 10-year stroke recurrence and improves survival.
Phylogenomics and comparative genomics of Lactobacillus salivarius, a mammalian gut commensal

The genus Lactobacillus is a diverse group with a combined species count of over 200. They are the largest group within the lactic acid bacteria and one of the most important bacterial groups involved in food microbiology and human nutrition because of their fermentative and probiotic properties. Lactobacillus salivarius, a species commonly isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, has been described as having potential probiotic properties and results of previous studies have revealed considerable functional diversity existing on both the chromosomes and plasmids. Our study consists of comparative genomic analyses of the functional and phylogenomic diversity of 42 genomes of strains of L. salivarius using bioinformatic techniques. The main aim of the study was to describe intra-species diversity and to determine how this diversity is spread across the replicons. We found that multiple phylogenomic and non-phylogenomic methods used for reconstructing trees all converge on similar tree topologies, showing that different metrics largely agree on the evolutionary history of the species. The greatest genomic variation lies on the small plasmids, followed by the repA-type circular megaplasmid, with the chromosome varying least of all. Additionally, the presence of extra linear and circular megaplasmids is noted in several strains, while small plasmids are not always present. Glycosyl hydrolases, bacteriocins and proteases vary considerably on all replicons while two exopolysaccharide clusters and several clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated systems show a lot of variation on the chromosome. Overall, despite its reputation as a mammalian gastrointestinal tract specialist, the intra-specific variation of L. salivarius reveals potential strain-dependant effects on human health.
Jammin' an Ending: Creativity, Knowledge, and Conduct among Jazz Musicians

Abstract Research into musical creativity has hitherto involved highly disparate approaches and has taken place largely at the level of the individual. As a result, creativity has tended to be interpreted in terms of either expressive behaviour(s) in performance or ineffable innovation. In the meantime, however, a tranche of interdisciplinary research has moved towards a more collaborative understanding of creativity. With reference to that research, this article analyses the performance of a jazz standard played at a jam session in London. In exploring this unplanned moment of collaborative creativity, the study looks at the relationship between the mundane shaping of an ending and its occurrence within a cultural tradition that demands inventiveness on the part of performers. From an examination of the different sets of cultural knowledge on which musicians draw and an analysis of the momentary interactive conduct of the performers we obtain a view of creativity as an emergent amalgam – a shifting blend of knowledge and conduct that works to bring a song to a close.
Tax Simplicity and Heterogeneous Learning

We study how strongly individuals respond to tax simplicity and how they learn about the complexities of the tax system. We focus on the self-employed, who can more easily adjust to tax incentives and whose responses directly stem from their own understanding of the tax system. We use new French tax returns data from 1994 to 2012. France serves as a good quasi-laboratory: it has three fiscal regimes – or modes of taxation – for the self-employed, which differ in their monetary tax incentives and in their tax simplicity. Two key features are that, first, these regimes are subject to eligibility thresholds; we find large excess masses (bunching) right below the latter. Second, the regimes impact different agents heterogeneously and have changed extensively over time. Taken together, these two key elements give us measures of tax responses (the bunching) as well as the variation needed to jointly estimate a value of tax simplicity and taxable income elasticities. They also give us an opportunity to study how individuals learn about and respond over time to changing policy parameters. We estimate a large value for tax simplicity of up to 650 euros per year per individual depending on the regime and activity. We also find sizable costs of tax complexity; agents are not immediately able to understand what the right regime choice is, leave significant money on the table, and learn over time. The cost of complexity is “regressive” in that it affects mostly the uneducated, low income, and low skill agents. Agents who can be viewed as more informed and knowledgeable (e.g., the more educated or high-skilled) are more likely to make the correct regime choice and to learn faster.
Cytomegalovirus Encodes a Positive Regulator of Antigen Presentation

ABSTRACT Murine cytomegalovirus encodes three regulators of antigen presentation to antiviral CD8 T cells. According to current paradigms, all three regulators are committed to the inhibition of the presentation of antigenic peptides. Whereas m152/gp40 catalyzes the retention of peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules in a cis-Golgi compartment, m06/gp48 binds stably to class I molecules and directs them into the cellular cargo-sorting pathway of lysosomal degradation. Regulator m04/gp34 also binds stably to class I molecules, but unlike m152 and m06, it does not downmodulate MHC class I cell surface expression. It has entered the literature as a direct inhibitor of T-cell recognition of the MHC-peptide complex at the cell surface. In this work, we have studied the presentation of antigenic viral peptides in cells infected with a comprehensive set of mutant viruses expressing the three regulators separately as well as in all possible combinations. The results redefine m04 as a positive regulator dedicated to the facilitation of antigen presentation. When expressed alone, it did not inhibit T-cell recognition, and when expressed in the presence of m152, it restored antigen presentation by antagonizing the inhibitory function of m152. Its intrinsic positive function, however, was antagonized and even slightly overcompensated for by the negative regulator m06. In an adoptive cell transfer model, the opposing forces of the three regulators were found to govern immune surveillance in the infected host. While negative regulators, also known as immunoevasins, are common, the existence of a positive regulator is without precedent and indicates an intriguing genetic potential of this virus to influence antigen presentation.
Technology validation for e-trial systems

This research study presents a Hypothesised Model, developed on the basis of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Its aim is to evaluate innovative Health Information Technology (HIT) at the early stages of projects. It is contended that this practice would support system developers at the design and implementation phases, and reduce the risk of underutilisation or rejection. The performance of the model was tested in three studies within the Clinical Trial Management Systems framework. The Hypothesised Model approaches Behavioural Intention from a socio-technical point of view, taking into consideration the complexity and need of HIT to achieve joint optimisation. Moreover, it simplifies and extends UTAUT so that it may fit soundly within the healthcare context. Hence, it excludes the moderators and adds three core constructs, including: System-Specific Features, Technology Anxiety, and Adaptation Timeline. However, the model is easily adjustable to fit specific situations, especially given that this research study posits the non-existence of a single model that suits all situations. This approach appears to have improved the final outcome and outperformed the use of generic models within the healthcare context. The total explained variance reported from the three studies is: (76%), (86%), and (87%) respectively.
Mucoceles of the appendix. Their relationship to hyperplastic polyps, mucinous cystadenomas, and cystadenocarcinomas.

Sixty-four cases of hyperplastic polyp, mucinous cystadenoma, and cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix were studied in relation to the development of mucocele and "pseudomyxoma peritonei. " Thirty-three cases were examples of hyperplastic polyps. In 11, the appendix was transformed into a mucocele; eight were associated with mucinous cystadenoma and one with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. The hyperplastic polyp alone was the cause of mucocele formation in two. Thirty-five cases represented examples of mucinous cystadenoma; 32 resulted in mucocele formation. Rupture with localized pseudomyxoma peritonei was found in six; generalized pseudomyxoma peritonei was encountered only once. In four of the five cases of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, the appendix was grossly transformed into mucoceles. The histological features of mucinous cystadenoma are identical to villous adenoma of the large bowel and probably represent its counterpart within the appendix.