Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cortical Plasticity and Reorganization in Pediatric Single-sided Deafness Pre- and Postcochlear Implantation: A Case Study

Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in cortical development and neuroplasticity in a child with single-sided deafness (SSD) before and after cochlear implantation (CI). Background: The extent to which sensory pathways reorganize in childhood SSD is not well understood and there is currently little evidence demonstrating the efficacy of CI in children with SSD. Methods: High-density 128-channel electroencephalography (EEG) was used to collect cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEP), cortical visual evoked potentials (CVEP), and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (CSSEP) in a child with SSD, pre-CI and at subsequent sessions until approximately 3 years post-CI in her right ear which occurred at age 9.86 years. Behavioral correlates of speech perception and sound localization were also measured. Results: Pre-CI, high-density EEG showed evidence of delayed auditory cortical response morphology, auditory cortical development strongly contralateral (to the normal hearing ear), evidence of increased cognitive load, and cross-modal reorganization by the visual and somatosensory modalities. The post-CI developmental trajectory provided clear evidence of age-appropriate development of auditory cortical responses, and decreased cross-modal reorganization, consistent with improved speech perception and sound localization. Conclusion: Post-CI, the child demonstrated age-appropriate auditory cortical development and improved speech perception and sound localization suggestive of significant benefits from cochlear implantation. Reversal of somatosensory recruitment was clearly apparent, and only a residual amount of visual cross-modal plasticity remained postimplantation. Overall, our results suggest that CI in pediatric SSD patients may benefit from a highly plastic cortex in childhood.
Cerebral microbleeds and postthrombolysis intracerebral hemorrhage risk: Updated meta-analysis

Editors' Note: Commenting on “Natural course of total mismatch and predictors for tissue infarction,” Dr. Shamy points out that mismatch on CT perfusion is an incomplete predictor of benefit following revascularization and may be better used to exclude stroke patients with a matched defect. Authors Hotter and Fiebach agree and stress that the absence of imaging proof of infarction is not, per se, an exclusion criterion for IV thrombolysis. Drs. Cappellari and Bovi critique the meta-analysis on cerebral microbleeds and postthrombolysis intracerebral hemorrhage risk, pointing out several limitations. Authors Charidimou and Werring respond and explain that their results are preliminary and do not …
Response of glacial landscapes to spatial variations in rock uplift rate

[1] The response of glaciated landscapes to rapid rock uplift, driven by tectonic convergence, is an important, often neglected, aspect of proposed interactions between plate tectonic processes and climate change. Rivers typically respond to more rapid rock uplift in part through increasing channel gradients. In contrast, the “glacial buzzsaw” hypothesis suggests that glaciers can erode as quickly as the fastest rock uplift rates (6–10 mm/yr) without any increase in mean elevations. However, it has not been established how this is achieved. We examined moving window maps, swath and longitudinal profiles, hillslope relief, and hypsometry for glacierized and formerly glacierized basins in areas of spatially variable rock uplift rate in the Southern Alps, New Zealand, and around Nanga Parbat, Pakistan, to determine whether glaciers have a specific response to rapid rock uplift. The response of these glaciated landscapes to rapid rock uplift (6–10 mm/yr) comprises (1) modest steepening of the longitudinal profiles in smaller glaciated basins, (2) maintenance of shallow downvalley slopes in larger glaciated basins (>∼30 km2, Southern Alps; >∼100 km2, Nanga Parbat), (3) development of tall headwalls, and (4) steepening of the basin as a whole, dominated by hillslope lengthening. Around Nanga Parbat, headwalls several kilometers high constitute >50% of the basin relief. At rapid rock uplift rates, although glaciers can incise the valley floor swiftly, they cannot prevent headwalls from reaching exceptional heights. The associated increase in mean distance between cirque heads (i.e., a decrease in drainage density) causes regional mean elevation to rise with increasing rock uplift rate. However, this is much less than the changes in elevation expected in unglaciated ranges.
Fetal outcome of lupus pregnancy: a retrospective case-control study of the Hopkins Lupus Cohort.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and therapeutic abortion in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus controls. METHOD The outcome of lupus pregnancy was determined in the largest retrospective case-control study to date, involving 203 patients with SLE with 481 pregnancies, 166 "best friends" with 356 pregnancies and 177 relatives with 566 pregnancies. RESULTS Pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth) was more common in lupus pregnancies (21%) than in pregnancies in friends (14%, p = 0.01) or in relatives (8%, p < or = 0.0001) and was more common after the diagnosis of SLE than before (27 19%, p = 0.04). Preterm birth (< or = 36 weeks) was more common in lupus pregnancies (12%) than in pregnancies in friends (4%, p < or = 0.0001) or in relatives (4%, p < or = 0.0001) and was more common after the diagnosis of SLE than before (24 vs 6%, p < or = 0.0001). Preterm birth in lupus pregnancies after the diagnosis of SLE was associated with nonhigh school graduates (p = 0.001), Raynaud's phenomenon (p = 0.007), and hypertension requiring treatment (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION We conclude that both pregnancy loss and preterm birth are significantly increased in lupus pregnancy versus control pregnancy and that these pregnancy outcomes are more common after the diagnosis of SLE.
Reconciliation, consolation and postconflict behavioral specificity in chimpanzees

Conflicts of interest arise regularly in the lives of all group‐living animals and may escalate into aggressive conflicts. The costs of aggressive escalation can be reduced through peaceful postconflict interactions. This study investigated the postconflict behavior of 22 adult chimpanzees at Chester Zoo. The occurrence of reconciliation, i.e. the postconflict affiliative reunion between conflict opponents, and consolation, i.e. a postconflict affiliative interaction directed from a third party to the recipient of aggression, were demonstrated. Consolation was more likely to occur in the absence of reconciliation than after reconciliation, and reconciliation was more likely to occur in the absence of consolation than after consolation, supporting the hypothesis that consolation acts as a substitute for reconciliation when the latter fails to occur. Evidence for behavioral specificity, i.e. context‐specific use of certain behaviors, was found for both reconciliation and consolation, which, along with high conciliatory tendencies, suggests an explicit style of postconflict behavior in the study subjects. Am. J. Primatol. 70:1114–1123, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased iodine deficiency in Victoria, Australia: analysis of neonatal thyroid‐stimulating hormone data, 2001 to 2006

TO THE EDITOR: Rahman and colleagues suggest that iodine deficiency in Victoria increased between 2001 and 2006, based on the findings of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in neonates at routine newborn screening. Indeed, their data as presented suggest a doubling of the percentage of mothers with iodine deficiency to over 9% during that period. This could be correct. Certainly, as they state, there is much evidence to suggest that there is mild iodine deficiency in Australia. However, there are caveats about the data they report which are not mentioned. Data from New South Wales do not show this trend. While they do suggest a degree of mild iodine deficiency, there was no increase in the percentage of neonates with TSH levels > 5 mIU/L of whole blood from 2002 to 2009 (Box), although the average age at sampling falls slightly (from 2.96 to 2.32 days) over this period. The World Health Organization has defined iodine sufficiency as being indicated, inter alia, when more than 3% of newborns aged 3–4 days have a TSH level > 5 mIU/L of whole blood. Factors that affect the TSH level in a newborn screening program include the precise age at sampling, and any changes to the method of TSH analysis used. In a Swiss study assessing the efficacy of iodine supplementation, there was a small but significant decrease in the TSH level from Day 3 to Day 4 of age. This is unsurprising: following the TSH surge in the first hours after birth, TSH levels decline gradually to a steady level at about Day 7. There could well have been a trend to earlier sampling in Victoria, within the bounds of the 2–4 days of age assay that Rahman and colleagues mention, over the period studied, but these crucial data are not given. The dried blood spot TSH assay method is not described either. A change in any aspect of the methodology; for example, if the manufacturer modified the antibody used, may produce a small, clinically insignificant but numerically significant, change in results. If the data presented by Rahman and colleagues for Victoria do not have these biases, then the situation warrants further investigation, but whatever is happening in Victoria seems not to be replicated over the border.
Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase in human ocular tissues.

PURPOSE Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) (MMP-14) (EC 3.4.24.xx) is involved in the activation of progelatinase A (MMP-2) (EC 3.4.24.24). MMP-2 is present at least in the interphotoreceptor matrix and vitreous. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of MT1-MMP, and MMP-2, in human ocular tissues. METHODS The distribution of MT1-MMP and MMP-2 was investigated in vitreous and in membrane extracts from eye tissues obtained from postmortem human eyebank eyes. Western blot analysis was performed using mouse monoclonal anti-MT1-MMP and anti-MMP-2 antibodies. RESULTS MT1-MMP was found in sclera, cornea, lens, choroid, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina. MMP-2 was found in sclera, cornea, choroid, vitreous, RPE and retina but was absent from lens. CONCLUSION We provide the first evidence for the presence and distribution of membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase in human ocular tissues. MT1-MMP may be responsible for the activation of progelatinase A in many ocular extracellular matrices in a manner similar to that exhibited in other systems.
A Randomized Trial of Iron-Biofortified Pearl Millet in School Children in India.

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional deficiency in the world. OBJECTIVE The objective of this randomized efficacy trial was to determine the effects of iron-biofortified pearl millet (Fe-PM) on iron status compared with control pearl millet (Control-PM). METHODS A randomized trial of biofortified pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), bred to enhance iron content, was conducted in 246 children (12-16 y) for 6 mo in Maharashtra, India. Iron status [hemoglobin, serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and total body iron (TBI)], inflammation (C-reactive protein and α-1 acid glycoprotein), and anthropometric indices were evaluated at enrollment and after 4 and 6 mo. Hodges-Lehmann-Sen 95% CIs were used to examine the effect of the Fe-PM on iron status compared with commercially available Control-PM. Linear and binomial regression models were used to evaluate the effects of Fe-PM on iron status and incidence of anemia and iron deficiency, compared with Control-PM. RESULTS At baseline, 41% of children were iron deficient (SF <15 μg/L) and 28% were anemic (hemoglobin <12.0 g/dL). Fe-PM significantly increased SF concentrations and TBI after 4 mo compared with Control-PM. Among children who were iron deficient at baseline, those who received Fe-PM were 1.64 times more likely to become iron replete by 6 mo than were those receiving Control-PM (RR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.49, P = 0.02). The effects of Fe-PM on iron status were greater among children who were iron deficient at baseline than among children who were not iron deficient at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Fe-PM significantly improved iron status in children by 4 mo compared with Control-PM. This study demonstrated that feeding Fe-PM is an efficacious approach to improve iron status in school-age children and it should be further evaluated for effectiveness in a broader population context. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02152150.
Comprehensive High-Throughput RNA Sequencing Analysis Reveals Contamination of Multiple Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Lines with HeLa Cell Genomes

ABSTRACT In an attempt to explore infectious agents associated with nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs), we employed our high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis pipeline, RNA CoMPASS, to investigate the presence of ectopic organisms within a number of NPC cell lines commonly used by NPC and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) researchers. Sequencing data sets from both CNE1 and HONE1 were found to contain reads for human papillomavirus 18 (HPV-18). Subsequent real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis on a panel of NPC cell lines identified HPV-18 in CNE1 and HONE1 as well as three additional NPC cell lines (CNE2, AdAH, and NPC-KT). Further analysis of the chromosomal integration arrangement of HPV-18 in NPCs revealed patterns identical to those observed in HeLa cells. Clustering based on human single nucleotide variation (SNV) analysis of two separate HeLa cell lines and several NPC cell lines demonstrated two distinct clusters with CNE1, as well as HONE1 clustering with the two HeLa cell lines. In addition, duplex-PCR-based genotyping showed that CNE1, CNE2, and HONE1 do not have a HeLa cell-specific L1 retrotransposon insertion, suggesting that these three HPV-18+ NPC lines are likely products of a somatic hybridization with HeLa cells, which is also consistent with our RNA-seq-based gene level SNV analysis. Taking all of these findings together, we conclude that a widespread HeLa contamination may exist in many NPC cell lines, and authentication of these cell lines is recommended. Finally, we provide a proof of concept for the utility of an RNA-seq-based approach for cell authentication. IMPORTANCE Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines are important model systems for analyzing the complex life cycle and pathogenesis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Using an RNA-seq-based approach, we found HeLa cell contamination in several NPC cell lines that are commonly used in the EBV and related fields. Our data support the notion that contamination resulted from somatic hybridization with HeLa cells, likely occurring at the point of cell line establishment. Given the rarity of NPCs, the long history of NPC cell lines, and the lack of rigorous cell line authentication, it is likely that the actual prevalence and impact of HeLa cell contamination on the EBV field might be greater. We therefore recommend cell line authentication prior to performing experiments using NPC cell lines to avoid inaccurate conclusions. The novel RNA-seq-based cell authentication approach reported here can serve as a comprehensive method for validating cell lines.
Adhesion‐dependent redistribution of MAP kinase and MEK promotes muscarinic receptor‐mediated signaling to the nucleus

The mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated by extracellular signals, and translocate to the nucleus where they modulate transcription. Integrin‐mediated cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is required for efficient transmission of MAPK‐based signals initiated by growth factors. However, the modulation of G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by adhesion is less well understood. In the present study, we assessed the impact of cell adhesion on MAPK activation by muscarinic M3 receptors. The muscarinic agonist carbachol more efficiently promoted stress fiber formation and tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion‐associated proteins in M3 receptor‐expressing cells adherent to fibronectin or collagen type I, as compared to polylysine. Overall MAPK activation was robust in cells adherent to all three substrata. However, total levels of MAPK and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) in the nucleus were significantly greater in cells adherent to ECM proteins for 2.5 h, and levels of activated MAPK and MEK in the nuclei of these cells were higher following carbachol stimulation, relative to levels in cells adherent to polylysine. MEK inhibitors did not prevent adhesion‐dependent translocation of MAPK and MEK to the nucleus, and increased nuclear phospho‐MEK levels in carbachol‐stimulated cells. The results suggest that adhesion of cells to ECM triggers the redistribution of MAPK and MEK to the nucleus, possibly as a result of the cytoskeletal rearrangements that accompany cell spreading. This may represent a mechanism for priming the nucleus with MEK and MAPK, leading to more rapid and pronounced increases in intranuclear phospho‐MAPK upon GPCR stimulation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nestin is induced by hypoxia and is attenuated by hyperoxia in Müller glial cells in the adult rat retina

This study investigated the reactive changes in Müller glial cells and astrocytes of the rat retinae, which had been subjected either to hypoxia or to hypoxia followed by hyperoxia treatments. Fifteen rats were used. Ten rats were exposed to 9% O2 for 2 h. Of these, five rats were killed at 24 h later; the remaining five rats were immediately exposed to 80% O2 for 2 h and then killed 24 h later. Double immunofluorescence was carried out between nestin and glutamine synthetase (GS) and between glial fibrilary acidic proteins (GFAP) and GS in normal and pathological retinae. Enhanced nestin expression was observed in reactive astrocytes following hypoxia treatment as revealed in whole mount sections. A novel finding was the induction of nestin expression in Müller glial cells. Remarkably, the nestin immunostaining was downregulated to levels comparable to those of the normal rats with immediate hyperoxia treatment. Induced nestin expression by hypoxia colabelled with GFAP in astrocytes, however, remained unaffected after hyperoxia treatment. The induced expression of nestin in Müller glial cells and astrocytes in hypoxia and differential downregulation after hyperoxia treatment suggest a structural plasticity of the cytoskeletal framework of these cells. The differential response after hyperoxia treatment may be related to the functional states of the cells.
S2 alar-iliac screws versus iliac screws for pelvic fixation

Achieving a sacropelvic fusion continues to be a challenge due to complex anatomy biomechanics and morbidity associated with invasive procedures. Initially, the Galveston technique was utilized until the introduction of iliac screws (IS) in the early 2000s, which showed improved fusion rates and decreased complications (1-3). However, drawbacks to the IS technique include extensive dissection of paraspinal muscles, screw prominence given its high profile, and the requirement of offset connector use (4,5).
Association of interpregnancy interval with uterine scar failure in labor: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether a short interpregnancy interval is associated with uterine scar failure in laboring patients with previous low transverse cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN This was a case-control study of uterine scar failures among laboring patients with previous low transverse cesarean delivery. Control patients underwent abdominal delivery during labor after failure of an attempted vaginal birth after cesarean delivery in the same month as case patients. RESULTS An interpregnancy interval of <6 months was significantly more prevalent among case patients with uterine scar failure (P =.02). Mean interpregnancy interval was less in all cases of uterine scar failure (P = .06). CONCLUSIONS Interpregnancy interval was inversely associated with likelihood of uterine scar failure during subsequent labor.
A Robust Approach for Blind Detection of Balanced Chromosomal Rearrangements with Whole‐Genome Low‐Coverage Sequencing

Balanced chromosomal rearrangement (or balanced chromosome abnormality, BCA) is a common chromosomal structural variation. Next‐generation sequencing has been reported to detect BCA‐associated breakpoints with the aid of karyotyping. However, the complications associated with this approach and the requirement for cytogenetics information has limited its application. Here, we provide a whole‐genome low‐coverage sequencing approach to detect BCA events independent of knowing the affected regions and with low false positives. First, six samples containing BCAs were used to establish a detection protocol and assess the efficacy of different library construction approaches. By clustering anomalous read pairs and filtering out the false‐positive results with a control cohort and the concomitant mapping information, we could directly detect BCA events for each sample. Through optimizing the read depth, BCAs in all samples could be blindly detected with only 120 million read pairs per sample for data from a small‐insert library and 30 million per sample for data from nonsize‐selected mate‐pair library. This approach was further validated using another 13 samples that contained BCAs. Our approach advances the application of high‐throughput whole‐genome low‐coverage analysis for robust BCA detection—especially for clinical samples—without the need for karyotyping.
TLR‐mediated STAT3 and ERK activation controls IL‐10 secretion by human B cells

IL‐10‐producing B cells have a regulatory effect in various mouse models for immune‐mediated disorders via secretion of IL‐10, a potent immunoregulatory cytokine. However, currently, the signaling pathways that regulate IL‐10 production in B cells are not well understood. Here, we show that TLR signaling, but not BCR activation or CD40 ligation, induces potent production of IL‐10 in human B cells. We demonstrate that the activation of STAT3 and ERK is required for TLR‐induced IL‐10 production by B cells, since inhibition of STAT3 or ERK activation abrogates TLR‐induced IL‐10 production. We also uncover a novel function of the TLR‐MyD88‐STAT3 pathway in B cells, namely controlling IL‐10 production, in addition to the known role for this pathway in antibody production. Furthermore, IFN‐α, a member of the type I IFN family, differentially modulates TLR7/8‐ and TLR9‐activated STAT3 and ERK in B cells, which provides an explanation for our findings that IFN‐α enhances TLR7/8‐induced, but not TLR9‐induced IL‐10 production. These results yield insights into the mechanisms by which TLR signaling regulates IL‐10 production in B cells and how type I IFN modulates TLR‐mediated IL‐10 production by B cells, therefore providing potential targets to modulate the function of IL‐10‐producing B cells.
What Muscle is Responsible for Lateral Pharyngeal Wall Movement?

In an attempt to discover what muscle is responsible for medial movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall, the levator muscle was anesthetized with lidocaine under visual control by fiberscope in 3 normal subjects. The results indicate that the medial movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall results from the contraction of the levator. The attendant roll-up of the uvula toward the nasal side induced by the anesthesia was regarded as the action of the uvular muscle without the counterbalance of levator action.