Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcome of liver transplantation for haemophilia.

BACKGROUND Prior to routine screening of blood products many patients with haemophilia were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and have subsequently gone on to develop end-stage liver disease (ESLD). PATIENTS AND METHODS We report our experience of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with haemophilia that developed ESLD secondary to HCV. Patients transplanted from 1994 to 2008 were identified retrospectively. Patient demographics pre-, intra- and post-operative details and outcome were documented. RESULTS A total of 3800 LT were performed of which 13 had haemophilia A, 4 haemophilia B and one factor (F)X deficiency. All patients were male with a median age of 52 years (range 26-59), all were HCV antibody positive, 5 (28%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and 4 (22%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Median intra-operative blood loss was 4.2 l (range 0.8-12) and all received coagulation factor support peri-operatively. Coagulation was unsupported by 72 h post-operatively in all recipients. Two patients developed complications as a result of post-operative bleeding. At a median follow-up of 90 months, 8 patients have died, including 4 of the 5 patients that were HIV positive. The median survival of patients with and without HIV co-infection was 26 and 118 months, respectively. CONCLUSION LT in patients with haemophilia cures the coagulation disorder and in the absence of HIV/HCV co-infection is associated with long-term patient survival.
The Macrophage Galactose-Type Lectin Can Function as an Attachment and Entry Receptor for Influenza Virus

ABSTRACT Specific protein receptors that mediate internalization and entry of influenza A virus (IAV) have not been identified for any cell type. Sialic acid (SIA), the primary attachment factor for IAV hemagglutinin, is expressed by numerous cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids, confounding efforts to identify specific receptors involved in virus infection. Lec1 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) epithelial cells express cell surface SIA and bind IAV yet are largely resistant to infection. Here, we demonstrate that expression of the murine macrophage galactose-type lectin 1 (MGL1) by Lec1 cells enhanced Ca2+-dependent IAV binding and restored permissivity to infection. Lec1 cells expressing MGL1 were infected in the presence or absence of cell surface SIA, indicating that MGL1 can act as a primary receptor or as a coreceptor with SIA. Lec1 cells expressing endocytosis-deficient MGL1 mediated Ca2+-dependent IAV binding but were less sensitive to IAV infection, indicating that direct internalization via MGL1 can result in cellular infection. Together, these studies identify MGL1 as a cell surface glycoprotein that can act as an authentic receptor for both attachment and infectious entry of IAV.
Back to one: consequences of derived monogyny in an ant with polygynous ancestors

The number of queens per colony is of fundamental importance in the life history of social insects. Multiple queening (polygyny), with dependent colony founding by budding, has repeatedly evolved from ancestral single queening (monogyny) and independent founding by solitary queens in waSPS, bees and ants. By contrast, the reversal to monogyny appears to be rare, as polygynous queens often lack morphological adaptations necessary for dispersal and independent colony founding. In the ant genus Cardiocondyla, monogynous species evolved from polygynous ancestors. Here, we show that queens of monogynous species found their colonies independently, albeit in an unusual way: they mate in the maternal nest, disperse on foot and forage during the founding phase. This reversal appears to be associated with the occurrence of a wing polymorphism, which reflects a trade‐off between reproduction and dispersal. Moreover, queens of monogynous species live considerably longer than queens in related polygynous taxa, suggesting that queen life span is a plastic trait.
Relative frequency and survival of primary cutaneous lymphomas: a retrospective analysis of 98 patients

Background The World Health Organization and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (WHOEORTC) classification in 2005 promoted the comparisons of primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) subtypes between different countries. The relative frequency of PCL varied according to geography. The study aimed to analyze the relative frequency and survival of PCLs in China and to compare the data with the published results from other countries. Methods We analyzed 98 patients with PCLs over a 6‐year period and reclassified them according to the most recent WHO‐EORTC classification (2005). Disease‐specific survival rate and curves according to specific subtypes such as mycosis fungoides, lymphomatoid papulosis, and primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified was also calculated. Results The relative rate of PCL in China was distinct from those in Western countries. Our study showed a higher frequency of cutaneous T‐ and NK‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs) (94%), and a lower frequency of cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCLs) (6%). The 5‐year survival rate of the total PCLs was 82%. There was no significant difference in the 5‐year survival rate (P >0.05 by Log‐rank test) between CTCL (80%) and CBCL (100%). Conclusions The higher percentage of CTCL in China may provide a clue to further study the etiological factors of PCLs. Racial variations in factors such as HLA determinants may play a role in the development of CTCL.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Safe Medication Use in the ICU

Objective: To provide ICU clinicians with evidence-based guidance on safe medication use practices for the critically ill. Data Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science for relevant material to December 2015. Study Selection: Based on three key components: 1) environment and patients, 2) the medication use process, and 3) the patient safety surveillance system. The committee collectively developed Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions and quality of evidence statements pertaining to medication errors and adverse drug events addressing the key components. A total of 34 Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions, five quality of evidence statements, and one commentary on disclosure was developed. Data Extraction: Subcommittee members were assigned selected Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions or quality of evidence statements. Subcommittee members completed their Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation of the question with his/her quality of evidence assessment and proposed strength of recommendation, then the draft was reviewed by the relevant subcommittee. The subcommittee collectively reviewed the evidence profiles for each question they developed. After the draft was discussed and approved by the entire committee, then the document was circulated among all members for voting on the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation. Data Synthesis: The committee followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to determine quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Conclusions: This guideline evaluates the ICU environment as a risk for medication-related events and the environmental changes that are possible to improve safe medication use. Prevention strategies for medication-related events are reviewed by medication use process node (prescribing, distribution, administration, monitoring). Detailed considerations to an active surveillance system that includes reporting, identification, and evaluation are discussed. Also, highlighted is the need for future research for safe medication practices that is specific to critically ill patients.
Empiric Use of Potassium Citrate Reduces Kidney-Stone Incidence With the Ketogenic Diet

OBJECTIVE: Kidney stones are an adverse event with the ketogenic diet (KD), occurring in ∼6% of children who are started on this therapy for intractable epilepsy. Potassium citrate (Polycitra K) is a daily oral supplement that alkalinizes the urine and solubilizes urine calcium, theoretically reducing the risk for kidney stones. METHODS: Children who started the KD from 2000 to 2008 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, with at least 1 month of follow-up, were evaluated (N = 313). From 2000 to 2005, children were treated with daily Polycitra K at 2 mEq/kg per day only in the setting of identified hypercalciuria, whereas, since 2006, it has been started for all children empirically at KD onset. RESULTS: Polycitra K was administered to 198 children preventatively overall, 4 (2.0%) of whom developed kidney stones, compared with 11 (10.5%) of 105 who did not receive Polycitra K (P = .003). Two children since 2006 refused Polycitra K, 1 of whom developed a kidney stone. Successful empiric administration of Polycitra K at KD onset resulted in a kidney-stone incidence of 0.9% (1 of 106) compared with administration only because of hypercalciuria, 6.7% (13 of 195; P = .02). Polycitra K resulted in less acidic urine (mean pH: 6.8 vs 6.2; P = .002) but not reduced serum acidosis. No adverse effects of oral citrates were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Oral potassium citrate is an effective preventive supplement against kidney stones in children who receive the KD, achieving its goal of urine alkalinization. Universal supplementation is warranted.
Mannodendrimers prevent acute lung inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment

Mycobacterium tuberculosis mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines by LPS-stimulated human dendritic cells (DCs) via targeting the C-type lectin receptor DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN). With the aim of mimicking the bioactive supramolecular structure of mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan, we designed and synthesized a set of poly(phosphorhydrazone) dendrimers grafted with mannose units, called mannodendrimers, that differed by size and the number and length of their (α1→2)-oligommanoside caps. A third-generation dendrimer bearing 48 trimannoside caps (3T) and a fourth-generation dendrimer bearing 96 dimannosides (4D) displayed the highest binding avidity for DC-SIGN. Moreover, these dendrimers inhibited proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, production by LPS-stimulated DCs in a DC-SIGN–dependent fashion. Finally, in a model of acute lung inflammation in which mice were exposed to aerosolized LPS, per os administration of 3T mannodendrimer was found to significantly reduce neutrophil influx via targeting the DC-SIGN murine homolog SIGN-related 1. The 3T mannodendrimer therefore represents an innovative fully synthetic compound for the treatment of lung inflammatory diseases.
Scaling properties of the combined ICD-10 dependence and harms criteria and comparisons with DSM-5 alcohol use disorder criteria among patients in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV), and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Edition (ICD-10), alcohol use disorders (AUDs) classifications offer competing and somewhat overlapping diagnostic tools for assessing alcohol dependence and harms/abuse. Both systems are in active stages of development in anticipation of their next respective iterations. Although much psychometric work has been done studying DSM-IV criteria, efforts toward the ICD-11 have been less prevalent. METHOD Data from 3,191 drinkers in seven emergency department sites in four countries (United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Poland) were used to study the psychometric properties of the combined ICD-10 dependence and harms criteria. Comparisons with the proposed set of DSM-5 criteria and diagnostic thresholds are also included. RESULTS Item response theory analyses of the combined ICD-10 dependence and harms criteria suggested a single underlying factor, both overall and for each site separately, with only moderate differential item functioning across sites. Overall agreement between the summative combined ICD-10 dependence and harms criteria and the proposed 11-criteria DSM-5 scale was very high (r = .97), as was agreement between proposed diagnostic threshold levels of 0-1 (negative AUD), 2-3 (moderate AUD), and 4 or more (severe AUD) criteria endorsed (κ = .84). Although disagreement between the two three-level diagnoses was only 5.5% of the sample, a majority of these were because of differences between endorsement rates of abuse versus harms criteria. CONCLUSIONS Although there is support for efforts to align the two schemes, results are consistent with other studies finding the largest differences between the two systems emanating from differences between the abuse and harms domains. More research is needed before differences between the two systems can be reconciled.
Is There a Relationship between Foreign Direct Investment, Human Capital, Trade Openness and Economic Growth of Pakistani Economy?

Despite profuse literature on foreign direct investment, human capital and trade openness linkage with economic growth of developed economies, little profound literature is available in case of Pakistan. This paper specifically examines relationship of economic growth with foreign direct investment, human capital and trade openness for Pakistan over the time span 1980-2013. Applications of Johansen Co-integration test indicate the existence of long run relationship between the variables. In addition, VECM also confirms the long run relationship between variables. Also, diagnostic tests show normality and no auto correlation in the model. The CUSUMsq test signifies the specification of the model. The policy makers in Pakistan should employ policies to encourage FDI projects promoting domestic exports. Moreover, an increase in educational, health can result in efficient domestic human capital. The focus must also be on producing finished products in order to promote exports of Pakistan. Steps towards R&D activities should be encouraged to stimulate indigenous technological capability of Pakistan. This would upsurge the local production capability, capacity, promote exports, and improve terms of trade of Pakistan.
CORRELATION BETWEEN CYSTOID SPACES IN CHRONIC DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA AND CAPILLARY NONPERFUSION DETECTED BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY

Purpose: To study the relationship between the location of cystoid spaces and retinal capillary nonperfusion areas in diabetic cystoid macular edema (DCME). Methods: In this retrospective study, 24 eyes of 21 patients with chronic DCME were followed using optical coherence tomography angiography. The capillary density of the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus was measured using AngioAnalytics software in all DCME eyes and in 20 healthy controls. Diabetic cystoid macular edema improved spontaneously or after treatment in 11 eyes. Results: The intraretinal cystoid spaces were surrounded by capillary-flow void areas in the superficial capillary plexus in 71% of cases and in the deep capillary plexus in 96% of cases. The deep capillary plexus had lost its regular pattern in all cases. The capillary density was decreased in both plexus (mean decrease of −23.0% in the superficial capillary plexus and −12.4% in the deep capillary plexus vs. normal). In the 11 cases with DCME resolution, the capillary did not reperfuse in areas of resolved cystoid spaces, and the capillary density did not change significantly. Conclusion: In chronic DCME, cystoid spaces were located within capillary dropout areas. No reperfusion occurred after DCME resolution. The impact of the severity of this nonperfusion on the risk of recurrence of DCME remains to be clarified.
The Relationships between Exchange Rates and Stock Prices: Empirical Investigation from Johannesburg Stock Exchange

This study seeks evidence supporting the existence of market efficiency and exchange rate sensitivity on stock prices in the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE). The sample includes the daily price indices of all securities listed on the JSE, and the exchange rate of the USD/Rand for the period since January 2000 to December 2004. The results from the unit root test, the ADF test and the causality test at the Granger sense provide evidence that the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) is informationally efficient. It has a long run comovement with exchange rate, and long run equilibrium or steady state. Hence, in JSE there is a strong possibility that foreign direct investors and forex market traders cannot influence and gain abnormal extra benefits by using exchange rate mechanism or by using exchange rate to forecast stock prices in the market. So, JSE is semi-strong form efficient. Through cointegration test, this paper gives more insight on the concept of market efficiency and the reliability of the results. These results are important to security analysts, investors, and security regulatory exchange bodies in policy making decision to improve the market conditions
Dynamic adaptation of myocardial proteome during heart failure development

Heart failure (HF) development is characterized by huge structural changes that are crucial for disease progression. Analysis of time dependent global proteomic adaptations during HF progression offers the potential to gain deeper insights in the disease development and identify new biomarker candidates. Therefore, hearts of TAC (transverse aortic constriction) and sham mice were examined by cardiac MRI on either day 4, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 after surgery (n = 6 per group/time point). At each time point, proteomes of the left (LV) and right ventricles (RV) of TAC and sham mice were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). In TAC mice, systolic LV heart function worsened from day 4 to day 14, remained on a stable level from day 14 to day 42, and showed a further pronounced decline at day 56. MS analysis identified in the LV 330 and in RV 246 proteins with altered abundance over time (TAC vs. sham, fc≥±2). Functional categorization of proteins disclosed the time-dependent alteration of different pathways. Heat shock protein beta-7 (HSPB7) displayed differences in abundance in tissue and serum at an early stage of HF. This study not only provides an overview of the time dependent molecular alterations during transition to HF, but also identified HSPB7 as a novel blood biomarker candidate for the onset of cardiac remodeling.
Relationship between miRNA‐338‐3p expression and progression and prognosis of human colorectal carcinoma

Background miR‐338‐3p is a recently discovered miRNA and is involved in cell differentiation. However, few data are yet available on the aberrant expression of miR‐338‐3p in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC). This work aimed to investigate the relationship between miR‐338‐3p expression pattern and clinicopathological features of human CRC and the possible regulative mechanisms. Methods The 40 CRC, adjacent nontumorous tissues and 2 human CRC‐derived cell lines (SW‐480 and SW‐620) were collected, respectively, and the total RNA and protein were isolated routinely. The miR‐338‐3p expression pattern was detected by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Northern blotting. Smoothened (SMO, possible target of miR‐338‐3p) mRNA and corresponding protein expression pattern were detected by semiquantitative RT‐PCR and Western blotting. miR‐338‐3p expression patterns were compared between nontumor mucosa and CRC samples, graded by progression‐related factors. Disease outcome was calculated by Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis to determine whether miR‐338‐3p was related to disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients. Moreover, SMO 3′‐UTR fragment was PCR amplified from genome DNA of human colon and inserted into a luciferase reporter plasmid. The luciferase reporter plasmid construct was then transfected into CRC cells together with pre‐miR‐338‐3p or anti‐miR‐338‐3p and the luciferase activity in the transfected cells was detected. Results The expression of miR‐338‐3p was significantly downregulated in CRCs than those in the adjacent nontumorous tissues, and the value was negatively related to advanced TNM stage and local invasion (P <0.01). Furthermore, miR‐338‐3p value was decreased markedly in SW‐620 cell line relative to SW‐480 (P <0.01). Low expression of miR‐338‐3p was associated with unfavorable outcome in DFS but not in OS independent of clinical covariates. Moreover, RT‐PCR and Western blotting analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in SMO mRNA expression between the corresponding CRCs and nontumorous tissues, whereas SMO protein markedly increased in CRCs (P <0.01). A significant increase in luciferase activity was detected in CRC cells, which were cotransfected with the luciferase reporter plasmid construct and anti‐miR‐338‐3p (P <0.01). Conclusions miR‐338‐3p is expressed differentially in CRC and associated with progression and prognosis of CRC. SMO might be a possible target of miR‐338‐3p, which made it a potential antitumor candidate for treatment and prevention of CRC. Chin Med J 2014; 127 (10): 1884‐1890
Regional differences in cell shape and gap junction expression in rat Achilles tendon: relation to fibrocartilage differentiation

Tendon cells have complex shapes, with many cell processes and an intimate association with collagen fibre bundles in their extracellular matrix. Where cells and their processes contact one another, they form gap junctions. In the present study, we have examined the distribution of gap junction components in phenotypically different regions of rat Achilles tendon. This tendon contains a prominent enthesial fibrocartilage at its calcaneal attachment and a sesamoid fibrocartilage where it is pressed against the calcaneus just proximal to the attachment. Studies using DiI staining demonstrated typical stellate cell shape in transverse sections of pure tendon, with cells withdrawing their cell processes and rounding up in the fibrocartilaginous zones. Coincident with change in shape, cells stopped expressing the gap junction proteins connexins 32 and 43, with connexin 43 disappearing earlier in the transition than connexin 32. Thus, there are major differences in the ability of cells to communicate with one another in the phenotypically distinct regions of tendon. Individual fibrocartilage cells must sense alterations in the extracellular matrix by cell/matrix interactions, but can only coordinate their behaviour via indirect cytokine and growth factor signalling. The tendon cells have additional possibilities — in addition to the above, they have the potential to communicate direct cytoplasmic signals via gap junctions. The formation of fibrocartilage in tendons occurs because of the presence of compressive as well as tensile forces. It may be that different systems are used to sense and respond to such forces in fibrous and cartilaginous tissues.
Bank Capital Requirements and Collateralised Lending Markets

In this paper, we take as a baseline a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, which features a housing market, borrowers, savers and banks, in order to evaluate the welfare and macroeconomic effects of the new fixed capital requirements in the Basel accords. Our results show that the higher capital requirements imposed by Basel I, II and III decrease both the quantity of borrowing and its variability, producing distributional welfare effects among agents: savers are better o¤, but borrowers and banks are worse o¤. Then, we propose a macroprudential rule for the counter- cyclical capital buffer of Basel III in which capital requirements respond to credit growth, output and housing prices. We find that the optimal implementation of Basel III is countercyclical for borrowers and banks, the agents directly affected by capital requirements, while procyclical for savers. From a normative perspective, we see that this macroprudential rule for Basel III delivers higher welfare for the society than a situation with no regulation.