Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virtual visitation in the neonatal intensive care: experience with the use of internet and telemedicine in a tertiary neonatal unit.

INTRODUCTION Globally about 8% to 10% of newborns require neonatal intensive care (NICU) care. Families face emotional and financial difficulties when their sick newborns are hospitalized for prolonged periods in a NICU. METHODS We conducted a study to assess the feasibility and acceptance of an Internet-based telemedicine program in an intensive care setting and to evaluate its impact on newborns' length of stay (LOS) in hospitals. We identified eligible newborns and obtained their parents' written consent before installing a Web camera by the babies' beds. Using child-specific, confidential passwords, families viewed real-time video images of their newborns through a secure portal via an Internet browser or 3G (third-generation) cell phone. Parents of study subjects completed a survey that detailed the performance of the system. Frequency of parental visits and LOS of babies were tracked and compared with the same data for similar high-risk newborns matched for gestation and birth weight. RESULTS Parents responded favorably to the stability of the system and clarity of the image. Eighty percent requested a larger image frame. Frequencies of hospital visits made by parents of newborns in the study group and of those made by parents in the control group were not statistically different. LOS and postmenstrual age on discharge of study infants were not statistically different compared with infants in the control group. CONCLUSION Virtual visitation is well accepted by families with sick newborns requiring prolonged hospitalization. Inclusion of information technology to optimize NICU visitation resulted in no significant decrease in duration of hospitalization; however, its role in improving post-discharge transition care must be evaluated further.
Single-molecule techniques in biophysics: a review of the progress in methods and applications

Single-molecule biophysics has transformed our understanding of biology, but also of the physics of life. More exotic than simple soft matter, biomatter lives far from thermal equilibrium, covering multiple lengths from the nanoscale of single molecules to up to several orders of magnitude higher in cells, tissues and organisms. Biomolecules are often characterized by underlying instability: multiple metastable free energy states exist, separated by levels of just a few multiples of the thermal energy scale kBT, where kB is the Boltzmann constant and T absolute temperature, implying complex inter-conversion kinetics in the relatively hot, wet environment of active biological matter. A key benefit of single-molecule biophysics techniques is their ability to probe heterogeneity of free energy states across a molecular population, too challenging in general for conventional ensemble average approaches. Parallel developments in experimental and computational techniques have catalysed the birth of multiplexed, correlative techniques to tackle previously intractable biological questions. Experimentally, progress has been driven by improvements in sensitivity and speed of detectors, and the stability and efficiency of light sources, probes and microfluidics. We discuss the motivation and requirements for these recent experiments, including the underpinning mathematics. These methods are broadly divided into tools which detect molecules and those which manipulate them. For the former we discuss the progress of super-resolution microscopy, transformative for addressing many longstanding questions in the life sciences, and for the latter we include progress in ‘force spectroscopy’ techniques that mechanically perturb molecules. We also consider in silico progress of single-molecule computational physics, and how simulation and experimentation may be drawn together to give a more complete understanding. Increasingly, combinatorial techniques are now used, including correlative atomic force microscopy and fluorescence imaging, to probe questions closer to native physiological behaviour. We identify the trade-offs, limitations and applications of these techniques, and discuss exciting new directions.
Comparison of the Supporting Strength of a Poly-l-Lactic Acid Sheet and Porous Polyethylene (Medpor) for the Reconstruction of Orbital Floor Fractures

The aim of this study was to elucidate the supporting strength of the curved poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) sheet and porous polyethylene (Medpor) for reconstruction of orbital floor fractures. For one-half and two-thirds orbital floor fractures, reconstruction was performed using the PLLA sheet and Medpor. The PLLA sheet was molded to fit the orbital floor (concavity). The anterior portion (1 cm) was curved to fit the inferior orbital rim and fixed with a screw. Medpor was designed to fit the orbital floor. A screw was fixed 6 mm away from the anterior border of the orbital floor. Each implant was hung by wire, and the degree of sagging of the implant was measured using micrometers by the power of a force gauge. For one-half orbital floor fractures, the power of the PLLA sheet to sag 5 mm was 2.46 (SD, 0.14) N, and that of Medpor was 0.59 (SD, 0.04) N. The power of the PLLA sheet to sag 10 mm was 6.9 (SD, 0.14) N, and that of Medpor was 1.52 (SD, 0.16) N. For two-thirds orbital floor fractures, the power of the PLLA sheet to sag 5 mm was 1.79 (SD, 0.24) N, and that of Medpor was 0.39 (SD, 0.04) N. For 10 mm of sagging, the power of the PLLA sheet was 5.61 (SD, 0.29) N, and that of Medpor was 0.94 (SD, 0.09) N. For sagging of 15 mm, the power of the PLLA sheet was 8.99 (SD, 0.16) N, and that of Medpor was 2.98 (SD, 0.24) N. The PLLA sheet was irreversibly bent when the force reached ∼8 to 9 N. For Medpor, the degree of sagging during the early stage was larger than at the later stage. In all situations, the supporting power of the PLLA sheet was greater than that of Medpor. The differences were significant in all situations (P = 0.000). The degree of sagging in one-half orbital floor fractures was 2.87 mm for the PLLA sheet and 7.96 mm for Medpor. There was an increased orbital volume of 0.4 mL with the PLLA sheet and 1.19 mL for Medpor. The predicted enophthalmos was 0.41 mm with the PLLA sheet and 1.07 mm with Medpor. The degree of sagging for the two-thirds orbital floor fractures was 4.28 mm for the PLLA sheet and 11.47 mm for Medpor. The increased orbital volume was 0.78 mL for the PLLA sheet and 2.22 mL for Medpor. The predicted enophthalmos was 0.73 mm with the PLLA sheet and 1.93 mm with Medpor. The predicted enophthalmos was below 2 mm with both the PLLA sheet and Medpor for reconstruction of orbital floor fractures; however, it was near 2 mm with Medpor in reconstruction of two-thirds orbital floor fractures. The results of this study show that the PLLA sheet and Medpor were sufficient for reconstruction of one-half and two-thirds orbital floor fractures with a defective posterior part. However, the supporting power of the PLLA sheet was stronger than that of Medpor.
Surface Antigen Exposure by Bismuth Dimercaprol Suppression of Klebsiella pneumoniae Capsular Polysaccharide

ABSTRACT The bacterial capsule is an important virulence determinant in animal and plant disease. Bacterial capsule and slime can be inhibited by bismuth compounds, especially when complexed with lipophilic thiol chelators. Bismuth dimercaprol (BisBAL) at 1 ppm of Bi3+repressed Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule expression in defined medium by nearly 90%, which exposed subsurface structures. The phagocytic index for BisBAL-treated bacteria increased from <10 to 360 bacteria per 100 neutrophils in the presence of complement and anticapsular or anti-O antigen antiserum. BisBAL treatment also enhanced the reactivity of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the O1-antigen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or the LPS core in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. When anti-O1 MAb was used, the reactivity increased significantly for fully encapsulated O1:K1 or O1:K2 cells but not for O1:K− cells. Deposition of C3b also increased significantly for BisBAL-treated O1:K1 or O1:K2 cells but not for O1:K− cells. Survival of a serum-sensitive strain was <0.1% when nonimmune human serum absorbed with O1:K1 cells was used and 107% when BisBAL-treated cells were used for absorption. Outer membrane proteins were also more accessible on the surface of K. pneumoniae after BisBAL treatment. Thus, at subinhibitory levels, BisBAL inhibited capsule expression, which promoted phagocytosis, enhanced the reactivity of specific antibodies for LPS O antigen, LPS core epitopes, or outer-membrane proteins, and enhanced complement interaction with encapsulated K. pneumoniae. By unmasking bacterial surface structures and enhancing the immune system reactivity to bacteria, bismuth thiols may prove useful as adjuncts for vaccination.
Altered volume and hemispheric asymmetry of the superficial cortical layers in the schizophrenia planum temporale

In vivo structural MRI studies in schizophrenia auditory cerebral cortex have reported smaller volumes and, less consistently, have reported altered hemispheric asymmetry of volumes. We used autopsy brains from 19 schizophrenia and 18 nonpsychiatric male subjects to measure the volume asymmetry of the planum temporal (PT). We then used the most recently autopsied 11 schizophrenia and 10 nonpsychiatric brains to measure the widths and fractional volumes of the upper (I–III) and lower (IV–VI) layers. Measurements of whole PT gray matter volumes did not show significant changes in schizophrenia. Nevertheless, laminar volume measurements revealed that the upper layers of the PT comprise a smaller fraction of the total cortex in schizophrenia than in nonpsychiatric brains. Subdivision of the PT showed that this change was especially prominent caudally, beyond Heschl’s gyrus, whereas similar but less pronounced changes were found in the rostral PT and Heschl’s gyrus. Complementary measures of laminar widths showed that the altered fractional volume in the caudal left PT was due mainly to ∼8% thinner upper layers. However, the caudal right PT had a different profile, with thicker lower layers and comparatively unchanged upper layers. Thus, in the present study, laminar measurements provided a more sensitive method for detecting changes than measurement of whole PT volumes. Besides findings in schizophrenia, our cortical width measurements revealed normal hemispheric asymmetries consistent with previous reports. In schizophrenia, the thinner upper layers of the caudal PT suggest disrupted corticocortical processing, possibly affecting the multisensory integration and phonetic processing of this region.
The prevalence and nature of supportive care needs in lung cancer patients.

PURPOSE In the present work, we set out to comprehensively describe the unmet supportive care and information needs of lung cancer patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study used the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34 (34 items) and an informational needs survey (8 items). Patients with primary lung cancer in any phase of survivorship were included. Demographic data and treatment details were collected from the medical charts of participants. The unmet needs were determined overall and by domain. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with greater unmet needs. RESULTS From August 2013 to February 2014, 89 patients [44 (49%) men; median age: 71 years (range: 44-89 years)] were recruited. The mean number of unmet needs was 8 (range: 0-34), and 69 patients (78%) reported at least 1 unmet need. The need proportions by domain were 52% health system and information, 66% psychological, 58% physical, 24% patient care, and 20% sexuality. The top 2 unmet needs were "fears of the cancer spreading" [n = 44 of 84 (52%)] and "lack of energy/tiredness" [n = 42 of 88 (48%)]. On multivariable analysis, more advanced disease and higher MD Anderson Symptom Inventory scores were associated with increased unmet needs. Patients reported that the most desired information needs were those for information on managing symptoms such as fatigue (78%), shortness of breath (77%), and cough (63%). CONCLUSIONS Unmet supportive care needs are common in lung cancer patients, with some patients experiencing a very high number of unmet needs. Further work is needed to develop resources to address those needs.
Impact of adding 5.5 mM glucose to SOF medium on the development, metabolism and quality of in vitro produced bovine embryos from the morula to the blastocyst stage

Although toxic for early stages of embryo development, glucose is a physiological metabolic substrate at the morula and blastocyst stages. We evaluated the effect of adding 5.5 mM glucose from the morula stage on bovine blastocyst development and quality. In vitro matured and fertilised bovine oocytes were cultured in modified Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium containing 5% fetal calf serum, but without added glucose, up to day 5 post-insemination (pi). Morulae were selected and further cultured in the presence or absence of 5.5 mM glucose. Blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates were recorded. Oxygen, glucose and pyruvate uptakes as well as lactate release were evaluated. The quality of the resulting blastocysts was evaluated by the cell allocation to the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) and by the apoptotic index. Adding glucose increased the blastocyst rate at day 8 pi (80% vs 65%) but had no impact on hatching rate (25% vs 28%). A 22% decrease in oxygen uptake was observed in the presence of glucose, concomitant with an increase in lactate release, although no change was observed in pyruvate uptake. A slight decrease in blastocyst cell number was observed at day 7 in the presence of glucose while neither the ICM/TE cell ratio nor the apoptotic index were affected. In conclusion, adding 5.5 mM glucose from the morula stage has a limited impact on blastocyst rate and quality although important modifications were observed in embryo metabolism. It remains to be determined whether those modifications could influence embryo viability after transfer.
In Vivo Treatments with Fulvestrant and Anastrozole Differentially Affect Gene Expression in the Rat Efferent Ductules1

Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining the morphology and function of the efferent ductules. We previously demonstrated that the antiestrogen fulvestrant markedly affected gene expression in the rat efferent ductules. The mechanism of fulvestrant action to modulate gene expression may involve not only the blockade of ESR1 and ESR2 estrogen receptors, but also the activation of ESR1 and ESR2 when the receptors are tethered to AP-1 or SP1 transcription factors, or the activation of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1. We therefore compared the effects of two strategies to interfere with estrogen action in the rat efferent ductules: treatment with fulvestrant or with the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole. Whereas fulvestrant markedly increased Mmp7 and Spp1, and reduced Nptx1 mRNA levels, no changes were observed with anastrozole. Fulvestrant caused changes in epithelial morphology that were not seen with anastrozole. Fulvestrant shifted MMP7 immunolocalization in the epithelial cells from the supranuclear to the apical region; this effect was less pronounced with anastrozole. In vitro studies of 35S-methionine incorporation showed that protein release was increased, whereas tissue protein content in the efferent ductules of fulvestrant-treated rats was decreased. Although fulvestrant markedly affected gene expression, no changes were observed on AP-1 and SP1 DNA-binding activity. The blockade of ESRs seems to be the major reason explaining the differences between both treatments. At least some of the effects of fulvestrant appear to result from compensatory mechanisms activated by the dramatic changes caused by ESR1 blockade.
Are G-protein-Coupled Receptors Involved in Mediating Larval Settlement and Metamorphosis of Coral Planulae?

Larvae of the scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis are induced to settle and metamorphose by the presence of marine bacterial biofilms, and the larvae of Montipora capitata respond to a combination of filamentous and crustose coralline algae. The primary goal of this study was to better understand metamorphosis of cnidarian larvae by determining what types of receptors and signal-transduction pathways are involved during stimulation of metamorphosis of P. damicornis and M. capitata. Evidence from studies on larvae of hydrozoans suggests that G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are good candidates. Settlement experiments were conducted in which competent larvae were exposed to neuropharmacological agents that affect GPCRs and their associated signal-transduction pathways, AC/cAMP and PI/DAG/PKC. On the basis of the results of these experiments, we conclude that GPCRs and these pathways do not mediate settlement and metamorphosis in either coral species. Two compounds that had an effect on both species, forskolin and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA), may be acting on other cellular processes not related to GPCRs. This study strengthens our understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms that regulate metamorphosis in coral larvae.
The Brief Social Phobia Scale: a psychometric evaluation

The Brief Social Phobia Scale (BSPS) is an observer-rated scale designed to assess the characteristic symptoms of social phobia, using three subscales – fear, avoidance, and physiological arousal – which may be combined into a total score. Each of 18 BSPS items is anchored to a 5-point rating scale. Psychometric evaluation of the BSPS in a sample of 275 social-phobia patients yielded a high level of reliability and validity. Test–retest reliability was excellent, as was internal consistency. The fear and avoidance subscales demonstrated highly significant correlations with remaining item totals; however, the physiological subscale did not. The BSPS also demonstrated significant relationships with other established scales that assess anxiety and disability, and it proved sensitive to treatment effects in a trial of a 5-HT3 antagonist and placebo. Factor analysis yielded six meaningful factors. We conclude that the BSPS provides a reliable, valid, and sensitive measure for the evaluation of social phobia.
Critical review of the influences of nanoparticles on biological wastewater treatment and sludge digestion

Abstract Nanoparticles (NPs), with at least one dimension less than 100 nm, are substantially employed in consumer and industrial products due to their specific physical and chemical properties. The wide uses of engineered NPs inevitably cause their release into the environment, especially wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, it is essential to systematically assess their potential impact on biological wastewater treatment and subsequent sewage sludge digestion. This review aims to provide such support. First, this paper reviews the recent advances on the analytical developments and nano–bio interface of NPs in wastewater and sewage sludge treatment. The effects of NPs on biological wastewater treatment and sewage sludge digestion and related mechanisms are discussed in detail. Finally, the key questions that need to be answered in the future are pointed out, which include on-line revelation of the changes of NPs in sewage and sludge environments, in situ assessment of the variations of microorganisms involved in these biological systems after they are exposed to NPs. Differentiation of the contribution of individual toxicity mechanisms to these systems, and the identification of under what conditions the nanoparticle-induced toxicity will be increased or decreased are also considered.
Interaction Between Awake and Sleep Bruxism Is Associated with Increased Presence of Painful Temporomandibular Disorder.

AIMS To explore whether awake and sleep bruxism interact in their associations with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and whether the interaction is multiplicative or additive. METHODS In this case-control study, all participants (n = 705) were part of the multicenter Validation Project and were recruited as a convenience sample of community cases and controls and clinic cases. Logistic regression analyses were applied to test for the association between self-reported bruxism (sleep and/or awake) and the presence of painful TMD, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed. Regression models included an interaction term to test for multiplicative interaction, and additive interaction was calculated as the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RESULTS Based on logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and gender, the main effects for both awake (OR = 6.7; 95% CI: 3.4 to 12.9) and sleep (OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 3.1 to 8.3) bruxism were significant. While the multiplicative interaction (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.24 to 1.4) was not significant, the results indicated a significant positive additive interaction (RERI = 8.6; 95% CI: 1.0 to 19.7) on the OR scale. CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that awake and sleep bruxism are associated with an increased presence of painful TMD, and that both types of bruxism are not independently associated, but interact additively. As such, the presence of each factor amplifies the effect of the other.
The Late-Domain-Containing Protein p6 Is the Predominant Phosphoprotein of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Particles

ABSTRACT The Gag-derived protein p6 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) plays a crucial role in the release of virions from the membranes of infected cells. It is presumed that p6 and functionally related proteins from other viruses act as adapters, recruiting cellular factors to the budding site. This interaction is mediated by so-called late domains within the viral proteins. Previous studies had suggested that virus release from the plasma membrane shares elements with the cellular endocytosis machinery. Since protein phosphorylation is known to be a regulatory mechanism in these processes, we have investigated the phosphorylation of HIV-1 structural proteins. Here we show that p6 is the major phosphoprotein of HIV-1 particles. After metabolic labeling of infected cells with [ortho- 32P]phosphate, we found that phosphorylated p6 from infected cells and from virus particles consisted of several forms, suggesting differential phosphorylation at multiple sites. Apparently, phosphorylation occurred shortly before or after the release of p6 from Gag and involved only a minor fraction of the total virion-associated p6 molecules. Phosphoamino acid analysis indicated phosphorylation at Ser and Thr, as well as a trace of Tyr phosphorylation, supporting the conclusion that multiple phosphorylation events do occur. In vitro experiments using purified virus revealed that endogenous or exogenously added p6 was efficiently phosphorylated by virion-associated cellular kinase(s). Inhibition experiments suggested that a cyclin-dependent kinase or a related kinase, most likely ERK2, was involved in p6 phosphorylation by virion-associated enzymes.