Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Default-mode network disruption in mild traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE To investigate the integrity of the default-mode network (DMN) by using independent component analysis (ICA) methods in patients shortly after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and healthy control subjects, and to correlate DMN connectivity changes with neurocognitive tests and clinical symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the institutional review board and complied with HIPAA regulations. Twenty-three patients with MTBI who had posttraumatic symptoms shortly after injury (<2 months) and 18 age-matched healthy control subjects were included in this study. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 3 T to characterize the DMN by using ICA methods, including a single-participant ICA on the basis of a comprehensive template from core seeds in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) nodes. ICA z images of DMN components were compared between the two groups and correlated with neurocognitive tests and clinical performance in patients by using Pearson and Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS When compared with the control subjects, there was significantly reduced connectivity in the PCC and parietal regions and increased frontal connectivity around the MPFC in patients with MTBI (P < .01). These frontoposterior opposing changes within the DMN were significantly correlated (r = -0.44, P = .03). The reduced posterior connectivity correlated positively with neurocognitive dysfunction (eg, cognitive flexibility), while the increased frontal connectivity correlated negatively with posttraumatic symptoms (ie, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and postconcussion syndrome). CONCLUSION These results showed abnormal DMN connectivity patterns in patients with MTBI, which may provide insight into how neuronal communication and information integration are disrupted among DMN key structures after mild head injury.
Persistent Infection of Cells in Culture by Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Summary The virus-cell relationship of RS virus and the HEp-2 cell line has been examined. The production of cytopathic effect (c.p.e.) on HEp-2 cells has been found to be dependent upon the passage level of the cell line. Cells at lower passage levels exhibit c.p.e. in the form of syncytium formation, while those at higher passage levels no longer exhibit this effect. Cells infected at higher passage levels are covertly infected and continue to produce large amounts of infectious virus which remains cell-associated. On continued passage, these cells remain infected with virus but show no c.p.e. and release little if any infectious virus into the medium. Examination of the RNA species present in infected cells revealed that similar species are present in both the overtly and covertly infected cells.
Maternal Education, Breastfeeding Behaviours and Lactational Amenorrhoea: Studies Among Two Ethnic Communities in Ile Ife, Nigeria

Breastfeeding is an important child survival strategy. This report aims to describe the unique contributions of education, ethnicity, and other variables to breastfeeding outcomes. The study was conducted among two groups of lactating mothers in Ile Ife, southwestern Nigeria, using structured questionnaires focusing on their breastfeeding history and current practice. Breastfeeding initiation was delayed in both groups, and primary education is the most significant predictor of initiation of breastfeeding within 6 hours of delivery (OR = 3.92, p = 0.0117). Breastfeeding duration (SD) was 13.7 (4.3) months for the Yorubas and 17.5 (3.4) for the Hausas. Its only significant predictors are education (p < = 0.0001), with an average decrease in breastfeeding duration of 3.2 and 6.6 months with mother's education to the primary and post-primary levels respectively, compared with mothers with no education. In turn, breastfeeding duration is the most significant predictor of the duration of lactational amenorrhoea (p = 0.0000). Mothers with some formal education are also more likely to start feeding human milk substitutes at 2 weeks (OR = 3.83, p = 0.024). The most important variable determining breastfeeding in this study is education. The educated mother is more likely to be involved in economic activity away from the home. To protect breastfeeding in these communities, there is a need for programmes to support the breastfeeding mother who works.
Mutations within the 23S rRNA coding sequence of E. coli which block ribosome assembly.

We have used site specific mutagenesis in vitro to construct a set of deletion mutations within the 5′ region of a cloned 23S rRNA gene. In contrast to previously studied mutations in this gene, some of these deletions prevent the incorporation of 23S rRNA into ribosomal particles. This result is discussed in terms of a model in which interaction with the assembly initiator protein, L24, is perturbed.
Identification, recombinant production and partial biochemical characterization of an extracellular cold-active serine-metalloprotease from an Antarctic Pseudomonas isolate

Cold-adapted enzymes are generally derived from psychrophilic microorganisms and have features that make them very attractive for industrial and biotechnological purposes. In this work, we identified a 50 kDa extracellular protease (MP10) from the Antarctic isolate Pseudomonas sp. AU10. The enzyme was produced by recombinant DNA technology, purified using immobilized metal affinity chromatography and partially characterized. MP10 is an alkaline thermosensitive serine-metallo protease with optimal activity at pH 8.0 and 40 ℃, in the presence of 1.5 mM Ca 2+ . MP10 showed 100% residual activity and stability (up to 60 min) when incubated with 7% of non-ionic surfactants (Triton X-100, Tween-80 and Tween-20) and 1.5% of the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide. The 3D MP10 structure was predicted and compared with the crystal structure of mesophilic homologous protease produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 (reference strain) and other proteases, showing similarity in surface area and volume of proteins, but a significantly higher surface pocket area and volume of MP10. The observed differences presumably may explain the enhanced activity of MP10 for substrate binding at low temperatures. These results give insight to the potential use of MP10 in developing new biotechnologically processes active at low to moderate temperatures, probably with focus in the detergent industry.
Transition between viscous and inertial-range scaling of turbulence structure functions.

The transition of velocity structure functions between the viscous and inertial range is examined by assuming a plausible interpolation formula for the required scaling functions. This analysis shows that the recently observed phenomenon of extended self-similarity (ESS) is consistent with assuming that the cutoff length decreases with increasing order of the moment. A revised multifractal formalism is used to quantify this dependence of cutoff scale on the order of the moment. At low and intermediate Reynolds numbers, the proposed mechanism predicts ESS, as well as some additional subtle trends that are experimentally observed. However, at large Reynolds numbers, the shift in cutoff scale predicted by the multifractal formalism becomes too large to be consistent with ESS. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
The effect of the head size on the ear-to-ear radio-propagation channel for body-centric wireless networks

The effect of the head size on the ear-to-ear radio-propagation channel as a part of a body-centric wireless network is examined. The channel quality is evaluated at 2.45 GHz in terms of path gain (|S21|) between two monopole antennas that are placed normal to the surface of the head. The investigation is done by measurements and HFSS simulations. It is found that the characteristics of the head may cause constructive or destructive interference that may result in up to 10 dB variation in the path gain.
Comparative Bioavailability Study of Two 81 mg Coated Tablet Formulations of Acetylsalicylic Acid in Fasting Healthy Volunteers

Introduction: Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid is used as antithrombotic agent and the enteric-coated formulations are widely used to minimize the gastrointestinal side effects. Aim: To compare the bioavailability of two acetylsalicylic acid formulations (Ecasil-81®, 81 mg coated tablet) in fasting healthy volunteers. Methods: Healthy volunteers (n=16) were recruited to a monocentric, open label, randomized, two-way crossover pharmacokinetic study, with seven days washout period between the treatments. They received a single 81 mg oral dose of a test (new formulation) or a standard reference formulation of acetylsalicylic acid (Ecasil-81®) after about 8 h fasting. Blood samples were collected over a period of 36 h. The salicylic acid plasma concentration was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using the WinNonlin program. Results: The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of salicylic acid was 5433 and 5719 ng/mL reached in 3.66 and 4.02 h (tmax) for the test and the reference formulation, respectively. The 90% confidence interval of the ratios of geometric means of Cmax and area under curve of plasma concentration until the last concentration observed (AUC0- last) were within the interval 80-125%. Conclusion: The new acetylsalicylic acid formulation has a bioavailability equivalent to the reference formulation for the rate and the extent of absorption.
Burnout and perceptions of conscience among health care personnel: A pilot study

Although organizational and situational factors have been found to predict burnout, not everyone employed at the same workplace develops it, suggesting that becoming burnt out is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. The aim of this study was to elucidate perceptions of conscience, stress of conscience, moral sensitivity, social support and resilience among two groups of health care personnel from the same workplaces, one group on sick leave owing to medically assessed burnout (n = 20) and one group who showed no indications of burnout (n = 20). The results showed that higher levels of stress of conscience, a perception of conscience as a burden, having to deaden one’s conscience in order to keep working in health care and perceiving a lack of support characterized the burnout group. Lower levels of stress of conscience, looking on life with forbearance, a perception of conscience as an asset and perceiving support from organizations and those around them (social support) characterized the non-burnout group.
Fast MRI Methods for the Clinical Evaluation of Skeletal Disorders

Evaluation of specific magnetic resonance (MR) parameters of the skeletal system holds great potential for the accurate clinical assessment of degenerative changes occurring in bone and soft tissues at different anatomical sites. MR imaging of the water in a joint can provide anatomical information about all the soft tissues within the synovial sac (articular cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, synovial fluid) and surrounding it (muscles, tendons, vascular structures). Importantly too, MRI of the water-plus-fat can provide information pertaining both to the bone density and trabecular architecture. Recent developments have led to combinations of scan protocols and image-measurement software such that MRI can be used to evaluate the spatial distribution of specific relaxation parameters and thus detect, assess, and quantify the many pathologic processes affecting the skeletal tissues. In the articular cartilage of knee, for example, gradual deterioration of the chondral tissue leads to progressive increases in the transverse relaxation time (T2) of the water protons (David-Vaudey, 2004; Dunn et al., 2004; Apprich et al., 2010). Similarly, bone loss in the calcaneus of patients with varying degrees of osteopenia and osteoporosis causes a prolongation of the effective transverse relaxation time (T2*) of the bone marrow protons (Wehrli et al., 1995; Damilakis et al, 2004). Nonetheless, standard scan protocols for quantitative MRI are relatively slow and, therefore, not suitable for routine clinical applications. Faster methods would highly enhance their applicability in the clinical evaluation of skeletal disorders.
Internal validation of a telemedical system for monitoring patients with chronic respiratory diseases

One of the most promising and innovative developments in medicine are telemedical systems. The system PulmoTel 2010 and its internal validation are presented, focusing on the system architecture, hardware, software and communication solutions. PulmoTel 2010 consists of a distant server managing users and medical devices, as well as data transmission, processing, storage and presentation. The server cooperates with home units used by patients, capable of performing lung function tests. All the elements communicate via the Internet, however other media, as wire and mobile telephony, can be additionally applied in regions with a less developed infrastructure. Internal validation of the system was performed using data generated by application simulating features of a home unit. It demonstrated an appropriate operation of the overall system and fulfillment of the main objectives of the project.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae)

The mitochondrial genome of Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii was completely sequenced and then the resultant data were compared with those of the whistling swan Cygnus columbianus columbianus. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of C. c. bewickii was 16,727 bp in length and its gene arrangement pattern, gene content, and genome organization were identical to those of Cygnus species. The similarities of nucleotide and amino acid sequences between the two swans were 99.1% and 99.6%, respectively. Out of the 13 protein-coding genes and 2 rRNA genes, COIII showed the lowest nucleotide sequence similarity with 98.0%. On the other hand, in amino acid sequence similarities, both COII and ATP6 showed the lowest with 98.7% in common. The control region has the 97.8% nucleotide sequence similarity.
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva-related Activated Activin-like Kinase Signaling Enhances Osteoclast Formation during Heterotopic Ossification in Muscle Tissues*

Background: The mutation (R206H) of bone morphogenetic protein type I receptor, activin-like kinase 2 (R206H), is the molecular pathogenesis of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Results: ALK2 (R206H) mutation increases osteoclast formation through TGF-β. Conclusion: The activation of activin-like kinase signaling enhanced osteoclast formation through TGF-β expression during heterotopic ossification in muscle tissues. Significance: An increase in the formation of osteoclasts may be involved in the pathogenesis of FOP. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is characterized by extensive ossification within muscle tissues, and its molecular pathogenesis is responsible for the constitutively activating mutation (R206H) of the bone morphogenetic protein type 1 receptor, activin-like kinase 2 (ALK2). In this study, we investigated the effects of implanting ALK2 (R206H)-transfected myoblastic C2C12 cells into nude mice on osteoclast formation during heterotopic ossification in muscle and subcutaneous tissues. The implantation of ALK2 (R206H)-transfected C2C12 cells with BMP-2 in nude mice induced robust heterotopic ossification with an increase in the formation of osteoclasts in muscle tissues but not in subcutaneous tissues. The implantation of ALK2 (R206H)-transfected C2C12 cells in muscle induced heterotopic ossification more effectively than that of empty vector-transfected cells. A co-culture of ALK2 (R206H)-transfected C2C12 cells as well as the conditioned medium from ALK2 (R206H)-transfected C2C12 cells enhanced osteoclast formation in Raw264.7 cells more effectively than those with empty vector-transfected cells. The transfection of ALK2 (R206H) into C2C12 cells elevated the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, whereas the inhibition of TGF-β signaling suppressed the enhanced formation of osteoclasts in the co-culture with ALK2 (R206H)-transfected C2C12 cells and their conditioned medium. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the causal mutation transfection of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in myoblasts enhanced the formation of osteoclasts from its precursor through TGF-β in muscle tissues.
Specific Sites of N-Linked Glycosylation on the Hemagglutinin of H1N1 Subtype Influenza A Virus Determine Sensitivity to Inhibitors of the Innate Immune System and Virulence in Mice

Oligosaccharides on the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase of influenza A virus (IAV) are a target for recognition by lectins of the innate immune system, including soluble surfactant protein-D and the macrophage mannose receptor on airway macrophages. Glycans attached to the head of H1 subtype of IAV differ markedly in number and location. A reverse genetic approach was used to define the importance of particular N-glycosylation sites on H1 in determining sensitivity to innate immune defenses and virulence in mice. The HA of A/PR/8/34 (PR8, H1N1) and A/Brazil/11/78 (Brazil, H1N1) express zero and four glycosylation sites on the head of HA, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to add (PR8) or delete (Brazil) glycosylation sites, and IAV expressing wild-type or mutant HA were generated on a PR8 backbone. Addition or removal of particular glycans modulated sensitivity to mouse lung fluids but was not a major factor determining susceptibility of airway macrophages to infection. PR8 is a mouse-adapted virus, and mutations in multiple IAV genes have been shown to contribute to virulence, yet addition of glycosylation to PR8 HA was sufficient to attenuate disease. In contrast, removal of glycans from Brazil HA resulted in severe disease and death. These studies provide insight regarding the mechanisms by which IAV can induce disease in mice. Moreover, reduced glycosylation of HA is likely to be an important factor associated with adaptation of human IAV to growth in mouse lung.
Performance of preoperative sonographic staging of papillary thyroid carcinoma based on the sixth edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM classification system.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the overall performance of sonography for staging papillary thyroid carcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Ninety-four consecutive patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma underwent preoperative sonography. Two experienced radiologists prospectively evaluated primary tumors (e.g., diameter, number, presence of extrathyroidal invasion) and cervical lymph nodes for metastasis. A 5-point scale grading capsular abutment was used to evaluate the possibility of extrathyroidal invasion. Lymph nodes were divided into central and lateral groups according to N staging requirements. The sonographic criteria for lymph node metastasis were an absent hilum, hyperechoic change, a round shape, calcification, cystic change, or an abnormal color Doppler pattern. Sonographic results were correlated with histopathologic findings. RESULTS One hundred twenty-seven cancers in the 94 patients were proven after surgery. Sonography accurately identified 75.9% (22/29) of patients with multifocal cancer and 83.3% (15/18) of patients with bilateral cancers. Using a cutoff value of 50% or more of the tumor abutting the thyroid capsule (grade 2), the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of sonography in predicting extrathyroidal invasion were 85.3%, 70.0%, and 74.5%, respectively, and the overall accuracy of sonography for T staging was 67.0% (63/94). One hundred forty-seven cervical lymph node levels were dissected. All six sonographic findings were significantly more frequent in metastatic lymph nodes in the lateral group. However, in the central group, only two criteria-calcification and abnormal Doppler pattern-were found to significantly predict the presence of metastasis. The overall accuracy of sonography for N staging was 71.3% (67/94). CONCLUSION Sonography is a feasible tool to use for the preoperative staging of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Orlistat in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2) is increasing throughout the world and poses a major public health concern. The majority of patients with DM-2 are overweight or obese and weight loss is generally recommended, both as a first-line therapy and as an adjunct to pharmacological therapies. However, it is generally acknowledged that weight loss, a difficult goal for many overweight and obese individuals, is especially difficult for those with DM-2 and there is interest in whether pharmacological adjuncts may be useful for this purpose. Orlistat is an intestinal lipase inhibitor previously approved for the treatment of obesity. During the past several years, clinical trials have been completed concerning the use of orlistat in the treatment of overweight or obese patients with DM-2. The purpose of this review is to examine the results of these clinical trials. Data on > 2500 orlistat-treated patients with DM-2 are reviewed and summarised. Orlistat therapy led to greater weight loss and improved metabolic control in overweight and obese patients with DM-2.
The Plant Virus Tomato Spotted Wilt Tospovirus Activates the Immune System of Its Main Insect Vector, Frankliniella occidentalis

ABSTRACT Tospoviruses have the ability to infect plants and their insect vectors. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), the type species in the Tospovirus genus, infects its most important insect vector, Frankliniella occidentalis, the western flower thrips (WFT). However, no detrimental effects on the life cycle or cytopathological changes have been reported in the WFT after TSWV infection, and relatively few viral particles can be observed even several days after infection. We hypothesized that TSWV infection triggers an immune response in the WFT. Using subtractive cDNA libraries to probe WFT DNA macroarrays, we found that the WFT's immune system is activated by TSWV infection. The activated genes included (i) those encoding antimicrobial peptides, such as defensin and cecropin; (ii) genes involved in pathogen recognition, such as those encoding lectins; (iii) those encoding receptors that activate the innate immune response, such as Toll-3; and (iv) those encoding members of signal transduction pathways activated by Toll-like receptors, such as JNK kinase. Transcriptional upregulation of these genes after TSWV infection was confirmed by Northern analysis, and the kinetics of the immune response was measured over time. Several of the detected genes were activated at the same time that viral replication was first detected by reverse transcription-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the activation of an insect vector immune response by a plant virus. The results may lead to a better understanding of insects' immune responses against viruses and may help in the future development of novel control strategies against plant viruses, as well as human and animal viruses transmitted by insect vectors.