Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energetics of the molecular gas in the H_2 luminous radio galaxy 3C 326: Evidence for negative AGN feedback

We present a detailed analysis of the gas conditions in the H_2 luminous radio galaxy 3C 326 N at z ~ 0.1, which has a low star-formation rate (SFR ~ 0.07 M_⊙ yr^(−1)) in spite of a gas surface density similar to those in starburst galaxies. Its star-formation efficiency is likely a factor ~ 10−50 lower than those of ordinary star-forming galaxies. Combining new IRAM CO emission-line interferometry with existing Spitzer mid-infrared spectroscopy, we find that the luminosity ratio of CO and pure rotational H_2 line emission is factors 10−100 lower than what is usually found. This suggests that most of the molecular gas is warm. The Na D absorption-line profile of 3C 326 N in the optical suggests an outflow with a terminal velocity of ~−1800 km s^(−1) and a mass outflow rate of 30−40 M_⊙ yr^(−1), which cannot be explained by star formation. The mechanical power implied by the wind, of order 10^(43) erg s^(−1), is comparable to the bolometric luminosity of the emission lines of ionized and molecular gas. To explain these observations, we propose a scenario where a small fraction of the mechanical energy of the radio jet is deposited in the interstellar medium of 3C 326 N, which powers the outflow, and the line emission through a mass, momentum and energy exchange between the different gas phases of the ISM. Dissipation times are of order 10^(7−8) yrs, similar or greater than the typical jet lifetime. Small ratios of CO and PAH surface brightnesses in another 7 H_2 luminous radio galaxies suggest that a similar form of AGN feedback could be lowering star-formation efficiencies in these galaxies in a similar way. The local demographics of radio-loud AGN suggests that secular gas cooling in massive early-type galaxies of ≥ 10^(11) M_⊙ could generally be regulated through a fundamentally similar form of “maintenance-phase” AGN feedback.
CDC Grand Rounds: National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry Impact, Challenges, and Future Directions

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive fatal neurologic disease. Currently, there is no cure for ALS and the available treatments only extend life by an average of a few months. The majority of ALS patients die within 2-5 years of diagnosis, though survival time varies depending on disease progression (1,2). For approximately 10% of patients, ALS is familial, meaning it and has a genetic component; the remaining 90% have sporadic ALS, where etiology is unknown, but might be linked to environmental factors such as chemical exposures (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) and occupational history (3).
Using cm observations to constrain the abundance of very small dust grains in Galactic cold cores

In this analysis, we illustrate how the relatively new emission mechanism, known as spinning dust, can be used to characterize dust grains in the interstellar medium. We demonstrate this by using spinning dust emission observations to constrain the abundance of very small dust grains (a ≲ 10 nm) in a sample of Galactic cold cores. Using the physical properties of the cores in our sample as inputs to a spinning dust model, we predict the expected level of emission at a wavelength of 1 cm for four different very small dust grain abundances, which we constrain by comparing to 1 cm CARMA observations. For all of our cores, we find a depletion of very small grains, which we suggest is due to the process of grain growth. This work represents the first time that spinning dust emission has been used to constrain the physical properties of interstellar dust grains.
Dental metal allergy in patients with oral, cutaneous, and genital lichenoid reactions.

BACKGROUND The subject of lichen planus (LP) and dental metal allergy long has been debated. An overwhelming majority of the existing literature focuses on mercury and gold salts in relation to oral lichen planus. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to expand current knowledge regarding LP and lichenoid lesions (LL) and dental metal allergy by investigating more metals and investigating cutaneous and genital disease in addition to oral disease. METHODS Fifty-one patients with known LP or LL were patch tested to a series of dental metals. Patients chose to replace their dental metals or make no revision. A telephone survey was conducted after 1 year to determine disease state. RESULTS Thirty-eight of 51 patients (74.5%) had at least 1 positive reaction. Twenty-five of 51 patients (49.0%) showed sensitivity to at least 1 mercurial allergen. Prevalence data for patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) from 1996 to 1998 was available for chromate, cobalt, gold, nickel, and thimerosal. The prevalence of positive reactions was higher in our group than in the NACDG group for all 5 of these allergens, and statistical significance was achieved for chromate (P = .028), gold (P = .041), and thimerosal (P = .005). Of patients who had a positive patch test reaction to 1 or more metals, 100% (9 of 9) reported improvement after metal replacement, whereas 62.5% (15 of 24) reported improvement without metal replacement. CONCLUSION Sensitization to dental metals is more common among LP and LL patients than in routinely tested patients, and might be an etiologic or triggering factor in the disease.
Benefi cial Role of Dietary Folic Acid on Cholesterol and Bile Acid Metabolism in Ethanol-Fed Rats *

615 ABSTRACT. Objective: Cholesterol metabolism is altered by chronic ethanol consumption. In previous articles, we demonstrated the antioxidant capacity of folic acid, which may be useful in the prevention of damage provoked by ethanol. We want to determine the effects of ethanol on cholesterol and bile metabolism and whether a folic acidsupplemented diet could change alterations provoked by a chronic ethanol intake in rats. Method: We used four experimental groups: (1) control, (2) alcohol, (3) alcohol supplemented with folic acid, and (4) control supplemented with folic acid. In all the experimental groups, we measured hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, and cholesterol and bile acids in serum, liver, bile, and feces. Results: We have found that the alcohol-fed groups showed high hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, total hepatic and serum cholesterol concentration, bile cholesterol secretion concentration, and cholesterol enterohepatic circulation. Total serum and hepatic cholesterol levels decreased when alcohol-fed rats were supplemented with folic acid. The hepatic bile acid concentration increased in both chronic ethanol groups. Folic acid supplementation signifi cantly increased bile cholesterol secretion, the bile acids in bile, and fecal bile acid excretion in ethanol-exposed rats. The independent bile acid fraction showed no signifi cant differences between both ethanol groups with respect to Na+, K+, and Cl– concentrations. Conclusions: Folic acid increases bile fl ow, bile acid synthesis from cholesterol, and bile acid excretion via feces, thus provoking a decrease in serum and hepatic cholesterol. However none of these actions were observed in supplemented control rats. This, therefore, could be yet another benefi cial effect of folic acid on alcoholic patients. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 70: 615-622, 2009)
Volcanism and the atmosphere: the potential role of the atmosphere in unlocking the reactivity of volcanic emissions

Recent measurements of reactive trace gas species in volcanic plumes have offered intriguing hints at the chemistry occurring in the hot environment at volcanic vents. This has led to the recognition that volcanic vents should be regarded not only as passive sources of volcanic gases to the atmosphere, but also as ‘reaction vessels’ that unlock otherwise inert volcanic and atmospheric gas species. The atypical conditions created by the mixing of ambient atmosphere with the hot gases emitted from magma give rise to elevated concentrations of otherwise unexpected chemical compounds. Rapid cooling of this mixture allows these species to persist into the environment, with important consequences for gas plume chemistry and impacts. This paper discusses some examples of the implications of these high-temperature interactions in terms of nitrogen, halogen and sulphur chemistry, and their consequences in terms of the global fixed nitrogen budget, volcanically induced ozone destruction and particle fluxes to the atmosphere. Volcanically initiated atmospheric chemistry was likely to have been particularly important before biological (and latterly anthropogenic) processes started to dominate many geochemical cycles, with important consequences in terms of the evolution of the nitrogen cycle and the role of particles in modulating the Earth's climate.
Evaluation of the efficacy of transobturator tape surgery in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence using urodynamics and questionnaires

Objective: To measure the efficiency of transobturator tape (TOT) surgery using urodynamics and questionnaires in stress urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: Ninety-two patients with stress and mixed urinary incontinency who underwent TOT surgery were selected for the study. We retrospectively examined the patients’ urodynamics, ultrasonography, demographic characteristics, incontinency surveys, life quality scores [incontinence impact questionnaire, (IQ-7) and urinary distress inventory (UDI-6)], diagnostic findings, Q-type test, surgical records, and complications. Patients treatment adherence, life quality scores, and urodynamics were evaluated as per the findings and complications following discharge of the patients between 12 and 36 months. Patients with a surgical history as the result of incontinence were excluded from the study. Results: Prior to surgery, 57 (61%, 95) patients had stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and 35 (38%, 05) patients had mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). During surgery, 45 (48%, 91) patients underwent extra pelvic surgical intervention. The mean follow-up time was 22.17±7.55 months. Our subjective success rate was 91%, 3 and the objective success rate was 78%, 3. In the life quality evaluation, a statistically significant improvement was found between IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores. Parity over 4 was an important failure reason. Two (2%, 17) patients developed vaginal erosion, 2 (2%, 17) of the patients developed temporary urine retention, and 1 (1%, 08) patient developed nova urge incontinence. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that TOT surgery provides high objective and subjective success and has a positive impact on life quality. The ease of application and lower complication rate makes TOT a valuable alternative for other treatment approaches in the surgical treatment of SUI.
Variants of folate metabolism genes and risk of left-sided cardiac defects.

BACKGROUND Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common, serious group of birth defects. Although relatively little is known about the causes of these conditions and there are no established prevention strategies, evidence suggests that the risk of CHDs may be related to maternal folate status as well as genetic variants in folate-related genes. Efforts to establish the relationships between these factors and CHD risk have, however, been hampered by a number of factors, including small study sample sizes and phenotypic heterogeneity. METHODS The present study examined the relationship between nine genetic variants in eight folate-related genes and a relatively homogeneous group of left-sided cardiac defects in a cohort of 386 case-parent triads. Log-linear analyses were used to assess both maternal and inherited genetic effects. RESULTS Analyses of the study data provided marginal evidence that the maternal MTR A2756G (unadjusted p = 0.01) and the inherited BHMT G742A (unadjusted p = 0.06) genotypes influence the risk of this subset of CHDs. However, neither association achieved significance when the false-discovery rate was controlled at 0.05. CONCLUSIONS These results, which are based on the largest study sample and most comprehensive assessment of the relationship between left-sided cardiac defects and folate-related genes reported to date, provide little evidence that this subset of CHDs is folate related. However, even larger studies and more comprehensive evaluations of the folate pathway genes are required to fully explore the relationship between folate and left-sided cardiac defects.
The Variable Clinical Phenotype of Liver Glycogen Synthase Deficiency

We report two new cases of liver glycogen synthase deficiency (GSD0). The first patient presented at the age of 8 months with recurrent hypoglycemic seizures. The second patient presented at 14 months with asymptomatic incidental hyperglycemia. Glucose monitoring in both patients revealed daily fluctuations from fasting hypoglycemia to postprandial hyperglycemia. Genetic analysis of the GYS2 gene confirmed the diagnosis. GSD0 is more common than previously assumed. Recognition of the variable phenotype spectrum of GSD0 and routine analysis of GYS2 are essential for the correct diagnosis.
Development and Validation of the Elder Learning Barriers Scale Among Older Chinese Adults

This study describes the development and validation of the Elder Learning Barriers (ELB) scale, which seeks to identify the obstacles that affect the level of educational participation of older adults. The process of item pool design and scale development is presented, as well as the testing and scale refinement procedure. The data were collected from a sample of 579 older Chinese adults (aged over 55) in the Xi’an region of China. After randomly splitting the sample for cross-validation purposes, the construct validity of the ELB scale was confirmed containing five dimensions: dispositional, informational, physical, situational, and institutional barriers. Furthermore, developmental differences in factor structure have been examined among older age groups. The results indicated that the scale demonstrated good reliability and validity. We conclude in general that the ELB scale appears to be a valuable instrument for examining the learning barriers that older Chinese citizens experience for participating in organized educational activities.
Dermatoglyphs of digito-palmar complex in autistic disorder: family analysis.

AIM To examine the role of the genetic component in the quantitative dermatoglyphic traits of autistic patients and their families, and the transmission of the autism. METHODS Finger and palm prints were taken from 120 autistic patients (92 males and 28 females), their parents (92 mothers and 70 fathers), 32 healthy brothers and 28 sisters, as well as 400 healthy controls (200 males and 200 females). An analysis of quantitative traits of dermatoglyphs on the fingers (FRC - finger ridge count) and palms (a-b, b-c, and c-d ridge count, and atd angle) was performed. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with Tukey HSD post hoc test, and discriminant analysis were used to determine the differences among the groups. In addition, correlations among family members were analyzed. RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed significant differences among examined groups of autistic patients and their family members and healthy volunteers regarding both group membership and sex. Autistic male patients differed significantly from the healthy controls in the ridge count (RC) on the fourth and fifth finger, and in a-b RC and atd angle of both hands. Healthy fathers of autistic patients differed in atd angle, and brothers of autistic patients differed in all palmar variables from the healthy control group. Mothers of autistic patients differed significantly from the healthy female controls in the RC of the first, fourth, and fifth finger, in a-b and c-d RC on the palms, and atd angle of both hands. The first two discriminant functions explained 85.4% of variance and separated groups clearly in two ways: the first function separated healthy controls from family members of autistic patients, and the second one males from females. Interfamilial analysis showed significant interclass correlations between autistic sons and their mothers or fathers in practically all variables. However, the correlation between parents and their autistic daughters was lower. Both mothers and fathers of autistic patients correlated with their healthy children only in palmar variables. CONCLUSIONS We found significant differences in ridge counts on the fingers and palms between the affected patients and their healthy controls, but these differences also existed between family members of autistic patients and healthy controls. Particularly pronounced were the differences between healthy female controls and female family members, including not only autistic female patients, but also their healthy mothers and sisters. Since the mothers and their autistic sons showed higher statistically significant correlation in most of the examined variables, unlike the mothers and their autistic or healthy daughters, it is possible that there is a connection between a recessive X-chromosome linkage, as a genetic component in the etiology of autistic disorders, and the influence of the inactivation of the affected X-chromosome in the females.
Real-world experience with ombitasvir/paritaprevir boosted with ritonavir and possibly combined with dasabuvir and ribavirin in HCV infection

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir boosted with ritonavir and possibly combined with dasabuvir and ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV) is a new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen which has improved efficacy of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment significantly. OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV in clinical trials demonstrated sustained viral response (SVR) rates close to 100%. In this article we collected currently available data of 5726 patients for evaluation of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV efficacy and safety in real-world experience. The sustained viral response rate in this large population was 97%, and it was exactly the same even in patients with liver cirrhotics. According to this meta-analysis, less than 3% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events.
Bipartite Topology of Treponema pallidum Repeat Proteins C/D and I

Background: Treponema pallidum contains a paucity of outer membrane proteins. Results: The C-terminal domains of TprC/D and TprI are β-barrels with porin function; their N-terminal domains provide periplasmic anchors for the β-barrels. Conclusion: Full-length TprC subfamily proteins possess a dual domain topology. Significance: TprC/D are bona fide rare outer membrane proteins and a new class of dual function, bipartite, bacterial outer membrane protein. We previously identified Treponema pallidum repeat proteins TprC/D, TprF, and TprI as candidate outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and subsequently demonstrated that TprC is not only a rare OMP but also forms trimers and has porin activity. We also reported that TprC contains N- and C-terminal domains (TprCN and TprCC) orthologous to regions in the major outer sheath protein (MOSPN and MOSPC) of Treponema denticola and that TprCC is solely responsible for β-barrel formation, trimerization, and porin function by the full-length protein. Herein, we show that TprI also possesses bipartite architecture, trimeric structure, and porin function and that the MOSPC-like domains of native TprC and TprI are surface-exposed in T. pallidum, whereas their MOSPN-like domains are tethered within the periplasm. TprF, which does not contain a MOSPC-like domain, lacks amphiphilicity and porin activity, adopts an extended inflexible structure, and, in T. pallidum, is tightly bound to the protoplasmic cylinder. By thermal denaturation, the MOSPN and MOSPC-like domains of TprC and TprI are highly thermostable, endowing the full-length proteins with impressive conformational stability. When expressed in Escherichia coli with PelB signal sequences, TprC and TprI localize to the outer membrane, adopting bipartite topologies, whereas TprF is periplasmic. We propose that the MOSPN-like domains enhance the structural integrity of the cell envelope by anchoring the β-barrels within the periplasm. In addition to being bona fide T. pallidum rare outer membrane proteins, TprC/D and TprI represent a new class of dual function, bipartite bacterial OMP.
Real-Time PCR Detection of Brucella abortus: a Comparative Study of SYBR Green I, 5′-Exonuclease, and Hybridization Probe Assays

ABSTRACT Real-time PCR provides a means of detecting and quantifying DNA targets by monitoring PCR product accumulation during cycling as indicated by increased fluorescence. A number of different approaches can be used to generate the fluorescence signal. Three approaches—SYBR Green I (a double-stranded DNA intercalating dye), 5′-exonuclease (enzymatically released fluors), and hybridization probes (fluorescence resonance energy transfer)—were evaluated for use in a real-time PCR assay to detect Brucella abortus. The three assays utilized the same amplification primers to produce an identical amplicon. This amplicon spans a region of the B. abortus genome that includes portions of the alkB gene and the IS711 insertion element. All three assays were of comparable sensitivity, providing a linear assay over 7 orders of magnitude (from 7.5 ng down to 7.5 fg). However, the greatest specificity was achieved with the hybridization probe assay.
Immune Compromise and Prevalence of Candida Vulvovaginitis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Women

Objective To investigate the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on vaginal yeast colonization and symptomatic vulvovaginitis and to explore the effects of immune compromise on these conditions in HIV-positive women. Methods Between September 1991 and May 1993, 223 HIV-positive women without AIDS-defining conditions were enrolled for prospective follow-up and compared with 289 HIV-negative women enrolled in a concurrent study. Standardized gynecologic assessment was carried out. Results Cultures from 81 of 223 (36%) HIV-positive women and 72 of 289 (25%) HIV-negative women were positive for any yeast. The most commonly isolated yeasts were Candida albicans and Torulopsis glabrata; the proportion of non-C albicans isolates (26%) did not differ by serostatus. The rates of C albicans colonization and vulvovaginitis among immunocompetent (CD4 count at least 500 cells/mm3) HIV-positive women did not differ from those among HIV-negative women. Among HIV-positive women, risks for colonization and for symptomatic vulvovaginitis were increased approximately threefold and fourfold, respectively, in women with CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm3 compared with either immunocompetent HIV-positive women or HIV-negative women. Conclusion The yeast species isolated from HIV-positive and HIV-negative women were similar. Rates of vaginal colonization and vaginitis were similar among nonimmuno-compromised HIV-positive women and HIV-negative women. Elevated rates of yeast colonization and vaginitis were not seen among this population of HIV-infected women before immune compromise. Both vaginal colonization and symptomatic vaginitis increased with immune compromise among HIV-positive women, especially at CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm3.
Morbidity and mortality conference

This study sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of morbidity and mortality conferences (M&MCs) in U.S. internal medicine training programs. Two hundred ninety-five of 416 (71%) surveys were returned. Ninety percent of programs have an M&MC. Most meet monthly, have a designated leader, and entail case discussions of 3 or fewer patients. Cases are selected on the basis of unexpected bad outcomes, teaching value, and to a lesser extent, suspected medical error. Two thirds of the sites use M&MCs to meet administrative requirements for quality assurance. M&MC, while prevalent in internal medicine training programs, has a heterogeneity of focus. Hence, the goals and role of the conference, as judged by this survey, do not appear to be well defined and may warrant further clarification.