Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modified Culture System and Combination of FICTION Could Increase the Detection Rate of Abnormalities in Multiple Myeloma.

OBJECTIVE Conventional karyotyping of multiple myeloma (MM) is hampered by the low mitotic index of plasma cells (PCs), and low proportion of PCs in some specimens may lead to false negative results in fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) detection. METHODS Bone marrow cells were cultured in an ordinary medium for 24 h or in a medium containing 10 ng/mL IL-6 and 40 ng/mL GM-CSF for 6 d. Fluorescence immunophenotyping and interphase cytogenetics as a tool for the investigation of neoplasms (FICTION) was also conducted, combining CD138 fluorescent immunophenotype and FISH. RESULTS Under modified culture conditions, the successful rate of culture and abnormality detection rate during karyotype analysis increased to 86.4% and 40.9%, respectively. The abnormality detection rate of FICTION (89.5%) was significantly higher than that of FISH (60.0%). The genetic abnormality detection rate increased to 92.3% when FICTION and karyotyping were conducted under modified culture conditions. CONCLUSION The established modified culture system could improve karyotyping quality in MM. Due to its obvious advantages compared with FISH, FICTION is recommended for detecting genetic abnormalities in MM.
Evaluation of Bacterial Adhesion to the ZrO2 Atomic Layer Deposited on the Surface of Cobalt-Chromium Dental Alloy Produced by DMLS Method

The main purpose of the research was to analyze the influence of surface modification of the cobalt-based alloy used in dental prosthetics by applying zirconium oxide (ZrO2) layers using the ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) method. The samples were made using the DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) technique, and their surfaces were prepared in accordance with the principles of removable partial dentures (RPDs). A 50 nm-thick zirconium oxide coating was applied to the prepared substrates. This paper deals with the issues of prosthetic stomatopathy, which is a complex of pathological changes occurring in approx. 40% of the Polish population using removable dentures. Often, these changes, occurring on the mucosa, are related to improper performance, allergic reactions or the multiplication of bacteria on the surface of partial dentures. An innovative method of surface modification was proposed, together with the analysis of its influence on the physicochemical properties of the alloy and the adhesion of bacteria to the surface.
Pulmonary Histopathology Findings in Patients With STAT3 Gain of Function Syndrome

Introduction and Aim Multiorgan autoimmunity and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are reported in patients with STAT3 GOF syndrome. Results We present lung histopathology findings in 3 such children, two of whom underwent wedge biopsies with adequate diagnostic material. Wedge biopsies showed interstitial cellular expansion with linear and nodular aggregates of CD8 positive T lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes; consistent with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia pattern (LIP). CD4+ T cells and CD20+ B cells were present but infrequent in the interstitium. FOXP3 cells ranged from 0-5%. Focal interstitial and intraalveolar histiocytes were also seen. Neutrophils and eosinophils were rare/absent. Non-occlusive peribronchial lymphoid aggregates showed equal T and B cells; likely reactive in nature. Pulmonary vessels appeared normal without vasculitis or hypertensive change. There was no interstitial or subepithelial fibrosis or organizing pneumonia. Interlobular septa and visceral pleura were unremarkable. Conclusion Children with multi-system autoimmune disorders with ILD should be investigated for STAT3 GOF syndrome. Lung wedge biopsies are more informative than transbronchial biopsies, if a tissue sampling is indicated. CD8 dominant T cell inflammation seems to be a key driver of ILD. Although interstitial fibrosis was not seen in our small sample, longer follow up is needed to understand the natural history.
Bioremediation of oil contaminated beach sediments using indigenous microorganisms in singapore

The potential of using indigenous microorganisms in beach sediments to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons emanating from marine oil spillages in the Straits of Singapore was investigated. A field trial was conducted using oil contaminated beach sediments from Pulau Semakau – a small island 15 km south of Singapore. The results clearly show that the addition of inorganic nutrients to beach sediments significantly enhanced the activity of indigenous microorganisms (measured using the dehydrogenase enzyme assay and viable cell count techniques), as well as the removal of total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons (TRPH) over a 50-day study period (with up to 44% in the case of nutrient addition). The potential of exploiting in-situ bioremediation techniques for oil spill clean-up operations in tropical marine environments is discussed.
Development of a Well-Characterized Rhesus Macaque Model of Ebola Virus Disease for Support of Product Development

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a negative-sense RNA virus that can infect humans and nonhuman primates with severe health consequences. Development of countermeasures requires a thorough understanding of the interaction between host and pathogen, and the course of disease. The goal of this study was to further characterize EBOV disease in a uniformly lethal rhesus macaque model, in order to support development of a well-characterized model following rigorous quality standards. Rhesus macaques were intramuscularly exposed to EBOV and one group was euthanized at predetermined time points to characterize progression of disease. A second group was not scheduled for euthanasia in order to analyze survival, changes in physiology, clinical pathology, terminal pathology, and telemetry kinetics. On day 3, sporadic viremia was observed and pathological evidence was noted in lymph nodes. By day 5, viremia was detected in all EBOV exposed animals and pathological evidence was noted in the liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tissues. These data support the notion that EBOV infection in rhesus macaques is a rapid systemic disease similar to infection in humans, under a compressed time scale. Biomarkers that correlated with disease progression at the earliest stages of infection were observed thereby identifying potential “trigger-to-treat” for use in therapeutic studies.
The Design and Preclinical Evaluation of a Single-Label Bimodal Nanobody Tracer for Image-Guided Surgery

Intraoperative guidance using targeted fluorescent tracers can potentially provide surgeons with real-time feedback on the presence of tumor tissue in resection margins. To overcome the limited depth penetration of fluorescent light, combining fluorescence with SPECT/CT imaging and/or gamma-ray tracing has been proposed. Here, we describe the design and preclinical validation of a novel bimodal nanobody-tracer, labeled using a “multifunctional single attachment point” (MSAP) label, integrating a Cy5 fluorophore and a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) chelator into a single structure. After conjugation of the bimodal MSAP to primary amines of the anti-HER2 nanobody 2Rs15d and 111In-labeling of DTPA, the tracer’s characteristics were evaluated in vitro. Subsequently, its biodistribution and tumor targeting were assessed by SPECT/CT and fluorescence imaging over 24 h. Finally, the tracer’s ability to identify small, disseminated tumor lesions was investigated in mice bearing HER2-overexpressing SKOV3.IP1 peritoneal lesions. [111In]In-MSAP.2Rs15d retained its affinity following conjugation and remained stable for 24 h. In vivo SPECT/CT and fluorescence images showed specific uptake in HER2-overexpressing tumors with low background. High tumor-to-muscle ratios were obtained at 1h p.i. and remained 19-fold on SPECT/CT and 3-fold on fluorescence images over 24 h. In the intraperitoneally disseminated model, the tracer allowed detection of larger lesions via nuclear imaging, while fluorescence enabled accurate removal of submillimeter lesions. Bimodal nuclear/fluorescent nanobody-tracers can thus be conveniently designed by conjugation of a single-molecule MSAP-reagent carrying a fluorophore and chelator for radioactive labeling. Such tracers hold promise for clinical applications.
When perceptual laterality vanishes with curiosity: A study in dolphins and starlings

ABSTRACT Sensory laterality is influenced by the individual’s attentional state. There are variations in the way different individuals of a same species attend to stimuli. When confronted to novelty, some individuals are more explorative than others. Curiosity is composed of sensation and knowledge seeking in humans. In the present study, we hypothesized that more curious animals, i.e., showing more sensory exploration would be less lateralized than quietly attentive individuals, performing instead more gazing behaviours. In order to test this hypothesis and its possible generality, we performed two studies using two animal models (dolphins and starlings) and two modalities (visual and auditory) of presentation of species-specific and non-species-specific stimuli. Both dolphins and starlings presented more gazes for the species-specific stimuli and more exploratory components for the non-species-specific stimuli. Moreover, in both cases, the non-species-specific stimuli involved more lateralized responses whereas there was no or less clear laterality for the species-specific stimuli. The more exploratory dolphins and starlings also showed a decreased laterality: the more “curious” individuals showed no laterality. Further studies are needed on characterization of curiosity in relation to attention structure. The present study suggests that individual variations in sensory laterality may help disentangle the subtle differences between curiosity, attention and boldness.
Positive emotion dispositions and emotion regulation in the Italian population

The goal of this large-scale study was to test the relationship between positive emotion dispositions (i.e., Joy, Contentment, Pride, Love, Compassion, Amusement, and Awe) and two strategies of emotion regulation (i.e., reappraisal and suppression) in the Italian population. 532 Italian-speaking adults completed the Dispositional Positive Emotion Scales (DPES), the Positive and Negative Affective Schedule (PANAS), the Italian Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the Big-Five Inventory (BFI). DPES scales showed high reliability. Exploratory Factor Analysis showed that a 6-factor model fits the Italian sample better. Joy and Contentment loaded on the same factor. Items assessing the other five emotions loaded on separate factors. The patterns of relationships between positive emotion dispositions, positive and negative affects traits (PANAS), and personality traits (BFI) indicated concurrent validity of the DPES. Twelve separated multiple regression models with BFI and ERQ factors as predictors and DPES factors as response variables showed that Extraversion significantly positively predicted of all DPES emotions. Agreeableness predicted Happiness, Love, Compassion, and Awe positively. Conscientiousness predicted Amusement and Love negatively and Compassion, Pride, and Happiness positively. Neuroticism predicted all emotions negatively except for Compassion. Positive emotions were significantly and positively predicted by reappraisal, and negatively predicted by suppression.
Stoffwechselprodukte von Mikroorganismen. 210. Mitteilung. Über die Avilurekanosen A and C and weitere Abbauprodukte Avilamycine A and C

The Avileurekanoses A and C and Further Degradation Products of the Avilamycins A and C Alkaline hydrolysis of the orthosomycin antibiotics, avilamycins A ad C products similar t those earlier described for flambamycin. Among these avileurekanose c (15) became of particular importance because its acetate prisms suitable for an X-ray structural determination. For the avilamycins A and C structural formulae 2 and 3, respectively, can now be drawn, in which only the configuration at C (16), one out of 32 asymmetric C-atoms, is not yet determined.
Survival Benefit of Donation After Circulatory Death Kidney Transplantation in Children Compared With Remaining on the Waiting List for a Kidney Donated After Brain Death

Background. Kidneys donated after circulatory death (DCD) are increasingly being used for transplantation in adults to alleviate organ shortage. Pediatric data on survival benefits of DCD transplantation compared with remaining on the waitlist for a kidney donated after brain death (DBD) offer are lacking. Methods. We used Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to identify 285 pediatric (<18 y) DCD kidney transplants performed between 1987 and 2017. Propensity score matching was used to create a comparison group of 1132 DBD transplants. We used sequential Cox analysis to evaluate survival benefit of DCD transplantation versus remaining on the waitlist and Cox regression to evaluate patient and graft survival. Results. DCD transplantation was associated with a higher incidence of delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio: 3.0; P < 0.001). The risks of graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.89; P = 0.46) and death (aHR, 1.2; P = 0.67) were similar between DCD and DBD recipients. We found a significant survival benefit of DCD transplantation compared with remaining on the waitlist awaiting a DBD kidney (aHR, 0.44; P = 0.03). Conclusions. Despite a higher incidence of delayed graft function, long-term patient and graft survival are similar between pediatric DCD and DBD kidney transplant recipients. DCD transplantation in children is associated with a survival benefit, despite pediatric priority for organ allocation, compared with remaining on the waitlist.
Enzyme-Free Electrochemical Nano-Immunosensor Based on Graphene Quantum Dots and Gold Nanoparticles for Cardiac Biomarker Determination

An ultrasensitive enzyme-free electrochemical nano-immunosensor based on a screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE) modified with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was engineered to detect cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The GQDs and in-house synthesized AuNPs were implanted onto the SPGE and allowed for anti-cTnI immobilization prior to quantifying cTnI. The biomarker could be determined in a wide concentration range using square-wave voltammetry (SWV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and amperometry. The analyses were performed in buffer, as well as in human serum, in the investigation ranges of 1–1000 and 10–1000 pg mL−1, respectively. The detection time ranged from 10.5–13 min, depending on the electrochemical method employed. The detection limit was calculated as 0.1 and 0.5 pg mL−1 for buffer and serum, respectively. The sensitivity of the immunosensor was found to be 6.81 µA cm−2 pg mL−1, whereas the binding affinity was determined to be <0.89 pM. The sensor showed high specificity for cTnI with slight responses for nonspecific biomolecules. Each step of the sensor fabrication was characterized using CV, SWV, EIS and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, AuNPs, GQDs and their nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This is the first immunosensor that represents the successful determination of an analyte using four different electrochemical techniques. Such a sensor could demonstrate a promising future for on-site detection of AMI with its sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, rapidity and specificity.
No Evidence for an Effect of the Distance Between the Hands on Tactile Temporal Order Judgments

Localizing somatosensory stimuli is an important process, as it allows us to spatially guide our actions toward the object entering in contact with the body. Accordingly, the positions of tactile inputs are coded according to both somatotopic and spatiotopic representations, the latter one considering the position of the stimulated limbs in external space. The spatiotopic representation has often been evidenced by means of temporal order judgment (TOJ) tasks. Participants’ judgments about the order of appearance of two successive somatosensory stimuli are less accurate when the hands are crossed over the body midline than uncrossed but also when participants’ hands are placed close together when compared with farther away. Moreover, these postural effects might depend on the vision of the stimulated limbs. The aim of this study was to test the influence of seeing the hands, on the modulation of tactile TOJ by the spatial distance between the stimulated limbs. The results showed no influence of the distance between the stimulated hands on TOJ performance and prevent us from concluding whether vision of the hands affects TOJ performance, or whether these variables interact. The reliability of such distance effect to investigate the spatial representations of tactile inputs is questioned.
Derivation and Validation of a 4-Level Clinical Pretest Probability Score for Suspected Pulmonary Embolism to Safely Decrease Imaging Testing

Key Points Question Can a pretest probability score make it possible to rule out pulmonary embolism solely on clinical criteria and optimized D-dimer measurement to safely decrease imaging testing? Findings In this study, the 4-Level Pulmonary Embolism Clinical Probability Score (4PEPS) was derived and validated using databases from 3 merged management studies. The safety and the efficacy of the 4PEPS strategy was confirmed in 2 external validation cohorts (false-negative rates: 0.71% and 0.89%; absolute reductions in imaging testing: −19% and −22%, respectively). Meaning The 4PEPS strategy may lead to a substantial and safe reduction in imaging testing for patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
Association between Speech Recognition in Noise and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are associated with sensorineural hearing loss. CVD risk factors are known to cluster and interact, thereby increasing the cumulative risk for CVD. Previously, using the database of the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH), an association was found between a history of smoking and an increased decline in speech recognition in noise over 10 years of follow-up. Prospectively limited data are available on the association between CVD risk factors, interactions of these risk factors, and hearing loss. In this study, data from the NL-SH were used to study the association between CVD risk factors and speech recognition in noise longitudinally. Methods: Baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up data of the NL-SH were included. The NL-SH is a web-based prospective cohort study which started in 2006. Participants were aged 18–70 years at baseline. Speech recognition in noise was determined with an online digit-triplet speech-in-noise test. In addition, participants completed online questionnaires on demographic, lifestyle, and health-related characteristics. The association of the ability to recognize speech in noise with CVD risk factors (i.e., obesity, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia) was analyzed longitudinally. We also analyzed the interaction between these risk factors (including age, sex, and history of smoking) and speech recognition in noise. Results: None of the CVD risk factors or interactions of 2 CVD risk factors was significantly associated with a decline in SRT over time. Obesity (p = 0.016), RA (p = 0.027), and hypertension (p = 0.044) were associated with overall higher (more unfavorable) SRTs. No overall interactions between CVD risk factors were found. Conclusion: Obesity, RA, and hypertension were overall associated with a higher SRT, but no longitudinal associations between these or other CVD factors with SRTs were found. Also, no interactions between 2 CVD risk factors and SRTs were found. Although no longitudinal associations between CVD risk factors and decline in SRTs were found, clinicians should be alert about the concurrent association between CVD risk factors and hearing loss.
Host Modulation and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis is the sixth-most prevalent disease in the world and the first cause for tooth loss in adults. With focus shifted to the inflammatory/immune response in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, there is a critical need to evaluate host modulatory agents. Synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are a cornerstone for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Recent prospective cohort studies showed that synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs improved periodontal clinical parameters following nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with recombinant humanized monoclonal antibodies against CD20 (rituximab) and IL-6 receptor (tocilizumab), the latter also in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia, resulted in decreased periodontal inflammation and improved periodontal status. Studies on the effect of TNF-α inhibitors in patients with periodontitis yielded inconsistent results. Recent data suggest that probiotics provide anti-inflammatory clinical benefit, as do nutritional supplements, such as n-3 fatty acids, when combined with periodontal therapy. Probiotics reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines by suppressing NF-κB pathways and promote the accumulation of T regulatory cells. Statins, like aspirin, have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and bone-preserving actions by upregulating production of Specialized Proresolving Mediators (SPMs). Currently, there is insufficient scientific support for the topical delivery of statins or bisphosphonates as adjuncts to periodontal therapy. Here, we present a critical review of the most recent host modulatory agents applied in humans and the key immune pathways that they target. Emerging evidence from novel drug candidates, including SPMs and complement inhibitors as previously studied in animal models and currently in human clinical trials, suggests future availability of adjunctive therapeutic strategies for the management of periodontitis.
Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in Clinical Oncology: A Comprehensive Review

Acute kidney injury in patients who suffer a malignancy is a common complication. Due to its high prevalence and effective treatment, one of the most frequent causes that both oncologists and nephrologists must be aware of is acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN). ATIN is an immunomediated condition and the hallmark of the disease, with the presence of a tubulointerstitial inflammatory infiltrate in the renal parenchyma. This infiltrate is composed mainly of T lymphocytes that can be accompanied by macrophages, neutrophils, or eosinophils among other cells. One of the major causes is drug-related ATIN, and some antineoplastic treatments have been related to this condition. Worthy of note are the novel immunotherapy treatments aimed at enhancing natural immunity in order to defeat cancer cells. In the context of the immunosuppression status affecting ATIN patients, some pathogen antigens can trigger the development of the disease. Finally, hematological malignancies can also manifest in the kidney leading to ATIN, even at the debut of the disease. In this review, we aim to comprehensively examine differential diagnosis of ATIN in the setting of a neoplastic patient.