Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices and disease management

Abstract This reviews the transition of remote monitoring of patients with cardiac electronic implantable devices from curiosity to standard of care. This has been delivered by technology evolution from patient-activated remote interrogations at appointed intervals to continuous monitoring that automatically flags clinically actionable information to the clinic for review. This model has facilitated follow-up and received professional society recommendations. Additionally, continuous monitoring has provided a new level of granularity of diagnostic data enabling extension of patient management from device to disease management. This ushers in an era of digital medicine with wider applications in cardiovascular medicine.
Alterations in ileal transcriptomics during an intestinal barrier challenge in lactating Holstein cows fed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product identify potential regulatory processes

Abstract Stressors such as lack of access to feed, hot temperatures, transportation, and pen changes can cause impairment of ruminal and intestinal barrier function, also known as “leaky gut”. Despite the known benefits of some nutritional approaches during periods of stress, little is understood regarding the underlying mechanisms, especially in dairy cows. We evaluated the effect of feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NutriTek, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) on the ileal transcriptome in response to feed restriction (FR), an established model to induce intestinal barrier dysfunction. Multiparous cows [97.1 ± 7.6 days in milk (DIM); n = 5/group] fed a control diet or control plus 19 g/d SCFP for 9 wk were subjected to an FR challenge for 5 d during which they were fed 40% of their ad libitum intake from the 7 d before FR. All cows were slaughtered at the end of FR, and ileal scrapping RNA was used for RNAseq (NovaSeq 6000, 100 bp read length). Statistical analysis was performed in R and bioinformatics using the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) and GO databases. One thousand six hundred and ninety-six differentially expressed genes (DEG; FDR-adjusted P ≤ 0.10) were detected in SCFP vs. control, with 451 upregulated and 1,245 downregulated. “Mucin type O-glycan biosynthesis” was the top downregulated KEGG pathway due to downregulation of genes catalyzing glycosylation of mucins (GCNT3, GALNT5, B3GNT3, GALNT18, and GALNT14). An overall downregulation of cell and tissue structure genes (e.g., extracellular matrix proteins) associated with collagen (COL6A1, COL1A1, COL4A1, COL1A2, and COL6A2), laminin (LAMB2), and integrins (ITGA8, ITGA2, and ITGA5) also were detected with SCFP. A subset of DEG enriched in the GO term “extracellular exosome” and “extracellular space”. Chemokines within “Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways” such as CCL16, CCL21, CCL14, CXCL12, and CXCL14 were downregulated by SCFP. The “Glutathione metabolism” pathway was upregulated by SCFP, including GSTA1 and RRM2B among the top upregulated genes, and GSTM1 and GPX8 as top downregulated genes. There were 9 homeobox transcription factors among the top 50 predicted transcription factors using the RNAseq DEG dataset, underscoring the importance of cell differentiation as a potential target of dietary SCFP. Taken together, SCFP downregulated immune-, ECM-, and mucin synthesis-related genes during FR. Homeobox transcription factors appear important for the transcriptional response of SCFP.
Immunotherapy for inflammatory breast cancer: current evidences and future perspectives

Purpose of review Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most fatal type presentation of clinical breast cancer. The immune tumor microenvironment (TME) of IBC is characterized by signals of immune evasion but suggests actionable vulnerability to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this review, we aimed to summarize the most important preclinical evidences of IBC immune-vulnerability and the first data from clinical trials evaluating ICIs in IBC. Recent findings IBC is characterized by a preexisting active immune TME suppressed by mechanisms of immune-escape, including inhibitory immune-checkpoints, whose expression is higher than in non-IBC. Clinical trials evaluating ICIs in patients with IBC are burdened by slow accrual and low enrollment. Summary Because of the limited data from clinical trials, no conclusions about the activity of ICIs in IBC can be drawn. Ongoing clinical trials are assessing many promising ICI-based combination approaches. An enhanced multicenter collaboration to evaluate ICIs in patients with this aggressive form of disease and to improve clinical outcomes is required.
Triangulation spatiale de bloc d'images SPOT

Outre la qualite de ses images, l'atout majeur du systeme SPOT est sa precision geometrique. Cette etude a pour objet d'evaluer l'apport d'une triangulation de bloc au traitement geometrique d'images SPOT, afin de traiter globalement la geometrie de l'ensemble des images d'un chantier de spatiocartographie. Tant l'interet reel du calcul de blocs que sa faisabilite sont ici demontres. Au prealable, il est indispensable d'analyser la modelisation de la prise de vues SPOT. Une modelisation simple, robuste et proche de la realite physique de la prise de vues SPOT est proposee. Avec un nombre restreint de points d'appui, l'exactitude obtenue reste inferieure a 10 metres en planimetrie et 6 metres en altimetrie, ce qui est conforme a la plupart des standards de cartographie a l'echelle du 1:50000. Sans point d'appui, une precision de 15 metres a ete obtenue sur des blocs couvrant 200 km x 200 km.
Coordinating nucleoporin condensation and nuclear pore complex assembly

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is among the most elaborate protein complexes in eukaryotes. While ribosomes and proteasomes are known to require dedicated assembly machinery, our understanding of NPC assembly is at a relatively early stage. Defects in NPC assembly or homeostasis are tied to movement disorders, including dystonia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as aging, requiring a better understanding of these processes to enable therapeutic intervention. Here, we discuss recent progress in the understanding of NPC assembly and highlight how related defects in human disorders can shed light on NPC biogenesis. We propose that the condensation of phenylalanine‐glycine repeat nucleoporins needs to be carefully controlled during NPC assembly to prevent aberrant condensation, aggregation, or amyloid formation.
mGluR1/IP3/ERK signaling pathway regulates vestibular compensation in ON UBCs of the cerebellar flocculus

Abstract Aims To investigate the role of mGluR1α in cerebellar unipolar brush cells (UBC) in mediating vestibular compensation (VC), using mGluR1α agonist and antagonist to modulate ON UBC neurons, and explore the mGluR1/IP3/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Methods First, AAV virus that knockdown ON UBC (mGluR1α) were injected into cerebellar UBC by stereotactic, and verified by immunofluorescence and western blot. The effect on VC was evaluated after unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL). Second, saline, (RS)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), and LY367385 were injected into tubes implanted in rats at different time points after UL separately. The effect on ON UBC neuron activity was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Then, Phosphoinositide (PI) and p‐ERK1/2 levels of mGluR1α were analyzed by ELISA after UL. The protein levels of p‐ERK and total ERK were verified by western blot. In addition, the effect of mGluR1α activation or inhibition on VC‐related behavior was observed. Results mGluR1α knockdown induced VC phenotypes. DHPG increased ON UBC activity, while LY367385 reduced ON UBC activity. DHPG group showed an increase in PI and p‐ERK1/2 levels, while LY367385 group showed a decrease in PI and p‐ERK1/2 levels in cerebellar UBC of rats. The western blot results of p‐ERK and total ERK confirm and support the observations. DHPG alleviated VC‐related behavior phenotypes, while LY367385 exacerbated vestibular decompensation‐like behavior induced by UL. Conclusion mGluR1α activity in cerebellar ON UBC is crucial for mediating VC through the mGluR1/IP3/ERK signaling pathway, which affects ON UBC neuron activity and contributes to the pathogenesis of VC.
A two year study of the physical and economic impact of voles (Microtus montanus) on mixed maturity apple (Malus spp.) orchards in the Pacific northwestern United States

Author(s): Askham, Leonard R. | Abstract: The physical impact of voles in agriculture and forestry has been duly noted by many researchers around the world. The economic impact of the various species, however, has not received much attention other than to note that losses from these animals can be substantial when population levels become high. This study assesses the economic impact of an extremely high population of Microtus montanus (mountain voles) in a large apple (Malus sp.) orchard in northcentral Washington State (U.S.A.) over a two-year period. In this study, 200 trees were harvested, weighed, graded, and compared by the amount of visual damage that could be seen above the soil surface. These values were then compared with cash values received by growers for the season. Production was decreased a weighted average of 36% (31% for red delicious and 53% for golden delicious) or $3036/ac. ($7500/ha.) during the first year. In the second year, production increased 3.2 fold but still did not reach that of the control orchard. If 30% of the orchards in the state were to suffer the same level of infestation, over $137 million/year could be lost because of poor management and control programs.
Increased Risk of Thyroid Eye Disease Following Covid-19 Vaccination

Abstract Context SARS-CoV-2 infection and Covid-19 vaccines have been associated with thyroid disorders. Objective We analyzed the risk of thyroid eye disease (TED) following Covid-19 vaccination. This was a self-controlled case series study at a tertiary referral center for TED. A total of 98 consecutive patients with newly developed (n = 92) or reactivated (n = 6) TED occurring between January 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, were included. TED was assessed in patients undergoing Covid-19 vaccination. Person-days were defined as exposed if TED occurred 1 to 28 days after vaccination, and unexposed if occurring outside this time window. Conditional Poisson regression models were fitted to calculate incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% CI of exposed vs unexposed. Sensitivity analyses were conducted considering different exposed periods, and effect modification by potential TED risk factors. Results Covid-19 vaccines were administered in 81 people, 25 (31%) of whom developed TED in exposed and 56 (69%) in unexposed periods. The IRR for TED was 3.24 (95% CI 2.01-5.20) and 4.70 (95% CI 2.39-9.23) in patients below 50 years of age. Sex, smoking, and radioiodine treatment did not modify the association between TED and vaccination. TED risk was unrelated to the number of vaccine doses, and progressively decreased over time following vaccination (P trend = .03). Conclusion The risk of TED was significantly increased after Covid-19 vaccination, especially in people below 50 years of age. Possible mechanisms include spike protein interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme II receptor, cross-reactivity with thyroid self-proteins, and immune reactions induced by adjuvants. We suggest monitoring of individuals undergoing Covid-19 vaccination, especially if young and at risk for autoimmunity.
The structure and transport of the East Greenland Current at 75

AbstractThe East Greenland Current runs from 80 °N to 60 °N from the Fram Strait to the Denmark Strait via the Nordic Seas. It transports waters from the Arctic and the Nordic Seas into the Atlantic and also acts as a western-intensified southward return flow for waters recirculating within the Greenland Sea Gyre, itself an area important for deep water formation. Data from current meters moored across the current at 75 °N in 19941995 show a large seasonal variation in the current. The annual mean transport is 21±3 Sv (taking 9 °W as the eastern boundary), varying from 11 Sv in summer to 37 Sv in winter (errors approximately ±5 Sv). No significant seasonal signal has been observed in the Fram or Denmark Straits, suggesting that the seasonal transport is confined within the Greenland Sea. Using temperature and velocity data, we split the flow at 75 °N into two parts, a mainly wind-driven circulation (annual mean of order 19 Sv), which is trapped within the Greenland Sea Gyre and exhibits a large seasonal cycle, transporting, predominantly, the waters of the Greenland Sea, and a steadier throughflow probably thermohaline-driven (of order 8 Sv in the annual mean), with very little seasonal variation. Data from previous years, 19871994, indicate the interannual variability of the current is low. Assuming a spatially coherent structure to the current, we extend the time series of the transport back to 1991, and suggest it may be possible to monitor the total transport with one suitably placed mooring. © 1999 American Geophysical Union
Comparison of myopic astigmatic correction after cross-assisted SMILE, FS-LASIK, and transPRK

Residual astigmatism magnitude was smallest by cross-assisted SMILE, followed by FS-LASIK and transPRK. Purpose: To compare astigmatic correction among cross-assisted small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transPRK). Setting: The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China. Design: Prospective comparison study. Methods: 154 right eyes of 154 patients with astigmatism of −1.00 to −2.75 diopters (D) were included in this study. 64 eyes, 42 eyes, and 48 eyes were receiving SMILE, FS-LASIK, and transPRK, respectively. The SMILE group used cross-axial alignment for head positioning for astigmatism correction. In the FS-LASIK and transPRK groups, static and dynamic cyclotorsion control were used. Changes in ocular parameters and vector analysis were assessed at 6 months postoperatively. Results: The safety and efficacy indices were comparable among the 3 groups at 6 months postoperatively. Residual astigmatism was smallest in the SMILE group (−0.23 ± 0.25 D) compared with that in FS-LASIK (−0.40 ± 0.28 D, P = .009) and transPRK groups (−0.42 ± 0.32 D, P = .001). 53 (82.8%), 36 (85.7%), and 37 (77.1%) eyes achieved an angle of error within ±5 degrees, respectively (P = .55). Notably, vector analysis showed that the difference vector, the magnitude of the error, and its absolute value were significantly smaller in the SMILE group than those in the other groups (P < .05). In addition, the higher-order aberrations, especially coma, were significantly induced postoperatively in each group (P < .001). Conclusions: Residual astigmatism magnitude was smallest by cross-assisted SMILE, followed by FS-LASIK and transPRK, and the astigmatism axial correction was comparable among groups.
Protection conferred by COVID-19 vaccination, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, or hybrid immunity against Omicron-associated severe outcomes among community-dwelling adults

Introduction: We assessed protection conferred by COVID-19 vaccines and/or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection against Omicron-associated severe outcomes during successive sublineage-predominant periods. Methods: We used a test-negative design to estimate protection by vaccines and/or prior infection against hospitalization/death among community-dwelling, PCR-tested adults aged >50 years in Ontario, Canada between January 2, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the relative change in the odds of hospitalization/death with each vaccine dose (2-5) and/or prior PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (compared with unvaccinated, uninfected subjects) up to 15 months since the last vaccination or infection. Results: We included 18,526 cases with Omicron-associated severe outcomes and 90,778 test-negative controls. Vaccine protection was high during BA.1/BA.2 predominance, but was generally <50% during periods of BA.4/BA.5 and BQ/XBB predominance without boosters. A third/fourth dose transiently increased protection during BA.4/BA.5 predominance (third-dose, 6-month: 68%, 95%CI 63%-72%; fourth-dose, 6-month: 80%, 95%CI 77%-83%), but was lower and waned quickly during BQ/XBB predominance (third-dose, 6-month: 59%, 95%CI 48%-67%; 12-month: 49%, 95%CI 41%-56%; fourth-dose, 6-month: 62%, 95%CI 56%-68%, 12-months: 51%, 95%CI 41%-56%). Hybrid immunity conferred nearly 90% protection throughout BA.1/BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 predominance, but was reduced during BQ/XBB predominance (third-dose, 6-month: 60%, 95%CI 36%-75%; fourth-dose, 6-month: 63%, 95%CI 42%-76%). Protection was restored with a fifth dose (bivalent; 6-month: 91%, 95%CI 79%-96%). Prior infection alone did not confer lasting protection. Conclusion: Protection from COVID-19 vaccines and/or prior SARS-CoV-2 infections against severe outcomes is reduced when immune-evasive variants/subvariants emerge and may also wane over time. Our findings support a variant-adapted booster vaccination strategy with periodic review.
Pro-905, a Novel Purine Antimetabolite, Combines with Glutamine Amidotransferase Inhibition to Suppress Growth of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor

Abstract Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are highly aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas that arise from neural tissues and carry a poor prognosis. Previously, we found that the glutamine amidotransferase inhibitor JHU395 partially impeded tumor growth in preclinical models of MPNST. JHU395 inhibits de novo purine synthesis in human MPNST cells and murine tumors with partial decreases in purine monophosphates. On the basis of prior studies showing enhanced efficacy when glutamine amidotransferase inhibition was combined with the antimetabolite 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), we hypothesized that such a combination would be efficacious in MPNST. Given the known toxicity associated with 6-MP, we set out to develop a more efficient and well-tolerated drug that targets the purine salvage pathway. Here, we report the discovery of Pro-905, a phosphoramidate protide that delivered the active nucleotide antimetabolite thioguanosine monophosphate (TGMP) to tumors over 2.5 times better than equimolar 6-MP. Pro-905 effectively prevented the incorporation of purine salvage substrates into nucleic acids and inhibited colony formation of human MPNST cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Pro-905 inhibited MPNST growth and was well-tolerated in both human patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and murine flank MPNST models. When combined with JHU395, Pro-905 enhanced the colony formation inhibitory potency of JHU395 in human MPNST cells and augmented the antitumor efficacy of JHU395 in mice. In summary, the dual inhibition of the de novo and purine salvage pathways in preclinical models may safely be used to enhance therapeutic efficacy against MPNST.
Snakes, Lizards and Frogs of the Victorian Mallee

The Victorian Mallee region encompasses the Little Desert, the Big Desert, the Sunset Country and the Hattah-Kulkyne. Each area is unique and with different topography, vegetation and fauna. The region experiences consistently higher temperatures, lower rainfall and contains a greater diversity of reptiles than any other part of the state. Snakes, Lizards and Frogs of the Victorian Mallee represents the first comprehensive publication on the herpetofauna of the region. It covers 56 species that inhabit the area as well as a further 24 species occurring in fringe riverine and woodland systems. The reader is able to identify species by means of a photograph supported by a distribution map, a diagnostic features key and descriptive species accounts. The book includes a discussion of venomous snakes, information on first aid for snakebites, and hints for snake prevention around the house.
Factors perceived by village health volunteers to implement the strategies of the COVID-19 Control Centre in Thailand.

ISSUE ADDRESSED The proactive strategy of village health volunteers could help decrease the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Thailand. This research aimed to study the factors that influence the operation of the COVID-19 Control Centre in the village health volunteer communities in Thailand. Thai village health volunteers are trained in infection control education, so they could help control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. This questionnaire study examined factors related to the work of volunteers who could influence the outcomes of initiatives of the COVID-19 Control Centre in Thailand. METHOD A questionnaire was used that gathered demographic data about the volunteers in section 1, assessed the factors influencing the operation of the control centre in section 2, and evaluated the operation of the control centre in section 3. A predictive correlational design was conducted with 10 400 village health volunteers nationwide. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the reliability of the instrument, with a score range of . 773 to . 917. The data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS Factors associated with the volunteers that could influence their implementation of the initiatives of the Thai COVID-19 Control Centre were disease severity awareness (β = .196), preventive health behaviours (β = .159), organisational support awareness (β = .167), motivation (β = .120), and work duration (β = .036). These five factors yielded 26% variance (adj. R2 = .260, p < .001). CONCLUSION The village health volunteers have an important role in implementing the initiatives of the Thai COVID-19 Control Centre. The key findings suggest that disease severity awareness, preventive health behaviour, and organisational support awareness are critical factors influencing the operation of the COVID-19 Control Centre by village health volunteers in Thailand. Understanding and addressing these factors could contribute to early and effective interventions in managing the spread of COVID-19 and potentially future other epidermics. SO WHAT? : These outcomes may positively contribute to effective early interventions as well as appropriate responses to the spread of COVID-19 and to be better prepared to tackle future infectious threats. Further support for the village health volunteers is warranted to determine their efficacy.
Factors associated with decision time to seek care in the face of ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between sociodemographic, clinical, environmental, cognitive, and emotional factors and the decision time of people with ischemic stroke to seek a health service after the onset of symptoms or wake up stroke. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out from March to October 2019, with 304 patients, in a public hospital, a reference in neurology. Data obtained through interview and from medical records. Decision time was analyzed as a geometric mean. In the bivariate and multivariate analyses, linear regression was used and the Akaike Information Criterion was used to select the best model. Statistical significance of 5% was adopted. Results: The geometric mean of decision time was 0.30h (95% CI 0.23–0.39). The final model explained this time in 41%, showing an increase of 0.5 min for people with arterial hypertension; 10.8 min for those who waited for symptoms to improve; 1.4 min for those who were alone at the onset of symptoms; 3.9 min for those at home; 3.2 min for the ones at work; and 2.1 for those on the street/public space. Conclusion: The mean decision time for seeking a health service was high and influenced by clinical, environmental, cognitive, and emotional variables. The results guide nurses regarding health education.