Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The protection conferred against virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) genotype VII by commercial double recombinant HVT vaccines and NDV live-attenuated vaccine as prime/boost vaccination regimens in commercial broiler chickens carrying maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) against NDV

ABSTRACT Vaccines against vNDV are readily available and potentially protective; nevertheless, improved vaccination protocols are required to prevent clinical disease and discontinue the spread of the virus. This study assessed the effectiveness of two commercial recombinant herpesvirus of turkey vector vaccines (rHVT-NDV-IBDV) that express the fusion (F) protein of NDV and the virus protein 2 (VP2) of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). In commercial broilers with maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) the efficacy of the rHVT-NDV-IBDV vaccines was evaluated when administered alone, in combination with live-attenuated NDV vaccine at one-day-old, or as part of a prime/boost strategy. The vaccinated birds were challenged with the genotype VIId vNDV strain (NDV/chicken/Egypt/1/2015) at various ages (14, 24 and 35 days). In comparison to sham-vaccinated control birds, the applied vaccination regimens were able to reduce or prevent mortality and virus shedding and clinical disease. Two weeks post-application, the two vector vaccines were serologically reactive with the MDAs and induced protective immune responses against the F protein. In the instance of early challenge at 14 days old, the combination of recombinant rHVT-NDV-IBDV with a live vaccine offered better protection and reduced virus shedding compared to the vector vaccine alone. Boosting with live NDV vaccine at 14 days old increased the protective effect of the vector vaccines and reduced virus shedding and the clinical index after challenge at 24 days old. Both combining and/or boosting with live vaccine together with the vector vaccine provided better protection and minimized virus shedding compared with vaccination with vector vaccine only in the instance of 5-week-old challenge.
Endoscopic vacuum therapy for treatment of spontaneous and iatrogenic upper gastrointestinal defects

Background/Aims Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) can heal a variety of defects within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract via applying negative pressure, which reduces the defect size, aspirates the infected fluid, and promotes granulation tissue. Here we present our experience with EVT as it relates to both spontaneous and iatrogenic upper GI tract perforations, leaks, and fistulas. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at four large hospital centers. All patients who underwent EVT between June 2018 and March 2021 were included. Data on multiple variables were collected, including demographics, defect size and location, number and intervals of EVT exchanges, technical success, and hospital length of stay. Student t-test and the chi-squared test were used to analyze the data. Results Twenty patients underwent EVT. The most common defect cause was spontaneous esophageal perforation (50%). The most common defect location was the distal esophagus (55%). The success rate was 80%. Seven patients were treated with EVT as the primary closure method. The mean number of exchanges was five with a mean interval of 4.3 days between exchanges. The mean length of hospital stay was 55.8 days. Conclusions EVT is a safe and effective initial management option for esophageal leaks and perforations.
Determination of in vitro stability of routine haematinics tests using EFLM standards and the CRESS checklist

Background Laboratories should be aware of the stability of the analytes they are testing in order to avoid incorrect reporting and patient management. Stability studies are difficult to interpret and reproduce, with little guidance on how to determine appropriate clinical cut off values. Here we describe a standardised approach to determining stability for routine haematinics tests using published EFLM guidelines. Methods The haematinics panel at UHNM contains vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, iron and transferrin. Blood tubes included were serum separator tubes, gel-free serum and lithium-heparin plasma. Conditions tested were room temperature, 2–8°C and −20°C. For each condition and tube, three samples were analysed in duplicate at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h using the Siemens Atellica platform. Results The percentage difference was calculated for each respective blood tube and storage condition, in addition to individual analyte maximum permissible instability scores. The majority of analytes for all blood tubes were stable for 5 days or more when stored at 4–8°C and −20°C. Ferritin (excluding gel-free), iron and transferrin further showed stability >5 days when stored at room temperature. However, vitamin B12 and folate demonstrated poor stability data for all tube types tested. Conclusions Here we describe a stability study for the haematinics panel on the Siemens Atellica platform using the standardised EFLM Checklist for Reporting Stability Studies (CRESS). The checklist was used in order to promote a standardised and transferable scientific approach to what has previously been lacking in the literature when performing stability experiments.
Dissecting Intra-tumor Heterogeneity in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment Using Fluorescence-Guided Multiple Sampling

Abstract The treatment of the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, glioblastoma (GBM), is challenging due to its heterogeneous nature, invasive potential, and poor response to chemo- and radiotherapy. As a result, GBM inevitably recurs and only a few patients survive 5 years post-diagnosis. GBM is characterized by extensive phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, creating a diversified genetic landscape and a network of biological interactions between subclones, ultimately promoting tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. This includes spatial and temporal changes in the tumor microenvironment, which influence cellular and molecular programs in GBM and therapeutic responses. However, dissecting phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity at spatial and temporal levels is extremely challenging, and the dynamics of the GBM microenvironment cannot be captured by analysis of a single tumor sample. In this review, we discuss the current research on GBM heterogeneity, in particular, the utility and potential applications of fluorescence-guided multiple sampling to dissect phenotypic and genetic intra-tumor heterogeneity in the GBM microenvironment, identify tumor and non-tumor cell interactions and novel therapeutic targets in areas that are key for tumor growth and recurrence, and improve the molecular classification of GBM.
Postoperative Transfusions after Administration of Delayed Cold-stored Platelets versus Room Temperature Platelets in Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Delayed cold storage of room temperature platelets may extend shelf life from 5 to 14 days. The study hypothesized that the use of delayed cold-stored platelets in cardiac surgery would be associated with decreased postoperative platelet count increments but similar transfusion and clinical outcomes compared to room temperature-stored platelets. Methods: This is an observational cohort study of adults transfused with platelets intraoperatively during elective cardiac surgery between April 2020 and May 2021. Intraoperative platelets were either room temperature-stored or delayed cold-stored based on blood bank availability rather than clinical features or provider preference. Differences in transfusion and clinical outcomes, including a primary outcome of allogenic transfusion exposure in the first 24 h postoperatively, were compared between groups. Results: A total of 713 patient encounters were included: 529 (74%) room temperature-stored platelets and 184 (26%) delayed cold-stored platelets. Median (interquartile range) intraoperative platelet volumes were 1 (1 to 2) units in both groups. Patients receiving delayed cold-stored platelets had higher odds of allogeneic transfusion in the first 24 h postoperatively (81 of 184 [44%] vs. 169 of 529 [32%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.39; P = 0.009), including both erythrocytes (65 of 184 [35%] vs. 135 of 529 [26%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.29; P = 0.035) and platelets (48 of 184 [26%] vs. 79 of 529 [15%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.99; P = 0.005). There was no difference in the number of units administered postoperatively among those transfused. Platelet counts were modestly lower in the delayed cold-stored platelet group (−9 × 109/l; 95% CI, −16 to −3]) through the first 3 days postoperatively. There were no significant differences in reoperation for bleeding, postoperative chest tube output, or clinical outcomes. Conclusions: In adults undergoing cardiac surgery, delayed cold-stored platelets were associated with higher postoperative transfusion utilization and lower platelet counts compared to room temperature-stored platelets without differences in clinical outcomes. The use of delayed cold-stored platelets in this setting may offer a viable alternative when facing critical platelet inventories but is not recommended as a primary transfusion approach. In an observational cohort of 713 adult cardiac surgical patients, 74% received room temperature versus 26% delayed cold-stored platelets, those receiving cold-stored platelets had a higher odds of transfusions in the first 24 h postoperatively (44% vs. 32%). However, there were no significant differences among those transfused in the total number of units transfused postoperatively, reoperation for bleeding, chest tube output, or clinical outcomes.
Vector-Borne Diseases, Surveillance, Prevention El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects on local weather, arboviral diseases, and dynamics of managed and unmanaged populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Puerto Rico

We investigated the effects of interannual El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on local weather, Aedes aegypti populations, and combined cases of dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Zika (ZIKV) viruses in 2 communities with mass mosquito trapping and 2 communities without mosquito control in southern Puerto Rico (2013–2019). Gravid adult Ae. aegypti populations were monitored weekly using Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (AGO traps). Managing Ae. aegypti populations was done using 3 AGO traps per home in most homes. There were drought conditions in 2014–2015 concurrent with the emergence of a strong El Niño (2014–2016), wetter conditions during La Niña (2016–2018), a major hurricane (2017), and a weaker El Niño (2018–2019). The main factor explaining differences in Ae. aegypti abundance across sites was mass trapping. Populations of Ae. aegypti reached maximum seasonal values during the wetter and warmer months of the year when arbovirus epidemics occurred. El Niño was significantly associated with severe droughts that did not impact the populations of Ae. aegypti. Arbovirus cases at the municipality level were positively correlated with lagged values (5–12 mo.) of the Oceanic El Niño Index (ONI), droughts, and abundance of Ae. aegypti. The onset of strong El Niño conditions in Puerto Rico may be useful as an early warning signal for arboviral epidemics in areas where the abundance of Ae. aegypti exceeds the mosquito density threshold value.
Controllability of Second-Order Differential Inclusions with Nonlocal Conditions

In this paper,controllability problems of second-order differential inclusion with nonlocal conditions have been researched.We consider this problem and establish sufficient conditions for convex field.The problem is converted into fixed pointed problem of set-valued integral operators,then the controllability theorem is obtained by using Kakutani fixed point theorem.
Associations of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces With Brain Lesions, Brain Age, and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury

Background and Objectives Enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS) have been identified as a key signature of glymphatic system dysfunction in neurologic conditions. The incidence and clinical implications of ePVS after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not yet understood. We investigated whether individuals with chronic moderate-to-severe TBI had an increased burden of ePVS and whether ePVS burden is modulated by the presence of focal lesions, older brain age, and poorer sleep quality. We examined whether an increased burden of ePVS was associated with poorer cognitive and emotional outcomes. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, participants with a single moderate-to-severe chronic TBI (sustained ≥10 years ago) were recruited from an inpatient rehabilitation program. Control participants were recruited from the community. Participants underwent 3T brain MRI, neuropsychological assessment, and clinical evaluations. ePVS burden in white matter was quantified using automated segmentation. The relationship between the number of ePVS, group membership, focal lesions, brain age, current sleep quality, and outcome was modeled using negative binomial and linear regressions. Results This study included 100 participants with TBI (70% male; mean age = 56.8 years) and 75 control participants (54.3% male; mean age = 59.8 years). The TBI group had a significantly greater burden of ePVS (prevalence ratio rate [PRR] = 1.29, p = 0.013, 95% CI 1.05–1.57). The presence of bilateral lesions was associated with greater ePVS burden (PRR = 1.41, p = 0.021, 95% CI 1.05–1.90). There was no association between ePVS burden, sleep quality (PRR = 1.01, p = 0.491, 95% CI 0.98–1.048), and sleep duration (PRR = 1.03, p = 0.556, 95% CI 0.92–1.16). ePVS was associated with verbal memory (β = −0.42, p = 0.006, 95% CI −0.72 to −0.12), but not with other cognitive domains. The burden of ePVS was not associated with emotional distress (β = −0.70, p = 0.461, 95% CI −2.57 to 1.17) or brain age (PRR = 1.00, p = 0.665, 95% CI 0.99–1.02). Discussion TBI is associated with a greater burden of ePVS, especially when there have been bilateral brain lesions. ePVS was associated with reduced verbal memory performance. ePVS may indicate ongoing impairments in glymphatic system function in the chronic postinjury period.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Pneumonitis Associated With Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single Center Experience

Abstract Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pneumonitis causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Estimates of real-world incidence and reported risk factors vary substantially. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 419 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with anti-PD-(L)1 with or without anti-CTLA-4 therapy. Clinical, imaging, and microbiological data were evaluated by multidisciplinary adjudication teams. The primary outcome of interest was grade ≥2 (CTCAEv5) pneumonitis. Clinicopathologic variables, tobacco use, cancer therapies, and preexisting lung disease were assessed for univariate effects using Cox proportional hazards models. We created multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to assess risk factors for pneumonitis and mortality. Pneumonitis, pneumonia, and progression were modeled as time-dependent variables in mortality models. Results We evaluated 419 patients between 2013 and 2021. The cumulative incidence of pneumonitis was 9.5% (40/419). In a multivariate model, pneumonitis increased the risk for mortality (HR 1.6, 95% CI, 1.0-2.5), after adjustment for disease progression (HR 1.6, 95% CI, 1.4-1.8) and baseline shortness of breath (HR 1.5, 95% CI, 1.2-2.0). Incomplete resolution was more common with more severe pneumonitis. Interstitial lung disease was associated with higher risk for pneumonitis (HR 5.4, 95% CI, 1.1-26.6), particularly in never smokers (HR 26.9, 95% CI, 2.8-259.0). Conclusion Pneumonitis occurred at a high rate and significantly increased mortality. Interstitial lung disease, particularly in never smokers, increased the risk for pneumonitis.
Identification of non-linear stochastic systems by state dependent parameter estimation

The paper outlines how improved estimates of time variable parameters in models of stochastic dynamic systems can be obtained using recursive filtering and fixed interval smoothing techniques, with the associated hyper-parameters optimized by maximum likelihood based on prediction error decomposition. It then shows how, by exploiting special data re-ordering and back-fitting procedures, similar recursive parameter estimation techniques can be utilized to estimate much more rapid State Dependent Parameter (SDP) variations. In this manner, it is possible to identify and estimate a widely applicable class of nonlinear stochastic systems, as illustrated by several examples that include simulated and real data from chaotic processes. Finally, the paper points out that such SDP models can form the basis for new methods of signal processing, automatic control and state estimation for nonlinear stochastic systems.
Combined or sequential DMEK in cases of cataract and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy—A systematic review and meta‐analysis

To compare the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (sequential DMEK) and DMEK combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation (combined DMEK) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and cataract. Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis performed according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Literature searches were conducted in Medline and Scopus. Comparative studies reporting sequential DMEK and combined DMEK in FECD patients were included. The main outcome measure of the study was the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improvement. Secondary outcomes were postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD), rebubbling rate and primary graft failure rate. Bias risk was assessed and a quality appraisal of the body of evidence was completed using the Cochrane Robin‐I tool. A total of 667 eyes (5 studies) were included in this review, 292 eyes (43.77%) underwent a combined DMEK, while 375 (56.22%) eyes underwent a sequential DMEK surgery. We found no evidence of a difference between the two groups (mean difference, 95% CI) regarding: (1) CDVA improvement (−0.06; −0.14, 0.03 LogMAR; 3 studies, I2: 0%; p = 0.86); (2) postoperative ECD (−62; −190, 67 cells/mm2; 4 studies, I2: 67%; p = 0.35); (3) rebubbling (risks ratio: 1.04; 0.59, 1.85; 4 studies, I2: 48%; p = 0.89); and primary graft failure rate (risks ratio: 0.91; 0.32, 2.57; 3 studies, I2: 0%; p = 0.86). Of all the 5 non‐randomized studies, all (100%) were graded as low quality. The overall quality of the analysed studies was low. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm no difference or superiority of one approach in terms of CDVA, endothelial cell count and postoperative complication rate between the two arms.
Evolution of Low-Level Angular Momentum in the 2 June 1995 Dimmitt, Texas, Tornado Cyclone

Abstract The life cycle of the 2 June 1995 Dimmitt, Texas, tornado cyclone, observed during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX), is described. The tornado cyclone here is defined as a significantly axisymmetric flow larger than the visible tornado and characterized by increasing angular momentum with increasing radius. Its life cycle included three phases with somewhat differing evolution of angular momentum, herein called intensifying, transition, and weakening. During the intensifying stage, the funnel and debris cloud gradually increased in size. The azimuthally averaged secondary circulation of the larger-scale tornado cyclone, as determined using high-resolution single-Doppler data obtained by a mobile radar, was primarily inward and upward, consistent with the presence of a wall cloud outside the tornado. The azimuthally averaged angular momentum increased monotonically away from the tornado, so inward advection allowed the angular momentum to increase slowly.
Free and forced convection from fine hot wires

The incipient effect of buoyancy on the heat loss from a fine hot wire in two-dimensional steady incompressible flow is considered. The wire is taken to be horizontal, the mainstream is taken to be normal to the wire and to be directed upwards at an acute angle α to the vertical, and the product Nε = NG/R3 is assumed to be small, where N, G and R denote respectively the Nusselt, Grashof and Reynolds numbers (defined, in the usual way, in §§2 and 3). Three parts of the flow are distinguished and discussed in turn. These are (i) the wire's thermal wake, (ii) an outer irrotational flow induced as a small perturbation of the mainstream by the thermal wake, and (iii) an inner flow, near the wire, in which diffusion either dominates or balances convection. It is shown that the change caused by buoyancy in the wire's heat loss is due largely to the irrotational flow induced by the wire's thermal wake. When log Nε is significantly large, the change caused by buoyancy in the wire's heat loss is almost entirely due to the irrotational flow. The increment caused by buoyancy in the Nusselt number is then approximately the same as would be produced, in the absence of buoyancy, if the mainstream speed were increased by a factor 1– 2σ−1 Nεlog(Nε) cos α, where σ is the Prandtl number.
Adolescent Gender Differences in Tic- and Non-Tic-Related Impairments in Tourette Syndrome

We aimed to compare tic- and non-tic-related impairment experienced by adolescent girls and boys (ages 13 through 17) with Tourette syndrome and associations with age. We extracted from the electronic health record child and parental responses to the mini-Child Tourette Syndrome Impairment Scale (mini-CTIM) and other questionnaire data reflective of tic- and non-tic-related impairment of adolescents with Tourette syndrome presenting to our clinic over a 12-month period. We identified a total of 132 (49 female, 83 male) unique adolescent encounters. Mini-CTIM scores did not differ significantly between genders. Tic- and non-tic-related impairment were lower in older boys, but not older girls. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms correlated with parent-reported non-tic-related impairment experienced by adolescent girls but not boys. During adolescence, tic- and non-tic-related impairments may be less likely to improve with age in girls. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this finding.
In vitro genotoxicity assessment of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles

There are various studies on the toxicological potentials of conventionally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, which are useful tools for many medical applications. However, knowledge about the biologically synthesized ones is still limited. In this study, the potential of producing ZnO nanoparticles via a green synthesis method, which enables safer, environmentally, economical and controlled production by using the Symphoricarpos albus L. plant, was investigated. For this purpose, aqueous extract was obtained from the fruits of the plant and reacted with zinc nitrate precursor. Characterization of the synthesized product was carried out by SEM and EDAX analyzes. In addition, the biosafety of the product was also investigated by using the Ames/Salmonella, E. coli WP2, Yeast DEL, seed germination, and RAPD test systems. The results obtained from SEM studies showed that spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 30 nm were synthesized as a result of the reaction. EDAX findings confirmed that these nanoparticles were composed of Zn and O elements. On the other hand, according to the findings of the biocompatibility tests, the synthesized nanoparticle did not show any toxic and genotoxic effects up to a concentration of 640 μg/ml in any of the test systems. Accordingly, considering the findings of our study, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of S. albus fruits can be used for the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, the products obtained successfully passed the biocompatibility tests in our study, and additionally, more comprehensive biocompatibility tests should be performed before industrial scale production.