Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of sediment resuspension on the oxidation of acid‐volatile sulfides and release of metals (iron, manganese, zinc) in Pescadero estuary (CA, USA)

Bar‐built estuaries are unique ecosystems characterized by the presence of a sandbar barrier, which separates the estuary from the ocean for extended periods and can naturally reopen to the ocean with heavy rainfall and freshwater inflows. The physical effects associated with the transition from closed to open state, specifically water mixing and sediment resuspension, often indirectly worsen water quality conditions and are suspected to drive near‐annual fish kills at the Pescadero estuary in northern California. The effects of sediment acid‐volatile sulfide (AVS) oxidation, specifically oxygen depletion, acidification, and metal release, are believed to aggravate water conditions for fish but remain poorly understood. We performed slurry incubations containing sediment from 4 sites in the Pescadero estuary, representing a gradient from the Pacific Ocean to freshwater tributaries. We measured near‐maximum rates of aqueous hydrogen sulfide oxidation, sediment AVS oxidation, sulfate production, and acidification, as well as near‐maximum release rates of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) to the water column. We estimated AVS oxidation rates of 8 to 21 mmol S kg−1 d−1, which were 3 orders of magnitude higher than aqueous hydrogen sulfide oxidation rates, 6 to 26 μmol S kg−1 d−1. We suggest that aqueous hydrogen sulfide cannot be responsible for the observed kills because of low concentrations and minimal oxidative effects on pH and metal concentrations. However, the oxidative effects of AVS are potentially severe, decreasing pH to strongly acidic levels and releasing aqueous Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations up to 11.2 mM, 0.46 mM, and 88 μM, respectively, indicating a potential role in worsening water conditions for fish in the Pescadero estuary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:993–1006. © 2017 SETAC
Analysis of telomere length in mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a well defined lymphoid neoplasm genetically characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32). Telomeres play an essential role in preserving chromosomal integrity and genomic stability; their shortening can lead to telomere dysfunction and chromosomal instability, a critical factor in cancer development. In this study, telomere length (TL) measured by terminal restriction fragments (TRF) assay in DNA samples of tumor cells from 20 patients with MCL was evaluated. Results were correlated with clinical, morphologic and cytogenetic characteristics. In all cases, the presence of the CCND1/IGH@ rearrangement was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or PCR analysis. TL in total MCL patients revealed a mean TRF value (4.51 ± 0.79 kb) significantly shorter than those observed in controls (7.49 ± 1.94 kb) (P < 0.001); 30% of patients had TL shorter than 4.0 kb. TRF length was not associated with patients age (P = 0.07; r = 0.17) nor with sex (females: 4.33 ± 0.51 kb and males: 4.57 ± 0.85 kb; P = 0.63). No significant differences were found between patients studied at diagnosis (13) (4.44 ± 0.81 kb) respect to those analyzed at relapse (7) (4.63 ± 0.82 kb) (P = 0.53). In addition, we compared patients with (4.84 ± 1.09 kb) and without (4.40 ± 0.68 kb) complex karyotypes (P = 0.45) and cases with typical morphology (4.48 ± 0.79 kb) vs. blastoid variant (4.63 ± 1.04 kb) (P = 0.83), and no significant differences between them were found. Although the number of cases of our series is not large, our results showed that TL reduction in MCL is independent of the clinical characteristics, morphology and karyotype.
Factors affecting the sensitivity of Tc-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile dual-phase parathyroid single photon emission computed tomography in primary hyperparathyroidism

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thyroid diseases and regularly used medications on the sensitivity of Tc-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) dual-phase parathyroid single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and to define indicatives of the result of the study. Patients and methods Overall, 218 primary hyperparathyroidism patients (190 women, 28 men, mean age: 57±14 years) with thyroid–parathyroid ultrasonography and Tc-99m MIBI dual-phase parathyroid SPECT were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided as follows: a positive SPECT group [119 (54.6%) patients] and a negative SPECT group [99 (45.4%) patients]. The effects of thyroid diseases and use of calcium channel blockers, &bgr;-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, oral antidiabetics, thyroid hormone preparates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and proton pump inhibitors on the sensitivity of Tc-99m MIBI dual-phase parathyroid SPECT were investigated. Results The frequency of NSAID usage was higher in the negative scan group (P<0.001). No significant difference was detected in terms of coexisting thyroid disease or usage of other medications. Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of Tc-99m MIBI dual-phase parathyroid SPECT were calculated to be 89.6, 92.5, 94.1, and 86.9%. The sensitivity was low only in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users (75.6%) compared with nonusers (96.5%). Logistic regression showed that ultrasonography was indicative of a positive scan and the possibility of a negative result was increased by regular usage of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (odds ratio: 0.262, confidence interval: 0.128–0.538; P<0.001) Conclusion Among various drug groups, NSAIDs may decrease the sensitivity of Tc-99m MIBI SPECT and, provided that these novel data are supported by other studies, patient preparation may be modified to stop NSAIDs before Tc-99m MIBI dual-phase parathyroid SPECT.
Spatial avoidance as a response to contamination by aquatic organisms in nonforced, multicompartmented exposure systems: A complementary approach to the behavioral response

The idea that the hazard of contaminants is exclusively related to their toxic effects does not consider the fact that some organisms can avoid contamination, preventing toxicity. Although inferences about avoidance are made in most behavioral ecotoxicology studies, assessment of the real spatial displacement (organisms moving toward another habitat to escape contamination) is difficult due to the type of exposure (confined and mandatory) used in the bioassays: a forced exposure approach. A complementary approach using nonforced exposure systems to assess how contaminants affect the spatial distribution of organisms in a bicompartmented (toxic or nontoxic) environment has long been described. Recently, this nonforced approach has been developed to include a multi compartmented system in which different samples can be simultaneously tested. The aim of the present review was to describe the importance of the nonforced, multicompartmented exposure approach to simulate a gradient or patches of contamination, to describe the 2 main exposure systems, and to highlight the ecological relevance of including spatial avoidance and habitat preference in ecotoxicological studies. The multicompartmentalization of the system makes it possible to simulate more complex scenarios and therefore include new ecological concepts in bioassays. We also contrasted spatial avoidance in the nonforced exposure systems with the behavioral endpoints measured under other exposure systems. Finally, we showed that the nonforced, multicompartmented exposure approach makes it possible 1) to improve environmental risk assessments by adding the dispersion pattern of organisms in a multihabitat scenario, and 2) to integrate ecological concepts such as recolonization of recovering habitats, loss of habitat connectivity, habitat fragmentation, and contamination‐driven metapopulation, which have received limited attention in ecotoxicological studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:312–320. © 2018 SETAC
Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for age-related macular degeneration

ABSTRACT Introduction: In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), stem cells could possibly replace or regenerate disrupted pathologic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and produce supportive growth factors and cytokines such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived RPE was first subretinally transplanted in a neovascular AMD patient in 2014. Areas covered: Induced PSCs are derived from the introduction of transcription factors to adult cells under specific cell culture conditions, followed by differentiation into RPE cells. Induced PSC-derived RPE cells exhibit ion transport, membrane potential, polarized VEGF secretion and gene expression that is similar to native RPE. Despite having similar in vitro function, morphology, immunostaining and microscopic analysis, it remains to be seen if iPSC-derived RPE can replicate the myriad of in vivo functions, including immunomodulatory effects, of native RPE cells. Historically, adjuvant RPE transplantation during CNV resections were technically difficult and complicated by immune rejection. Autologous iPSCs are hypothesized to reduce the risk of immune rejection, but their production is time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, allogenic transplantation using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched iPSCs, similar to HLA-matched organ transplantation, is currently being investigated. Expert opinion: Challenges to successful transplantation with iPSCs include surgical technique, a pathologic subretinal microenvironment, possible immune rejection, and complications of immunosuppression.
Atrazine does not affect algal biomass or snail populations in microcosm communities at environmentally relevant concentrations

The herbicide atrazine is a photosynthetic inhibitor used around the world in agricultural applications. Contamination of surface waters adjacent to treated areas can directly reduce growth of nontarget aquatic autotrophs, but the severity of impacts is highly dependent on species sensitivity and exposure concentration. Secondary effects resulting from macrophyte or phytoplankton decline may include an expansion of the more tolerant periphyton community. Recently, this shift in the autotrophic community has been proposed as a mechanism for increased rates of parasite infections in amphibians via augmented populations of aquatic snails which act as intermediate hosts to larval trematodes. To further clarify this relationship, an outdoor microcosm study was conducted to examine the effects of atrazine on primary production and snail populations over a range of environmentally relevant concentrations. In July 2009, 15 experimental ponds were treated to achieve initial concentrations of 0, 1, 10, 30, and 100 µg/L atrazine. Over a period of 73 d, measures were taken of macrophyte, phytoplankton, and periphyton biomass, growth, and fecundity of caged snails (Physella spp. and Stagnicola elodes) and free‐living snails (Physella spp.). Except for declines in macrophyte biomass at the highest treatment level, no consistent relationships were found between atrazine concentration and any measured parameter. Comparison of these results with previous findings highlights the variability of responses to atrazine exposure between similarly constructed freshwater communities, even at concentrations up to 20 times higher than sustained environmental levels. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1689–1696. © 2011 SETAC
Adoptive cell therapy in multiple Myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Recent breakthrough advances in Multiple Myeloma (MM) immunotherapy have been achieved with the approval of the first two monoclonal antibodies, elotuzumab and daratumumab. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) represents yet another, maybe the most powerful modality of immunotherapy, in which allogeneic or autologous effector cells are expanded and activated ex vivo followed by their re-infusion back into patients. Infused effector cells belong to two categories: naturally occurring, non-engineered cells (donor lymphocyte infusion, myeloma infiltrating lymphocytes, deltagamma T cells) or genetically- engineered antigen-specific cells (chimeric antigen receptor T or NK cells, TCR-engineered cells). Areas covered: This review article summarizes our up-to-date knowledge on ACT in MM, its promises, and upcoming strategies to both overcome its toxicity and to integrate it into future treatment paradigms. Expert opinion: Early results of clinical studies using CAR T cells or TCR- engineered T cells in relapsed and refractory MM are particularly exciting, indicating the potential of long-term disease control or even cure. Despite several caveats including toxicity, costs and restricted availability in particular, these forms of immunotherapy are likely to once more revolutionize MM therapy.
Anxiety in chronic liver disease: Changes post transplantation.

Anxiety is a common experience in chronic illness but for many with end-stage liver disease it is also associated with the stress of waiting for a donor organ to become available. Quality of life, work, family and social roles are all impaired and these losses may also contribute to depression. This article investigated anxiety and depression associated with end-stage liver disease and changes in these mood states following successful liver transplantation. Patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and healthy volunteers comprised the control groups. Significant reductions in the measurement of anxiety and positive mood changes occurred as early as 1 month post transplant and were maintained across the course of the study. However, qualitative data suggest that discrete episodes of anxiety may still exist post transplant. These episodes appear to be related to maintaining the newly acquired ‘wellness’ and availability of support. Most patients were able to resume work by 9 months post transplant. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐substance and mixture toxicity of five pharmaceuticals and personal care products to marine periphyton communities

The single‐substance and mixture toxicity of five pharmaceuticals and personal care products (fluoxetine, propranolol, triclosan, zinc‐pyrithione, and clotrimazole) to marine microalgal communities (periphyton) was investigated. All compounds proved to be toxic, with median effective concentration values (EC50s) between 1,800 nmol/L (triclosan) and 7.2 nmol/L (Zn‐pyrithione). With an EC50 of 356 nmol/L, the toxicity of the mixture falls into this span, indicating the absence of strong synergisms or antagonisms. In fact, a comparison with mixture toxicity predictions by the classical mixture concepts of concentration addition and independent action showed a good predictability in the upper effect range. However, the mixture provoked stimulating effects (hormesis) in the lower effect range, hampering the application of either concept. An independent repetition of the mixture experiment resulted in a principally similar concentration–response curve, again with clear hormesis effects in the lower range of test concentrations. However, the curve was shifted toward higher effect concentrations (EC50 1,070 nmol/L), which likely is due to changes in the initial species composition. Clear mixture effects were observed even when all five components were present only at their individual no‐observed‐effect concentrations (NOECs). These results show that, even with respect to mixtures of chemically and functionally dissimilar compounds, such as the five pharmaceuticals and personal care products investigated, environmental quality standards must take possible mixture effects from low‐effect concentrations of individual compounds into consideration. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2030–2040. © 2011 SETAC
Targeting the EGFR T790M mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: The presence of activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is predictive of response to first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients that initially respond to these drugs inexorably become resistant. The T790M mutation in the exon 20 of the EGFR is the main mechanism of resistance to EGFR TKIs occurring in over 50% of the cases. Third generation EGFR TKIs have been shown to be active in patients who progressed after TKI treatment and carry the T790M mutation. Areas covered: This review is focused on the implications of tumor heterogeneity for targeting the T790M in patients with NSCLC. Expert opinion: Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that the T790M is heterogeneously expressed in tumors that become resistant to first- and second-generation EGFR TKIs. These findings have important implications for the molecular diagnostic of the T790M mutation. Indeed, the analysis of both the circulating free tumor DNA (ctDNA) isolated from plasma and the tumor tissue might provide complimentary information to identify patients carrying the T790M mutation. However, further studies are needed to better understand the influence of tumor heterogeneity on the activity of drugs targeting the T790M.
The effect of the frequency of ejaculation on seminal characteristics and libido in the Beagle dog

Semen samples were collected from mature Beagle dogs, using digital manipulation, at differing frequencies. Ejaculation once a day for five days did not affect libido or seminal characteristics. Ejaculation twice a day for five days reduced libido and sperm output. Ejaculation three times a day dramatically reduced libido and semen quality, and it was only possible to collect six or seven ejaculates. In a separate study semen quality was not altered after 6 weeks sexual rest.
Microcystin‐LR modulates selected immune parameters and induces necrosis/apoptosis of carp leucocytes

Microcystins (MCs) are potent hepatotoxins acting by the inhibition of protein phosphatase 1 and 2A, and may promote liver tumors. Moreover, studies also suggest they are nephrotoxic. The aim of the present study was to assess possible in vitro effects of microcystin‐LR (which contains the amino acids leucine and arginine, the most widely studied and distributed variant of all microcystins) on the selected immune functions of the cells isolated from the head kidney of carp. In the experiments, pure microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR), was used at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 µg/ml RPMI‐1640 medium. Leucocytes (lymphocytes and phagocytes) were isolated by centrifugation on a density gradient. Lymphocyte proliferation, intracellular production of reactive oxygen species by phagocytes, and the presence of apoptotic and/or necrotic cells were assessed. The respiratory burst activity of phagocytic cells was increased at the lowest toxin concentration used in the study, but it was decreased at higher concentrations. Using a sensitive luminescent immunoassay, MC‐LR was observed to have no influence on the T‐cell proliferation but decreased the proliferation of B lymphocytes. Moreover, it was noted that MC‐LR induced necrosis to a higher degree than apoptosis in fish leucocytes. The results of the present study suggest the modulatory potency of microcystin‐LR on fish leucocytes. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:569–574. © 2009 SETAC
A review of childhood obesity prevention interventions targeting African American children

Obesity is a significant public health concern. Unfortunately, obesity affects minority youth populations disproportionately, with African Americans (AAs) 1.4 times as likely to be obese as non-Hispanic whites. There are a variety of reasons for the disparity of the obesogenic risk in AA children. In addition to genetic factors, cultural differences related to the nutritional habits, level of physical activity and acceptance of surplus weight among AAs play a major role in the development of obesity in this population. Considering these high-risk behaviors, and the associated barriers, the Institute of Medicine has expressed an urgent need to initiate childhood obesity interventions among diverse ethnic groups. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to review existing childhood obesity prevention interventions targeting AA children that were published between 2005 and 2010. This review was limited to interventions in which the population included more than 35% of AA children and adolescents. There was an abundance of interventions related to childhood obesity prevention, but fewer targeting specifically AA children and adolescents. A total of 18 interventions have been summarized, including behavioral, social and environmental approaches. Recommendations are presented to enhance childhood obesity interventions among diverse ethnic groups.
A Mathematical Model for Assessing the Impact of Intravenous Drug Misuse on the Dynamics of HIV and HCV within Correctional Institutions

Unsafe injecting practices, blood exchange, the use of nonsterile needles, and other cutting instruments for tattooing are common in correctional institutions, resulting in a number of blood transmitted infections. A mathematical model for assessing the dynamics of HCV and HIV coinfection within correctional institutions is proposed and comprehensively analyzed. The HCV-only and HIV-only submodels are first considered. Analytical expressions for the threshold parameter in each submodel and the cointeraction are derived. Global dynamics of this coinfection shows that whenever the threshold parameter for the respective submodels and the coinfection model is less than unity, then the epidemics die out, the reverse condition implies disease persistence within correctional institutions. Numerical simulations using a set of plausible parameter values are provided to support analytical findings.
Comparative utility of gated myocardial perfusion imaging and transthoracic coronary flow reserve for the assessment of coronary artery disease in patients with left bundle branch block

ObjectivesTo compare the diagnostic utility of gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) myocardial perfusion imaging and transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) coronary flow reserve (CFR) to coronary angiography for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). MethodForty-three patients with complete LBBB and an intermediate pretest probability for CAD underwent dipyridamole stress TTDE and gated SPECT MIBI during the same session and coronary angiography within a month. The parameters of myocardial perfusion (summed stress score, summed difference scores) regional wall function (wall motion score, wall thickening score) and ejection fraction were derived using the 17-segment model and 4D-MSPECT software. TTDE variables included peak flow velocity at rest and during hyperemia in left anterior descending artery (LAD), based on which CFR was calculated (normal>2). ResultsPerfusion ischemic scores were significantly higher in group 1 with angiographic evidence of greater than 50% LAD stenosis compared with group 2 with less than 50% LAD stenosis (summed stress score 12.4±5.5 vs. 8.3±3.5, P<0.05, summed difference score 3.7±1.2 vs. 1.1±0.3, P<0.01, respectively). Left ventricular regional wall function and ejection fraction were not different between the two groups. CFR was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (1.65±0.21 vs. 2.31±0.28, P<0.001). Gated SPECT MIBI and CFR had similar sensitivity (88 vs. 88%), specificity (80 vs. 84%), and accuracy (84 vs. 86%) for detecting CAD in patients with LBBB. The agreement between the two methods was 85%. ConclusionOur results show comparable diagnostic utility and high agreement between gated SPECT MIBI perfusion imaging and TTDE CFR assessment for detecting CAD in patients with LBBB. The advantage of gated SPECT MIBI over TTDE CFR measurements is the ability to assess the perfusion abnormalities in multiple vascular territories during the same procedure, which is convenient for detecting multi-vessel disease in patients with LBBB.