Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network Quality Standards and Indicators for Pediatric Endoscopists and Endoscopists in Training: A Joint NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN Guideline

ABSTRACT Introduction: High-quality pediatric endoscopy requires reliable performance of procedures by competent individual providers who consistently uphold all standards determined to assure optimal patient outcomes. Establishing consensus expectations for ongoing monitoring and assessment of individual pediatric endoscopists is a method for confirming the highest possible quality of care for such procedures worldwide. We aim to provide guidance to define and measure quality of endoscopic care for children. Methods: With support from the North American and European Societies of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN), an international working group of the Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network (PEnQuIN) used the methodological strategy of the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to develop standards and indicators relevant for assessing the quality of endoscopists. Consensus was sought via an iterative online Delphi process and finalized at an in-person conference. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Results: The PEnQuIN working group achieved consensus on 6 standards that all providers who perform pediatric endoscopy should uphold and 2 standards for pediatric endoscopists in training, with 7 corresponding indicators that can be used to identify high-quality endoscopists. Additionally, these can inform continuous quality improvement at the provider level. Minimum targets for defining high-quality pediatric ileocolonoscopy were set for 2 key indicators: cecal intubation rate (≥90%) and terminal ileal intubation rate (≥85%). Discussion: It is recommended that all individual providers performing or training to perform pediatric endoscopy initiate and engage with these international endoscopist-related standards and indicators developed by PEnQuIN.
Non-parametric dynamical estimation of blood flow rate, pressure difference and viscosity for a miniaturized blood pump

Blood pumps are becoming increasingly important for medical devices. They are used to assist and control the blood flow and blood pressure in the patient’s body. To accurately control blood pumps, information about important hydrodynamic parameters such as blood flow rate, pressure difference and viscosity is needed. These parameters are difficult to measure online. Therefore, an accurate estimation of these parameters is crucial for the effective operation of implantable blood pumps. In this study, in vitro tests with bovine blood were conducted to collect data about the non-linear dependency of blood flow rate, flow resistance (pressure difference) and whole blood viscosity on motor current and rotation speed of a prototype blood pump. Gaussian process regression models are then used to model the non-linear mappings from motor current and rotation speed to the hydrodynamic variables of interest. The performance of the estimation is evaluated for all three variables and shows very high accuracy. For blood flow rate – correlation coefficient ( r 2 ) = 1, root mean squared error ( RMSE ) = 0.31 ml min−1, maximal error ( E R R m a x ) = 9.31 ml min−1; for pressure r 2 = 1, RMSE = 0.09 mmHg, E R R m a x = 8.34 mmHg; and for viscosity r 2 = 1, RMSE = 0.09 mPa.s, E R R m a x = 0.31 mPa⋅s. The current findings suggest that this method can be employed for highly accurate online estimation of essential hydrodynamic parameters for implantable blood pumps.
Noninvasive evaluation of HABP1 expression with 99mTc-labeled small-interference RNA in ovarian cancer

Abstract Purpose Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers in women with a low 5-year survival rate. Evaluation of hyaluronic acid-binding protein 1 (HABP1) level can provide important information for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. In this study, we designed a novel HABP1 probe based on 99mTc-radiolabeled small-interference RNA (siRNA) for detecting HABP1 expression noninvasively in vivo, thereby providing a new method for its diagnosis and treatment. Methods A specific siHABP1 was selected because of its targetability and silencing effect. A negative control siRNA (NCsiRNA) with no homology with the human genome was used. SiHABP1 and NCsiRNA were radiolabeled with 99mTc using the bifunctional chelating agent hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC). The radiochemical purity and in vitro stability of the probe were determined by HPLC. The binding activity was measured by western blotting (WB) and RT-PCR. The HABP1-overexpressing human ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910 was used for cell uptake experiments, which were performed with or without transfection and measured with a gamma counter. HO8910-bearing mice were imaged at 1, 4, and 10 h, and biodistribution analysis was performed at 1, 4, 6, and 10 h after injection of 99mTc-HYNIC-siRNA. Results 99mTc-HYNIC-siHABP1 had high radiochemical purity and good in vitro stability, and showed the same binding capacity and silencing effect as siHABP1. SPECT imaging showed that tumors were clearly visualized at 10 h after injection of 99mTc-HYNIC-siHABP1 but not after 99mTc-HYNIC-NCsiRNA, implying specific binding. The biodistribution results were consistent with those of SPECT imaging. Conclusions We showed that 99mTc-HYNIC-siHABP1 is a feasible probe for the noninvasive visualization of HABP1 expression in ovarian cancer.
Variation Among Infectious Diseases Pharmacists for the Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) remains complex, in that optimal treatment for patients, including complicated or persistent infection, remains unclear. Two recent surveys have demonstrated practice variations in SAB among infectious diseases (ID) physicians. Objectives: The purpose of this survey was to examine practice variations in SAB among ID pharmacists. Methods: A thirty-five-question survey was electronically distributed to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Infectious Diseases Practice and Research Network (IDPRN) in Fall 2019 to determine differences in SAB management. Data were analyzed utilizing Pearson’s Chi-Square or Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: A total of 106 ID pharmacists responded. Only 28% of pharmacists practiced at hospitals with mandatory ID consultation for SAB. A majority (75%) had rapid diagnostic technology (RDT) for identifying SABSI, but 32% of those facilities with RDT did not notify pharmacy with results. Anti-staphylococcal penicillins were preferred for MSSA blood stream infections (BSI) in patients with central nervous system infection and endocarditis, whereas cefazolin was favored for other MSSA BSI. For persistent MRSA BSI, 34% selected daptomycin alone while 38% elected to combine daptomycin and ceftaroline. Pharmacists at hospitals less than 500 beds were more likely to use daptomycin, while those at larger hospitals were more likely to use daptomycin and ceftaroline for persistent MRSA BSI (P < .05). Conclusions: A survey of ID pharmacists showed variation in the management of SABs, as well as the definition and treatment of persistent SAB. Mandatory ID consultation and RDT use to improve SAB management have not been optimized.
Transmission of ‘Candidatus Anaplasma camelii’ to mice and rabbits by camel-specific keds, Hippobosca camelina

Anaplasmosis, caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Anaplasma, is an important veterinary and zoonotic disease. Transmission by ticks has been characterized but little is known about non-tick vectors of livestock anaplasmosis. This study investigated the presence of Anaplasma spp. in camels in northern Kenya and whether the hematophagous camel ked, Hippobosca camelina, acts as a vector. Camels (n = 976) and > 10,000 keds were sampled over a three-year study period and the presence of Anaplasma species was determined by PCR-based assays targeting the Anaplasmataceae 16S rRNA gene. Camels were infected by a single species of Anaplasma, ‘Candidatus Anaplasma camelii’, with infection rates ranging from 63–78% during the dry (September 2017), wet (June-July 2018), and late wet seasons (July-August 2019). 10–29% of camel keds harbored ‘Ca. Anaplasma camelii’ acquired from infected camels during blood feeding. We determined that Anaplasma-positive camel keds could transmit ‘Ca. Anaplasma camelii’ to mice and rabbits via blood-feeding. We show competence in pathogen transmission and subsequent infection in mice and rabbits by microscopic observation in blood smears and by PCR. Transmission of ‘Ca. Anaplasma camelii’ to mice (8–47%) and rabbits (25%) occurred readily after ked bites. Hence, we demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of H. camelina as a vector of anaplasmosis. This key finding provides the rationale for establishing ked control programmes for improvement of livestock and human health.
Do Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) use fruiting synchrony as a foraging strategy?

Tropical rainforests are characterized by a high diversity of plant species. Each plant species presents with differential phenological patterns in fruit production. In some species, all individual trees produce fruit simultaneously within clustered periods; whereas in others, each individual tree fruits at irregular time intervals. By observing this pattern, some primate species use the presence of fruits in one tree as a cue to find fruit in other trees of the same synchronously fruiting tree species. Here, we investigated whether the highly frugivorous Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) in Gunung Halimun‐Salak National Park in Indonesia have knowledge of synchronous characteristics of fruiting trees and whether they can further distinguish fruit species with different synchrony levels, that is, tree species with highly synchronous fruiting patterns versus tree species with less synchronous fruiting patterns. Across 12 months we collected biweekly phenological data on 250 trees from 10 fruit species and observed Javan gibbons' visits to those species. We found that a fruit discovery in the beginning of fruiting seasons triggered gibbons to visit trees of the same fruit species. However, gibbons' visit rates did not differ between highly synchronous and asynchronous species. Our results suggest that Javan gibbons have knowledge of synchronous characteristics of fruiting trees in general, but they do not differentiate highly synchronous versus asynchronous fruit species. We speculate that Javan gibbons, who live in relatively small ranges with very low tree density of preferred fruit species, are likely able to track and remember fruiting states of individual trees without needing to distinguish fruit species with different synchrony levels. Moreover, gibbons may make little benefit of distinguishing highly synchronous versus asynchronous fruit species, probably due to gibbons' heavy use of asynchronous figs. Our study provides an insight into how gibbon's foraging strategies may have been shaped in response to their ecological environment.
Effectiveness Error: Measuring and Improving RadViz Visual Effectiveness

RadViz contributes to multidimensional analysis by using 2D points for encoding data elements and interpreting them along the original data dimensions. For these characteristics it is used in different application domains, like clustering, anomaly detection, and software visualization. However, it is likely that using the dimension arrangement that comes with the data will produce a plot that leads users to make inaccurate conclusions about points values and data distribution. This article attacks this problem without altering the original RadViz design: It defines, for both a single point and a set of points, the metric of effectiveness error, and uses it to define the objective function of a dimension arrangement strategy, arguing that minimizing it increases the overall RadViz visual quality. This article investigated the intuition that reducing the effectiveness error is beneficial for other well-known RadViz problems, like points clumping toward the center, many-to-one plotting of non-proportional points, and cluster separation. It presents an algorithm that reduces to zero the effectiveness error for a single point and a heuristic that approximates the dimension arrangement minimizing the effectiveness error for an arbitrary set of points. A set of experiments based on 21 real datasets has been performed, with the goals of analyzing the advantages of reducing the effectiveness error, comparing the proposed dimension arrangement strategy with other related proposals, and investigating the heuristic accuracy. The Effectiveness Error metric, the algorithm, and the heuristic presented in this article have been made available in a d3.js plugin at https://aware-diag-sapienza.github. io/d3-radviz.
Dual Inhibition of FLT3 and AXL by Gilteritinib Overcomes Hematopoietic Niche-Driven Resistance Mechanisms in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Purpose: AXL has been shown to play a pivotal role in the selective response of FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells to FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), particularly within the bone marrow microenvironment. Experimental Design: Herein, we compared the effect of dual FLT3/AXL-TKI gilteritinib with quizartinib through in vitro models mimicking hematopoietic niche conditions, ex vivo in primary AML blasts, and in vivo with dosing regimens allowing plasma concentration close to those used in clinical trials. Results: We observed that gilteritinib maintained a stronger proapoptotic effect in hypoxia and coculture with bone marrow stromal cells compared with quizartinib, linked to a dose-dependent inhibition of AXL phosphorylation. In vivo, use of the MV4–11 cell line with hematopoietic engraftment demonstrated that gilteritinib was more effective than quizartinib at targeting leukemic cells in bone marrow. Finally, FLT3-ITD AML patient-derived xenografts revealed that this effect was particularly reproducible in FLT3-ITD AML with high allelic ratio in primary and secondary xenograft. Moreover, gilteritinib and quizartinib displayed close toxicity profile on normal murine hematopoiesis, particularly at steady state. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that gilteritinib as a single agent, compared with quizartinib, is more likely to reach leukemic cells in their protective microenvironment, particularly AML clones highly dependent on FLT3-ITD signaling.
Azide···Oxygen Interaction: A Crystal Engineering Tool for Conformational Locking.

We have designed, synthesized and crystallized 36 compounds, each containing an azide group and an oxygen atom separated by three bonds. Crystal structure analysis revealed that each of these molecules adopts a conformation in which the azide and oxygen groups orient syn to each other with a short O ··· N b contact. Geometry-optimized structures [using M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) level of theory ] also showed the syn conformation in all 36 of these cases, suggesting that this not merely a crystal packing effect. Quantum topological analysis using Bader's Atoms in Molecules (AIM) theory revealed bond paths and bond critical points (BCP) in these structures suggesting its nature and energetics to be similar to weak hydrogen bonding. The NCI-RDG plot clearly revealed the attractive interaction consisting of electrostatic or dispersive components in all the 36 systems. NBO analysis suggested a weak orbital-relaxation (charge-transfer) contribution of energy for a few (sp2) O-donor systems. Natural population analysis (NPA) and molecular electrostatic potential mapping (MESP) of these crystal structures further revealed the existence of favorable azide-oxygen interaction. A CSD search indicated the frequent and consistent occurrence of this interaction and its role dictating the syn conformation of azide and oxygen in molecules where these groups are separated by 2-4 bonds.
Transcript expression profiling of fibromelanosis-related genes in black-bone chickens

ABSTRACT 1. The aim of the present study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolic pathways involved in this phenotype. Fibromelanosis is the most striking feature of black-bone chickens, such as the Silkie and Dongxiang indigenous breeds. Due to the accumulation of eumelanin in connective tissues, fibromelanosis manifests as black colouration of the skin, muscles, gut, and periosteum. Studies on fibromelanosis can provide useful information pertaining to human diseases and offer commercial value to the poultry industry. However, the genetic basis of fibromelanosis remains unclear. 2. Digital gene expression analysis was performed on black and white skin samples collected from the HW1 black-bone chicken line to detect differences in genome-wide expression patterns. A total of >30 billion bp were sequenced, and 2,707,926,466 bp and 2,948,782,964 bp of clean data obtained for creation of libraries for black and white skin, respectively. In total, 252 DEGs from 15,508 mapped genes were identified with 83 up-regulated in white skin and 169 up-regulated in black skin. 3. Gene ontology analysis highlighted that genes from the extracellular region and associated components were abundant among the DEGs. Pathway analysis revealed that many DEGs were linked to amino acid metabolism and the immune system. qRT-PCR validation using 14 genes showed good conformity with the sequence analysis of fibromelanosis-related genes. 4. The results showed that L-dopachrometautomerase precursor (DCT), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPD) from the tyrosine metabolism pathway, coagulation factor II (F2), fibrinogen beta chain (FGB), plasminogen (PLG) and complement component 7 (C7) from the complement and coagulation cascades were important genes in the fibromelanosis process in black-bone chickens. These candidate genes require further correlation analysis and functional verification.
Intensity-Varied Closed-Loop Noise Stimulation for Oscillation Suppression in the Parkinsonian State

This work explores the effectiveness of the intensity-varied closed-loop noise stimulation on the oscillation suppression in the Parkinsonian state. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the standard therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its effects need to be improved. The noise stimulation has compelling results in alleviating the PD state. However, in the open-loop control scheme, the noise stimulation parameters cannot be self-adjusted to adapt to the amplitude of the synchronized neuronal activities in real time. Thus, based on the delayed-feedback control algorithm, an intensity-varied closed-loop noise stimulation strategy is proposed. Based on a computational model of the basal ganglia (BG) that can present the intrinsic properties of the BG neurons and their interactions with the thalamic neurons, the proposed stimulation strategy is tested. Simulation results show that the noise stimulation suppresses the pathological beta (12–35 Hz) oscillations without any new rhythms in other bands compared with traditional high-frequency DBS. The intensity-varied closed-loop noise stimulation has a more profound role in removing the pathological beta oscillations and improving the thalamic reliability than open-loop noise stimulation, especially for different PD states. And the closed-loop noise stimulation enlarges the parameter space of the delayed-feedback control algorithm due to the randomness of noise signals. We also provide a theoretical analysis of the effective parameter domain of the delayed-feedback control algorithm by simplifying the BG model to an oscillator model. This exploration may guide a new approach to treating PD by optimizing the noise-induced improvement of the BG dysfunction.
Academic skills, self-perceptions, and grades in university students with a history of multiple concussions: The mediating roles of processing speed and psychological symptoms

Abstract Objective: This study determined if university students with a history of multiple concussions may be at risk for academic difficulties and poor academic performance. We investigated if executive functioning, processing speed, and/or psychological symptoms might partially account for differences in academic performance of students with and without a history of multiple concussions. Method: University students with a history of three or more concussions (n = 58), one concussion (n = 57), or no concussion (n = 57) completed academic, cognitive, and psychological assessments. Results: Students with a history of multiple concussions read fewer words per minute and reported more learning difficulties than the no concussion group. Processing speed mediated the association between concussion status and reading rate. Psychological symptoms mediated the association between concussion status and self-reported learning difficulties. Conclusion: University students with a history of multiple concussions may be at risk for poor academic outcomes due, at least in part, to slower processing speed and psychological symptoms.Treatment of psychological symptoms, cognitive rehabilitation to augment processing speed, and academic accommodations might improve academic outcomes for students with a history of three or more concussions.
Mutations of p53 associated with pancreatic cancer and therapeutic implications

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a malignancy with rising incidence and grim prognosis. Despite improvements in therapeutics for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer, this disease is invariably fatal with survival time less than a few years. New molecular understanding of the pathogenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma based on efforts led by The Cancer Genome Atlas and other groups has elucidated the landscape of this disease and started to produce therapeutic results, leading to the first introduction of targeted therapies for subsets of pancreatic cancers bearing specific molecular lesions such as BRCA mutations. These efforts have highlighted that subsets of pancreatic cancers are particularly sensitive to chemotherapy. The most common molecular lesions in pancreatic adenocarcinomas are mutations in an oncogene KRAS and the TP53 gene that encodes for tumor suppressor protein p53. This paper will review the landscape of pancreatic cancers, focusing on mutations of p53, a major tumor suppressor protein, in pancreatic cancers and possible therapeutic repercussions.
A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction on academic resilience and performance in college students

Abstract Objective The transition into college can pose barriers for student success. We examined the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) compared to an active and no treatment control group, respectively, on stressor appraisals, academic persistence, and performance in unversity students. Participants Students were randomly assigned to receive MBSR (n = 29), study skills active control (n = 27), or no treatment (n = 29). Method Participants reported stressor appraisals and academic persistence pre- and post-intervention. Semester grade point average (GPA) and enrollment was also obtained. Results Academic stressor appraisals did not vary by group. MBSR was protective against depleted academic persistence, whereas academic persistence decreased in the control groups. Enrollment rates remained unchanged in the MBSR group, but increased in the active control relative to no treatment. Finally, GPA improved in the MBSR group, but not controls. Conclusions Findings suggest that MBSR confers some benefits for resilience in university students.