Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical, genetic and molecular aspects of membranous nephropathy

Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). MN is an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies target antigens at the level of the glomerular basement membrane. The nature of these antibodies and the reason why they develop are not fully understood. One of the strategies towards a better understanding of the disorder is genetic analysis, of which two approaches have been attempted: linkage mapping, based on a family suggestive for X-linked transmission of the MN trait; and whole genome association mapping, based on three case-control cohorts. The first cohort (335 cases and ethnically matched controls from the UK) was genotyped using SNP markers and analysed in an exploratory study which led to the identification of two highly significant loci of association. Two cohorts (146 biopsy proven MN cases and ethnically matched controls from the Dutch research group in Nijmegen and 75 biopsy proven cases and ethnically matched controls from the French research group in Paris) were used to successfully replicate the results. The two loci which we identified and independently confirmed are located on chromosome 2 and on chromosome 6. The chromosome 2 locus includes the PLA2R gene, confirming the hypothesis of Beck et al. which identified PLA2R as a key antigen in idiopathic MN by using an immunological approach [1]. The chromosome 6 locus lies within the extended Human Leukocyte Antigene (HLA) system locus, with the highest significance for association reached by alleles of HLA-DQA1. Our results suggest that the susceptibility to membranous nephropathy is associated to genetic variants at the level of both PLA2R1 and HLA loci. The causative variants could be some of the polymorphisms captured by the genotyping array which was analysed or, more likely variants (single nucleotide or copy number variant type) situated nearby (and therefore in linkage disequilibrium).
On Phaeosphaeria nodorum in Wheat

The fungus Phaeosphaeria nodorum (anamorph Stagonospora nodorum) causes stagonospora nodorum blotch on wheat. Besides environmental conditions the biology of the pathogen is an important parameter that determines the epidemiology of the disease. The dispersal pattern of the pathogen depends on the mode of reproduction. The studies reported in this thesis show that P. nodorum not only reproduces sexually but also sexually. This conclusion is based on the random distribution of the two mating types and the diverse genetic structure of the population. The sexual ascospores are windborne and able to initiate epidemics in new wheat fields, whereas asexual spores, conidia, give rise to new lesions when spread upwards in the canopy and to adjacent plants through splash water droplets. Isolates of P. nodorum vary in aggressiveness towards wheat in terms of latency period and production of pycnidia. The wheat cultivars commonly grown in Sweden have similar susceptibility to P. nodorum. Use of low inoculum concentrations could be useful in cultivar screening in breeding programs due to the comparability to natural infection. In agricultural practice, fungicides are used as a control of leaf spot pathogens. This thesis includes the first report of isolates of P. nodorum that have lost their sensitivity to the strobilurin substance azoxystrobin. The majority (79% of 227 isolates) of the P. nodorum isolates collected in 2003-2005 had the amino acid substitution g143a in the gene encoding cytochrome b, which is associated with loss of sensitivity to strobilurins in other pathogenic fungi. The substances propiconazole, prothioconazole and cyprodinil were efficient in reducing the fungal growth. Wheat leaves are colonised by other fungal species besides pathogenic fungi. The fungal community on wheat leaves also contains saprotrophic fungi and yeasts. P. nodorum was common in fields sampled in 2003 and 2004 but in 2005 the pathogenic fungi Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Mycosphaerella graminicola, causing tan spot and septoria tritici blotch respectively, were more common in the sampled fields.
Low aqueous solubility of 11-cis-retinal limits the rate of pigment formation and dark adaptation in salamander rods

We report experiments designed to test the hypothesis that the aqueous solubility of 11-cis-retinoids plays a significant role in the rate of visual pigment regeneration. Therefore, we have compared the aqueous solubility and the partition coefficients in photoreceptor membranes of native 11-cis-retinal and an analogue retinoid, 11-cis 4-OH retinal, which has a significantly higher solubility in aqueous medium. We have then correlated these parameters with the rates of pigment regeneration and sensitivity recovery that are observed when bleached intact salamander rod photoreceptors are treated with physiological solutions containing these retinoids. We report the following results: (a) 11-cis 4-OH retinal is more soluble in aqueous buffer than 11-cis-retinal. (b) Both 11-cis-retinal and 11-cis 4-OH retinal have extremely high partition coefficients in photoreceptor membranes, though the partition coefficient of 11-cis-retinal is roughly 50-fold greater than that of 11-cis 4-OH retinal. (c) Intact bleached isolated rods treated with solutions containing equimolar amounts of 11-cis-retinal or 11-cis 4-OH retinal form functional visual pigments that promote full recovery of dark current, sensitivity, and response kinetics. However, rods treated with 11-cis 4-OH retinal regenerated on average fivefold faster than rods treated with 11-cis-retinal. (d) Pigment regeneration from recombinant and wild-type opsin in solution is slower when treated with 11-cis 4-OH retinal than with 11-cis-retinal. Based on these observations, we propose a model in which aqueous solubility of cis-retinoids within the photoreceptor cytosol can place a limit on the rate of visual pigment regeneration in vertebrate photoreceptors. We conclude that the cytosolic gap between the plasma membrane and the disk membranes presents a bottleneck for retinoid flux that results in slowed pigment regeneration and dark adaptation in rod photoreceptors.
Familial IgG3 subclass deficiency: A report of two cases

롯한 아시아 국가에서는 서구에 비해서 낮은 빈도로 보고되고 있 다. 현재까지 약 150종류의 1차 면역결핍질환이 밝혀졌으며, 발병 기전에 따라서 선천면역(innate immunity)과 적응면역(adaptive immunity) 결핍증의 두 가지 군으로 분류할 수 있다. IgG 아형 결핍증(IgG subclass deficiency)은 혈청 총 IgG 수치는 정상으로 유지되나, 네 가지의 IgG 아형(G1, G2, G3, G4) 중에서 한 가지 이상의 아형이 결핍되는 질환이다. 주로 상기도감염이나 부 비동염을 일으키고, 폐렴 같은 세균성호흡기감염을 유발함으로써 알레르기비염, 천식과 같은 기저 알레르기질환을 악화시키기도 한 다. 대부분의 1차 면역결핍질환에서 관련된 유전적 변이가 밝혀 졌으나, 아직 IgG 아형 결핍증에서는 관련되는 유전자가 확인되지 않았으며, 외국에서는 가족 내에서 유전적인 경향을 보이며 발생한 사례가 보고되었으나 국내에서는 아직 보고된 바가 없다. 6 이에 저자들은 가족력을 보이며 발생한 IgG 아형 결핍 증례에 대 해서 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하고자 한다.
Awareness and support: students’ views about the prevention of sexual assault on UK campuses

Purpose Sexual assault is prevalent on UK University campuses, and prevention efforts are being increased. However, at present there is limited evidence about UK students’ attitudes towards sexual assault prevention and what they think should be done to effectively address the issue. The purpose of this paper is to explore these views to provide a foundation for the development of a new intervention. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was completed by 515 students (73 per cent women; M age: 21.56; 79 per cent heterosexual; and 82.9 per cent white). There were quantitative questions about experiences of sexual assault, attitudes towards sexual consent and victim blaming. Qualitative data were collected regarding participants’ views on what universities should do to target sexual assault. Findings In line with previous studies, the authors found evidence of commonplace and normalised sexual assault behaviours. Women had more positive attitudes towards explicit consent than men, and were less likely to blame victims of sexual assault who had been drinking. Consent behaviour was predicted by positive views towards consent and lower levels of blaming. Themes relating to “awareness”, “attitudes”, “environment” and “opposition” were identified in the qualitative data. Practical implications Findings highlight the importance of engaging with students to develop effective prevention measures. Students are likely to find university-led prevention strategies acceptable, but this topic needs to be addressed in the context of the prevailing culture, which may provide an environment where certain behaviours are tolerated. New prevention programmes need to treat the issue as one that is relevant to all students and not just target men as perpetrators and women as victims. Such strategies need to do more than treat this as an isolated issue, to which the solution is re-education about the meaning of consent. Originality/value There is at present a lack of research evidence about UK students’ views on sexual assault prevention. This exploratory survey highlights areas for consideration when developing new interventions.
Early Delineation of Ischemic Tissue in Rat Brain Cryosections by High-Contrast Staining

Background and Purpose—After short periods of ischemia, commonly used staining methods yield only moderate differences in optical contrast between normal and damaged brain tissue when gray-scale images are used for computer-assisted image analysis. We describe a high-contrast silver infarct staining (SIS) method that allows an early delineation of ischemic tissue as soon as 2 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rat brain cryosections. Methods—Rats were subjected to permanent MCAO for 2, 4, 6, and 48 hours. The optical densities were quantified in nonischemic white and gray matter and in damaged tissue from gray-scale images of serial sections with the use of a video camera–based image analyzing system. SIS, hematoxylin-eosin, Nissl, and nitroblue tetrazolium stainings were performed in cryosections, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium hydrochloride (TTC) staining was performed in unfrozen vibratome sections. In addition, the range of reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in areas demarcated by S.
Congenital Craniofacial and Cervical Cysts, Sinuses and Fistulas- A Review Article

A fistula is an abnormal tract communicating the cavities of two internal organs or the cavity of an organ with the body surface whereas a sinus is one-end blind tract that opens on the surface. Congenital cysts, sinuses and fistulas of the head and neck are uncommonly detected in children. They include congenital craniofacial and cervical anomalies; the latter may be mediocervical or latero-cervical in position. Surgical excision of these lesions is the only option of treatment.
Early functional outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries managed by arthroscopic four strand hamstring autograft: A Prospective study

INTRODUCTION: ACL reconstruction is one of the most common procedures being performed with an estimated 100,000 surgical reconstructions performed annually in United States. During the last 25 years, ACL has been one of the most studied structures in the musculoskeletal system. In recent times awareness of the ACL injuries are far reaching and people of all walks of life seek treatment for ACL deficiency. Indeed, most of our patients are from in and around Chennai with awareness and willingness towards ACL Reconstruction. In our prospective study of 20 cases we have undertaken ACL Reconstruction with the four strand HAMSTRING graft through arthroscopy and assessed its functional outcome using Lysholm knee score4 & IKDC subjective knee evaluation score. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to assess, “The early functional outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries managed by Arthroscopic Four Strand Hamstring Autograft” at Government Royapettah Hospital & Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai from November 2008 to August 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study is an analysis of 20 cases of anterior cruciate ligament injuries treated arthroscopically with anatomic endoscopic four strand hamstring autograft at the Department of Orthopedic surgery, Government Royapettah Hospital and Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai from November 2008 to October 2009 with a minimum follow up of 4 months and a maximal follow up of 22 months. In our study of 20 patients, 19 were males and one was a female. RESULTS: The outcome of our study was assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring system and IKDC subjective knee evaluation score at the end of final follow up. Lysholm Scale - 10 cases had excellent results(Lysholm scores-94,94,95,95,95,95,99,100,100,100), 5 cases had good results(Lysholm scores-86,89,90,90,90), 3 cases had fair results(Lysholm scores-71,73,79), 2 cases had poor results(Lysholm scores-59,63). IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation ScorE - Mean score = 88.77 and Range from 74.7 to 98.9 CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction by using four strand hamstring tendon autograft is highly successful in providing a stable knee with very few complications when proper graft, harvest preparation and anatomical tunnel placement is achieved. Endobutton did not seem to have any superiority of results when compared with the usage of a standard titanium RCI screw. Compaction drilling method when compared to extraction drilling is more advantageous.
Respiratory Muscle Strength Evaluation in Healthy Adult and Elderly Women—Respiratory Muscle Strength Assessment in Adult and Elderly

Measurement of respiratory muscle strength is performed through static measurements of maximal respiratory pressures and is an important tool for determining the existence and prognosis of neuromuscular and pulmonary disorders, such as weakness or fatigue of this musculature. Objectives: To evaluate and compare respiratory muscle strength among healthy adult and elderly women. Methods: A total of 163 healthy women were recruited through convenience sampling at the family centers of the city of Manaus (AM, Brazil), divided into two groups: adult women (age 20 - 59 years) and elderly women (over 60 years of age). The evaluation was performed by Manovacuometry, in order to measure the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). For statistical analysis we used the Student’s T test, considering significant p value ≤ 0.05. Results: The final sample consisted of 116 adult women and 47 elderly women. The mean age in the group of women between 20 - 59 years was 44.5 ± 12 and the elderly group was 65 ± 6.6. MIP values in adult women were significantly higher when compared to the elderly (−108 ± 5.3 cmH2O × −79.5 ± 4 cmH2O, p = 0.0014, respectively). The same behavior was observed in the evaluation of MEP (87.1 ± 2.9 cmH2O in adults and 69.8 ± 3.5 cmH2O in the elderly; p = 0.0008). Conclusion: The results indicate that inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength is lower in older women, suggesting that the aging process tends to interfere with those muscles, resulting in altered respiratory system function.
Handheld Devices for Laparoscopic Surgery

Despite the well-known benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to the patients, this surgical technique implies some technical challenges for surgeons. These technical limitations are increased with the introduction of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery. In order to overcome some of these technical difficulties, new handheld devices have been developed, providing improved functionalities along with precision-driven and articulat- ing instrument tips. In this chapter, we will review the current status of handheld devices for laparoscopy and LESS surgery. Devices that provide additional and innovative func- tionalities in comparison with conventional surgical instruments will be considered. Results will be based on studies published in the scientific literature and our experience. These surgical devices will be organized into two main groups, mechanical devices and robotic-driven devices. In general, these instruments intend to simulate the dexterity of movements of a human wrist. Mechanical devices are cheaper and easier to develop, so most of the available handheld instruments fall into this category. The majority of the robotic-driven devices are needle holders with an articulating tip, controlled by an interface implemented on the instrument handle. In general, these handheld devices claim to offer an enhancement of dexterity, precision, and ergonomics. Results showed that, although both instruments offer similar technical performance, the robotic-driven instrument results in better ergonomics for the surgeon ’ s hand posture during intracorporeal suturing. Besides, we recently conducted a study in which five experienced laparoscopic surgeons performed an urethrovesical anastomosis in a porcine model using the DEX ™ system (unpublished study) ( Figure 3 ). Participants used both a conventional axial-handled laparoscopic needle holder and the robotic instrument. Execution time, surgeon ’ s posture, and pressure exerted by the surgeon ’ s hand were assessed. Results revealed that the DEX ™ system led to better ergonomics for the surgeon ’ s hand, without differences in muscle fatigue between instruments. The robotic device required applying less pressure on the handle by the surgeons during surgery. similar surgical performance. Studies showed that handheld articulating devices facilitate intracorporeal suturing with similar surgery time and outcomes to conventional laparoscopy. Many of the presented handheld instruments are still in early stages of development. Additional efforts should be done in order to improve their functionalities and make them more intuitive. Besides, further innovative solutions should be explored in order to exploit the full potential of LESS surgery. The introduction of novel handheld devices in MIS should be accompanied by a comprehensive training period in order to reach the appropriate level of surgical proficiency.
The Lennard-Jones-Devonshire cell model revisited

The cell theory of Lennard-Jones and Devonshire is re-analysed and it is found that, in addition to the critical point originally reported for the 12-6 potential (and widely quoted in standard textbooks), the model exhibits a further critical point. The latter is shown to be actually a more appropriate candidate for liquid-gas criticality than the original critical point.
Maximum energy transfer in near-field thermal radiation at nanometer distances

Radiative energy transfer at nanoscale distances can exceed that of blackbody radiation by several orders of magnitude due to photon tunneling and the excitation of surface polaritons. While significant progress has been made recently in understanding near-field thermal radiation, an outstanding question remains as whether there exists an upper limit of near-field radiation for arbitrarily selected material properties at finite separation distances. We investigate the maximum achievable radiative heat flux between two parallel plates separated by a vacuum gap from 0.1 to 100 nm. By assuming a frequency-independent dielectric function and introducing a cutoff parallel wavevector component, we find that the ideal dielectric function for the two media that will maximize the near-field radiative transfer is −1+iδ, where δ is the imaginary part. For vacuum gaps greater than 1 nm, the near-field heat transfer peaks when δ⪡1, while at subnanometer gaps, the peak in the energy transfer shifts toward larger values of δ. The determination of the maximum radiative flux at nanometer distances will benefit emerging applications of near-field radiation for energy harvesting and nanothermal manufacturing.Radiative energy transfer at nanoscale distances can exceed that of blackbody radiation by several orders of magnitude due to photon tunneling and the excitation of surface polaritons. While significant progress has been made recently in understanding near-field thermal radiation, an outstanding question remains as whether there exists an upper limit of near-field radiation for arbitrarily selected material properties at finite separation distances. We investigate the maximum achievable radiative heat flux between two parallel plates separated by a vacuum gap from 0.1 to 100 nm. By assuming a frequency-independent dielectric function and introducing a cutoff parallel wavevector component, we find that the ideal dielectric function for the two media that will maximize the near-field radiative transfer is −1+iδ, where δ is the imaginary part. For vacuum gaps greater than 1 nm, the near-field heat transfer peaks when δ⪡1, while at subnanometer gaps, the peak in the energy transfer shifts toward larger values.
A study on prevalence of rotavirus infection in children below 5 years, with acute gastroenteritis

Background: Diarrheal diseases are among the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, especially in India. This cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the causative agent of diarrhea among children, below five years, treated at an urban tertiary care hospital, Telangana.Methods: Stool specimens were collected from 240 children under 5 years of age visiting Apollo Medical College, General Hospital in Hyderabad, hospitals due to acute diarrhea. Rapid stool antigen immunochromatograhic testing was used to diagnose rota virus diarrhea. In this test the VP 6 antigen present on the middle layer of the virus capsule is detected.Results: During the 2 months of the study period, 60 children visited the institute seeking treatment of diarrhoea. 11 (18%) of, the children were found to be positive for rota virus infection. It was also observed that, due to advent of rotavirus vaccine, incidence of diarrhea has come down.Conclusions: In our study the prevalence of rotavirus infection in children suffering from acute gastroenteritis below five years of age is 18.3%. This study is performed using an ICT rapid card test in which group A of the rotavirus is detected, the drawback of this study is other groups of rotavirus like B and C which also cause human infections are not detected. Following the rapid ICT card test which is a diagnostic test, ELISA, confirmatory test for the detection of rotavirus should also be done.
Rationale for removing nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn in young patients

Одним из доброкачественных образований кожи является себорейный невус Ядассона (NSJ) — гамартома, локализующаяся преимущественно на коже лица или волосистой части головы и одинаково часто встречающаяся у мужчин и женщин. Плюрипотентные первичные эпителиальные клетки, входящие в структуру NSJ, являются благоприятной средой для развития на его фоне как доброкачественных, так и злокачественных опухолей. Для исключения неопластической трансформации целесообразно удалять NSJ сразу после полового созревания. При невозможности хирургического вмешательства пациентам требуется постоянное динамическое наблюдение. В данной работе представлено два случая успешного удаления СО 2 -лазером NSJ у пациентов молодого возраста.