Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidermal Barrier in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease that affects up to 20% of children and impacts the quality of patients and families in a significant manner. New insights into the pathophysiology of AD point to an important role of structural abnormalities in the epidermis combined with immune dysregulation. Filaggrin (FLG) is synthesized as a large precursor, profilaggrin, and is expressed in the upper layers of the epidermis. FLG plays a critical role in the epidermal barrier, and FLG mutations cause abnormal epidermal function. FLG mutations are strongly associated with early-onset, and persistent severe AD. In addition, FLG deficiency in the epidermis is related to allergic sensitization and asthma. The basic skin care including repair and protection of the skin barrier with proper hydration and topical anti-inflammatory therapy is important to control the severity of skin disease in patients with AD.
Wide 3-dimensional macular ganglion cell complex imaging with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in glaucoma.

PURPOSE To determine whether measurement of ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness over a wide area (8-mm diameter) can improve the glaucoma-discriminating ability of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) compared to that in the standard macular area (6-mm diameter). METHODS Ninety-three subjects were enrolled, including 46 healthy eyes of 46 volunteers and 47 eyes of 47 glaucoma patients (23 eyes with preperimetric glaucoma [PPG] and 24 eyes with early glaucoma [EG]). All patients underwent SD-OCT raster scanning over a 9 mm × 9 mm square area centered on the fovea. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AROCs) were compared between wide sector (1-8-mm ring) and standard-size sector (1-6-mm ring) charts. RESULTS AROCs for average GCC thickness in the wide chart were significantly greater than those of the standard chart in eyes with PPG (0.928 vs. 0.891; P = 0.038), EG (0.912 vs. 0.861; P = 0.003), and both (0.920 vs. 0.876; P = 0.004). Overall, the AROCs of regional GCC thicknesses were nearly comparable between the middle ring (4-6 mm) and outer ring (6-8 mm). Coefficients of variation were 0.68% and 0.97% in the standard and wide sector charts, respectively, in eyes with PPG, and 0.45% and 0.72% in the standard and wide sector charts, respectively, in eyes with EG. CONCLUSIONS Addition of the GCC thickness outside the macula to the standard macular GCC thickness significantly increased the glaucoma-discriminating ability of SD-OCT.
Outcome of CO2 laser vaporization for oral potentially malignant disorders treatment

Background Oral cancer is a public health issue worldwide. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OMPDs) are lesions of the oral mucosa that are predisposed to malignant transformation. The mainstay of OMPDs treatment around the world is now the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser but the reported recurrence and malignant transformation rates vary widely in the literature. We aimed to estimate the recurrence and the malignant transformation rates of OPMDs treated with CO2 laser at the University Hospital of Bordeaux, in France, from 2010 to 2014, and to identify associated factors with recurrence or malignant transformation. Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective study in patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Collected variables included characteristics of the patients (gender, age, alcohol and tobacco consumption, previous diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease, previous treatments for OPMD or for upper aerodigestive tract cancers and human immunodeficiency virus infection), characteristics of the lesions (form, colour, size, location, degree of dysplasia), laser treatment outcome (complications, recurrence, malignant transformation). Results Twenty-five patients were included. Mean follow-up was 28.9 months. Recurrence was observed in 11 patients (44%). Annual recurrence rate was 18.3% and annual malignant transformation rate was 1.7%. Hyperplasia without dysplasia was the only factor found to be statistically associated with recurrence. Conclusions Our results suggest that OMPDs treated by CO2 laser vaporization have high recurrence rates, particularly those presenting hyperplasia. A standardized definition of recurrence would be necessary for inter-study comparisons. Long-term follow-up is recommended in order to detect and treat squamous cell carcinoma in its early stages. Key words:CO2 lasers, precancerous conditions, malignant transformation, oral cancer, recurrence.
Probably on Time and within BudgetOn Reachability in Priced Probabilistic Timed Automata

This paper presents an algorithm for cost-bounded probabilistic reachability in timed automata extended with prices (on edges and locations) and discrete probabilistic branching. The algorithm determines whether the probability to reach a (set of) goal location(s) within a given price bound (and time bound) can exceed a threshold p isin [0,1]. We prove that the algorithm is partially correct and show an example for which termination cannot be guaranteed
The identification of a novel role for BRCA1 in regulating RNA polymerase I transcription

The unrestrained proliferation of cancer cells requires a high level of ribosome biogenesis. The first stage of ribosome biogenesis is the transcription of the large ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs); the structural and functional components of the ribosome. Transcription of rRNA is carried out by RNA polymerase I (Pol-I) and its associated holoenzyme complex. Here we report that BRCA1, a nuclear phosphoprotein, and a known tumour suppressor involved in variety of cellular processes such as DNA damage response, transcriptional regulation, cell cycle control and ubiquitylation, is associated with rDNA repeats, in particular with the regulatory regions of the rRNA gene. We demonstrate that BRCA1 interacts directly with the basal Pol-I transcription factors; upstream binding factor (UBF), selectivity factor-1 (SL1) as well as interacting with RNA Pol-I itself. We show that in response to DNA damage, BRCA1 occupancy at the rDNA repeat is decreased and the observed BRCA1 interactions with the Pol-I transcription machinery are weakened. We propose, therefore, that there is a rDNA associated fraction of BRCA1 involved in DNA damage dependent regulation of Pol-I transcription, regulating the stability and formation of the Pol-I holoenzyme during initiation and/or elongation in response to DNA damage.
Investigating the Visual Status Of Preschool Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the vision status of preschool children aged 3–6 years in Al Riyadh and to identify children at risk of amblyopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using 15-line Lea symbols, refractive error was assessed using the Mohindra near retinoscopy technique, and peak contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured with the aid of the numerical CS test. We recruited 335 children, with their parents' written consent, from 14 kindergartens. RESULTS: A total of 335 children were recruited; 42 children (13%) exhibited reduced VA (Median [interquartile ranges (IQRs)], 0.00 [0.01]); most were emmetropic (87.7%). Myopia (4.2%), hyperopia (8.1%), and astigmatism (20%) were also observed. Most children had normal CSs. About 14% of children were at risk of amblyopia. It has been observed that 26% of families have some kind of refractive error. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to perform vision screening of preschoolers. Early detection of abnormalities in refractive errors could help to minimize the effect of visual impairment.
Sensitivity of different Lupinus species to calcium under a low phosphorus supply.

To study mechanism underpinning the calcifuge habit of some Lupinus species, especially under low-phosphorus (P) conditions, Lupinus species that were likely to respond differently to calcium (Ca) availability were assembled, and the sensitivity to Ca under a low-P supply was assessed. Seven Lupinus species (9 genotypes, L. albus L. cv Kiev, L. albus L. P26766, L. angustifolius L. cv Mandelup, L. angustifolius L. P26723, L. luteus L. cv Pootalong, L. hispanicus ssp. bicolor Boiss. and Reut. P22999, L. pilosus Murr. P27440, L. cosentinii Guss. P27225, and L. atlanticus Gladst. P27219) were grown hydroponically at 10 or 6000 μM Ca. Leaf symptoms, gas exchange and biomass were recorded; leaf and root nutrient concentrations were analysed, and the leaf cell types in which Ca and P accumulated were determined using elemental X-ray microanalyses. Calcium toxicity was demonstrated for L. angustifolius P26723, L. hispanicus ssp. bicolor. P22999, and L. cosentinii P27225, whereas the other species were tolerant of a high Ca supply under low-P conditions. In addition, genotypic differences in Ca toxicity were found within L. angustifolius. Most Ca accumulated in the mesophyll cells in all species, whereas most P was located in epidermal cells.
Folate-status response to a controlled folate intake in nonpregnant, pregnant, and lactating women.

BACKGROUND Folate dose-response studies in women of childbearing age who consumed a folic acid (FA)-containing multivitamin in the era of FA fortification are lacking. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate folate-status response to a known folate dose comprising an FA-containing prenatal supplement (750 μg/d) plus natural food folate (400 μg/d) in third-trimester pregnant women, lactating women 5-15 wk postpartum, and nonpregnant women. DESIGN Pregnant (n = 26), lactating (n = 28), and nonpregnant (n = 21) women consumed the study folate dose under controlled intake conditions for 10-12 wk. Blood, urine, and breast milk were collected at baseline, study midpoint, and study end. RESULTS Study-end serum total folate concentrations averaged ~30 ng/mL and did not differ by physiologic group (P = 0.876). Study-end urinary folate excretion represented ~9-43% of total folate intake and ranged from 100 to 500 μg/d. Third-trimester pregnant women excreted less urinary folate than did lactating (P = 0.075) and nonpregnant (P < 0.001) women. Lactating women excreted less (P < 0.001) urinary FA than did nonpregnant women. Breast-milk total folate concentrations remained constant (P = 0.244; 61.8 ng/mL at study end), whereas breast-milk FA concentrations increased (P = 0.003) to 24.1 ng/mL at study end. CONCLUSIONS The consumption of the study folate dose yielded a supranutritional folate status regardless of the physiologic state. Based on urinary folate excretion, folate use was greatest to least: pregnant > lactating > nonpregnant women. Breast-milk folate species were responsive to maternal folate intake, and FA made up ~40% of breast-milk total folate at study end. These findings warrant revisiting prenatal supplement FA formulation in populations exposed to FA-fortification programs.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection: history and clinical aspects

Abstract Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli remains an important cause of diarrhoeal disease worldwide. In terms of global public health, enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterotoxigenic E. coli are the most important. However, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli has emerged as a cause of disease in developed countries in recent years, and a number of large outbreaks have been reported. Therefore, the importance of research into diarrhoeagenic E. coli remains an important issue. EPEC is the most widespread of the diarrhoeagenic E. coli and provides a good virulence model for other E. coli infections, as well as other pathogenic bacteria. Although the virulence mechanisms of E. coli are now better understood, there remains much to be learned before effective treatments can be developed. Type III secretion mechanisms, the locus of enterocyte effacement and various toxins are all involved in the pathogenesis of the various diarrhoeagenic E. coli and may provide targets for future therapies. This review aims to provide an update on the worldwide problem of diarrhoeagenic E. coli by focusing on EPEC, and describes the history of the organism, its incidence and the clinical aspects of infection.
Cardiovascular Agents Affect the Tone of Pulmonary Arteries and Veins in Precision-Cut Lung Slices

Introduction Cardiovascular agents are pivotal in the therapy of heart failure. Apart from their action on ventricular contractility and systemic afterload, they affect pulmonary arteries and veins. Although these effects are crucial in heart failure with coexisting pulmonary hypertension or lung oedema, they are poorly defined, especially in pulmonary veins. Therefore, we investigated the pulmonary vascular effects of adrenoceptor agonists, vasopressin and angiotensin II in the model of precision-cut lung slices that allows simultaneous studies of pulmonary arteries and veins. Materials and Methods Precision-cut lung slices were prepared from guinea pigs and imaged by videomicroscopy. Concentration-response curves of cardiovascular drugs were analysed in pulmonary arteries and veins. Results Pulmonary veins responded stronger than arteries to α1-agonists (contraction) and β2-agonists (relaxation). Notably, inhibition of β2-adrenoceptors unmasked the α1-mimetic effect of norepinephrine and epinephrine in pulmonary veins. Vasopressin and angiotensin II contracted pulmonary veins via V1a and AT1 receptors, respectively, without affecting pulmonary arteries. Discussion Vasopressin and (nor)epinephrine in combination with β2-inhibition caused pulmonary venoconstriction. If applicable in humans, these treatments would enhance capillary hydrostatic pressures and lung oedema, suggesting their cautious use in left heart failure. Vice versa, the prevention of pulmonary venoconstriction by AT1 receptor antagonists might contribute to their beneficial effects seen in left heart failure. Further, α1-mimetic agents might exacerbate pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure by contracting pulmonary arteries, whereas vasopressin might not.
Rfam 13.0: shifting to a genome-centric resource for non-coding RNA families

Abstract The Rfam database is a collection of RNA families in which each family is represented by a multiple sequence alignment, a consensus secondary structure, and a covariance model. In this paper we introduce Rfam release 13.0, which switches to a new genome-centric approach that annotates a non-redundant set of reference genomes with RNA families. We describe new web interface features including faceted text search and R-scape secondary structure visualizations. We discuss a new literature curation workflow and a pipeline for building families based on RNAcentral. There are 236 new families in release 13.0, bringing the total number of families to 2687. The Rfam website is http://rfam.org.
Household Environmental Conditions Are Associated with Enteropathy and Impaired Growth in Rural Bangladesh

We assessed the relationship of fecal environmental contamination and environmental enteropathy. We compared markers of environmental enteropathy, parasite burden, and growth in 119 Bangladeshi children (≤ 48 months of age) across rural Bangladesh living in different levels of household environmental cleanliness defined by objective indicators of water quality and sanitary and hand-washing infrastructure. Adjusted for potential confounding characteristics, children from clean households had 0.54 SDs (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06, 1.01) higher height-for-age z scores (HAZs), 0.32 SDs (95% CI = −0.72, 0.08) lower lactulose:mannitol (L:M) ratios in urine, and 0.24 SDs (95% CI = −0.63, 0.16) lower immunoglobulin G endotoxin core antibody (IgG EndoCAb) titers than children from contaminated households. After adjusting for age and sex, a 1-unit increase in the ln L:M was associated with a 0.33 SDs decrease in HAZ (95% CI = −0.62, −0.05). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that environmental contamination causes growth faltering mediated through environmental enteropathy.
Information Distortion, R&D, and Growth

Does firms' opportunistic information disclosure affect investment in R&D? To answer this question, we estimate a dynamic model that incorporates a trade-off between R&D investment and accruals manipulation. This trade-off arises because both are effective tools for distorting observable earnings. Distortion incentives stem from the combination of incomplete investor information and short-term manager compensation incentives based on the stock price. These incentives alone hurt shareholder value by 13%. With these incentives in place, regulations preventing information distortion further distort real investment, whose volatility rises by 10%. This excess volatility lowers firm value by 0.5%.
The pivotal role of metaphor in the evolution of human language

There is broad agreement among evolutionary linguists that the emergence of human language, as opposed to other primate communication systems, is characterised by two key phenomena: the use of symbols, and the use of grammatical structure (Tomasello 2003). In this paper, we show that these two defining aspects of language actually emerge from the same set of underlying cognitive mechanisms within the context of ostensive-inferential communication. We take an avowedly cognitive approach to the role of metaphor in language change, setting out how general capacities such as the recognition of common ground, the inference of meaning from context, and the memorisation of language usage, can together lead to the conventionalisation of metaphors, and thence to systematic changes in language structure, including the development of grammatical linguistic units from formerly meaningful elements through grammaticalisation (Hoefler and Smith 2009). We show that the relevant cognitive competences are general-purpose mechanisms which are crucially not specific to language; they also underpin non-linguistic communication, where the same processes lead to the emergence of apparently arbitrary symbols.
Bayesian reclassification statistics for assessing improvements in diagnostic accuracy

We propose a Bayesian approach to the estimation of the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and three versions of the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) under the logistic regression model. Both NRI and IDI were proposed as numerical characterizations of accuracy improvement for diagnostic tests and were shown to retain certain practical advantage over analysis based on ROC curves and offer complementary information to the changes in area under the curve. Our development is a new contribution towards Bayesian solution for the estimation of NRI and IDI, which eases computational burden and increases flexibility. Our simulation results indicate that Bayesian estimation enjoys satisfactory performance comparable with frequentist estimation and achieves point estimation and credible interval construction simultaneously. We adopt the methodology to analyze a real data from the Singapore Malay Eye Study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RED-COGHLADED WOODPECmR Rl3COVERY: AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY

Populations of the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) have experienced massive declines since European colonization of North America. This is due to extensive habitat loss and alteration. Logging of old-growth pine forests and alteration of the fire regime throughout the historic range of the species were the primary causes of population decline. Listing of the redcockaded woodpecker under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, and increased emphasis on management of non-game species have resulted in efforts to recover remnant populations of the redcockaded woodpecker in many parts of its historic range. Due to extensive research and adaptive management initiatives much is now known about the elements required for both shortand long-term management of viable populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers. A short-term strategy is crucial because currently available habitat, in nearly all populations, is poor in 1 or more critical respects. Consequently, almost all populations require immediate attention in the short term, to insure suitable midstory and understory conditions, adequate availability of suitable cavities, and restoration of demographic viability through improvements in number and distribution of breeding groups. Management techniques including artificial cavities, cavity entrance restrictors, translocation of birds, prescribed fire, and mechanical and chemical control of woody vegetation are available to achieve these needs. In the long term, cost-effective management of redcockaded woodpecker populations requires a timber management program and prescribed fire regime that will produce and maintain the stand structure characteristic of high quality nesting and foraging habitat, so that additional intensive management specific to the woodpeckers is no longer necessary. Timber management that achieves this goal and still allows substantial timber harvest is feasible. The implementation of a redcockaded woodpecker management strategy, as outlined above, represents appropriate ecosystem management in the fire-maintained pine ecosystems of the southeastern United States and will ultimately benefit a great number of additional species of plants and animals adapted to this ecosystem.
First human Cerenkography

Abstract. Cerenkov luminescence imaging is an emerging optical preclinical modality based on the detection of Cerenkov radiation induced by beta particles when traveling though biological tissues with a velocity greater than the speed of light. We present the first human Cerenkography obtained by detecting Cerenkov radiation escaping the thyroid gland of a patient treated for hyperthyroidism. The Cerenkov light was detected using an electron multiplied charge coupled device and a conventional C-mount lens. The system set-up has been tested by using a slab of ex vivo tissue equal to a 1 cm slice of chicken breast in order to simulate optical photons attenuation. We then imaged for 2 min the head and neck region of a patient treated orally 24 h before with 550 MBq of I-131. Co-registration between photographic and Cerenkov images showed a good localization of the Cerenkov light within the thyroid region. In conclusion, we showed that it is possible to obtain a planar image of Cerenkov photons escaping from a human tissue. Cerenkography is a potential novel medical tool to image superficial organs of patients treated with beta minus radiopharmaceuticals and can be extended to the imaging of beta plus emitters.