Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University of Groningen Managing hereditary ovarian cancer

In this review we present an overview of recent developments in the management of hereditary ovarian cancer. Until recently, intensive screening of the ovaries was recommended to mutation carriers and their first-degree female relatives. However, since screening is not effective in detecting early-stage ovarian cancer, women are counselled for a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (pBSO) shortly after child-bearing age (>35 years). Many mutation carriers already choose to undergo pBSO to reduce their cancer risks; however, the age of prophylactic surgery may interfere with reproductive and other important (psychosexual) issues in life. Due to the protective effect of oral contraceptives regarding ovarian cancer, we advise women at increased risk of ovarian cancer to use oral contraceptive pills for 3–5 years early in life (<25 years of age), when the absolute incidence of breast cancer is extremely low. A transient increased relative risk of breast cancer due to oral contraceptives at this age will result in a negligible increased absolute number of breast cancers, while the risk reduction of ovarian cancer remains for life. Research should aim at finding new molecular markers and screening strategies for detecting early-stage ovarian cancer in women with a hereditary ovarian cancer trait. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Sequential clustering by loopy belief propagation

In this contribution we exploit the potential of belief propagation in connection with sequential superparamagnetic clustering. We first give a short overview of the methods and concepts used and show how to combine them. We finally discuss some implementation issues, problems and possible advantages in comparison with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods by means of a toy system.
Divergence Insufficiency and Demyelinating Disorder

Purpose To describe a divergence insufficiency in a young woman. Methods Case report. Results A 38-year-old woman presented with a episode of homonymus horizontal diplopia at distance. She was orthophoric at near but had esotropia at distance. Neurological evaluation was normal but multiple demyelinating lesions were shown in the magnetic resonance scan, with increased intrathecal Ig G production. Double vision improved after corticosteroid mega-doses. Conclusions An acute onset of diplopia due to divergence insufficiency in a young adult may be associated with a demyelinating disorder.
Survivorship and death in rheumatoid arthritis.

Data are presented on survivorship and causes of death of 475 patients with rheumatioid arthritis, first seen betwen 1954 and 1966. The observed cumulative survival rate was lower than expected in each sex at each year of follow-up, particularly in the later years. The adjusted rate was generally lower in males than in females. Eighteen of the 86 deaths due to known causes were attributed to infection, a significantly excessive proportion.
Molecular diagnosis of avian respiratory diseases in commercial broiler chicken flocks in province o

Avian influenza virus subtype 9 and Newcastle virus have been recognized as the most important pathogens in poultry. In Najaf governorate, Iraq, many chickens’ flocks suffered from high mortality (about 30 to 70%) and respiratory signs. In this study, trachea swabs and tissue specimens from 53 commercial broiler chicken flocks suffering from respiratory diseases were tested initially by rapid test for antigen influenza type A and by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for avian flu virus type A, H5, H7, H9, and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The reverse transcription PCR results showed that 75% of these flocks were infected with both avian flu virus type H9 and NDV whereas 25% of them were infected only by H9. On the other hand, all flocks were negative for subtypes H5 and H7. Our data showed that aforementioned respiratory pathogens were the most important agents of respiratory diseases giving high mortality in broiler chicken in the area of the study. Key words: Respiratory diseases, avian flu, broiler chicken, molecular diagnosis, Iraq.
Should hepatomas be treated with hepatic resection or transplantation?

The aim of this collaborative study was to compare the long term results of hepatic resection (Hx) with those of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) in large numbers of cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to delineate the roles of these two surgical treatments.
The cytolinker plectin regulates nuclear mechanotransduction in keratinocytes

ABSTRACT The transmission of mechanical forces to the nucleus is important for intracellular positioning, mitosis and cell motility, yet the contribution of specific components of the cytoskeleton to nuclear mechanotransduction remains unclear. In this study, we examine how crosstalk between the cytolinker plectin and F-actin controls keratin network organisation and the 3D nuclear morphology of keratinocytes. Using micro-patterned surfaces to precisely manipulate cell shape, we find that cell adhesion and spreading regulate the size and shape of the nucleus. Disruption of the keratin cytoskeleton through loss of plectin facilitated greater nuclear deformation, which depended on acto-myosin contractility. Nuclear morphology did not depend on direct linkage of the keratin cytoskeleton with the nuclear membrane, rather loss of plectin reduced keratin filament density around the nucleus. We further demonstrate that keratinocytes have abnormal nuclear morphologies in the epidermis of plectin-deficient, epidermolysis bullosa simplex patients. Taken together, our data demonstrate that plectin is an essential regulator of nuclear morphology in vitro and in vivo and protects the nucleus from mechanical deformation. Highlighted Article: Plectin protects the nucleus of keratinocytes from deformation by forming a dense, cross-linked keratin network that resists both tensile and compressive forces.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by SPM-1-producing and non-producing imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

INTRODUCTION Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and exhibits high rates of resistance to several antimicrobial drugs. The carbapenens are usually the drugs of choice against this microorganism. However, the carbapenem resistance has increased among these strains worldwide. The presence of metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) has been pointed out as a major mechanism of resistance among these strains. No previous study addressed outcomes of respiratory infections caused by these strains. METHODS Our group sought to analyze the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of patients with VAP caused by imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. A total of 29 clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa were screened for metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes. RESULTS Demographic and clinical variables were similar between the SPM-1-producing and non-SPM-1-producing group. Five (17.2%) isolates were positive for blaSPM-1. No other MBL gene was found. All patients were treated with polymyxin B. The infection-related mortality was 40% and 54.2% for SPM-1-producing and -non-producing isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS There were no differences in epidemiological and clinical outcomes between the two groups.
Integrating complex information with object displays: psychophysical evaluation of outlines

The interactive use of visual interface tools has diversified the use of visualisations. This article reviews the relevant aspects of interaction and challenges the sufficiency of traditional evaluation criteria developed for static graphs. Traditionally, the problem for statisticians has been to maintain perceptual discriminability of details, when quantities of data increase. Currently, however, even non-professional users need to integrate qualitatively different kinds of information. The review of task requirements indicates the use of a visual outline: (1) visual tools can facilitate parallel separation of individual data entities and integration of their features and (2) more focused comparisons require visual memory due to eye movements. The article reports psychophysical experiments that measure performance accuracy and response latency conditioned by the above task requirements. The impact of shape and colour on performance interacted with display times; the times were shorter (100 ms) or longer (1 s) than the duration of typical gaze fixation. The features of graphs in the experiments were derived from a popular internet service. Thus, we describe methods for evaluating visual components of real services and provide general guidelines for visual design of human–computer interaction.
Distribution and proliferation of bone marrow cells in the brain after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus in mice

The distribution of bone marrow cells in brain areas during the acute period after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE) was investigated here. To achieve this, we generated chimeric mice by engrafting bone marrow cells from enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) transgenic mice. GFP+ bone marrow–derived cells were found throughout the brain, predominantly in the hippocampus. As expected, these cells exhibited the characteristics of microglia. The pattern of distribution, proliferation, and differentiation of GFP+ cells changes as a function of intensity and time following SE. This pattern is also a consequence of the inflammatory response, which is followed by the progressive neuronal damage that is characteristic of the pilocarpine model.
Potential of Ozone as a Fumigant to Control Pests in Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Hives

ABSTRACT Ozone is a powerful oxidant capable of killing insects and microorganisms, and eliminating odors, taste, and color. Thus, it could be useful as a fumigant to decontaminate honey comb between uses. The experiments here are intended to determine the exposure levels required to kill an insect pest and spore forming bee pathogens. Ozone was effective against greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), even on naturally infested comb. Neonates and adults were the easiest life stages to kill, requiring only a few hours of exposure, whereas eggs required a 48-h exposure (at 460–920 mg O3/m3). Two honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), pathogens, Ascosphaera apis (a fungus that causes chalkbrood) and Paenibacillus larvae (a bacterium that causes American foulbrood), also were killed with ozone. These pathogens required much higher concentrations (3,200 and 8,560 mg O3/m3, respectively) and longer exposure periods (3 d) than needed to control the insects. P. larvae was effectively sterilized only when these conditions were combined with high temperature (50°C) and humidity (≥75% RH). Thus, ozone shows potential as a fumigant for bee nesting materials, but further research is needed to evaluate its acceptability and efficacy in the field. The need for a reliable method to decontaminate honey bee nesting materials as part of an overall bee health management system is discussed.
Bisphosphonate Therapy for Secondary Osteoporosis: Adult Perspective

Background: A number of disease states and drugs can upset the balance between bone formation and resorption resulting in increased fracture risk. Glucocorticoids are the most recognized cause of secondary osteoporosis. Hypogonadism, weight loss, and chronic inflammation are other contributors to bone loss in a variety of disease states. Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone resorption, and there is a variety of secondary osteoporosis where they produce substantial increases in bone density and reduce fracture risk by about 50%. Upper gastrointestinal tract intolerance with oral agents and a flu-like syndrome with intravenous bisphosphonates are the principal adverse effects associated with their use. Conclusions: Numerous disease states and medications can adversely affect the skeleton. Additional effects of aging and menopause can substantially increase an individual’s fracture risk. It is important that physicians assess fracture risk in susceptible patients and initiate treatment when indicated.
Renal markers for assessment of renal tubular and glomerular dysfunction

*Corresponding author: Dr. Dejan Spasovski, Department of Rheumatology, University Clinical Centre, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. Email: drspasovski@yahoo.co.uk There are approximately 40 different enzymes in the urine with different origin. They originate from the kidneys, urinary tract epithelium and urinary tract glands, plasma and blood cells (1). Subcellular locations of these enzymes are: 1. Membranous (Alanine Amino Peptidase; AAP, γ-glutamyl transferase; γ-GT) 2. Lysosomal (N-acetyl-β-(D)-glucosaminidase activity; NAG) 3. Mitochondrial (Malate dehydrogenase: MDH) 4. Cytoplasmic (LDH) However, proximal tubules of the kidneys have a dominant role in their excretion. Examination of the brush border epithelium (BBE) of the proximal tubules confirms that alanine amino peptidase (AAP ) (90%), alkaline phosphatase, ALP (70%) and γ-glutamyl transferase, γ-GT (50%), constitute the largest part of the total activity of these enzymes in the kidney (1). Because BBE is very sensitive to insults, these and other enzymes can be used as markers for secondary renal damage in the setting of different diseases, medicines and toxins (2). Increased enzymatic activity can be a reflection of disease activity and of the residual functional capacity of the kidney. Elevation of the urinary enzymes may indicate renal tubular damage. Urinary enzymes such as microsomal AAP and γ-GT can be used to detect early acute renal tubular damage which may be provoked by immunosuppressive medications, contrast media, antibiotics and chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Renal tubular damage could be a visceral manifestation of systemic diseases too (3). The standard routine parameters which are used for assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR); have a relatively low sensitivity due to the large functional renal reserve (4). Up to 50% of renal functional capacity would be lost before any increase in blood urea nitrogen and appearance of proteinuria. Renal function and integrity can be determined by many methods such as immune, radiologic, cytological analyses, but an important modality is biochemical analyses, as non-invasive methods which have a major role in the early detection of some pathological conditions. The regulation of activity of enzymes and their isoenzymes in urine is very important because their activity in serum has small diagnostic value. Pathogenic mechanisms leading to the destruction of epithelial cells of proximal tubules that are responsible for the appearance of enzymuria are; immune mechanism, complement, lysosomal enzymes and tubular obstruction by cell debris, protein cylinders, toxic noxes, medicaments or proteinuria. Each of them, to a different degree, in a direct or indirect way, contributes to the release of biochemical markers in urine.
A Foreground Inference Network for Video Surveillance Using Multi-View Receptive Field

Foreground (FG) pixel labelling plays a vital role in video surveillance. Recent engineering solutions have attempted to exploit the efficacy of deep learning (DL) models initially targeted for image classification to deal with FG pixel labelling. One major drawback of such strategy is the lacking delineation of visual objects when training samples are limited. To grapple with this issue, we introduce a multi-view receptive field fully convolutional neural network (MV-FCN) that harness recent seminal ideas, such as, fully convolutional structure, inception modules, and residual networking. Therefrom, we implement a system in an encoder-decoder fashion that subsumes a core and two complementary feature flow paths. The model exploits inception modules at early and late stages with three different sizes of receptive fields to capture invariance at various scales. The features learned in the encoding phase are fused with appropriate feature maps in the decoding phase through residual connections for achieving enhanced spatial representation. These multi-view receptive fields and residual feature connections are expected to yield highly generalized features for an accurate pixel-wise FG region identification. It is, then, trained with database specific exemplary segmentations to predict desired FG objects. The comparative experimental results on eleven benchmark datasets validate that the proposed model achieves very competitive performance with the prior- and state-of-the-art algorithms. We also report that how well a transfer learning approach can be useful to enhance the performance of our proposed MV-FCN.
Management of severe dehydration

The presented case is one of severe dehydration and acute kidney injury with significant resultant complications that required considerable fluid and electrolyte replacement. Approaches to fluid resuscitation in the context of hypernatraemia and the hyperosmolar state were considered and then judiciously combined to manage a complex case with a successful outcome. Conflicting guidance in this domain is discussed with recommendations for a future management strategy that is tailored to individual patients.
Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography of European hedgehogs

European hedgehog populations belonging to Erinaceus europaeus and E. concolor have been investigated by mitochondrial DNA analysis. A 383 bp fragment of the cytochrome b gene has been sequenced and maximum parsimony and neighbour‐joining trees of Tamura–Nei genetic distance values have been constructed. Similar topologies have been produced by both methods, showing a deep divergence between E. europaeus and E. concolor and a further subdivision of each species into a western and an eastern clade. A comparison with previously published allozyme data is made, and concordant and discordant patterns are discussed. The influence of Pleistocene glaciations on the observed pattern of divergence is inferred.
Finger or toe: the molecular basis of limb identity

Despite their obvious similarities, the forelimbs and hindlimbs of tetrapod vertebrates have evolved distinct structural elements to carry out their discrete functions. Many genes required for limb initiation and patterning are involved in regulatory networks common to both limb-types. Other genes are differentially expressed between forelimb and hindlimb, and have been implicated in the initiation of limb bud outgrowth and the specification of limb-type identity. In this review, I will discuss the current understanding of how genes that control limb identity interact with regulatory networks common to both appendages to produce the fingers of the hand and toes of the foot.
Measuring Entanglement Entropy in Valence Bond Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations

In this thesis we examine methods for measuring entanglement entropy in spin-1/2 Heisenberg systems using quantum Monte Carlo in the valence bond basis. We begin by presenting the quantum Monte Carlo techniques used in this research. We then use these techniques to directly compare the recently proposed valence bond entanglement entropy to the standard definition of entanglement entropy: the von Neumann entanglement entropy. We find that the valence bond entanglement entropy does not give a bound on the von Neumann entanglement entropy, and that it exhibits a multiplicative logarithmic correction to the area law that is not present in the scaling of the von Neumann entanglement entropy. We then present a method to measure higher orders of the generalized Renyi entanglement entropies using valence bond quantum Monte Carlo, and show results for the second Renyi entropy. We find the results converge to the exact results for one dimensional Heisenberg spin-1/2 chains, and see that the scaling of the second Renyi entropy follows an area law in the two dimensional Heisenberg ground state.
A Web Based Software for Synonymous Codon Usage Indices

The genetic codes have degeneracy. Most of the amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. Codons encoding the same amino acid are called synonymous codons. The patterns of codon usage vary considerably among organisms, and also among genes from the same genome. This phenomenon is known as codon biasness. Various factors contribute to codon usage biasness like gene expression level, %G+C composition, GC skewness, transcriptional selection. These factors form a pattern called synonymous codon usage pattern which explains the causes of variations present in the genes. Several indices have been used to measure the degree of non-random usage of synonymous codons in a gene. With the exponential increase in the volume of the sequence information, detailed statistical analysis of codon usage is highly desired. Complete analysis of codon usage for gene expression studies requires using many softwares and standard statistical packages for visual representation of data. Some of packages for codon usage analysis are stand alone and are not easily accessible. So, comprehensive web based software for codon usage analysis is highly required by researchers. This paper describes a web based software for analyzing the non-random usage of synonymous codons using various indices developed by researchers. This software is developed using Java, JSP, Apache Tomcat Server and MS-Access. The software will be highly useful for biologists, statisticians and computer scientist involved in biological research.
Bat Flight Generates Complex Aerodynamic Tracks

The flapping flight of animals generates an aerodynamic footprint as a time-varying vortex wake in which the rate of momentum change represents the aerodynamic force. We showed that the wakes of a small bat species differ from those of birds in some important respects. In our bats, each wing generated its own vortex loop. Also, at moderate and high flight speeds, the circulation on the outer (hand) wing and the arm wing differed in sign during the upstroke, resulting in negative lift on the hand wing and positive lift on the arm wing. Our interpretations of the unsteady aerodynamic performance and function of membranous-winged, flapping flight should change modeling strategies for the study of equivalent natural and engineered flying devices.