Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosecurity Policy and the Use of Geospatial Predictive Tools to Address Invasive Plants: Updating the Risk Analysis Toolbox

International and national biosecurity policies consider risk assessment a critical component of overall plant health risk analysis. The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, the International Plant Protection Convention, and the Convention on Biological Diversity all provide guidelines and recommendations on how to use risk assessment. This article discusses how these instruments address risk assessment, and makes recommendations on how the risk assessment process needs to incorporate current geospatial predictive science and geographic information systems into the plant health biosecurity risk analysis toolbox.
Fluorescein-Guided Surgery for Resection of High-Grade Gliomas: A Multicentric Prospective Phase II Study (FLUOGLIO)

Purpose: Sodium fluorescein is a dye that, intravenously injected, selectively accumulates in high-grade glioma (HGG) tissue through a damaged blood–brain barrier. In this article, the final results of a multicentric prospective phase II trial (FLUOGLIO) on fluorescein-guided HGG resection through a dedicated filter on the surgical microscope were reported. Methods: Patients with suspected HGGs considered suitable for removal were eligible to participate in this trial. Fluorescein was intravenously injected at a dose of 5 to 10 mg/kg. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with histologically confirmed HGGs, without contrast-enhancing tumor at the immediate postoperative MRI. Secondary endpoints were PFS, residual tumor on postoperative MRI, overall survival, neurologic deficits, and fluorescein-related toxicity. The sensitivity and specificity of fluorescein in identifying tumor tissue were estimated by fluorescent and nonfluorescent biopsies at the tumor margin. The study was registered on the European Regulatory Authorities website (EudraCT 2011-002527-18). Results: Fifty-seven patients aged 45 to 75 years were screened for participation, and 46 were considered for primary and secondary endpoints. Mean preoperative tumor volume was 28.75 cm3 (range, 1.3–87.8 cm3). Thirty-eight patients (82.6%) underwent a complete tumor removal. Median follow-up was 11 months. PFS-6 and PFS-12 were 56.6% and 15.2%. Median survival was 12 months. No adverse reaction related to SF administration was recorded. The sensitivity and specificity of fluorescein in identifying tumor tissue were respectively 80.8% and 79.1%. Conclusions: Fluorescein-guided technique with a dedicated filter on the surgical microscope is safe and enables a high percentage of contrast-enhancing tumor in patients with HGGs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(1); 52–61. ©2017 AACR.
Enhanced allergic sensitization by residual oil fly ash particles is mediated by soluble metal constituents.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) air pollutants and exacerbation of asthma symptoms. We have shown in a Brown Norway (BN) rat model of house dust mite (HDM) allergy that preexposure to residual oil fly ash (ROFA) particles enhanced the sensitization phase such that the secondary immune response and associated lung injury were increased after allergen challenge. To determine whether the metals present in ROFA mediated this effect, BN rats were intratracheally instilled with either ROFA (1000 microg) or acidified saline + NiSO(4) (105.12 microg), VSO(4) (98.2 microg), FeSO(4) (58.49 microg), or a mixture (Mix) of each metal. HDM-specific IgE was higher in the serum of the ROFA, Ni, V, and Mix groups than in the HDM group after challenge, and antigen-induced bronchoconstriction responses were increased in the Ni group. Lymphocyte proliferation to antigen was increased in the ROFA, Ni, and V groups compared to controls. Total protein and eosinophil peroxidase levels were elevated in the Fe group, and eosinophil numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were increased in the ROFA and Fe groups compared to HDM control. IL-5 and IL-13 mRNA expression was also increased in the lung tissue of all metal and ROFA-treated groups, while BALF IL-10 was elevated in the Fe and Mix groups, and IL-6 and TNF-alpha were elevated in the metal and ROFA-treated groups compared to controls. These results suggest that ROFA's metallic constituents mediate enhancement of sensitization to HDM and that pulmonary inflammation may play a role in this adjuvant effect.
E2A/HEB and Id3 Proteins Control the Sensitivity to Glucocorticoid-induced Apoptosis in Thymocytes by Regulating the SRG3 Expression*

The E protein family transcription factors encoded by the E2A and HEB genes are known to play critical roles in the coordinate regulation of lymphocyte development. Previous studies have shown that T cell receptor (TCR) signals rapidly induce Id3, a dominant negative antagonist of E2A activity and allow thymocytes to survive selection events in the thymus. Here we show that SRG3 acts as a novel downstream target of E2A/HeLa E box-binding (HEB) complex and modulates glucocorticoid (GC) susceptibility in thymocytes in response to TCR signals. We have identified a putative E box element in the SRG3 promoter that is required for optimal promoter activity. The transcription factors E2A and HEB specifically associate with the E box element. Moreover, E2A-HEB heterodimers cooperated to activate SRG3 transcription, which was inhibited by the expression of Id proteins. TCR-mediated signals rapidly induced Id3 via MEK/ERK activation and thereby kept the E2A/HEB complex from binding to the E box element in the SRG3 promoter. Retroviral transduction of Id3 also repressed the SRG3 expression by inhibiting the E box binding activity of the E2A/HEB complex. Intriguingly, enforced Id3 expression conferred thymocyte resistance to GCs, which could be overcome by the overexpression of SRG3. Taken together, these results suggest that Id3 may enhance the viability of immature thymocytes by at least rendering them resistant to GCs through SRG3 down-regulation.
Closed-loop Control of Blood Glucose Levels in Critically Ill Patients

A closed-loop control system was constructed for automatic intravenous infusion of insulin to control blood sugar levels (BSL) in critically ill patients. We describe the development of the system. A total of nine subjects were recruited to clinically test the control system. In the patients who underwent closed-loop control of BSL, the controller managed to control only one patient's glycaemia without any manual intervention. The average BSL attained during closed-loop control approached the target range of 6-10 mmol/l, and had less deviation than when BSL had been maintained manually. We conclude that closed-loop BSL control using a sliding scale algorithm is feasible. The main deficiency in the current system is unreliability of the subcutaneous glucose sensor when used in this setting. This deficiency mandates high vigilance during use of the system as it is being developed.
L‐type calcium channel blocker ameliorates diabetic encephalopathy by modulating dysregulated calcium homeostasis

Diabetic encephalopathy is a complication of diabetes characterized by impaired cognitive functions. The objective of the present study was to examine the beneficial effect of the calcium channel blocker, nimodipine, on diabetes‐induced cognitive deficits and altered calcium homeostasis in the cerebral cortex. Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body wt) for 5 days. Nimodipine (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to the animals every 48 hr for 8 weeks. A significant impairment in spatial learning and memory was observed in diabetic animals, which was reversed by nimodipine treatment. Diabetic animals showed increased CaV1.2 mRNA and protein expression, which might be responsible for enhanced synaptosomal calcium uptake. Nimodipine treatment was found to lower CaV1.2 mRNA, protein expression, and calcium uptake. Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was reduced in diabetic brains, which was reversed with nimodipine treatment. Plasma membrane and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase activity was found to be significantly decreased in diabetic animals, whereas nimodipine supplementation restored the activity of both Ca2+‐ATPases nearly to control values. Nimodipine treatment was shown to normalize intracellular free Ca2+ levels in diabetic animals. Nimodipine was shown to attenuate increased calpain activity measured in terms of hydrolysis of fluorogenic substrate and αII‐spectrin degradation. Nimodipine supplementation also reduced reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation in diabetic animals. The data suggests that L‐type calcium channel blocker is beneficial in preventing cognitive deficits associated with diabetic encephalopathy through modulation of dysregulated calcium homeostasis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of outcome from intensive care after gastroenterologic emergency

Prognostic factors determining the outcome from intensive care were studied in 952 patients admitted to 25 Finnish ICUs after gastroenterologic emergency. Logistic regression analysis was used to create predictive models based on the APACHE II–system. The models were constructed by using data from a random two–thirds of the study population and validated in the remaining independent one–third together with the original APACHE II–index. The Acute Physiology Score, age, and a pre–existing liver disease were the three most important determinants of outcome. The inclusion of the TISS score describing the intensity of treatment into a model did not enhance the accuracy of the prediction. Our models were better calibrated than the original APACHE II–equation when tested by the goodness–of–fit –statistics. These statistical models may help the clinicians to predict the outcome for an individual patient by providing them information about the relative impacts of predictive factors or about the probability of death. These probabilities should be interpreted cautiously, taking into acount the limitations of statistical methods. This is especially important when assessing the highrisk patients. Their number in our study was too low for accurate outcome prediction.
Simulation of a VSC transmission scheme supplying a passive load

This paper presents a detailed computer model of a voltage-source converter (VSC) transmission system supplying power to a passive ac network. This model represents all main components of the VSC transmission scheme including the switching converter, ac filters, converter transformer and control circuits. Direct and vector controls are implemented in order to control the degrees of freedom offered by the VSC transmission system. Optimization of the designed control systems is developed in order to improve the overall dynamic performance of the system. Simulation and optimization results are obtained using an electromagnetic simulation program (PSCAD/EMTDC).
Nimodipine and chronic vasospasm in monkeys: Part 1. Clinical and radiological findings.

The efficacy of the calcium channel blocker nimodipine in the prevention of chronic cerebral vasospasm (VSP) and delayed ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in monkeys was examined in a blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The primate model developed in this laboratory reliably induces chronic cerebral vasospasm and can induce pathologically proven delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs). With standard microsurgical procedures, an average 6.4-ml autologous hematoma was placed directly against the major anterior cerebral vessels in the right basal subarachnoid spaces of 24 monkeys. The monkeys were randomized to one of four groups and were treated orally q8h for 7 days with nimodipine (3, 6, or 12mg/kg)or placebo. An additional 2 monkeys underwent the surgical procedure without clot placement. Drug administration began between 14 and 20 hours after clot placement. Indices monitored before and after SAH included neurological status, angiographic cerebral vessel caliber, and cerebral blood flow. Significant VSP (25 to 100% reduction in vessel caliber) was present on Day 7 on the clot side in 83% of the animals (P less than or equal to 0.001). There was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05) in the incidence of VSP among the four groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference (P greater than 0.05) in the mean vessel caliber reduction after SAH among the four treatment groups. There was no VSP present on Day 7 in the sham-operated animals. One animal receiving high dose nimodipine (12 mg/kg p.o. q8h) developed a DIND on Day 5 after SAH. A second animal in the 12-mg/kg group developed a transient neurological deficit between Days 4 and 7.
Investigation of pulsed electromagnetic field as a novel organic pre-sowing method on germination and initial growth stages of cotton

Two different pre-sowing techniques have been investigated for their influence in an important industrial plant, namely cotton. Priming methods are very useful for agricultural practices because they improve crop seedling establishment, especially when environmental conditions are not optimum. Pulsed electromagnetic fields have been found to promote germination and improve early growth characteristics of cotton seedlings. Such priming techniques are especially valuable in organic cultivation, where chemical compounds are prohibited. PEG treatment showed an enhancement in some measurements, however in some cases the results were not statistically different compared to control plants. In addition, PEG treatment is a sophisticated method that is far from agricultural practices and farmers. In this research, two different ages of seeds were used (1- and 2-year-old) in order to investigate the promotory effects of priming techniques. Magnetic field treatment of 15 min was found to stimulate germination percentage and to promote seeds, resulting in 85% higher values than control seeds under real field conditions. Furthermore, seeds that were treated with magnetic field performed better in terms of early-stage measurements and root characteristics.
Alternative pathway activation of complement by African trypanosomes lacking a glycoprotein coat

Summary An in vitro culture Trypanosoma congolense cell line was established using the mammalian cell feeder layer system. One of the principle characteristics of this parasite was its ability to multiply in culture at 35°C, as an uncoated trypanosome (lacking a glycoprotein surface coat) unlike the original blood stream form from which it was derived. This trypanosome was lysed when incubated in normal human serum in contrast to the parasite which possessed a surface coat. The lytic reaction was inhibited by EDTA but not EGTA and occurred in C2‐deficient serum, demonstrating the involvement of the alternative pathway of complement activation. Similar results were obtained with procyclic forms of T. congolense and T. brucei brucei which also lacked surface coats. The results suggest that the glycoprotein surface coat protects the parasite by masking sites on the plasma membrane which are capable of promoting alternative pathway activation.
Adaptive I/Q imbalance compensation for RF transceivers

A novel I/Q (in-phase/quadrature) imbalance compensation scheme is proposed for quadrature-signal-mixing radio-frequency transceivers, employing either the direct-conversion architecture or the low-intermediate-frequency architecture. An adaptive DSP (digital signal processing) algorithm is developed for the proposed scheme, to on-line compensate the I/Q imbalance in both the transmitter and the receiver simultaneously, which is impossible for the other existing I/Q imbalance compensation schemes so far. In addition, the proposed scheme requires little extra calibration hardware, suffers no hidden errors introduced by the calibration circuitry, and is thus highly suitable for implementation in practical applications.
Finite-Frequency Model Reduction of Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Systems

This paper considers the model-reduction problem for continuous-time Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems. Different from existing full-frequency methods, a finite-frequency model-reduction method is proposed in this paper. The proposed method can get a better approximation performance when input signals belong to a finite-frequency domain. To this end, a finite-frequency H∞ performance index is first defined. Then, a sufficient finite-frequency performance analysis condition is derived by the aid of Parseval's theorem and quadratic functions. Based on this condition and projection lemma, three model-reduction algorithms for T-S fuzzy systems with input signals in low-frequency, middle-frequency, and high-frequency domain are obtained, respectively. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Approaches to Ethics Management in the Public Sector: A Proposed Extension of the Compliance-Integrity Continuum

The compliance-integrity continuum is the dominant framework for conceptualizing approaches to ethics management. This article proposes extending it in the form of a fourfold typology inspired by grid-group theory. An application to gift policies shows how the typology can support managers in their creative search for an appropriate approach. It also shows how the typology helps to avoid the deterministic thinking that is almost inherent in the use of a continuum. The article concludes with a recommendation as to how the four types should be combined in practice.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of apparent cirrhosis

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in developed countries, and accumulating evidence suggests it as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MS). Although the published prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is low in NAFLD/NASH patients, most of these data have been derived from areas endemic for viral hepatitis. We recruited 162 adults with HCC between February 2007 and March 2008, investigated the underlying etiologies and determined the prevalence of the MS and related features within each group. Patients with NAFLD/NASH‐associated HCC exhibited a higher prevalence of metabolic features (Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease) compared to non‐NAFLD/NASH‐HCC. Intriguingly, a significant number (41.7%; p < 0.005) of individuals with NAFLD/NASH‐HCC had no evidence of cirrhosis. Patients with alcohol‐induced liver disease also displayed many features (14/19, 73.7%) of the MS, although, in contrast to NAFLD/NASH‐HCC, alcohol‐associated HCC was highly associated with cirrhosis (95.0%; p = 0.064). NAFLD/NASH as the hepatic entity of the MS may itself pose a risk factor for HCC, even in the absence of cirrhosis. The MS may also promote development of HCC among those with alcoholic liver disease. Increased awareness of liver manifestations in the MS may instigate early interventions against developing HCC.
Inflammatory status and kynurenine metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis treated with melatonin.

AIM Since melatonin is antioxidant and has some anti-inflammatory actions, we have tested it as adjunctive treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, to determine whether it can improve patients' symptoms. METHODS A total of 75 patients were allocated randomly to receive melatonin 10 mg at night in addition to ongoing medication, or a placebo of identical appearance. Monthly blood samples were taken and disease severity assessed over 6 months, plasma being analysed for inflammatory indicators [C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neopterin], proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha], lipid peroxidation products and the kynurenine pathway metabolites of tryptophan. RESULTS An increase of ESR (two-way anova F((1,127)) = 5.24, P = 0.024) and neopterin concentrations (F((1,136)) = 4.64, P = 0.033) was observed in treated patients compared with controls, reflected also in a significant trend for both to decline in placebo-treated patients (P = 0.022), but not the melatonin-treated group. Peroxidation products showed a significant trend to decrease in placebo- but not melatonin-treated patients. These results suggest a proinflammatory action, but there were no significant effects of melatonin treatment on clinical assessments of patient symptoms or the concentrations of three proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Melatonin significantly increased plasma kynurenine concentrations (F((1,124)) = 4.24, P = 0.041), again suggesting proinflammatory activity. CONCLUSION A daily dose of 10 mg melatonin shows a slowly developing antioxidant profile in patients with arthritis and increases the concentrations of some inflammatory indicators, but these effects are not associated with any change of proinflammatory cytokine concentrations or clinical symptoms.
Could arterial spin labelling perfusion imaging uncover the invisible in N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis?

C. Lapucci , G. Boffa , F. Massa, D. Franciotta, L. Castelletti, A. Uccelli, S. Morbelli, F. Nobili , L. Benedetti and L. Roccatagliata DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Neurology Department, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – IRCCS, Genoa, Neuroimmunology Laboratory, IRCCS – Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Neuroradiology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – IRCCS, DISSAL, University of Genoa and Nuclear Medicine Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
Global trends in ultraprocessed food and drink product sales and their association with adult body mass index trajectories

This study evaluated global trends in ultraprocessed food and drink (UPFD) volume sales/capita and associations with adult body mass index (BMI) trajectories. Total food/drink volume sales/capita from Euromonitor for 80 countries (2002‐2016) were matched to mean adult BMI from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (2002‐2014). Products were classified as UPFD/non‐UPFD according to the NOVA classification system. Mixed models for repeated measures were used to analyse associations between UPFD volume sales/capita and adult BMI trajectories, controlling for confounding factors. The increase in UPF volume sales was highest for South and Southeast Asia (67.3%) and North Africa and the Middle East (57.6%), while for UPD, the increase was highest for South and Southeast Asia (120.0%) and Africa (70.7%). In 2016, baked goods were the biggest contributor to UPF volume sales (13.1%‐44.5%), while carbonated drinks were the biggest contributor to UPD volume sales (40.2%‐86.0%). For every standard deviation increase (51 kg/capita, 2002) in UPD volume sales, mean BMI increased by 0.195 kg/m2 for men (P < .001) and 0.072 kg/m2 for women (P = .003). For every standard deviation (40 kg/capita, 2002) increase in UPF volume sales, mean BMI increased by 0.316 kg/m2 for men (P < .001), while the association was not significant for women. Increases in UPFD volume sales/capita were positively associated with population‐level BMI trajectories.