Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A narrow deletion of 7q is common to HCL, and SMZL, but not CLL

To further characterise the genetic background of the two closely related B‐lymphocytic malignancies hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) we have identified characteristic copy number imbalances by comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH). Based on these findings, areas of special interest were fine mapped, and relevant probes constructed for use in interphase‐fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) investigations. Thus, using the CGH data from 52 HCL and 61 SMZL patients, we identified the characteristic profiles of copy number imbalances for both diseases. These were a gain of 5q13‐31 (19%) and loss of 7q22‐q35 (6%) for HCL, and gain of 3q25 (28%), loss of 7q31 (16%), and gain of 12q15 (16%) for SMZL. A partial loss of 7q unsual for low‐malignant B‐cell diseases was found to be common to the two diseases. This loss was therefore fine mapped with BAC/PAC clones. Fine mapping revealed that in SMZL the minimal lost region covers 11.4 Mb spanning from 7q31.33 to 7q33 located between sequence tagged site (STS)‐markers SHGC‐3275 and D7S725. This area was distinct from the commonly deleted 7q region of myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML). A FISH probe specific for the 7q region was constructed. Using this probe in an interphase‐FISH investigation we showed the minimal lost 7q‐region of HCL and SMZL to be one and the same. In one HCL case, this investigation furthermore showed the extent of the deleted region to be below the detection limit of CGH, whereas interphase‐FISH screening of 36 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cases showed no deletion of the 7q area. In conclusion, we have identified characteristic profiles of copy number imbalances in HCL and SMZL and fine mapped the minimal extent of a commonly lost 7q area of special interest. We hypothesise that this region may contain (a) gene(s) important for the pathology of HCL and SMZL.
Fusion of Long-Wave and Mid-Wave Infrared Images

Image fusion is an important application for increasing the information content of an image sensed by different sensors. Different detail information of the same scene sensed by different sensors are combined in a single image. In this paper, a system implementation for the fusion of LWIR and MWIR images is proposed. The proposed algorithm consists of image enhancement, registration and the fusion parts.
Human hair follicle pigmentary unit as a direct target for modulators of melanogenesis, as studied by [14C]‐2‐Thiouracil incorporation

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate human hair follicle melanogenic activity using the [14C]‐2‐thiouracil, which was known to incorporate into nascent melanins. Results obtained on pigmented, grey and non‐pigmented hair follicles demonstrated that [14C]‐2‐TU incorporation was restricted to the melanogenic compartment with a strong accumulation located around dermal papilla and within the fibre of pigmented hair follicles. Quantitative analysis of [14C]‐2‐TU incorporation showed a significant increase in pigmented hair follicles upon stimulation with 1 μm forskolin concomitant to an increase in tyrosinase levels. A strong significant decrease in [14C]‐2‐TU incorporation was noted, when hair follicles were incubated with the tyrosinase competitive inhibitor kojic acid (200 μm). Incubation with the MC1‐R agonist α‐MSH (0.2 μm) did not induce a significant stimulation of hair melanogenesis. The present model could thus represent a useful new tool to identify modulators of human hair pigmentation.
Microbiology in Europe.

It is a pleasure for me as Vice President of FEMS to introduce to you this third FEMS 40th birthday Virtual Issue. The Guest Editors of this issue are Eliora Ron from Israel and Gianfranco Donelli from Italy, both of whom play important roles in the FEMS organisation. They have selected 10 papers highlighting contributions from various FEMS societies and regions. FEMS is a Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Almost all microbiological societies in all European countries from North to South and East to West have joined FEMS. In addition, some societies from adjacent countries and affiliated members from all over the world are part of FEMS. Forty years ago, FEMS was formed, not to copy the activities of associated member societies but to represent and to further microbiology at a European level. FEMS has grown enormously: today, over 50 societies are members. At the moment, the FEMS organisation is working on a new strategy document. The FEMS strategy document will describe how we as an organisation want to help our member societies in microbiological research, teaching, internationalisation and business development. Furthermore, we would like to raise the public awareness on microbiology in general and on important topics such as antibiotic resistance, biofuels. Especially, the role that microbiologists can play will be highlighted. More than in the past, we like to influence European politicians and captains of industry on microbiological topics. After 40 years, FEMS is a healthy organisation, financially sound and full of plans. I hope you enjoy this selection of FEMS publications. Selecting the papers was a difficult task, as there were many excellent ones. …
Trends in cancer risk among people with AIDS in the United States 1980–2002

Background:People with AIDS have heightened cancer risk from immunosuppression. HAART has been available since 1996 and has reduced AIDS-related mortality, but there are few large-scale studies on cancer trends. Methods:AIDS and cancer registries in 11 US regions (1980–2002) were used to identify cancers in 375 933 people with AIDS. Cancer risk relative to the general population was measured using the standardized incidence ratio (SIR), focusing on the 2 years after AIDS onset for those with AIDS in 1990–1995 and 1996–2002 (HAART era). Time trends were assessed with Poisson regression. Results:Between 1990–1995 and 1996–2002, risk declined for the two major AIDS-defining cancers: Kaposi sarcoma [(KS) n = 5131; SIR, 22 100 and 3640, respectively; P < 0.0001] and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [(NHL) n = 3412; SIR, 53.2 and 22.6, respectively; P < 0.0001]. Declines began in the 1980s, but risk fell sharply in 1996 and was stable thereafter. Risk of cervical cancer did not change (n = 64; SIR, 4.2 and 5.3, respectively; P = 0.33). Among non-AIDS malignancies, lung cancer was most common, but risk declined between 1990–1995 and 1996–2002 (n = 344; SIR, 3.3 and 2.6, respectively; P = 0.02). Risk of Hodgkin lymphoma increased substantially over the 1990–2002 period (n = 149; SIR, 8.1 and 13.6, respectively; P = 0.003). Conclusions:Dramatic declines in KS and NHL were temporally related to improving therapies, especially introduction of HAART, but those with AIDS remain at marked risk. Among non-AIDS-related cancers, a recent increase in Hodgkin lymphoma was observed.
Past, Present, and Future of Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver in Bangladesh

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is one of the major diseases of mankind, estimated to cause about 686,000 deaths per year mostly from liver cancer and cirrhosis. And globally about 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging commonest cause of chronic liver disease in the world. We have searched for CHB, NAFLD in PUBMED, Google scholar and hard copies of local journals and related available articles were included in this review. Along with 184 countries of the world Bangladesh adopted hepatitis B vaccine in his EPI (expanded program on immunization) schedule for its prevention. And now about 95% of children are under cover of Hep B vaccine. Along with globally inlast two decades’ seroprevalence of HBsAg reduced about four times in Bangladesh. The prevalence of recorded nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) varies considerably by ethnic group and Bangladeshi ethnicity is an independent risk factor for NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD in Bangladesh is vary from 4%-18.4% and it is increasing day by day. About 40% of them are nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). They are in danger of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (15-19%) in next 5 to 10 years. Now it’s becoming a silent killer for our nation. Gradual development of affluence, sedentary life style and increasing prevalence of diabetes contributed behind it. No effective treatment is available till now. Life style change by diet, exercise and weight reduction is the main stay of treatment. NAFLD involve multiple organs that leads to death due to cardiac, neurological and liver disease. Government and health department should take multidisciplinary action programs in awareness building and make a national guideline for fatty liver management.
Protection schemes for closed loop distribution network with distributed generator

The paper proposes the protection schemes for closed loop distribution network with distributed generators. Generally, Most of distribution networks are operated in radial or open loop due to the security and protection limited. With the rapid expansion of modern power systems and demand for high quality of power supply, the closed loop operation is adopted gradually. Furthermore, with the increasing penetration of distributed generators, radial operation is not suit for improving stability of system and distributed generators. This paper investigates the protection requirements of closed loop network, and then analyzes the characteristics of conventional protection schemes which are applied in closed loop distribution network. Taking into distributed generators consideration, the paper proposes pilot wire instantaneous protection for closed loop network. What's more, non-communication over-current protection is also investigated to be applied in closed loop network. The proposed protection schemes are able to significantly improve the reliability and security of closed loop distribution network with distributed generators.
Genomic polymorphism in Uruguayan Creole cattle using RAPD and microsatellite markers.

Uruguayan Creole cattle inhabit areas that cannot sustain conventional farming. They have adapted to fragile environments and are influenced only by natural selection. In this study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite (MS) markers were used to analyse Creole cattle genome polymorphism. A comparative analysis using the RAPD technique was performed in pooled DNA of three cattle breeds (Holstein Friesian, Creole and Hereford) in order to evaluate their amplification patterns. A primary screening of RAPD primers allowed us to select and use those with higher percentage of GC base composition. A total of 215 loci ranging between 300 and 2500 bp were amplified. Bandsharing frequency (BSF) among breeds showed that less related fingerprints were observed between Creole and Hereford cattle (0.77), while the highest similarity frequency corresponded to Holstein Friesian compared to Hereford (0.81). Specific RAPD bands were identified in the three DNA pools and they were tested in every individual of each breed. It may be possible to isolate and sequence these bands to create breed-specific molecular markers. The identification of multiple alleles of the MSCYP 21 in Creole cattle with an heterozygosity of He = 0.846 supported the variability of this genetic resource. The use of molecular markers such as RAPD s and microsatellites is proposed to establish genetic distance among American Creole cattle and possibly related ancestral Iberian breeds.
Invasive pneumococcal disease caused by nonvaccine serotypes among alaska native children with high levels of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverage.

CONTEXT With routine childhood vaccination using heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, one concern has been the potential for emergence and expansion of replacement disease caused by serotypes not contained in the heptavalent conjugate vaccine. OBJECTIVE To determine whether replacement disease is associated with the overall decline in invasive pneumococcal disease among Alaska Native children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Alaska statewide longitudinal population-based laboratory surveillance of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence and types of pneumococcal disease in children younger than 2 years. RESULTS In the first 3 years after introduction of routine vaccination with heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, overall invasive pneumococcal disease decreased 67% in Alaska Native children younger than 2 years (from 403.2 per 100,000 in 1995-2000 to 134.3 per 100,000 per year in 2001-2003, P<.001). However, between 2001-2003 and 2004-2006, there was an 82% increase in invasive disease in Alaska Native children younger than 2 years to 244.6/100,000 (P = .02). Since 2004, the invasive pneumococcal disease rate caused by nonvaccine serotypes has increased 140% compared with the prevaccine period (from 95.1 per 100,000 in 1995-2000 to 228.6 in 2004-2006, P = .001). During the same period, there was a 96% decrease in heptavalent vaccine serotype disease. Serotype 19A accounted for 28.3% of invasive pneumococcal disease among Alaska children younger than 2 years during 2004-2006. There was no significant increase in nonvaccine disease in non-Native Alaska children younger than 2 years. CONCLUSIONS Alaska Native children are experiencing replacement invasive pneumococcal disease with serotypes not covered by heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The demonstration of replacement invasive pneumococcal disease emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance and development of expanded valency vaccines.
Are Home- and Community-Based Services Cost-Effective?

In this issue of Medical Care, the authors compare the Medicare and Medicaid costs of care for dually eligible beneficiaries receiving long-term services and supports in nursing homes versus through home- and community-based services (HCBS). They find that HCBS is cheaper, mainly because of lower spending on long-term services and supports. The analysis is careful and includes a number of important robustness checks, which generally support the direction of the main findings. It is an intriguing contribution to the field, .
Post-high school service use among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVES To produce nationally representative population estimates of rates of service use among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder during their first few years after leaving high school and to examine correlates of use. DESIGN Nationally representative telephone survey from April 2007 to February 2008. SETTING United States. PARTICIPANTS Parents and guardians of young adults with autism spectrum disorders aged 19 to 23 years. Main Exposure Autism spectrum disorder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Use of the following services in the prior 2 years or since leaving high school: mental health services, medical evaluation and assessment, speech therapy, and case management. RESULTS Rates of service use ranged from 9.1% for speech therapy to 41.9% for case management; 39.1% of youths with an autism spectrum disorder represented by the survey received no services. The adjusted odds of no services were higher among African American participants and those with low incomes. The adjusted odds of case management were lower among youths with high functional skills and those with low incomes. CONCLUSIONS Rates of service disengagement are high after exiting high school. Disparities by race and socioeconomic status indicate a need for targeted outreach and services.
Design, simulation, and characterization of a passive optical add-drop filter in silicon-on-insulator technology

We present a passive novel optical add-drop filter incorporating microdisk resonators, in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor compatible silicon-on-insulator technology, which enables a simple layout of complex optical networks-on-chip. The measured properties of the fabricated devices are in agreement with theory, established using the time-domain coupled mode theory and finite-difference time-domain simulations.
Classification of variable clinical response after photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.

BACKGROUND Variation in healing response has been noted after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 116 eyes that underwent PRK for myopia was performed. Standard surgical protocol and postoperative corticosteroid treatment were followed for all eyes. Scattergrams of achieved correction versus attempted correction at 6 months after surgery were analyzed. Subepithelial corneal haze was compared with refractive outcome. RESULTS Three healing responses were observed. Normal responders (84.5%) showed a hyperopic overcorrection at 1 month with a gradual regression toward plano and good refractive outcome. Inadequate responders (11.2%) showed a pronounced early hyperopic overcorrection (greater than 1.50 diopters [D]) with minimal regression at 6 months. Aggressive responders (4.3%) displayed an early overcorrection with rapid regression toward myopia. Clear to trace subepithelial corneal haze was present at 6 months in 96% of normal and inadequate responders. Aggressive responders had more pronounced subepithelial haze at 6 months. CONCLUSION Variation in the amount of subepithelial healing response occurs after excimer laser PRK. Abnormal healing responses may be detected early in the postoperative period by correlation of refractive error with the amount of subepithelial haze.
An assessment of proliferative and enzyme activity in transitional mucosa adjacent to colonic cancer

The mucosa within 2 cm of cancers of the large bowel (transitional mucosa) shows histologic and histochemical changes which may indicate premalignant change. In this study, the authors used specimens from resected colonic tissue to compare morphometric, proliferative, and enzyme markers in transitional mucosa with those in cancer tissue and with those in uninvolved mucosa at least 10 cm from the cancer. Proliferative activity was assessed using the Ki 67 monoclonal antibody technique whereas a variety of methods were used to determine enzyme activities in mucosal homogenates. When compared to uninvolved mucosa, crypts in transitional mucosa contained greater numbers of cells, were significantly deeper and wider and were more likely to be branched. However, crypts in transitional mucosa had a significantly lower labelling index using the Ki 67 technique and there was no evidence of a shift in the proliferative zone towards the bowel lumen. The activities of ornithine decarboxylase, thymidine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were similar in transitional and uninvolved mucosa. Cancer tissue showed significantly higher levels of activity for ornithine decarboxylase and lactate dehydrogenase. Transitional mucosa showed morphometric changes but there were no proliferative or enzyme markers to suggest a higher than expected risk for malignant change.
Growth and nutrition in children with ataxia telangiectasia

Background Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare multisystem disease with high early mortality from lung disease and cancer. Nutritional failure adversely impacts outcomes in many respiratory diseases. Several factors influence nutrition in children with A-T. We hypothesised that children with A-T have progressive growth failure and that early gastrostomy tube feeding (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, PEG) is a favourable management option with good nutritional outcomes. Methods Data were collected prospectively on weight, height and body mass index (BMI) at the national paediatric A-T clinic. Adequacy and safety of oral intake was assessed. Nutritional advice was given at each multidisciplinary review. Results 101 children (51 girls) had 222 measurements (32 once, 32 twice, 24 thrice) between 2009 and 2016. Median (IQR) age was 9.3 (6.4 to 13.1) years. Mean (SD) weight, height and BMI Z-scores were respectively −1 (1.6), −1.2 (1.2) and −0.4 (1.4). 35/101 children had weight Z-scores below −2 on at least one occasion. Weight, height and BMI Z-scores declined over time. Decline was most obvious after 8 years of age. 14/101 (14%) children had a PEG, with longitudinal data available for 12. In a nested case control study, there was a trend for improvement in weight in those with a PEG (p=0.10). Conclusions Patients with A-T decline in growth over time. There is an urgent need for new strategies, including an understanding of why growth falters. We suggest early proactive consideration of PEG from age 8 years onwards to prevent progressive growth failure.
A juxta‐membrane amino acid sequence of P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 is involved in moesin binding and ezrin/radixin/moesin‐directed targeting at the trailing edge of migrating lymphocytes

P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL‐1) is an adhesion receptor localized on the tips of microvilli that is involved in the rolling of neutrophils on activated endothelium. We found that PSGL‐1 was concentrated at the uropod of chemokine‐stimulated lymphoid cells. Dynamic fluorescence videomicroscopy analyses of migrating lymphocytes demonstrated that PSGL‐1 and moesin redistributed towards the cellular uropod at the trailing edge of these cells, where activated ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) proteins were located. An eighteen amino acid sequence in the juxta‐membrane region of the PSGL‐1 cytoplasmic tail was found to be critical for uropod targeting and moesin binding. Substitution of S336, S348, and the basic cluster R337K338 by alanines within this region significantly impaired both moesin binding and PSGL‐1 polarization. These results underline the role of moesin in the subcellular redistribution of PSGL‐1 in lymphoid cells and make evident the importance of specific serine residues within the cytoplasmic tail of PSGL‐1 for this process.
Escherichia coli NusG protein stimulates transcription elongation rates in vivo and in vitro

The rate of transcription elongation in Escherichia coli was reduced when cells were depleted of NusG. In a purified in vitro system, NusG accelerated the transcription elongation rate. The stimulation of the rate of transcription elongation by NusG appears to result from the suppression of specific transcription pause sites.
Development and selection of marginal zone B cells

Summary: It is now clear that functionally distinct subsets of mature peripheral B cells exist. Of these subsets, marginal zone (MZ) B cells in the spleen are strategically positioned at the blood–lymphoid interface and are programmed to initiate a fast and intense antibody response to blood‐borne viral and bacterial agents. Their ability to respond vigorously to antigen and polyclonal activators make MZ B cells key players in the early response to pathogens in the bloodstream. The specialized functions of these innate‐like lymphocytes bridge the gap between the early innate immune response and the slower adaptive antibody response, affected mainly by the more prolific follicular B cells. MZ B cells, like B1 cells, are important not only to combat infections but also in the maintenance of host homeostasis. Here we discuss some aspects of MZ B‐cell selection and function in health and disease.