Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Management of BK Polyomavirus Viremia in Patients With a Heart Transplant

BK polyomavirus (BKV)-associated nephropathy is a significant risk factor for renal failure following solid organ transplantation. However, there are no guidelines for BKV infection post-heart transplant. We report 2 cases of BKV nephropathy after heart transplant, along with an algorithm developed (Figure 1). Both cases include Caucasian males, age greater than 60 years old, no significant rejection after transplant, and no long-term corticosteroid use after first year posttransplant. Past medical history for both included hypertension, renal insufficiency, and longterm calcineurin inhibitor use. See Figure 2 for immunosuppressive course.
A global overview of cassava genetic diversity

Although numerous studies of diversity have been conducted in cassava, there is no comprehensive assessment of global genetic diversity. Here we draw on previous studies and breeders’ knowledge to select diversity sets from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) genebanks and breeders’ germplasm, as well as elite germplasm and landraces from eastern, southern and central (ESC) Africa to make a global assessment of diversity in cassava, using a SNP based GoldenGate (Illumina Inc.) assay. A synthesis of results from genetic distance and ADMIXTURE analysis essentially revealed four populations (i) South American germplasm characterised by relatively higher genetic diversity with hypothetical ancestral founder genotypes from Brazil, (ii) a smaller group of African introduction germplasm which is more distantly related to all other germplasm, (iii) West Africa germplasm dominated by IITA breeding lines, containing sources of cassava mosaic disease resistance, and IITA genebank accessions from West Africa, both characterised by slightly lower diversity, and (iv) a less cohesive group of African germplasm, termed ‘Other’, with moderate levels of diversity and a majority of germplasm from ESC Africa. This study highlights opportunities for heterosis breeding, purging of duplicates in genebanks and the need for conservation of ESC Africa landraces.
Pooled genotyping strategies for the rapid construction of genomic reference populations.

The growing concern with the environment is making important for livestock producers to focus on selection for efficiency-related traits, which is a challenge for commercial cattle herds due to the lack of pedigree information. To explore a cost-effective opportunity for genomic evaluations of commercial herds, this study compared the accuracy of bulls' genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) using different pooled genotype strategies. We used ten replicates of previously simulated genomic and phenotypic data for one low (t1) and one moderate (t2) heritability trait of 200 sires and 2,200 progeny. Sire's GEBV were calculated using a univariate mixed model, with a hybrid genomic relationship matrix (h-GRM) relating sires to: 1) 1,100 pools of 2 animals; 2) 440 pools of 5 animals; 3) 220 pools of 10 animals; 4) 110 pools of 20 animals; 5) 88 pools of 25 animals; 6) 44 pools of 50 animals; and 7) 22 pools of 100 animals. Pooling criteria were: at random, grouped sorting by t1, grouped sorting by t2, and grouped sorting by a combination of t1 and t2. The same criteria were used to select 110, 220, 440 and 1,100 individual genotypes for GEBV calculation to compare GEBV accuracy using the same number of individual genotypes and pools. Although the best accuracy was achieved for a given trait when pools were grouped based on that same trait (t1:0.50-0.56, t2:0.66-0.77), pooling by one trait impacted negatively on the accuracy of GEBV for the other trait (t1:0.25-0.46, t2:0.29-0.71). Therefore, the combined measure may be a feasible alternative to use the same pools to calculate GEBVs for both traits (t1:0.45-0.57, t2:0.62-0.76). Pools of 10 individuals were identified as representing a good compromise between loss of accuracy (~10-15%) and cost savings (~90%) from genotype assays. In addition, we demonstrated that in more than 90% of the simulations, pools present higher sires' GEBV accuracy than individual genotypes when the number of genotype assays is limited (i.e., 110 or 220) and animals are assigned to pools based on phenotype. Pools assigned at random presented the poorest results (t1:0.07-0.45, t2:0.14-0.70). In conclusion, pooling by phenotype is the best approach to implementing genomic evaluation using commercial herd data, particularly when pools of 10 individuals are evaluated. While combining phenotypes seems a promising strategy to allow more flexibility to the estimates made using pools, more studies are necessary in this regard.
Carcinogenesis and Metastasis in Liver: Cell Physiological Basis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is rising. This paper summarises the current state of knowledge and recent discoveries in the cellular and physiological mechanisms leading to the development of liver cancer, especially HCC, and liver metastases. After reviewing normal hepatic cytoarchitecture and immunological characteristics, the paper addresses the pathophysiological factors that cause liver damage and predispose to neoplasia. Particular attention is given to chronic liver diseases, metabolic syndrome and the impact of altered gut microbiota, disrupted circadian rhythm and psychological stress. Improved knowledge of the multifactorial aetiology of HCC has important implications for the prevention and treatment of this cancer and of liver metastases in general.
Effect of mobile phone text message reminders on improving completeness and timeliness of routine childhood vaccinations in North-West, Ethiopia: a study protocol for randomised controlled trial

Introduction Non-attendance and delay in vaccination schedules remain a big challenge to healthcare workers. With the continuous growth of mobile network coverage and exponential penetration of mobile devices in the developing world, adoption of short message service has been shown to increase attendance for health services by targeting participant characteristics such as forgetfulness. Therefore, the aim of this trial is to determine the effect of mobile text message reminders on completeness and timeliness of childhood vaccination in North-West, Ethiopia. Methods and analysis A two-arm, parallel, superiority, randomised controlled trial study will be employed. The study arms are the intervention group (text message reminders plus routine care) and the control group (routine care only). Mother–infant pairs will be randomised to one of the groups during enrolment. The trial will consider a sample size of 434 mother–infant pairs with 1:1 allocation ratio. Mothers assigned to the intervention group will receive text message reminder 1 day before the scheduled vaccination visit at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks and at 9 months. Initially, descriptive statistics will be computed. For the primary outcome log-binomial regression model will be used to identify associated factors, and relative risk with 95% CI will be reported. Primarily, iIntention-to-treat analysis principle will be applied. STATA V.14 software will be used for the analysis. Ethics and dissemination This study obtained ethical approval from the University of Gondar Institutional Ethical Review Board. The trial findings on the effectiveness of mobile text message reminders in improving vaccination uptake will help to inform decision makers on the use of mobile health interventions in developing countries like Ethiopia. The scientific findings of the trial will also be published in reputable journals. Trial registration number PACTR201901533237287.
Assessment of automatic strategies for combining QRS detections by multiple algorithms in multiple leads

Objective: To develop and evaluate an algorithm for the selection of the best-performing QRS detections from multiple algorithms and ECG leads. Approach: The detections produced by several publicly available single-lead QRS detectors are segmented in 20 s consecutive windows; then a statistical model is trained to estimate a quality metric that is used to rank each 20 s segment of detections. The model describes each heartbeat in terms of six features calculated from the RR interval series, and one feature proportional to the number of heartbeats detected in other leads in a neighborhood of the current heartbeat. With the highest ranked segments, we defined several lead selection strategies (LSS) that were evaluated in a set of 1754 ECG recordings from 14 ECG databases. The LSS proposed were compared with simple strategies such as selecting lead II or the first lead available in a recording. The performance was calculated in terms of the average sensitivity, positive predictive value, and F score. Main results: The best-performing LSS, based on wavedet algorithm, achieved an F score of 98.7, with sensitivity S = 99.2 and positive predictive value P = 98.3. The F score for the simpler strategy using the same algorithm was 92.7. The LSS studied in this work have been made available in an open-source toolbox to ease the reproducibility and result comparison. Significance: The results suggest that the use of LSS is convenient for purposes of selecting the best heartbeat locations among those provided by different detectors in different leads, obtaining better results than any of the algorithms individually.
Incidence of Thromboembolic Events in Oncology Patients Receiving Intraoperative Tranexamic Acid During Orthopedic Surgery: A Retrospective Review at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Despite an abundance of evidence, routine perioperative antifibrinolytics have been avoided in oncology patients due to concern of thrombosis when given to patients with a preexisting hypercoagulable state. We present a retrospective review of 104 patients with an oncologic diagnosis who received intraoperative tranexamic acid during orthopedic surgery. Overall, complication rates were low, including deep vein thrombosis (1.0%), pulmonary embolism (4.8%), stroke (0%), and myocardial infarction (0%). This preliminary evidence shows that antifibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid may be considered perioperatively in oncology patients without increased risk of thromboembolic events; however, further prospective trials are encouraged.
Evaluating the Use of Physician Billing Data for Age and Setting Specific Influenza Surveillance

Syndromic surveillance has emerged as a novel, automated approach to monitoring diseases using pre-diagnostic but often non-specific data sources. However, there is little consensus about the best data sources. Using physician billing data from community-based care settings and emergency departments in Quebec, Canada during 1998-2003, we evaluated the lead-lag relationship between ambulatory medical visits for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and pneumonia and influenza (P&I) hospitalizations by age-group, visit setting, and influenza season. To do so, we applied ARIMA modeling methodology and computed the crosscorrelation function (CCF) using the residuals. ILI visits in community settings by children aged 5-17 years tended to provide the greatest lead times (at least 2 but up to 3 weeks) over P&I hospitalizations. Lead times varied each season, possibly due to the circulation of different strains each season. These findings have important implications for syndromic surveillance of influenza, as well as epidemic control strategies such as vaccination and school closure policies.
Butyrylcholinesterase: A Multifaceted Pharmacological Target and Tool.

Butyrylcholinesterase is a serine hydrolase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of esters in the body. Unlike its sister enzyme acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase has a broad substrate scope and lower acetylcholine catalytic efficiency. The difference in tissue distribution and inhibitor sensitivity also points to its involvement external to cholinergic neurotransmission. Initial studies on butyrylcholinesterase showed that the inhibition of the enzyme led to the increment of brain acetylcholine levels. Further gene knockout studies suggested its involvement in the regulation of amyloid-beta, a brain pathogenic protein. Thus, it is an interesting target for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The substrate scope of butyrylcholinesterase was recently found to include cocaine, as well as ghrelin, the "hunger hormone". These findings have led to the development of recombinant butyrylcholinesterase mutants and viral gene therapy to combat cocaine addiction, along with in-depth studies on the significance of butyrylcholinesterase in obesity. It is observed that the pharmacological impact of butyrylcholinesterase increased in tandem with each reported finding. Not only is the enzyme now considered an important pharmacological target, it is also becoming an important tool to study the biological pathways in various diseases. Here, we review and summarize the biochemical properties of butyrylcholinesterase and its roles, as cholinergic neurotransmitor, in various diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders.
Immediate brain plasticity after one hour of brain–computer interface (BCI)

Two groups of inexperienced brain‐computer interface users underwent a purely mental EEG‐BCI session that rapidly impacted on their brain. Modulations in structural and functional MRI were found after only 1 h of BCI training. Two different types of BCI (based on motor imagery or visually evoked potentials) were employed and analyses showed that the brain plastic changes are spatially specific for the respective neurofeedback. This spatial specificity promises tailored therapeutic interventions (e.g. for stroke patients).
Need for Lacrimal Bypass Surgery after Medial Canthal Tumor Resection: Survey of Current Practices -

Objective: No ideal monitoring period exists before conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) after excision of medial canthal tumors. This study seeks to define current clinical practices via a survey of oculoplastic and orbital surgeons. Methods: An online survey of medial canthal tumor management was offered via email to ASPORS members. Tumors included: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), sebaceous cell carcinoma (SebC), melanoma (M), keratoacanthoma (KAC), and other adnexal cancers. Results: 87 members responded. Most surgeons follow patients at intervals no longer than 3-6 months, with monthly exams initially for SebC (17%) and M (20%). > 85% of surgeons follow asymptomatic patients for >12 months before release, with many observing >60-month periods for BCC (29%), SCC (36%), SebC (57%), M (68%), and KAC (23%). 92% of respondents defer CDCR; the majority wait >12 months for all tumors before CDCR. A majority (53%) reported at least 75% of patients developing symptomatic epiphora requiring CDCR. The majority of surgeons (73%) do not perform ancillary testing before CDCR, and 53% perform pre-operative imaging. However, 14% have experienced local or orbital tumor recurrence following CDCR. Conclusions: SebC and M follow-up intervals trend shorter, while most respondents follow these tumors post-excision > 5 years. > 25% of surgeons follow all tumors for > 60 months. CDCR is delayed for > 12 months by > 75% of surgeons for all tumors. 8% perform CDCR at the time of excision, and 14% reported local/orbital recurrence following CDCR with 52% obtaining pre-CDCR imaging. These results support extended follow-up before CDCR combined with appropriate imaging/testing to minimize morbidity/mortality.
Radiation Exposure, Dosimetry and Staff Protection in Catheterization

Introduction and objective: Effects of radiation became known to physicians in the beginning of the 20th century. Due to the development of cardiovascular imaging and interventions the use of ionizing radiation has increased rapidly in recent years, thus increasing staff and patient exposure, renewing interest in radiation protection. 1.2 State of knowledge: In catheterization laboratory patient exposure to ionizing radiation is unavoidable. Reducing the dose is not only a duty to the patient, but indirectly it applies to the operator as "scattering cloud" exposes the staff to its negative health effects. There are strategies enabling the dose delivered to patients and staff during exposure. 1.3 Summary: Physicians should be aware of the negative health effects of ionizing radiation. In selecting a treatment plan the benefits and risks to the individual should be considered. The reducing of the exposure dose to the patient in the natural way reduces the dose absorbed by the operator during the procedure. Regular quality control in catheterization laboratory, which is the responsibility of their supervisors, combined with radiation protection education also helps reduce exposure to radiation.
Studying the Exposome to Understand the Environmental Determinants of Complex Liver Diseases

The development of complex disease (i.e., non-Mendelian disease) has long been postulated to be driven by environmental pressures in genetically susceptible individuals. To date, however, research has largely been focused on delineating the genetic drivers of disease, with limited attention devoted to the contribution of external exposures. The exposome, defined as the cumulative effect of environmental exposures and the associated biological response across the lifespan, is now recognized as a key measure for precision medicine. In this review, we discuss the concept, principles, approaches, and current status of exposome research as well as existing knowledge regarding environmental determinants of selected liver diseases. Conclusion: There is abundant preliminary evidence that environmental exposures modify the risk of liver disease. Untargeted exposome research promises to launch a new era in the study of liver disease, enabling the use of precision medicine approaches that can inform new public health initiatives, biomarker discovery, and novel therapies.
Object search in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration: the crowding effect

Background Visual search, an activity that relies on central vision, is frequent in daily life. This study investigates the effect of spacing between items in an object search task in participants with central vision loss. Methods Patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), age‐matched controls, and young controls were included. The stimuli were displays of four, six and nine objects randomly presented in a ‘crowded’ (spacing 1.5°) or ‘uncrowded’ (spacing 6°) condition. For each of 96 trials, participants were asked to search for a predefined target that remained on the screen until the response was recorded. Accuracy, search time, and eye movements (number of fixations and scan path ratio) were recorded. Results Compared to older controls, accuracy decreased by 31 per cent and search time increased by 61 per cent in AMD participants. Ageing also affected performance with a lower accuracy by 13.5 per cent and longer search times by 46 per cent in older compared to younger controls. Increasing the spacing between elements increased accuracy by 21 per cent in AMD participants but it had no effect in older and younger controls. Performance was not related to visual acuity or to duration of neovascular AMD, but search time was correlated to the lesion size in the ‘crowded’ condition. Conclusions Object search is ubiquitous in daily life activities. When visual acuity is irrevocably reduced, increasing the spacing between elements can reliably improve object search performance in patients.
Alkaloids with Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activities from the Roots of Isatis tinctoria

As our ongoing research project on Ban Lan Gen (Isatis tinctoria roots), a total of 23 alkaloids were obtained. Compounds 1 and 2 contain an unusual C–C bond between the 2(1H)-quinolinone moiety and the phenol moiety and between the 2(1H)-quinolinone moiety and the 1H-indole moiety, respectively. Compound 3 possesses an unusual carbon skeleton and its putative biosynthetic pathway was discussed, and Compound 23 was deduced as a new indole alkaloid glycoside. Compounds 4–7 were identified as four new natural products by extensive spectroscopic experiments. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed based on nitric oxide (NO) production using Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Compounds 9, 15, and 17 showed inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 1.2, 5.0, and 74.4 μM.
Capillary Facilitation of Skeletal Muscle Function in Health and Disease.

Skeletal muscle is highly vascularized, with perfusion being tightly regulated to meet wide ranging metabolic demands. For decades, the capillary supply has been explored mainly in terms of evaluating the capillary numbers and their function in the supply of oxygen and substrates and the removal of metabolic byproducts. This review will focus on recent discoveries concerning the role played by capillaries in facilitating other aspects of cell regulation and maintenance, in health and disease, as well as alterations during the aging process. • Capillaries play a central role in the coordination of the vascular response that controls blood flow during contraction and the cellular responses to which they feed into • Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulatory compound within the cardiovascular system, and a significant contributor to skeletal muscle capillary angiogenesis and vasodilatory response to agonists • The microvascular network between muscle fibres may play a critical role in the distribution of signaling factors necessary for optimal muscle satellite cell function.
How corals made rocks through the ages

Hard, or stony, corals make rocks that can, on geological time scales, lead to the formation of massive reefs in shallow tropical and subtropical seas. In both historical and contemporary oceans, reef‐building corals retain information about the marine environment in their skeletons, which is an organic–inorganic composite material. The elemental and isotopic composition of their skeletons is frequently used to reconstruct the environmental history of Earth's oceans over time, including temperature, pH, and salinity. Interpretation of this information requires knowledge of how the organisms formed their skeletons. The basic mechanism of formation of calcium carbonate skeleton in stony corals has been studied for decades. While some researchers consider coral skeletons as mainly passive recorders of ocean conditions, it has become increasingly clear that biological processes play key roles in the biomineralization mechanism. Understanding the role of the animal in living stony coral biomineralization and how it evolved has profound implications for interpreting environmental signatures in fossil corals to understand past ocean conditions. Here we review historical hypotheses and discuss the present understanding of how corals evolved and how their skeletons changed over geological time. We specifically explain how biological processes, particularly those occurring at the subcellular level, critically control the formation of calcium carbonate structures. We examine the different models that address the current debate including the tissue–skeleton interface, skeletal organic matrix, and biomineralization pathways. Finally, we consider how understanding the biological control of coral biomineralization is critical to informing future models of coral vulnerability to inevitable global change, particularly increasing ocean acidification.
Creatine Phosphokinase as an Indicator of Birth Trauma

In the article by Drs. Nathan Rudolph and Ruth T. Gross (Pediatrics, 38:1039, 1966), muscle damage is postulated as a likely cause for an increase in serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity observed in some newborn infants following a complicated labor. The authors' introduction includes reference to CPK in nervous tissue, but brain trauma or anoxia as a possible factor in causation of the elevated serum CPK is not mentioned in discussion.