Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moving beyond anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies: emerging biomarkers in the spectrum of neuromyelitis optica

ABSTRACT Introduction With the advent of targeted drugs, a correct identification of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is fundamental. Moreover, to assess treatment efficacy, sensitive biomarkers for monitoring disease activity are needed. Areas covered In this review, the authors provide an up-to-date guide to NMOSD biomarkers, starting from the pathogenetic mechanisms and moving to clinical findings, focusing on their diagnostic meaning, their possible application for disease monitoring and their correlation with clinical features. Expert opinion Beside anti-AQP4-IgG, other emerging biomarkers for NMOSD have been proposed. Elements supporting antibody production, such as T Helper 17 and T Follicular Helper cells, plasmablasts, and their related cytokines, can be supportive criteria for NMOSD diagnosis since their levels are related to disease activity. Similarly, indices of granulocyte and complement activation, associated with markers of astrocyte damage, reflect disease status and correlate with clinical features. Among all cytokines, IL6 and IL17a represent the bridge between innate and acquired immunity and between cellular and humoral arms of the immune system, therefore being useful for both diagnosis and disease monitoring. Paraclinical tools, such as magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography, can provide useful diagnostic information, especially in double-seronegative patients.
Dimeric Mouse IgA is Transported into Rat Bile Five Times More Rapidly than into Mouse Bile

The kinetics of the biliary dimeric IgA transport in rats is well documented from studies on animals with cannulated bile duets, while in mice such information rests on the analysis of samples periodically removed from the gall bladder and on serum disappearance rates. We have Quantitatively compared the kineties of IgA transport in these two rodents by using affinity‐purified radiolabeled monomerie and dimeric M315 IgA which specifically binds dinitrophenyl (DNP). Bile collection procedures, sample analysis, and administration of the radiolabeled M315 were the same for both species, although in mice the cystic duct was ligated to prevent reflux of any bile or IgA from the gall bladder into the common bile duel. A pronounced selection for transport of dimeric M315 was seen in both species. When dimeric M315 was administered, it was recovered in the dimeric form from the bile of both species, and 60–80% could specifically bind to DNP‐gelatin. When monomeric M315 was administered, very little was transported, and the IgA recovered in bile had a much lower capacity to bind DNP‐gelatin and appeared to be of low molecular weight. Approximately 60% of the intravenously administered dimeric IgA was transported into bile of both species but biliary transport of the heterologous dimeric IgA into rat bile was five times more rapid than the transport of the dimeric M315 into its homologous species, the mouse. Hence, IgA transport in these species is similar in specificity, integrity of the transported IgA and in the percentage cleared, while differing significantly in the rate of transport. This cannot be ascribed to the species source of the IgA.
Comparison of postoperative pain after open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A randomized controlled study

Background: Results of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery were compared with many studies done previously. To the best of our knowledge, difference in pain after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has not been objectively documented in literature. The aim of the study was to compare the pain intensity in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing OCTR versus those undergoing ECTR. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into two groups using “random number generator” software (Research Randomizer, version 3.0); endoscopic surgery group [(21 female, 1 male; mean age 49 years (range 31–64 years)] and open surgery group [(25 female, 3 male; mean age 45.1 years (range 29–68 years)] and received carpal tunnel release. Surgery was performed under regional intravenous anesthesia. The patients’ pain level was assessed at the 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th, and 24^th postoperative hours using a visual analog scale (VAS) score. Results: Mean age, gender and duration of symptoms were found similar for both groups. Boston functional scores were improved for both groups ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Pain assessment at the postoperative 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 24^th hours revealed significantly low VAS scores in the endoscopic surgery group ( P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Need for analgesic medication was significantly lower in the endoscopic surgery group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an effective treatment method in carpal tunnel release vis-a-vis postoperative pain relief.
Is there an association between asymmetry of carotid artery wall thickness (ACAWT) and cerebrovascular symptoms?

Purpose: Previous publications demonstrated that multi-detector-row computed tomography Angiography (MDCTA) can evaluate the carotid artery wall thickness (CAWT). The purpose of this work was to compare the asymmetry of CAWT between carotids in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Material and Methods: Sixty consecutive symptomatic (males 44; median age 64) and 60 asymptomatic sex- and age-matched patients were analysed by using a 40-detector-row CT system. CAWT was calculated for both carotids in each patient and the ratio between the thicker CAWT and the contra-lateral was calculated to obtain the ACAWT index. Bland-Altman, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were calculated. Results: The Bland-Altman plot demonstrates a very good agreement between measurements with a mean difference value of 3.4% and 95% CI from −8% to 14.8%. The ACAWT was significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (with a p value of 0.0001). The ROC area under the curve was 0.742 (p = 0.001). Logistic regression model indicated that ACAWT, CAWT, stenosis degree, and fatty plaques were independent variables associated with cerebrovascular symptoms (p value, respectively, 0.0108, 0.0231, 0.0002, and 0.013). Conclusion: Results of our study indicated that the index of asymmetry in the CAWT might be used as a further parameter to stratify the risk of symptoms related to carotid artery.
[Angina due to microvascular pathology].

Most ischemic heart disease in associated with severe coronary atherosclerosis. A small subset of patients, however, had angina pectoris despite angiographically normal coronary arteries and absence of inducible coronary spasm. Coronary microcirculation (i.e. arteries too small to be visualized by current angiographic techniques) has been identified as the weak point of these patients. Small coronary vessel involvement may be due to organic conditions (such as diabetes, vasculitis, systemic collagen-vascular diseases, infectious processes) that act through coronary thrombosis or embolism and related alteration in coronary vasomotion; alternatively, the vascular abnormality appears to be entirely functional (no ultrastructural myocardial changes) such as the case of hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and syndrome X. Whatever the cause(s) and mechanism(s) of the small coronary artery involvement, this leads to myocardial ischemia and to the related complications as in classic atherosclerotic heart disease. Syndrome X is characterized by effort-induced angina pectoris, ST-segment changes during exercise testing, negative ergonovine test and reduced coronary reserve. A pre-arteriolar hypersensitivity to vasoconstrictor influences (elicited by cold pressor test or ergonovine) and a reduced vasodilator capacity (unmasked by metabolic and pharmacological studies) have been proposed as potential pathogenetic substrate. This dynamic alteration in vasomotion would answer for both symptoms and signs of myocardial ischemia, that, however, appear to be contemporarily elicitable in a minority of patients. Treatment with beta-blockers and calcium-antagonists has been found to be effective. The long-term follow-up shows favorable outcome with a high survival rate and a low incidence of cardiovascular events.
National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program: Bridging the Information Gap

In January 2001 the Pew Environmental Health Commission called for the creation of a coordinated public health system to prevent disease in the United States by tracking and combating environmental health threats. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated the Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Program to integrate three distinct components of hazard monitoring and exposure and health effects surveillance into a cohesive tracking network. Uniform and acceptable data standards, easily understood case definitions, and improved communication between health and environmental agencies are just a few of the challenges that must be addressed for this network to be effective. The nascent EPHT program is attempting to respond to these challenges by drawing on a wide range of expertise from federal agencies, state health and environmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the program’s academic Centers of Excellence. In this mini-monograph, we present innovative strategies and methods that are being applied to the broad scope of important and complex environmental public health problems by developing EPHT programs. The data resulting from this program can be used to identify areas and populations most likely to be affected by environmental contamination and to provide important information on the health and environmental status of communities. EPHT will develop valuable data on possible associations between the environment and the risk of noninfectious health effects. These data can be used to reduce the burden of adverse health effects on the American public.
Current therapeutic trends in therapy for chronic viral hepatitis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) are associated with clinically significant chronic infection that may lead to the development of cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Intervention at the earliest possible stage is needed to prevent such untoward sequelae. Currently, interferon (IFN) is the only approved and widely used agent for the treatment of these infections, including in HBV patients with precore mutant hepatitis or decompensated cirrhosis, but its efficacy is far from satisfactory. Corticosteroid priming has been shown to increase the efficacy of IFN therapy in HBV patients with low abnormal serum transaminase levels, but only a few responders will clear serum hepatitis Bs antigen (HBsAg). Ongoing randomized controlled trials of thymosin α1, lamivudine and famcyclovir have demonstrated encouraging preliminary results. Therapeutic vaccines, such as polypeptides with human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐specific hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) epitopes, are under phase II/III clinical trial. For HDV infection, the use of IFN in the early phase of acute superinfection tends to prevent chronic progression. For HCV infection, IFN used at higher doses for a longer period of time is associated with a higher sustained response, but overall it is still not satisfactory. The combined use of ribavirin or corticosteroid priming may improve the effect of IFN therapy by enhancing the durability of the response. Interferon in the acute phase of HCV infection may also prevent chronic progression. There is evidence to suggest that IFN therapy, when associated with response, tends to reduce the risk of cirrhosis or HCC and prolongs survival. There is no doubt that satisfactory treatment of chronic viral infection will require more effective agents and demand optimal treatment strategies, many of which are yet to be found.
Lymph Node Metastasis from Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Audit of 110 Patients Who Underwent Regional and Paraaortic Node Dissection

ObjectiveTo assess the status of the regional and paraaortic lymph nodes in hilar cholangiocarcinoma and to clarify the efficacy of systematic extended lymphadenectomy. Summary Background DataThere have been no studies in which regional and paraaortic lymphadenectomies for hilar cholangiocarcinoma have been routinely performed. Therefore, the metastasis rates to the regional and paraaortic nodes, the mode of lymphatic spread, and the effect of extended lymph node dissection on survival remain unknown. MethodsThis study involved 110 patients who underwent surgical resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with lymph node dissection including both the regional and paraaortic nodes. A total of 2,652 nodes retrieved from the surgical specimens were examined microscopically. ResultsOf the 110 patients, 52 (47.3%) had no involved nodes, 39 (35.5%) had regional lymph node metastases, and 19 (17.3%) had regional and paraaortic node metastases. The incidence of positive nodes was significantly higher in the patients with pT3 disease than in those with pT2 disease. The pericholedochal nodes were most commonly involved (42.7%), followed by the periportal nodes (30.9%), the common hepatic nodes (27.3%), and the posterior pancreaticoduodenal nodes (14.5%). The celiac and superior mesenteric nodes were rarely involved. The 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 55.4% and 30.5% for the 52 patients without involved nodes, 31.8% and 14.7% for the 39 patients with regional node metastases, and 12.3% and 12.3% for the 19 patients with paraaortic node metastases, respectively. Of the 19 patients with positive paraaortic nodes, 7 had no macroscopic evidence of paraaortic disease on intraoperative inspection. The survival in this group was significantly better than in the remaining 12 patients. ConclusionThe paraaortic nodes and the regional nodes are frequently involved in advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Whether extended lymph node dissection provides a survival benefit requires further study. However, the fact that long-term survival is possible despite pN2 or pM1 disease encourages the authors to perform an aggressive surgical procedure with extended lymph node dissection in selected patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
A novel two-dimensional changeover GaN MMIC switch for electrically selectable SPDT multifunctional device

This paper presents a novel frequency/amplitude two-dimensional change-over gallium nitride (GaN) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) switch. A frequency/amplitude two-dimensional changeover switch is an essential function block for electrically selectable single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) multifunctional devices in reconfigurable radio frequency (RF) front-end, which can change its function to SPDT switch, diplexer, duplexer, and so on. The demonstrated two-stage GaN MMIC indicates two-dimensional switching characteristics not only of changing the amplitude for ON/OFF states as the conventional switch but also of switching two frequency pass-bands between around 8-GHz and around 26-GHz. The insertion losses of lower than 1.6 dB and the isolations with higher than 13.3 dB are obtained for both pass-bands. The presented two-dimensional changeover switch function block promises to realize electrically selectable SPDT multifunctional devices for reconfigurable broadband RF front-end with low costs.
Retinoic acid signaling regulates Krt5 and Krt14 independently of stem cell markers in submandibular salivary gland epithelium

Background: Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has been demonstrated to be important for growth and branching morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic salivary gland epithelium. However, it is not known whether RA functions directly within epithelial cells or in associated tissues that influence morphogenesis of salivary epithelium. Moreover, downstream targets of RA regulation have not been identified. Results: Here, we show that canonical RA signaling occurs in multiple tissues of embryonic mouse salivary glands, including epithelium, associated parasympathetic ganglion neurons, and nonneuronal mesenchyme. By culturing epithelium explants in isolation from other tissues, we demonstrate that RA influences epithelium morphogenesis by direct action in that tissue. Moreover, we demonstrate that inhibition of RA signaling represses cell proliferation and expression of FGF10 signaling targets, and upregulates expression of basal epithelial keratins Krt5 and Krt14. Importantly, we show that the stem cell gene Kit is regulated inversely from Krt5/Krt14 by RA signaling. Conclusions: RA regulates Krt5 and Krt14 expression independently of stem cell character in developing salivary epithelium. RA, or chemical inhibitors of RA signaling, could potentially be used for modulating growth and differentiation of epithelial stem cells for the purpose of re‐populating damaged glands or generating bioengineered organs. Developmental Dynamics 246:135–147, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Little evidence for intralocus sexual conflict over the optimal intake of nutrients for life span and reproduction in the black field cricket Teleogryllus commodus

There is often large divergence in the effects of key nutrients on life span (LS) and reproduction in the sexes, yet nutrient intake is regulated in the same way in males and females given dietary choice. This suggests that the sexes are constrained from feeding to their sex‐specific nutritional optima for these traits. Here, we examine the potential for intralocus sexual conflict (IASC) over optimal protein and carbohydrate intake for LS and reproduction to constrain the evolution of sex‐specific nutrient regulation in the field cricket, Teleogryllus commodus. We show clear sex differences in the effects of protein and carbohydrate intake on LS and reproduction and strong positive genetic correlations between the sexes for the regulated intake of these nutrients. However, the between‐sex additive genetic covariance matrix had very little effect on the predicted evolutionary response of nutrient regulation in the sexes. Thus, IASC appears unlikely to act as an evolutionary constraint on sex‐specific nutrient regulation in T. commodus. This finding is supported by clear sexual dimorphism in the regulated intake of these nutrients under dietary choice. However, nutrient regulation did not coincide with the nutritional optima for LS or reproduction in either sex, suggesting that IASC is not completely resolved in T. commodus.
Multiple gestations in assisted reproductive technology: can they be avoided with blastocyst transfers?

OBJECTIVE Blastocysts are advanced-stage embryos with high implantation potential; theoretically, limited numbers of blastocysts can be used for embryo transfer to achieve good pregnancy rates with low multiple pregnancy rates. Clinical outcomes of a newly implemented blastocyst transfer program were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN This study is a retrospective analysis of 553 blastocyst transfer cycles performed by a university-based in vitro fertilization program; risk factors associated with multiple gestations were analyzed. RESULTS An average of 2.2 embryos were used for embryo transfer. The overall clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was 45.1%; multiple gestation, twin, and triplet rates were 40.9%, 36.5%, and 4.3%, respectively. Multiple gestations increased significantly (1) when embryo transfer was done on day 5, (2) when > or =2 blastocysts were present on day 5, and (3) when maternal age was < or =30 years. CONCLUSION In spite of a conservative approach to the number of blastocysts used for embryo transfer, the overall multiple pregnancy rate was high, and triplet pregnancies did occur.
Development of statistical approach for estimating key competitive performance measures of smartphone applications

Along with the wide spread of mobile devices to access the Internet from anywhere at any time, the smartphone application market has been growing with amazing speed. The study of usages of smartphone applications by individual users, however, has been rather limited in the literature, relying upon real data collected from either a limited number of volunteers or the network level information at the sacrifice of details of individual users. This is so because it is virtually impossible to obtain such data needed for the study. Recently, however, this seemingly impossible task has been accomplished by a Japanese software development company named Fuller, Inc. by establishing a win-win relationship with Android smartphone users. Based on the massive data acquired from Fuller, Inc., this paper establishes a novel statistical approach for estimating the values of key competitive performance measures, which will provide useful business implications of interest to application developers.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 5 Contains a DNA-Binding Nuclear Localization Sequence

ABSTRACT G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) mediate desensitization of agonist-occupied G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we report that GRK5 contains a DNA-binding nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and that its nuclear localization is regulated by GPCR activation, results that suggest potential nuclear functions for GRK5. As assessed by fluorescence confocal microscopy, transfected and endogenous GRK5 is present in the nuclei of HEp2 cells. Mutation of basic residues in the catalytic domain of GRK5 (between amino acids 388 and 395) results in the nuclear exclusion of the mutant enzyme (GRK5ΔNLS), demonstrating that GRK5 contains a functional NLS. The nuclear localization of GRK5 is subject to dynamic regulation. Calcium ionophore treatment or activation of Gq-coupled muscarinic-M3 receptors promotes the nuclear export of the kinase in a Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent fashion. Ca2+/CaM binding to the N-terminal CaM binding site of GRK5 mediates this effect. Furthermore, GRK5, but not GRK5ΔNLS or GRK2, binds specifically and directly to DNA in vitro. Consistent with their presence in the nuclei of transfected cells, all the GRK4, but not GRK2, subfamily members contain putative NLSs. These results suggest that the GRK4 subfamily of GRKs may play a signaling role in the nucleus and that GRK4 and GRK2 subfamily members perform divergent cellular functions.
Interleukin 6 activity in infants and children with bacterial meningitis

Concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in cere-brospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of infants and children with bacterial meningitis were determined and correlations were sought with other indices of inflammation and with outcome. Forty-two patients ages 1 month to 15 years (mean, 2.5 years) were studied. IL-6 activity was detectable (>50 units/ml) in 30 of 36 CSF samples collected at admission from patients with meningitis and in 1 of 23 controls with fever and normal CSF findings. Mean values were 36000 units/ml (range, 151–156000). IL-6 activity in CSF persisted during the first 5 days of illness. IL-6 concentrations at admission were not associated with clinical findings, CSF leukocyte, protein and glucose concentrations, serum C-reactive protein concentration and neurologic complications or sequele.
The Key Technology of Complete Protection for the High Voltage Variable Frequency Drive System

The high voltage variable frequency system has complicated structure and high power density. It comprises industrial frequency AC, DC and variable frequency AC. All of these bring new challenges to the system's protection and stability control. This paper considered the protection strategy in two aspects: device-level protection and system-level protection. Through improving the circuit structure and configuring microcomputer protection system, the paper designed a complete protection strategy for NPC three-level variable frequency drive system. The protection covered the fault of rectifier input, DC link, inverter output and the induction motor. The paper also analyzed the cooperation of protective trip and pulse blocking, which intending to restrain the feedback energy, and validated the feasibility of setting an output breaker to cut the feedback.