Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic implications of Global Longitudinal Strain versus Ejection Fraction in End-stage Renal Disease: a systematic review protocol

Background: In hemodialysis (HD) patients, the presence of Heart failure (HF) at the start of dialysis is a strong and independent predictor of short and long-term mortality, and its prevalence increases with declining kidney function and HD time. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is widely used as a measure of systolic function. Reduced EF (<50%) is an important prognostic marker, however, less than 15% of End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients have detectable systolic dysfunction and the EF is susceptible to loading conditions, which change dramatically during interdialytic intervals. Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) derived by 2D Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography (STE) is an emerging technique for measuring more subtle disturbances in LV systolic function. Although ESRD patients have subclinical evidence of impaired strain but preserved EF, there is evidence that GLS is better in ESRD group receiving maintenance HD compared with moderate-advanced CKD patients. This systematic review will evaluate the evidence related to the incremental prognostic value of LV GLS by 2D-STE concerning mortality and cardiovascular (CV) events in ESRD patients. Methods: This protocol is reported according to the PRISMA-P guideline. The databases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar system will be searched and double screening for longitudinal studies that assessed the prospective association of STE-derived parameters with at least one of the pre-specified outcomes in ESRD patients. Discrepancies will be resolved through consensus. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale of cohort studies will be used. We intend to use the random-effects model, considering at least moderate heterogeneity between studies. If data allow, we will perform meta-regression to explore potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. An adaptation of the GRADE framework for prognostic studies will be employed to judge the quality of evidence for each outcome reported in this systematic review. Discussion: This systematic review will summarize current evidence about STE-derived measures in ESRD patients and clarify the incremental prognostic value of this diagnostic tool versus LVEF in these patients. Evidence about other measures (circumferential and radial strain) or 3D STE-derived indices will also be investigated.
PARTITIONS OF GROUPS AND MATROIDS INTO INDEPENDENT SUBSETS

Can the set R n f0g be covered by countably many linearly (algebraically) independent subsets over the field Q? We use a matroid approach to show that an answer is "Yes" under the Continuum Hypothesis, and "No" under its negation. In this paper we discuss partitions of groups and other algebraic objects into independent subsets. The notion of an independent set can be defined for any hull operator. By a hull operator on a set X we understand any function hi: PX ! PX defined on the power-set PX of X such that AhAihBi for any subsets AB of X. A subset AX is called independent (with respect to the hull operator hi) if a /
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 regulates periodontal disease damage via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Objective(s): This study aimed to investigate the function of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in regulating periodontal lesions. In addition, we explored the underlying mechanism of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Materials and Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) was used to construct a periodontitis cell model, and experimental periodontitis (EP) rats were established by ligation. The mechanism by which TRPV1 regulates periodontitis was further verified by injecting the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (CPS) and antagonist capsazepine (CPZ) into the gingiva of rats; the alveolar bone losses in each group were measured by stereomicroscopy. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) were used to research the expression of TRPV1 and proinflammatory cytokines, and WB was performed to test the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. Results: In vitro experiments showed that LPS induced the upregulation of TRPV1 and proinflammatory cytokines and promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT proteins in HPDLCs, which was consistent with their expression in the rat periodontitis model. Moreover, in vivo studies indicated that CPZ had anti-inflammatory effects through the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibited bone loss induced by periodontal ligation in rats, while CPS had the opposite effect. Conclusion: TRPV1 was involved in the process of alveolar bone defects and the inflammatory response in rats with periodontitis induced by ligation. Its mechanism might be related to the phosphorylation of related proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Developing Measures of Immersion and Motivation for Learning Technologies in Healthcare Simulation: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Medical education has benefitted from the introduction of new technology within recent years. Immersive devices, such as, 360-degree films and virtual reality have become new ways of simulating clinical experiences. The aim of the study was to validate and test reliability of a new measure of engagement. Methods: A between-participants design of 2 groups viewing a clinical consultation on a 360-degree headset or 2D monitor was conducted following computer random allocation of 40 healthcare professionals recruited from scheduled teaching. Twenty-three were assigned to 360-degree and 17 to 2D Medias. Adapted Immersion Experience Questionnaire (AIEQ) and Abridged Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (AIMI) were modified to match factors relating to clinical encounters. AIEQ and AIMI were utilised as the data collection tool by each group following video viewing. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess relationship between immersion and motivation. Comparisons between 360-degree and 2D media responses were made using Wilcoxon’s signed ranks test. Internal reliability coefficients of adapted measures were calculated with Cronbach alpha scores. Results: Total immersion scores were statistically higher in those experiencing 360 (p<0.05), with a median difference of 14.50 (95% CI 6.50-22.00). A positive correlation existed between the total AIEQ and total score of the AIMI in both groups (rs =0.88, n=17, p<0.001). Internal consistency and reliability was demonstrated with a high Cronbach alpha score for the AIEQ (α= 0.91). AIMI subscale alpha value was also high at (α= 0.95) which shows the measures to be of high internal reliability. Conclusions: Adaptation and validation of existing measures for use in healthcare education can be used to quantify levels of immersion and motivation. Standardising measures for use in evaluating new Technology Enhanced Learning is a step to aid understanding on how we develop these tools in medical education and how we might learn from immersive technology.
Beyond the fibre: Resolved properties of SDSS galaxies

We have used the VIMOS integral field spectrograph to map the emission line properties in a sample of 24 star forming galaxies selected from the SDSS database. In this data paper we present and describe the sample, and explore some basic properties of SDSS galaxies with resolved emission line fields. We fit the Halpha+[NII] emission lines in each spectrum to derive maps of continuum, Halpha flux, velocity and velocity dispersion. The Halpha, Hbeta, [NII] and [OIII] emission lines are also fit in summed spectra for circular annuli of increasing radius. A simple mass model is used to estimate dynamical mass within 10 kpc, which compared to estimates of stellar mass shows that between 10 and 100% of total mass is in stars. We present plots showing the radial behaviour of EW[Halpha], u-i colour and emission line ratios. Although EW[Halpha] and u-i colour trace current or recent star formation, the radial profiles are often quite different. Whilst line ratios do vary with annular radius, radial gradients in galaxies with central line ratios typical of AGN or LINERS are mild, with a hard component of ionization required out to large radii. We use our VIMOS maps to quantify the fraction of Halpha emission contained within the SDSS fibre, taking the ratio of total Halpha flux to that of a simulated SDSS fibre. A comparison of the flux ratios to colour-based SDSS extrapolations shows a 175% dispersion in the ratio of estimated to actual corrections in normal star forming galaxies, with larger errors in galaxies containing AGN. We find a strong correlation between indicators of nuclear activity: galaxies with AGN-like line ratios and/or radio emission frequently show enhanced dispersion peaks in their cores, requiring non-thermal sources of heating. Altogether, about half of the galaxies in our sample show no evidence for nuclear activity or non-thermal heating.
OP-EUJC220085 1..9

OBJECTIVES: Patient allocation to multimodality treatment in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to validate our previously established Multimodality Prognostic Score (MMPS) (tumour volume before chemotherapy, histological subtype, C-reactive protein before chemotherapy and tumour progression after chemotherapy) and to extend the score with additional blood parameters for better patient outcome. METHODS: Patients with histologically proven malignant pleural mesothelioma and curative intended therapy with clinical stage T1–T3 N0–N2 M0 were eligible. The existing MMPS was validated and further additional blood markers (erythrocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase) were evaluated for potential incorporation. RESULTS: For the validation of the existing MMPS, as the first part of this analysis, 117 patients treated as of September 2011 were included. A total of 88 patients were treated with macroscopic complete resection, whereas 29 patients were treated with palliative or no surgery. Patients treated with macroscopic complete resection and a high MMPS showed statistically significant lower overall †These authors shared the last author. Presented at the 29th European Conference on General Thoracic Surgery, 20–22 June 2021, virtual meeting. TH O R A C IC VC The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. For commercial re-use, please contact journals.permissions@oup.com European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 2022, 62(2), ezac085 ORIGINAL ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezac085 Advance Access publication 11 March 2022
Dimerization of kringle 1 domain from hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor provides a potent MET receptor agonist

We designed and characterized a potent full MET receptor agonist consisting of two recombinantly linked HGF/SF kringle 1 domains and demonstrated its potential in epithelial tissue regeneration. Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) and its cognate receptor MET play several essential roles in embryogenesis and regeneration in postnatal life of epithelial organs such as the liver, kidney, lung, and pancreas, prompting a strong interest in harnessing HGF/SF-MET signalling for regeneration of epithelial organs after acute or chronic damage. The limited stability and tissue diffusion of native HGF/SF, however, which reflect the tightly controlled, local mechanism of action of the morphogen, have led to a major search of HGF/SF mimics for therapy. In this work, we describe the rational design, production, and characterization of K1K1, a novel minimal MET agonist consisting of two copies of the kringle 1 domain of HGF/SF in tandem orientation. K1K1 is highly stable and displays biological activities equivalent or superior to native HGF/SF in a variety of in vitro assay systems and in a mouse model of liver disease. These data suggest that this engineered ligand may find wide applications in acute and chronic diseases of the liver and other epithelial organs dependent of MET activation.
Complementary Nck1/2 Signaling in Podocytes Controls α Actinin-4–Mediated Actin Organization, Adhesion, and Basement Membrane Composition

Significance Statement Podocyte detachment is a major contributor to kidney disease progression, yet the mechanisms controlling podocyte adhesion are not well understood. We identified novel roles for Nck1 and Nck2 cytoskeletal adaptor proteins in cell adhesion through regulation of actin bundling at focal adhesions via α actinin-4. In vivo, loss of Nck1 and/or Nck2 increases basement membrane matrix deposition and renders podocytes more susceptible to damage after injury and with aging. More severe defects are observed with Nck2 deficiency, consistent with identification of distinct effector proteins. The results suggest an essential role for Nck adaptors as molecular hubs integrating multiple actin-based signals to control podocyte adhesion dynamics. Visual Abstract Background Maintenance of the kidney filtration barrier requires coordinated interactions between podocytes and the underlying glomerular basement membrane (GBM). GBM ligands bind podocyte integrins, which triggers actin-based signaling events critical for adhesion. Nck1/2 adaptors have emerged as essential regulators of podocyte cytoskeletal dynamics. However, the precise signaling mechanisms mediated by Nck1/2 adaptors in podocytes remain to be fully elucidated. Methods We generated podocytes deficient in Nck1 and Nck2 and used transcriptomic approaches to profile expression differences. Proteomic techniques identified specific binding partners for Nck1 and Nck2 in podocytes. We used cultured podocytes and mice deficient in Nck1 and/or Nck2, along with podocyte injury models, to comprehensively verify our findings. Results Compound loss of Nck1/2 altered expression of genes involved in actin binding, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix composition. Accordingly, Nck1/2-deficient podocytes showed defects in actin organization and cell adhesion in vitro, with podocyte detachment and altered GBM morphology present in vivo. We identified distinct interactomes for Nck1 and Nck2 and uncovered a mechanism by which Nck1 and Nck2 cooperate to regulate actin bundling at focal adhesions via α actinin-4. Furthermore, loss of Nck1 or Nck2 resulted in increased matrix deposition in vivo, with more prominent defects in Nck2-deficient mice, consistent with enhanced susceptibility to podocyte injury. Conclusion These findings reveal distinct, yet complementary, roles for Nck proteins in regulating podocyte adhesion, controlling GBM composition, and sustaining filtration barrier integrity.
DF-strings from D3${\bar {\bf D}}$3 as Cosmic Strings

We study Dirac-Born-Infeld type effective field theory of a complex tachyon and U(1)$\times$U(1) gauge fields describing a D3${\bar {\rm D}}$3 system. Classical solutions of straight global and local DF-strings with quantized vorticity are found and are classified into two types by the asymptotic behavior of the tachyon amplitude. For sufficiently large radial distances, one has linearly-growing tachyon amplitude and the other logarithmically-growing tachyon amplitude. A constant radial electric flux density denoting the fundamental-string background makes the obtained DF-strings thick. The other electric flux density parallel to the strings is localized, which represents localization of fundamental strings in the D1-F1 bound states. Since these DF-strings are formed in the coincidence limit of the D3${\bar {\rm D}}$3, these cosmic DF-strings are safe from inflation induced by the approach of the separated D3 and ${\bar {\rm D}}3$.
EFECTOS DE LA CORRELACION ELECTRONICA EN SOLIDOS. METODOLOGIAS PARA SU TRATAMIENTO EFFECTS OF THE ELECTRONIC CORRELATION IN SOLIDS. METHODOLOGIES FOR ITS TREATMENT

The effects of electronic correlation have been considered to describe correctly the behavior of the different matter systems (molecules, and solids); these models have been studied by means of ab-initio calculations (first principles). There are two points of view for it: Computational Quantum Chemistry and Computational Solid State Physics. Some interpretations have been detailed for this interaction and some methodologies it has been discussed to try them and their level of approximation. Also some cases are cited.
Diagnostic accuracy of paranasal sinus measurements on multislice computed tomography for sex estimation: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression

This systematic review aimed to answer the question, “Are paranasal measurements obtained with multislice computed tomography able to accurately estimate sex? ” This PROSPERO‐registered systematic review included six databases and gray literature. Meta‐analysis of linear and volumetric data was performed using a random‐effects model, mean differences (MDs), and inverse variance. The QUADAS‐2 tool‐related risk of bias (RoB) and certainty evidence (GRADE approach) were assessed. A total of 1651 articles were initially selected from the main electronic databases for title and abstract screening. After removing duplicates and studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 18 studies were eligible for the meta‐analysis. The screened studies included 2507 computed tomography of non‐pathologic paranasal sinuses of adults aged between 18 and 40 years. Frontal sinus (FS) width (−4.89 mm; p < 0.00001) and maxillary sinus (MS) height (−3.73 mm; p < 0.00001) showed the greatest MD between females and males. Regarding volume, the MD was significant (p < 0.00001) in both paranasal sinuses (−3.01 and −1.04 cm3, respectively). The best sensitivity (ability to identify males) and specificity (ability to identify females) were found for the anteroposterior (72.3%) and intermaxillary (69%) MS distances, respectively. In general, all studies exhibited low RoB and applicability concerns. The certainty of the evidence was categorized as very low to moderate. Both paranasal sinuses were shown to be dimorphic structures, which could be valuable tools for forensic identification using the FS width and MS anteroposterior distance measurements. However, heterogeneity among studies must be considered.
Imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance.

BACKGROUND Imipenem and relebactam are predominantly excreted via glomerular filtration. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a common syndrome in critically-ill patients with sepsis, and sub-therapeutic antibiotic concentrations are of concern. Herein, we describe the pharmacokinetics of imipenem/relebactam in critically-ill patients with ARC. METHODS Infected patients in the ICU with ARC (CLCR ≥ 130 mL/min) received a single dose of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam 1.25 g as a 30 min infusion. Blood samples were collected over 6 h for concentration determination. Protein binding was assessed by ultrafiltration. An 8 h urine creatinine collection confirmed ARC. Population pharmacokinetic models with and without covariates were fit using the non-parametric adaptive grid algorithm in Pmetrics. A 5000 patient Monte Carlo simulation assessed joint PTA using relebactam fAUC/MIC ≥8 and imipenem ≥40% fT>MIC. RESULTS Eight patients with ARC completed the study. A base population pharmacokinetic model with two-compartments fitted the data best. The mean ± SD parameters were: CL, 17.31 ± 5.76 L/h; Vc, 16.15 ± 7.75 L; k12, 1.62 ± 0.99 h-1; and k21, 3.53 ± 3.31 h-1 for imipenem, and 11.51 ± 4.79 L/h, 16.54 ± 7.43 L, 1.59 ± 1.12 h-1, and 2.83 ± 2.91 h-1 for relebactam. Imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam 1.25 g as a 30 min infusion every 6 h achieved 100% and 93% PTA at MICs of 1 and 2 mg/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Despite enhanced clearance of both imipenem and relebactam, the currently approved dosing regimen for normal renal function was predicted to achieve optimal exposure in critically-ill patients with ARC sufficient to treat most susceptible pathogens.
The High Resolution L2,3 MM and M4,5 NN Auger Spectra from Krypton and M4,5 NN and N4,5 OO Auger Spectra from Xenon

The high resolution Auger spectra from krypton (L2,3 MM and M4,5 NN) and xenon (M4,5 NN and N4,5 OO) have been obtained. The Auger lines are assigned by comparison with energies obtained from optical spectroscopy and relativistic Hartree-Fock-Stater calculations and the energies of new atomic levels have been found. Some of the satellite lines have been assigned to shake-up processes. Comparison with calculations of Auger intensities has also been made.
Training residents in minimally invasive surgery; confirming competence or hoping for the best?

Abstract Background Veterinary minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rapidly developing, and most surgeons are performing MIS in their clinical practice. The technical skills of presented surgical techniques are increasingly complex. Required training of American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) surgical residents in soft tissue MIS (laparoscopy/thoracoscopy) are limited to traditional apprentice training. Unfortunately, such training has been found insufficient to create competent MIS surgeons. Aim of the review This review discusses development of MIS training for Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) residents in context of veterinary applicability and investigates comparative evidence for how to best train veterinary residents in soft tissue MIS. Conclusions A structured curriculum, with validated tasks and clear training goals have been found imperative for training success. Such a curriculum includes both didactic sessions and manual skills training, with video tutorials and reading material to inform and motivate the residents. Implications of key findings ACVS residents and diplomates may benefit if a MIS curriculum was developed and made available to all training programs.