jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Immune complex binding Streptococcus pyogenes type M12/emm12 in experimental glomerulonephritis

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

In a rabbit model, we have previously reported evidence for a pathogenic role of streptococcal IgG Fc-binding proteins (IgGFcBP) in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). These proteins, of the M protein family, were shown to trigger anti-IgG production and enhance renal deposition of IgG and/or immune complexes (ICs), with resulting activation of complement and cytokine cascades. In the present study, type M12/ emm 12, group A streptococci (GAS) were found often to bind artificial ICs, viz. peroxidase–anti-peroxidase rabbit IgG (PAP) or tetanus toxoid–anti-tetanus human IgG (TAT), rather than monomeric IgG. Animals injected with each of four IC binding clinical isolates (from patients with scarlet fever or PSGN) showed pronounced inflammatory and degenerative glomerular changes, morphologically similar to human PSGN, with membrane thickening and IgG and complement C3 deposition, as well as secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by mesangial and endothelial cells. In contrast, non-binding strains (two from asymptomatic carriers and one from a PSGN case) failed to trigger any renal changes. Only the IC binding strains induced elevated titres of anti-IgG. Though the streptococcal binding component(s) has not been demonstrated, the selective binding of ICs by type M12/ emm 12 strains appears important for the well-known, marked nephritogenic potential of this GAS type.
There and back again: Oocephalus piranii is better treated as Hyptis (Hyptidinae, Lamiaceae)

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Hyptis piranii, an endemic species from campos rupestres of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, was described as a member of H. sect. Polydesmia subsect. Oocephalus. After a number of sections and subsections of Hyptis had been raised to generic rank, this species became a member of the genus Oocephalus. Recent morphological analyses showed that, actually, the species is better treated as a member of Hyptis sect. Eriosphaeria. We provide a description of Hyptis piranii, as well as comments on its morphology and a plate showing key morphological features.
Polycythemia Vera in Patients Aged &gt; 80 Years: Real-Life Experience of the NPM Ph Negative Latial Group

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Background: Increasing life expectancy has lead to a progressive increment in the proportion of patients (pts) with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) aged ≥ 80 years at diagnosis. However, so far, few studies have evaluated very elderly pts with polycythemia vera (PV) Aim: To describe the clinical features and the course of disease in a real-life cohort of PV pts aged ≥80 years Methods: From 1/2000 to 12/2023, 100 consecutive pts aged ≥ 80 years were diagnosed in 7 hematologic Centres and enrolled in the retrospective and prospective databases of the Latial group for Ph-negative MPN. Diagnosis was revised according to WHO 2022 criteria. Results: Main features at diagnosis were as follows: M/F 42/58, median age 83.1 years [interquartile range (IQR) 81.3 - 85.9], median Hb value 17.5 g/dl (IQR 16.0 - 18.5), median Ht 53.7% (IQR 50.5 - 57.9), median WBC count 10.2 x 109/l (IQR 8.7 - 13.5), median PLT count 520 x 109/l (IQR 370 - 690).Marrow biopsy was performed in 13/89 evaluable cases (14.5%), median JAK2 V617F allele burden was 40% (IQR 17.8-66.2). Symptoms at diagnosis were present in 18/86 evaluable pts (20.9%), with pruritus accounting for 50% of cases (9/18). Arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoke attitude were present in 69.7%, 13.1%, 32.0% and 23.1% of pts, respectively. Previous thrombotic events were reported in 28/90 evaluable pts (38.1%). Hydroxyurea (HU) was started in 96/100 pts, after a median time of 1 month (IQR 0.1 - 3.8) from diagnosis. HU was discontinued in 20/96 pts (20.8%), mostly due to intolerance (12/20). Only 3/20 pts (15%) received Ruxolitinib as 2nd line, while no other drug was used in 11/20 pts (55%). Thrombotic events during follow up were reported in 10/86 evaluable pts (11.6%), while evolution in fibrotic and blastic phase was observed in 2 cases. At the last follow up, 18 pts died, 40 were lost to FU and 42 were still alive: 60-month and 120-month cumulative overall survival were 82.2% (95%CI 92.6 - 71.8) and 52.3% (95%CI 73.9 - 30.7), respectively Conclusion: Our data in a relatively large real-life cohort of very elderly PV pts highlight some points of the current clinical practice: as expected, few pts underwent marrow biopsy at diagnosis and quite all pts received HU as frontline cytoreductive therapy at a short interval after diagnosis. However, responsible physicians were still reluctant after HU discontinuation in prescribing 2nd line treatment with ruxolitinib in this setting. The high number of cases lost to follow-up, probably due to difficulties in reaching hematologic Center by these aged pts, made difficult a correct evaluation of OS curve, which however was similar to that of general population in the same age group
Mechanical effects of weak structural planes in rock mass

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

In the analyses of the plastic deformation of the structural plane, the common practice is to use the constitutive relationship expressed by C and ϕ. However, the value of C and ϕ can not be measured directly from laboratory tests and their values are not unique when determined with different tested curves even when the data diversity was neglected. For example (Figure 1),CA, ϕA are determined from the yielding points A1, A2, . . . , An; while the CB, ϕB are determined from the points with maximal stresses B1, B2, . . . Bn; Cc, ϕc from the residual points C1, C2, . . . , Cn. Usually CA = CB = Cc, ϕA =ϕB = ϕc. As a result, it is hard to select C and φ for analyses of shear deformation in weak structural plane under external load. In engineering practice, an ideal plastic relationship between shear stress and displacement is usually used to estimate the value of C and ϕ. However, the weak structural plane will not consider the softening or hardening characteristics of the weak structural plane, which would be a major source of error. From Figure 1, most curves present the hardening; softening and residual states with increase of displacement under certain normal stresses and the corresponding changes in states cannot be represented with a single set of values of C and ϕ.
The effect of aqueous extracts and isolation proteinous compound from clove buds on serumglucose, triglyceride , glutathione and malnodialdehyde levels in alloxan induced diabetic mice

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

This study was included preparing acold aqueous extract of clove buds The study also comprised the isolation and studying the proteinous compound,which was seperated using gel filtration technique and determined approximately molecular weight of this isolated compound(6799) dalton . The aim of the study demonstrate effects of the crude aqueous, non proteinous extract, proteinous precipitate and proteinous compound on serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, also glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney tissues in diabetic mice-induced alloxan.Extracts were administerated interaperitioneally. The results were indicated that the crude aqueous, non proteinous extract, proteinous precipitate and proteinous compound which were caused asignificant decrease in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and malondialdehyde level in liver and kidney tissues, while aproteinous precipitate don’t show asignificant decrease in serum cholesterol level but all extracts don’t show asignificant changes in serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level in alloxan induced diabetic mice, on other wise all extracts showed asignificant increase in glutathione level in liver and kidney tissues except non proteinous extract and proteinous precipitate which were caused asignificant increase in glutathione level in liver tissue only.
Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urine output as predictors of the successful discontinuation of continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Abstract Background: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CCRT) is a frequently used modality for the support of intensive care patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Nevertheless, there are no objective criteria for the discontinuation of CRRT. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) alone or in combination with urine output could be used as a diagnostic test for renal function recovery in ICU patients on CRRT. Methods: This was a single-centre prospective observational study including patients with acute kidney failure needing CRRT. Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, and 54 completed the study. Of the 54 patients, 22 recovered renal function (REC), defined as dialysis independency at 72 hours from discontinuation, while 32 patients did not (NREC). Urine NGAL was measured at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after CRRT discontinuation. The cumulated urine output was measured for 24 hours prior to discontinuation and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after discontinuation. Missing uNGAL values were calculated by interpolation. The Youden’s index was used to calculate cut-off values in order to define uNGAL and urine output single variable and 2-variable diagnostic tests with the optimum prediction of successful CRRT discontinuation. Results: Baseline characteristics at CRRT initiation were similar between groups. Compared to the NREC group, the REC group had significantly higher urine output (p<0.0001) and lower uNGAL (p<0.001) at all time points, except for uNGAL at 24 hours (p<0.24). The best uNGAL predictor for successful CRRT discontinuation was uNGAL at 6 hours after discontinuation (predictive value 80%). The best single predictor was cumulated urine output 24 hours before discontinuation (predictive value 85%). The combinations of uNGAL at 6 hours (cut-off 1650 µg/L) with cumulated urine output 24 hours prior to discontinuation (cut-off 210 ml) proved to be the superior tests (using either “or” or “and”), with predictive values of 93% (successful CRRT discontinuation) and 92% (dialysis dependency). Conclusions: With a predictive value of 93%, the combination of uNGAL at 6 hours after and the cumulated urine output 24 hours prior to CRRT cessation proved to be the best diagnostic test for successful CRRT discontinuation in ICU patients. Clinical trial registration: N/A
Technologies for Teaching in an Online Environment

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Aim/Purpose: The authors provide different technology applications useful in online instruction in addition to providing effective strategies for use in a virtual environment. Background: Last year, educators were forced to move their instruction online almost overnight. Many were not prepared to teach effectively in a virtual environment. Contribution: This paper serves as a resource to educators who are unfamiliar with teaching online as well as for those who would like to enhance their current practice. Recommendations for Practitioners: Be flexible when teaching in a virtual environment. Remain open to using new and unfamiliar technologies. Be consistent in providing feedback to students and communicate frequently with them. Impact on Society: The abrupt transition for educators, as well as for most workplaces, to an exclusively online environment in response to COVID has long-lasting effects in how business as usual will be conducted. Being proficient and comfortable in navigating a virtual environment is essential. Future Research: As we continue to work virtually, ongoing research that informs our practice is critical for remaining effective educators. Additionally, it is important to remain knowledgeable about current and new technologies available to us. *** NOTE: This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 18, 31-30. At the bottom of this page, click DOWNLOAD PDF to download the published paper. ***
Screening Tool for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Based on a Deep-Learning Algorithm Using Printed 12-Lead Electrocardiographic Records during Sinus Rhythm

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Background: Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly improved atrial fibrillation (AF) detection using electrocardiography (ECG) data obtained during sinus rhythm (SR). However, the utility of printed ECG (pECG) records for AF detection, particularly in developing countries, remains unexplored. This study aims to assess the efficacy of an AI-based screening tool for paroxysmal AF (PAF) using pECGs during SR. Methods: We analyzed 5688 printed 12-lead SR-ECG records from 2192 patients admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital between May 2011 to August 2022. All patients underwent catheter ablation for PAF (AF group) or other electrophysiological procedures (non-AF group). We developed a deep learning model to detect PAF from these printed SR-ECGs. The 2192 patients were randomly assigned to training (1972, 57.3% with PAF), validation (108, 57.4% with PAF), and test datasets (112, 57.1% with PAF). We developed an applet to digitize the printed ECG data and display the results within a few seconds. Our evaluation focused on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1 score, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and precision-recall curves (PRAUC). Results: The PAF detection algorithm demonstrated strong performance: sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 66.7%, accuracy 78.6%, F1 score 0.824, AUROC 0.871 and PRAUC 0.914. A gradient-weighted class activation map (Grad-CAM) revealed the model’s tailored focus on different ECG areas for personalized PAF detection. Conclusions: The deep-learning analysis of printed SR-ECG records shows high accuracy in PAF detection, suggesting its potential as a reliable screening tool in real-world clinical practice.
Ecto-5'-nucleotidase can provide the total purine requirements of mitogen-stimulated human T cells and rapidly dividing human B lymphoblastoid cells.

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract The ability of mitogen-stimulated human T cells or rapidly dividing human B lymphoblastoid cells to drive their total purine requirements from inosine 5'-monophosphate, inosine, or hypoxanthine was compared. Inosine 5'-monophosphate first must be converted to inosine by the action of the enzyme ecto-5'-nucleotidase before it can be transported into the cell; inosine and hypoxanthine, however, can be transported directly. Mitogen-stimulated human peripheral blood T cells were treated with aminopterin to inhibit purine synthesis de novo and to make the cells dependent on an exogenous purine source. Thymidine was added as a source of pyrimidines. Under these conditions, 30 microM inosine 5'-monophosphate, inosine, and hypoxanthine showed comparable abilities to support [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA or [3H]leucine incorporation into protein at rates equal to that of untreated control cultures. Similar results were found when azaserine was used to inhibit purine synthesis de novo, and thus DNA synthesis. In parallel experiments with the rapidly dividing human B lymphoblastoid cell line WI-L2, treatment with aminopterin (plus thymidine) inhibited the growth rate by greater than 95%. The normal growth rate was restored by the addition of 30 microM inosine 5'-monophosphate, inosine, or hypoxanthine to the medium. However, in similar experiments with cell line 1254, a derivative of WI-L2 which lacks detectable ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, inosine and hypoxanthine (plus thymidine), but not inosine 5'-monophosphate (and thymidine) were able to restore the growth inhibition due to aminopterin. These results show that the catalytic activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase is sufficient to meet the total purine requirements of mitogen-stimulated human T cells or rapidly dividing human B lymphoblastoid cells, and suggest that this enzyme may be important for purine salvage when rates of purine synthesis de novo are limited and/or an extracellular source of purine nucleotides is available.
Quantifying the potential for high-altitude smoke injection in the North American boreal forest using the standard MODIS fire products and subpixel-based methods

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

All chemical transport models require an estimation of the vertical distribution of smoke particles near the source. This study quantitatively examines the strengths and weaknesses of several fire products for characterizing plume buoyancy and injection heights in the North American boreal forest during 2004–2005. Observations from the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer show that 21% of smoke plumes are injected more than 500 m above the boundary layer (BL500) and 8% exceed 2.5 km above ground level. Corresponding observations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) show that probability of injection above the BL500 exceeds 60% for pixel-based fire radiative power (FRPp) values above ~2500 MW. Increasing values of subpixel-retrieved fire area and temperature also correspond to higher injections but only after removing fire pixels with a weak 11 µm fire signal and clustering. The probability of injection above the BL500 reaches 50% when the subpixel radiant flux (FRPf flux) exceeds 20 kW/m2, highlighting its potential for estimating plume buoyancy. However, these data have limitations similar to FRPp, where the highest probability of injection corresponds to a small percentage of the data set (5–18%), and many high-altitude injections occur with lower values. Examinations of individual smoke plumes highlight the importance of combining pixel-level and subpixel outputs and show that plume injection is also sensitive to the fire pixel spatial distribution and meteorology. Therefore, an optimal method for predicting high-altitude injections will require some combination of injection climatology, FRPp, FRPf flux, and meteorology, but each variable's importance will depend on fire event characteristics.
Perfil microbiológico de sensibilidad y resistencia antimicrobiana en un hospital general de la selva peruana 2021

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance increases hospital mortality and is a public health problem. Objective: to determine the characteristics of microorganisms isolated from hospitalized patients and to detail antimicrobial sensitivity profiles. Methodology: cross-sectional study Cross-sectional study in a hospital in the Peruvian jungle during 2021. The type of microorganism, antimicrobial sensitivity (VITEK ® 2 bioMérieux), source of isolation, patient age and hospitalization service were identified. Results: 477 positive cultures were included in 453 patients. The samples came from bronchial secretion 54.9%, blood 35.2%, urine 6.5% and others 3.4%. The hospital services of origin were emergency 49.9%, intensive care unit 40.0%, medicine 9.6% and surgery 0.5%. Gram negative bacteria (74.6%), Gram positive bacteria (16.4%) and fungi (9%) were isolated. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Acinetobacter baumannii complex (32.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. (16.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.4%). Antimicrobial resistance for the most frequently isolated microorganisms was: Acinetobacter baumannii complex, XDR in 88.5%; Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp., MDR in 56.3%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, XDR in 54.7%; Staphylococcus epidermidis, MDR in 92.3%; and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, MDR in 100%. Conclusions: Gram-negative bacteria are the most prevalent, being more affected hospital critical areas, finding a high percentage of antimicrobial resistance.
A Collaborative Geospatial Shoreline Inventory Tool to Guide Coastal Development and Habitat Conservation

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

We are developing a geospatial inventory tool that will guide habitat conservation, restoration and coastal development and benefit several stakeholders who seek mitigation and adaptation strategies to shoreline changes resulting from erosion and sea level rise. The ESRI Geoportal Server, which is a type of web portal used to find and access geospatial information in a central repository, is customized by adding a Geoinventory tool capability that allows any shoreline related data to be searched, displayed and analyzed on a map viewer. Users will be able to select sections of the shoreline and generate statistical reports in the map viewer to allow for comparisons. The tool will also facilitate map-based discussion forums and creation of user groups to encourage citizen participation in decisions regarding shoreline stabilization and restoration, thereby promoting sustainable coastal development.
Ocular toxicity of mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil in the rabbit.

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

We studied the histotoxic effects of mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the eyes of New Zealand white rabbits using light microscopy. Twenty-four eyes of 24 rabbits received subconjunctival injections of mitomycin C (0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.40 or 0.80 mg/mL) or 5-FU (10.0 mg/mL), either alone (0.25 mL) or in combination with anterior chamber injections (0.05 mL), once daily for 4 consecutive days. Two eyes of two rabbits received subconjunctival and anterior chamber injections of unpreserved sterile saline. The eyes were examined regularly for external signs of toxicity and were enucleated 4 weeks after the last injection. Mitomycin C produced considerable tissue damage in the anterior segment, the severity being related to both the concentration and the route of administration. Eyes that received both subconjunctival and anterior chamber injections showed more damage than those that received subconjunctival injections alone. At the highest concentration of mitomycin C the cornea was inflamed, with stromal necrosis and marked endothelial loss. Hemorrhagic iris necrosis was also seen. In contrast, the 5-FU-treated eyes showed no microscopic evidence of toxicity. We conclude that there is greater risk of toxic anterior segment effects when mitomycin C is used as adjunctive therapy following filtration or pterygium surgery.
Giant mesenteric lipoma in a pre-school child: a case report

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Abstract Lipomas are common benign tumors, typically affecting subcutaneous tissues in the head, neck, trunk, and upper limbs, particularly in individuals over 40 years old. However, visceral involvement, such as mesenteric lipomas, is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 50 pediatric cases reported in the English literature. Mesenteric lipomas are generally asymptomatic but may present with non-specific symptoms like abdominal distension or signs of partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Imaging modalities such as abdominal ultrasound and CT scan often reveal a well-differentiated fatty tumor, but histological confirmation is essential for diagnosis and management. We present a case of a 3-year-old female who experienced progressive abdominal distension over the course of a year. Imaging identified a large lipomatous tumor, which was surgically excised. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mesenteric lipoma.