LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Spermidine: A predictor for neurological outcome and infarct size in focal cerebral ischemia?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Polyamines are mainly restricted to the intracellular space. During focal cerebral ischemia, polyamines are released from the intracellular compartment. Experimental studies have implicated a marked elevation in brain tissue and blood. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the elevation of polyamines in the blood of patients with focal cerebral ischemia correlates with the clinical outcome and the infarct volume.


METHODS
Polyamines were measured in 16 patients with focal cerebral ischemia and in 8 healthy control subjects. Blood samples for polyamine measurement were taken at admission and at fixed time points for the next 28 days. Polyamines were analyzed in red blood cells by a high-pressure liquid chromatography system. Clinical findings were recorded with the NIH Stroke Scale score. Volume of infarction was analyzed from cranial CT at admission and on days 4 to 6 after ischemia.


RESULTS
A significant increase of the spermidine level in the peripheral blood could be observed in all patients with focal cerebral ischemia as compared with control subjects (P:<0.01), starting with the admission. Spermidine values correlated positively with the clinical outcome at several time points in the first 48 hours (r=0.90 to 0.40; P:<0.01) and with the infarct volume in cranial CT on days 4 to 6 (r=0.91; P:<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
As hypothesized from experimental data, polyamine levels in blood increase in patients after focal cerebral ischemia. The results indicate that the peripheral spermidine level is closely associated with the clinical outcome as well as with the infarction volume. Therefore, polyamines may be used as a novel predictor for the prognosis of patients with focal cerebral ischemia.
The intriguing prion disorders

Prion diseases are among the most intriguing illnesses. Despite their rare incidence, they have captured enormous attention from the scientific community and general public. One of the most hotly debated issues in these diseases is the nature of the infectious material. In recent years increasing evidence has emerged supporting the protein-only hypothesis of prion transmission. In this model PrPSc (the pathological isoform of the prion protein, PrPC) represents the sole component of the infectious particle. However, uncertainties about possible additional factors involved in the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc remain despite extensive attempts to isolate and characterize these elusive components. In this article, we review recent developments concerning the protein-only hypothesis as well as the possible involvement of cellular factors in PrPC to PrPSc conformational change and their influence on the pathogenesis of prion diseases.
Aerobic and Combined Exercise Sessions Reduce Glucose Variability in Type 2 Diabetes: Crossover Randomized Trial

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effects of aerobic (AER) or aerobic plus resistance exercise (COMB) sessions on glucose levels and glucose variability in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, we assessed conventional and non-conventional methods to analyze glucose variability derived from multiple measurements performed with continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).


METHODS
Fourteen patients with type 2 diabetes (56±2 years) wore a CGMS during 3 days. Participants randomly performed AER and COMB sessions, both in the morning (24 h after CGMS placement), and at least 7 days apart. Glucose variability was evaluated by glucose standard deviation, glucose variance, mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), and glucose coefficient of variation (conventional methods) as well as by spectral and symbolic analysis (non-conventional methods).


RESULTS
Baseline fasting glycemia was 139±05 mg/dL and HbA1c 7.9±0.7%. Glucose levels decreased immediately after AER and COMB protocols by ∼16%, which was sustained for approximately 3 hours. Comparing the two exercise modalities, responses over a 24-h period after the sessions were similar for glucose levels, glucose variance and glucose coefficient of variation. In the symbolic analysis, increases in 0 V pattern (COMB, 67.0±7.1 vs. 76.0±6.3, P = 0.003) and decreases in 1 V pattern (COMB, 29.1±5.3 vs. 21.5±5.1, P = 0.004) were observed only after the COMB session.


CONCLUSIONS
Both AER and COMB exercise modalities reduce glucose levels similarly for a short period of time. The use of non-conventional analysis indicates reduction of glucose variability after a single session of combined exercises.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Aerobic training, aerobic-resistance training and glucose profile (CGMS) in type 2 diabetes (CGMS exercise). ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00887094.
Distributed load control of autonomous renewable energy systems

Autonomous renewable energy systems such as wind, solar, and micro-hydro require control methods to maintain stability, due to the real time variation of input energy and load, while maximizing the use of renewable energy. This paper describes the application of load control using a novel frequency and voltagesensing device. The device uses a low cost microcontroller to monitor the system frequency and voltage. Load switching is carried out based on this information. Software was developed for frequency and voltage measurements and tested on a 18 kW, single phase, 50 Hz, micro-hydro system. A fuzzy control system was then developed which makes intelligent load switching decisions using inputs from the measurement algorithms coupled with expert knowledge expressed in the form of control rules. This load control system was then tested on the same micro-hydro system and on a site powered by a 60 kW, 3 phase, 50 Hz wind turbine only.
A blended learning environment for individualized English listening and speaking integrating critical thinking

Critical thinking (CT) and English communication are recognized as two essential 21st century competencies. To equip students with these competencies and respond to the challenges of global competition, educational technology is being developed to enhance teaching and learning. This study examined the effectiveness of integrating CT into individualized English listening and speaking instruction using Moodle, a virtual learning environment. Individualized instruction was designed with three key elements, namely proficiency level grouping, individualized instructional strategies and materials, and individualized feedback. Participants were 83 students enrolled in a semester-long general education course at a large university in Taiwan. The four dependent measures were CT skills (CTS), CT dispositions (CTD), English listening, and speaking proficiency. Results from the one-group pretest–posttest design were evaluated by paired t-tests and a mixed design ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) in order to identify any statistically significant improvements following the intervention. The results of the study showed that learners participating in the treatment significantly improved in terms of English listening and speaking, as well as on all CTS subscales, with little change in CTD, apart from significant improvement on the subscale of open-mindedness. Limitations and suggestions for successful online CT-integrated instruction and implications for future research are provided. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Palatal rotation-advancement flap for delayed repair of oroantral fistula: a retrospective evaluation of 63 cases.

OBJECTIVE
To review our 17-year clinical experience with delayed oroantral fistula repair by palatal rotation-advancement flap, and to report its advantages, disadvantages, and complications.


STUDY DESIGN
The records of 63 patients with late oroantral fistula treated by palatal rotation-advancement flap from 1984 to 2002 were reviewed. Eleven had undergone unsuccessful closure with a buccal flap. Data recorded were patient age and sex, cause of fistula, signs and symptoms, interval from appearance of fistula to repair, fistula size, radiographic appearance, method of repair, and immediate and late complications.


RESULTS
There were 35 women and 28 men aged 21 to 71 years (mean 50.3 years). Surgery was performed 3 months to 20 years after injury (mean 1.8 years). Twenty-four patients had acute maxillary sinusitis and 39 had chronic sinusitis. The main causes of oroantral fistula were extraction of the second and first molars and pathological lesions within the sinus. Average fistula size was 2.3 cm x 1.6 cm. Fifty-one repairs were preceded by Caldwell-Luc operation. All fistulas were successfully closed with the palatal rotation-advancement flap, with minimal complications on long-term follow-up.


CONCLUSION
The palatal rotation-advancement flap is recommended for the late repair of oroantral fistula owing to its good vascularization, excellent thickness and tissue bulk, and easy accessibility; it also allows for the maintenance of the vestibular-sulcus depth. It is particularly indicated in cases of unsuccessful buccal flap closure.
Acetyl-L-carnitine for alcohol craving and relapse prevention in anhedonic alcoholics: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

AIM
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), at different doses, in relapse prevention and craving in anhedonic detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects.


METHOD
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study in 64 alcohol-dependent anhedonic patients: 23 received ALC at a dose of 3 g/day, 21 received ALC at a dosage of 1 g/day and 20 were given placebo. Intensity of alcohol craving was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale. Subjects were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and after 10, 30, 60 and 90 days.


RESULTS
Survival analysis showed that patients treated with ALC remained completely abstinent for longer than those treated with placebo (Z = -2.27; P < 0.05). From the 10th day onwards, a greater reduction of craving was observed in the ALC 1 g group than with placebo (P = 0.035). The two groups did not differ in the percentage of subjects remaining abstinent for the entire study period or the number of subjects who relapsed (defined as five or more standard drinks (four for women) on a single occasion or drinking on five or more days in 1 week).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that ALC can reduce craving and the time to first drink. ALC use was safe. Further studies are needed to clarify to confirm, over longer periods, these short-term outcome benefits.
Perioperative Dexamethasone and the Development of Chronic Postmastectomy Pain: A Single-Center Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Perioperative modulation of the surgical inflammatory response has been hypothesized as a viable pharmacological preventive target for the development of chronic pain after surgery. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate an association between intravenous dexamethasone 4 to 20 mg on the day of surgery with self-reported pain in the breast or axilla 3 months or more after mastectomy.


METHODS
The study was a secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort investigation. Subjects who have undergone mastectomy surgery were evaluated at least 3 months after the surgical procedure for the presence of chronic postsurgical pain using validated pain questionnaires. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds of development of chronic postsurgical pain in subjects who did and did not receive perioperative dexamethasone.


RESULTS
Three hundred ten patients were included in the study. Fifty-two patients (17%) met the IMMPACT (Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials) criteria for chronic pain in the breast and/or axillary region. Two hundred eleven (68%) of 310 subjects received perioperative dexamethasone on doses varying from 4 to 20 mg. The incidence of chronic pain in the mastectomy group who received perioperative dexamethasone was not different, 15 (15.2%) of 84 compared with 37 (17.5%) of 211 in the group who did not receive perioperative dexamethasone, difference -2% (95% confidence interval, -10 to 7; P = 0.75).


CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative dexamethasone is not associated with a reduction in the incidence and/or severity of chronic postmastectomy pain. In addition, we did not detect a dose-response effect of dexamethasone on the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain.
PRISM: a "reversed" multimedia coding paradigm

In this work, we present PRISM (Power-efficient, Robust, hIgh-compression, Syndrome-based Multimedia coding), a video coding paradigm based on the principles of coding with side information (which, unlike the classical WynerZiv coding scenario [1], is characterized by an ambiguous state of nature characterizing the side-information [2]). PRISM’s architectural goals are to inherit the low encoding complexity and robustness of motion-JPEG style intra-frame video codecs while approaching the high compression efficiency of full-motion interframe video codecs. The PRISM paradigm roughly swaps the encoder-decoder complexity with respect to conventional video coding architectures through the novel concept of moving the motion compensation task from the encoder to the decoder. These traits make PRISM wellmatched to uplink-rich media applications involving wireless video and security cameras, multimedia-equipped phones and PDA’s etc.
Swimming exercise ameliorates depression-like behavior in chronically stressed rats: Relevant to proinflammatory cytokines and IDO activation

Chronic stress is involved in development of depression and causes immune alterations. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays a pivotal role in mediating the depression-like behaviors in response to immune activation. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce the stress impairment and ameliorate depressive symptoms. The objectives of present study were to confirm that chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induces depression-like behavior and inflammatory responses within the brain, and then investigate whether swimming exercise alleviates the depression-like behaviors induced by CUMS through proinflammatory cytokine-induced alteration of IDO in brain. It has been found that CUMS exposure induced depression-like behavior, increased serum corticosterone (CORT) level, decreased 5-HT level, increased IFN-γ and TNF-α levels and elevated IDO activity in prefrontal cortex. Moreover, the level of 5-HT was inversely correlated with IDO level. Regular swimming exercise ameliorated depressive symptoms induced by CUMS. The exercise reduced serum CORT level, increased 5-HT level as well as decreased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IDO in prefrontal cortex in CUMS rats. These findings suggested that CUMS activate HPA axis and induce immune activation, which may stimulate IDO activity, leading to the reduction of 5-HT level in brain, thereby resulting in depression. Swimming exercise may inhibit activation of inflammation/IDO pathways induced by CUMS, thereby ameliorating depression.
MOBILE CLOUD COMPUTING AS A FUTURE OF MOBILE MULTIMEDIA DATABASE

MOBILE CLOUD COMPUTING AS A FUTURE OF MOBILE MULTIMEDIA DATABASE Amreen Khan and KamalKant Ahirwar Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Amity University, Noida, INDIA. E-mail: amreenkhan29@gmail.com, kamalkant28@gmail.com In the past decade, due to technological advancement in wireless communications, mobile computing, and multimedia streaming mobile multimedia has experienced an explosive development. This paper shows the key issues of Mobile Multimedia Database Systems and the issues that need to take into consideration in the future.
Supernumerary and supplemental teeth: case report.

AIM
This is to report the case of a ten year old child affected by a numeric dental anomaly showing the pathologic condition characterised by the simultaneous presence of supernumerary and supplemental teeth. The anomaly was analysed to plan the best surgical and orthodontic treatments.


CASE REPORT
Dental history, clinical and instrumental examinations were made to perform a correct orthodontic examination and diagnosis. A young patient was affected by numeric dental anomaly in the upper jaw. We observed a high number of teeth, specifically two normally formed supplemental lateral permanent incisors and an unerupted mesiodens placed between the upper central incisors. Firstly, the supplemental lateral teeth were extracted. This surgical therapy and the application of a space maintainer were made to permit the eruption of the permanent canines. Then the mesiodens also underwent surgical treatment (i.e. extraction). Eventually, physiologic eruption of permanent teeth was allowed by the planned surgical-orthodontic treatment.


DISCUSSION
Aim of the surgical-orthodontic treatment was extraction of the unerupted supernumerary teeth to obtain the physiologic eruption of the permanent ones. Orthodontic treatment is important to solve malocclusions and maintaining the space for the eruption of permanent teeth.


CONCLUSION
Aesthetics and function are two important parameters in modern dentistry. All clinicians should try to make a correct and rational diagnosis for both simple and complex dental pathologies. Particularly in young children, invasive and surgical disinclusive techniques can be substituted by interceptive orthodontic treatments.
Speed control of PMBLDC motor using MATLAB/Simulink and effects of load and inertia changes

Modeling and simulation of electromechanical systems with machine drives are essential steps at the design stage of such systems. This paper describes the procedure of deriving a model for the brushless dc motor with 120-degree inverter system and its validation in the MATLAB/Simulink platform. The discussion arrives at a closed-loop speed control, in which PI algorithm is adopted and the position-pulse determination is done through current control for a standard trapezoidal BLDC motors. The simulation results for BLDC motor drive systems confirm the validity of the proposed method.
Health economic benefits and quality of life during improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

CONTEXT
Although the long-term health benefits of good glycemic control in patients with diabetes are well documented, shorter-term quality of life (QOL) and economic savings generally have been reported to be minimal or absent.


OBJECTIVE
To examine short-term outcomes of glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).


DESIGN
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel trial.


SETTING
Sixty-two sites in the United States.


PARTICIPANTS
A total of 569 male and female volunteers with type 2 DM.


INTERVENTION
After a 3-week, single-blind placebo-washout period, participants were randomized to diet and titration with either 5 to 20 mg of glipizide gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) (n = 377) or placebo (n = 192) for 12 weeks.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Change from baseline in glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and symptom distress, QOL, and health economic indicators by questionnaires and diaries.


RESULTS
After 12 weeks, mean (+/-SE) HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels decreased with active therapy (glipizide GITS) vs placebo (7.5% 0.1% vs 9.3%+/-0.1% and 7.0+/-0.1 mmol/L [126+/-2 mg/dL] vs 9.3+/-0.2 mmol/L [168+/-4 mg/ dL], respectively; P<.001). Quality-of-life treatment differences (SD units) for symptom distress (+0.59; P<.001), general perceived health (+0.36; P= .004), cognitive functioning (+0.34; P=.005), and the overall visual analog scale (VAS) (+0.24; P=.04) were significantly more favorable for active therapy. Subscales of acuity (+0.38; P=.002), VAS emotional health (+0.35; P=.003), general health (+0.27; P=.01), sleep (+0.26; P=.04), depression (+0.25; P=.05), disorientation and detachment (+0.23; P= .05), and vitality (+0.22; P=.04) were most affected. Favorable health economic outcomes for glipizide GITS included higher retained employment (97% vs 85%; P<.001), greater productive capacity (99% vs 87%; P<.001), less absenteeism (losses = $24 vs $115 per worker per month; P<.001), fewer bed-days (losses = $1539 vs $1843 per 1000 person-days; P=.05), and fewer restricted-activity days (losses = $2660 vs $4275 per 1000 person-days; P=.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Improved glycemic control of type 2 DM is associated with substantial short-term symptomatic, QOL, and health economic benefits.
Precocious puberty in an infant with hepatoblastoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION
The syndrome of isosexual precocious puberty associated with primary malignant hepatic tumors is rare. All previously reported cases in the literature are old and prognosis was grim.


CASE PRESENTATION
We present the case of a 15-month-old Asian male baby who presented with precocious puberty associated with hepatoblastoma. Serum concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein and free testosterone were elevated, as was beta human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. He was treated with six courses of chemotherapy and underwent surgery. His surface markers as well as free testosterone level returned to normal during therapy. The child has now been off therapy for 18 months with no evidence of tumor recurrence at follow-up.


CONCLUSION
Virilizing hepatoblastoma is rare and reported with poor outcome, but the development of new chemotherapeutic agents and complete surgical resection are promising.
Decolorization of dye wastewaters by biosorbents: a review.

Dye wastewater is one of the most difficult to treat. There has been exhaustive research on biosorption of dye wastewater. It is evolving as an attractive option to supplement conventional treatment processes. This paper examines various biosorbents such as fungi, bacteria, algae, chitosan and peat, which are capable of decolorizing dye wastewaters; discusses various mechanism involved, the effects of various factors influencing dye wastewater decolorization and reviews pretreatment methods for increasing the biosorption capacity of the adsorbents. The paper examines the mismatch between strong scientific progress in the field of biosorption and lack of commercialization of research.
Animal-assisted interventions for elderly patients affected by dementia or psychiatric disorders: a review.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this literature review was to assess the effects of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) on elderly patients with dementia or various psychiatric disorders.


METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive literature search using the online PubMed network of the US National Library of Medicine & National Institutes of Health, Embase, PsycINFO, with the purpose of investigating AAI effects on cognitive functions, mood, and behaviour.


RESULTS
A total of 18 articles on dementia and 5 on psychiatric disorders were included in the present review. AAI were found to have positive influences on demented patients by reducing degree of agitation and by improving degree and quality of social interaction. Few studies have assessed the effects of AAI on mood, and even fewer have assessed its consequences on cognitive functions. The results that are available indicate a positive effect on communication and coping ability, but none on cognitive performance. A substitute pet robot yielded encouraging results, but its use requires further investigation. The few studies conducted for elderly patients presenting a variety of psychiatric diagnoses produced controversial findings.


CONCLUSIONS
In spite of the encouraging results of AAI, much more research examining the issue of optimal AAI duration, frequency of sessions, and suitable target group is needed.