Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in patients with obstructive lung disease using exhaled breath profiling

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) has been implicated in the worsening of several respiratory disorders. Current methods of diagnosis lack accuracy, are invasive and can be costly. Recently, novel methods of analysing lung pathophysiology have been developed including the use of an electronic nose and analysis of components of exhaled breath condensate (EBC). We hypothesised that these methods would distinguish patients with GORD from those without GORD in the common obstructive lung diseases and healthy controls. In a cross-sectional study, exhaled breath was analysed using the Cyranose 320 electronic nose, using principal components and canonical discriminant analyses. EBC pH and pepsin were quantified using a pH meter and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. A standardized reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) was used to assess reflux symptoms. The Cyranose 320 distinguished exhaled breath profiles of obstructive lung disease patients without GORD from obstructive lung disease patients with GORD (p = 0.023, accuracy 67.6%), asthmatic patients with reflux from asthmatics without GORD (85%, p = < 0.015, interclass M distance > 2.8), but did not produce as robust a profile for patients with COPD and COPD with GORD (p = 0.047, accuracy 64%). Patients with obstructive lung disease and GORD had significantly higher levels of EBC pepsin (9.81 ± interquartile range (IQR) 4.38 ng ml−1) than those without GORD (4.6 ± IQR 6.95 ng ml−1), as well as healthy controls (3.44 ± IQR 7.87 ng ml−1; p = < 0.013). EBC pH was not significantly related to the presence of GORD in any group. The RDQ results correlated significantly with the presence of EBC pepsin. This pilot study has shown that exhaled breath profiling can be used for detecting GORD in obstructive lung diseases. While the electronic nose was useful in asthma, EBC pepsin was more helpful in COPD. In this study, several different confounders could potentially have affected results and larger prospective interventional studies are needed.
Determination of drug-like properties of a novel antileishmanial compound: In vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies

In drug discovery research, the compounds should not only to be potent and selective but also must possess acceptable pharmacokinetic properties such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) to increase success rate in clinical studies. Objective: Exploration of drug-like properties of 2-(2-methylquinolin-4-ylamino)-N-phenyl acetamide, a potent antileishmanial compound by performing some in vitro ADME experiments along with validation of such studies. Materials and Methods: Experimental protocols were established and validated for stability (in PBS pH7.4, simulated gastric and intestinal fluid), solubility, permeability, distribution coefficient (Log D), plasma protein binding and metabolism by rat liver microsomes by using spectrophotometer or HPLC. Methods were considered valid if the results of the standard compounds matched with reported results or within acceptable range or with proper ranking (high-medium-low). Results: The compound was found to be stable (>95% remaining) in all stability studies and aqueous solubility was 299.7 ± 6.42 μM. The parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) indicated its medium permeability (Log Pe = −5.53 ± 0.01). The distribution coefficients (Log D) in octanol/PBS and cyclohexane/PBS systems were found to be 0.54 and −1.33, respectively. The plasma protein binding study by the equilibrium dialysis method was observed to be 78.82 ± 0.13% while metabolism by Phase-I enzymes for 1 hour at 37°C revealed that 36.07 ± 4.15% of the compound remained after metabolism. Conclusion: The methods were found to be very useful for day-to-day ADME studies. All the studies with the antileishmanial compound ascertained that the compound bears optimum pharmacokinetic properties to be used orally as a potential drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Effects of blood pressure lowering on outcome incidence in hypertension: 7. Effects of more vs. less intensive blood pressure lowering and different achieved blood pressure levels – updated overview and meta-analyses of randomized trials

Background and objectives: Previous meta-analyses of our group have investigated the cardiovascular effects of more vs. less intense blood pressure (BP) treatment and the BP levels to be achieved by treatment. A few additional trials have been completed recently, particularly the large SPRINT study. Updating of the previous meta-analyses has been done with the objective of further clarifying the practical question of BP targets of antihypertensive treatment. Methods: Among randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of BP lowering treatment between 1966 and 2015, 16 (52 235 patients) compared more vs. less intense treatment and fulfilled other preset criteria, and in 34 (138 127 patients) SBP in the active (vs. placebo) or the more (vs. less) intense treatment was below (vs., respectively, above) three predetermined cutoffs. For their meta-analyses risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals, standardized to −10/−5 mmHg SBP/DBP reduction, and absolute risk reductions of seven fatal and nonfatal outcomes were calculated. Results: More intense BP lowering significantly reduced risk of stroke [RR 0.71 (0.60–0.84)], coronary events [0.80 (0.68–0.95)], major cardiovascular events [0.75 (0.68–0.85)] and cardiovascular mortality [0.79 (0.63–0.97)], but not heart failure and all-cause death. When the 16 RCTs were stratified according to cardiovascular death risk, relative risk reduction did not differ between strata, but absolute risk reduction increased with cardiovascular risk, though the residual risk also increased. Stratification of the 34 RCTs according to the three different SBP cutoffs (150, 140 and 130 mmHg) showed that a SBP/DBP difference of −10/−5 mmHg across each cutoff significantly reduced risk of all outcomes to the same proportion (relative risk reduction), but absolute risk reduction of most outcomes had a significant trend to decrease at lower cutoffs. Conclusion: Updating of previous meta-analyses indicates that more vs. less intense BP lowering can reduce not only stroke and coronary events, but also cardiovascular mortality. Including data from recent RCTs also shows that all major outcomes can be reduced by lowering SBP a few mmHg below vs. above 130 mmHg, but absolute risk reduction becomes smaller, suggesting patients at lower initial SBP were at a lower level of cardiovascular risk.
A propositional modal logic of time intervals

In certain areas of artificial intelligence there is need to represent continuous change and to make statements that are interpreted with respect to time intervals rather than time points. To this end, a modal temporal loglc based on time intervals is developed, a logic that can be viewed as a generalization of point-based modal temporal logic. Related loglcs are discussed, an intuitive presentation of the new logic is given, and its formal syntax and semantics are defined. No assumption is made about the underlying nature of time, allowing it to be discrete (such as the natural numbers) or continuous (such as the rationals or the reals), linear or branching, complete (such as the reals), or not (such as the rational). It is shown, however, that there are formulas in the logic that allow us to distinguish all these situations. A translation of our logic into first-order logic is given, which allows the application of some results on first-order logic to our modal logic. Finally. the difficulty of validity problems for the logic is considered. This turns out to depend critically, and in surprising ways, on our assumptions about time. For example, if our underlying temporal structure is the ratlonals, then, the validity problem is r. e . -complete; if it is the reals, then validity n II ~-hard: and if it is the natural numbers, then validity is fI ] -complete.
Growth of monolithic full-color light-emitting diode and its applications

In this study, we demonstrated a monolithic InGaN-based LED to achieve three primary colors of light. Three primary red-green-blue (RGB) colors can be independently obtained from this device at different current densities. This LED structure, which contains three different sets of quantum wells separated with intermediate carrier blocking layers (ICBLs), was grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Results show that this LED can emit light ranging from 460 to 650 nm to cover the entire visible spectrum. In addition to three primary colors, many other colors can be obtained by color mixing techniques. Based on this novel structure, we also achieved, for the first time, a monolithic white-light LED with tunable color-temperatures from 2700 to 6500 Kelvin (K). To generate white light, a full-color LED (or tricolor LED) is operated under pulsed conditions with each pulse consisting of multiple steps of different current amplitudes and widths emitting different colors. The combined spectrum of different colors is aimed to mimic that of the blackbody radiation light source. The pulse rate is designed to be higher than the human eye response rate, so the human eye will not discern the emission of successive colors but a singular emission of white light. Results of a two-step pulse design show this method is able to generate white light from warm color temperature (2700 K) to cold color temperature (6500 K).
Description and evaluation of four ultrasound-guided approaches to aid spinal canal puncture in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To describe four ultrasound-guided approaches to the lumbar and thoracic spine to aid spinal canal puncture in the dog and to evaluate the feasibility of the technique. STUDY DESIGN Prospective experimental study. ANIMAL POPULATION Two canine cadavers. METHODS In the first part of the study, the ultrasonographic appearance of the interlaminar space in the lumbosacral, lumbar and thoracic regions was described. In the second part of the study, four operators attempted a real-time, ultrasound-guided approach to the vertebral canal. Each operator performed the technique 20 times in total: five times at the lumbosacral junction, five in the thoracic region, five in the lumbar region with an in-plane approach, and five in the lumbar region with an out-of-plane approach. Computed tomography (CT) was used to confirm the position of the needle. The procedure was considered successful when the tip of the needle was observed within the vertebral canal. The success rate was calculated for each approach and operator. Fisher's exact test was used to compare differences between approaches and operators. RESULTS In all cases, visualization of a ventral, parallel and straight hyperechoic line (floor of the vertebral canal) was considered a necessary prerequisite for successful positioning of the needle within the vertebral canal. A straight hyperechoic line (ligamentum flavum or dura mater) closer to the ultrasound probe was visualized in both the median lumbosacral approach and the transverse lumbar approach. The success rate overall was 81%; for the lumbosacral approach, 100%; for the thoracic approach, 80%; for the in-plane lumbar approach 95%; and for the out-of-plane lumbar approach, 45%. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The sonographic description of these approaches was considered adequate for performing spinal canal puncture. In-plane techniques achieved a higher success rate than out-of-plane ones. Further studies are needed to evaluate them in a clinical setting.
The TRIMendous Role of TRIMs in Virus–Host Interactions

The innate antiviral response is integral in protecting the host against virus infection. Many proteins regulate these signaling pathways including ubiquitin enzymes. The ubiquitin-activating (E1), -conjugating (E2), and -ligating (E3) enzymes work together to link ubiquitin, a small protein, onto other ubiquitin molecules or target proteins to mediate various effector functions. The tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family is a group of E3 ligases implicated in the regulation of a variety of cellular functions including cell cycle progression, autophagy, and innate immunity. Many antiviral signaling pathways, including type-I interferon and NF-κB, are TRIM-regulated, thus influencing the course of infection. Additionally, several TRIMs directly restrict viral replication either through proteasome-mediated degradation of viral proteins or by interfering with different steps of the viral replication cycle. In addition, new studies suggest that TRIMs can exert their effector functions via the synthesis of unconventional polyubiquitin chains, including unanchored (non-covalently attached) polyubiquitin chains. TRIM-conferred viral inhibition has selected for viruses that encode direct and indirect TRIM antagonists. Furthermore, new evidence suggests that the same antagonists encoded by viruses may hijack TRIM proteins to directly promote virus replication. Here, we describe numerous virus–TRIM interactions and novel roles of TRIMs during virus infections.
Myosin IIA is involved in the endocytosis of CXCR4 induced by SDF-1α

Endocytosis of chemokine receptors regulates signal transduction initiated by chemokines, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully defined. In this work, we assessed the involvement of the motor protein nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA (MIIA) in the endocytosis of CXCR4 induced by SDF-1α (also known as CXCL12) in T lymphocytes. Overexpression of the C-terminal half of MIIA inhibited the ligand-induced endocytosis of CXCR4, but not that of transferrin receptor. Targeting MIIA either by silencing its expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) or by blebbistatin treatment also inhibited endocytosis of CXCR4. Inhibition of endocytosis of CXCR4 by targeting endogenous MIIA resulted in an increased migration of T cells induced by SDF-1α, and in the inhibition of the HIV-1-Env antifusogenic activity of this chemokine. Coimmunoprecipitation and protein-protein binding studies demonstrated that MIIA interacts with both the cytoplasmic tail of CXCR4 and β-arrestin. Moreover, SDF-1α promotes a rapid MIIA-β-arrestin dissociation. Our data reveal a novel role for MIIA in CXCR4 endocytosis, which involves its dynamic association with β-arrestin and highlights the role of endogenous MIIA as a regulator of CXCR4 internalization and, therefore, the onset of SDF-1α signaling.
Evolving Management of Middle-Third Clavicle Fractures in the National Football League

Background Clavicle fractures have historically been managed nonoperatively. Recent literature suggests a subset of clavicle fractures may be best treated with primary surgical treatment. Purpose To review the National Football League (NFL) experience in the management of middle-third clavicle fractures over a 5-year period. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A retrospective review of clavicle fractures that occurred during a 5-season period was obtained from the NFL Injury Surveillance System. A detailed questionnaire was also sent to the medical staff of all 32 NFL teams. Results Nineteen players sustained a middle-third clavicle fracture over the 5-year period. Six fractures were nondisplaced or minimally displaced. All 6 healed at an average time of 7.3 weeks. Thirteen fractures were 100% displaced. Six of the 13 underwent acute surgical fixation that resulted in fracture healing without complication at an average of 8.8 weeks. The remaining 7 players with a completely displaced fracture were initially treated nonoperatively. Three of these 7 healed clinically without sequela at an average of 13.3 weeks after injury; however, 4 players sustained a refracture within 1 year of the initial injury. Conclusion Over the past 5 years, nearly 50% of NFL players with a completely displaced middle-third clavicle fracture were treated successfully with acute surgical fixation without sequela and healed at an average of 8.8 weeks. Three of these players were able to return to play during the same season. In addition, 4 of 7 players initially treated nonoperatively for a completely displaced middle-third clavicle fracture refractured their clavicle within a 1-year period from their initial injury. The 4 players missed an average of 1.5 seasons because of their clavicle injury and subsequent clinical course. Based on this review, it may be reasonable to consider acute surgical treatment of this injury in the NFL player to enable a successful clinical outcome in a predictable time frame.
Patterns of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Practicing Sonographers in Enugu State, Nigeria

3 Abstract: The prevalence and patterns of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among practising sonographers in Enugu State, Nigeria was assessed in order to establish the predisposing factors and document possible measures to mitigate them. A researcher-developed semi-structured questionnaire divided into three sections was used for data collection. The first section elicited information on some demographic variables while section two sought data on the working habits, the usual posture adopted during scanning and the scanning techniques. The third part derived data on the possible musculoskeletal disorders experienced by the sonographers, possible implicating factors and the measures undertaken to mitigate them. The prevalence of WRMSD from our study was 88.1%. Shoulder pain was the most experienced WRMSD among the Sonographers (81.43%) followed by low back pain (62.86%). Repetitive twisting of the upper limb was considered by most of the respondents as the greatest implicating factor. The higher the number of patients scanned per day by the respondents the greater the symptoms of WRMSD. Preventive measures such as good work environment, acquisition of ergonomically designed chairs and equipment, break for busy clinics, reduced workload for older sonographers and encouraging periodic aerobic exercises were suggested to mitigate early onset of WRMSD.
Super Twisting based step-by-step observer for a DC series motor: Experimental results

A Super Twisting based step-by-step observer for a DC series motor is proposed. An observability analysis reveals that the system presents an observability singularity at zero current. To overcome this problem we propose the joint use of an estimator and an observer. Experimental results highlight the performances of the proposed observer/estimator in the context of a sensorless speed control.
Acute pulmonary embolism: don't ignore the platelet.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a dreaded and frequent cardiovascular emergency, with an estimated annual incidence of almost 200 000 cases in the United States alone.1 Despite therapeutic advances, 2 the International Cooperative Embolism Registry of 2454 patients3 reported a surprisingly high 90-day all-cause mortality of 17.4%. The cause of death in 45% of patients was PE itself. Recurrent PE, fatal or nonfatal, occurred in 8% of patients within 90 days. It is clear that a novel therapeutic pharmacological strategy with a safe and easy-to-administer agent is needed to reduce adverse outcomes from this common illness. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that antiplatelet agents, usually overlooked in the treatment of PE, may fulfill this role by preventing the initiation and propagation of the venous thrombus and by minimizing the adverse physiological consequences of PE. Venous thrombosis has been traditionally associated with red blood cell and fibrin-rich “red clot,” whereas arterial thrombi superimposed on atherosclerotic lesions are rich in platelets, giving the appearance of “white clot. ” This simple but somewhat dogmatic concept has had important therapeutic implications: “red clot” has been traditionally treated with heparin and warfarin, while platelet inhibition has been utilized for acute coronary syndromes caused by “white clot. ” However, careful morphological analysis of thrombi formed in veins reveals tangled pale strands of aggregated platelets and fibrin within the mass of red blood cells.4 Experimentally …
Hyperlipidaemia induced by a high‐cholesterol diet leads to the deterioration of guanosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate/protein kinase G‐dependent cardioprotection in rats

Background and purpose: Hyperlipidaemia interferes with cardioprotective mechanisms, but the cause of this phenomenon is largely unknown, although hyperlipidaemia impairs the cardioprotective NO–cGMP system. However, it is not known if natriuretic peptide–cGMP–protein kinase G (PKG) signalling is affected by hyperlipidaemia. Therefore, we investigated the cardioprotective efficacy of cGMP‐elevating agents in hearts from normal and hyperlipidaemic rats.
Viscoelastic Contact Modelling: Application to the Finite Length Line Contact

The design of machine elements made by viscoelastic matrix can be improved by numerical analysis. The solution of the viscoelastic contact problem with prescribed geometry is difficult to obtain because (1) both contact area and pressure distribution are a priori unknown, and (2) the contact parameters keep changing with time, together with the compliance of the viscoelastic material. These difficulties are overcome in this paper by conducting numerical analysis based on both spatial and temporal model discretization. The viscoelastic contact process simulation is achieved by computing a series of subsequent contact states, the current state depending on the entire contact history. In this manner, the memory effect of the viscoelastic material is accounted for. The numerical predictions agree well with the classic solution of the spherical contact undergoing step loading. The history of pressure distribution and modification of contact area in the finite length line contact between a rigid profiled roller and a polymethyl methacrylate viscoelastic half-space are obtained. The case when the normal force is applied eccentrically in the longitudinal direction, leading to a tilting moment, is also considered. © 2018 Published by Faculty of Engineering Corresponding author: S. Spinu Department of Mechanics and Technologies, Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 13th University Street, 720229, Suceava, Romania. E-mail: sergiu.spinu@fim.usv. ro
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease and weather factors in Guangzhou, southern China

SUMMARY Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is becoming one of the common airborne and contact transmission diseases in Guangzhou, southern China, leading public health authorities to be concerned about its increased incidence. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of weather patterns on the incidence of HFMD in the subtropical city of Guangzhou for the period 2009–2012, and assist public health prevention and control measures. A negative binomial multivariable regression was used to identify the relationship between meteorological variables and HFMD. During the study period, a total of 166 770 HFMD-confirmed cases were reported, of which 11 died, yielding a fatality rate of 0·66/10 000. Annual incidence rates from 2009 to 2012 were 132·44, 311·40, 402·76, and 468·59/1 000 00 respectively. Each 1°C rise in temperature corresponded to an increase of 9·38% (95% CI 8·17–10·51) in the weekly number of HFMD cases, while a 1 hPa rise in atmospheric pressure corresponded to a decrease in the number of cases by 6·80% (95% CI −6·99 to −6·65), having an opposite effect. Similarly, a 1% rise in relative humidity corresponded to an increase of 0·67% or 0·51%, a 1 m/h rise in wind velocity corresponded to an increase of 4·01% or 2·65%, and a 1 day addition in the number of windy days corresponded to an increase of 24·73% or 25·87%, in the weekly number of HFMD cases, depending on the variables considered in the model. Our findings revealed that the epidemic status of HFMD in Guangzhou is characterized by high morbidity but low fatality. Weather factors had a significant influence on occurrence and transmission of HFMD.