Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitric Oxide Production and Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation Ameliorated by N 1-Methylnicotinamide in Human Blood Vessels

N 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA+) has until recently been thought to be a biologically inactive product of nicotinamide metabolism in the pyridine nucleotides pathway. However, the latest observations imply that MNA+ may exert antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects through direct action on the endothelium. We examined both in vivo and in vitro whether the compound might induce vasorelaxation in human blood vessels through the improvement of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and a reduction of oxidative stress mediated by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) function. MNA+ treatment (100 mg/m2 orally) in healthy normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic subjects increased the l-arginine (l-NMMA)-inhibitable flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery responses that also positively correlated with MNA+ plasma concentrations (r=0.73 for normocholesterolemics and r=0.78 for hypercholesterolemics; P<0.0001). MNA+ increased FMD at the same concentration range at which it enhanced NO release from cultured human endothelial cells after stimulation with either the receptor-dependent (acetylcholine) or the receptor-independent endothelial NO synthase agonists (calcium ionophore A23187). MNA+ restored the endothelial NO synthase agonist-stimulated NO release after the exposure of the cells to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. This effect was also associated with the normalization of the [NO]/[superoxide] balance in the endothelial cells. Taken together, the increased NO bioavailability in the endothelium contributes to the vasorelaxating properties of MNA+. Targeting eNOS with MNA+ might be therapeutically relevant for functional disorders of the endothelium, such as hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Online Fountain Codes With Low Overhead

An online fountain code is defined as a fountain code for which an optimal encoding strategy can be found efficiently given any instantaneous decoding state. This property is important for data distribution in practical networks. In this paper, we formalize the problem of online fountain code construction, and propose new online fountain codes that outperform known ones in having factor 3-5 lower redundancy overhead. The bounding of the code overhead is carried out using the analysis of the dynamics of random-graph processes.
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding: A systematic review

Background Positive viral severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cultures indicate shedding of infectious virus and corresponding transmission risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The research question of this systematic review was: Is there a discernible pattern in the timing of SARS-CoV-2 virus isolation, and what is the proportion of positive and negative results for isolation of SARS-CoV-2 virus with viral culture relative to the onset of clinical symptoms or the day of diagnosis, as indicated by longitudinal studies? Methods We systematically searched PubMed and Embase from inception to 16 February 2023 for English-language studies with serial viral culture testing within symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected persons during the post-vaccination period. Outcomes of interest were the daily culture status per study and the overall daily culture positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2. We critically appraised the selected studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Results We included 14 viral shedding studies in this systematic review. Positive viral SARS-CoV-2 cultures were detected in samples ranging from 4 days before to 18 days after symptom onset. The daily culture SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate since symptom onset or diagnosis showed a steep decline between day 5 and 9, starting with a peak ranging from 44% to 50% on days −1 to 5, decreasing to 28% on day 7 and 11% on day 9, and finally ranging between 0% and 8% on days 10–17. Conclusions Viral shedding peaked within 5 days since symptom onset or diagnosis and the culture positivity rate rapidly declined hereafter. This systematic review provides an overview of current evidence on the daily SARS-CoV-2 culture positivity rates during the post-vaccination period. These findings could be used to estimate the effectiveness of public health control measures, including treatment and preventive strategies, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
A Polynomial Deadlock Avoidance Method for a Class of Nonsequential Resource Allocation Systems

This correspondence introduces a deadlock-avoidance algorithm for a class of manufacturing systems with the following characteristics: 1) Production orders are allowed to have assembly operations (which give the nonsequential nature to the resource allocation system model) but not disassembly operations, 2) the use of system resources must be conservative (resources are neither created nor destroyed), and 3) actions related to the granting of resources are controllable. The proposed solution represents a sufficient condition for a given system state to be safe and is based on an adaptation of the well-known Banker's approach for deadlock avoidance. The time complexity of the proposed solution is proved to be polynomial with the size of the Place/Transition net model
Athlete biological passport: longitudinal biomarkers and statistics in the fight against doping

Abstract As novel substances, short time windows, and limits of detection increasingly challenge direct methods of doping detection in sports, indirect tools inevitably take a greater role in the fight against it. One such tool is the athlete biological passport (ABP) – a longitudinal profiling of the measured haematological and biochemical biomarkers, combined with calculated scores, against the background of epidemiological data crucial for doping detection. In both of its modules, haematological and steroidal, ABP parameters are analysed with the Bayesian adaptive model, which individualises reference and cut-off values to improve its sensitivity. It takes into account the confounding factors with proven and potential influence on the biomarkers, such as race and altitude exposure. The ABP has already changed the fight against doping, but its importance will further grow with the new modules (e.g., endocrinological), parameters (e.g., plasma volume-independent parameters), and complementing indirect methods (e.g., transcriptomic).
Amino acid replacement in a mutant lipoprotein of the Escherichia coli outer membrane

The primary structure of a mutant lipoprotein of the outer membrane of Escherichia coli was investigated. This mutant was previously described as a mutant that forms a dimer of the lipoprotein by an S-S bridge (H. Suzuki et al., J. Bacteriol. 127:1494-1501, 1976). The amino acid analysis of the mutant lipoprotein revealed that the mutant lipoprotein had an extra cysteine residue, with concomitant loss of an arginine residue. From the analysis of the mutant lipoprotein revealed that the mutant lipoprotein had an extra cysteine residue, with concomitant loss of an arginine residue. From the analysis of tryptic peptides, it was found that the arginine residue at position 57 was replaced with a cysteine residue. The amino terminal structure of the mutant lipoprotein was found to be glycerylcysteine, as in the case of the wild-type lipoprotein. The present results show that the mutation that was previously determined to map at 36.5 min on the E. coli chromosome occurred in the structure gene (lpp) for the lipoprotein. This was further confirmed by the fact that a merodiploid carrying both lpp+ and lpp produces not only the wild-type lipoprotein but also the mutant lipoprotein.
A Longitudinal Assessment of Self-directed Learning Readiness and Development in Medical Students

OBJECTIVES Self-directed learning (SDL) competency is important for physicians to stay abreast of advances in their field and to provide the best available evidence-based care to their patients. Therefore, an essential responsibility of medical educators is to ensure the development of SDL skills in their students. The first objective of this study was to investigate longitudinally the degree to which medical students were ready to engage in SDL. The second objective was to examine students’ perceptions of their SDL development throughout training. METHODS A 2-part study of preclinical and clinical medical students was carried out at a midwestern U.S. university. In Study A, a longitudinal assessment of preclinical medical students’ readiness to engage in SDL was conducted by administering an SDL readiness survey (SDLRS). In Study B, third- and fourth-year medical students were asked to reflect on their SDL development, in addition to completing the SDLRS. RESULTS After validating the Hendry and Ginns version of the SDLRS in preclinical medical students during Study A, we found that 3 of the 4 subscales remained constant over the 3 iterations of the survey while the self-determination subscale increased significantly between the first and third iteration of the survey. In Study B, an analysis of the clinical medical students’ comments indicated a perceived increase in their SDL abilities and a growing appreciation of SDL. However, the SDLRS scores of clinical students did not differ from the results observed in preclinical students in Study A. CONCLUSIONS The results of the SDLRS indicated that the experience of students in our medical school has a positive influence on self-determination by the end of the preclinical years. Furthermore, analysis of the reflections of clinical students indicated ongoing development of SDL skills throughout their medical school training that were influenced by a wide range of experiences.
Volumetric muscle loss: Persistent functional deficits beyond frank loss of tissue

Open fracture is a common occurrence in civilian and military populations. Though great strides have been made in limb salvage efforts, persistent muscle strength deficits can contribute to a diminished limb function after the bone has healed. Over the past decade, a growing effort to establish therapies directed at de novo muscle regeneration has produced several therapeutic approaches. As this effort progresses and as therapies reach clinical testing, many questions remain regarding the pathophysiology of the volumetric loss of skeletal muscle. The current study demonstrates, in a rat “open fracture” model, that the volumetric loss of skeletal muscle results in persistent functional deficits that are dependent on muscle length and joint angle. Moreover, the injured muscle has an increased stiffness during passive stretch and a reduced functional excursion. A case study of a patient with an open type III tibia fracture resulting in volumetric muscle loss in the anterior and posterior compartment is also presented. Eighteen months after injury and tibia healing, persistent functional deficits are apparent with many of the same qualities demonstrated in the animal model. Muscle architectural adaptations likely underlie the altered intrinsic functional characteristics of the remaining musculature. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. J Orthop Res 33:40–46, 2015.
Willingness and ability to pay for breast cancer treatment among patients from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Introduction Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant neoplasm among women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The willingness and ability to pay (WATP) for treatment is a contributing factor in the utilization of health care services. The World Health Organization Breast Cancer Initiative calls for 80% of patients to complete multimodality treatment and indicates payment as central factor to improve BC outcome. The objectives of this study are to identify how much female BC patients paid in Addis Ababa for BC treatment, their WATP for BC treatment, and the factors that affect WATP. Methods The researchers collected data from 204 randomly selected BC patients who were treated in one of four different health facilities (one public and three private) between September 2018 and May 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their WATP for BC treatment and multivariable regression to investigate factors associated with patients’ WATP. Results Of interviewed patients, 146 (72%) were at reproductive age. Patients’ median expenditure for all BC treatment services was 336 US dollars (USD) in a public cancer center and 926 USD in privately owned health facilities. These amounts are in contrast with a reported WATP of 50 USD and 149 USD. WATP increased with increasing expenditure (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.89 per 100 US), educational level (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.85) and service quality (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.72). In contrast, a monthly income increase by 100 USD corresponds to a 17% decrease of WATP (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99). Conclusions We demonstrated that BC treatment was very expensive for patients, and the cost was much higher than their WATP. Thus, we suggest that BC should be included in both social and community-based health insurance plans and treatment fees should consider patients’ WATP.
Combination of Intravitreal Bevacizumab and Peripheral Photocoagulation: An Alternative Treatment in Eales Disease

To report the efficacy of combination therapy (bevacizumab and photocoagulation) in a case of Eales Disease this study has been performed. Bevacizumab (Avastin, 1.25 mg/0.05 ml) was injected intravitreously for the treatment of iris and retinal neovascularization in a 56-year old Hispanic female with photocoagulation treatment to control the recurrence of vitreous haemorrhage. Our results revealed that stabilization of the disease and improvement in visual acuity were achieved without any signs of recurrence. Intravitreal bevacizumab in combination with photocoagulation treatment of ischemic retinal areas may be a good alternative for patients with recurrent vitreous haemorrhage due to Eales disease.
Incidence of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes among Women Exposed to Maternal Near-Misses in Arsi Zone in Ethiopia: Prospective Cohort Study in 2022

Background Exposure to maternal near-misses has a massive effect on adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence, investigating the effect of maternal near-misses on perinatal outcomes can aid in the reduction of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The study is aimed at assessing the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes among women exposed to maternal near-misses at Arsi Zone public hospitals in Ethiopia in 2022. Method The study included a prospective cohort of 335 women at Arsi Zone public hospitals from December 2021 to June 2022. Women who were admitted for management of pregnancy were followed. The exposed group was women with maternal near-misses screened based on disease-validated criteria. The nonexposed group was made up of women who delivered without complications. Trained data collectors used pretested, structured questionnaires to collect data from women. Pertinent data was also extracted from the clients' logbooks. Data was transferred from EpiData version 3.1 to SPSS version 25 for analysis, logistic regression was computed, and 95% confidence intervals were declared at a p value of 5% significance level. Result The incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes was higher in the exposed women than in the nonexposed women (56% versus 16%). Contrasted with the nonexposed, women exposed to maternal near-misses had a higher incidence of stillbirth (22% vs. 0.5%), low birth weight (13% vs. 3%), and preterm birth (12% vs. 2%). After adjusting for confounders, exposed women had a twofold increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to nonexposed women. Delivery mode, delay in seeking care, transport mode, and delay in receiving treatment were the risk factors for negative pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion In exposed women, a higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes was linked to aforementioned risk factors. Evidence-based practice intended to decrease delays in providing maternal care services does indeed improve perinatal outcomes.
Exploration of the Structural, Electronic and Tunable Magnetic Properties of Cu4M (M = Sc-Ni) Clusters

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Cu4M (M = Sc-Ni) clusters have been studied by using density functional theory, together with an unbiased CALYPSO structure searching method. Geometry optimizations indicate that M atoms in the ground state Cu4M clusters favor the most highly coordinated position. The geometry of Cu4M clusters is similar to that of the Cu5 cluster. The infrared spectra, Raman spectra and photoelectron spectra are predicted and can be used to identify the ground state in the future. The relative stability and chemical activity are investigated by means of the averaged binding energy, dissociation energy and energy level gap. It is found that the dopant atoms except for Cr and Mn can enhance the stability of the host cluster. The chemical activity of all Cu4M clusters is lower than that of Cu5 cluster whose energy level gap is in agreement with available experimental finding. The magnetism calculations show that the total magnetic moment of Cu4M cluster mainly come from M atom and vary from 1 to 5 μB by substituting a Cu atom in Cu5 cluster with different transition-metal atoms.
Knowledge, attitude and perception/practices (KAP) of medical practitioners in India towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting

Objective: The objective was to assess knowledge, attitude and perceptions/practices (KAP) of medical practitioners (MPs) in India towards Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was designed for assessment of KAP of medical practitioners in India toward ADR reporting. This questionnaire was administered to 2-3 medical practitioners from each zone prior to administering final questionnaire which was approved by Disha Independent Ethics Committee, Mumbai. 1200 medical practitioners (about 300 from each zone) from India were selected randomly. Results: 1000 medical practitioners out of 1200 (90%), selected at random were approached. A total of 870 provided responses to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 73% of 1200 selected randomly. A total of 47.5% respondents reported that they were aware of Government ADR centers. A total of 59.2% reported that they are familiar with the procedure of reporting ADRs to Government centers. However, only 18.5% of MPs have reported the observed ADRs to Government ADR centers. As against this relatively large number of MPs (87.9%) have reported ADRs observed during their routine practice to medical representatives of pharmaceutical company and NGOs (non-Govt. Organizations). A total of 80.5% of respondents agreed that safety plays an important role and 96% reported that ADR centers are useful. However, only 55.6% of respondents have reported that there is a need for ADR centers. Conclusion: The study reveals that practitioners are aware of ADR reporting; their perception toward ADR reporting is right but it is not reflected when it comes to the act of reporting of ADRs. In our sample of 870 respondents only 18.5 % reported ADRs to some organizations. Only 5% of respondents recorded the details of ADR and reported to the manufacturer and 1% of respondents to government health ministry. Thus, medical practitioners in India appear to have a good knowledge about ADR reporting, the right perception toward ADR reporting. However, as far as practice of ADR reporting is concerned it is discouraging.
Neuropsychological Sequelae of Carotid Angioplasty with Stent Placement: Correlation with Ischemic Lesions in Diffusion Weighted Imaging

Background and Purpose Few studies investigated the neuropsychological outcome after carotid angioplasty with stent placement (CAS), yielding partially inconsistent results. The present investigation evaluated the effect of CAS in patients with high-grade stenosis and assessed the predictive value of ischemic lesion number for postinterventional cognitive deterioration. Methods 22 patients were tested neuropsychologically before and six weeks after CAS. Cerebral ischemic changes were assessed with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) prior to and after angioplasty. Results Pre- to postinterventional cognitive performance improved significantly in terms of verbal memory (t = −2.30; p<0.05), whereas significant deterioration was noted regarding verbal memory span (t = 2.31; p<0.05). 8 (36%) persons conformed to the criteria of cognitive improvement. 6 patients (27%) were postinterventionally classified as having deficits. Analysis yielded no statistically significant correlations between lesion quantity and cognitive change. Conclusion Both improvement and deterioration of cognitive functioning was observed in our collective of patients, leaving the neuropsychological outcome after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty unpredictable in individual cases. The presence of acute ischemic lesions on DWI was found to be not tightly associated with cognitive dysfunction after CAS.
The Comparison of Adipose Stem Cell and Placental Stem Cell in Secretion Characteristics and in Facial Antiaging

Background. Mesenchymal stem cells are the most commonly used seed cells in biomedical research and tissue engineering. Their secretory proteins have also been proven to play an important role in tissue healing. Methods. We isolated adipose stem cells and placental stem cells and performed analysis examining characteristics. The secretory proteins were extracted from conditioned medium and analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF. The antiaging effect of conditioned mediums was evaluated by the results of facial skin application. Results. Adipose stem cells and placental stem cells were found to be very similar in their surface markers and multipotency. The specific proteins secreted from adipose stem cells were more adept at cell adhesion, migration, wound healing, and tissue remodeling, while the proteins secreted by placental stem cells were more adept at angiogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, cell survival, immunomodulation, and collagen degradation. While these two types of conditioned medium could improve the facial index, the improvement of Melanin index after injection of the adipose stem cell conditioned medium was much more significant. Conclusion. The results suggest that the secreted proteins are ideal cell-free substances for regeneration medicine, especially in the antiaging field.
SuperJunction cascode, a configuration to break the silicon switching frequency limit

This paper evaluates the SuperJunction MOSFET in cascode configuration with a low-voltage silicon MOSFET. The structure combines the good switching performance provided by the cascode configuration with advantages of the silicon technology as the robustness, the maturity and the low-cost. The objective of this paper is to elucidate and to demonstrate the reduction of switching losses of SuperJunction MOSFETs in cascode configuration with respect to their standalone counterparts (directly driven). A detailed simulation analysis of power loss contributions is carried out under hard-switching operation. Eventually, experimental evidence is provided by using a boost converter (100 V-to-400 V) in continuous conduction mode for a wide range of switching frequency (100 kHz-to-400 kHz) and output power (180W-to-500W).
Febrile neutropenia associated with adalimumab in a patient with ulcerative colitis

Key Clinical Message Adalimumab has become essential for managing various chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While hematologic complications of adalimumab therapy are rare, they can have significant clinical implications. This report highlights the importance of recognizing and monitoring for neutropenia in patients receiving adalimumab treatment. We also describe the potential mechanisms and management strategies for this adverse event.