Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in regional chemotherapy of the liver

Introduction: Primary and secondary liver tumors resemble some of the most common causes of cancer and represent a major clinical problem owing to the poor prognosis. First-line therapeutic concepts are mainly based on surgical resection and/or systemic chemotherapy (SCT). However, many patients are not suitable for surgery or have failed SCT, although the total tumor load is still limited, which makes a regional therapy approach appealing. Areas covered: This review focuses on different types of transarterial instillation of chemotherapy, which encompasses conventional and drug-eluting transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy and isolated hepatic perfusion (ILP). Expert opinion: TACE can be regarded as the treatment of choice in patients with multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma, but it should still be performed as a lipiodol-based regimen, while the value of doxorubicin-eluting beads needs to be exploited in further randomized controlled trials (RCTs). For patients with colorectal liver metastases, HAI chemotherapy has been challenged by the advent of more effective SCT, but encouraging results have been observed for the combination of the most recent, active drugs given by means of HAI with SCT. Nevertheless, data from RCTs comparing SCT with this transarterial regional therapy approach, as well as with TACE and ILP, are urgently needed.
An Economics-Driven Approach for Valuing Scalability in Distributed Architectures

Drawing on a case study that adequately represents a medium-size component-based distributed architecture, the contribution of this paper shows how existing performance repositories could be mined to value the ranges in which a given software architecture can scale to support likely changes in load. The mining is based on a financial analogy, where we utilize the concept of twin asset in financial engineering to justify mining relevant repositories. The mining process in then complemented with real options analysis for predicting the values resulted from the ranges in which an architecture can scale under uncertainty, where uncertainty is attributed to the unpredicted change in load. As the exact method for analyzing scalability is subject to debate, we focus the analysis on throughput as a way for measuring scalability. Using options analysis, we report on how ranges in which an architecture can scale, can inform the selection of distributed components technology and subsequently the selection of application server products.
AMP-activated protein kinase regulates the assembly of epithelial tight junctions

AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), a sensor of cellular energy status in all eukaryotic cells, is activated by LKB1-dependent phosphorylation. Recent studies indicate that activated LKB1 induces polarity in epithelial cells and that this polarization is accompanied by the formation of tight junction structures. We wished to determine whether AMPK also contributes to the assembly of tight junctions in the epithelial cell polarization process. We found that AMPK is activated during calcium-induced tight junction assembly. Activation of AMPK by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside facilitates tight junction assembly under conditions of normal extracellular Ca2+ concentrations and initiates tight junction assembly in the absence of Ca2+ as revealed by the relocation of zonula occludens 1, the establishment of transepithelial electrical resistance, and the paracellular flux assay. Expression of a dominant negative AMPK construct inhibits tight junction assembly in MDCK cells, and this defect in tight junction assembly can be partially ameliorated by rapamycin. These results suggest that AMPK plays a role in the regulation of tight junction assembly.
Fluoride-containing nanoporous calcium-silicate MTA cements for endodontics and oral surgery: early fluorapatite formation in a phosphate-containing solution.

AIM To test the chemical-physical properties and apatite-forming ability of experimental fluoride-doped calcium silicate cements designed to create novel bioactive materials for use in endodontics and oral surgery. METHODOLOGY A thermally treated calcium silicate cement (wTC) containing CaCl(2) 5%wt was modified by adding NaF 1%wt (FTC) or 10%wt (F10TC). Cements were analysed by environmental scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, IR and micro-Raman spectroscopy in wet conditions immediately after preparation or after ageing in a phosphate-containing solution (Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline). Calcium and fluoride release and pH of the storage solution were measured. The results obtained were analysed statistically (Tukey's HSD test and two-way anova). RESULTS The formation of calcium phosphate precipitates (spherulites) was observed on the surface of 24 h-aged cements and the formation of a thick bone-like B-type carbonated apatite layer (biocoating) on 28 day-aged cements. The rate of apatite formation was FTC>F10TC>wTC. Fluorapatite was detected on FTC and F10TC after 1 day of ageing, with a higher fluoride content on F10TC. All the cements released calcium ions. At 5 and 24 h, the wTC had the significantly highest calcium release (P<0.001) that decreased significantly over the storage time. At 3-28 days, FTC and F10TC had significantly higher calcium release than wTC (P<0.05). The F10TC had the significantly highest fluoride release at all times (P<0.01) that decreased significantly over storage time. No significant differences were observed between FTC and wTC. All the cements had a strong alkalinizing activity (OH(-) release) that remained after 28 days of storage. CONCLUSIONS The addition of sodium fluoride accelerated apatite formation on calcium silicate cements. Fluoride-doped calcium silicate cements had higher bioactivity and earlier formation of fluorapatite. Sodium fluoride may be introduced in the formulation of mineral trioxide aggregate cements to enhance their biological behaviour. F-doped calcium silicate cements are promising bone cements for clinical endodontic use.
When Focusing on Negative and Positive Attributes of the Self Elicits More Inductive Self-Judgment

Self-judgments can range from inductive (i.e., based on relevant characteristics, behaviors, and past experiences) to deductive (i.e., inferred from general beliefs about the self) depending on the situation. Previous work demonstrated that focusing on positive attributes—particularly under threat—can elicit less inductive self-judgment. In this article, the authors tested the hypothesis that priming negative attributes of the self would lead to more inductive self-judgment. The authors also tested whether focusing on positive attributes would lead to more inductive self-judgment in a context where one is constrained to think inductively. In three studies with disparate manipulations, the authors looked at how well participants' self-reported risk factors for health problems were related to their risk perceptions for these health problems. Both hypotheses were supported. The authors discuss implications of these findings for theoretical approaches to self-judgment and practical concerns about the reliability and validity of self-judgments.
Genome-wide gene expression profiling identifies overlap with malignant adrenocortical tumours and novel mechanisms of inefficient steroidogenesis in familial ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) is a rare cause of sporadic or familial late-onset Cushing's syndrome. It is a cytologically benign disease, of unknown pathogenesis, and characterised by inefficient steroidogenesis, ascribed to differential cellular localisation of steroidogenic enzymes. The objectives were to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of familial AIMAH tumours and the mechanisms of their inefficient steroidogenesis. Using Affymetrix Human GeneChip® HumanGene 1.0 ST arrays, we compared the genome-wide gene expression profile of two AIMAH nodules from each of three affected siblings with normal adrenal cortex and analysed the data for differential expression and using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Motif Activity Response Analysis. Expression profiling identified: (i) that amongst the most highly differentially expressed genes were ones known to have involvement in tumorigenesis and metastasis; (ii) enrichment for differentially expressed genes in sporadic AIMAH and other benign and malignant adrenocortical tumours and (iii) reduced activity of key transcriptional regulators (Steroidogenic factor-1, SF-1 and transcription factor Sp1, Sp1) of steroidogenic enzymes. Genome-wide gene expression studies of familial AIMAH nodules have identified overlap with malignant adrenocortical tumours, which is intriguing given the benign biological behaviour of these tumours. This requires further study. Novel mechanisms of inefficient steroidogenesis were also identified.
Optimal Transmission Power for Single- and Multi-Hop Links in Wireless Packet Networks With ARQ Capability

In this paper, we rigorously investigate the energy minimization problem for wireless packet networks with automatic repeat request (ARQ) capability. We first formulate the problem for the single-hop case under constrained packet delay and reliability and derive the necessary and sufficient condition for the optimal transmission power at each ARQ stage. We formulate a global rule of optimal transmission power control that achieves optimality regardless of the delay and reliability constraints. Then we extend it to encompass the multi-hop case by dividing the overall problem into two subproblems-energy determination for each ARQ stage and energy distribution among the constituent nodes. We show that the optimality condition established for the single-hop case is also applicable to solve the energy determination problem in the multi-hop case, rendering an optimal solution to the energy distribution problem. Numerical examples reveal that a significant amount of energy is saved by adopting the optimal transmission power and the performance gain is strongly correlated with the decreasing property of the frame error rate
Control Design for Nonlinear Flexible Wings of a Robotic Aircraft

In this brief, the control problem for flexible wings of a robotic aircraft is addressed by using boundary control schemes. Inspired by birds and bats, the wing with flexibility and articulation is modeled as a distributed parameter system described by hybrid partial differential equations and ordinary differential equations. Boundary control for both wing twist and bending is proposed on the original coupled dynamics, and bounded stability is proved by introducing a proper Lyapunov function. The effectiveness of the proposed control is verified by simulations.
Efficacy and toxicity of treatments for nephritis in a series of consecutive lupus patients

Abstract Objective: To study efficacy and toxicity of treatments for nephritis in a series of consecutive lupus patients. Methods: The case records of 40 patients with lupus nephritis followed up in a single center between 1992 and 2011 (median duration = 8.37 years) were retrieved to determine efficacy and toxicity of the treatments. Patients with class III/IV/V lupus nephritis were included. Results: Sustained responses were 21/40 (52.5%) at six months, 33/40 (82.5%) at 18 months and 30/40 (75.0%) at 36 months. Three deaths were observed after 18, 104 and 164 months of follow-up respectively, with one possibly associated with immunosuppression. Kidney survival was 100% at 18 months and 97.7% at 36 months. Kaplan–Meier’s survival algorithm estimated a mean overall survival of 236.05 ± 11.56 months and a kidney survival of 240.77 ± 11.07 months. Kidney and overall survival were not significantly different among patients with different nephritis classes. Complications occurred in 12/40 (30.0%). Amenorrhea occurred in 20.7% of patients and was associated with higher cumulative doses of cyclophosphamide. Patients who achieved remission at 36 months or later had lower levels of proteinuria at 6 months (mean ± SD = 0.93 ± 0.97 g/24 h versus 2.60 ± 2.11 g/24 h, p = 0.002) than non-responder patients. Conclusions: The data demonstrate that in the overall Caucasian population with lupus nephritis the combination of available therapeutic tools is effective and relatively well tolerated.
Epidemiology and natural history of atopic diseases

The atopic diseases – atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever – pose a great burden to the individual and society, not least, since these diseases have reached epidemic proportions during the past decades in industrialized and, more recently, in developing countries. Whereas the prevalence of the atopic diseases now seems to have reached a plateau in many Western countries, they are still on the increase in the developing world. This emphasizes continuing research aimed at identifying the causes, risk factors, and natural history of these diseases. Herein, the fundamental aspects of the natural history and epidemiology of the atopic diseases are reviewed.
Neuroinfection survey at a neurological ward in a Brazilian tertiary teaching hospital

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to characterize the neuroinfection profile in a tertiary neurological ward. INTRODUCTION: Neuroinfection is a worldwide concern and bacterial meningitis, tetanus and cerebral malaria have been reported as the commonest causes in developing countries. METHODS: From 1999 to 2007, all patients admitted to the Neurology Ward of Hospital das Clínicas, S�o Paulo University School of Medicine because of neuroinfection had their medical records reviewed. Age, gender, immunological status, neurological syndrome at presentation, infectious agent and clinical outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy four cases of neuroinfectious diseases accounted for 4.2% of ward admissions and the identification of infectious agent was successful in 81% of cases. Mean age was 40.5±13.4 years, 63.8% were male, 19.7% were immunocompromised patients and meningoencephalitis was the most common clinical presentation despite infectious agent. Viruses and bacteria were equally responsible for 29.4% of neuroinfectious diseases; parasitic, fungal and prion infections accounted for 28%, 9.6% and 3.5% respectively. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Treponema pallidum, Taenia solium, Schistosoma mansoni, Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum were the more common infectious pathogens in the patients. Infection mortality rate was 14.2%, of which 62.3% occurred in immunocompetent patients. CONCLUSION: Our institution appeared to share some results with developed and developing countries. Comparison with literature may be considered as quality control to health assistance.
Similarities and Differences in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Subpopulations of individuals with alcohol-induced fatty livers and nonalcoholic steatosis develop steatohepatitis. Steatohepatitis is defined histologically: increased numbers of injured and dying hepatocytes distinguish this condition from simple steatosis. The increased hepatocyte death is generally accompanied by hepatic accumulation of inflammatory cells and sometimes increases in myofibroblastic cells, leading to hepatic fibrosis and eventually, cirrhosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis in alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Hegemonic and Polemical Beliefs: Culture and Consumption in the Social Representation of Wine

Wine, in France, is a cultural product. However, the issue of wine consumption has been at the centre of a recurring social debate. We decided to focus our study on the effect of consumption practices on this social representation as well as the variations in position-taking in very different normative contexts. Results revealed two distinct social representations according to consumption practice. Moreover, Guttman effect in principal component analysis uncovered a unique phenomenon which showed that participants (consumer vs. non consumer) were inclined to act differently only in the case of polemical issues when they perceived the investigator as a consumer vs. non consumer. Indeed, in the case of hegemonic beliefs they were inclined to act in the same way and their answers were not influenced by the status of the investigator. Results are discussed around the question of the links between social representations and social identity. El vino, en Francia, es un producto cultural. No obstante, el tema del consumo de vino ha sido el centro de un debate social recurrente. Nosotros decidimos centrar nuestro estudio en los efectos de las prácticas de consumo en esta representación social así como en las variaciones de posturas en diferentes contextos normativos. Los resultados revelan dos representaciones sociales distintas de acuerdo a las prácticas de consumo. Aún más, el efecto Guttman en el análisis de componentes principales descubrió un fenómeno único que muestra que los participantes (consumidor vs. no consumidor) se inclinaron a comportarse de manera diferente dependiendo de si percibían al experimentador como consumidor vs. no consumidor respecto a aspectos polémicos, y no, con respecto a creencias hegemónicas. Los resultados se discuten en torno a la cuestión de los nexos entre las representaciones sociales y la identidad social.
Hearing Preservation in Guinea Pigs With Long-Standing Endolymphatic Hydrops

Hypothesis Interruption of the excitotoxic and inflammatory pathways implicated in endolymphatic hydrops (ELH)–associated hearing loss (HL) should afford hearing protection at the neuronal level. Background Previous work in our laboratory in the mouse model of ELH shows that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an anti-inflammatory solvent, can slow the progression of HL before neuronal degeneration occurs. Riluzole, a glutamate release inhibitor, may provide synergistic benefit. This study was designed to quantify the effects of DMSO and riluzole in a long-term model. Methods Guinea pigs with surgically induced ELH were sorted into 3 groups: riluzole+DMSO (Group 1), DMSO alone (Group 2), and untreated controls (Group 3). Animals in Groups 1 and 2 received daily injections of the study drug(s). All animals underwent auditory-evoked brainstem response evaluation every 4 weeks until 24 weeks, when they were sacrificed. Cochleae were preserved; spiral ganglion density was quantified. Animals without hydrops were excluded from the study as surgical failures. Results Animals from all groups developed unilateral HL. At the end of the experiment, HL was significantly lower in Group 1 relative to Group 3 (p = 0.049) and trended toward lower in Group 2 relative to Group 3 (p = 0.097). Groups 1 and 2 were not different (p = 0.311). At the cellular level, there is no evidence of neuronal degeneration in either treated group, whereas there is a significant neuronal degeneration in the untreated group. Conclusion These results confirm the hearing protection observed with DMSO in short-term studies. However, unlike the previous study, which showed no additive benefit to riluzole, the combined treatment group in this study showed a hearing-protective effect at 24 weeks. This indicates a potential additive benefit conferred by riluzole toward long-term hearing protection. The study also finds evidence of statistically significant neuronal protection with both treatment groups. Overall, study provides additional evidence that DMSO and riluzole may preserve or slow the long-term progression of ELH-associated HL.
Youth's perceptions of HIV infection risk: a sex-specific test of two risk models

The study examines the associations between the cumulative and additive risk models and Nigerian youth's likelihood of perceiving vulnerability to HIV infection. Both models of risk seem to provide unique contributions to such understanding. The analysis is based on data from the 2003 Demographic and Health survey in Nigeria. For males, the model of cumulative risk revealed a consistent and positive association between the number of risk factors experienced and perceived vulnerability to HIV infection. For females, the same model revealed that those who had experienced two risk factors perceived more vulnerability to HIV infection than those who had experienced three risk factors. The model of additive risk revealed that having had a sexually transmitted disease was associated with males' perceptions of vulnerability to HIV infection, whereas past sexual activity and having had multiple sexual partners were linked to females' perceptions of vulnerability. These sex-specific findings are highly relevant for HIV prevention and intervention programmes for youth in sub-Saharan Africa as we strive to reverse current trends in the epidemic.
A hospital cloud-based archival information system for the efficient management of HL7 big data

Nowadays, the Open Archive Information System (OAIS) model is widely adopted in hospitals to manage data related to both doctors and patients. However, the Archival Storage systems of hospitals are typically based on old Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) that makes hard the management of patients' data especially in the Health Level 7 (HL7) format. In fact, data have to be continuously parsed in order to be stored in relational databases and sent to other hospital systems. Considering also interoperable scenarios where HL7 data continuously grow, the management of patients' information can become very hard. In this paper, we discuss an OAIS system able to manage HL7 Big Data. In particular, considering a case of study of HL7 glucose observations in JSON format, we demonstrate that in a scalable scenario an archival storage for big data processing is more convenient for hospitals than traditional archival storage systems.
Effect of reduction degree on cohesive zone and permeability of mixed burden

Low-carbon operation, especially low-coke-rate operation, is very important for low CO2 emission in blast furnace ironmaking. Maintaining the permeability of the cohesive zone is required under low-coke operation of the blast furnace. The cohesive zone and permeability are determined by the softening and melting properties of the burden. In this study, the effect of reduction degree on the cohesive zone and permeability was investigated by using different reduction degree mixed burdens. The experimental results showed that as the reduction degree increased, the thickness of the cohesive zone decreased, the position of the cohesive zone moved downward, and the permeability of the mixed burden layer was significantly improved. The weight of the droplet and the carbon content of iron in the droplet decreased with the increase of reduction degree. The results of experiments provided an important guidance for improving the permeability of the mixed burden layer in low-coke operation of the blast furnace.