Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Acute Effects of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Experimental Skin Flaps

Random vascular patterned caudally based McFarlane-type skin flaps were elevated in groups of Fischer 344 rats. Groups of rats were then acutely exposed on an intermittent basis to smoke generated from well-characterized research filter cigarettes. Previously developed smoke inhalation exposure protocols were employed using a Maddox-ORNL inhalation exposure system. Rats that continued smoke exposure following surgery showed a significantly greater mean percent area of flap necrosis compared with sham-exposed groups or control groups not exposed. The possible pathogenesis of this observation as well as considerations and correlations with chronic human smokers are discussed. Increased risks of flap necrosis by smoking in the perioperative period are suggested by this study.
Dual-energy chest radiography with a flat-panel digital detector: revealing calcified chest abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the value of dual-energy chest radiography obtained using a cesium iodide flat-panel detector in addition to standard posteroanterior chest radiography for the detection of calcified chest abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 20 patients with a total of 37 calcified chest lesions (16 pulmonary nodules, 17 mediastinal calcifications, and four pleural calcifications) as confirmed on CT. Twenty-eight locations in the chests of the same patients who were free of lesions were used as negative controls. Four radiologists reviewed posteroanterior chest radiographs in a blinded manner alone and in conjunction with dual-energy soft-tissue and bone images. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, the negative predictive value (NPV), and the positive predictive value (PPV) for lesion prediction. The Wilcoxon's and the Brunner and Langer's tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS For posteroanterior chest radiography, sensitivity was 36%, the PPV was 64%, and the NPV was 47%. When dual-energy images were added, sensitivity increased significantly to 66% (p < 0.05), the PPV to 76%, and the NPV to 62%. The specificity remained constant at 73%. Brunner and Langer's test revealed a highly significant difference between posteroanterior chest radiography and dual-energy imaging in the detection of calcified chest abnormalities (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Dual-energy images added to standard posteroanterior chest radiographs significantly improve the detection of calcified chest lesions.
Changes and Variations in Online- and Offline Communication Patterns: Including Peer Effects

The impact of online communication on offline communication has received considerable research attention. Yet predominantly single level studies yield conflicting research findings and lack theoretical foundation. This study deviates from previous studies by developing a peer effect model rooted in Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) in which the individual is embedded in social and technological structures. Offline communication is dependent on own online communication as well as the opportunities to connect with peers online. We argue that own online communication is only supplemental to offline communication if substitution is hampered by infrequent online communication of peers within the local environment as “it takes two to tango”. Furthermore, frequent online communication of peers within the local environment results in a reduction in offline communication among users and non-users, resulting in non-users’ social exclusion both online and offline. Our model predicts that substitution and exclusion effects become stronger as the internet is used for more divers forms of interactive communication. Results from our analysis using a multi-country dataset covering the years 2002 to 2012 provide empirical support for our model. We contribute to online communication literature with an AST perspective including on peer effects and technological change. Research and policy implications are discussed.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis and coeliac disease: is it just a casual association?

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO) is the leading cause of dysphagia in children.1 Long underestimated in the past, it is today being reported with increasing frequency. Acute and chronic dysphagia and food impaction are the typical symptoms in both children and young adults, whereas vomiting and refusal of food may be more frequent in infants.1,2 Diagnosis of EE is mainly based on the eosinophilic infiltration of the oesophageal mucosa (>20 eosinophils/high power field (HPF)) in association with some classic endoscopic features (adherent whitish plaques, oesophageal concentric rings, linear furrowing). The aetiology of EE is far from clear, but in about half of the cases reported it is associated with an allergy either to food or to aeroallergens.1,3 We describe three cases of EE, that we diagnosed by chance when performing endoscopy for the duodenal biopsy to confirm coeliac disease (CD). One case was diagnosed at the Institute of Child Health, IRCSS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste Italy, and, two at the Surgical and Endoscopic Digestive Unit of Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Rome, Italy. A 7-year-old boy was referred to the Gastroenterology Department, IRCSS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy with persistent sideropaenic anaemia since the age of 4-years. Given the unresponsiveness of his anaemia to iron supplementation, CD was suspected and confirmed by the positivity of antiendomysial serum antibodies (EMAs) and antitransglutaminase antibodies (tTG immunoglobulin (Ig) A 213 IU). The boy was allergic to dust mite, cat epithelium and betullaceae. His most common allergic manifestations included rhinitis and asthma. He was referred to our institute to confirm the diagnosis of CD. …
The ability of the American Joint Committee On Cancer Staging system to predict progression‐free survival after radical prostatectomy

Objective To examine, in a retrospective analysis of outcome based on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, whether the 1992 and revised 1997 staging criteria for prostate cancer can be used to predict progression‐free survival for patients after radical prostatectomy for pT2 and pT3 prostate cancer.
Solutions to an advanced functional partial differential equation of the pantograph type

A model for cells structured by size undergoing growth and division leads to an initial boundary value problem that involves a first-order linear partial differential equation with a functional term. Here, size can be interpreted as DNA content or mass. It has been observed experimentally and shown analytically that solutions for arbitrary initial cell distributions are asymptotic as time goes to infinity to a certain solution called the steady size distribution. The full solution to the problem for arbitrary initial distributions, however, is elusive owing to the presence of the functional term and the paucity of solution techniques for such problems. In this paper, we derive a solution to the problem for arbitrary initial cell distributions. The method employed exploits the hyperbolic character of the underlying differential operator, and the advanced nature of the functional argument to reduce the problem to a sequence of simple Cauchy problems. The existence of solutions for arbitrary initial distributions is established along with uniqueness. The asymptotic relationship with the steady size distribution is established, and because the solution is known explicitly, higher-order terms in the asymptotics can be readily obtained.
I Rebel—Therefore We Exist

In this analysis, I associate the commodification of emotions at work with an increasingly imposed standardization as far as emotional displays are concerned. I refer to this process as a form of emotional convergence operating within organizations. I contrast this tendency with another buoyant construct in organizational behavior and psychology studies: Emotional Intelligence (EI). Individual emotional and intellectual evolution lies at the heart of the ability EI model, which I interpret as a form of emotional divergence that individuals harness in managing their daily lives. Hitherto, scholars have largely ignored the potential conflict between both research strands, especially the possibility of high EI individuals as non-conforming actors in the organizational arena. The latter leads me to propose an interaction model between individual behavior and organizational norms. Implications for theory and suggestions for future research are detailed.
Marigold: The Possibilty Using Vermicompost as the Growth Mediu

In order to investigation of vermicompost effect on growth and yield of marigold in pot medium, an experiment was done by a randomized compeletely block design in three raplications. Treatmnets were included control (30% v/v of soil plus 70% v/v of sand) and three levels of vermicompost (20, 40, 60 % v/v of vermicompost + 30% v/v of sand and soil) that applied in three lit. pots. Marigold seeds (Tagetes erecta cv.Tiashan) were planted in media. The shoots were cut and it was measured the bush heigh, the lateral branches, size and flower weight, dry weight of shoot, and the concertretion of nutrient elements. The results showed that added vermicompost to the growth media tend to improve the growth and yield of marigold than in the control. The Vermicompost (60%) had the highest weight, size and dry weight of shoot, but the maximum bush height was obtained by 20% vermicompost. The most lateral branches was belong to 40% vermicompost treatment. The results showed that the plants which cultivated on 60% vermicompost medium had the most amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium. The most amount of potassium was ralated to 40% vermicompost treatment.
A Potential Protein Adjuvant Derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0652 Enhances Dendritic Cells-Based Tumor Immunotherapy

A key factor in dendritic cell (DC)-based tumor immunotherapy is the identification of an immunoadjuvant capable of inducing DC maturation to enhance cellular immunity. The efficacy of a 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 (rplL) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv0652, as an immunoadjuvant for DC-based tumor immunotherapy, and its capacity for inducing DC maturation was investigated. In this study, we showed that Rv0652 is recognized by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce DC maturation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6) that is partially modulated by both MyD88 and TRIF signaling pathways. Rv0652-activated DCs could activate naïve T cells, effectively polarize CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to secrete IFN-gamma, and induce T cell-mediated-cytotoxicity. Immunization of mice with Rv0652-stimulated ovalbumin (OVA)-pulsed DCs resulted in induction of a potent OVA-specific CD8+ T cell response, slowed tumor growth, and promoted long-term survival in a murine OVA-expressing E.G7 thymoma model. These findings suggest that Rv0652 enhances the polarization of T effector cells toward a Th1 phenotype through DC maturation, and that Rv0652 may be an effective adjuvant for enhancing the therapeutic response to DC-based tumor immunotherapy.
Variations in autologous blood transfusion systems.

To the Editor: This letter is a response to the article of Dr Duncan et al 1 entitled, BReducing Blood Loss in Synostosis Surgery: the Liverpool Experience. [ We think that the point we make clarifies an issue in this interesting and important craniofacial article. We commend Dr Duncan et al for their impressive results with regard to minimizing donor blood exposure by the use of surgical vigilance, low transfusion triggers, and cell salvage. We think that there is one area of potential confusion that needs to be clarified, however. In their article, they refer to the use of a continuous autologous transfusion system in their practice, using a Dideco Electa system. They then go on to compare their results with the use of CATS (continuous autotransfusion system) in other studies. The system used in the report from Dr Duncan et al is not a continuous system because it depends on the collection of an adequate volume of shed blood, which only then can be processed and ready for reinfusion. It is therefore intermittent, and the speed of collection and processing will determine how soon salvaged blood is available for reinfusion. We use the same system in our craniofacial practice in Birmingham, UK. The CATS device referred to in the discussion and described by the Paris craniofacial team is manufactured by Fresenius and uses a slightly different technology. It allows for the continuous processing and reinfusion of small volumes of shed blood, without having to wait for a critical volume of shed blood before the processing system is activated. In theory, this should have some advantage when used in small children shedding relatively small absolute volumes of blood, which nevertheless represent a large proportion of their blood volume.
Key neuroprotective role for endogenous adenosine A1 receptor activation during asphyxia in the fetal sheep.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The fetus is well known to be able to survive prolonged exposure to asphyxia with minimal injury compared with older animals. We and others have observed a rapid suppression of EEG intensity with the onset of asphyxia, suggesting active inhibition that may be a major neuroprotective adaptation to asphyxia. Adenosine is a key regulator of cerebral metabolism in the fetus. METHODS We therefore tested the hypothesis that infusion of the specific adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), given before 10 minutes of profound asphyxia in near-term fetal sheep, would prevent neural inhibition and lead to increased brain damage. RESULTS DPCPX treatment was associated with a transient rise and delayed fall in EEG activity in response to cord occlusion (n=8) in contrast with a rapid and sustained suppression of EEG activity in controls (n=8). DPCPX was also associated with an earlier and greater increase in cortical impedance, reflecting earlier onset of primary cytotoxic edema, and a significantly smaller reduction in calculated cortical heat production after the start of cord occlusion. After reperfusion, DPCPX-treated fetuses but not controls developed delayed onset of seizures, which continued for 24 hours, and sustained greater selective hippocampal, striatal, and parasagittal neuronal loss after 72-hour recovery. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that endogenous activation of the adenosine A1 receptor during severe asphyxia mediates the initial suppression of neural activity and is an important mechanism that protects the fetal brain.
Corrosion behaviour of direct current and active screen plasma carburised AISI 316 stainless steel in boiling sulphuric acid solutions

Active screen plasma is a recently developed plasma surface alloying technique, which has shown potential for addressing some drawbacks associated with conventional direct current plasma processes. In this study, the corrosion performance of untreated, direct current and active screen plasma carburised AISI 316 was investigated by immersion in a boiling solution of sulphuric acid. The experimental results show that the corrosion behaviour of expanded austenite produced by low temperature plasma carburising is controlled by the type and density of surface defects; the corrosion properties of the active screen plasma carburised material are superior to that produced by direct current plasma because of the significantly reduced edge effect and surface defects; and the bias level used in the active screen carburising treatment has a profound effect on the corrosion performance of the material. Based on the experimental results, the corrosion mechanisms involved are discussed.
Generator over excitation capability and excitation system limiters

Sometimes, power system events have shown the need for generators to operate in the overexcited region to support stable operation. Operation up to, and transiently beyond, the overexcited limits from the capability curve is sometimes required. The two main issues in the paper are the generator capability in this region and the design of OEL (overexcitation limiters) in the excitation system that take full advantage of the capability allowed in the design and standards.
Enriched Internet Topology

We present a method to perform Internet tomography obtaining its enriched topology, i.e., adding to each link properties such as delay, utilization, etc. We consider symmetrical measurements, that is, we execute traceroute’s like probes using controllable nodes playing either source and target role. We based on PlanetLab testbed our experiments and we obtain an annotated map of a representative Internet portion. This information could be useful to build a thorough Internet model.
Qigong for healthcare: an overview of systematic reviews

Objectives Qigong has been recommended to improve health and prevent disease but the evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this overview was to critically evaluate all systematic reviews (SRs) of qigong for the treatment of any condition or symptom. Design Literature searches were carried out in 11 electronic databases for all systematic reviews of the effectiveness of qigong in any indication. Reviews were defined as systematic if they included an explicit and repeatable methods section describing the search strategy and explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria. Setting Retrospective review of medical database. Participants Participants with any type of medical conditions of any severity were included. Main outcome measures Evidence from each systematic review. Results Ten systematic reviews were included. They related to a wide range of conditions. The primary studies and several of the reviews were associated with a high risk of bias. Five reviews concluded that qigong is effective and five reviews were inconclusive. Conclusion The effectiveness of qigong is based mostly on poor quality research. Therefore, it would be unwise to draw firm conclusions at this stage.
A study on the effect of resveratrol on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic mice.

BACKGROUND The content of resveratrol is relatively high in Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. , and the resveratrol has the effect of blood vessel dilating, microcirculation improving, platelet aggregation inhibiting and anti-cancer. The objective of this paper was to study the effect of resveratrol on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Through the establishment of an experimental mouse model of hyperlipidemia, the effect of resveratrol on change in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels in mouse serum were determined. RESULTS Resveratrol group can apparently reduce TC, TG, LDL-c and AI of hyperlipidemic mice in a dose effect manner. CONCLUSION We concluded that resveratrol can effectively reduce blood lipid levels of hyperlipidemic mice.
One day is enough: rapid and specific host–parasite interactions in a stickleback-trematode system

Red Queen models of host–parasite coevolution are based on genotype by genotype host–parasite interactions. Such interactions require a genotype specific host defence and, simultaneously, a genotype specific parasite infectivity. Specificity is defined here as defence or infection ability successful against only a subset of genotypes of the same species. A specific defence depends on detectable genotypic variation on the parasite side and on a host defence mechanism that differentiates between parasite genotypes. In vertebrates, the MHC-based adaptive immune system can provide such a defence mechanism, but it needs at least several days to get fully mounted. In contrast, the innate immune system is immediately ready. The trematode parasite species used here reaches the immunologically protected eye lens of its three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) host within 24 h. Thus, it disappears too fast for the fully mounted MHC-based adaptive immune system. In a complete cross-infection experiment using five fish-families and five parasite-clones, we found for the first time fish-family by parasite-clone interactions in vertebrates, although the parasite was only exposed to the immune system for maximally one day. Such interactions require a fast genotype specific defence, suggesting the importance of other defence mechanisms than the too slow, fully mounted adaptive immune system in vertebrates.
Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy of the Macula

Purpose: Indications for photodynamic therapy (PDT) have increased from age-related macular degeneration with choroidal neovascularization (CNV), containing more than 50% of the classic component, to occult CNV, myopic CNV and CNV due to ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. In the present study, the effect of PDT with verteporfin was examined in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) of the macula. Methods: PDT was performed in 9 eyes with PCV of the macula. Fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were performed before PDT and 3 months after PDT in all eyes. Optical coherence tomography was performed in 6 eyes. Results: After the initial PDT, visual acuity was stabilized or improved in 8 eyes (89%), polypoid elements were obliterated in 7 eyes (78%), and vascular nets were reduced in 8 eyes (89%). Of 6 eyes that received optical coherence tomography, pigment epithelium detachment was reduced or disappeared in all eyes except 1, which developed a disciform scar. An additional PDT was performed in 4 eyes to decrease vascular leakage. During the follow-up period of 3–18 months, no reactivation of PCV was observed. Conclusion: PDT offers an effective way of treating PCV of the macula, by obliterating polypoid elements of the PCV. However, long-term follow-up is needed.
Fasting Versus Post-Challenge Triglycerides and Pre-Existing Cavitating Lacunes: A Berlin “Cream & Sugar” Substudy

Background and Purpose: Although the presence of cavitating lacunes on brain imaging may have prognostic implications, the modifiable risk factors underlying these frequently observed lesions are not completely understood. We sought to determine if fasting and post-challenge triglycerides associate with cavitating lacunes. Methods: All first ischemic stroke patients who completed a novel combined oral triglyceride and glucose tolerance test and MRI between January 2009 and June 2012 were included. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery or T2 MRI sequences were used to visualize cavitating lacunes and white matter hyperintensities, which were graded using the Wahlund visual scale. Results: One hundred and ninety patients were included (median age 66, IQR 52–73; 33% female; median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale 2, IQR 1–4). A forward stepwise binary logistical regression analysis applying the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test adjusted for parameters significant in univariate analyses (at the p < 0.10 level) revealed that Wahlund scores (Wahlund 0–4: reference; Wahlund 5–10: adjusted odds ratio, 5.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–20.0, p = 0.019; Wahlund>10: adjusted odds ratio 9.6; 95% CI, 1.55–59.35; p = 0.015) and the highest quartile of post-challenge triglycerides (>295 mg/dL; adjusted odds ratio, 7.36; 95% confidence interval 1.24–43.70; p = 0.028) independently associated with the presence of cavitating lacunes. Conclusion: Post-challenge serum triglycerides are independently associated with the presence of cavitating lacunes.