Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of in vitro and in vivo bioactivity: cuttlefish-bone-derived hydroxyapatite and synthetic hydroxyapatite granules as a bone graft substitute

Bone reconstruction in clinical settings often requires bone substitutes. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a widely used bone substitute due to its osteoconductive properties and bone bonding ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate HAp granules derived from cuttlefish bone (CB-HAp) as a substitute biomaterial for bone grafts. In this study, HAp granules were prepared from raw CB by using a hydrothermal reaction. The formation of HAp from CB was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. The bioactivity of the CB-HAp granules was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that CB-HAp is non-toxic and that CB-HAp granules supported improved cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation compared to stoichiometric synthetic HAp granules. Furthermore, in vivo bone defect healing experiments show that the formation of bone with CB-HAp is higher than that with pure HAp. These results show that CB-HAp granules have excellent potential for use as a bone graft material.
Risk factors for severe cranial ischaemic events in patients with giant cell arteritis.

OBJECTIVES Cranial ischaemic events constitute a significant component in the clinical spectrum of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Our aim was to investigate whether cardiovascular risk factors, specific medications and baseline clinical features are associated with the development of severe cranial ischaemic events in GCA patients. METHODS Retrospective analysis of GCA patients. Information collected included baseline clinical and laboratory data, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors and medications. GCA Patients with and without severe cranial ischaemic complications were compared. RESULTS A total of 83 patients with GCA were included in the study. Among them, 24 (29%) patients developed severe cranial ischaemic events. Compared with patients without severe cranial ischaemic events, those with severe cranial ischaemic events had lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels at diagnosis (81±17 vs. 93±21, p=0.018) and were more likely to have jaw claudication (37.5% vs. 17%, p=0.043). Rate of cardiovascular risk factors and rate of use of anti-platelets and statins were similar between the two groups. The use of β-blockers was higher among patients with severe ischaemic events (46% vs. 20%, p=0.019). Logistic regression analysis showed that lower ESR levels (OR=0.967, 95% CI, 0.94, 0.99) and β-blockers use (OR=4.35, 95% CI, 1.33, 14.2) predicted development of severe cranial ischaemic complications. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that GCA patients with severe cranial ischaemic events had lower inflammatory responses and were more likely to have been treated with β-blockers. Cardiovascular risk factors and antiplatelet therapy had no effect on the occurrence of severe cranial ischaemic events.
Power control and beamforming for systems with multiple transmit and receive antennas

This paper investigates the performance of narrowband, slowly fading, and delay-limited multiple-antenna systems where channel state information (CSI) is available at the transmission end. This situation can arise in time-division duplex (TDD) based two-way systems where channel state estimation can be performed using the signal received from the opposite link. Power control methods which attempt to keep the transmission rate constant at the expense of randomizing the transmit power are considered. It is shown that significant savings in average transmit power (sometimes on the order of tens of decibels) can be expected compared to systems which keep the total transmit power constant. Several practical channel coding examples using are illustrated and their bit and frame error rate performance are discussed.
Brain regions associated with episodic retrieval in normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease

Objective: To examine patterns of brain activation during verbal episodic retrieval in normal elderly subjects and patients in an early phase of AD. Background: It is established that 1) a profound episodic memory impairment is a cardinal symptom of AD; and 2) some of the earliest brain changes in this disease occur in regions critical to episodic memory, such as the hippocampus and neighboring regions. Yet, it remains largely unknown whether the episodic memory deficit seen in AD is paralleled by concomitant alterations in brain activity during actual task performance in these or other brain areas. Methods: Using PET, blood flow was assessed in normal elderly subjects and patients with early AD during two retrieval conditions involving completion of word stems: baseline and cued recall. Results: The patients with AD showed a marked performance deficit in cued recall, although the two groups were indistinguishable in the baseline task condition. Both groups showed bilateral activity in orbital and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left precuneus, and right cerebellum, as well as decreased activity in distinct left temporal regions during cued recall. The normal elderly alone activated the left parietal cortex and the left hippocampal formation during episodic retrieval. By contrast, AD-related increases in activity during cued recall were observed in the left orbital prefrontal cortex and left cerebellum. Conclusions: The similar patterns of activations in the two groups suggest that a large distributed network involved in episodic memory retrieval functions relatively normally in early AD. Those retrieval activations seen in the normal elderly, as opposed to the patients, may reflect AD-related failures in semantic processing and successful recollection of the target information, respectively. Finally, the AD-related increases in activity were interpreted in terms of compensatory reactions to the difficulties in performing the episodic memory task.
High-resolution solution structure of the inhibitor-free catalytic fragment of human fibroblast collagenase determined by multidimensional NMR.

The high-resolution solution structure of the inhibitor-free catalytic fragment of human fibroblast collagenase (MMP-1), a protein of 18.7 kDa, which is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, has been determined using three-dimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. A total of 30 structures were calculated by means of hybrid distance geometry-simulated annealing using a total of 3333 experimental NMR restraints, consisting of 2409 approximate interproton distance restraints, 84 distance restraints for 42 backbone hydrogen bonds, 426 torsion angle restraints, 125 3JNH alpha restraints, 153 C alpha restraints, and 136 C beta restraints. The atomic rms distribution about the mean coordinate positions for the 30 structures for residues 7-137 and 145-163 is 0.42 +/- 0.04 A for the backbone atoms, 0.80 +/- 0.04 A for all atoms, and 0.50 +/- 0.03 A for all atoms excluding disordered side chains. The overall structure of MMP-1 is composed of a beta-sheet consisting of five beta-strands in a mixed parallel and anti-parallel arrangement and three alpha-helices. A best-fit superposition of the NMR structure of inhibitor-free MMP-1 with the 1.56 A resolution X-ray structure by Spurlino et al. [Spurlino, J. C. , Smallwood, A. M. , Carlton, D. D. , Banks, T. M. , Vavra, K. J., Johnson, J. S. , Cook, E. R. , Falvo, J., and Wahl, R. C. , et al. (1994) Proteins: Struct. , Funct. , Genet. 19, 98-109] complexed with a hydroxamate inhibitor yields a backbone atomic rms difference of 1.22 A. The majority of differences between the NMR and X-ray structure occur in the vicinity of the active site for MMP-1. This includes an increase in mobility for residues 138-144 and a displacement for the Ca(2+)-loop (residues 74-80). Distinct differences were observed for side-chain torsion angles, in particular, the chi 1 for N80 is -60 degrees in the NMR structure compared to 180 degrees in the X-ray. This results in the side chain of N80 occupying and partially blocking access to the active site of MMP-1.
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery for Benign Conditions: Progress and Challenges

Objective The objective of this review is to evaluate the progress made in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynecologic surgery and address challenges still faced by surgeons using minimally invasive techniques to improve the care of women with noncancerous gynecologic problems. Methods Relevant literature was reviewed and evidence-based arguments put forward in the article for the progress that has been made and the deficiencies that still exist. Results In the last 2 decades, enormous progress has been made in providing minimally invasive surgical options for women with gynecologic diseases. The progress has been especially striking in the performance of hysterectomy, the most common major surgery performed on nonpregnant women. The recent controversy over power morcellation has revealed a poor understanding of the literature concerning leiomyosarcoma leading to confusion and consequently denial of minimally invasive surgical options for many women. Hysteroscopic surgery has been evolving rapidly with the development of hysteroscopic morcellator, global endometrial ablation systems, and hysteroscopic tubal sterilization. Conclusions Although huge advances have been made in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, high-quality evidence from well-designed clinical trials is lacking for many of the new technologies. Accurate estimates regarding the risk of occult leiomyosarcoma are also lacking. Additional research is urgently needed to address these deficiencies. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to describe the progress made and challenges still facing laparoscopic surgery in women; explain the misconceptions surrounding the controversy over power morcellation of uterine fibroids; and describe the progress made and challenges still facing hysteroscopic surgery in women.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Dengue Non-Structural 1 Antigen Detection in a Hyper-Endemic Region in Indonesia

As dengue fever is undifferentiated from other febrile illnesses in the tropics and the clinical course is unpredictable, early diagnosis is important. Several commercial assays to detect dengue NS1 antigen have been developed; however, their performances vary and data is lacking from hyper-endemic areas where all four serotypes of dengue are equally represented. To assess the sensitivity of the Bio-Rad platelia Dengue NS1 antigen assay according to virus serotype, immune status, gender, and parameters of severe disease, acute sera from 220 individuals with confirmed dengue and 55 individuals with a non-dengue febrile illness were tested using the Bio-Rad platelia Dengue NS1 antigen assay. The overall sensitivity of the NS1 ELISA was 46.8% and the specificity was 100%. The sensitivity in primary infections was significantly higher than in secondary infections (100% vs. 35.7%). In secondary infections, the sensitivity of NS1 detection was highest in DENV-3 (47.1%), followed by DENV-1 (40.9%), DENV-2 (30%) and DENV-4 (27%) infections. NS1 was less frequently detected in sera with high titers of HI antibodies or in acute samples from patients whose pre-illness sera showed neutralizing antibodies to more than one serotype. The detection of NS1 was higher in females, severe cases, and individuals with lower platelet counts (<100,000/mm3). While the overall sensitivity of this NS1 ELISA is poor, our data suggest that in secondary infections, detection may be predictive of a more severe illness.
Brain Mechanisms during Course of Anesthesia: What We Know from EEG Changes during Induction and Recovery

The mechanism of anesthesia remains unclear. We do understand, however, that the GABAA receptor, the NMDA receptor, and two-pore-domain K+ channels are the main targets of anesthetics (Franks, 2008), and several other receptors and ion channels are also influenced in different ways by anesthetics (Alkire et al., 2008). Propofol, barboturates, and volatile anesthetics, all potentiate GABAA receptor. During isoflurane, sevoflurane, and propofol anesthesia similar raw electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern sequences are observed. By contrast, ketamine, nitrous oxide, and xenon, which antagonize the NMDA receptor are characterized by patterns distinctive for each agent. My discussion here focuses on anesthetics that potentiate the GABAA receptor. Data in this experiment were obtained from Fp1–A1, or Fpz–At1, a hemi-frontal lead of the type commonly used with EEG-based anesthesia monitors. The relation between consciousness and EEG patterns has been extensively studied, and it is now well-known that EEG changes correlate well with anesthetic effect. Meanwhile, anesthesia is usually considered to be a reversible phenomenon. The question is, then, do the changes in the brain anesthesia mirror each other during induction and recovery, or are they independent phenomena? Here, based mainly on EEG evidence gathered during anesthesia, I will discuss this question.
Comparing outcomes of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with coronary artery bypass grafting; can routine health service data complement and enhance randomized controlled trials?

AIM To compare outcomes of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) for a population stemming from routinely collected data, in order to assess the merits of such data sources as a complement, and possible enhancement, to randomized controlled trial results. METHODS AND RESULTS A population of Scottish patients were taken from a routine discharge summary and from this data source patients comparable to those from randomized controlled trial settings were identified. Between 1989 and 1995, 12 238 pseudo randomized controlled trial patients were identified from the routine data set, of which 3714 (30.3%) received PTCA and 8524 (69.7%) received CABG. The baseline characteristics of the pseudo randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial patients were similar. The evidence from both the randomized controlled trials and routine data indicate that for 1 year follow-up the risk of cardiac death and/or non-fatal myocardial infarction is not significantly different between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSION The outcomes expected of PTCA and CABG following trial evidence have been realized in the routine data which are representative of a complete, non-selective population. Due to the size of the routine data set it would be possible to set up hypotheses for potential subgroup effects at the outset.
Possibility of Breast Cancer Prevention: Use of Soy Isoflavones and Fermented Soy Beverage Produced Using Probiotics

The various beneficial effects of soybeans, which are rich in phytochemicals, have received much attention because of increasing health awareness. Soy milk that has been fermented using lactic acid bacteria has been used to prepare cheese-like products, tofu (bean-curd), and yogurt-type products. However, the distinct odor of soybeans has limited the acceptance of such foods, particularly in Western countries. In Japan, while tofu and soy milk have long been habitually consumed, the development of novel, palatable food products has not been easy. The unpleasant odor of soy milk and the absorption efficiency for isoflavones can be improved using a recently developed fermented soy milk beverage. Cancer has been the leading cause of death, and breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. The most common type of breast cancer is estrogen-dependent, and the anti-estrogenic effects of isoflavones are known. The present review focuses on the characteristics of soy milk fermented using probiotics, an epidemiological study examining the incidence of breast cancer and soy isoflavone consumption, and a non-clinical study examining breast cancer prevention using fermented soy milk beverage.
A reduction of interferometric phase-to-intensity conversion noise in fiber links by large index phase modulation of the optical beam

A noise reduction scheme for long haul fiber amplitude modulation (AM) systems is proposed and analyzed. Such systems suffer from intensity noise which results from interference between the (twice) Rayleigh scattered light and the directly transmitted beam. This interference converts the fundamental phase noise of the laser to intensity noise. It is shown that a strong phase modulation of the output of the laser beam causes a large reduction of the detected signal noise in the vicinity of the detected signal components. >
Determination of Factors Associated with Natural Soil Suppressivity to Potato Common Scab

Common scab of potatoes is a disease, which is difficult to manage due to complex interactions of the pathogenic bacteria (Streptomyces spp.) with soil, microbial community and potato plants. In Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the Czech Republic two sites (Vyklantice and Zdirec) were selected for a study of common scab disease suppressivity. At both sites, a field with low disease severity occurs next to one with high severity and the situation was regularly observed over four decades although all four fields undergo a crop rotation. In the four fields, quantities of bacteria, actinobacteria and the gene txtB from the biosynthetic gene cluster of thaxtomin, the main pathogenicity factor of common scab, were analyzed by real-time PCR. Microbial community structure was compared by terminal fragment length polymorphism analysis. Soil and potato periderm were characterized by contents of carbon, nitrogen, phosporus, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Quality of organic matter was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography of soil extracts. The study demonstrated that the suppressive character of the fields is locally specific. At Zdirec, the suppressivity was associated with low txtB gene copies in bulk soil, while at Vyklantice site it was associated with low txtB gene copies in the tuberosphere. The differences were discussed with respect to the effect of abiotic conditions at Zdirec and interaction between potato plant and soil microbial community at Vyklantice. Soil pH, Ca soil content or cation concentrations, although different were not in the range to predict the disease severity. Low severity of common scab was associated with low content of soil C, N, C/N, Ca and Fe suggesting that oligotrophic conditions may be favorable to common scab suppression.
Evaluation of a community-based positive youth development program based on Chinese junior school students in Hong Kong

Abstract This study investigated students’ evaluations of a positive youth development program entitled Project P.A. T.H. S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social program) in Hong Kong. The participants were 19,790 Secondary 1, 2 and 3 students who joined this program at the extension phase of the project. They were required to complete a subjective outcome evaluation form to indicate their perceptions of the program content, instructors, and effectiveness. Results showed that the students evaluated this program positively. Amongst the students in the three grades, Secondary 1 students evaluated the program most favorably whereas Secondary 3 students had the relatively least favorable evaluation. In addition, the program content and instructors accounted for approximately 35% of the variance in program effectiveness. The findings generally imply the successful implementation of this program in the community-based phase.
Preterm birth: the value of sonographic measurement of cervical length

Transvaginal ultrasound scanning of cervical length at approximately 20 weeks of gestation in women attending for routine antenatal care is useful for predicting the likelihood of spontaneous early preterm birth. The risk of early birth increases exponentially with decreasing cervical length in both singleton and multiple pregnancies. In such women, individualisation of risk would lead to rationalisation of antenatal care, including frequency of visits, patient education in recognising and reporting symptoms of spontaneous preterm labour and timely administration of steroids. It is also possible that in women identified as being at high risk, the rate of preterm birth might be reduced by the prophylactic use of progesterone. In women presenting with threatened spontaneous preterm labour, transvaginal measurement of cervical length provides a useful distinction between those who are likely to deliver within the subsequent 7 days and those who are not. Since only 10–20% of such women are in true spontaneous preterm labour, the cervical length measurement in rational care can avoid the current practice of hospitalisation and administration of steroids and tocolytics to all. This article reviews the evidence in support of the clinical introduction of transvaginal sonography for both the prediction and management of spontaneous preterm labour.
Outage analysis of uplink open access two-tier networks

Employing multi-tier networks is among the most promising approaches to address the rapid growth of the data demand in cellular networks. In this paper, we study a two-tier uplink cellular network consisting of femtocells and a macrocell. Femto base stations, and femto and macro users are assumed to be spatially deployed based on independent Poisson point processes. Under open-access policy, we derive analytical upper and lower bounds on the outage probabilities of femto users and macro users that are subject to fading and path loss. We also study the effect of the distance from the macro base station on the outage probability experienced by the users. In all cases, our simulation results comply with our analytical bounds.
Glutamatergic synaptic depression by synthetic amyloid β‐peptide in the medial septum

The medial septum/diagonal band region, which participates in learning and memory processes via its cholinergic and GABAergic projection to the hippocampus, is one of the structures affected by beta amyloid (βA) deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The acute effects of βA (25–35 and 1–40) on action potential generation and glutamatergic synaptic transmission in slices of the medial septal area of the rat brain were studied using current and patch‐clamp techniques. The βA mechanism of action through M1 muscarinic receptors and voltage‐dependent calcium channels was also addressed. Excitatory evoked responses decreased (30–60%) in amplitude after βA (2 μM) perfusion in 70% of recorded cells. However, the firing properties were unaltered at the same concentration. This depression was irreversible in most cases, and was not prevented or reversed by nicotine (5 μM). In addition, the results obtained using a paired‐pulse protocol support pre‐ and postsynaptic actions of the peptide. The βA effect was blocked by calcicludine (50 nM), a selective antagonist of L‐type calcium channels, and also by blocking muscarinic receptors with atropine (5 μM) or pirenzepine (1 μM), a more specific M1‐receptor blocker. We show that in the medial septal area this oligomeric peptide acts through calcium channels and muscarinic receptors. As blocking any of these pathways blocks the βA effects, we propose a joint action through both mechanisms. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology at the onset of AD. This understanding will be required for the development of new therapeutic agents. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.