Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pediatric Pituitary Adenomas

Abstract Microscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery (MTTS) has been a time-confirmed effective treatment for pituitary adenomas; however, the data supporting its use in pediatric patients is limited. In this study, the authors summarize the authors’ 5-year experience of pituitary adenomectomy via MTTS in a pediatric population. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 patients aged ⩽18 years who underwent microscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas between January 2011 and December 2015. Age, sex, symptoms, tumor size, extent of tumor resection, surgical outcomes, and complications were reviewed. All patients underwent MTTS 39 times. Total resection was obtained in 31 (88.6%) patients, while subtotal resection was achieved in 4 (11.4%) and no patient had partial resection. For the 21 patients with preoperative visual impairment, 18 (85.7%) resolved and 3 (14.3%) obtained subjective improvement. Of the 33 patients with preoperative hyperhormonal levels, endocrine function reduced to normal reference range in 28 (84.8%), decreased in 3 (9.1%) and 2 (6.1%) patients had no change. Diabetes insipidus occurred in 4 (11.4%) patients, of whom 1 patient (2.9%) developed persistent diabetes insipidus that was treated with Minirin. One patient incurred postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage that was resolved by lumbar drainage. Hypopituitarism occurred in 3 patients, of whom 1 patient developed permanent hypopituitarism that required hormone replacement therapy. There were no patients of death, intracranial hematoma, or meningitis. In conclusion, MTTS is a safe and effective surgical option for pediatric pituitary adenomas with minimal morbidity and excellent outcomes.
Inscription of type IIA Bragg reflectors in a highly non-linear microstructured optical fiber using deep ultraviolet laser radiation

The fabrication of Type IIA Bragg reflectors in a highly Ge-doped microstructured optical fiber using 193nm, 10ns laser radiation, is reported. The fiber exposed was manufactured in a five-air-ring design in order to ensure both a small central core cross-section and a large cladding area with high air fraction, while the maximum germanium content of the embedded core-socket is 36mol%. Finite-difference time-domain simulations revealed that the fiber supports two strongly guided modes. The refractive index evolution curves for both average and modulated index changes obtained for the two guiding modes, exhibited a Type IIA photosensitivity behaviour. Average refractive index changes of the order of 10-3 were recorded, under exposures of 215mJ/cm2 energy density per pulse. The refractive index evolution curves denoted that the two guiding modes do not exhibit the same index engineering behaviour due to sufficiently different overlap with the induced perturbations. The above finding was also confirmed during the thermal annealing of the gratings inscribed. The photosensitivity effects observed, as well as, post-exposure grating amplification effects are discussed with respect to the Type IIA stress and compaction model. Finally, preliminary data related to the inscription of Type IIA gratings in the same fibre utilizing 248nm, 500fs radiation are also presented.
Interactive comment on “ Trends in cloud top height from passive observations in the oxygen

these offsets. In our paper van Diedenhoven et al. (2005), we tested the calibration of GOME and SCIAMCHY measurements in the oxygen A-band by retrieving surface pressures in cloud-free conditions and validating them using meteorological data. Over a wide range of surface albedos, a consistent positive bias of 20 hPa in the SCIAMACHY results, compared to those of GOME, was apparent in the data. Furthermore, the GOME results agreed much better with the validation set after accounting for the effects of aerosol on the retrievals. For an average cloud height of 6 km and a atmospheric scale height of 7.4 km, a 20 hPa offset would translate in a ∼0.3 km negative bias in the SCIAMACHY cloud top height, which seems very consistent with the offsets in the global results shown in Figure 1.
Model‐free functional connectivity and impulsivity correlates of alcohol dependence: a resting‐state study

Alcohol dependence is characterized by impulsiveness toward consumption despite negative consequences. Although neuro‐imaging studies have implicated some regions underlying this disorder, there is little information regarding its large‐scale connectivity pattern. This study investigated the within‐ and between‐network functional connectivity (FC) in alcohol dependence and examined its relationship with clinical impulsivity measures. Using probabilistic independent component analysis on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data from 25 alcohol‐dependent (AD) and 26 healthy control (HC) participants, we compared the within‐ and between‐network FC between AD and HC. Then, the relationship between FC and impulsiveness as measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), the UPPS‐P Impulsive Scale and the delay discounting task (DDT), was explored. Compared with HC, AD exhibited increased within‐network FC in salience (SN), default mode (DMN), orbitofrontal cortex (OFCN), left executive control (LECN) and amygdala–striatum (ASN) networks. Increased between‐network FC was found among LECN, ASN and SN. Between‐network FC correlations were significantly negative between Negative‐Urgency and OFCN pairs with right executive control network (RECN), anterior DMN (a‐DMN) and posterior DMN (p‐DMN) in AD. DDT was significantly correlated with the between‐network FC among the LECN, a‐DMN and SN in AD. These findings add evidence to the concept of altered within‐network FC and also highlight the role of between‐network FC in the pathophysiology of AD. Additionally, this study suggests differential neurobiological bases for different clinical measures of impulsivity that may be used as a systems‐level biomarker for alcohol dependence severity and treatment efficacy.
Association between Diet-Quality Scores, Adiposity, Total Cholesterol and Markers of Nutritional Status in European Adults: Findings from the Food4Me Study

Diet-quality scores (DQS), which are developed across the globe, are used to define adherence to specific eating patterns and have been associated with risk of coronary heart disease and type-II diabetes. We explored the association between five diet-quality scores (Healthy Eating Index, HEI; Alternate Healthy Eating Index, AHEI; MedDietScore, MDS; PREDIMED Mediterranean Diet Score, P-MDS; Dutch Healthy Diet-Index, DHDI) and markers of metabolic health (anthropometry, objective physical activity levels (PAL), and dried blood spot total cholesterol (TC), total carotenoids, and omega-3 index) in the Food4Me cohort, using regression analysis. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Participants (n = 1480) were adults recruited from seven European Union (EU) countries. Overall, women had higher HEI and AHEI than men (p < 0.05), and scores varied significantly between countries. For all DQS, higher scores were associated with lower body mass index, lower waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference, and higher total carotenoids and omega-3-index (p trends < 0.05). Higher HEI, AHEI, DHDI, and P-MDS scores were associated with increased daily PAL, moderate and vigorous activity, and reduced sedentary behaviour (p trend < 0.05). We observed no association between DQS and TC. To conclude, higher DQS, which reflect better dietary patterns, were associated with markers of better nutritional status and metabolic health.
Differentiable Dynamic Programming for Structured Prediction and Attention

Dynamic programming (DP) solves a variety of structured combinatorial problems by iteratively breaking them down into smaller subproblems. In spite of their versatility, DP algorithms are usually non-differentiable, which hampers their use as a layer in neural networks trained by backpropagation. To address this issue, we propose to smooth the max operator in the dynamic programming recursion, using a strongly convex regularizer. This allows to relax both the optimal value and solution of the original combinatorial problem, and turns a broad class of DP algorithms into differentiable operators. Theoretically, we provide a new probabilistic perspective on backpropagating through these DP operators, and relate them to inference in graphical models. We derive two particular instantiations of our framework, a smoothed Viterbi algorithm for sequence prediction and a smoothed DTW algorithm for time-series alignment. We showcase these instantiations on two structured prediction tasks and on structured and sparse attention for neural machine translation.
The Potent Inhibitory Effect of a Naproxen‐Appended Cobalt(III)‐Cyclam Complex on Cancer Stem Cells

We report the potency against cancer stem cells (CSCs) of a new cobalt(III)‐cyclam complex (1) that bears the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, naproxen. The complex displays selective potency for breast CSC‐enriched HMLER‐shEcad cells over breast CSC‐depleted HMLER cells. Additionally, it inhibited the formation of three‐dimensional tumour‐like mammospheres, and reduced their viability to a greater extent than clinically used breast cancer drugs (vinorelbine, cisplatin and paclitaxel). The anti‐mammosphere potency of 1 was enhanced under hypoxia‐mimicking conditions. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that DNA damage and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition contribute to the cytotoxic mechanism of 1. To the best of our knowledge, 1 is the first cobalt‐containing compound to show selective potency for CSCs over bulk cancer cells.
The utility of coagulation activity for prediction of risk of mortality and cardiovascular events in guideline-treated myocardial infarction patients

Abstract Background: Despite improved treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), real-world patients still suffer substantial risk for subsequent cardiovascular events. Little is known about coagulation activity shortly after MI and whether coagulation activity markers may identify patients at increased risk despite contemporary treatment. Objective: To evaluate D-dimer concentration and thrombin generation potential shortly after discharge after MI and evaluate if these markers could predict the risk of future cardiovascular and bleeding events. Methods: Unselected MI patients (n = 421) were included in the observational REBUS study (NCT01102933) and followed for two years. D-dimer concentrations, thrombin peak, and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were analyzed at inclusion (3–5 days after MI) and at early follow-up (after 2–3 weeks). Results: Seventy-five patients (17.8%) experienced the composite endpoint (all-cause death, MI, congestive heart failure, or all-cause stroke), and 31 patients (7.4%) experienced a clinically relevant bleeding event. D-dimer concentrations at early follow-up were associated with the composite endpoint (HR [per SD increase] 1.51 [95% CI 1.22–1.87]) and with clinically relevant bleeding (HR [per SD increase] 1.80 [95% CI 1.32–2.44]). Thrombin generation potential was not significantly associated with either the composite endpoint or with clinically relevant bleeding. Higher thrombin peak and ETP at early follow-up were both inversely associated with stroke (HR [per SD increase] 0.50 [95% CI 0.30–0.81] and 0.43 [95% CI 0.22–0.83], respectively). Conclusion: In unselected MI patients treated according to contemporary guidelines, D-dimer measurements may identify patients at increased risk of new cardiovascular and bleeding events. The inverse association of thrombin generation potential and risk of stroke has to be further investigated.
Attachment security and recent stressful life events predict oxytocin levels: a pilot study of pregnant women with high levels of cumulative psychosocial adversity

Purpose: Recent reports indicate that prenatal levels of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) are inversely related to depressive symptomatology and positively associated with more optimal interactive behaviors in mothers with high levels of cumulative psychosocial adversity (CPA). In the present pilot study, we aimed to identify factors associated with high versus low levels of OT in pregnant women with high levels of CPA. We hypothesized that insecurely attached women, and those who recently experienced stressful life events (SLE), would have lower levels of prenatal OT. Methods: Thirty pregnant women with mood and anxiety disorders and high levels of CPA were recruited from the perinatal mental health service of a general hospital. Participants completed self-report measures of psychosocial stress and adult attachment style, and blood was then drawn to assess OT. Results and conclusions: Lower OT levels were found among those who were insecurely attached, and among those who experienced SLE within the last year. In a multiple linear regression, both attachment security and SLE significantly contributed to a model of prenatal OT levels. These individual difference factors explained 38% of the variance in prenatal OT, which may in turn predict poorer maternal mental health and caregiving outcomes during the postpartum period.
Assessment of Queries Received by the Drug Information Center at King Saud Medical City

Background: The complexity of drug therapies has increased the need to evaluate the drug information scientifically. In this regard, the aim of drug information centers (DICs) is to promote rational use of drugs in a health-care setting. DI pharmacists play a vital role in providing the necessary and reliable information on drugs to promote the concept of rational drug use, eventually leading to a better patient outcome. The objective of the present study was to assess the drug-related queries received by the DIC at the King Saud Medical City (KSMC) from health-care professionals working in a large tertiary care setting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from February 2016 to January 2017. Data were collected using the DI request form, available in both printed and electronic formats for use by the health-care professionals. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequencies and percentages. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences software, version 16.0. Results: The current study received a total of 139 queries that were answered by the DIC pharmacists over a period of 1 year. The majority of queries were asked by pharmacists (61.2%), followed by physicians (23.7%) and nurses (10.10%). About half of the queries were related to the dosage and administration of the drugs. Lexicomp® acted as the common resource of information. Conclusion: DIC has been instrumental in the dissemination of drug-related information to health-care professionals since its inception in February 2016, resulting in the provision of quality health care to the patients. However, based on yearly queries, there still exists a need to increase the awareness of health-care professionals about the DIC at KSMC, which will urge them to take drug consultation from DIC pharmacists and promote patient safety.
Pure culture response of bryophilous fungi to matric-induced water stress

Matric potential influences water availability for soiland wood-inhabiting fungi because the more negative the matric potential, the harder the substrate holds onto water, making it less available for microbial growth. The objectives of this study were to isolate epiphytic and endophytic fungi from bryophytes and assay their tolerance to matric-induced water stresses, and isolate terrestrial (soil) fungi to compare optimal matric potential of soil fungi to that of endophytes. Twelve fungal endophytes were isolated from two species of liverworts (Bazzania trilobata and Conocephalum conicum) and two moss species (Mnium punctatum and Polytrichum commune) from three habitats in central Pennsylvania. All epiphytic and endophytic isolates were assayed for their ability to grow on matric modified media (PEG 8000) at ca. 0 MPa, -5 MPa, -10 MPa, -15 MPa and -20 MPa. Results for matrically modified media suggest that epiphytes/endophytes of Bazzania trilobata, Conocephalum conicum, and Mnium punctatum produced greater biomass (mg) from -10 MPa to 20 MPa, while epiphytes/endophytes of Polytrichum commune display more variation with greater biomass (dry weight) from -5 MPa to -20 MPa. Eleven out of twelve of the endophytes had limited biomass production (dry weight) at the weakest matric potential (ca. 0 MPa) which represented nonmatrically modified media). All soil isolates in this study demonstrated the expected Type II response with diminished growth under increasing matric stress.
Diet and liver apoptosis in rats: a particular metabolic pathway.

INTRODUCTION Various studies have indicated an association between modifi cation in dietary macronutrient composition and liver apoptosis. OBJECTIVE To explain how changes in metabolic pathways associated with a high-protein, high-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet causes liver apoptosis. METHODS Two groups of rats were compared. An experimental diet group (n = 8) using a high-protein (59.46%), high-fat (31.77%), and low-carbohydrate (8.77%) diet versus a control one (n = 9) with American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93-M diet. Animals were sacrificed after eight weeks, the adipose tissue weighed, the liver removed for flow cytometry analysis, and blood collected to measure glucose, insulin, glucagon, IL-6, TNF, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and β-hydroxybutyrate. Statistical analysis was carried out using the unpaired and parametric Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coeffi ents. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Animals from the experimental group presented less adipose tissue than dose of the control group. Percentage of nonviable hepatocytes in the experimental group was 2.18 times larger than the control group (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in capillary glucose, insulin, glucagon, IL-6, or TNF-α between two groups. Plasmatic β-hydroxybutyrate and malondialdehyde of the experimental group expressed higher levels and triglycerides lower levels compared with the control group. The results show a positive and significant correlation between the percentage of nonviable hepatocytes and malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.0217) and a statistically significant negative correlation with triglycerides levels (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Results suggest that plasmatic malondialdehyde and triglyceride levels are probably good predictors of liver damage associated with an experimental low-carbohydrate diet in rats.
Research, part of a Special Feature on Sustainably Managing Freshwater Resources Community perceptions of collaborative processes for managing freshwater resources

Six of New Zealand's 16 regional councils are trialling collaborative planning as a means of addressing complex challenges in freshwater management. Although some work has been undertaken to evaluate similarities and differences across those processes, the success or failure rests with the public's acceptance of the processes and their outcomes. This is the first study to evaluate public perceptions of freshwater management in regions with collaborative processes. We surveyed 450 respondents in Hawke's Bay, Northland, and Waikato, some of whom live in catchments in which collaborative processes are under way and some of whom do not. In addition to assessing awareness of the collaborative planning processes, the survey measured perceptions regarding the regional council's management of freshwater resources, the extent of agreement regarding freshwater management among various interests, the fairness of freshwater management, and the extent to which respondents believe that their interests and concerns are included in freshwater management. We hypothesized that relative to respondents in parts of the region in which traditional processes are in places, respondents in catchments with collaborative management of freshwater resources would have more positive perceptions of management, agreement, fairness, and interests, even if there is low awareness that a collaborative planning process is under way. Survey results indicate that knowledge of collaborative processes is generally low and that living in catchments with collaborative processes does not impact respondents' perceptions of management, agreement, fairness, or interests in Northland or Waikato. However, relative to Hawke's Bay respondents living outside of the collaborative catchment, respondents living inside the collaborative catchment believe that the regional council's freshwater management is better and fairer. Moreover, Hawke's Bay residents living inside the collaborative catchment perceive less conflict over freshwater management than Hawke's Bay respondents living outside the collaborative catchment. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for this regional variation.
Influence of Pressurized Sintering on Performance of TiC-Based Cermets

This paper discusses the effect of advanced sintering technologies – sinter + hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and sinter/HIP on the performance of TiC-based cermets. The performance was evaluated by strength (transverse rupture strength), adhesive wear resistance and durability. Adhesive wear was performed by a turning method (turning of mild steel at low speed) while durability was evaluated by functional testing – wear of tools during blanking of sheet metal. It was found that sinter/HIP ensures a higher positive effect than sinter + HIP in different cycles.
The Histological effects of microwave oven on bone decalcification using gooding and stewart fluid at varying temperatures and concentrations

This study evaluates the histological preservation of bone tissue architecture at varying temperatures and concentrations of Gooding and Stewart (GS) decalcifying fluid as the preservation of tissue architecture depends on the quality and velocity of the decalcification processes. In the present study, a decalcification methodology was adopted using household microwave oven to induce the decalcification rate of rabbit compact bone sample for microscopic analysis. Bone biopsy was obtained from rabbit limb and fixed immediately for 24hrs in 10% formalin. Traditional decalcification was carried out at RT (Room Temperature) with 5%-GS as control while microwave oven decalcification was conducted with 5%-GS and 10%-GS at 30 0 C, 40 0 C and 50 0 C respectively. The results showed that 5%-GS and 10%-GS gave excellent histological architecture at 30 0 C while at 40 0 C, the histological architectures were comparable to RT decalcification. But at 50 0 C, bone tissue architecture was completely destroyed being ghost-like in appearance. Of particular interest is the fact that the bone tissue treated with 5%-GS irrespective of the temperature presented excellent tissue architecture than that of 10%-GS. Thus 5%-GS gave the best result in this study. Key Words: Microwave Oven, Decalcification, Decalcifying fluid, Tissue architecture.