Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visual evaluation of perfusion computed tomography in acute stroke accurately estimates infarct volume and tissue viability

Objective: To establish the validity of visual interpretation of immediately processed perfusion computed tomography (CT) maps in acute stroke for prediction of final infarction. Methods: Perfusion CT studies acquired prospectively were reprocessed within six hours of stroke onset using standard CT console software. Four contiguous 5 mm thick images were obtained and maps of time to peak (TTP) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) generated. Volumes of lesions identified only by visual inspection were measured from manually drawn regions of interest. Volumes of tissue with prolonged TTP or reduced CBV were compared with independently calculated volume of infarction on non-contrast CT (NCCT) at 24–48 hours, and with clinical severity using the NIHSS score. Arterial patency at 24–48 h was included in analyses. Results: Studies were analysed from 17 patients 150 minutes (median) after stroke onset. Volume of tissue with prolonged TTP correlated with initial NIHSS (r = 0.62, p = 0.009), and with NCCT final infarct volume when arterial occlusion persisted (r = 0.953, p = 0.012). Volume of tissue with reduced CBV correlated with final infarct volume if recanalisation occurred (r = 0.835, p = 0.001). Recanalisation was associated with lower 24 h NIHSS score (6 (IQR, 5 to 9.5) v 19 (18 to 26), p = 0.027), and in 10 patients given rtPA for MCA M1 occlusion, with lower infarct volume (73 v 431 ml, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Visual evaluation of TTP and CBV maps generated by standard perfusion CT software correlated with 24–48 hour CT infarct volumes. Comparison of TTP and CBV maps yields information on tissue viability. Perfusion CT represents a practical technique to aid acute clinical decision making. Recanalisation was a crucial determinant of clinical and radiological outcome.
Oscheius tipulae, a widespread hermaphroditic soil nematode, displays a higher genetic diversity and geographical structure than Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Oscheius tipulae belongs to the same family (Rhabditidae) as the model species Caenorhabditis elegans. Both species reproduce through self‐fertilizing hermaphrodites and facultative males. Recent studies have shown that the self‐fertile C. elegans and C. briggsae displayed a 20‐fold lower genetic diversity than the male–female species C. remanei. Several explanations have been put forward to account for this difference, including their mode of reproduction and dynamic population structure. Here, we present the results of extensive worldwide sampling of O. tipulae, which we previously used as a laboratory organism for developmental genetics. We found that O. tipulae is much more widespread and common in soil throughout the world than Caenorhabditis species. We analysed 63 O. tipulae isolates from several continents using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). We found that O. tipulae harbours a 5‐fold higher genetic diversity than C. elegans and C. briggsae. As in C. elegans, a high proportion of this diversity was found locally. Yet, we detected significant geographical differentiation, both at the worldwide scale with a latitudinal structure and between three localities in France. In summary, O. tipulae exhibited significantly higher levels of genetic diversity and large‐scale geographical structure than C. elegans, despite their shared mode of reproduction. This species difference in genetic diversity may be explained by a number of other differences, such as population size, distribution, migration and dynamics. Due to its widespread occurrence and relatively high genetic diversity, O. tipulae may be a promising study species for evolutionary studies.
miR-192-5p regulates lipid synthesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through SCD-1

AIM To evaluate the levels of miR-192-5p in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models and demonstrate the role of miR-192-5p in lipid accumulation. METHODS Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, which were given a standard diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and an HFD with injection of liraglutide. At the end of 16 weeks, hepatic miR-192-5p and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1) levels were measured. MiR-192-5p mimic and inhibitor and SCD-1 siRNA were transfected into Huh7 cells exposed to palmitic acid (PA). Lipid accumulation was evaluated by oil red O staining and triglyceride assays. Direct interaction was validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. RESULTS The HFD rats showed a 0.46-fold decrease and a 3.5-fold increase in hepatic miR-192-5p and SCD-1 protein levels compared with controls, respectively, which could be reversed after disease remission by liraglutide injection (P < 0.01). The Huh7 cells exposed to PA also showed down-regulation and up-regulation of miR-192-5p and SCD-1 protein levels, respectively (P < 0.01). Transfection with miR-192-5p mimic and inhibitor in Huh7 cells induced dramatic repression and promotion of SCD-1 protein levels, respectively (P < 0.01). Luciferase activity was suppressed and enhanced by miR-192-5p mimic and inhibitor, respectively, in wild-type SCD-1 (P < 0.01) but not in mutant SCD-1. MiR-192-5p overexpression reduced lipid accumulation significantly in PA-treated Huh7 cells, and SCD-1 siRNA transfection abrogated the lipid deposition aggravated by miR-192-5p inhibitor (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that miR-192-5p has a negative regulatory role in lipid synthesis, which is mediated through its direct regulation of SCD-1.
The Functional Role of Garlic and Bioactive Components in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health: What We Do Know

Cardiovascular disease is a complex and multifactorial disease strongly associated with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, reduced ? brinolysis, increased blood-clotting time and increased platelet aggregation. Among other confounding factors, oxidative damage is a major factor in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The use of garlic in folkloric medicine highlights the potential role in either preventing or delaying cardiovascular disease. Contemporary research reveals how garlic and bioactive components modulate the risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases thus tending towards validating a measure of folkloric claims concerning the functional efficacy of garlic. This review seeks to elucidate contemporary research attempt towards the validation of the role of garlic and bioactive components, mechanisms of action involved and to define its ultimate role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Some contradictory claims exist possibly due to the use of different experimental protocols/formulations/dosages of garlic. Overwhelming commonality of positive cardiovascular and cerebro-vascular responses reside among research studies thus offering compelling evidence in supports of the bene? cial health effects of garlic and components.
Treatment of atrophic facial acne scars with the Er:YAG laser: A Turkish experience

Abstract Background Acne scars are extremely disturbing to patients, both physically and psychologically. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser on acne scars. Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of resurfacing atrophic facial acne scars with the Er:YAG laser in the Turkish population. Methods: A total of 128 patients, aged 22–42 years, underwent laser resurfacing. The patients had Fitzpatrick skin types ranging from II to V. Photographs were taken before and 3 months after treatment. Results were evaluated for the degree of clinical improvement, pigmentary change, and any adverse events. Results: Clinical improvements in facial skin texture, acne scarring and dyschromia were noted in all patients. There was a 50.2% average clinical improvement. Complete wound healing occurred between 6 and 8 days. Erythema occurred in all patients and lasted longer than 3 months in five patients (3.9%). Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurred in nine patients (7%) and lasted longer than 3 months in one patient (0.8%). No patient experienced hypopigmention. Mild to moderate postoperative acne flare-up occurred in 14 patients (11%). No other adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Er:YAG laser resurfacing is a safe and effective treatment modality for facial acne scars in the Turkish population who have darker skin tones.
Adult-onset hemiplegia: changes in gait after muscle-balancing procedures to correct the equinus deformity.

Fifty-four adult patients with acquired spastic equinus and equinovarus deformity were treated with lengthening of the Achilles tendon, lateral transfer of the anterior tibial tendon, and appropriate muscle releases. All patients had preoperative dynamic electromyography and electrogoniometry performed in order to assist in planning the surgical procedures and to provide a baseline assessment of the dynamic deformities. Preoperatively, the stance and double-support phases of gait were prolonged. Throughout the stance phase, the gait of these patients was characterized by equinus deformity of the ankle, decreased flexion of the knee (hyperextension in the most severely involved patients), and increased flexion of the hip (which also varied with the severity of the equinus deformity of the ankle and hyperextension of the knee). In all patients, the operation was performed at least one year after onset of the hemiplegia. Clinical follow-up at an average of thirty months (range, twenty-four to sixty-two months) showed that the equinus deformity was corrected in all patients and that 59 per cent of them were brace-free. Two patients had a superficial infection that healed uneventfully, and two had pull-out of the tendon that required reoperation. Postoperative analyses of gait, performed at least one year after surgery for twenty-seven of the patients, showed that the stance and double-support phases of gait (which had been prolonged before surgery) approached the findings in normal control subjects. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome: results of the International Amnioreduction Registry.

OBJECTIVE Serial aggressive amnioreduction is the most widely used therapy for pregnancies that are complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Survival rates reported with this therapy are 33% to 83%, the wide range attributable to the small number of patients in these case series. Similarly, data on morbidity in survivors are imprecise. We instituted the international twin-twin transfusion syndrome registry to determine the perinatal survival and morbidity rates and the factors that influence perinatal outcome in patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome who were treated with serial aggressive amnioreduction from 1990 to 1998. STUDY DESIGN A total of 223 sets of twins who were diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome before 28 weeks' gestation from 20 fetal medicine referral centers were analyzed, with follow-up data until 4 weeks after birth. RESULTS Three hundred forty-six twins (78%; 182 recipients and 164 donors) were born alive. Two hundred sixty-six twins (60%; 144 recipients and 122 donors) were alive 4 weeks after birth. Both fetuses survived to 4 weeks in 108 pregnancies (48.4%), whereas, at least 1 fetus survived in 158 pregnancies (70.8%). The interval between the last amnioreduction and delivery ranged from zero to 138 days (median, 17.5 days). In the infants who survived to 4 weeks after birth, abnormalities on neonatal cranial scan were diagnosed in 24% of recipients and in 25% of donors. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the survival rate was significantly related to gestational age at diagnosis, presence of end-diastolic blood flow in the umbilical artery velocity waveforms, presence of hydrops, mean volume of amniotic fluid removed per week, larger birth weight, and gestational age at delivery. The hemoglobin level difference at birth was the only significant parameter to predict abnormal cranial ultrasonography in newborns. CONCLUSION These data document perinatal survival and neonatal morbidity rates in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome that were treated by serial aggressive amnioreduction. Outcome was influenced by several perinatal risk factors, which may be used to counsel patients before and during therapy.
Changes in cerebral perfusion after revascularization of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis: CT measurement.

PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate changes in brain perfusion computed tomographic (CT) parameters after revascularization of unilateral symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and to determine whether pretreatment perfusion CT parameters can be used to predict changes in cerebral hemodynamics after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was medical ethics committee approved, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. Thirty-six patients (23 men, 13 women; mean age, 67 years) with unilateral symptomatic carotid artery stenosis underwent multi-detector row perfusion CT before and after revascularization. Mean transit time (MTT), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were calculated, and relative values based on the comparison between symptomatic and asymptomatic hemispheres-specifically, relative CBV, relative CBF, and difference in MTT-were derived. The absolute and relative perfusion values before treatment were assessed and compared with posttreatment values. These analyses were performed for the group as a whole by using the t test and after subdividing patients into three tertiles according to the difference in MTT by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS Among the absolute perfusion values, only the MTT in the symptomatic hemisphere improved significantly after treatment (P < .01). All relative values (difference in MTT, relative CBV, and relative CBF) changed significantly after treatment (P < .05). When the patients were subdivided into three tertiles according to difference in MTT, no significant change in any relative perfusion value could be demonstrated in the lowest tertile, only the difference in MTT improved significantly (P = .004) in the middle tertile, and all relative perfusion values changed significantly (P = .002) in the highest tertile. CONCLUSION Compared with relative CT perfusion values based on interhemispheric comparison, absolute perfusion CT values are less suited for demonstrating changes in cerebral perfusion after revascularization in patients with unilateral symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
Study on the Algorithm for Industrial Robot Programming in Free-Form Surfaces Polishing

For its advantages and characteristics of multiple degrees of freedom, the industrial robots have been widely used in mold and die of free-form surfaces polishing. However, too many degrees of freedom of industrial robots also bring great difficulties in programming process. This paper studies the mechanism of the free-form surface polishing process by an industrial robot, and analysis motion planning and ending posture of the surface polishing operations on the robot. By studying the algorithm for robot programming and the generation of NC code based on surface polishing, it laids the foundation for robot off-line programming system developed by standard CAD/CAM system.
Securitization and Insider Trading

ABSTRACT Securitizations are complex and opaque transactions. We hypothesize that bank insiders trade on private information about banks': (1) securitization-related recourse risks, (2) not-yet-reported current-quarter securitization income, and (3) securitization-based business model sustainability. We provide evidence that proxies for each of these types of insider information are positively associated with insider trading. Specifically, we find that net insider sales in the 2001Q2–2007Q2 pre-financial crisis quarters predict not-yet-reported non-performing securitized loans and securitization income for those quarters, and that net insider sales during 2006Q4 predict write-downs of securitization-related assets during the 2007Q3–2008Q4 crisis period. We find that net insider sales are more negatively associated with banks' subsequent stock returns in their securitization quarters than in other quarters. In supplemental analysis, we show that the above findings are driven by trades by banks' CEOs and CF.
Picogram doses of lipopolysaccharide exacerbate antibody‐mediated thrombocytopenia and reduce the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin in mice

Exacerbation of antibody‐mediated thrombocytopenia following infection with viruses has recently been demonstrated in a mouse model of the disease. The phenomenon was caused by an increased activation of phagocytes through gamma‐interferon secretion in response to infection. Endotoxins from Gram‐negative bacteria are also known to be potent activators of phagocytic cells. The objective of the present work was to determine whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could exacerbate antibody‐mediated thrombocytopenia in vivo and so alter the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), using a mouse model of thrombocytopenia. Very low doses of LPS (picogram range) and of anti‐platelet antibodies (nanogram range), which did not induce thrombocytopenia individually, could synergize in vivo, resulting in significant decreases in platelet counts. The therapeutic efficacy of IVIg in antibody‐mediated thrombocytopenia was significantly reduced in presence of LPS. These in vivo observations further support a role for bacterial infections in the aetiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and may contribute to better understand the recognized lack of efficacy of IVIg in a significant proportion of patients with ITP.
WHITE MATTER INTEGRITY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO PTSD AND CHILDHOOD TRAUMA—A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META‐ANALYSIS

Recent reviews and meta‐analyses reported structural gray matter changes in patients suffering from adult‐onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in subjects with and without PTSD who experienced childhood trauma. However, it remains unclear if such structural changes are also affecting the white matter. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of all empirical investigations measuring white matter integrity in populations affected by PTSD and/or childhood trauma. To this end, results from different methodological approaches were included. Twenty‐five articles are reviewed of which 10 pertained to pediatric PTSD and the effects of childhood trauma measured during childhood, seven to the effects of childhood trauma measured during adulthood, and eight to adult‐onset PTSD. Overall, reductions in white matter volume were reported more often than increases in these populations. However, the heterogeneity of the exact locations indicates only a weak overlap across published studies. In addition, a meta‐analysis was carried out on seven whole‐brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in adults. Significant clusters of both increases and decreases were identified in various structures, most notably the cingulum and the superior longitudinal fasciculus. Future research directions are discussed.
Predictors of postconcussion symptom complex in community dwelling male veterans

The presence of a persistent postconcussion symptom complex (PPCSC) was examined in a non-referred sample of male veterans with a history of mild head injury and a comparison group without a history of head injury. Hierarchical logistic regression procedures were used to determine possible predictors of PPCSC using variables supported by previous research (i.e., preexisting psychiatric difficulties, demographic and social support variables, and history of an accidental injurious event). Although PPCSC was common in all groups (23% of the total sample), a significantly greater proportion of individuals in the mild head injury with loss of consciousness group (37.2%) had PPCSC compared with three other groups (head injury without loss of consciousness = 26.1%; motor vehicle accident without head injury = 23%; and control = 17.3%). However, the most salient predictors of PPCSC were early life psychiatric difficulties such as anxiety or depression, limited social support, lower intelligence, and interactions among these variables. The predictive value of loss of consciousness was significant, but low (1.4% of unique variance). The findings provide support for the premise that PPCSC is mediated in part by individual resilience, preexisting psychological status, and psychosocial support. (JINS, 2003, 9, 1001–1015.)
Increased whole blood viscosity combined with decreased erythrocyte fluidity in untreated patients with essential hypertension

Abstract. Erythrocyte fluidity and other haemorheological variables were studied in 22 patients with essential hypertension and compared with age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Hypertensive patients displayed a significantly lower erythrocyte fluidity (P < 0.001). Similarly, significantly elevated values for haematocrit, plasma and whole blood viscosity, as well as aggregation tendency were observed compared to controls. Although differing in these respects from controls, there were no obvious relationships between these rheological variables and either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. The significantly lower erythrocyte fluidity and other changes in haemorheological variables of red blood cells found in hypertensive patients may be explained by an enlarged metabolic pool of free calcium ions in these red blood cells. It is suggested that the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of essential hypertension are multifactorial rather than being based on a single molecular derangement. Primary events resulting in altered physicochemical properties of the red blood cells may work in concert in the development of essential hypertension, in addition to the increased availability of calcium ions and their potential role in smooth muscle contraction.
The management of lateral sinus thrombosis

Abstract The standard recommended treatment for lateral sinus thrombosis is intravenous antibiotics. For those that fail, some authors recommend anticoagulant therapy, others internal jugular vein ligation. Despite these recommendations, there is still a significant mortality in all reported large series and the main reason this is that the cause of the failure has not been found or investigated. Over a six-year-period, from January 1985 to December 1990,36 patients were admitted with lateral sinus thrombosis. The initial treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics and surgery. The surgery included cortical mastoidectomy for non-cholesteatomatous ears and modified radical mastoidectomy for cholesteatomatous ears and drainage of the intracranial collection of pus in patients with subdural empyema and brain abscess. There were nine failures (25 per cent) with this treatment regimen. Blood cultures and pus swab of the ears were taken from these patients. The blood cultures were positive in four patients and the organisms isolated included (3-haemolytic Streptococcus sp. in two, Proteus mirabilis and Streptococcuspneumoniae in one each). From the ear swab mixed cultures were found in eight and a single organism in one. Gram-negative organisms were isolated in nine (100 per cent), Proteus mirabilis in eight (89 per cent) and Enterobacter sp. in two. Both these organisms were resistant to ampicillin and penicillin but were sensitive to amikacin. Amikacin was then added to the treatment regimen and a dramatic response with a fall in the temperature, and improvement in the patients' general condition was noted within 24 hours, in all patients. There was not a single death, despite the fact that 42 per cent of the patients had other associated intracranial complications. The conclusion is that the treatment of choice for patients refractory to the conventional antibiotic therapy and surgery is amikacin therapy and not internal jugular vein ligation, or anticoagulant therapy.