Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of parastomal hernia: a comparison of results 3 years on

Parastomal hernia continues to be a common and distressing problem for patients with stomas and research investigating prevention strategies is scant. In March 2005 Thompson and Trainor reported that the introduction of a prevention programme for 1 year following stoma formation surgery significantly reduced the incidence of parastomal hernia. This follow-up study strengthens the reliability and validity of the findings of the first study by confirming a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of parastomal hernias through the introduction of a simple non-invasive prevention programme. clinical
Design of highly efficient cellulase mixtures for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose

An extremely highly active cellobiohydrolase (CBH IIb or Cel6B) was isolated from Chrysosporium lucknowense UV18‐25 culture filtrate. The CBH IIb demonstrated the highest ability for a deep degradation of crystalline cellulose amongst a few cellobiohydrolases tested, including C. lucknowense CBH Ia, Ib, IIa, and Trichoderma reesei CBH I and II. Using purified C. lucknowense enzymes (CBH Ia, Ib, and IIb; endoglucanases II and V; β‐glucosidase, xylanase II), artificial multienzyme mixtures were reconstituted, displaying an extremely high performance in a conversion of different cellulosic substrates (Avicel, cotton, pretreated Douglas fir wood) to glucose. These mixtures were much or notably more effective in hydrolysis of the cellulosic substrates than the crude multienzyme C. lucknowense preparation and other crude cellulase samples produced by T. reesei and Penicillium verruculosum. Highly active cellulases are a key factor in bioconversion of plant lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol as an alternative to fossil fuels. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 97: 1028–1038. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use (or misuse) of microsatellite allelic distances in the context of inbreeding and conservation genetics

In line with inbreeding theory, genetic diversity at a set of molecular markers may explain variation in fitness‐associated traits in partially inbred populations, and such associations will appear as ‘genotype–fitness correlations’. An individual genetic diversity index specifically used for microsatellites is ‘mean d2’, i.e. the mean squared distance between alleles. The original hypothesis for mean d2–fitness correlations assumes that mean d2 captures fitness effects at both ends of the inbreeding–outbreeding spectrum. This hypothesis received strong criticism from work showing that even a plain diversity estimate such as multi‐locus heterozygosity (MLH) outperforms mean d2 as a predictor of the inbreeding coefficient and fitness in most realistic situations. Despite this critique, the mean d2‐approach is still used frequently in ecological and evolutionary research, producing results suggesting that mean d2 sometimes provides a stronger prediction of fitness than does MLH. In light of the critique, such results are unexpected, but potential explanations for them may exist (at least hypothetically), including scenarios based on close linkage and recent admixture. Nevertheless, a major caveat is that it is very difficult to predict a priori if mean d2 will improve the genotype–fitness correlation, which in turn makes objective interpretations difficult. Mean d2–fitness associations are potentially interesting, but the fact that we cannot easily understand them is problematic and should be thoroughly addressed in each study. Therefore, instead of hastily reached interpretations of mean d2–fitness correlations, conclusions need support from complementary analyses, e.g. verifying admixture of genetically structured populations.
Treatment of the tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid.

BACKGROUND Volume loss and muscular hyperactivity are two major components of the aging process that contribute to the formation of the folds and wrinkles. Tear trough deformity is one of the most difficult depressions to correct surgically. OBJECTIVE The authors evaluate the results of periorbital filling with hyaluronic acid (HA) in a small series of patients. METHODS Between June 2008 and December 2009, 25 patients were treated with HA to correct tear trough deformities. The HA was administered into the preperiosteal tissues with a serial puncture technique and approximately 0.1 mL was injected at each pass. Each patient's before and after photographs were reviewed by three surgeons; to objectively assess the outcomes, a quantitative scale was used to grade the pre- and postinjection results. The significance of subjective aesthetic evaluation of the photographs was evaluated with the Mann-Whitney U-test. Differences were regarded as significant if probabilities were less than 0.05. RESULTS The mean (SD) volume per side needed to achieve correction was 0.54 (0.27) mL on the right and 0.61 (0.30) mL on the left. Complications included some degree of bruising, erythema, and local swelling. Most patients (88%) had cosmetic improvement according to the independent evaluation. CONCLUSIONS All patients were very satisfied with their results. During the course of the study, the authors determined that the ideal candidates for this treatment are young, with thick skin and a definite hollow.
Atomic Di ff usion in the Surface State of Mott Insulator NiS 2

We present resistivity measurements of Mott insulator NiS2 single crystals after heat treatment. We find a strong increase of the low temperature resistivity that relaxes back towards the pristine behaviour over several days with a time constant of 45 h at room temperature. The low temperature resistivity has previously been shown to be dominated by surface conduction [1]. Consequently, the changes induced by heat treatment are attributed to changes to surface states. Our results suggest the creation of vacancies in the surface that re refilled from the bulk via atomic diffusion. We estimate a diffusion constant of D ≈ 1 × 10−10 m2 s−1 at room temperature. We identify sulphur vacancies as the most likely to form via oxidisation of sulphur forming volatile SO2 during heat treatment. Our results point towards these sulphur vacancies to be the source of surface state localisation in NiS2.
Features predicting adverse outcomes of status epilepticus in childhood.

OBJECTIVE To examine variables that might predict abnormal outcome of status epilepticus among children. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Regional hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS All children younger than 15 years who were admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with status epilepticus between 1997 and 2002. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neurodevelopmental outcomes. RESULTS Two of the 25 patients died, resulting in a mortality rate of 8%. No deaths were due to status epilepticus itself. No patient with febrile or idiopathic status epilepticus developed epilepsy. Neurological deterioration was observed in a quarter (six of 23) of the survivors. Symptomatic aetiology (acute or remote) and refractory status epilepticus were associated with adverse outcomes (P<0.05). Young age at status epilepticus (<12 months) and duration of status epilepticus (>60 minutes) tended to be more frequent among those who developed adverse outcome. Rectal diazepam was given before hospital arrival in only four patients. CONCLUSIONS Paediatric patients with status epilepticus who had normal neurodevelopmental status before the onset of an attack and who did not sustain an acute insult to the central nervous system or have progressive encephalopathy, had favourable outcomes. Prompt use of rectal diazepam or buccal midazolam administered by caretakers or paramedics should be encouraged.
West Germany's declining guestworker population: spatial change and economic trends in the 1980s.

The author examines trends in labor migration to West Germany during the 1980s, with an emphasis on the spatial distribution of migrants. Urban and rural differentials in distribution and the effcts of rising unemployment on labor migration are discussed. Information is included on migrants' population size and their countries of origin. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND GER)
SMP-BASED CLONE DETECTION

Code cloning is a severe problem that negatively affects industrial software and threatens intellectual property. This paper presents a novel approach to detecting cloned software by using a bijection matching technique. The proposed approach focuses on increasing the range of similarity measures and thus enhancing the recall and precision of the detection. This is achieved by extending a well-known stable-marriage problem (SMP) and demonstrating how matches between code fragments of different files can be expressed. A prototype of our approach is provided using a proper scenario, which shows a noticeable improvement in several features such as scalability and accuracy.
Fractures of the Calcaneus: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation From the Medial Side a 21-Year Prospective Study

Since 1974, 61 displaced fractures of the calcaneus have been treated by open reduction and internal fixation by a modified medial approach technique. Surgery was performed through a 5-cm incision posterior to the neurovascular bundle. A single threaded pin was passed longitudinally through the tuberosity and into the sustentacular fragment, giving stable fixation. Reduction of the depressed posterior facet fragments was accomplished from the medial side in 77% of cases, occasionally assisted by fluoroscopy. Postoperatively all fractures were immobilized in a cast for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks the pin was removed, and full weight bearing in a walking cast was started and continued for 4 weeks. At 8 weeks after surgery, the walking cast was removed, and the patient began walking in a shoe. These cases were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. There were 49 successful cases (80.3%) and 12 unsuccessful cases (19.7%). A high number of superior results was found in the successful group as shown by the mean score of 94.7 (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Scoring System). Time to return to work was a mean of 4.9 months.
Novel splicing mutation in the ASXL3 gene causing Bainbridge–Ropers syndrome

Bainbridge–Ropers syndrome (BRPS) is characterized by severe developmental delay, feeding problems, short stature, characteristic facal appearance including arched eyebrows and anteverted nares, and ulnar deviation of the hands. BRPS is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the additional sex combs‐like 3 (ASXL3) gene. We describe a patient with severe developmental delay, feeding problems, short stature, autism, and sleep disturbance with a heterozygous de novo splicing mutation in the ASXL3 gene. Reported disease‐causing mutations in ASXL3 are located mostly in the first half of exon 11, analogous to ASXL1 mutations of which result in Bohring–Opitz syndrome (BOS). Our findings suggest that the expression of the truncated ASXL3 protein, including ASXN and ASXH domains, give rise to BRPS, which is distinct from but overlaps with BOS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles show antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 and 2 diabetic rats.

AIM The correlation of diabetes and an imbalance in zinc homeostasis makes zinc-based therapy an attractive proposition. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for antidiabetic effects and safety. MATERIALS & METHODS Zinc oxide nanoparticles (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) were tested for antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced Type 1 and 2 diabetic rats. A single-dose pharmacokinetic study, cytotoxicity, hemolysis, acute and subacute toxicity tests, and mechanism-of-action studies were performed. RESULTS Oral administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles resulted in significant antidiabetic effects--that is, improved glucose tolerance, higher serum insulin (70%), reduced blood glucose (29%), reduced nonesterified fatty acids (40%) and reduced triglycerides (48%). Nanoparticles were systemically absorbed resulting in elevated zinc levels in the liver, adipose tissue and pancreas. Increased insulin secretion and superoxide dismutase activity were also seen in rat insulinoma (RIN-5F) cells. Nanoparticles were safe up to a 300 mg/kg dose in rats. CONCLUSION Zinc oxide nanoparticles are a promising antidiabetic agent warranting further studies.
Injection of gases into the stratosphere by explosive volcanic eruptions

[1] Explosive eruptions can inject large amounts of volcanic gases into the stratosphere. These gases may be scavenged by hydrometeors within the eruption column, and high uncertainties remain regarding the proportion of volcanic gases, which eventually reach the stratosphere. These are caused by the difficulties of directly sampling explosive volcanic eruption columns and by the lack of laboratory studies in the extreme parameter regime characterizing them. Using the nonhydrostatic nonsteady state plume model Active Tracer High Resolution Atmospheric Model (ATHAM), we simulated an explosive volcanic eruption. We examined the scavenging efficiency for the climatically relevant gases within the eruption column. The low concentration of water in the plume results in the formation of relatively dry aggregates. More than 99% of these are frozen because of their fast ascent to low-temperature regions. Consideration of the salinity effect increases the amount of liquid water by one order of magnitude, but the ice phase is still highly dominant. Consequently, the scavenging efficiency for HCl is very low, and only 1% is dissolved in liquid water. However, scavenging by ice particles via direct gas incorporation during diffusional growth is a significant process. The salinity effect increases the total scavenging efficiency for HCl from about 50% to about 90%. The sulfur-containing gases SO2 and H2S are only slightly soluble in liquid water; however, these gases are incorporated into ice particles with an efficiency of 10 to 30%. Despite scavenging, more than 25% of the HCl and 80% of the sulfur gases reach the stratosphere because most of the particles containing these species are lifted there. Sedimentation of the particles would remove the volcanic gases from the stratosphere. Hence the final quantity of volcanic gases injected in a particular eruption depends on the fate of the particles containing them, which is in turn dependent on the volcanic and environmental conditions.
Identification of Soft Magnetic B-H Characteristics Using Discrete Dynamic Preisach Model and Single Measured Hysteresis Loop

In this paper, the identification of soft magnetic B - H characteristics when using the single measured hysteresis loop and fitting the discrete dynamic Preisach (DDP) model is addressed. The magnetic measurements with primary and secondary windings are performed to obtain the magnetostatic system response. The constrained least-squares estimation of the Preisach density function yields the global solution even for limited hysteresis data. The uncertainties detected during the measurement and computation of B and H values are discussed.
Deconstructing the D 0D 6 system

We find the complete classical moduli space of two-centered supersymmetric solutions carrying D0 and D6 brane charge in the STU model delimited by walls of marginal stability of co-dimension one. U-duality guarantees our conclusions hold for any BPS state with negative quartic invariant. The analysis explicitly shows that the conditions of marginal stability, i.e. the integrability conditions, are generically insufficient to provide a regular supergravity solution in this model.
Prospective Study of Hammertoe Correction With an Intramedullary Implant

Background: Operative correction of a hammertoe deformity is often accomplished by excision of the articular surface of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and fixation across the joint. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of hammertoe operative correction utilizing an internal implant and assess its ability to maintain postoperative alignment. Methods: Twenty-nine patients (53 toes) with a painful rigid hammertoe deformity were prospectively enrolled and operatively treated with resection arthroplasty of the PIP joint and fixation with an implant. Five patients were lost to follow-up, and 24 patients (42 toes) returned at an average of 12 months for final clinical and radiographic evaluation. All patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by AOFAS and Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) scores. On physical exam, the location and magnitude of the deformity, callosities, and digit circumference were recorded. Radiological parameters evaluated were digital alignment, successful union, implant position, and bone reaction. Results: All patients reported satisfaction at final follow-up, with an average improvement of AOFAS score from 52 (range, 24-87 points) to 71 (range, 42-95 points) points. The mean VAS pain score improved from 5 points (range, 2 to 10) preoperatively to 1 point (range, 0 to 5) postoperatively. Of patients, 87% reported an ability to return to their preoperative activities without limitations. Regarding digital alignment, there were no recurrent deformities or transverse plane deformities; 1 toe presented with a minor digital rotational deformity at final follow-up. Postoperative radiographs indicated 100% of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints with good alignment, and 81% demonstrated bony union. Conclusion: Our results suggest that utilization of an internal implant for hammertoe correction was safe and provided acceptable alignment, pain reduction, and improved function at final follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Global analysis of the Brucella melitensis proteome: Identification of proteins expressed in laboratory‐grown culture

Brucella melitensis is a facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes brucellosis, a zoonotic disease primarily infecting sheep and goats, characterized by undulant fever, arthritic pain and other neurological disorders in humans. A comprehensive proteomic study of strain 16M was conducted to identify and characterize the proteins expressed in laboratory‐grown culture. Using overlapping narrow range immobilized pH gradient strips for two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, 883 protein spots were detected between pH 3.5 and 11. The average isoelectric point and molecular weight values of the detected spots were 5.22 and 46.5 kDa, respectively. Of the 883 observed protein spots, 440 have been identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry. These proteins represent 187 discrete open reading frames (ORFs) or 6% of the predicted 3197 ORFs contained in the genome. The corresponding ORFs of the identified proteins are distributed evenly between each of the two circular B. melitensis chromosomes, indicating that both replicons are functionally active. The presented proteome map lists those protein spots identified to date in this study. This map may serve as a baseline reference for future proteomic studies aimed at the definition of biochemical pathways associated with stress responses, host specificity, pathogenicity and virulence. It will also assist in characterization of global proteomic effects in gene‐knockout mutants. Ultimately, it may aid in our overall understanding of the cell biology of B. melitensis, an important bacterial pathogen.
Self-reinforcing Mechanisms in a Multi-technology Industry: Understanding Sustained Technological Variety in a Context of Path Dependency

Abstract This paper studies self-reinforcing mechanisms in multi-technology industries, i.e. industries in which technological lock-in does not occur and several technologies continue to coexist. The purpose of this paper is to investigate what kind of self-reinforcing mechanisms can be present in such industries and explain how multiple paths can coexist and interact in a context of self-reinforcement and, ultimately, path dependency. Building on the empirical example of the lighting industry, the paper shows that all previously recognized types of self-reinforcing mechanisms can be present in a multi-technology industry. However, in addition to the path-internal positive feedbacks and cross-path negative externalities identified in single-path settings, multi-technology industries also experience positive cross-path externalities that create a symbiotic relationship between alternatives and allow for the reproduction of the same development pattern across technologies. Due to the existence of such non-negative technology interactions, multi-technology industries can be path dependent while still retaining technological variety.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and factors associated with condom use among adolescents in northeast Brazil.

AIM To assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and factors associated with condom use among adolescent. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 outpatient adolescents. Association between knowledge on the transmission of HIV/AIDS and variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the factors associated to condom use. RESULTS The knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission was high and lower percentages of knowledge were observed regarding the non-transmission of HIV/AIDS. Younger adolescents revealed less knowledge than older adolescents. After multiple logistic regression the following factors were associated with condom use: male gender (p = 0.029), same age between partners (p = 0.002) and having until 1 year elapsed since sexual initiation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS prevention was satisfactory. However, this does not imply that adolescents put such knowledge to use.
Aortic calcification on plain chest radiography increases risk for coronary artery disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To determine whether an association exists between aortic calcification viewed on plain chest radiography and coronary artery disease. METHODS Retrospective review of all chest radiographs obtained from consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography at a primary cardiac center during 1999. Plain chest radiographs were reviewed by blinded radiologists, and interobserver consistency was measured. The presence or absence of aortic arch calcification was abstracted and compared with the results of coronary angiography. RESULTS Of 654 cases, 329 of 360 patients with aortic arch calcification vs. 241 of 294 patients without aortic arch calcification had coronary artery disease demonstrated on angiography. The 9% absolute difference in proportions was significant (p = 0.0003). The relative risk (measured by risk ratio) was 1.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.19). CONCLUSION Several objective signs (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and ECG changes) have been associated previously with the presence of coronary artery disease. This study further suggests an association between coronary disease and aortic arch calcification on plain chest radiography. These results may assist primary-care providers performing routine health assessments as well as emergency practitioners evaluating patients with potential angina.