Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Astigmatism After Mersilene and Nylon Suture Use for Penetrating Keratoplasty

Purpose: To evaluate postoperative astigmatism after the use of Mersilene and nylon sutures for penetrating keratoplasty. Methods: Two groups of 12 patients each (age, 20-50 years) suffering from keratoconus underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Continuous suturing combined with 12 interrupted sutures was used in each case: Mersilene 11-0 sutures were used in group 1, whereas nylon 10-0 sutures were used in group 2. Sutures were removed to control astigmatism when required. All patients were monitored for 36 months. Results: During the follow-up period, sutures were removed in each eye as indicated by astigmatism or breakage. In group 1 (Mersilene 11-0 sutures), no breakage of sutures was recorded. In group 2 (nylon 10-0 sutures), breakage of sutures was recorded in 11 of 12 cases. However, continuous sutures were removed in 2 patients in group 2. After the first year, the astigmatism remained within ±1.00 diopter in all except 1 patient in group 1 and in 5 patients in group 2. No suture-related complications were recorded except for scarring with photophobia in 1 patient in group 1 and suture breakage in 11 eyes in group 2. Conclusion: Mersilene sutures can provide a stable postoperative astigmatism, whereas nylon sutures have a tendency to break and cause changes in corneal astigmatism.
The National Weather Radar Testbed (Phased-Array)

A new national asset for weather radar research is now operational in Norman, Oklahoma. The National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) is a 10-cm phased array radar for use in studying and developing faster and more accurate warning, analysis and forecast techniques for severe and hazardous weather. As reported at previous Interactive Information Processing Systems (IIPS) conferences, Forsyth, (2002, 2003), the NWRT was developed by a government/university/ industry team consisting of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, the Tri-Agencies’ (Department of Commerce, Defense & Transportation) Radar Operations Center (ROC), the United States Navy’s Office of Naval Research, Lockheed Martin Corporation, the University of Oklahoma’s Electrical Engineering Department and School of Meteorology, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s William J. Hughes Technical Center. The NWRT uses a converted Navy SPY-1 phased array antenna system, thus providing the first phased array radar available on a full-time basis to the meteorological research community. The NWRT became operational in September 2003, but problems with the velocity channel delayed initial data collection until May 2004. Our initial efforts have focused on ensuring that the data is of high quality. Qualitative comparisons with a WSR-88D (KTLX-Twin Lakes, OK) appear to be similar. In this paper, we will describe the data quality improvements, recent upgrades, future plans and present some examples of the first tornadic data set obtained with this new national facility.
Asthmatic responses to airborne acid aerosols.

BACKGROUND Controlled exposure studies suggest that asthmatics may be more sensitive to the respiratory effects of acidic aerosols than individuals without asthma. This study investigates whether acidic aerosols and other air pollutants are associated with respiratory symptoms in free-living asthmatics. METHODS Daily concentrations of hydrogen ion (H+), nitric acid, fine particulates, sulfates and nitrates were obtained during an intensive air monitoring effort in Denver, Colorado, in the winter of 1987-88. A panel of 207 asthmatics recorded respiratory symptoms, frequency of medication use, and related information in daily diaries. We used a multiple regression time-series model to analyze which air pollutants, if any, were associated with health outcomes reported by study participants. RESULTS Airborne H+ was found to be significantly associated with several indicators of asthma status, including moderate or severe cough and shortness of breath. Cough was also associated with fine particulates, and shortness of breath with sulfates. Incorporating the participants' time spent outside and exercise intensity into the daily measure of exposure strengthened the association between these pollutants and asthmatic symptoms. Nitric acid and nitrates were not significantly associated with any respiratory symptom analyzed. CONCLUSIONS In this population of asthmatics, several outdoor air pollutants, particularly airborne acidity, were associated with daily respiratory symptoms.
Efficacy of desvenlafaxine 50 mg compared with placebo in patients with moderate or severe major depressive disorder: a pooled analysis of six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies

This study assessed the efficacy of desvenlafaxine 50 mg/day compared with placebo for treating moderate or severe major depressive disorder (MDD). Data were pooled from six double-blind, placebo-controlled, desvenlafaxine 50 mg/day fixed-dose studies in adults with MDD. The primary endpoint was improvement in 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17) scores from baseline at week 8. HAM-D17 changes were evaluated in patients with moderate (18<HAM-D17<25) or severe (HAM-D17≥25) MDD at baseline using analysis of covariance with treatment, study, and baseline in the model. The pooled analysis included 2189 patients (desvenlafaxine 50 mg, n=1150; placebo, n=1039). Of those, 694 (32%) patients had severe depression at baseline. Desvenlafaxine improved HAM-D17 scores versus placebo in patients with either moderate [desvenlafaxine, adjusted mean (±SE), −10.26±0.24; placebo, −8.87±0.26; P<0.001] or severe MDD (desvenlafaxine, −11.91±0.40; placebo, −9.85±0.42; P<0.001). Both moderately and severely depressed patients had significantly higher rates of response and remission with desvenlafaxine treatment compared with placebo (all P’s⩽0.029). Results were similar when baseline severity was defined by Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale or Sheehan Disability Scale scores. Desvenlafaxine 50 mg/day significantly improved depressive symptoms regardless of severity at baseline and was effective in treating both moderate and severe MDD.
Management of pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon ulcerative skin disease often associated with underlying systemic diseases. Its pathogenesis is unknown, although immune pathways have been implicated. Targeted therapy is therefore lacking and currently treatment is largely empirical and consists of corticosteroids and ciclosporin first line. This paper reviews the current and emerging knowledge about PG. PG occurs with an incidence of 3–10 per million per year. The ulcers are exquisitely painful and characteristically have a necrotic centre with irregular overhanging bluish borders. Around half of cases are associated with underlying systemic disease, most commonly inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and haematological malignancies; the remaining cases are idiopathic. The pathogenesis is unknown, but the most widely supported theory is immunological, and biopsies of lesions show a predominantly neutrophilic infiltrate. Several aberrant immune processes have been described, with neutrophils and their recruitment to sites of inflammation by cytokines taking an apparently important role. Topical and systemic therapies are both vital aspects of treatment, and in recent years, immune modulators have been used with increasing success, with an emerging role for anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha agents such as the monoclonal antibody infliximab. Although uncommon, PG causes significant morbidity to those it affects. Further research is needed into the disease pathogenesis, and adequate targeted treatment.
Recruitment and proliferation of T lymphocytes is supported by IFNγ‐ and TNFα‐activated human osteoblasts: Involvement of CD54 (ICAM‐1) and CD106 (VCAM‐1) adhesion molecules and CXCR3 chemokine receptor

The mechanism by which osteoblasts (OB) interact and modulate the phenotype and proliferation of T lymphocytes during inflammation is not well known. The effects of two regulatory cytokines, TNFα and IFNγ, on the expression of CD54 (ICAM‐1) and CD106 (VCAM‐1) adhesion molecules and the CXCR3 ligands (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11), were assessed in a primary culture of human OB by real‐time PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, we functionally evaluated the recruitment and proliferation of T lymphocytes grown with resting or stimulated OB. According to the present data IFNγ, either alone or in combination with TNFα, significantly up‐regulates the expression of CD54 and CD106 and induces the expression and release of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 in OB. The supernatant of TNFα‐ and IFNγ‐activated OB induces the recruitment of T lymphocytes more significantly than stimulation by CXCR3 ligands. T lymphocyte proliferation is significantly enhanced by direct contact with TNFα‐ and IFNγ‐activated OB or by incubation with the supernatant of TNFα‐ and IFNγ‐activated OB. Blocking experiments with anti‐CD11a, anti‐CD49d, anti‐CXCR3, and Bordetella pertussis toxin demonstrate that adhesion molecules and the CXCR3 chemokine receptor play a key role in the proliferation of T lymphocytes. The present study demonstrates the involvement of adhesion molecules (CD11a and CD49d) and chemokine receptor (CXCR3) in the mechanism by which OB recruit, interact, and modulate T lymphocyte proliferation under inflammatory conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 198: 388–398, 2004© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P‐glycoprotein expression in the Golgi apparatus of multidrug‐resistant cells

The surface and intracellular expression of mdrl‐P‐glycoprotein in parental drug‐sensitive human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) and their multidrug‐resistant (MDR) variants has been studied by using the monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) MM4.17 and MRK‐16, which recognize 2 different epitopes of the drug efflux pump molecule. Fluorescence microscopic observations showed that P‐glycoprotein, in addition to being located at the cell surface, can also be found in the Golgi apparatus of resistant cells. To confirm this finding, Golgi apparatus and P‐glycoprotein were double‐labelled with wheat‐germ agglutinin (WGA) and MAb MM4.17. Laser scanning confocal microscopy indicated that, in MDR cells, Adriamycin mainly accumulated cytoplasmically in a perinuclear region. This accumulation proved to be modulated by pre‐treatment with verapamil or ATP depletion. Moreover, the vital staining of Adriamycin‐treated MDR cells, performed with the fluorescent lipid N‐{7‐(4‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole)}‐6‐aminocaproyl sphingosine (C6‐NBD‐ceramide), revealed that the anthracyclinic antibiotic was located in the Golgi apparatus. All these results indicate that the drug transporter is located in the Golgi apparatus, in which Adriamycin molecules also accumulate.
HLA Antigen Distribution in Maratha Community from Mumbai, Maharastra, India

Abstract Two hundred and eighty nine unrelated Marathas residing in Mumbai, Maharastra, (Western India) were studied for HLA A, B, C and DR locus antigen profiles. The HLA antigen maximum likelihood gene frequencies of HLA A1, A2, A9 (24), A11, A19 (33), B5, B7, B35, B40 (61), Cw3, Cw6, DR2, DR5, DR7, DQ1 and DQ2 were increased while that of HLA A3, A10 (26), A36, B8, B13, B16 (38), B18, B21, B22 (55), B53, B73, Cw5, Cw7, DR3, DR4, DR9, and DQ3 were decreased in the Marathas. HLA antigens A25 (10), B14, B39 (16), B54 (22), B56 (22), B58 (17) and Cw8 were not identified in the present investigation. Two Locus haplotype analyses revealed the presence of A10-B8, A1-B17, A24-B52, B5-Cw9, B13-Cw3, B15-Cw2, B35-Cw4, DR2-DQ1, DR5-DQ3 and DR1-DQ9 haplotypes with positive linkage disequilibrium among the marathas. Haplotype A2- B12 was the only haplotype identified in negative linkage disequilibrium. The observed maximum likelihood gene frequencies, haplotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium in Marathas suggest the influence of genetic drift caused by selection, geography and culture. Further the study reveals that the Hindu population of India cannot be considered as a single panmictic population due to vast allelic diversity and immense heterozygosity in haplotypes.
Red Blood Cell Transfusion in a Neonatal Tertiary Care Center: A Moroccan Study

Background: Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion is a common therapy in neonatal practice and data from different international neonatal centers are available, however, there is paucity of Moroccan data regarding blood components usage. We aim to study trends and outcomes of RBC transfusions in our department and emphasize the need for transfusion guidelines. Material and method: This retrospective study was performed in a Moroccan tertiary neonatal intensive care center. The records of all neonates admitted from January 2015 to March 2016 were screened for RBC usage and indications. The data were statistically analyzed by using Microsoft ExcelTM software. Results: A total of 60 neonates received 77 RBC transfusions. Postnatal age at transfusion ranged from 1 to 30 days with an average of 13 days, and 30% of our patients were aged ≥21 days. RBC Transfusion was given once in 48 patients (80%), twice in 8 patients (13.3%) and ≥ thrice in 4 patients (6.7%). More than one type of blood components was needed in 23 (38%) neonates. 70% of patients were critically ill, 60% were born before 37 weeks’ gestation and 57% were small for gestational age. Mean hemoglobin at the time of transfusion of RBC was 8.59 g/dl (2 - 11.6 g/dl). Sepsis and anemia with mechanical ventilation for severe respiratory illness were the commonest indications. All gestational ages were considered, and mortality was noted in 66% of our cases and worsening in 13%; 21% of the infants showed improvement. Conclusion: Judicious implementation of guidelines for RBC transfusions would decrease their inappropriate use.
RSE-Assisted Lane-Level Positioning Method for a Connected Vehicle Environment

In this paper, a roadside equipment (RSE)–assisted positioning method, i.e., global positioning system (GPS)–received signal strength (RSS) hybrid, is developed for lane-level positioning, which is fundamental to many applications in intelligent transportation systems. By exploiting the potential of RSE in existing pilots all over the world, this key component in connected vehicle networks can be used to achieve greater positioning accuracy than GPS positioning. The proposed method utilizes RSS data, which is commonly available in all connected vehicle networks, to update the GPS position and improve its accuracy based on a Bayesian approach. A method for lane positioning at a specific point is presented first, and then an extension to enable real-time lane positioning is proposed. Two typical types of RSE deployments for different traffic flow demands are considered, and the performance of the proposed method in each deployment is assessed. The proposed method features higher accuracy than existing GPS positioning methods and low complexity. To evaluate the proposed method, simulations are conducted, and the results demonstrate high accuracy and robustness. Moreover, field tests are also conducted, and the outcomes show that the proposed method can recognize the lane in which the target vehicle is traveling.
Clinical Implications of Pathophysiological and Demographic Covariates on the Population Pharmacokinetics of Trastuzumab Emtansine, a HER2‐Targeted Antibody‐Drug Conjugate, in Patients With HER2‐Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) is a HER2‐targeted antibody‐drug conjugate in development for treatment of HER2‐positive cancers. T‐DM1 has been tested as a single agent in a phase I and 2 phase II studies of patients with heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC), with the maximum tolerated dose established at 3.6 mg/kg intravenously for every‐3‐week dosing. The authors present results from the population pharmacokinetics analysis for T‐DM1. Population pharmacokinetics for T‐DM1 were characterized using a clinical database of 273 patients from the 3 studies. Pharmacokinetics was best described by a linear 2‐compartment model. Population estimates (interindividual variability [IIV]) for pharmacokinetic parameters were clearance, 0.7 L/d (21.0%); central compartment volume (Vc), 3.33 L (13.2%); peripheral compartment volume (Vp), 0.89 L (50.4%); and intercompartmental clearance, 0.78 L/d. Body weight, albumin, tumor burden, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were identified as statistically significant covariates accounting for interindividual variability in T‐DM1 pharmacokinetics, with body weight having a greater effect on IIV of clearance and Vc than other covariates. T‐DM1 exposure was relatively consistent across the weight range following body weight‐based dosing. This analysis suggests no further T‐DM1 dose adjustments are necessary in heavily pretreated patients with MBC.
Application of latent nestling method using Coloured Petri Nets for the Fault Diagnosis in the wind turbine subsets

This paper presents an application example using the lating nestling method for the fault diagnosis based in the use of coloured Petri nets, to a lubrication and cooling system in the wind turbinepsilas gearbox with a critical subsystem as far as failure probability. It demonstrate the synthesis capacity of the method for any model of diagnosis and isolation, giving as opposed to know the contributed advantages other methodologies, as those based in finite state machine.
8% Lidocaine Pump Spray Relieves Pain Associated With Peripheral Blood Flow Disorders

ObjectivesIt is often difficult to reduce pain associated with peripheral blood flow disorders (PBFD) using standard analgesics. We assessed the analgesic effects of a metered-dose 8% lidocaine in patients with PBFD. MethodsTwenty-four patients with PBFD-related pain were enrolled in this double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Patients were randomized to receive either 8% lidocaine or saline on the painful site with a metered-dose spray. After a 3-day period, patients were crossed over to receive the alternative treatment. Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) before and 15 minutes after the treatment. Patients were also asked to record the time at which pain appeared again. The blood concentration of lidocaine was measured at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after lidocaine application. ResultsThere were no significant differences in VAS before treatment between the placebo and lidocaine treatments. However, lidocaine significantly decreased VAS at rest from 5.5±3.1 cm (mean±SD) to 0.6±0.9 cm and on movement from 8.4±2.0 cm to 1.7±1.7 cm, resulting in a significant difference between the 2 sprays. The median time to recurrence of pain was 3 hours. The blood concentration of lidocaine was less than 0.3 μg/mL in all patients. DiscussionA metered-dose 8% lidocaine pump spray produced prompt analgesia in patients with PBFD-related pain without severe side effects.
REREADING TARSKI ON LOGICAL CONSEQUENCE

I argue that recent defenses of the view that in 1936 Tarski required all interpretations of a language to share one same domain of quantification are based on misinterpretations of Tarski’s texts. In particular, I rebut some criticisms of my earlier attack on the fixed-domain exegesis and I offer a more detailed report of the textual evidence on the issue than in my earlier work. I also offer new considerations on subsisting issues of interpretation concerning Tarski’s views on the logical correctness of certain omega-arguments, on the Tarskian proof that Etchemendy took to be modal and fallacious, and on Tarski’s appeals to the “common concept of consequence”.
Endobronchial Valves for the Treatment of Persistent Air Leaks

Persistent air leaks are a well-documented complication occurring after invasive thoracic procedures but can occur in other cases of pneumothorax. Surgical repair has been the standard of care for patients having acceptable anesthesia and surgical risk. Previous attempts at less invasive endoscopic techniques for patients unable to tolerate surgery have shown variable success and can often only be applied in select situations. Currently, there are no consensus guidelines on the endoscopic management of persistent air leaks. Recent advances with regard to the use of 1-way endobronchial valves (EBV) in the treatment of heterogeneous emphysema have been extended to persistent air leaks. We found several case reports and case series documenting the use of EBVs in persistent air leaks, resulting in complete or partial resolution of the air leak, allowing healing of the bronchopleural fistula. Bronchoscopic placement of 1-way EBVs may provide a less invasive approach to the treatment of persistent air leaks and is a viable alternative to surgical interventions, especially in patients with unacceptable surgical risk.
Validation of a new method for estimating VO2max based on VO2 reserve.

PURPOSE The American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) preferred method for estimating maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) has been shown to overestimate VO2max, possibly due to the short length of the cycle ergometry stages. This study validates a new method that uses a final 6-min stage and that estimates VO2max from the relationship between heart rate reserve (HRR) and VO2 reserve. METHODS A cycle ergometry protocol was designed to elicit 65-75% HRR in the fifth and sixth minutes of the final stage. Maximal workload was estimated by dividing the workload of the final stage by %HRR. VO2max was then estimated using the ACSM metabolic equation for cycling. After the 6-min stage was completed, an incremental test to maximal effort was used to measure actual VO2max. Forty-nine subjects completed a pilot study using one protocol to reach the 6-min stage, and 50 additional subjects completed a modified protocol. RESULTS The pilot study obtained a valid estimate of VO2max (r = 0.91, SEE = 3.4 mL x min(-1) x kg-1) with no over- or underestimation (mean estimated VO2max = 35.3 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1), mean measured VO2max = 36.1 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1)), but the average %HRR achieved in the 6-min stage was 78%, with several subjects attaining heart rates considered too high for submaximal fitness testing. The second study also obtained a valid estimate of VO2max (r = 0.89, SEE = 4.0 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1)) with no over- or underestimation (mean estimated VO2max = 36.7 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1), mean measured VO2max = 36.9 mL x min(-1) x kg(-1), and the average %HRR achieved in the 6-min stage was 64%. CONCLUSIONS A new method for estimating VO2max from submaximal cycling based on VO2 reserve has been found to be valid and more accurate than previous methods.
Climate Migration and Moral Responsibility

Even though anthropogenic climate change is largely caused by industrialized nations, its burden is distributed unevenly with poor developing countries suffering the most. A common response to livelihood insecurities and destruction is migration. Using Peter Singer's ‘historical principle’, this paper argues that a morally just evaluation requires taking causality between climate change and migration under consideration. The historical principle is employed to emphasize shortcomings in commonly made philosophical arguments to oppose immigration. The article concludes that none of these arguments is able to override the moral responsibility of industrialized countries to compensate for harms that their actions have caused.