Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical Treatment of Severe Hallux Valgus: The State of Practice among Academic Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operative procedures used for treatment of severe hallux valgus by academic foot and ankle surgeons practicing in the United States. Methods: A patient with severe hallux valgus deformity was developed as a hypothetical case: a 50-year-old woman with a severe deformity (intermetatarsal angle = 20 degrees; hallux valgus angle = 42 degrees). The patient was symptomatic with pain, did not improve with conservative measures, and wanted the deformity corrected. This case was sent to academic foot and ankle surgeons in a survey to determine their preferred operative treatment for this case. The overall response rate was 84% (128 of 153). To be included in the study group each surgeon had to have 1) foot and ankle patients comprising 50% or more of his clinical practice and 2) direct responsibility for teaching orthopaedic residents. One hundred and five respondents met the inclusion criteria and formed the study group; however, three surveys with invalid responses were deleted. Results: Fifty-two percent (54 of 102) of the respondents chose a metatarsal osteotomy, 26% (26 of 102) a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis, and 24% (24 of 102) a Lapidus procedure. Two respondents chose both an arthrodesis and a metatarsal osteotomy. Among the 54 respondents who chose metatarsal osteotomies, 24 used a Ludloff, 16 a proximal crescentic, eight a proximal chevron, two a scarf, two a distal chevron, and two other. In addition, secondary procedures to enhance the correction included a Weil osteotomy in 46% (47 of 102) and an Akin osteotomy in 30% (31 of 102). Conclusions: There was a wide variation in the type of procedure used to correct this severe hallux valgus deformity; approximately 50% of the respondents chose a metatarsal osteotomy, 25% chose a first MTP joint arthrodesis, and 25% a Lapidus procedure.
Introduction of new carotenoids into the bacterial photosynthetic apparatus by combining the carotenoid biosynthetic pathways of Erwinia herbicola and Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Carotenoids have two major functions in bacterial photosynthesis, photoprotection and accessory light harvesting. The genes encoding many carotenoid biosynthetic pathways have now been mapped and cloned in several different species, and the availability of cloned genes which encode the biosynthesis of carotenoids not found in the photosynthetic genus Rhodobacter opens up the possibility of introducing a wider range of foreign carotenoids into the bacterial photosynthetic apparatus than would normally be available by producing mutants of the native biosynthetic pathway. For example, the crt genes from Erwinia herbicola, a gram-negative nonphotosynthetic bacterium which produces carotenoids in the sequence of phytoene, lycopene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and zeaxanthin glucosides, are clustered within a 12.8-kb region and have been mapped and partially sequenced. In this paper, part of the E. herbicola crt cluster has been excised and expressed in various crt strains of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. This has produced light-harvesting complexes with a novel carotenoid composition, in which the foreign carotenoids such as beta-carotene function successfully in light harvesting. The outcome of the combination of the crt genes in R. sphaeroides with those from E. herbicola has, in some cases, resulted in an interesting rerouting of the expected biosynthetic sequence, which has also provided insights into how the various enzymes of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway might interact. Clearly this approach has considerable potential for studies on the control and organization of carotenoid biosynthesis, as well as providing novel pigment-protein complexes for functional studies.
Type I interferon potentiates T‐cell receptor mediated induction of IL‐10‐producing CD4+ T cells

Type I interferons (IFNs) have the dual ability to promote the development of the immune response and exert an anti‐inflammatory activity. We analyzed the integrated effect of IFN‐α, TCR signal strength, and CD28 costimulation on human CD4+ T‐cell differentiation into cell subsets producing the anti‐ and proinflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and IFN‐γ. We show that IFN‐α boosted TCR‐induced IL‐10 expression in activated peripheral CD45RA+CD4+ T cells and in whole blood cultures. The functional cooperation between TCR and IFN‐α efficiently occurred at low engagement of receptors. Moreover, IFN‐α rapidly cooperated with anti‐CD3 stimulation alone. IFN‐α, but not IL‐10, drove the early development of type I regulatory T cells that were mostly IL‐10+ Foxp3− IFN‐γ− and favored IL‐10 expression in a fraction of Foxp3+ T cells. Our data support a model in which IFN‐α costimulates TCR toward the production of IL‐10 whose level can be amplified via an autocrine feedback loop.
NEOPOLYPLOIDY IN FLOWERING PLANTS

▪ Abstract Here we review the biology of early generation neopolyploids and discuss the profound changes that accompany their formation. Newly formed auto- and allopolyploids exhibit considerable meiotic complexity, including multivalent pairing, multisomic inheritance, and the production of unbalanced gametes. The cytogenetic behavior of allopolyploids and autopolyploids differ statistically, but are more similar than commonly believed. The progeny of neopolyploids include a high frequency of aneuploids, pseudoeuploids and homeologue-recombinant genotypes that may contribute to the phenotypic variability observed in early generation polyploids. We find no evidence to support the traditional view that autopolyploids possess lower fertility than allopolyploids, casting doubt on the paradigm that allopolyploids should be more frequent due to their inherent fertility. The fertility of early generation polyploids increases rapidly, owing largely to selection against meiotic configurations that generate unbala.
Zeta potential as a diagnostic tool to evaluate the biomass electrostatic adhesion during ion‐exchange expanded bed application

Expanded bed adsorption is an integrative technology in downstream processing allowing the direct capture of target proteins from biomass (cells or cell debris) containing feedstocks. Potential adhesion of biomass on the surface of adsorbent, however, may hamper the application of this technique. Since the electrostatic forces dominate the interactions between biomass and adsorbent, the concept of zeta potential was introduced to characterize the biomass/adsorbent electrostatic interactions during expanded bed application. The criterion of zeta potential evaluation proposed in the previous paper (Biotechnol Bioeng, 83(2):149–157, 2003) was verified further with the experimental validation. The zeta potential of intact cells and homogenates of four microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pichia pastoris, and S. cerevisiae) were measured under varying pH and salt concentration, and two ion‐exchange adsorbents (Streamline DEAE and Streamline QXL) were investigated. The biomass transmission index (BTI) from the biomass pulse response experiments was used as the indicator of biomass adhesion in expanded bed. Combining the influences from zeta potential of adsorbent (ζa), zeta potential of biomass (ζb) and biomass size (d), a good relationship was established between the zeta potential parameter (−ζaζbd) and BTI for all experimental conditions. The threshold value of parameter (−ζaζbd) can be defined as 120 mV2 µm for BTI above 0.9. This means that the systems with (−ζaζbd) < 120 show neglectable electrostatic bio‐adhesion, and would have a considerable probability of forming stable expanded beds in a biomass suspension under the particular experimental conditions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Yoga therapy as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia: a randomized, controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVES There has been limited study of therapeutic yoga as a complementary treatment for schizophrenia. This study investigates the effects of a Yoga Therapy program on symptomatology and quality of life in adults with schizophrenia in a state psychiatric facility. METHODS In a randomized, controlled pilot study, 18 clinically stable patients (12 men and 6 women) with schizophrenia (mean age=42±13.5) were randomized to an 8-week Yoga Therapy program (YT) and a Waitlist group (WL). YT intervention included yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation. At baseline and at 8 weeks, symptomatology was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Secondary efficacy outcomes were measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS The YT group obtained significant improvements in positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia symptoms compared to WL, including PANSS scores on positive syndrome (t=-2.64, p=0.02), negative syndrome (t=-3.04, p<0.01), general psychopathology (t=-3.74, p<0.00), activation (t=-2.29, p<0.04), paranoia (t=-2.89, p<0.01), and depression subscales (t=-2.62, p<0.02). PANSS total scores also decreased for the YT group (t=-4.54, p<0.00). YT had improved perceived quality of life in physical (t=2.38, p<0.04) and psychologic domains (t=2.88, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Adults with schizophrenia being treated in a state psychiatric facility who participated in an 8-week therapeutic yoga program showed significant improvements in psychopathology and quality of life compared with controls. The findings of this study need to be confirmed in larger, more sufficiently powered studies with active control groups.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated With Graves ’ Disease

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, usually accompanied by fever, renal failure and neurological deficits. TTP usually occurs in previously healthy people, but in a significant number of cases, the syndrome is associated with autoimmune disorders. We report a case of a 53 year old male patient suffering from TTP associated with Graves’ disease (GD). After the diagnosis of TTP and Graves’ disease plasmapheresis and antithyroid therapy were initiated. After the 15th seans of plasmapheresis, complaints were dissolved and hematologic parameters were recovered.This case draws the reader’s attention to a rare condition that TTP associated with GD. Although immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and pernisious anemia must be initially considered in the event that thrombocytopenia accompanies to GD, TTP is likely in the presence of microangiopathy. The presence of microangiopathic haemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia is sufficient for the diagnosis of TTP, thus prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy is crucial for TTP.
Efficacy and safety of add-on divalproex sodium in the treatment of complex partial seizures

Article abstract-We studied the efficacy of divalproex sodium in patients with complex partial seizures taking concomitant carbamazepine or phenytoin as monotherapy. Patients were selected because of inadequate seizure control by current therapy. The primary efficacy measure was median reduction of seizure frequency during add-on treatment compared with baseline. A secondary measure was the percentage of patients achieving >or=to50% reduction in seizure frequency. In the intent-to-treat analysis (137 patients), divalproex-treated patients experienced a median reduction of 7.9 complex partial seizures per 8 weeks compared with 2.5 in the placebo group (p = 0.001). Also, 38% of divalproex-treated patients completed the study with a seizure reduction of >or=to50% compared with 19% receiving placebo (p = 0.011). Six divalproex- and one placebo-treated patient became free of complex partial seizures. We conclude that divalproex sodium is an effective drug for treating patients with complex partial seizures. NEUROLOGY 1996;46: 49-53
How is an Electronic Screening and Brief Intervention Tool on Alcohol Use Received in a Student Population? A Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation

Background A previous study among Antwerp college and university students showed that more male (10.2%–11.1%) than female (1.8%–6.2%) students are at risk for problematic alcohol use. The current literature shows promising results in terms of feasibility and effectiveness for the use of brief electronic interventions to address this health problem in college and university students. We evaluated this type of intervention and cite existing literature on the topic. Objective To develop a website, www.eentjeteveel. be, to motivate college and university students with problematic alcohol use to reduce alcohol consumption and increase their willingness to seek help. Method The website contained a questionnaire (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT]) for students to test their alcohol use. According to their answers, the students immediately received personalized feedback (personal AUDIT score and additional information on risks associated with alcohol use) and a suggestion for further action. Afterward, students could send an email to a student counselor for questions, guidance, or advice. To obtain in-depth qualitative information on the opinions and experiences of students, we held 5 focus group discussions. The topics were publicity, experiences, impressions, and effects of the website. We analyzed the quantitative results of the online test in SPSS 15.0. Results More than 3500 students visited www.eentjeteveel. be; over half were men (55.0%). A total of 34 students participated in the focus group discussions. The mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the intervention allowed a thorough analysis and provided complementary results. The intervention was well received by the student population. However, some minor aspects should be reconsidered, such as website publicity and providing students with options that were added after intermediate evaluation. The intervention increased the motivation of students to think about their alcohol use but could not stimulate them to change their behavior. The website attracted relatively more male than female students and more students in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. The high-risk group was more inclined to seek advice or guidance (23/400, 6%; χ2 2 = 32.4, P < .001) than the low-risk group (34/1714, 2%; χ2 2 = 32.4, P < .001). Conclusions We gained unique insight into students’ experiences, opinions, and perceptions with regard to the intervention. The results show that the intervention was positively received in the population, and the willingness to seek help was increased. However, real behavior change needs further research. The results of this study can assist health providers and researchers in better understanding college and university students’ perceptions of eHealth initiatives.
Personal digital assistants change management more often than paper texts and foster patient confidence

Introduction Rapid retrieval of information, including drug treatment options, is critical to emergency department practice. Objectives To assess feasibility and patient acceptance of personal digital assistants and to determine the scope of management changes. Methods Emergency medicine residents (EMRs, n=18) and emergency medicine attending (EMAs, n=12) used personal digital assistants with drug database and clinical references. Text versions were also available in the emergency department. We did a prospective, random, cross-over time–motion study, recording retrieval time, source, and changes to patient care for 16 and 8 h for EMRs and EMAs, respectively. We surveyed patients for confidence in EMRs and EMAs with personal digital assistants, and perceived efficiency. Results EMRs accessed paper (n=131) or personal digital assistant (n=181) information on 92.3% of patients (n=17, both). They accessed personal digital assistant on 61.4% of patients vs. 44.5% with texts (odds ratio 1.99, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.80). Mean access times were 9.3 and 9.4 s, respectively, +1.4 for both. Personal digital assistant access was 75%/25% between pharmacopeia and clinical resource. Personal digital assistants changed drug choice in 39/181 patients (21.5%), and other management (diagnosis, treatment or disposition) in 15/181 patients (8.3%). Odds ratio for change in management for personal digital assistant vs. paper was 2.00 (95% confidence interval 1.11–3.60). We surveyed patient perception for 198 of 295 patients (67.1%). Fifty percent reported more confidence in their EMRs and EMAs with a personal digital assistant, while 5% reported less confidence. Sixty percent agreed strongly that there is too much medical information to remember. Conclusions Personal digital assistants are feasible in an academic emergency department and change management more often than texts. EMRs accessed personal digital assistants more often than paper texts. Patient perceptions of physicians who use personal digital assistants are neutral or favorable.
Testability measures in pseudorandom testing

The authors present two methods for computing the fault detection probabilities in combinational networks. The methods provide a deeper insight into the effects of signal correlations caused by multiple fan-out reconvergencies and can be used in testability analysis to predict the fault coverage of pseudorandom patterns. The performances of these algorithms have been tested on significant benchmarks and compare favorably with those of previous procedures. >
The Inactivation of complement by Mechanical Agitation

Of the many methods employed to render a serum inactive, that by means of mechanical agitation has been the subject of several recent works, but the real nature of this phenomenon, as it occurs in shaken sera, is still unknown. The reason is the uncertainty regarding the nature of complement itself, and even the most satisfying explanation of the inactivation of complement by shaking would not probably throw much light on the nature of the complement. I give in the following a brief summary of the literature dealing with the inactivation of complement by mechanical agitation.
Association Between Body Mass Index and Diabetes in Northeastern China

A high body mass index (BMI) is a major risk factor for diabetes, although little is known about the characterization of a dose-response association adjusted for potential confounders. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2012 to August 2012; a total of 21 435 inhabitants in Jilin Province aged between 18 and 79 years were selected randomly based on multistage, stratified cluster sampling. The estimated prevalence of diabetes was 9.1% overall, 9.4% in males and 8.9% in females. After adjusting for potential confounders, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for the BMI-diabetes association were 1.337 (95% confidence interval = 1.185-1.508) and 1.696 (95% confidence interval = 1.429-2.042), respectively, for overweight and obesity. Through multivariable restricted cubic spline regression, continuous variation in BMI was found to be related to diabetes in a nonlinear manner (P < .001) after adjustment for confounders in both different gender and different age groups, suggesting that there is an adjusted dose-response association between continuous BMI and diabetes, with substantial population-level effects.
Visual Discrimination of Spectral Distributions

Human observers seem to be able to use different features that classify materials with a large degree of accuracy. In this paper, we look at human perception of statistical properties of the spectral distribution in a scene. We investigated whether human observers can discriminate just as accurately between coloured textures that have a spectral distribution due either to shading only or to both shading and specular reflectance as between uniform colours. Thresholds for the discrimination of coloured textures are about 15 times as high as thresholds for the discrimination of uniform colours, provided there is a sharp transition between the two colours. However, the coloured texture thresholds are only 1.5 times higher when we introduce a gradual transition between the two colours. There are also distinct qualitative differences in discrimination thresholds for different base colours. These differences cannot be predicted from discrimination thresholds for uniform colours. Human observers are surprisingly good at discriminating between a material edge and a shadow edge in complex scenes. Statistical differences in the orientation of the colour distributions in colour space might be used to accomplish this. In a second experiment we investigated how well observers can discriminate between two linear distributions in colour space that have the same base colour but different orientations. When we vary the line-length in R, G, B space, thresholds cannot be predicted completely by the conservation of the average distance between the two distributions. This means that observers use not only the maximum colour difference in the stimulus to do the task, but other cues are also involved.
Influence of the Chemical Structure of Functional Monomers on Their Adhesive Performance

Functional monomers in adhesive systems can improve bonding by enhancing wetting and demineralization, and by chemical bonding to calcium. This study tested the hypothesis that small changes in the chemical structure of functional monomers may improve their bonding effectiveness. Three experimental phosphonate monomers (HAEPA, EAEPA, and MAEPA), with slightly different chemical structures, and 10-MDP (control) were evaluated. Adhesive performance was determined in terms of microtensile bond strength of 4 cements that differed only for the functional monomer. Based on the Adhesion-Decalcification concept, the chemical bonding potential was assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry of the dissolution rate of the calcium salt of the functional monomers. High bond strength of the adhesive cement corresponded to low dissolution rate of the calcium salt of the respective functional monomer. The latter is according to the Adhesion-Decalcification concept, suggestive of a high chemical bonding capacity. We conclude that the adhesive performance of an adhesive material depends on the chemical structure of the functional monomer.
Eye tracking communication devices in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Impact on disability and quality of life

Abstract People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PwALS) show progressive loss of voluntary muscle strength. In advanced disease, motor and phonatory impairments seriously hinder the patient's interpersonal communication. High-tech devices such as eye tracking communication devices (ETCDs) are used to aid communication in the later stages of ALS. We sought to evaluate the effect of ETCDs on patient disability, quality of life (QoL), and user satisfaction, in a group of 35 regular ETCD users in late-stage ALS with tetraplegia and anarthria. The following scales were administered: 1) the Individually Prioritized Problem Assessment (IPPA) scale, in three conditions: without device, with ETCD and, when applicable, with an Eye Transfer (ETRAN) board; 2) the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS); and 3) the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0). With ETRAN, IPPA showed an increase in communicative abilities with respect to the condition without device, but ETCD produced a further significant increase. PIADS evidenced a large increase of QoL, and QUEST 2.0 showed high user satisfaction with ETCD use. In conclusion, ETCDs should be considered in late-stage ALS with tetraplegia and anarthria, since in these patients they can reduce communication disability and improve QoL.