Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory infiltrate, microvessel density, nitric oxide synthase expression, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and proliferative activity in peri-implant soft tissues around titanium and zirconium oxide healing caps.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study in humans was to conduct a comparative immunohistochemical evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, inflammatory infiltrate, proliferative activity expression, and microvessel density (MVD) in peri-implant soft tissues of titanium and zirconium oxide healing caps. METHODS Five patients, three men and two women (aged 30 to 66 years; mean: 49 years), participated in this study. All patients received dental implants that were 3.8 mm in diameter and 11 mm in length. All implants were left to heal in a non-submerged (single-stage) mode. Healing caps (3.8 mm in diameter and 3.0 mm in height) were inserted in all implants. Half of the implants were supplied with standard, prefabricated caps of commercially pure titanium, whereas the other half were provided with test zirconium oxide caps. After a 6-month healing period, a gingival biopsy was performed with a circular scalpel (5.5 mm in diameter) around the healing caps of both groups, without unscrewing or removing the healing caps. The dimensions of the gingival biopsies were 1.7 mm (5.5-3.8 mm) in thickness and 3 mm in height. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in the microvessel density between titanium and zirconium oxide healing caps and group II (P < or = 0.0001). Statistically significant differences were likewise found in the low and high intensities of NOS1, NOS3, and VEGF (P < or = 0.0001). In conclusion, the high intensity of NOS1, NOS3, and VEGF were mostly expressed in the titanium group, whereas the low intensity of NOS1, NOS3, and VEGF were mostly expressed in the zirconium oxide group. CONCLUSIONS In our specimens, the inflammatory infiltrate was mostly present in the titanium specimens. Their extension was much larger than that of the zirconium oxide specimens. Higher values of MVD were observed in the titanium specimens (29.1 versus 15.8). In addition, a higher expression of VEGF intensity was observed in the peri-implant tissues of titanium healing caps, whereas predominantly lower expressions of VEGF intensity were noted around the zirconium oxide healing caps. The Ki-67 expression was higher in the titanium specimens. All these data revealed that the tissues around titanium healing caps underwent a higher rate of inflammation-associated processes, most probably correlated to the higher inflammation processes observed in these tissues. A higher intensity expression of NOS1 and NOS3 was recorded in the tissues around titanium, whereas, on the contrary, a lower intensity of expression was found in the tissues around zirconium oxide specimens. These latter data indicate that the higher expression of these two mediators could be correlated to the higher amount of bacteria present around the titanium samples.
Being in a Lived Retreat—Embodied Meaning of Alleviated Suffering

Meanings of alleviated suffering in persons living with life-threatening cancer are explored in this life–world phenomenologic study. In repeated conversations, 16 patients with cancer who were receiving palliative care shared their embodied experiences in personal narratives. When interpreting the narratives, the following meanings of experiencing alleviation of suffering were disclosed: an endurable body being independent and feeling at home, feelings of connectedness, taking a long view of the suffering, being lifted out of the suffering, and an inner peace. Movements that were found in alleviation were dampening the suffering, arousing a zest for life, and focusing on both the present and the patient’s dignity. As an interpreted whole, alleviation of suffering was found to be an embodied experience of “being in a lived retreat. ” This is a symbolic place owned by the person and is experienced in either the company of others or solitude. This lived retreat can provide a feeling of being at home, creating peace, rest, confidence, and breathing space in the person’s suffering. It means coping with the altered lived body and feeling dignified. This is a personal experience that is both intersubjectively created and dependent. The importance of openness and responsibility in palliative care is emphasized in the findings and the notion of control of suffering in palliative care is accordingly rejected.
Hybrid MMSE precoding for mmWave multiuser MIMO systems

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication has emerged as one of the most promising technologies to deal with the increasing demand in data transmissions over wireless networks. However, due to the propagation characteristic at the mmWave band, much higher pathloss is observed compared to the commonly-used microwave band. Thus, antenna arrays become a necessary ingredient in mmWave systems because of their needed beamforming gains. Beamforming for multiple users, also known as multiuser precoding, can be utilized to further improve the spectral efficiency of mmWave systems. Unfortunately, fully digital precoding with large antenna arrays is difficult to implement due to the hardware cost and power constraint in mmWave systems. Recent works in literature have advocated the structure of hybrid analog/digital precoding for mmWave systems, in which only minor performance degradation is observed. In this work, we study hybrid precoding for multiuser mmWave systems. After reviewing recent works in literature on hybrid precoding designs, we then develop a new hybrid minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) precoder. The proposed precoder can be easily obtained by an orthogonal matching pursuit-based algorithm. Simulation results show significant performance advantages of the proposed precoder over known designs in various system settings.
Interrelationship of dietary phosphorus, aluminum and iron on performance and tissue mineral composition in lambs.

A 76-d feeding trial was conducted with 24 wether lambs (31 kg, initially) to study the interrelationships among dietary P, Al and Fe. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments included two concentrations of supplemental P (0 or .25%) with added P as NaH2PO4, two levels of supplemental Fe (0 or 760 ppm) with Fe added as ferric citrate and two levels of supplemental Al (0 or 1,450 ppm) with Al added as AlCl3 . 6H2O. The basal diet contained . 17% P, 40 ppm Fe and 168 ppm Al. Phosphorus increased (P less than .01) feed consumption, but Fe (P less than .01), with added P improving and Fe or Al depressing gain. Additional P improved gain (P less than .05) and intake (P less than .01) in the presence of high Al and intake (P less than .05) when dietary Fe was high. Serum P was increased (P less than .01) by high dietary Fe and reduced (P less than .01) by Al. High dietary P increased (P less than .05) serum MG. High dietary Fe increased (P less than .01) hemoglobin and hematocrit and increased (P less than .01) Fe storage in liver, kidney, spleen and muscle but decreased (P less than .01) kidney Zn concentration. High dietary Al increased (P less than .01) liver Fe and kidney Zn levels but decreased kidney P and Mg (P less than .05) and bone ash and Mg (P less than .01). Based on these studies, additional dietary P appeared beneficial in overcoming the adverse effects of high dietary Al or Fe.
Microarray analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

AIM To establish the rapid, specific, and sensitive method for detecting O157:H7 with DNA microchips. METHODS Specific oligonucleotide probes (26-28 nt) of bacterial antigenic and virulent genes of E. coli O157:H7 and other related pathogen genes were pre-synthesized and immobilized on a solid support to make microchips. The four genes encoding O157 somatic antigen (rfbE), H7 flagellar antigen (fliC) and toxins (SLT1, SLT2) were monitored by multiplex PCR with four pairs of specific primers. Fluorescence-Cy3 labeled samples for hybridization were generated by PCR with Cy3-labeled single prime. Hybridization was performed for 60 min at 45 degrees. Microchip images were taken using a confocal fluorescent scanner. RESULTS Twelve different bacterial strains were detected with various combinations of four virulent genes. All the O157:H7 strains yielded positive results by multiplex PCR. The size of the PCR products generated with these primers varied from 210 to 678 bp. All the rfbE/fliC/SLT1/SLT2 probes specifically recognized Cy3-labeled fluorescent samples from O157:H7 strains, or strains containing O157 and H7 genes. No cross hybridization of O157:H7 fluorescent samples occurred in other probes. Non-O157:H7 pathogens failed to yield any signal under comparable conditions. If the Cy3-labeled fluorescent product of O157 single PCR was diluted 50-fold, no signal was found in agarose gel electrophoresis, but a positive signal was found in microarray hybridization. CONCLUSION Microarray analysis of O157:H7 is a rapid, specific, and efficient method for identification and detection of bacterial pathogens.
Clinical outcome of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and FLT3 mutations

Dasatinib is effective for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib. However, to date, most of the available data come from studies in which censorization was applied. One-hundred and fourteen CML patients resistant or intolerant to imatinib received dasatinib as second-line therapy outside from clinical trials. Response (hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular), toxicities, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. At 12 months, cumulative incidences of complete hematologic response, complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), and major molecular response were 94%, 51%, and 32%. Cumulative EFS and OS were 91 and 93%. Neither the dose, nor the duration, nor the response to prior imatinib affected the probability of achieving CCyR at 1 year with dasatinib (P = 0.7, 0.9, and 0.8). Moreover, we observed statistically significant better EFS and OS for patients receiving low-dose continuous therapy with dasatinib after dose reduction due to toxicity (50/70 mg/day) with respect to patients who received higher doses (100/140 mg/day) but discontinued temporarily the treatment (P = 0.04, P = 0.04). These findings show, for the first time, a possible effect for dasatinib at low doses in inducing or maintaining response (hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular) in CML patients resistant or intolerant to Imatinib.
Specifying the Role of Exposure to Violence and Violent Behavior on Initiation of Gun Carrying

Two waves of longitudinal data from 1,049 African American youth living in extreme poverty are used to examine the impact of exposure to violence (Time 1) and violent behavior (Time 1) on first time gun carrying (Time 2). Multivariate logistic regression results indicate that (a) violent behavior (Time 1) increased the likelihood of initiation of gun carrying (Time 2) by 76% after controlling for exposure to violence at Time 1, which is consistent with the stepping stone model of youth gun carrying, and (b) youth who were both exposed to violence at Time 1 and engaged in violent behavior at Time 1 were more than 2.5 times more likely to initiate gun carrying at Time 2 compared to youth who had neither of these characteristics, which supports the cumulative risk model of youth gun carrying. The authors discuss the implications of these findings in clarifying the role of violence in the community on youth gun carrying and the primary prevention of youth gun violence.
Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance.

BACKGROUND In multiple chronic clinical studies, topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been observed to be well tolerated by skin and to provide a broad array of improvements in the appearance of aging facial skin (eg, reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentated spots and red blotchiness). OBJECTIVE To clinically determine the effect of topical niacinamide on additional skin appearance and property end points (wrinkles, yellowing, and elasticity). METHODS Female white subjects (N = 50) with clinical signs of facial photoaging (fine lines and wrinkles, poor texture, and hyperpigmented spots) applied 5% niacinamide to half of the face and its vehicle control to the other half twice daily for 12 weeks (double blind, left-right randomized). Facial images and instrumental measures were obtained at baseline and at 4-week intervals. RESULTS Analyses of the data revealed a variety of significant skin appearance improvement effects for topical niacinamide: reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved. Corresponding mechanistic information is presented. CONCLUSION In addition to previously observed benefits for topical niacinamide, additional effects were identified (improved appearance of skin wrinkles and yellowing and improved elasticity).
Should a Panniculectomy/Abdominoplasty After Massive Weight Loss Be Covered by Insurance?

Body contouring after massive weight loss (MWL) is a rapidly growing area in Plastic Surgery. Panniculectomy/abdominoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure with some functional benefits (a large pannus may hamper mobility, prevent further weight loss, and cause recurrent skin infections) and hence many insurance companies are changing their guidelines to include this as a medical procedure. This study assesses reimbursements for a large academic institution in Massachusetts for panniculectomies/abdominoplasties performed in MWL patients. We performed a retrospective review of charges and reimbursements for panniculectomy/abdominoplasty in MWL patients performed at Lahey Clinic. Records for patients who underwent a “medical” panniculectomy by a single surgeon from August 2002 to August 2006 were reviewed with special emphasis on the charges, reimbursements, insurance carriers, and prior preauthorizations. Fifty-two patients underwent a medical panniculetomy/abdominoplasty (Current Procedural Terminology code 15831) for laxity of skin/pannus as a result of MWL. All patients except Medicare required and obtained precertification for the procedure. Patient ages ranged from 35 to 59 years, which included 42 females and 10 males (n = 52). Forty-three underwent bariatric surgery; their procedures were performed between 13 and 62 months after their initial surgery. Weight loss ranged from 65 to 345 pounds. Body mass index at the time of the surgery ranged from 22 to 48. The standard surgical charge for a medical panniculectomy at Lahey Clinic is $3,086. The range of reimbursements was zero to the full amount with the mean reimbursement of $615 and the median being $899. Reimbursements for panniculectomies are remarkably low and in many instances (35% in our series) absent despite obtaining prior precertification of medical necessity. Although insurance companies have extended their indications for panniculectomy/abdominoplasty, we think that it is a cosmetic procedure. Plastic surgeons must bear these reimbursements in mind when faced with a patient requesting this.
ATTENUATION OF ENDOTOXIN‐INDUCED PULMONARY VASCULAR INJURY BY ANTITHROMBIN III.: 653

We evaluated the effects of antithrombin III (AT III) on the pulmonary vascular injury induced by injecting rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to investigate the possible usefulness of AT III as a treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome. The intravenous administration of AT III prevented the pulmonary accumulation of leukocytes (as evaluated by myeloperoxidase activity) and the increase in pulmonary vascular permeability to 125I-bovine serum albumin induced by LPS. The increase in pulmonary vascular permeability induced by LPS administration was unaffected by various anticoagulants but was inhibited by the leukocytopenia induced by nitrogen mustard or by the administration of a granulocyte elastase inhibitor, ONO-5046. AT III given alone, but not heparin plus AT III or Trp49-modified AT III, which lacks affinity for heparin, significantly increased the plasma concentration of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha, suggesting that the interaction of AT III with heparin-like substances at the endothelial cell surface promotes the release of prostacyclin from endothelial cells in vivo. Trp49-modified AT III failed to prevent the LPS-induced accumulation of leukocytes and vascular injury. The pulmonary accumulation of leukocytes and vascular injury induced by LPS were not prevented by administering AT III to rats that were pretreated with indomethacin. The continuous intravenous infusion of prostacyclin prevented the LPS-induced pulmonary accumulation of leukocytes and vascular injury. Findings suggest that AT III depends on its ability to promote the release of prostacyclin, a potent inhibitor of leukocyte activation, from endothelial cells to prevent pulmonary vascular injury induced by LPS.
Importance of basal nitric oxide synthesis in regulation of myocardial blood flow.

STUDY OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate whether basal coronary vascular tone and myocardial perfusion depend upon endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. DESIGN Myocardial blood flow and vascular resistance of the left and right ventricles were studied before and after intravenous infusions of either NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), a specific inhibitor of NO synthase, or L-arginine, the precursor of NO synthesis. Radiolabelled microspheres were used to study myocardial blood flow in small tissue sections. EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL 14 anaesthetised male cats, weight 2.1-3.5 kg, were used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Measurements were made before and 15 and 40 min after L-NA treatment (30 mg.kg-1 bolus followed by 1 mg.kg-1.min-1 infusion; n = 8), and before and 15 min after L-arginine treatment (30 mg.kg-1 bolus followed by 10 mg.kg-1.min-1 infusion; n = 6). L-NA significantly reduced coronary blood flow to the left and right ventricle, by 30(SEM 9) and 48(6)% respectively, after 15 min, but only to the right ventricle, by 45(8)%, after 40 min. Mean arterial pressure and myocardial vascular resistance were raised during the L-NA infusion. In contrast, L-arginine did not elicit any change in the variables studied. CONCLUSIONS The conductance of the coronary vascular bed and the resting myocardial blood flow is regulated by L-arginine derived nitric oxide, and exogenous L-arginine availability is not a limiting factor in this NO generation.
Prophylactic urokinase in the management of long-term venous access devices in children: a Children's Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE Infection and thrombosis are serious complications of long-term vascular access devices in children undergoing chemotherapy. Since routine fibrinolytic therapy may decrease these complications, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of an every-2-week administration of urokinase with standard heparin flushes in reducing the incidence of device-related infections and occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a prospective, randomized phase III multicenter trial conducted by the Children's Cancer Group, in which patients with implantable ports or tunneled catheters received either urokinase or heparin every 2 weeks for 12 months. Study end points were time to first occlusion or time to first device-related infection. RESULTS Five hundred seventy-seven patients from 29 institutions were enrolled, of whom 51% had external catheters and 49% had ports. Urokinase administration resulted in fewer occlusive events than heparin (23% v 31%; P =.02), a longer time to first occlusive event (log-rank analysis, P =.006), and a 1.6-fold difference in the rate of occlusive events (Poisson regression, P =.003). Similar results were noted when comparing ports and tunneled catheters. The urokinase group also had a 1.4-fold difference in the rate of infection (Poisson regression, P =.05) and longer time to first infection (log-rank, P =.07), but the difference was significant only in tunneled catheters. CONCLUSION Urokinase administration every 2 weeks significantly affects the rate of occlusive events in ports and tunneled catheters and of infectious events in external catheters compared with heparin administration.
Recent advances in management of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure

Purpose of review Atrial fibrillation is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and its presence confers major prognostic implications. However, effective management of these patients is still under development. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of atrial fibrillation in HF, and the implications for management. Recent findings At present there is no evidence that a rhythm control strategy may bring any long-term benefits in routine management of atrial fibrillation in HF. Recently, the procedure of pulmonary vein isolation has been shown to provide clinical and prognostic benefits in patients with atrial fibrillation and concomitant HF who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy, including rate and rhythm control. A meta-analysis of patients with atrial fibrillation and symptomatic HF who had implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy devices and performed atrioventricular node ablation showed significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and improvement in HF functional class. Summary A cornerstone of management is stroke prevention, and anticoagulation is required for the vast majority of patients with atrial fibrillation and HF. Pulmonary vein isolation and atrioventricular node ablation may become a treatment of choice for selected (usually symptomatic) patients in the future, pending evidence from new controlled trials.
Thermal impedance model of high power IGBT modules considering heat coupling effects

Thermal loading of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modules is important for the reliability performance of power electronic systems, thus the thermal information of critical points inside module like junction temperature must be accurately modeled and predicted. Usually in the existing thermal models, only the self-heating effects of the chips are taken into account, while the thermal coupling effects among chips are less considered. This could result in inaccurate temperature estimation, especially in the high power IGBT modules where the chips are allocated closely to each other with large amount of heat generated. In this paper, both the self-heating and heat-coupling effects in the of IGBT module are investigated based on Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation, a new thermal impedance model is thereby proposed to better describe the temperature distribution inside IGBT modules. It is concluded that the heat coupling between IGBT and diode chips strongly influence the temperature distribution inside IGBT module, and this effect can be properly modeled/predicted by the proposed thermal impedance model.