Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microsurgery Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND Microsurgery (MS) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) remain the preferred interventions for the curative treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM), but their relative efficacy remains incompletely defined. OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of MS to SRS for AVMs through a retrospective, matched cohort study. METHODS We evaluated institutional databases of AVM patients who underwent MS and SRS. MS-treated patients were matched, in a 1:1 ratio based on patient and AVM characteristics, to SRS-treated patients. Statistical analyses were performed to compare outcomes data between the 2 cohorts. The primary outcome was defined as AVM obliteration without a new permanent neurological deficit. RESULTS The matched MS and SRS cohorts were each comprised of 59 patients. Both radiological (85 vs 11 mo; P < .001) and clinical (92 vs 12 mo; P < .001) follow-up were significantly longer for the SRS cohort. The primary outcome was achieved in 69% of each cohort. The MS cohort had a significantly higher obliteration rate (98% vs 72%; P = .001), but also had a significantly higher rate of new permanent deficit (31% vs 10%; P = .011). The posttreatment hemorrhage rate was significantly higher for the SRS cohort (10% for SRS vs 0% for MS; P = .027). In subgroup analyses of ruptured and unruptured AVMs, no significant differences between the primary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION For patients with comparable AVMs, MS and SRS afford similar rates of deficit-free obliteration. Nidal obliteration is more frequently achieved with MS, but this intervention also incurs a greater risk of new permanent neurological deficit.
A comparison of economy and sagittal plane trunk movements among back-, back/front- and head-loading

Abstract It has been suggested that freedom of movement in the trunk could influence load carriage economy. This study aimed to compare the economy and sagittal plane trunk movements associated with three load carriage methods that constrain posture differently. Eighteen females walked at 3 km.h−1 with loads of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 20 kg carried on the back, back/front and head. Load carriage economy was assessed using the Extra Load Index (ELI). Change in sagittal plane trunk forward lean and trunk angle excursion from unloaded to loaded walking were assessed. Results show no difference in economy between methods (p = .483), despite differences in the change in trunk forward lean (p = .001) and trunk angle excursion (p = .021) from unloaded to loaded walking. We conclude that economy is not different among the three methods of load carriage, despite significant differences in sagittal plane trunk movements. Practitioner summary: This article shows, based on mean data, that there is no difference in economy among back, back/front and head-loading, despite differences in trunk movement. It is possible a combination of factors align to influence individual economy, rather than a single set of factors, applicable to all individuals for each method.
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 mediates antifibrotic effects in scleroderma fibroblasts

Objective Emerging evidence supports a role for epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of scleroderma (SSc). We aimed to assess the role of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a key epigenetic regulator, in fibroblast activation and fibrosis in SSc. Methods Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and from healthy controls. MeCP2 expression was measured by qPCR and western blot. Myofibroblast differentiation was evaluated by gel contraction assay in vitro. Fibroblast proliferation was analysed by ki67 immunofluorescence staining. A wound healing assay in vitro was used to determine fibroblast migration rates. RNA-seq was performed with and without MeCP2 knockdown in dcSSc to identify MeCP2-regulated genes. The expression of MeCP2 and its targets were modulated by siRNA or plasmid. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) using anti-MeCP2 antibody was performed to assess MeCP2 binding sites within MeCP2-regulated genes. Results Elevated expression of MeCP2 was detected in dcSSc fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts. Overexpressing MeCP2 in normal fibroblasts suppressed myofibroblast differentiation, fibroblast proliferation and fibroblast migration. RNA-seq in MeCP2-deficient dcSSc fibroblasts identified MeCP2-regulated genes involved in fibrosis, including PLAU, NID2 and ADA. Plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) overexpression in dcSSc fibroblasts reduced myofibroblast differentiation and fibroblast migration, while nidogen-2 (NID2) knockdown promoted myofibroblast differentiation and fibroblast migration. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) depletion in dcSSc fibroblasts inhibited cell migration rates. Taken together, antifibrotic effects of MeCP2 were mediated, at least partly, through modulating PLAU, NID2 and ADA. ChIP-seq further showed that MeCP2 directly binds regulatory sequences in NID2 and PLAU gene loci. Conclusions This study demonstrates a novel role for MeCP2 in skin fibrosis and identifies MeCP2-regulated genes associated with fibroblast migration, myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix degradation, which can be potentially targeted for therapy in SSc.
Eigenvalue-weighting and feature selection for computer-aided polyp detection in CT colonography

With the development of computer-aided polyp detection towards virtual colonoscopy screening, the trade-off between detection sensitivity and specificity has gained increasing attention. An optimum detection, with least number of false positives and highest true positive rate, is desirable and involves interdisciplinary knowledge, such as feature extraction, feature selection as well as machine learning. Toward that goal, various geometrical and textural features, associated with each suspicious polyp candidate, have been individually extracted and stacked together as a feature vector. However, directly inputting these high-dimensional feature vectors into a learning machine, e.g., neural network, for polyp detection may introduce redundant information due to feature correlation and induce the curse of dimensionality. In this paper, we explored an indispensable building block of computer-aided polyp detection, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA)-weighted feature selection for neural network classifier of true and false positives. The major concepts proposed in this paper include (1) the use of PCA to reduce the feature correlation, (2) the scheme of adaptively weighting each principal component (PC) by the associated eigenvalue, and (3) the selection of feature combinations via the genetic algorithm. As such, the eigenvalue is also taken as part of the characterizing feature, and the necessary number of features can be exposed to mitigate the curse of dimensionality. Learned and tested by radial basis neural network, the proposed computer-aided polyp detection has achieved 95% sensitivity at a cost of average 2.99 false positives per polyp.
Exploring How the Home Environment Influences Eating and Physical Activity Habits of Low-Income, Latino Children of Predominantly Immigrant Families: A Qualitative Study

Latinos are the largest and fastest growing minority population group in the United States, and children in low-income Latino families are at elevated risk of becoming overweight or having obesity. A child’s home is an important social environment in which he/she develops and maintains dietary and physical activity (PA) habits that ultimately impact weight status. Previous research suggests the parents are central to creating a home environment that facilitates or hinders the development of children’s early healthy eating and PA habits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore low-income Latino parents’ beliefs, parenting styles, and parenting practices related to their children’s eating and PA behaviors while at home. Methods: Qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) with 33 low-income Latino parents of preschool children 2 to 5 years of age. FGDs were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Data analyses revealed that most parents recognize the importance of healthy eating and PA for their children and themselves. However, daily life demands including conflicting schedules, long working hours, financial constraints, and neighborhood safety concerns, etc., impact parents’ ability to create a home environment supportive of these behaviors. Conclusions: This study provides information about how the home environment may influence low-income Latino preschool children’s eating and PA habits, which may be useful for health promotion and disease prevention efforts targeting low-income Latino families with young children, and for developing home-based and parenting interventions to prevent and control childhood obesity among this population group. Pediatric healthcare providers can play an important role in facilitating communication, providing education, and offering guidance to low-income Latino parents that support their children’s development of early healthy eating and PA habits, while taking into account daily life barriers faced by families. Moreover, pediatric healthcare providers also can play an important role in the integration and coordination of home-visitations to complement office-based visits and provide a continuum of care to low-income Latino families.
Obtaining Bacteriocins by Chromatographic Methods

Bacteriocins are a large group of chromosome or plasmid-encoded and ribosomally synthesized low-molecular-weight (2 to 6 kDa) antimicrobial and amphiphilous peptides produced by Gr+ or Gr- bacteria [1]. Their low toxicity as well as the absence of allergenicity and reactogenicity is confirmed by testing selected bacteriocins [2] [3]. Bacteriocins can be widely used as preservatives and antibiotic alternatives in medicine. Nisin, a Streptococcus lactis-derived bacteriocin, has been in practice in food industry for a long time. A relevant product contains about 2.5% of nisin. For medical use (e.g., when injected into the blood stream), highly purified drugs are required. However, the yield of bacteriocins accounts for no more than a few percents from the total activity in the culture liquid. In this paper, we propose methods (by example of two B. subtilis strains), allowing to increase the yield up to ~80%. It is believed that other bacteriocins may be purified by these methods and with the same yield.
Gender role conflict, emotional approach coping, self‐compassion, and distress in prostate cancer patients: A model of direct and moderating effects

Gender role conflict or the negative consequences of male socialization may compromise men's adjustment to prostate cancer by shaping how patients perceive and cope with their illness. Given mixed findings regarding how gender role conflict interacts with emotional approach coping to regulate distress in prostate cancer patients, the present study examined the effects of emotional approach coping, when considered alongside self‐compassion, the ability to be kind and understanding of oneself.
Preoperative Analysis of Venous Anatomy Before Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction Using Ferumoxytol-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Background Venous congestion after deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is a complication that may be partially attributable to variations in venous abdominal wall anatomy. In previous work, we have shown that ferumoxytol may be used as a bloodpool contrast agent to perform high-resolution venous imaging. Our current aim was to use this technology to perform a detailed analysis of the venous anatomy among patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Methods All patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction with preoperative ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (FE-MRA) were retrospectively reviewed. A detailed anatomic analysis of each abdominal wall on FE-MRAwas performed before review of operative findings. Statistical analysis was used to determine venous characteristics associated with superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) augmentation. Results From 2012 to 2016, 59 patients underwent preoperative FE-MRA. This resulted in imaging for 118 hemiabdomen and 99 flaps. Superficial-deep communication was identified in 117 of 118 hemiabdomen. Fifty (93%) of 59 patients had greater than 1-mm venous communication of the superficial system across midline. Reconstructed breasts were based on dominant medial row perforators in 82 (83%) of 99 flaps. The mean diameters of the SIEVand dominant venous perforator were 3.8 and 2.8mm, respectively. Anatomic characteristics associated with SIEVaugmentation included SIEVdiameter (P = 0.01), dominant perforator diameter (P = 0.04), and the ratio between these 2 variables (P = 0.001). Conclusions Ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography provides excellent imaging of the venous system. Anatomic characteristics such as the diameter of the SIEVand the diameter of the dominant perforator may be useful in determining which flaps require venous augmentation using the SIEV.
Assessment of Water Quality in Roof-Harvested Rainwater Barrels in Greater Philadelphia

A study of water quality parameters was conducted in 38 small-scale roof-harvested rainwater barrels (RHRB) located in urban and peri-urban Philadelphia, USA in winter (November–December) 2014 and summer (June–August 2016). Parameters included two fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) measured using culture-based methods, eight potential enteric and opportunistic pathogens (Campylobacter jejuni, Acanthamoeba spp., Legionella spp., L. pneumophila, Naegleria fowleri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare) measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and two metals (lead and zinc) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fecal indicator bacteria were detected in greater than 60% RHRB samples and concentrations (up to >103 per 100 mL) exceeded US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) irrigation water quality standards. Among the enteric and opportunistic pathogens tested, 57.9, 44.7, 21.1, 18.4, 5 and 3% were PCR positive for Legionella spp. , M. intracellulare, M. avium, Acanthamoeba spp. , P. aeruginosa, and C. jejuni, respectively. N. fowleri and L. pneumophila were not detected in any sample. The concentrations of enteric and opportunistic pathogens ranged from 102 to 107 gene copies/L of barrel water. Lead and zinc were each observed in 88.5% of RHRB but the concentrations did not exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards for irrigating produce, with the exception of one zinc observation (2660 µg/L). Based on these data, it appears that the risk associated with metals in RHRB is likely to be low, as these barrels are only used for gardening and non-potable purposes. However, risks due to fecal and opportunistic pathogens may be higher due to exposure to aerosols during gardening activities and produce consumed raw, and should be investigated further.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Real‐time Endovascular Interventional Surgical Robotic System with High Accuracy

Endovascular interventional surgery (EIS) is performed under a high radiation environment at the sacrifice of surgeons' health. This paper introduces a novel endovascular interventional surgical robot that aims to reduce radiation to surgeons and physical stress imposed by lead aprons during fluoroscopic X‐ray guided catheter intervention.
Low Frequency Waves Detected in a Large Wave Flume under Irregular Waves with Different Grouping Factor and Combination of Regular Waves

This paper describes a set of experiments undertaken at Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in the large wave flume of the Maritime Engineering Laboratory. The purpose of this study is to highlight the effects of wave grouping and long-wave short-wave combinations regimes on low frequency generations. An eigen-value decomposition has been performed to discriminate low frequencies. In particular, measured eigen modes, determined through the spectral analysis, have been compared with calculated modes by means of eigen analysis. The low frequencies detection appears to confirm the dependence on groupiness of the modal amplitudes generated in the wave flume. Some evidence of the influence of low frequency waves on runup and transport patterns are shown. In particular, the generation and evolution of secondary bedforms are consistent with energy transferred between the standing wave modes.
Value Creation Through Employer Loans: Evidence of Informal Lending to Employees at Small, Labor-Intensive Firms

At small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cash-strapped employees frequently request loans from employers because they cannot obtain money on reasonable terms elsewhere for exigent needs. In turn, employers decide whether to lend the money through formal (i.e., written, contractual) loans or more informal “off-the-book” (OTB) loans. Our exploration of this understudied source of credit unearths important questions about the reasons employers lend money to employees, the manner in which they decide to make formal or informal loans, and the coveted benefits employers derive from lending to their workers. Considering the pervasiveness and significance of loan choices among small firms, and the absence of studies on the topic, we tackle these questions through an analysis of 459 informal and formal loans issued by 83 small business owners to their employees. The results show that the issuance of OTB loans is a key tactic for employers to manage resource dependencies with valued workers.
Parenting and Cyberbullying Across Adolescence

Cyberbullying perpetration continues to be a prevalent and harmful phenomenon. Despite the recent wealth of studies that examine cyberbullying frequency, further research is needed to investigate protective factors or variables that decrease the likelihood of engaging in cyberbullying perpetration. Past work has identified certain types of parenting as a potential protective factor against adolescent cyberbullying perpetration; however, there is a paucity of research testing these relations over time. This study explores parenting during early adolescence as predicting attitudes and behaviors associated with cyberbullying in late adolescence. Data were derived from the Flourishing Families Project (FFP) at Wave 2 (M age = 12) and Wave 9 (M age = 19). Results suggest that the authoritative parenting style-specifically the warmth and support dimension-was associated with less supportive attitudes toward cyberbullying and lower levels of cyberbullying in emerging adulthood. Moreover, particularly for boys, authoritarian parenting behaviors served as a risk factor for cyberbullying engagement. Suggestions are offered to advocate for greater positive parenting education during early adolescence as a potential protective factor against cyberbullying.
Antineoplastic antibodies – clinical applications

SYNOPSIS Trastuzumab and rituximab are genetically engineered antibodies which are now available for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma respectively. The adverse effects of these drugs are mild compared with conventional chemotherapy, but they require intravenous infusion in a supervised setting. Trastuzumab and rituximab are most effective when given with chemotherapy rather than as a substitute for standard therapies. Such combination therapy offers incremental but significant clinical improvements. The challenge remains to identify optimal antibody dosing schedules and the cancer subtypes which best respond to these treatments.
Influence of observed diurnal cycles of aerosol optical depth on aerosol direct radiative effect

Abstract. The diurnal variability of aerosol optical depth (AOD) can be significant, depending on location and dominant aerosol type. However, these diurnal cycles have rarely been taken into account in measurement-based estimates of aerosol direct radiative forcing (ADRF) or aerosol direct radiative effect (ADRE). The objective of our study was to estimate the influence of diurnal aerosol variability at the top of the atmosphere ADRE estimates. By including all the possible AERONET sites, we wanted to assess the influence on global ADRE estimates. While focusing also in more detail on some selected sites of strongest impact, our goal was to also see the possible impact regionally. We calculated ADRE with different assumptions about the daily AOD variability: taking the observed daily AOD cycle into account and assuming diurnally constant AOD. Moreover, we estimated the corresponding differences in ADREs, if the single AOD value for the daily mean was taken from the the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra or Aqua overpass times, instead of accounting for the true observed daily variability. The mean impact of diurnal AOD variability on 24 h ADRE estimates, averaged over all AERONET sites, was rather small and it was relatively small even for the cases when AOD was chosen to correspond to the Terra or Aqua overpass time. This was true on average over all AERONET sites, while clearly there can be much stronger impact in individual sites. Examples of some selected sites demonstrated that the strongest observed AOD variability (the strongest morning afternoon contrast) does not typically result in a significant impact on 24 h ADRE. In those cases, the morning and afternoon AOD patterns are opposite and thus the impact on 24 h ADRE, when integrated over all solar zenith angles, is reduced. The most significant effect on daily ADRE was induced by AOD cycles with either maximum or minimum AOD close to local noon. In these cases, the impact on 24 h ADRE was typically around 0.1–0.2 W m −2 (both positive and negative) in absolute values, 5–10% in relative ones.
Corporate foresight and innovation: the effects of integrative capabilities and organisational learning

ABSTRACT Despite the importance of corporate foresight for innovation management, scholars have yet to identify the organisational processes through which corporate foresight influences a company’s innovativeness. Drawing on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory, we developed a model and posited that the effect of corporate foresight on innovativeness is mediated by organisational learning, while the relationship between corporate foresight and organisational learning is moderated by integrative capabilities. We conducted an empirical study in the manufacturing industry and found support for the study model, in which the indirect effect of corporate foresight on innovativeness through organisational learning was conditional on the level of integrative capabilities. This study has theoretical and practical implications for a more nuanced understanding of corporate foresight and its effect on innovation management.