Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeted narrowband intense pulsed light on cutaneous vasculature

Laser based therapies are the standard treatment protocol for port wine stain in the United States, but complete removal is infrequently achieved. Intense pulsed light (IPL) offers a broadband light spectrum approach as a viable treatment alternative. Previous studies suggest that IPL can be more effective in treatment of port wine stain by utilizing multiple wavelengths to selectively target different peaks in oxy‐ and deoxy‐hemoglobin. Our study objectives were to (i) determine a characteristic radiant exposure able to achieve persistent vascular shutdown with narrowband IPL irradiation, (ii) determine the degree to which narrowband IPL irradiation can achieve persistent vascular shutdown, and (iii) compare the effectiveness of narrowband IPL radiation to single wavelength pulsed dye laser (PDL) irradiation in achieving persistent vascular shutdown.
Small Molecule, Big Prospects: MicroRNA in Pregnancy and Its Complications

MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate target gene expression in the posttranscriptional level. Unlike siRNA, microRNAs are “fine-tuners” rather than “switches” in the regulation of gene expression; thus they play key roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis. The aberrant microRNA expression is implicated in the disease process. To date, numerous studies have demonstrated the regulatory roles of microRNAs in various pathophysiological conditions. In contrast, the study of microRNA in pregnancy and its associated complications, such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm labor, is a young field. Over the last decade, the knowledge of pregnancy-related microRNAs has increased and the molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs regulate pregnancy or its associated complications are emerging. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the research of pregnancy-related microRNAs, especially their function in pregnancy-associated complications and the potential clinical applications. Here microRNAs that associate with pregnancy are classified as placenta-specific, placenta-associated, placenta-derived circulating, and uterine microRNA according to their localization and origin. MicroRNAs offer a great potential for developing diagnostic and therapeutic targets in pregnancy-related disorders.
Characterization and Clinical Impact of Antinuclear Antibodies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES:The clinical impact of antinuclear antibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis is uncertain. We analyzed in detail the antinuclear antibodies reactivity of primary biliary cirrhosis patients and correlated the fine specificities observed with clinical, biochemical, and immunologic parameters.METHODS:A total of 96 consecutive primary biliary cirrhosis patients and 283 pathologic controls were studied. To dissect the fine antinuclear antibodies specificities we used different techniques, such as indirect immunofluorescence on cryostat tissue sections and cell culture (HEp-2 cells), counterimmunoelectrophoresis with thymus and spleen extracts, ELISA assays with recombinant Sp100 and purified gp210 and Lamin B receptor, and immunoblot with several recombinant nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens.RESULTS:Antinuclear antibodies were detected in 53% of patients, with the following hierarchy of specificities: 27% anti-Sp100, 16% ldquo;multiple nuclear dots,” 16% anti-gp210, 16% anti-centromere, 7% XR1, 6% anti-lamin B receptor, 5% anti–SS-A/Ro, 5% anti-ribonucleoprotein, 4% XR2, 2% anti–SS-B/La, 2% perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, and 1% anti–double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid. Several patients showed multiple specificities. The “multiple nuclear dots” pattern was detected more often in antimitochondrial antibodies negative patients. In particular, primary biliary cirrhosis specific antinuclear antibodies (anti-Sp100, anti-gp210, and anti-lamin B receptor) were detected in nine of 13 antimitochondrial negative primary biliary cirrhosis cases. Anti-gp210 was more frequent in patients with more pronounced cholestasis and more impaired liver function.CONCLUSIONS:Antinuclear antibodies reactivities are present in more than half of primary biliary cirrhosis patients and target diverse autoantigens located in distinct subnuclear structures. Anti-gp210 identifies a subgroup of primary biliary cirrhosis patients with more serious liver disease. Positivity for anti-Sp100, anti-gp210, and anti-lamin B receptor, either alone or in combination, may act as a serologic marker of antimitochondrial antibodies negative primary biliary cirrhosis.
The employment market for diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists: an update.

OBJECTIVE In response to concern throughout the profession about the employment market for radiologists in the United States, the American College of Radiology, through several information-gathering activities, is monitoring the situation, including the amount of hiring done, job vacancies, and unemployment. To provide context, we compare our findings with data for earlier years and for all physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS The American College of Radiology undertook systematic sample surveys of approximately 60 training program directors with regard to their graduates; 3000 radiologists with regard to unemployment; and 400 radiology groups with regard to hiring. Good response rates (> or = 70%) were achieved; separate data for radiation oncology and diagnostic radiology are generally available. Data on use of the College's placement service also are presented. RESULTS Among trainees completing a diagnostic radiology fellowship or a radiation oncology residency in 1994, 1% (standard error = 1%) were unemployed in December 1994 and 15% (standard error = 4%) were working in jobs not in keeping with their training and employment goals. Among all radiologists, the 1994 unemployment rate was 0.5% (standard error = 0.2%). Radiology groups were hiring for approximately 1600 positions in 1994, of which about three fifths were replacements and two fifths were expansions. After hiring was completed, remaining vacancies numbered approximately 400, or 2% of the radiology workforce. In early 1995, program directors reported that trainees completing a residency or fellowship in 1995 were having greater difficulty finding positions than had their 1994 counterparts. CONCLUSION The unemployment rate for radiologists was similar to that for all physicians and lower than that for other persons with advanced degrees (1.5-2%). In 1994, expansion positions for which groups were hiring nearly equaled the growth of the radiology workforce. However, 1994 hiring (and vacancy) rates were only approximately 70% of 1991 levels. It is clear that the employment market is weakening; however, contrary to some anecdotal reports, a large-scale collapse has not occurred.
[Clinical analysis of 200 cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].

BACKGROUND Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is characterized by extravasation of blood into the subcutaneous tissue, mucous membranes or skin; it generates bleeding manifestations as ecchymotic lesions, petechiae of sudden onset, epistaxis, bleeding from the gums, and serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage. This condition is due to a platelet destruction mediated by antibodies directed against the surface of the platelets. The objective is to present the clinical characteristics of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a third level medical facility in Puebla, México. METHODS A descriptive study, which included 200 patients from the Hematology Service, was carried out. All patients included had the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. We studied their clinical manifestations, type of diagnosis, as well as medical and/or surgical treatment. The statiscal analysis was made using descriptive measures. RESULTS The entire sample (200 patients) had idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura as a diagnosis established, 57 % had ecchymoses, 42 % petechiae, 23 % bleeding from the gums, 31.5 % epistaxis, 6.5 % abnormal uterine bleeding, 11 % malaise, 7.0 % hemorrhage, 0.5 % pruritus, 0.5 % seizures, 8 % two or more signs and symptoms and 73 % was asymptomatic when the diagnosis was established. CONCLUSIONS Symptoms of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura are varied, a large percentage of patients can be processed unnoticed. The results described were similar to those reported in the literature.
Effect of hexavalent chromium-treated sperm on in vitro fertilization and embryo development

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is an environmental contaminant that is associated with reproductive abnormalities in both humans and animals. In the present study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of Cr(VI) on sperm function and subsequent embryo development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sperm obtained from BDF1 male mice were treated with potassium dichromate (0, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, or 50 μM) for 3 h. Cr(VI) significantly decreased sperm viability and acrosome reaction with increasing dose. These Cr(VI)-treated sperms were further used for IVF of oocytes obtained from BDF1 female mice. Results showed that Cr(VI)-treated sperm caused a significant reduction in IVF success, higher developmental arrest at the two-cell stage of embryos, and delayed blastocyst formation with increasing dose. In particular, most blastocysts from the Cr(VI)-treated sperm resulted in hatching failure as well as decreased inner cell mass and trophectoderm (TE). Furthermore, blastocysts obtained from Cr(VI)-treated sperm showed lower expression of not only TE-associated genes (eomes, cdx2, and krt8) but also pluripotent marker genes (sox2, pou5f1, and klf4) that are responsible for further embryo development of blastocyst embryos. The results of our current study showed that Cr(VI)-treated sperm had negative effects on oocyte fertilization and subsequent embryo development.
Kinetics and inhibition of reverse transcriptase from human and simian immunodeficiency viruses

Reverse transcriptase from the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was found to have kinetic behavior similar to that of enzyme from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Michaelis constants for the substrates TTP and dGTP and inhibition constants for the inhibitors 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate, 2',3'-dideoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate, and 2'-3'-dideoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate were obtained for SIV reverse transcriptase and were found to be similar to the corresponding values for HIV reverse transcriptase. Thus, the interaction of SIV reverse transcriptase with nucleotide analogs appears to be indistinguishable from that of the HIV enzyme, suggesting that SIV/simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) is a potentially good model of AIDS.
Interactive effects of reward sensitivity and residential fast-food restaurant exposure on fast-food consumption.

BACKGROUND Local fast-food environments have been increasingly linked to obesity and related outcomes. Individuals who are more sensitive to reward-related cues might be more responsive to such environments. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the moderating role of sensitivity to reward on the relation between residential fast-food restaurant exposure and fast-food consumption. DESIGN Four hundred fifteen individuals (49.6% men; mean age: 34.7 y) were sampled from 7 Montreal census tracts stratified by socioeconomic status and French/English language. The frequency of fast-food restaurant visits in the previous week was self-reported. Sensitivity to reward was self-reported by using the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) scale. Fast-food restaurant exposure within 500 m of the participants' residence was determined by using a Geographic Information System. Main and interactive effects of the BAS and fast-food restaurant exposure on fast-food consumption were tested with logistic regression models that accounted for clustering of observations and participants' age, sex, education, and household income. RESULTS Regression results showed a significant interaction between BAS and fast-food restaurant exposure (P < 0.001). Analysis of BAS tertiles indicated that the association between neighborhood fast-food restaurant exposure and consumption was positive for the highest tertile (odds ratio: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.84; P < 0.001) but null for the intermediate (odds ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.34; P = 0.81) and lowest (odds ratio: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.51, 1.37; P = 0.49) tertiles. CONCLUSION Reward-sensitive individuals may be more responsive to unhealthful cues in their immediate environment.
A comparison of interior point and active set methods for FPGA implementation of model predictive control

A key component of model predictive control (MPC) is the solving of quadratic programming (QP) problems. Interior point method (IPM) and active set method (ASM) are the most commonly employed approaches for solving general QP problems. This paper compares several performance aspects of the two methods when they are implemented on a FPGA for MPC applications. We compare the computational complexity, storage, convergence speed, and some practical implementation issues. We find that, in general, ASM gives lower complexity and converges faster when the numbers of decision variables and constraints are small. Otherwise, IPM should be a better choice due to its scalability. We also note occasional instability of both IPM and ASM when they are implemented in our FPGA, which uses single precision floating point arithmetic. The instability is mainly due to numerical error, which is found to be more serious in ASM than IPM in our current implementations.
Computationally Efficient Blind Estimation of Carrier Frequency Offset for MIMO-OFDM Systems

In this paper, we propose a new computationally efficient blind carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimator for multi-input multi-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems. A cost function is carefully designed and can be exactly expressed as the superposition of very few harmonically related cosine waves even with the effect of the noise. Using this property, the minimization of the designed cost function can be solved in a quite computationally efficient manner without any exhaustive grid search procedure. It is seen that the proposed estimator can achieve comparable estimation performance as existing competitors with substantially reduced computational burden. Moreover, in order to improve the estimation performance, we further develop an enhanced CFO estimator by introducing an additional one-step adjustment. We find that the enhanced estimator can attain almost the same estimation performance as the existing maximum likelihood estimator but with a lower order of computational burden. We provide both numerical results and theoretical performance analysis to corroborate the proposed studies.
Symptomatic aniseikonia in unilateral and bilateral pseudophakia. A projection space eikonometer study.

PURPOSE To determine the incidence of aniseikonia and aniseikonic symptoms in pseudophakia (intraocular lens implantation after cataract extraction). METHOD Aniseikonia, stereoacuity, and clinical symptoms were evaluated in patients with unilateral and bilateral pseudophakia. Aniseikonia was determined with the Essilor projection space eikonometer. Eight-seven cases were studied, fifty-four of unilateral pseudophakia and thirty-three of bilateral pseudophakia. Nine of the 87 patients had insufficient stereopsis to be examined or measured for aniseikonia with the Essilor instrument, and were studied with the "Double-D", a two dimensional "direct comparison eikonometer" device programmed and viewed on a computer. Stereoacuity was determined with the Titmus Stereo Test. RESULTS Thirty-five (40.2%) of all pseudophakes had ophthalmic complaints referable to aniseikonia. The mean aniseikonia in the unilateral pseudophakia group was 4.1%, SD=3.41, while the mean aniseikonia in the bilateral group was 3.2%, SD=2.6. CONCLUSION Symptomatic aniseikonia is common in pseudophakia. Unilateral pseudophakia has the higher degrees of aniseikonia, and is at a greater risk of loss of binocularity and of asthenopia.
Bile flow to the duodenum is reduced in hypothyreosis and enhanced in hyperthyreosis

Disturbances in sphincter of Oddi (SO) function may prevent normal bile flow and thus enhance probability of common bile duct stone (CBDS) formation. We have previously shown increased prevalence of diagnosed hypothyroidism in CBDS patients, which may be explained by thyroxine‐induced inhibition of SO contractility, in addition to previously suggested changes in bile composition and hepatocytic excretion. The aim of this study was to investigate biliary dynamics in relation to altered thyroid gland function in rat, a rodent without a gallbladder. Euthyroid, hypothyroid or hyperthyroid Spraque–Dawley rats were anaesthetized with i.p. urethane, and exsanguinated at 15, 45, or 60 min after intravenous 99mTc HIDA injection. At these timepoints, the bile flow to intestine was determined by measuring the relative intestine vs. liver radioactivity. At 45 min this was 44% lower in hypothyroid rats and at 60 min 73% higher in hyperthyroid rats compared to euthyroid rats, while hepatic radioactivity at 15 min and blood pressure at injection were similar in the groups. We conclude that the bile flow to duodenum is reduced in hypothyreosis and enhanced in hyperthyreosis.
Molecular modelling of CYP2A enzymes: application to metabolism of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)

1. Tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a lung carcinogen in a variety of animal models and a putative human lung carcinogen. Its tumorigenic potential is unmasked via cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated hydroxylation of the carbon atoms adjacent to the nitroso moiety (i.e. α-hydroxylation). Therefore, elucidation of enzyme–substrate interactions that facilitate α-hydroxylation is important to gain insight into the tumorigenic mechanism of NNK and to develop potent inhibitors of this detrimental reaction. 2. Molecular models of CYP2A enzymes from mice, rats and humans that are catalysts of NNK bioactivation were constructed and used, in conjunction with docking experiments, to identify active-site residues that make important substrate contacts. 3. Docking studies revealed that hydrophobic residues at positions 117, 209, 365 and 481, among others, play critical roles in orienting NNK in the active site to effect α-hydroxylation. These molecular models were then used to rationalize the stereo- and regioselectivity, as well as the efficiency, of CYP2A-mediated NNK metabolism.
Nerve Growth Factor-dependent Activation of the Small GTPase Rin*

The Rit and Rin proteins comprise a distinct and evolutionarily conserved subfamily of Ras-related small GTPases. Although we have defined a role for Rit-mediated signal transduction in the regulation of cell proliferation and transformation, the function of Rin remains largely unknown. Because we demonstrate that Rin is developmentally regulated and expressed in adult neurons, we examined its role in neuronal signaling. In this study, we show that stimulation of PC6 cells with either epidermal growth factor or nerve growth factor (NGF) results in rapid activation of Rin. This activation correlates with the onset of Ras activation, and dominant-negative Ras completely inhibits Rin activation induced by NGF. Further examination of Ras-mediated Rin activation suggests that this process is dependent upon neuronally expressed regulatory factors. Expression of mutationally activated H-Ras fails to activate Rin in non-neuronal cells, but results in potent stimulation of Rin-GTP levels in a variety of neuronal cell lines. Furthermore, although constitutively activated Rin does not induce neurite outgrowth on its own, both NGF-induced and oncogenic Ras-induced neurite outgrowth were inhibited by the expression of dominant-negative Rin. Together, these studies indicate that Rin activation is a direct downstream effect of growth factor-dependent signaling in neuronal cells and suggest that Rin may function to transduce signals within the mature nervous system.
Cardiovascular risk factor changes in Finland, 1972-1997.

BACKGROUND The cardiovascular risk factor levels of the population have been assessed in Finland since 1972. In the beginning the surveys were done to evaluate the North Karelia Project, which was a community-based preventive programme. A national cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention strategy was developed and implemented during the late 1970s. Subsequently, a national cardiovascular risk factors monitoring system was developed to assess the effectiveness of the national strategy. METHODS Cross-sectional population samples were studied in 1972 and 1977 in North Karelia and Kuopio provinces in eastern Finland. An area in southwestern Finland was included in 1982, followed by the Helsinki metropolitan area in 1992 and Oulu province in northern Finland in 1997. A total of 19 761 men and 20 761 women aged 30-59 participated in the six surveys (1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997). RESULTS The serum cholesterol levels of both genders have continuously declined. Systolic blood pressure levels have declined since 1972, but no further decline in diastolic blood pressure was found in 1997. Smoking prevalence among men continued to decline mainly due to an increase in the percentage of never-smokers. For the first time the increase in smoking prevalence among women levelled off and started to decline, mainly because the number of female quitters had increased. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the cardiovascular health programme in Finland has succeeded in decreasing the general risk factor level of the population.
Workplace Flexibility: From Research to Action

Ellen Galinsky, Kelly Sakai, and Tyler Wigton explore the “time famine” among American workers—the continuing sense among employees of not having enough time to manage the multiple responsibilities of work and personal and family life. Noting that large shares of U.S. employees report feeling the need for greater workplace flexibility to enable them to take better care of family responsibilities, the authors examine a large-scale community-engagement initiative to increase workplace flexibility voluntarily. Using the 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce as a primary source of data, the authors begin with an overview of the prevalence of flexibility in today’s American workplace. They track which categories of employees have access to various flexibility options, as well as the extent to which employees with access to various types of flexibility use those options. Findings from the study indicate that the majority of employees want flexibility but that access to it varies, with more advantaged employees—those who are well educated, have high salaries, and work full time, for example—being doubly advantaged in having greater access to flexibility. A number of employers, say the authors, tend to be skeptical of the value of workplace flexibility and to fear that employees will abuse it if it is offered. But the study data reveal that most employees use flexibility quite conservatively. When the authors use their nationally representative data set to investigate correlations between access to workplace flexibility and a range of workplace outcomes especially valued by employers—employee engagement, job satisfaction, retention, and health—they find that employers as well as employees can benefit from flexibility. Finally, the authors discuss When Work Works, a large, national community-based initiative under way since 2003 to increase voluntary adoption of workplace flexibility. The authors detail the conceptual basis of the project’s design, noting its emphasis on flexibility as one component of effective workplaces that can benefit employers, employees, and communities alike. Galinsky, Sakai, and Wigton conclude by drawing lessons learned from the project and briefly discussing the implications of using research to bring about workplace change.