Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effektivität der Manuellen Lymphdrainage in der Erhaltungsphase einseitiger, sekundärer Armlymphödeme – Eine Pilotstudie

The average annual incidence of lymphedema following breast carcinoma treatment is approximately 16.200 cases in women and men, however only eleven studies of high quality on effective short-term or long-term therapy are currently available. Recent meta-analyses which address this topic are clearly deficient with regard to the evidence base for manual lymphatic drainage. The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in maintenance-phase complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) over a period of three months. 76 female patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups (comparison of MLD, CDP, compression sleeve and Kinesio Taping (KT) method). The data were acquired in four measurements. The analysis of variance revealed a significant difference of 0,042 (p < 0,05) in the comparison of the four groups. A review of the variables within the four groups (Friedman test) showed a significant reduction (0,001) in the compression sleeve group. No significant differences were found in the pre-post comparison (Friedman test) in the MLD, KT und CDP group. In light of the absence of a significant difference, the results of the CDP, MLD and KT groups indicate a potential equivalence. The compression sleeve group showed significant superiority.
Hemodynamic and Renal Effects of ProANF31–67 in Hypertensive Rats

Abstract It has been demonstrated previously that the atrial natriuretic factor prohormone fragment 31–67 (ProANF31–67) circulates in animals and possesses natriuretic and vasodilating actions. Although the plasma levels of the peptide are reportedly elevated in patients with high blood pressure, its role and actions in hypertension are unknown. In the present study, synthetic human ProANF31–67 was infused intravenously at doses of 0, 10, 30, and 100 ng/kg/min into respective groups of anesthetized normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), urine flow rate (UV), and sodium excretion (UNaV) were measured during two consecutive 30-min periods. In both strains of rats, reductions in MAP with ProANF31–67 were similar in magnitude and dose-related. Sodium excretion responses to the peptide infusions also were remarkably similar in both normotensive and hypertensive rats, and the responses demonstrated 3- to 5-fold (P < 0.05) increments compared to control at the doses of 10 and 30 ng/kg/min. However, in the two strains of rats, attenuation of natriuresis occurred with the highest infusion dose of 100 ng/kg/min and was probably related to the large decreases in MAP of 17–23 mmHg at this dose of the peptide. The present results indicate the ProANF31–67 has important hemodynamic and renal effects in hypertension and may represent one compensatory mechanism involved in this disease.
Potential haematopoietic properties of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla in Wistar rats

Numerous medicinal properties have been attributed to the seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla ( P. macrophylla ) whereas its haematological properties have received little attention. This study was designed to evaluate the haematopoietic effects of crude methanolic seed extract of P. macrophylla in wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats in five groups, labeled A to E were acclimatized for two weeks and used for this study. Groups A to D were administered orally with graded-doses of crude methanolic extract of P. macrophylla seeds (100, 200, 300 and 400) mg/kg body weight respectively for 28 days whereas Group E served as control. Blood sample was collected and haematological parameters were determined. Extracts of P. macrophylla significantly (p<0.05) increased the Hb, Hct, RBC and TWBC in a dose-dependent pattern in the treated groups compared to the control. The platelet count was however decreased in the treated groups compared with the control, although not in a dose-dependent pattern, with Group D having the least count (p<0.05). Thin blood films of the treated groups revealed normocytic and normochromic red blood cells and relative lymphocytosis. Administration of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla demonstrated dosage-dependent significant increase in some haematological variables, while decreasing platelet count. This study suggests that the seed extract may possess haematopoietic, antimicrobial and immunity boosting potentials, and could be developed for future clinical use in managing blood-related conditions. Keywords: Graded-doses; Oral administration; Pentaclethra macrophylla
Neuro-fuzzy Based Condition Prediction of Bearing Health

A reliable prognostic model is very useful for industries to forecast equipment behaviors. The aim of this research is to verify the effectiveness of the neuro-fuzzy model in predicting the health condition of bearings. Simulation and an experiment have been carried out to verify the model, with results showing that the neuro-fuzzy model is a reliable and robust forecasting tool, and more accurate than a radial basis function network. In the experiment, vibration data collected from the equipment is used to predict the future condition.
Crafts and Creative Media in Therapy

Within this book, the authors give examples of the benefits of crafts, describe how to document their use, and give suggestions for effective implementation. Given this is the 4th edition of the book, the authors present the case for the value of the use of crafts and other creative media in treatment intervention. The previous editions of the book did not include the OT Practice Framework, which the authors make an attempt to address through an introductory chapter. Most of the text is presented where a chapter introduces a craft or art media. Within the craft chapter, a significant portion of the chapter is spent introducing basic instruction on how to do that particular media or craft. Because of this format, the intention of the book is unclear. The therapeutic use of crafts as a treatment modality can be overshadowed by the “how-to” of specific craft media. If one is unfamiliar with craft media and wishing to learn for use for practice, then this book is an excellent resource. However, only one method of engaging in the media is presented and it is at an introductory level. This text is written under an initial assumption that crafts are activities, which are therefore occupations. While there is a new chapter that addresses the use of crafts as occupation, it seems to justify the use of crafts as treatment in contrast to exploring the possibility that craft media may be a viable occupation in which a person engages; thus, knowledge of the specific craft becomes valued in restoring a person’s ability to engage in a personal favorite past time. At first glance, one may feel the book is a quick redo of previous editions, but notable enhancements were made with the case studies by giving greater detail and information to more clearly illustrate the use of crafts in a therapeutic manner rather than just activity-based therapy. Photos and drawings have not been updated from previous versions and include a combination of line drawings and older black and white photos. They are basic and could have been updated to help make the book provide a newer insight to the use of crafts rather than a sense of “resurrecting archives from days past. ” The book is well written and easy to read. The chapters that focus on a specific craft are laid out to include:
A probabilistic framework for geometry and motion reconstruction using prior information

In this paper, we propose a probabilistic framework for reconstructing scene geometry and object motion utilizing prior knowledge of a class of scenes, eg, scenes captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle driving through city streets. In this framework, we assume the video camera is calibrated, ie, the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters are known all the time. While we assume a single camera moving during the capture, the framework can be generalized to multiple stationary or moving cameras as well. Traditional approaches match the points, lines or patches in multiple images to reconstruct scene geometry and object motion. The proposed framework also takes advantage of each patch’s appearance and location to infer its orientation and motion direction using prior information based on statistical learning from training data. The prior information hence enhances the performance of geometry and motion reconstruction. We show that the prior-based 3D reconstruction outperformed traditional 3D reconstruction with synthetic data and real data, especially in textureless areas for geometry estimation and faraway areas for motion estimation.
Regulation of PreB Cell Apoptosis by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor/Transcription Factor-Expressing Stromal/Adherent Cells

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are environmental chemicals that mediate immunosuppression. In long-term bone marrow B-cell lymphopoiesis models, PAH induce apoptosis in immature (preB) lymphocytes. Since the biologic function of PAH is often mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor/transcription factor (AhR), the role of the AhR or AhR-regulated genes was assessed in preB cell apoptosis. Specifically, a bone marrow–derived preB cell line (BU-11) was cultured on monolayers of the AhR+ bone marrow–derived stromal cell line BMS2, hepatoma sublines that express various levels of AhR activity (Hepa-1c1c7 and variants), AhR+ thymic epithelial cells, and primary bone marrow stromal cells from wildtype or AhR−/− mice. Cultures were treated with one of two prototypic PAH, 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or benz[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis measured. The data demonstrated that: 1) bone marrow- and hepatic-derived stromal/adherent cells support preB cell growth and regulate apoptosis induced by DMBA or B[a]P; 2) B[a]P is more effective than DMBA when preB cells are maintained on Hepa-1c1c7 monolayers than when maintained on BMS2 monolayers; 3) DMBA is more effective than B[a]P when preB cells are cultured on BMS2 monolayers; 4) α-naphthoflavone, an AhR antagonist and cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, blocks preB cell apoptosis in both BU-11/Hepa-1c1c7 and BU-11/BMS2 cultures; 5) although preB cells grow well in Hepa-1c1c7 or BMS2 supernatants, addition of PAH in the absence of hepatic- or bone marrow–derived adherent cells does not result in preB cell apoptosis; 6) preB cell apoptosis is dependent on AhR activity in adherent hepatic– or bone marrow–derived stromal cells; and 7) apoptosis is induced by DMBA when preB cells are maintained on primary bone marrow stromal cell monolayers from wildtype but not from AhR−/− mice. Collectively, the data indicated that AhR-regulated activities in the hematopoietic microenvironment influence the susceptibility of immature lymphocytes to low-dose PAH exposure.
Prostaglandin E2 Mediates Activation of Hypothalamic Histamine by Interleukin-1ß in Rats

Abstract The present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral in-terleukin-β (IL-β) on hypothalamic histamine (HA) systems. Intraperitoneal injection of IL-β increased the turnover rate of hypothalamic HA, which was assessed by accumulation of tele-methylhistamine after pargyline treatment. IL-β increased the activities of both histidine decarboxylase (HDC), an HA synthesizing enzyme, and HA-N-methyltransferase (HMT), an HA catabolizing enzyme. Pretreatment with indo-methacin completely blocked the effects induced by IL-β on hypothalamic HA. Infusion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) into the third cerebroventricle increased the hypothalamic HA turnover rate, and simultaneously activated both HDC and HMT dose-dependently, but intravenous infusion of PGE2 had no effect on the dynamics of hypothalamic HA turnover. These results indicate that hypothalamic PGE2 activated by peripheral administration of IL-β, but not by peripheral PGE2, may enhance synthesis and release of hypothalamic HA by activation of HDC, and may facilitate degradation of extracellular histamine by activation of HMT.
Estimation of blood velocity, volumetric flow and wall shear rate using Doppler ultrasound

Commercial ultrasound systems can make a number of measurements related to haemodynamics which are relevant to clinical practice and to clinical research. These include maximum velocity, volumetric flow and wall shear rate. Using appropriate protocols, measurements can be made averaged over the cardiac cycle, or as a function of time through the cardiac cycle. Maximum velocity underpins most of these measurements. Maximum velocity is overestimated as a result of geometric spectral broadening, by typically up to 30%, but by much larger amounts as the angle approaches 90°. Though not used in clinical practice, a simple correction technique using a string phantom can substantially reduce these errors. For volumetric flow and wall shear rate, methods such as specialist multi-gate ultrasound systems, magnetic resonance imaging and image guided modelling are available. Before resorting to these more complex methods users might consider that, with care and attention to procedure, high quality information may be obtained using commercial ultrasound systems. Manufacturers could make more use of the colour flow image for quantification of velocity, and adopt vector Doppler techniques.
Wavelet Transform-based Higher-order Statistics for Fault Diagnosis in Rolling Element Bearings

Signal processing plays a pivotal role in fault diagnostics of mechanical systems. An approach, viz. wavelet transform-based higher-order statistics, was developed in this paper for fault diagnosis in rolling element bearings. In the approach, wavelet transform (discrete wavelet and wavelet packet transform) was introduced into a fourth-order statistic, kurtosis. Thereinto, discrete wavelet transform-based kurtosis (DWTK) was applied to signals to get a higher resolution in low-frequency bands1 on the other hand, wavelet packet transform-based kurtosis (WPTK) was applied to obtain a relatively high resolution in high-frequency bands in comparison with the DWTK. DWTK, WPTK and wavelet transform-based kurtosis (WTK) curves were introduced to calibrate the in-field signals in comparison with the benchmark signals, whereby the non-stationary transients and singularity in the vibration signals attributed to damage were detected. WTK curves of vibration signals collected from bearing with damage of different severities and locations were evaluated for damage detection and classification. The results demonstrated the excellent capability of the WTK in vibration signal processing and fault diagnosis.
Teratogenesis

Summary In addition to producing anomalies in rats, 6-mercaptopurine and thioguanine cause a decrease in placental weight. Other purine derivatives which produce no anomalies have no effect on placental weight. These findings suggest that a relationship exists between malformations and placental growth inhibition. Administration of 4-hydroxypyrazolo-(3,4-d)-pyrimidine (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor) with non-teratogenic dosages of 6-mercaptopurine results in anomalies and decreased placental weight. Furthermore, combination of the former drug with terato-genic dosages of the latter causes fetal death.
A Multicultural Approach to Health Psychology

The North American continent comprises a diverse array of individuals. Although the majority of them prescribe to the beliefs and treatments of Western biomedicine, a substantial number also practice diverse approaches to health. This article summarizes the basic tenets of major non-Western approaches to health, including the main beliefs and treatments. It bases this discussion in the context of health disparities, the existence of which presents a major problem for health care in America, and with an eye toward aiding the development of cultural competence for clinicians and health care providers nationwide.
Copper Deprivation Potentiates Oxidative Stress in HL-60 Cell Mitochondria

Abstract Cytochrome-c oxidase is the copper-dependent terminal respiratory complex (complex IV) of the mitochondrial electron transport chain whose activity in a variety of tissues is lowered by copper deficiency. Because inhibition of respiratory complexes increases the production of reactive oxygen species by mitochondria, it is possible that copper deficiency increases oxidative stress in mitochondria as a consequence of suppressed cytochrome-c oxidase activity. In this study, the activities of respiratory complex I + III, assayed as NADH:cytochrome-c reductase, complex II + III, assayed as succinate:cytochrome-c reductase, complex IV, assayed as cytochrome-c oxidase, and fumarase were measured in mitochondria from HL-60 cells that were grown for seven passages in serum-free medium that was either unsupplemented or supplemented with 50 nM CuSO4. Fumarase activity was not affected by copper supplementation, but the complex I + III:fumarase and complex IV:fumarase ratios were reduced 30% and 50%, respectively, in mitochondria from cells grown in the absence of supplemental copper. This indicates that copper deprivation suppressed the electron transfer activity of copper-independent complex I + III as well as copper-dependent complex IV. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) content was also increased 49% overall in the cells grown in the absence of supplemental copper. Furthermore, protein carbonyl groups, indicative of oxidative modification, were present in 100-kDa and 90-kDa proteins of mitochondria from copper-deprived cells. These findings indicate that in cells grown under conditions of copper deprivation that suppress cytochrome-c oxidase activity, oxidative stress in mitochondria is increased sufficiently to induce MnSOD, potentiate protein oxidation, and possibly cause the oxidative inactivation of complex I.
Human Pluripotent and Progenitor Cells Display Cell Surface Cluster Differentiation Markers CD10, CD13, CD56, and MHC Class-I

Abstract Each year millions of people suffer tissue loss or end-stage organ failure. While allogeneic therapies have saved and improved countless lives, they remain imperfect solutions. These therapies are limited by critical donor shortages, long-term morbidity, and mortality. A wide variety of transplants, congenital malformations, elective surgeries, and genetic disorders have the potential for treatment with autologous stem cells as a source of HLA-matched donor tissue. Our current research is aimed at characterizing cell surface cluster differentiation (CD) markers on human progenitor and pluripotent cells to aid in isolating comparatively purified populations of these cells. This study examined human pluripotent and progenitor cells isolated from fetal, mature, and geriatric individuals for the possible presence of 15 CD markers. The response to insulin and dexamethasone revealed that the cell isolates were composed of lineage-committed progenitor cells and lineage-uncommitted pluripotent cells. Flow cytometry showed cell populations positive for CD10, CD13, CD56, and MHC Class-I markers and negative for CD3, CD5, CD7, CD11b, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD19, CD25, CD45, and CD65 markers. Northern analysis revealed that CD13 and CD56 were actively transcribed at time of cell harvest. We report the first identification of CD10, CD13, CD56, and MHC Class-I cell surface antigens on these human cells.
The knowledge of the increased risk of complications in multiple pregnancies does not affect the desire to transfer more than one embryo in in vitro fertilisation treatment

Objetive One of the main complications in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is multiple pregnancies. This study was designed to investigate how many embryos subjects participating in an online survey would want to transfer in their IVF cycles. Methods This study was conducted in a Brazilian private assisted fertilisation centre. Individuals who accessed the centre’s website were asked to participate in the survey. The survey was based on important information concerning multiple gestations, followed by a single multiple choice question, as follows: ‘Knowing that the transfer of one embryo reduces the chance of pregnancy, and that the transfer of more than one embryo could result in multiple pregnancies, which comes with risks to the mother and the babies, answer: how many embryos would you transfer in your IVF cycle? ’. There were three available answers: one, two or three embryos. Results A total of 1,049 subjects participated in the survey: 109 males and 940 females. The majority of the participants answered that they would like to have two embryos transferred (53.7%); followed by three embryos (35.0%), and one embryo (11.3%). Conclusion Men and women tend to underestimate the risks of complications associated with multiple embryo transfers and multiple gestations. It is the physician’s responsibility to consider single embryo transfer (SET) as the method of choice and perform double or triple embryo transfers only in special circumstances.
Effect of Pregnancy, Postnatal Growth, and Gender on Renal Sulfate Transport

Abstract Serum sulfate concentrations are increased in infants, young children, and pregnant women, compared with adult values. The objective of this investigation was to examine the influences of age, gender, and pregnancy on renal sulfate transport using guinea pigs as an animal model. Membrane vesicles were isolated from the kidney cortex of male animals at four different ages, from male and female adult animals, and from pregnant and nonpregnant female animals. There were no significant differences in marker enzymes for the brush-border membrane (BBM) or baso-lateral membrane (BLM) among all groups examined. Uptake was determined by a rapid filtration method and membrane fluidity by measuring the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-dipheny-1-3,5-hexatriene. The Vmax values for Na+/sulfate co-transport in BBM were significantly increased with decreasing age, whereas the K m for this process was unchanged. The V max and K m for Na+/sulfate co-transport in BBM of pregnant animals were significantly higher than the values in the nonpregnant group. Bicarbonate-driven anion exchange of sulfate in BLM was not different among the different age groups. The V max for the bicarbonate/sulfate exchange process in BLM was not different between pregnant and nonpregnant groups; however, the K m for this process in BLM of pregnant animals was significantly greater than the value in nonpregnant animals. There were no gender-related differences in sulfate transport in BBM or BLM isolated from adult male and female animals. Renal BBM fluidity was increased with decreasing age and in pregnant animals, suggesting that altered membrane fluidity may represent one possible mechanism to explain the increased sodium/sulfate uptake in young and pregnant animals. The higher V max for Na+/sulfate co-transport in young and pregnant animals suggests that there is an increased density of co-transporter protein or an increase in the rate of movement of the carrier protein (i.e., turnover) once loaded with sodium and sulfate. This increased conservation of inorganic sulfate in young and pregnant guinea pigs may be related to the increased demand for sulfated substrates, such as sulfated glycosaminoglycans, during growth and development.