Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in left main coronary artery disease: the last frontier?

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to demonstrate the possibility of applying the alternative tactic of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery to left main coronary artery disease and to assess the long-term results over a 5-year follow-up period. METHODS: Among 210 subjects submitted to off-pump coronary artery bypass, 119 (56.7%) were male. Their ages ranged from 32 to 81 years with a mean age of 59.7. A left coronary artery branch lesion of at least 70% was demonstrated in 48 (22.8%) of the individuals and a right coronary lesion was associated in 10 (20.8%) of the cases. RESULTS: A breakdown of the number of grafts per patient was: 2 for 52.1%, 3 for 43.5% and 4 for 4.4% of the surgeries. All of the patients were extubated in the intensive care unit after a 6-hour stay. No left ventricular dysfunction was evidenced after a seven-day total hospitalization period. One death, due to cardiac problems, occurred after one month. Follow-up with clinical cardiac evaluation was total until 60 months with a survival rate at 5 years of 96.0% ± 3.9%. CONCLUSION: In left main coronary artery disease, which is feared by cardiac surgeons, we believe that the technique of off-pump coronary artery bypass could be very useful. If the patients are hemodynamically stable and undergo an elective operation, the operative period can be passed in a safe and tranquil manner.
Dysmetabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence.

UNLABELLED The dysmetabolic syndrome, consisting of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hyperinsulinaemia and central obesity, has been well recognized as a major risk for cardiovascular disease in adults. Although the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors has also been identified in childhood, the occurrence of full-blown dysmetabolic syndrome at younger ages has only recently been investigated. In this article we attempted an overview of the data for children and adolescents, focused on the mechanisms and natural history of the disease, the prevalence among paediatric populations, the assessment and the treatment approaches. CONCLUSION There is substantial evidence that the dysmetabolic syndrome has its origins in childhood. In the face of the epidemic increase of obesity in children and adolescents, the development of effective screening and preventive strategies would be a major challenge for paediatricians.
PCCR: Pancreatic Cancer Collaborative Registry

The Pancreatic Cancer Collaborative Registry (PCCR) is a multi-institutional web-based system aimed to collect a variety of data on pancreatic cancer patients and high-risk subjects in a standard and efficient way. The PCCR was initiated by a group of experts in medical oncology, gastroenterology, genetics, pathology, epidemiology, nutrition, and computer science with the goal of facilitating rapid and uniform collection of critical information and biological samples to be used in developing diagnostic, prevention and treatment strategies against pancreatic cancer. The PCCR is a multi-tier web application that utilizes Java/JSP technology and has Oracle 10 g database as a back-end. The PCCR uses a “confederation model” that encourages participation of any interested center, irrespective of its size or location. The PCCR utilizes a standardized approach to data collection and reporting, and uses extensive validation procedures to prevent entering erroneous data. The PCCR controlled vocabulary is harmonized with the NCI Thesaurus (NCIt) or Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT). The PCCR questionnaire has accommodated standards accepted in cancer research and healthcare. Currently, seven cancer centers in the USA, as well as one center in Italy are participating in the PCCR. At present, the PCCR database contains data on more than 2,700 subjects (PC patients and individuals at high risk of getting this disease). The PCCR has been certified by the NCI Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology as a cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG®) Bronze Compatible product. The PCCR provides a foundation for collaborative PC research. It has all the necessary prerequisites for subsequent evolution of the developed infrastructure from simply gathering PC-related data into a biomedical computing platform vital for successful PC studies, care and treatment. Studies utilizing data collected in the PCCR may engender new approaches to disease prognosis, risk factor assessment, and therapeutic interventions.
Visual-Interactive Search for Soccer Trajectories to Identify Interesting Game Situations

Recently, sports analytics has turned into an important research area of visual analytics and may provide interesting ﬁndings, such as the best player of the season, for various kinds of sports. Soccer is a very popular and tactical game, which also attracted great attention in the last few years. However, the search for complex game movements is a very crucial and challenging task. We present a system for searching trajectory data in soccer matches by means of an interactive search interface that enables the user to sketch a situation of interest. Furthermore, we apply a domain speciﬁc preﬁltering process to extract a set of local movement segments, which are similar to a given sketch. Our approach comprises single-trajectory, multi-trajectory, and event-speciﬁc search functions based on two different similarity measures. To demonstrate the usefulness of our approach, we deﬁne a domain speciﬁc task analysis and conduct a case study together with a domain expert from FC Bayern M¨unchen by investigating a real-world soccer match. Finally, we show that multi-trajectory search in combination with event-speciﬁc ﬁltering is needed to describe and retrieve complex moves in soccer matches.
Absence of IHH and retention of PTHrP signalling in enchondromas and central chondrosarcomas

Enchondromas and conventional central chondrosarcomas are, respectively, benign and malignant hyaline cartilage‐forming tumours that originate in the medulla of bone. In order to gain a better understanding of the molecular process underlying malignant transformation of enchondroma, and to investigate whether there is a biological difference between conventional central cartilaginous tumours and those of enchondromatosis or with phalangeal localization, a series of 64 enchondromas (phalanx, n = 21; enchondromatosis, n = 15) and 89 chondrosarcomas (phalanx, n = 17; enchondromatosis, n = 13) was collected. Indian Hedgehog (IHH)/parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) signalling, an important pathway in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation within the normal growth plate, was studied by immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of PTHrP, PTHR1, Bcl‐2, p21, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. Quantitative real‐time PCR for IHH, PTCH, SMO, and GLI2 was performed on a subset of tumours. The data show that IHH signalling is absent in enchondromas and central chondrosarcomas, while PTHrP signalling is active. There was no difference in the expression of any of the molecules between 35 enchondromas and 26 grade I central chondrosarcomas, indicating that PTHrP signalling is not important in malignant transformation of enchondroma. Higher expression of PTHR1 and Bcl‐2 was associated with increasing histological grade in chondrosarcoma, suggesting involvement in tumour progression. No difference was found between samples from enchondromatosis patients and solitary cases, suggesting no difference in PTHrP signalling. A small subset of phalangeal chondrosarcomas demonstrated down‐regulation of PTHrP, which may be related to its more indolent clinical behaviour. Thus, in both enchondromas and central chondrosarcomas, PTHrP signalling is active and independent of IHH signalling, irrespective of the presence or absence of enchondromatosis. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytoestrogens: A Viable Option?

&NA; Estrogen replacement therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the United States by traditional medical professionals. Over the past decade, the market for complementary/alternative therapies for hormone replacement has dramatically increased. Women are seeking more “natural” alternatives to treat menopausal symptoms. Well‐designed randomized clinical trials are often lacking, as is the information on efficacy and safety. This article will review several popular herbal therapies for menopausal symptoms including phytoestrogens, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), chast tree (Vitex agnus‐castus), and wild Mexican yam. Their use, mechanism of action, and adverse effects are outlined.
Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Pd Nanocrystals in Aqueous Solutions

This article provides an overview of recent developments regarding synthesis of Pd nanocrystals with well‐controlled shapes in aqueous solutions. In a solution‐phase synthesis, the final shape taken by a nanocrystal is determined by the twin structures of seeds and the growth rates of different crystallographic facets. Here, the maneuvering of these factors in an aqueous system to achieve shape control for Pd nanocrystals is discussed. L‐ascorbic acid, citric acid, and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) are tested for manipulating the reduction kinetics, with citric acid and Br– ions used as capping agents to selectively promote the formation of {111} and {100} facets, respectively. The distribution of single‐crystal versus multiple‐twinned seeds can be further manipulated by employing or blocking oxidative etching. The shapes obtained for the Pd nanocrystals include truncated octahedron, icosahedron, octahedron, decahedron, hexagonal and triangular plates, rectangular bar, and cube. The ability to control the shape of Pd nanocrystals provides a great opportunity to systematically investigate their catalytic, electrical, and plasmonic properties.
Distribution of Eurasian otter biliary parasites, Pseudamphistomum truncatum and Metorchis albidus (Family Opisthorchiidae), in England and Wales

SUMMARY Gall bladders from 273 otter carcasses, collected throughout England and Wales, were screened to assess the status of gall bladder parasites in the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra. The digenean Pseudamphistomum truncatum had previously been found in UK otters collected between 2000 and 2007. The parasite was established in Somerset and Dorset but its distribution elsewhere in the UK was largely unknown. In the current study, P. truncatum was also found to be abundant in south Wales, with occasional cases elsewhere, but appears to be absent from the north of England. Overall, 11·7% of otters were infected with 1–238 P. truncatum. A second digenean, Metorchis albidus, previously unreported in British otters, was found in the biliary system of 6·6% of otters. M. albidus appears well established in Suffolk, Norfolk and north Essex but was recorded elsewhere rarely. Both parasites are associated with pathological damage to the otter gall bladder. The recent discovery of these two non-native parasites provides a unique opportunity to assess their impact on native British fauna.
Microwave Early Detection of Breast Cancers Using a Virtual-Focus Scanning Method

In this work, we apply a virtual-focus scanning method to detect a tumor inside a simplified two-dimensional breast model via the finite difference time domain method. For the purpose of simplification, we construct a microwave detection system with an N-element infinitesimal dipole array, and excite the central element of the array while letting all elements receive the time-shifted scattered fields in order to filter out unwanted signals. With the application of the two-step, virtual-focus scanning method, our computerized prototype system has accurately detected randomly generated tumors in all cases investigated, including small tumors in early stages of development.
MicroRNA biogenesis: regulating the regulators

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as 21–24 nucleotide guide RNAs that use partial base-pairing to recognize target messenger RNAs and repress their expression. As a large fraction of protein-coding genes are under miRNA control, production of the appropriate level of specific miRNAs at the right time and in the right place is integral to most gene regulatory pathways. MiRNA biogenesis initiates with transcription, followed by multiple processing steps to produce the mature miRNA. Every step of miRNA production is subject to regulation and disruption of these control mechanisms has been linked to numerous human diseases, where the balance between the expression of miRNAs and their targets becomes distorted. Here we review the basic steps of miRNA biogenesis and describe the various factors that control miRNA transcription, processing, and stability in animal cells. The tremendous effort put into producing the appropriate type and level of specific miRNAs underscores the critical role of these small RNAs in gene regulation.
Intrusion detection: a novel approach that combines boosting genetic fuzzy classifier and data mining techniques

This paper proposes an intelligent intrusion detection system (IDS) which is an integrated approach that employs fuzziness and two of the well-known data mining techniques: namely classification and association rule mining. By using these two techniques, we adopted the idea of using an iterative rule learning that extracts out rules from the data set. Our final intention is to predict different behaviors in networked computers. To achieve this, we propose to use a fuzzy rule based genetic classifier. Our approach has two main stages. First, fuzzy association rule mining is applied and a large number of candidate rules are generated for each class. Then the rules pass through pre-screening mechanism in order to reduce the fuzzy rule search space. Candidate rules obtained after pre-screening are used in genetic fuzzy classifier to generate rules for the specified classes. Classes are defined as Normal, PRB-probe, DOS-denial of service, U2R-user to root and R2L- remote to local. Second, an iterative rule learning mechanism is employed for each class to find its fuzzy rules required to classify data each time a fuzzy rule is extracted and included in the system. A Boosting mechanism evaluates the weight of each data item in order to help the rule extraction mechanism focus more on data having relatively higher weight. Finally, extracted fuzzy rules having the corresponding weight values are aggregated on class basis to find the vote of each class label for each data item.
Protection of DC system using bi-directional Z-Source Circuit breaker

Modified topologies of a Z-Source DC Circuit breaker with bi-directional power flow capabilities are introduced in this paper. Conventional Z-Source breaker (ZSB) topologies can provide protection for unidirectional power flow. Proposed topologies of bi-directional ZSB (Bi-ZSB) and bi-directional ZSB with coupled inductor (Bi-CZSB) can clear the fault in either direction of power flow. Both topologies utilize a SCR as a switch to instantly isolate the fault from source. No sensing and detection of fault is required. For second topology, mutual inductance is used for SCR commutation. Coupled inductors help to reduce size of inductors, cost and also eliminate the need of additional Z-Source breaker capacitor. Performance of both topologies is verified in MATLAB and validated on laboratory prototype.
The role of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in the management of post‐transplant malignancy

Post‐transplant malignancies, which occur either de novo or as cancer recurrences, are due to chronic exposure to immunosuppressive agents and are often more aggressive than those that develop in the non‐transplant setting. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have antitumor and immunosuppressive effects. The dual effects of this class of agents may provide adequate immunosuppression to prevent organ rejection while simultaneously reducing the risk of post‐transplant malignancy. mTOR inhibitors have become established approved agents for treating renal cell carcinoma and other cancers and, as reviewed herein, accumulating experience among organ transplant recipients collectively points toward a potential to prevent the development of de novo malignancies of various types in the post‐transplant period. To date, most research efforts surrounding mTOR inhibitors and cancer control in the transplant population have been in the area of skin cancer prevention, but there have also been interesting observations regarding regression of post‐transplant Kaposi's sarcoma and post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder that warrant further study.
Comparative Assessment of multi-temporal InSAR Techniques for Generation of Displacement Maps: A Case Study for Bucharest Area

This paper presents a comparative assessment of Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometric techniques (InSAR) that allow the detection of deformation models along the line-of-sight of the radar. Given the susceptibility of these methods to several limitations that act as noise effects in the interferograms, known as decorrelation phenomena, multi-temporal InSAR techniques have been used for the exploiting of phase information acquired over long time intervals.
The JAK2-V617F mutation and essential thrombocythemia features in a subset of patients with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS).

Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) is a myelodysplastic syndrome characterized by an anemia in which at least 15% of bone marrow erythroblasts are ringed sideroblasts. A percentage of RARS patients (10%-20%) eventually present high platelet counts (> 500 × 109/L), which may be due to
Photonic Crystal Fiber-Based Modal Interferometer for Refractive Index Sensing

A core-cladding-mode interferometer is fabricated by splicing a single-mode fiber to an endlessly single-mode photonic crystal fiber (ESM-PCF). The optimum collapsed length of ESM-PCF is investigated to ensure a higher order cladding mode of ESM-PCF to be excited, serving as a sensing beam. At the end of ESM-PCF, a spherical end-facet with big radius is proposed to ensure from where the higher order cladding mode is to be reflected and then it interferes with the core mode serving as a reference beam. Such a device has an enhanced refractive index sensitivity of ~ 199 nm/RIU, offering potentials in biological and chemical applications.
Distinguishing between Hypochondriasis and Somatization Disorder: A Review of the Existing Literature

A valid classification is important for further understanding of the somatoform disorders. The main disorders in this grouping – somatization disorder and hypochondriasis – have lengthy historical traditions and are defined in a contrasting manner. Various authors point to distinguishing demographic and clinical features, but there have been few direct comparisons of patients with these disorders. A review of the literature indicates those domains where differences are most likely to be found. Research assessing these may serve to refine and validate these key somatoform categories and/or dimensions.
A Nonlinear Observer for High-Performance Sensorless Speed Control of IPMSM Drive

This paper aims to provide a high-performance sensorless control of interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) based on nonlinear position and speed observer. The proposed nonlinear observer is constructed using the flux linkage as new state variable without speed dependence. The nonlinear observer gives estimation of the rotor position using a trigonometric function and the speed estimation is obtained from estimated position using proportional-integral (PI) tracking controller. This observer is stable easy to implement and does not require a large computing time. At standstill, we used the voltage pulses method to detect the initial rotor position. Short voltage pulses are applied to the stator winding and the initial rotor position is estimated from the measured peak current. High-dynamic performance is obtained using the vector field-oriented control and the space vector pulsewidth modulation techniques. Experimental results with 1.1-kW IPMSM have validated the effectiveness of the proposed sensorless speed control using nonlinear observer. The experimental implementation is carried out on powerful dSpace DS1103 controller board based on the DSP TMS320F240.
SMAD4: a predictive marker of PDAC cell permissiveness for oncolytic infection with parvovirus H‐1PV

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents the eighth frequent solid tumor and fourth leading cause of cancer death. Because current treatments against PDAC are still unsatisfactory, new anticancer strategies are required, including oncolytic viruses. Among these, autonomous parvoviruses (PV), like MVMp (minute virus of mice) and H‐1PV are being explored as candidates for cancer gene therapy. Human PDAC cell lines were identified to display various susceptibilities to an infection with H‐1PV. The correlation between the integrity of the transcription factor SMAD4, mutated in 50% of all PDAC, and H‐1PV permissiveness was particularly striking. Indeed, mutation or deletion of SMAD4 dramatically reduced the activity of the P4 promoter and, consequently, the accumulation of the pivotal NS1 protein. By means of DNA affinity immunoblotting, novel binding sites for SMAD4 and c‐JUN transcription factors could be identified in the P4 promoter of H‐1PV. The overexpression of wild‐type SMAD4 in deficient cell lines (AsPC‐1, Capan‐1) stimulated the activity of the P4 promoter, whereas interference of endogenous SMAD4 function with a dominant‐negative mutant decreased the viral promoter activity in wild‐type SMAD4‐expressing cells (Panc‐1, MiaPaCa‐2) reducing progeny virus production. In conclusion, the importance of members of the SMAD family for H‐1PV early promoter P4 activity should guide us to select SMAD4‐positive PDACs, which may be possible targets for an H‐1PV‐based cancer therapy.
Ex Vivo-activated Human Macrophages Kill Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells in the Presence of Rituximab: Mechanism of Antibody-dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity and Impact of Human Serum

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one of the mechanisms of tumor killing during antibody (Ab) immunotherapy, and a role for myeloid cells as effectors has been observed in several models. We are developing immunotherapy approaches based on administration of large numbers of ex vivo interferon-γ–activated macrophages to cancer patients. With a quantitative assay measuring killing of nonproliferating tumor cells, we evaluated whether, in physiologic conditions, these macrophages synergize with the anti-CD20 Ab rituximab for killing primary B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. ADCC reached levels of 70% to 80% at effector to target ratios as low as 1:1. Macrophage recruitment by Ab-opsonized tumor cells did not result in enhanced cytokine secretion, suggesting that the cytokine shower observed in rituximab-treated patients is not caused by macrophage activation, and that cytokines have no role in CLL killing. We observed that uptake of tumor material by macrophages was not directly correlated to tumor killing. Nonetheless, experiments in the presence of cytochalasin D showed that ADCC occurred mainly by phagocytosis. Tumor killing was largely mediated by FcγRI and inhibited by increasing concentration of serum. Importantly, complement deposition on B-CLL cells did not seem to enhance macrophage ADCC in this model, as complement-depleted and complement-repleted human plasmas exerted comparable inhibition.