Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crouzon syndrome: Virtual planning of surgical treatment by application of internal distractors

Crouzon syndrome is one of the frequent pathologies within craniosynostosis syndrome. Current progress in computers and biotechnologies allows improving surgical approach and forecasting final result of reconstruction as well. We present a case of successful surgical treatment of Crouzon syndrome, done by application of virtual planning allowing determining “monobloc” features, type of reconstruction and distraction protocol as well. A 20-year-old female had presented with craniofacial deformity. Clinical and radiological investigation revealed Crouzon syndrome. The “monobloc” creation, cranioplasty and internal distractors positioning, direction and schedule of advancement were done according to preoperative virtual planning data achieved by Materialise Mimics Research software. Nine months postoperative functional and esthetic result and radiological findings showed to be reasonable. That application of virtual simulation significantly allows to determine best direction of distraction and improves postoperative outcomes of surgical treatment of Crouzon syndrome.
Induction of systemic lupus erythematosus syndrome in BALB/c mice by immunization with active chromatin.

AIM To establish an animal model for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like syndrome in mice. METHODS BALB/c mice were immunized with active chromatin isolated from ConA-activated syngeneic spleno-lymphocytes. Plasma samples of mice were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for the presence of IgG anti-dsDNA, -ssDNA, and anti-histone antibodies. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum was measured by ELISA. Spleno-lymphocyte proliferation assays and the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in supernatants were tested respectively. Proteinuria was measured. Kidneys were examined by direct immunohistochemical method and light microscopy. RESULTS Anti-ds DNA, ssDNA, and histone antibodies were induced in active chromatin-immunized mice, the proliferation response of splenocytes to ConA and LPS were reduced, levels of interferon-gamma in supernatants and TNF-alpha in serum were lowered. Lupus nephritis was assessed by the presence of Ig deposits, glomerular pathology and proteinuria. CONCLUSION The active chromatin-induced SLE-like mouse model was similar to idiopathic SLE in human.
A 11-bit 1.2V 40.3μW SAR ADC with self-dithering technique

This paper presents a low-power 11-bit 1-MS/s successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that uses a self-dithering technique. The LSBs is employed as a dither to improve the resolution. Compared to converters that use the conventional dithering architecture, simulation results show that the proposed self-dithering technique improve the DNL performance with simplified hardware. The prototype is fabricated in 180nm 1P6M CMOS with MOM capacitor. At a 1.2-V supply and 1 MS/s, the post-layout simulation result shows an SNDR of 63.8 dB and consumes 40. 3μW, and a figure of merit (FOM) of 32 fJ/conversion-step. The total area of the chip is 1 mm×1 mm.
Plastic‐embedded semithin cross‐sections as a tool for high‐resolution immunofluorescence analysis of the neuromuscular junction molecules: Specific cellular location of protease‐activated receptor‐1

In the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), three cellular elements (nerve ending, postsynaptic muscle component, and teloglial Schwann cell) are closely juxtaposed and functionally interdependent. It is important to determine the precise location of the relevant molecules involved in structural stability and neurotransmission at the three cellular components of this synapse in order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying NMJ formation, maintenance, and functionality. In this paper, we show that plastic‐embedded 0.5‐μm semithin cross‐sections from whole‐mount multiple‐immunofluorescence‐stained muscles provide a simple and sensitive high‐resolution procedure for analyzing the cellular and subcellular distribution of molecules at the NMJ. We have used this procedure to resolve the location of protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1). Previously, by immunohistochemistry we had detected PAR‐1 in muscle fibers concentrated in the synaptic area but could not determine whether PAR‐1 is expressed only in the muscle fiber at the NMJ. Our present results demonstrate that PAR‐1 is concentrated in the postsynaptic region but not in the presynaptic terminal and that the labelling pattern for PAR‐1 overlapped with Schwann cell staining. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fresh fruit consumption in relation to incident diabetes and diabetic vascular complications: A 7-y prospective study of 0.5 million Chinese adults

Background Despite the well-recognised health benefits of fresh fruit consumption, substantial uncertainties remain about its potential effects on incident diabetes and, among those with diabetes, on risks of death and major vascular complications. Methods and findings Between June 2004 and July 2008, the nationwide China Kadoorie Biobank study recruited 0.5 million adults aged 30–79 (mean 51) y from ten diverse localities across China. During ~7 y of follow-up, 9,504 new diabetes cases were recorded among 482,591 participants without prevalent (previously diagnosed or screen-detected) diabetes at baseline, with an overall incidence rate of 2.8 per 1,000 person-years. Among 30,300 (5.9%) participants who had diabetes at baseline, 3,389 deaths occurred (overall mortality rate 16.5 per 1,000), along with 9,746 cases of macrovascular disease and 1,345 cases of microvascular disease. Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) associating each disease outcome with self-reported fresh fruit consumption, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, region, socio-economic status, other lifestyle factors, body mass index, and family history of diabetes. Overall, 18.8% of participants reported consuming fresh fruit daily, and 6.4% never/rarely (non-consumers), with the proportion of non-consumers about three times higher in individuals with previously diagnosed diabetes (18.9%) than in those with screen-detected diabetes (6.7%) or no diabetes (6.0%). Among those without diabetes at baseline, higher fruit consumption was associated with significantly lower risk of developing diabetes (adjusted HR = 0.88 [95% CI 0.83–0.93] for daily versus non-consumers, p < 0.001, corresponding to a 0.2% difference in 5-y absolute risk), with a clear dose–response relationship. Among those with baseline diabetes, higher fruit consumption was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.83 [95% CI 0.74–0.93] per 100 g/d) and microvascular (0.72 [0.61–0.87]) and macrovascular (0.87 [0.82–0.93]) complications (p < 0.001), with similar HRs in individuals with previously diagnosed and screen-detected diabetes; estimated differences in 5-y absolute risk between daily and non-consumers were 1.9%, 1.1%, and 5.4%, respectively. The main limitation of this study was that, owing to its observational nature, we could not fully exclude the effects of residual confounding. Conclusion In this large epidemiological study in Chinese adults, higher fresh fruit consumption was associated with significantly lower risk of diabetes and, among diabetic individuals, lower risks of death and development of major vascular complications.
Developmental regulation of connexins 26, 32, 36, and 43 in trigeminal neurons

The transition from sucking to chewing during postnatal development is accompanied by changes in masticatory muscle activity patterns. We previously demonstrated that changes in numerous parameters of chemical synapses among neurons, and intrinsic membrane properties of neurons, comprising brainstem oral‐motor circuits are coincident with changes in masticatory muscle activity patterns. Considering recent findings that implicate a role for gap junctions in early locomotor and respiratory behaviors, our present study focuses on the developmental regulation of connexin proteins in trigeminal neurons as a first step in understanding a role for gap junctions in developing oral‐motor circuits used for ingestive behaviors. We conducted immunohistochemistry studies to examine connexin (Cx) 26, 32, 36, and 43 expression in trigeminal motor and mesencephalic trigeminal nuclei during postnatal development at the light and electron microscopic levels. Postnatal days (P) 1, 6, 14, 21, and adult mice were used. Cx32, 36, and 43 expression was developmentally regulated in the trigeminal motor nucleus, while Cx26 expression remained high throughout postnatal development. In the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, Cx26, 32, and 43 expression was intense throughout development, with only Cx36 showing a developmental regulation. Ultrastructural examination of neonatal trigeminal motoneurons and mesencephalic trigeminal neurons revealed connexin expression in cell membranes, cytoplasm, and cell nuclei (Cx43, Cx32). Our results show that connexin proteins are differentially regulated between trigeminal motoneurons and mesencephalic trigeminal neurons during development, and suggest a possible role for gap junctions in the development of trigeminal neurons and the function and maturation of oral‐motor circuits. Synapse 52:258–271, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal medical therapy is vital for patients with coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes regardless of revascularization strategy.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) manifesting as stable angina pectoris or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is often treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the contemporary practice. However, concomitant use of optimal medical therapy (OMT) remains essential for these patients. OMT would include aspirin, a P2Y12 inhibitor (if indicated e.g., post PCI or post ACS), a lipid lowering agent (usually a statin), a β-blocker and possibly an ACE inhibitor. This editorial highlights the importance of initiation and continuation of these vital medications in cardiac patients in the context of recently published data (1,2).
Effect of diabetes on the free polyol pattern in cataractous lenses.

To obtain information about the effects of lenticular polyols on the prevention, initial stages, and development of diabetic cataracts, we identified and determined with gas-liquid chromatography or gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry eight polyols in cataractous lenses of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients and nondiabetic subjects. In the diabetics' lenses, the concentrations of polyols (e.g., sorbitol, fructose, mannitol, and adonitol) were higher than in the nondiabetics' lenses, whereas the concentration of 1-deoxyglucose was lower. The mean concentration of myo-inositol in lenses of diabetics was lower than that of nondiabetics, but this difference was statistically not significant. The total content of eight polyols in the diabetics' lenses did not differ significantly from that in the nondiabetics. In the lenses of diabetics, the content of glucose correlated positively with that of adonitol, fructose, and sorbitol. In the lenses of nondiabetics, the content of glucose correlated positively with that of mannitol and inversely with that of 1-deoxyglucose and myo-inositol. In diabetics, hemoglobin A1 (%) correlated positively with the concentration of adonitol in the lenses and inversely with the concentration of lens myo-inositol; however, it did not correlate with the concentration of glucose in lenses. Regulation of both the metabolism of lenticular polyols and the pattern of polyols in serum may be necessary for normalizing lenticular polyol content.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a phenomenological study of patients' experiences.

AIM The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by investigating the subjective phenomenon as described by the patient. BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now recognized as one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases in the United Kingdom, with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality. As the disease progresses, symptoms increase which gradually influence all aspects of the lives of those affected by it. METHOD A phenomenological approach was identified as the most appropriate method to gain an understanding of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The data were obtained from 10 participants using unstructured interviews to capture detailed experiences verbatim. Analysis, based on the framework of Diekelmann et al. (The NLN Criteria for Appraisal of Baccalaureate Programs: A Critical Hermeneutic Analysis, NLN Press, New York, 1989), was employed to interpret the data and determine shared themes that evolved during the course of the research. RESULTS The data revealed valuable insights, from a patient's perspective, into the impact chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had on their daily lives. The accounts obtained from participants, many of who had severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, illustrate the detrimental effects of this debilitating disease. Breathlessness was identified as the most troublesome symptom leading to anxiety, panic and fear. Participants also described feeling frustrated and tired because of their breathlessness, which led to loss of social activity. This also resulted in a loss of their role within the family including loss of intimacy in personal relationships. Despite this, half of the participants felt they had a fairly good quality of life. CONCLUSION The use of phenomenology as a research methodology fulfilled the aim of gaining a greater understanding of the experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It provided valuable insights into how patients view the overall impact and their subsequent degree of coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from day to day. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Whilst there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and medical interventions have limited effect, health professionals can do much to improve patient's symptoms and experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by listening to how their symptoms affect them and adapting coping strategies. It is hoped that the themes revealed in this study generate additional understanding and insight for future innovative practice.
Functional Analysis of the Mouse Myelin/Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Gene Promoter in the Oligodendroglial CG4 Cell Line

Abstract: Myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a late phylogenetic acquisition among vertebrates that is found only in mammals. MOG is a minor component of myelin protein, representing ∼0.01–0.05% of the total. Regulatory elements in the MOG gene were identified by transfecting the oligodendroglial CG4 cell line with chimeric MOG‐luciferase genes. Only a few hundred base pairs upstream of the coding sequence were necessary for high‐level activity of the mouse MOG promoter. More distal recognition sites may exist, because silencing activity, indicative of negative regulatory elements, was detected upstream of base pair 657. Transcriptional activity of chimeric MOG‐ and myelin basic protein‐luciferase genes was greater in CG4 cells than in 3T3 fibroblasts or C6 glioblastoma, demonstrating their superiority for functional analysis of myelin gene regulatory elements.
Spatially coordinated changes in intracellular rheology and extracellular force exertion during mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

The mechanical properties within the cell are regulated by the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, which is linked to the extracellular environment through focal adhesion proteins that transmit force. Chemical and mechanical stimuli alter the organization of cytoskeletal actin, which results in changes in cell shape, adhesion, and differentiation. By combining particle-tracking microrheology and traction force cytometry, we can monitor the mechanical properties of the actin meshwork and determine how changes in the intracellular network contribute to force generation. In this study, we investigated the effects of chemical (differentiation factors) and mechanical (substrate rigidity) stimuli important in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation on the intracellular mechanics and traction stress generation. We found the presence of adipogenic factors resulted in stiffening of the actin meshwork regardless of substrate rigidity. In contrast, these factors increased traction stresses on hard substrates, which was associated with increased expression of contractility genes. Furthermore, MSCs cultured on hard substrates expressed both adipogenic and osteogenic markers indicative of mixed differentiation. On hard substrates, heterogeneity in the local elastic modulus-traction stress correlation was also increased in response to adipogenic factors, indicating that these mechanical properties may be reflective of differences in the level of MSC differentiation. These results suggest intracellular rheology and traction stress generation are spatially regulated and contribute insight into how single cell mechanical forces contribute to MSC differentiation.
Cytogenetic analyses in peripheral lymphocytes of persons living in houses with increased levels of indoor radon concentrations

Published data concerning the effects of indoor radon exposure on the frequency of chromosome aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes of residents are contradictory. Possible reasons for this may be the low radon concentration in dwellings and/or the limited number of investigated persons. We therefore studied the relationship of domestic radon exposure and the occurrence of chromosome aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes in 61 persons living in houses with radon concentrations from 80 up to 13,000 Bq/m3. We analyzed 60,000 cells from fluorescence plus Giemsa (FPG)-stained slides. It could be clearly demonstrated that in groups of persons living in dwellings with indoor radon concentrations >200 Bq/m3 the number of cells containing dicentrics and/or centric rings (Cdic + cr) (2.45 ± 0.50 × 10–3) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control level (1.03 ± 0.15 × 10–3). However, there was no difference in the mean frequency of Cdic + cr between the groups living in dwellings with higher radon concentrations. Using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique for the detection of translocations, we analyzed 23,315 cells in 16 persons of the highest exposed group (>5,000 Bq/m3). The observed frequency of translocations was 3.9 ± 0.64 × 10–3. In comparison to the control group (2.02 ± 0.18 × 10–3), there was a slight but not statistically significant increase in the exposed group (P = 0.055). If, however, the age of the examined persons is taken into account, the values are significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the exposed persons older than 40 years in comparison to the age-matched controls. Since most of the translocations were found in stable cells, it is concluded that translocations are also induced in blood-forming tissue and are transmitted to peripheral blood.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP: AN INVESTIGATION OF EFFECTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS INTRINSIC MOTIVATION AND EXPECTANCY-VALUE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The leadership practices exhibited by physical education teachers have been found to have a significant impact on promoting students’ learning. The main purpose of this study was to explore: (a) differences on middle school students’ perception regarding expectancyvalue and intrinsic motivation according to their grade, gender, and ethnicity, (b) the relationship between physical education teachers’ transformational leadership and middle school students’ expectancy-value and intrinsic motivation. To conduct this study, three questionnaires were employed: transformational teaching questionnaire (Beauchamp et al., 2010), expectancy-value questionnaire (Duncan & Tammen, 1989), and intrinsic motivation index (Eccles & Wigfield, 1995). A total of 295 middle school students participated in this study through a convenience sampling technique, and 262 questionnaires were used for the data analyses. Data collected were analyzed by descriptive, exploratory factor analysis, t-test, ANOVAs, and regression.
Effects of Magnesium on Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling

Objective: Magnesium regulates a large number of cellular processes. Small changes in intracellular free Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) may have important effects on cardiac excitability and contractility. We investigated the effects of [Mg2+]i on cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Methods: We used our ionic-metabolic model that incorporates equations for Ca2+ and Mg2+ buffering and transport by ATP and ADP and equations for MgATP regulation of ion transporters (Na+-K+ pump, sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic Ca2+ pumps). Results: Model results indicate that variations in cytosolic Mg2+ level might sensitively affect diastolic and systolic Ca2+, sarcoplasmic Ca2+ content, Ca2+ influx through L-type channels, efficiency of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and action potential shape. The analysis suggests that the most important reason for the observed effects is a modified normal function of sarcoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase pump by altered diastolic MgATP levels. Conclusion: The model is able to reproduce qualitatively a sequence of events that correspond well with experimental observations during cardiac excitation-contraction coupling in mammalian ventricular myocytes.
An atlas of human gene expression from massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS).

We have used massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) to sample the transcriptomes of 32 normal human tissues to an unprecedented depth, thus documenting the patterns of expression of almost 20,000 genes with high sensitivity and specificity. The data confirm the widely held belief that differences in gene expression between cell and tissue types are largely determined by transcripts derived from a limited number of tissue-specific genes, rather than by combinations of more promiscuously expressed genes. Expression of a little more than half of all known human genes seems to account for both the common requirements and the specific functions of the tissues sampled. A classification of tissues based on patterns of gene expression largely reproduces classifications based on anatomical and biochemical properties. The unbiased sampling of the human transcriptome achieved by MPSS supports the idea that most human genes have been mapped, if not functionally characterized. This data set should prove useful for the identification of tissue-specific genes, for the study of global changes induced by pathological conditions, and for the definition of a minimal set of genes necessary for basic cell maintenance. The data are available on the Web at http://mpss.licr. org and http://sgb.lynxgen. com.
A solution for the cap unscrewing task with a dual arm sensor-based system

In this work, a multi-sensor controller to open recipients with screwed caps is presented. A humanoid torso is used to perform the task, first grabbing and holding the target object with one hand and then removing the cap with the other hand. The approach consists of a global controller composed of several modules: object segmentation, grasp synthesis, grasp execution and cap unscrew controller. The paper principally focuses in the novel reactive unscrew controller which uses several contact sensors to correct and adapt to the different scenarios. The approach is validated by performing several tests over a set of eight different objects and performance results are presented.