Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drug therapy of diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers: transvenous retrograde perfusion versus systemic regimen.

Concerning the resistance of diabetic neuropathic plantar ulcers (DNPU) against systemically applied drugs, the "Retrograde Venous Perfusion" (RVP) was introduced by C. Ferreira in 1988. An isotonic saline solution containing gentamycin, buflomedil, dexamethasone, heparin and lignocain is injected into a dorsal foot vein under arterial occlusion of the lower leg. In the present study RVP treatment (1/90-12/90) was done in 20 patients with DNPU and the results were compared to a control group (CG) treated with systemic i.v. infusions (n = 20). After 10 days of treatment ulcers were closed in 6 vs. 0 (CG) patients, size diminuted in 10 vs. 3. Non responders were not observed under RVP in contrast to CG (7/20 cases). In 4 of 5 RVP patients with secondary osteomyelitis, yet in none of 7 CG cases some restoration of osteolytic lesions was seen. Rate of toe amputation dropped from 20% (CG) to 0%, mean time of hospitalization was cut by 7 days in the RVP group. Planimetry of the ulcered areas confirmed remarkable diminution in the RVP group. Considering the striking differences between either regimen, RVP can be recommended for treatment of DNPU especially when complicated by osteomyelitis.
RANSAC for motion-distorted 3D visual sensors

Visual odometry (VO) is a highly efficient and powerful 6D motion estimation technique; state-of-the-art bundle adjustment algorithms now optimize over several frames of temporally tracked, appearance-based features in real time. It is well known that the temporal feature correspondence process is highly prone to mismatches. The standard technique used for outlier rejection in this process is random sample consensus (RANSAC), which is an iterative and non-deterministic process used to find the parameters of a mathematical model that best describe a likely set of inliers. The traditional model used for RANSAC in the visual odometry pipeline is a rigid transformation between two camera poses; this model has long assumed the use of an imaging sensor with a global shutter. In order to use imaging sensors that do not operate with a global shutter, it is proposed that the RANSAC algorithm be modified to use a constant-camera-velocity model. Specifically, this paper investigates the use of a two-axis scanning lidar in the visual-odometry pipeline. Images are formed using lidar intensity data, and due to the scanning-while-moving nature of the lidar, the behaviour of the sensor resembles that of a slow rolling-shutter camera. We formulate a Motion-Compensated RANSAC algorithm that uses a constant-velocity model and the individual timestamp of each extracted feature. The algorithm is validated using 6880 lidar frames with a resolution of 480 × 360, captured at 2 Hz, over a 1.1 km traversal. Our results show that the new algorithm results in far more inlying feature tracks for rolling-shutter-type images and ultimately higher-accuracy VO results.
Noisy Search with Comparative Feedback

We present theoretical results in terms of lower and upper bounds on the query complexity of noisy search with comparative feedback. In this search model, the noise in the feedback depends on the distance between query points and the search target. Consequently, the error probability in the feedback is not fixed but varies for the queries posed by the search algorithm. Our results show that a target out of n items can be found in O(log n) queries. We also show the surprising result that for k possible answers per query, the speedup is not log k (as for k-ary search) but only log log k in some cases.
Systematic review of prevalence studies of autism spectrum disorders

Aim: To quantitatively examine the influence of study methodology and population characteristics on prevalence estimates of autism spectrum disorders. Methods: Electronic databases and bibliographies were searched and identified papers evaluated against inclusion criteria. Two groups of studies estimated the prevalence of typical autism and all autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The extent of variation among studies and overall prevalence were estimated using meta-analysis. The influence of methodological factors and population characteristics on estimated prevalence was investigated using meta-regression and summarised as odds ratios (OR). Results: Forty studies met inclusion criteria, of which 37 estimated the prevalence of typical autism, and 23 the prevalence of all ASD. A high degree of heterogeneity among studies was observed. The overall random effects estimate of prevalence across studies of typical autism was 7.1 per 10 000 (95% CI 1.6 to 30.6) and of all ASD was 20.0 per 10 000 (95% CI 4.9 to 82.1). Diagnostic criteria used (ICD-10 or DSM-IV versus other; OR = 3.36, 95% CI 2.07 to 5.46), age of the children screened (OR = 0.91 per year, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99), and study location (e.g. Japan versus North America; OR = 3.60, 95% CI 1.73 to 7.46) were all significantly associated with prevalence of typical autism. Diagnostic criteria, age of the sample, and urban or rural location were associated with estimated prevalence of all ASD. Conclusions: Sixty one per cent of the variation in prevalence estimates of typical autism was explained by these models. Diagnostic criteria used, age of children screened, and study location may be acting as proxies for other study characteristics and require further investigation.
Frequency Offset Estimation Schemes Based On ML for OFDM Systems in Non-Gaussian Noise Environments

In this paper, frequency offset (FO) estimation schemes robust to the non-Gaussian noise environments are proposed for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. First, a maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation scheme in non-Gaussian noise environments is proposed, and then, the complexity of the ML estimation scheme is reduced by employing a reduced set of candidate values. In numerical results, it is demonstrated that the proposed schemes provide a significant performance improvement over the conventional estimation scheme in non-Gaussian noise environments while maintaining the performance similar to the estimation performance in Gaussian noise environments. Keywords—Frequency offset estimation, maximum-likelihood, non-Gaussian noise environment, OFDM, training symbol.
A Variable Precision Attribute Reduction Approach in Multilabel Decision Tables

Owing to the high dimensionality of multilabel data, feature selection in multilabel learning will be necessary in order to reduce the redundant features and improve the performance of multilabel classification. Rough set theory, as a valid mathematical tool for data analysis, has been widely applied to feature selection (also called attribute reduction). In this study, we propose a variable precision attribute reduct for multilabel data based on rough set theory, called δ-confidence reduct, which can correctly capture the uncertainty implied among labels. Furthermore, judgement theory and discernibility matrix associated with δ-confidence reduct are also introduced, from which we can obtain the approach to knowledge reduction in multilabel decision tables.
The Fgf8 signal causes cerebellar differentiation by activating the Ras-ERK signaling pathway

The mes/metencephalic boundary (isthmus) is an organizing center for the optic tectum and cerebellum. Fgf8 is accepted as a crucial organizing signal. Previously, we reported that Fgf8b could induce cerebellum in the mesencephalon, while Fgf8a transformed the presumptive diencephalon into mesencephalon. Since lower doses of Fgf8b exerted similar effects to those of Fgf8a, the type difference could be attributed to the difference in the strength of the signal. It is of great interest to uncover mechanisms of signal transduction pathways downstream of the Fgf8 signal in tectal and cerebellar development, and in this report we have concentrated on the Ras-ERK pathway. In normal embryos, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is activated at the site where Fgf8 mRNA is expressed. Fgf8b activated ERK while Fgf8a or a lower dose of Fgf8b did not activate ERK in the mes/metencephalon. Disruption of the Ras-ERK signaling pathway by a dominant negative form of Ras (RasS17N) changed the fate of the metencephalic alar plate from cerebellum to tectum. RasS17N canceled the effects of Fgf8b, while co-transfection of Fgf8a and RasS17N exerted additive effects. Disruption of Fgf8b, not Fgf8a, by siRNA resulted in posterior extension of the Otx2 expression domain. Our results indicate that the presumptive metencephalon receives a strong Fgf8 signal that activates the Ras-ERK pathway and differentiates into the cerebellum.
Administration of different Lactobacillus strains in fermented oatmeal soup: in vivo colonization of human intestinal mucosa and effect on the indigenous flora

In vivo colonization by different Lactobacillus strains on human intestinal mucosa of healthy volunteers was studied together with the effect of Lactobacillus administration on different groups of indigenous bacteria. A total of 19 test strains were administered in fermented oatmeal soup containing 5 x 10(6) CFU of each strain per ml by using a dose of 100 ml of soup per day for 10 days. Biopsies were taken from both the upper jejunum and the rectum 1 day before administration was started and 1 and 11 days after administration was terminated. The administration significantly increased the Lactobacillus counts on the jejunum mucosa, and high levels remained 11 days after administration was terminated. The levels of streptococci increased by 10- to 100-fold in two persons, and the levels of sulfite-reducing clostridia in the jejunum decreased by 10- to 100-fold in three of the volunteers 1 day after administration was terminated. In recta, the anaerobic bacterium counts and the gram-negative anaerobic bacterium counts decreased significantly by the end of administration. Furthermore, a decrease in the number of members of the Enterobacteriaceae by 1,000-fold was observed on the rectal mucosa of two persons. Randomly picked Lactobacillus isolates were identified phenotypically by API 50CH tests and genotypically by the plasmid profiles of strains and by restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNAs. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Targeted Content Delivery for Social Media Content

Spotting contextually relevant keywords is fundamental to effective content suggestions on the Web. In this regard, misspellings, entity variations and off-topic discussions in content from Social Media pose unique challenges. Here, we present an algorithm that assists content delivery systems by identifying contextually relevant keywords and eliminating off-topic keywords. A preliminary user study over data from MySpace and Facebook clearly suggests the usefulness of our work in delivering more targeted content suggestions.
Thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizers alter lipid bilayer properties and voltage-dependent sodium channel function: implications for drug discovery

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. Their canonical effects are mediated by activation of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) transcription factor. In addition to effects mediated by gene activation, the TZDs cause acute, transcription-independent changes in various membrane transport processes, including glucose transport, and they alter the function of a diverse group of membrane proteins, including ion channels. The basis for these off-target effects is unknown, but the TZDs are hydrophobic/amphiphilic and adsorb to the bilayer–water interface, which will alter bilayer properties, meaning that the TZDs may alter membrane protein function by bilayer-mediated mechanisms. We therefore explored whether the TZDs alter lipid bilayer properties sufficiently to be sensed by bilayer-spanning proteins, using gramicidin A (gA) channels as probes. The TZDs altered bilayer elastic properties with potencies that did not correlate with their affinity for PPARγ. At concentrations where they altered gA channel function, they also altered the function of voltage-dependent sodium channels, producing a prepulse-dependent current inhibition and hyperpolarizing shift in the steady-state inactivation curve. The shifts in the inactivation curve produced by the TZDs and other amphiphiles can be superimposed by plotting them as a function of the changes in gA channel lifetimes. The TZDs’ partition coefficients into lipid bilayers were measured using isothermal titration calorimetry. The most potent bilayer modifier, troglitazone, alters bilayer properties at clinically relevant free concentrations; the least potent bilayer modifiers, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, do not. Unlike other TZDs tested, ciglitazone behaves like a hydrophobic anion and alters the gA monomer–dimer equilibrium by more than one mechanism. Our results provide a possible mechanism for some off-target effects of an important group of drugs, and underscore the importance of exploring bilayer effects of candidate drugs early in drug development.
Prevalence, Distribution, and Host Range of Peste des petits ruminants virus, Turkey

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV, genus Morbillivirus), which causes a severe disease in sheep and goats, has only recently been officially declared to be present in Turkey. We carried out a study to determine the prevalence, distribution, and host range of PPRV in Turkey. A total of 1,607 animals, reared in 18 different locations, were monitored for the presence of antibodies to PPRV and the related virus of large ruminants, Rinderpest virus (RPV). Only two farms had animals that were free of antibody responses to either disease. Prevalence for PPRV infection varied (range 0.87%–82.6%) and was higher in sheep (29.2%) than in goats (20%). The overall antibody responses to PPRV and RPV were 22.4% and 6.28%, respectively. Two PPRVs of lineage 4, which comprises many other PPRVs whose origins are in the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and southern Asia, were isolated from Turkish sheep.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) In vivo kinetic studies in inborn errors of metabolism : expanding insights in ( patho ) physiology

Objectives: to study the relation between endogenous glucose production (EGP) and age in order to construct a model for EGP in humans after an overnight fast. In addition, the relation between EGP and estimated brain weight is delineated. Methods: data from our centre on EGP in 16 healthy children, aged 2.5 to 17.1 yrs, and 35 healthy adults, aged 19.7 to 58.3 yrs, were combined to construct a regression model. In all subjects EGP was quantified with the [6,6-H2]glucose isotope dilution method after overnight fasting. Since EGP was quantified during isotopic steady-state, peripheral glucose uptake equalled EGP. A second model on EGP after overnight fasting was constructed based on data from literature (N=24). Furthermore, our data on EGP were correlated to estimated brain weight and age after correction for body composition. Results: regression analysis of our data yielded the following age-dependent model for EGP: EGP (μmol/kg·min) = 36.04 · e–0.1396·age (y) + 10.27 (R2 0.92, Sy.x 2.47) EGP as predicted by the model constructed with data from literature was higher in young children, but the 95% confidence intervals of both models overlapped. Linear regression analysis revealed almost no correlation between EGP per kg estimated brain weight and age after correction for body composition (R2 0.08, Sy.x 3.89, P = 0.043). Conclusion: our regression model accurately estimates EGP and whole body glucose uptake after an overnight fast, thus representing minimal glucose requirement during resting conditions in healthy subjects. EGP per kg estimated brain weight after correction for body composition appeared to be almost independent of age.
Target Cell-Mediated Editing of HIV-1 cDNA by APOBEC3 Proteins in Human Macrophages

ABSTRACT Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) proteins are encapsidated by assembling HIV-1 virions and edit viral cDNA in the next round of infection. Using alpha interferon (IFN-α)-treated monocyte-derived macrophages, we show that infrequent editing of HIV-1 reverse transcripts can also be mediated by APOBEC3 proteins supplied by the targets of infection. Based on the local sequence contexts of these mutations and the established characteristics of APOBEC3 protein expression in myeloid cells, we speculate that APOBEC3A may be responsible for a substantial proportion of this activity.
Rapid real time PCR to distinguish between high risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18

Aims—To assess the validity and practicality of real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in combination with liquid based cytology samples for cervical screening. Methods—Real time PCR using consensus (GP5+/6+) and type specific primers was developed to detect genital HPV types. This provides rapid, efficient amplification followed by denaturation of the product and computer analysis of the kinetics data that are generated. Liquid based cytology samples were obtained from patients attending routine cervical screening clinics. DNA was extracted from the residual cellular suspension after cytology using spin columns. Results—Real time PCR successfully distinguished between HPV-16 and HPV-18 on the basis of amplification with consensus primers followed by DNA melting temperature (Tm) analysis. Sensitivities of one to 10 copies of HPV-16 (mean Tm = 79.4°C; 2 SD, 0.8) and four to 40 copies of HPV-18 (mean Tm = 80.4°C; 2 SD, 0.4) were obtained. In a mixed population of SiHa and HeLa cells containing known copy numbers of HPV-16 and HPV-18 genomes, HPV-16 and HPV-18 products were clearly separated by Tm analysis in mixtures varying from equivalence to 1/1000. Together with detailed melt analysis, type specific primers from the same region of the L1 gene confirmed the differential ability of this system. The method was applied to 100 liquid based cytology samples where HPV status using conventional GP5+/6+ PCR was already known. There was 95% agreement between the methods, with 55 positives detected by conventional PCR and 59 with real time PCR. The method was then tested on 200 routine liquid based cytology samples. Approximately 10% were positive by real time PCR, most of which were classified as HPV-16 by detailed melt analysis. Thirteen (6.8%) HPV positives were identified in 189 samples showing no evidence of cervical cytological abnormality. Conclusions—Real time PCR is a rapid, efficient method for the detection of HPV with the separation of HPV-16 and HPV-18 on the basis of differential Tm. Preliminary results suggest it could prove useful if HPV testing is added to cervical screening programmes.
Physician Trainees’ Decision Making and Information Processing: Choice Size and Medicare Part D

Many patients expect their doctor to help them choose a Medicare prescription drug plan. Whether the size of the choice set affects clinicians’ decision processes and strategy selection, and the quality of their choice, as it does their older patients, is an important question with serious financial consequences. Seventy medical students and internal medicine residents completed a within-subject design using Mouselab, a computer program that allows the information-acquisition process to be examined. We examined highly numerate physician trainees’ decision processes, strategy, and their ability to pick the cheapest drug plan—as price was deemed the most important factor in Medicare beneficiaries’ plan choice—from either 3 or 9 drug plans. Before adjustment, participants were significantly more likely to identify the lowest cost plan when facing three versus nine choices (67.3% vs. 32.8%, p<0.01) and paid significantly less in excess premiums ($60.00 vs. $128.51, p<0.01). Compared to the three-plan condition, in the nine-plan condition participants spent significantly less time acquiring information on each attribute (p<0.05) and were more likely to employ decision strategies focusing on comparing alternate plans across a single attribute (search pattern, p<0.05). After adjusting for decision process and strategy, numeracy, and amount of medical training, the odds were 10.75 times higher that trainees would choose the lowest cost Medicare Part D drug plan when facing 3 versus 9 drug plans (p<0.05). Although employing more efficient search strategies in the complex choice environment, physician trainees experienced similar difficulty in choosing the lowest cost prescription drug plans as older patients do. Our results add further evidence that simplifications to the Medicare Part D decision environment are needed and suggest physicians’ role in their patients’ Part D choices may be most productive when assisting seniors with forecasting their expected medication needs and then referring them to the Medicare website or helpline.
Adaptive Non-Local Means for Image Denoising using Turbulent PSO with No-Reference Measures

Non-local means provides a very powerful framework to denoise digital images. Nevertheless, there are several influential parameters on this methodology that are data-dependent and difficult to tune. This paper presents an adaptive image denoising algorithm that uses the non-local means in conjunction with the turbulent particle swarm optimization (i.e. TPSO) which based on a no-reference metric Q. The proposed denoising algorithm can deal with the noisy image even if no "noise-free" reference is available in most practically circumstances. In this paper, we combined TPSO and NLM to propose the TPNLM filter. The proposed filter is able to denoising Gaussian noise without need for any knowledge about the noise-free image, at the same time preserving fine image details, edges and textures well. We also demonstrate several simulations with images contaminated by additive Gaussian noise under unknown noise variance to show that the performance of the proposed method surpasses those of previously published works, both in visual and in terms of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and the structural similarity index (SSIM), respectively.
Automatic detection of omissions in medication lists

Objective Evidence suggests that the medication lists of patients are often incomplete and could negatively affect patient outcomes. In this article, the authors propose the application of collaborative filtering methods to the medication reconciliation task. Given a current medication list for a patient, the authors employ collaborative filtering approaches to predict drugs the patient could be taking but are missing from their
Indoor air pollution and control technology

The improvement of indoor air quality, control and prevention of indoor air pollution should be given adequate attention. Analysed the main indoor pollutants are formaldehyde, benzene, TVOC, ammonia and so on. This put forward the corresponding such as adsorption technology, catalytic conversion technology, Ti O2, etc. to effectively prevent indoor air pollution, improve indoor air quality, ensure that people have good Life and work environment.