Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computerised Tomographic Evaluation of Structural Variations in Sinonasal Region and its Clinical Correlation

Introduction: The endonasal as well as paranasal anatomy is highly variable and can encroach upon the osteomeatal complex and narrow the osteomeatal channels. Aims And Objectives: To study on CT scan, the incidence of structural variations in sinonasal region and its correlation with sinusitis. Material And Methods: It’s a cross sectional study on 106 cases done over 1 year. Results And Observations: On the basis of clinical diagnosis chronic sinusitis was seen in 90 (84.9%) cases and gross polyposis in 16 (15.1%) cases. CT scan anatomical variations seen were as follows: Concha bullosa 64 (60.37%), aggernasi cell in 58 (54.7%), PMT in 28 (26.41%), Large ethmoidal bulla in 18 (16.98%), uncinate pneumatization in 12 (11.3%), haller cell in 18 (16.98%) and onodi cell in 12 (11.35 %) cases. Maxillary sinus was most commonly involved in 90 (84.9%) cases and least common involved was sphenoid sinus in 14 (13.2%) cases. Among the 5 different patterns of CRS on CT scan most common was OMC pattern noted in 32 (30.18%) cases followed by infundibular pattern in 31 (29.24%), sporadic or unclassified unit pattern in 25 (23.58%), sinonasal polyposis in 10 (9.43%) cases and SER pattern in 08 (7.54%) cases. Conclusion: Rhinosinusitis commonly affects working population with female preponderance. Anatomical variation is observed to be one of the predominant causes for OMC block as well as sinusitis and CT is the paramount modality to study and analyze them.
Information Systems for Patient Follow-Up and Chronic Management of HIV and Tuberculosis: A Life-Saving Technology in Resource-Poor Areas

Background The scale-up of treatment for HIV and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in developing countries requires a long-term relationship with the patient, accurate and accessible records of each patient’s history, and methods to track his/her progress. Recent studies have shown up to 24% loss to follow-up of HIV patients in Africa during treatment and many patients not being started on treatment at all. Some programs for prevention of maternal–child transmission have more than 80% loss to follow-up of babies born to HIV-positive mothers. These patients are at great risk of dying or developing drug resistance if their antiretroviral therapy is interrupted. Similar problems have been found in the scale-up of MDR-TB treatment. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the role of medical information systems in tracking patients with HIV or MDR-TB, ensuring they are promptly started on high quality care, and reducing loss to follow-up. Methods A literature search was conducted starting from a previous review and using Medline and Google Scholar. Due to the nature of this work and the relative lack of published articles to date, the authors also relied on personal knowledge and experience of systems in use and their own assessments of systems. Results Functionality for tracking patients and detecting those lost to follow-up is described in six HIV and MDR-TB treatment projects in Africa and Latin America. Preliminary data show benefits in tracking patients who have not been prescribed appropriate drugs, those who fail to return for follow-up, and those who do not have medications picked up for them by health care workers. There were also benefits seen in providing access to key laboratory data and in using this data to improve the timeliness and quality of care. Follow-up was typically achieved by a combination of reports from information systems along with teams of community health care workers. New technologies such as low-cost satellite Internet access, personal digital assistants, and cell phones are helping to expand the reach of these systems. Conclusions Effective information systems in developing countries are a recent innovation but will need to play an increasing role in supporting and monitoring HIV and MDR-TB projects as they scale up from thousands to hundreds of thousands of patients. A particular focus should be placed on tracking patients from initial diagnosis to initiation of effective treatment and then monitoring them for treatment breaks or loss to follow-up. More quantitative evaluations need to be performed on the impact of electronic information systems on tracking patients.
In vitro viability effects on apheresis and buffy-coat derived platelets administered through infusion pumps

License. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress. com/permissions.php International Journal of Clinical Transfusion Medicine 2014:2 73–80 International Journal of Clinical Transfusion Medicine Dovepress
Material state tracking by nondestructive evaluation data

This thesis tackles the challenge of using nondestructive evaluation data as a sensor measurement input for a state estimation scheme in order to estimate the current state a part that is changing over time. This is made particularly challenging because of the multidisciplinary nature of the problem. The estimation solution incorporates work from statistics, computer vision, and the physics of nondestructive evaluation. This thesis discusses the basis for spatio-temperal Kalman filtering and uses a simple version of spatio-temperal filtering to simulate material state tracking on composite specimens. The simulation illustrates that by using the algorithm presented here, even with very naive inputs, it is possible to track a dynamic material state and provide estimates that better reflect the true state of the part as compared with the most recent sensor measurement alone. Additionally, this thesis demonstrates the algorithm on laboratory test data. Composite panels were manufactured and then intentionally impacted to induce subsurface delaminations. The composite panels were then loaded multiple times in four-point bending to induce incremental damage growth. After each damage event (initiation and loading) flash thermography and computed tomography data was collected. The flash thermography data was used as a sensor measurement in the spatio-termporal Kalman filter and the computed tomography data was used as a ‘truth’ value for comparison. For four out of five data sets, at every time step, the spatio-temporal Kalman filter estimate matched the computed tomography ‘truth’ better than the most recent single sensor measurement. For the fifth data set, the estimate better matched the truth at most time steps.
Inducible but Not Constitutive Expression of PD-L1 in Human Melanoma Cells Is Dependent on Activation of NF-κB

Monoclonal antibodies against immune checkpoint blockade have proven to be a major success in the treatment of melanoma. The programmed death receptor-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression on melanoma cells is believed to have an inhibitory effect on T cell responses and to be an important escape mechanism from immune attack. Previous studies have shown that PD-L1 can be expressed constitutively or can be induced by IFN-γ secreted by infiltrating lymphocytes. In the present study we have investigated the mechanism underlying these two modes of PD-L1 expression in melanoma cells including cells that had acquired resistance to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. PD-L1 expression was examined by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Specific inhibitors and siRNA knockdown approaches were used to examine the roles of the RAF/ MEK, PI3K, NF-κB, STAT3 and AP1/ c-Jun pathways. IFN-γ inducible expression of PD-L1 was dependent on NF-κB as shown by inhibition with BMS-345541, an inhibitor of IκB and the BET protein inhibitor I-BET151, as well as by siRNA knockdown of NF-κB subunits. We were unable to implicate the BRAF/MEK pathway as major regulators in PD-L1 expression on vemurafenib resistant cells. Similarly the PI3K/AKT pathway and the transcription factors STAT3 and c-Jun had only minor roles in IFN-γ induced expression of PD-L1. The mechanism underlying constitutive expression remains unresolved. We suggest these results have significance in selection of treatments that can be used in combination with monoclonal antibodies against PD1, to enhance their effectiveness and to reduce inhibitory effects melanoma cells have against cytotoxic T cell activity.
Atmospheric Measurement Techniques A network of autonomous surface ozone monitors in Antarctica : technical description and first results

A suite of 10 autonomous ozone monitoring units, each powered using renewable energy, was developed and built to study surface ozone in Antarctica during the International Polar Year (2007–2009). The monitoring systems were deployed in a network around the Weddell Sea sector of coastal Antarctica with a transect up onto the Antarctic Plateau. The aim was to measure for a full year, thus gaining a much-improved broader view of boundary layer ozone seasonality at different locations as well as of factors affecting the budget of surface ozone in Antarctica. Ozone mixing ratios were measured based on UV photometry using a modified version of the commercial 2B Technologies Inc. Model 202 instrument. All but one of the autonomous units measured successfully within its predefined duty cycle throughout the year, with some differences in performance dependent on power availability and ambient temperature. Mean data recovery after removal of outliers was on average 70% (range 44–83%) and precision varied between 1.5 and 8 ppbv, thus was sufficiently good to resolve year-round the main ozone features of scientific interest. We conclude that, with adequate power, and noting a minor communication problem, our units would be able to operate successfully at ambient temperatures down to −60C. Systems such as the one described in this paper, or derivatives of it, could therefore be deployed either as local or regional networks elsewhere in the Arctic or Antarctic. Here we present technical information and first results from the experiment. Correspondence to: A. E. Jones (aejo@bas.ac.uk)
Variation in erythromycin and clindamycin susceptibilities of Streptococcus pneumoniae by four test methods

Susceptibilities of 124 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae to erythromycin and clindamycin were determined by the National Committee for the Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) broth microdilution method, with incubation for 20 to 24 h in ambient air and with modifications of this method by incubation for up to 48 h in air and CO2. Strains were also tested by agar dilution, E-test, and disk diffusion; good correlation was obtained with these methods, with clear separation into bimodal populations of susceptible and resistant stains. The broth microdilution method, however, using incubation in air for 24 h (NCCLS method), misclassified 4 of 92 erythromycin-resistant strains (1 as susceptible and 3 as intermediate) and 25 of 58 clindamycin-resistant strains (all as susceptible). With the exception of one strain with clindamycin, susceptible and resistant strains were correctly classified by the microdilution method with incubation in CO2 for 24 h or in ambient air for 48 h. Disk diffusion, agar dilution, and E-test methods with incubation in 5% CO2 are therefore reliable methods for susceptibility testing of pneumococci against these agents. However, the NCCLS microdilution method, which specifies incubation for 20 to 24 h in ambient air, produced significant very major errors (43%) clindamycin. Modification of the microdilution method by incubation in 5% CO2 or by extension of incubation time in ambient air to 48 h corrected these errors. Disk diffusion, however, was shown to be a simple, convenient, and reliable method for susceptibility testing of pneumococci to erythromycin and clindamycin and is suggested as the method of choice for these agents.
The case for medical marijuana in epilepsy

Charlotte, a little girl with SCN1A‐confirmed Dravet syndrome, was recently featured in a special that aired on CNN. Through exhaustive personal research and assistance from a Colorado‐based medical marijuana group (Realm of Caring), Charlotte's mother started adjunctive therapy with a high concentration cannabidiol/Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) strain of cannabis, now known as Charlotte's Web. This extract, slowly titrated over weeks and given in conjunction with her existing antiepileptic drug regimen, reduced Charlotte's seizure frequency from nearly 50 convulsive seizures per day to now 2–3 nocturnal convulsions per month. This effect has persisted for the last 20 months, and Charlotte has been successfully weaned from her other antiepileptic drugs. We briefly review some of the history, preclinical and clinical data, and controversies surrounding the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of epilepsy, and make a case that the desire to isolate and treat with pharmaceutical grade compounds from cannabis (specifically CBD) may be inferior to therapy with whole plant extracts. Much more needs to be learned about the mechanisms of antiepileptic activity of the phytocannabinoids and other constituents of Cannabis sativa.
Quality of life of individuals with cleft lip and palate pre- and post-surgical correction of dentofacial deformity.

OBJECTIVE To assesses the quality of life and the impact of oral health conditions in the pre- and post-surgical correction of dentofacial deformity of individuals with cleft lip and palate. METHOD Quantitative and prospective study in a referral hospital in the period from June 2011 to May 2013. A total of 50 participants responded the questionnaires World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) and Oral Health Impact Profile - 14 (OHIP-14), approximately 3 days before and 3 to 12 months after surgery. The "t" test for paired samples and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS After surgery, differences were found in the domains: Physical, Psychological, Environmental and General Questions of the WHOQOL-Bref and domains: Psychological Discomfort, Psychological Disability, Social Disability, Handicap and Overall Score of OHIP-14. CONCLUSION Surgical correction of dentofacial deformity improved quality of life and had positive impact of oral health condition. OBJETIVO Avaliar a qualidade de vida e o impacto das condições de saúde oral nos períodos pré e pós-correção cirúrgica da deformidade dentofacial de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina operada. MÉTODO Estudo quantitativo e prospectivo, realizado em um hospital de referência, no período de junho de 2011 a maio de 2013. Participaram 50 indivíduos que responderam aos questionários World Health Organization Quality of Life - Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) e Oral Health Impact Profile - 14 (OHIP-14), aproximadamente 3 dias antes e entre 3 e 12 meses após a cirurgia. Os testes "t" para amostras pareadas e de Wilcoxon foram usados para análise estatística, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS Após a cirurgia, foram encontradas diferenças nos domínios: Físico, Psicológico, Meio Ambiente e nas Questões Gerais do WHOQOL-Bref e nos domínios: Desconforto Psicológico, Limitação Psicológica, Limitação Social, Incapacidade e no Escore Geral do OHIP-14. CONCLUSÃO A correção cirúrgica da deformidade dentofacial propiciou melhora da qualidade de vida e impacto positivo da condição da saúde oral.
Clinical implications of energetic problems in cardiovascular disease

Cardiac energy metabolism can be altered in many forms of heart disease, including ischemic heart disease, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Some of these energy metabolic changes are beneficial and help the heart adapt to the presence of the underlying cardiac pathology. However, some of the changes can also be maladaptive and actually contribute to the severity of cardiovascular disease. Because of the importance of energy metabolism in mediating cardiovascular disease, optimization of cardiac energetics has recently emerged as a novel approach to treat cardiovascular disease. This includes increasing the efficiency of oxygen utilization by the heart, which can be achieved by shifting cardiac metabolism to favor the use of carbohydrates rather than fatty acids as a metabolic fuel. This can be attained by reducing the circulating concentrations of fatty acids to which the heart is exposed, by inhibiting the uptake of fatty acids into the mitochondria, by directly inhibiting the enzymes of fatty acid oxidation, or by directly stimulating glucose metabolism. Clinical studies using these approaches have shown promise in treating various cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, and heart failure. One agent that uses this approach is trimetazidine, which directly inhibits cardiac fatty acid oxidation and has been shown to be clinically effective in treating ischemic heart disease and heart failure. The paper will review those alterations in energy metabolism that occur in ischemic heart disease and heart failure, and the promising clinical approach of switching energy metabolism from fatty acid to glucose oxidation as a therapy in heart disease.
Sensory Bias as an Explanation for the Evolution of Mate Preferences

The sensory bias model of sexual selection posits that female mating preferences are by‐products of natural selection on sensory systems. Although sensory bias was proposed 20 years ago, its critical assumptions remain untested. This paradox arises because sensory bias has been used to explain two different phenomena. First, it has been used as a hypothesis about signal design, that is, that males evolve traits that stimulate female sensory systems. Second, sensory bias has been used as a hypothesis for the evolution of female preference itself, that is, to explain why females exhibit particular preferences. We focus on this second facet. First, we clarify the unique features of sensory bias relative to the alternative models by considering each in the same quantitative genetic framework. The key assumptions of sensory bias are that natural selection is the predominant evolutionary mechanism that affects preference and that sexual selection on preferences is quantitatively negligible. We describe four studies that would test these assumptions and review what we can and cannot infer about sensory bias from existing studies. We suggest that the importance of sensory bias as an explanation for the evolution of female preferences remains to be determined.
Artificial Immune Systems: Part I-Basic Theory and Applications

In the last few years we could perceive a great increase in interest in studying biologically inspired systems. Among these, we can emphasize artificial neural networks, evolutionary computation , DNA computation , and now artificial immune systems . The immune system is a complex of cells, molecules and organs which has proven to be capable of performing several tasks, like pattern recognition, learning, memory acquisition, generation of diversity, noise tolerance, generalization, distributed detection and optimization. Based on immunological principles, new computational techniques are being developed, aiming not only at a better understanding of the system, but also at solving engineering problems. In this report, after a brief introduction to the immune system, attaining a relevant level of details when necessary, we discuss the main strategies used by the immune system to problem solving, and introduce the concept of immune engineering . The immune engineering makes use of immunological concepts in order to create tools for solving demanding machine-learning problems using information extracted from the problems themselves. The text is concluded with the development of several immune engineering algorithms. These tools are extensively discussed and examples of their applications to artificial and real-world problems are presented.
Monitoring and Analyzing of Circadian and Ultradian Locomotor Activity Based on Raspberry-Pi

A new device based on the Raspberry-Pi to monitor the locomotion of Arctic marine invertebrates and to analyze chronobiologic data has been made, tested and deployed. The device uses infrared sensors to monitor and record the locomotor activity of the animals, which is later analyzed. The software package consists of two separate scripts: the first designed to manage the acquisition and the evolution of the experiment, the second designed to generate actograms and perform various analyses to detect periodicity in the data (e.g., Fourier power spectra, chi-squared periodograms, and Lomb–Scargle periodograms). The data acquisition hardware and the software has been previously tested during an Arctic mission with an arctic marine invertebrate.
Sensory feedback in Parkinson's disease patients with “on”-predominant freezing of gait

Freezing of gait (FOG) often occurs during the course of Parkinson's disease (PD), generating substantial disability (Giladi et al., 2001). Auditory, visual or tactile stimuli have been shown to improve FOG in PD and cueing-assisted modifications of gait have been proposed (Thaut et al., 1996) including a closed-loop augmented-reality device we reported for use in patients with “off”-related FOG (Baram et al., 2002; Espay et al., 2010). The two main limitations of prior studies were (1) the focus on “off”-only FOG, which arguably could have also been improved by pharmacotherapeutic strategies aimed at minimizing “off” time, and (2) the uncertainty of long-term residual benefits. We therefore sought to evaluate the immediate and longer-term effects of a one-month at-home training with the previously reported closed-loop augmented-reality cueing device on PD patients with predominantly “on” FOG.
The Impact of hedonic and utilitarian motivations on the hotel customers' risk perception

The study proposes that deal seeking travelers’ perception of risk may have a dual and contradicting impact on Expected Utility and, consequently, on their propensity to search for a better deal and book the travel product. According to a traditionally utilitarian motivation, a high level of risk and the prospect of negative results reduce Expected Utility, and they are therefore likely to reduce search activities and increase booking. This study argues that, due to hedonic motivations, consumers may enjoy the risk elements of their search for a better deal and, consequently, may respond to higher levels of induced risk perception by increasing search activities and reducing booking. The study explains how this finding impacts the way revenuemanaging hotels, which seek to impact their customers’ behavior by inducing risk perceptions, should adapt their strategies.