Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antiangiogenic therapy with interferon alpha for giant cell lesions of the jaws.

PURPOSE Giant cell tumors are classified and treated based on their biologic behavior. We hypothesize that they are proliferative vascular lesions and would be expected to respond to antiangiogenic therapy. The purpose of this report is to present a treatment protocol consisting of enucleation, with preservation of vital structures, followed by subcutaneous interferon alpha. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with a biopsy-confirmed giant cell lesion satisfying criteria for "aggressive giant cell tumor" were included. Instead of wide en bloc resection, lesions were enucleated and the patients started on interferon alpha-2 or beta (3,000,000 units/m(2)) 48 to 72 hours postoperatively. The subjects were followed by clinical examination and radiography, immediately after surgery and every 3 months until the bone cavity completely healed. Thereafter, follow-up was every 6 months. RESULTS Eight patients (7 females), with a mean age of 18.7 +/- 11.1 years, have been enrolled. Six tumors were in the posterior mandible, and 2 were in the anterior maxilla. The mean size was 29.0 mm (range, 15 to 70 mm). All patients underwent enucleation. There were no postoperative complications, and all patients tolerated interferon. There was no evidence of tumor growth during treatment. Seven of 8 patients have completed interferon therapy, and there have been no recurrences during 1 to 6 years of follow-up. The other patient continues on treatment with no evidence of disease. CONCLUSION Antiangiogenic therapy, in combination with curettage, is a promising strategy for treatment of aggressive giant cell tumors. Combined treatment results in a high rate of tumor control with decreased operative morbidity compared with conventional treatment.
The effect of age and demographics on rib shape

Elderly populations have a higher risk of rib fractures and other associated thoracic injuries than younger adults, and the changes in body morphology that occur with age are a potential cause of this increased risk. Rib centroidal path geometry for 20 627 ribs was extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans of 1042 live adult subjects, then fitted to a six‐parameter mathematical model that accurately characterizes rib size and shape, and a three‐parameter model of rib orientation within the body. Multivariable regression characterized the independent effect of age, height, weight, and sex on the rib shape and orientation across the adult population, and statistically significant effects were seen from all demographic factors (P < 0.0001). This study reports a novel aging effect whereby both the rib end‐to‐end separation and rib aspect ratio are seen to increase with age, producing elongated and flatter overall rib shapes in elderly populations, with age alone explaining up to 20% of population variability in the aspect ratio of mid‐level ribs. Age was not strongly associated with overall rib arc length, indicating that age effects were related to shape change rather than overall bone length. The rib shape effect was found to be more strongly and directly associated with age than previously documented age‐related changes in rib angulation. Other demographic results showed height and sex being most strongly associated with rib size, and weight most strongly associated with rib pump‐handle angle. Results from the study provide a statistical model for building rib shapes typical of any given demographic by age, height, weight, and sex, and can be used to help build population‐specific computational models of the thoracic rib cage. Furthermore, results also quantify normal population ranges for rib shape parameters which can be used to improve the assessment and treatment of rib skeletal deformity and disease.
Three‐dimensional (3D) visualization of endolymphatic hydrops after intratympanic injection of Gd‐DTPA: Optimization of a 3D‐real inversion‐recovery turbo spin‐echo (TSE) sequence and application of a 32‐channel head coil at 3T

To enable volume visualization of endolymphatic hydrops of Ménière's disease via a volume rendering (VR) technique, a three‐dimensional (3D) inversion‐recovery (IR) sequence with real reconstruction (3D‐real IR) sequence after intratympanic injection of Gd‐DTPA was optimized for higher spatial resolution using a 32‐channel head coil at 3T.
Usability of four commercially-oriented EEG systems

Electroencephalography (EEG) holds promise as a neuroimaging technology that can be used to understand how the human brain functions in real-world, operational settings while individuals move freely in perceptually-rich environments. In recent years, several EEG systems have been developed that aim to increase the usability of the neuroimaging technology in real-world settings. Here, the usability of three wireless EEG systems from different companies are compared to a conventional wired EEG system, BioSemi’s ActiveTwo, which serves as an established laboratory-grade ‘gold standard’ baseline. The wireless systems compared include Advanced Brain Monitoring’s B-Alert X10, Emotiv Systems’ EPOC and the 2009 version of QUASAR’s Dry Sensor Interface 10–20. The design of each wireless system is discussed in relation to its impact on the system’s usability as a potential real-world neuroimaging system. Evaluations are based on having participants complete a series of cognitive tasks while wearing each of the EEG acquisition systems. This report focuses on the system design, usability factors and participant comfort issues that arise during the experimental sessions. In particular, the EEG systems are assessed on five design elements: adaptability of the system for differing head sizes, subject comfort and preference, variance in scalp locations for the recording electrodes, stability of the electrical connection between the scalp and electrode, and timing integration between the EEG system, the stimulus presentation computer and other external events.
High resolution noncontrast MRI of the hip

The relatively thin cartilage of the hip joint, as well as its complex geometry, poses challenges for standardized, reproducible assessment of cartilage and the acetabular labrum. With appropriate pulse sequence parameters, however, accurate, reproducible assessment of cartilage and the labrum is feasible. More detailed evaluation of cartilage biochemistry may be obtained with techniques aimed at noninvasively evaluating the integrity of collagen and/or proteoglycan components in the articular cartilage. One of the benefits of noncontrast techniques lie in the ability to visualize the native synovium, and thereby detect the presence of synovial proliferative disorders, the clinical symptoms of which may mimic a labral tear or traumatic cartilage injury. Standard cartilage evaluation allows for the detection of surface delamination and osteoarthritis in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement, as well as subtle areas of subchondral collapse and secondary delamination of cartilage in the setting of osteonecrosis. This preserves the use of hip arthroscopy as a therapeutic rather than a diagnostic tool. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010; 31: 268–278. ©2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of chronic intracortical microstimulation on neural tissue and fine motor behavior

Objective. One approach to conveying sensory feedback in neuroprostheses is to electrically stimulate sensory neurons in the cortex. For this approach to be viable, it is critical that intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) causes minimal damage to the brain. Here, we investigate the effects of chronic ICMS on the neuronal tissue across a variety of stimulation regimes in non-human primates. We also examine each animal’s ability to use their hand—the cortical representation of which is targeted by the ICMS—as a further assay of possible neuronal damage. Approach. We implanted electrode arrays in the primary somatosensory cortex of three Rhesus macaques and delivered ICMS four hours per day, five days per week, for six months. Multiple regimes of ICMS were delivered to investigate the effects of stimulation parameters on the tissue and behavior. Parameters included current amplitude (10–100 μA), pulse train duration (1, 5 s), and duty cycle (1/1, 1/3). We then performed a range of histopathological assays on tissue near the tips of both stimulated and unstimulated electrodes to assess the effects of chronic ICMS on the tissue and their dependence on stimulation parameters. Main results. While the implantation and residence of the arrays in the cortical tissue did cause significant damage, chronic ICMS had no detectable additional effect; furthermore, the animals exhibited no impairments in fine motor control. Significance. Chronic ICMS may be a viable means to convey sensory feedback in neuroprostheses as it does not cause significant damage to the stimulated tissue.
Signal transfer within a cultured asymmetric cortical neuron circuit

Objective. Simplified neuronal circuits are required for investigating information representation in nervous systems and for validating theoretical neural network models. Here, we developed patterned neuronal circuits using micro fabricated devices, comprising a micro-well array bonded to a microelectrode-array substrate. Approach. The micro-well array consisted of micrometre-scale wells connected by tunnels, all contained within a silicone slab called a micro-chamber. The design of the micro-chamber confined somata to the wells and allowed axons to grow through the tunnels bidirectionally but with a designed, unidirectional bias. We guided axons into the point of the arrow structure where one of the two tunnel entrances is located, making that the preferred direction. Main results. When rat cortical neurons were cultured in the wells, their axons grew through the tunnels and connected to neurons in adjoining wells. Unidirectional burst transfers and other asymmetric signal-propagation phenomena were observed via the substrate-embedded electrodes. Seventy-nine percent of burst transfers were in the forward direction. We also observed rapid propagation of activity from sites of local electrical stimulation, and significant effects of inhibitory synapse blockade on bursting activity. Significance. These results suggest that this simple, substrate-controlled neuronal circuit can be applied to develop in vitro models of the function of cortical microcircuits or deep neural networks, better to elucidate the laws governing the dynamics of neuronal networks.
Intracranial tumor response to respiratory challenges at 3.0 T: Impact of different methods to quantify changes in the MR relaxation rate R2*

To compare two ΔR2* quantification methods for analyzing the response of intracranial tumors to different breathing gases. The determination of changes in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxation rate R2* (ΔR2*), induced by hyperoxic and hypercapnic respiratory challenges, enables the noninvasive assessment of blood oxygenation changes and vasoreactivity.
Alpha neurofeedback training improves SSVEP-based BCI performance

Objective. Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can provide relatively easy, reliable and high speed communication. However, the performance is still not satisfactory, especially in some users who are not able to generate strong enough SSVEP signals. This work aims to strengthen a user’s SSVEP by alpha down-regulating neurofeedback training (NFT) and consequently improve the performance of the user in using SSVEP-based BCIs. Approach. An experiment with two steps was designed and conducted. The first step was to investigate the relationship between the resting alpha activity and the SSVEP-based BCI performance, in order to determine the training parameter for the NFT. Then in the second step, half of the subjects with ‘low’ performance (i.e. BCI classification accuracy <80%) were randomly assigned to a NFT group to perform a real-time NFT, and the rest half to a non-NFT control group for comparison. Main results. The first step revealed a significant negative correlation between the BCI performance and the individual alpha band (IAB) amplitudes in the eyes-open resting condition in a total of 33 subjects. In the second step, it was found that during the IAB down-regulating NFT, on average the subjects were able to successfully decrease their IAB amplitude over training sessions. More importantly, the NFT group showed an average increase of 16.5% in the SSVEP signal SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and an average increase of 20.3% in the BCI classification accuracy, which was significant compared to the non-NFT control group. Significance. These findings indicate that the alpha down-regulating NFT can be used to improve the SSVEP signal quality and the subjects’ performance in using SSVEP-based BCIs. It could be helpful to the SSVEP related studies and would contribute to more effective SSVEP-based BCI applications.
High tidal volume ventilation is not deleterious in infant rats exposed to severe hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND Both high tidal volume (V(T)) ventilation and hemorrhage induce acute lung injury in adult rodents. It is not known whether injurious ventilation augments lung injury in infant rats exposed to severe hemorrhage. METHODS Two-week-old rats were allocated for ventilation with VT 7 mL/kg and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 5 cm H₂O (low V(T)) or V(T) 21 mL/kg and PEEP 1 (high V(T)) for 4 hours. Additional rats were subjected to volume-controlled hemorrhage and delayed saline resuscitation, followed by low V(T) or high V(T) ventilation for 4 hours. Nonventilated control groups were also included. Airway resistance and the coefficient of tissue elastance were derived from respiratory input impedance measurements using the low-frequency forced oscillation technique. Pressure-volume curves were obtained at baseline and at the end of the study. Interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum. RESULTS In both healthy and hemorrhage-exposed animals, high V(T) resulted in reduced elastance (better lung compliance) and increased transcutaneous oxygen saturation. Interleukin-6 in BALF was greater in ventilated animals when compared with nonventilated controls, but not different among ventilated groups. No significant differences were found for all other inflammatory mediators, total protein concentration in BALF, and histology. CONCLUSION High V(T) ventilation with low PEEP improves respiratory system mechanics without causing additional damage to healthy and hemorrhage-exposed infant rats after 4 hours of ventilation. This study highlights the tolerance to high V(T) ventilation in infant rats and underscores the need for age-specific animal models.
Frequency detection with stability coefficient for steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCIs

Due to the relative noise and artifact insensitivity, steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) has been used increasingly in the study of a brain–computer interface (BCI). However, SSVEP is still influenced by the same frequency component in the spontaneous EEG, and it is meaningful to find a parameter that can avoid or decrease this influence to improve the transfer rate and the accuracy of the SSVEP-based BCI. In this work, with wavelet analysis, a new parameter named stability coefficient (SC) was defined to measure the stability of a frequency, and then the electrode with the highest stability was selected as the signal electrode for further analysis. After that, the SC method and the traditional power spectrum (PS) method were used comparatively to recognize the stimulus frequency from an analogous BCI data constructed from a real SSVEP data, and the results showed that the SC method is better for a short time window data.
Diet and diabetes (ii): A controlled trial of problem solving to improve dietary self-management in patients with insulin dependent diabetes

Abstract Effective dietary management in Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is impeded by a variety of transient cognitive, behavioural and environmental events. In the current study forty individual's with IDDM were assigned randomly to either a treatment pup in which they were taught to identify and change eating in high risk situations for poor dietary management. or a wait list control. Dietary management and blood glucose control were assessed at pre- and post-treatment, and at three month follow up for the 32 subjects completing the study. The intervention produced significant improvements in dietary management, which were maintained to follow-up, and short term improvements in blood sugar control.
A population-based analysis of injury-related deaths and access to trauma care in rural-remote Northwest British Columbia.

BACKGROUND Injury rates and injury mortality rates are generally higher in rural and remote communities compared with urban jurisdictions as has been shown to be the case in the rural-remote area of Northwest (NW) British Columbia (BC). The purpose of study was to identify: (1) the place and timing of death following injury in NW BC, (2) access to and quality of local trauma services, and (3) opportunities to improve trauma outcomes. METHODS Quantitative data from demographic and geographic databases, the BC Trauma Registry, Hospital discharge abstract database, and the BC Coroner's Office, along with qualitative data from chart reviews of selected major trauma cases, and interviews with front-line trauma care providers were collated and analyzed for patients sustaining injury in NW BC from April 2001 to March 2006. RESULTS The majority of trauma deaths (82%) in NW BC occur prehospital. Patients arriving alive to NW hospitals have low hospital mortality (1.0%), and patients transferring from NW BC to tertiary centers have better outcomes than matched patients achieving direct entry into the tertiary center by way of geographic proximity. Access to local trauma services was compromised by: incident discovery, limited phone service (land lines/cell), incomplete 911 emergency medical services system access, geographical and climate challenges compounded by limited transportation options, airport capabilities and paramedic training level, dysfunctional hospital no-refusal policies, lack of a hospital destination policies, and lack of system leadership and coordination. CONCLUSION Improving trauma outcomes in this rural-remote jurisdiction requires a systems approach to address root causes of delays in access to care, focusing on improved access to emergency medical services, hospital bypass and destination protocols, improved transportation options, advanced life support transfer capability, and designated, coordinated local trauma services.
Implanted neural electrodes cause chronic, local inflammation that is correlated with local neurodegeneration

Prosthetic devices that are controlled by intracortical electrodes recording one's ‘thoughts’ are a reality today, and no longer merely in the realm of science fiction. However, widespread clinical use of implanted electrodes is hampered by a lack of reliability in chronic recordings, independent of the type of electrodes used. One major hypothesis has been that astroglial scar electrically impedes the electrodes. However, there is a temporal discrepancy between stabilization of scar's electrical properties and recording failure with recording failure lagging by 1 month. In this study, we test a possible explanation for this discrepancy: the hypothesis that chronic inflammation, due to the persistent presence of the electrode, causes a local neurodegenerative state in the immediate vicinity of the electrode. Through modulation of chronic inflammation via stab wound, electrode geometry and age-matched control, we found that after 16 weeks, animals with an increased level of chronic inflammation were associated with increased neuronal and dendritic, but not axonal, loss. We observed increased neuronal and dendritic loss 16 weeks after implantation compared to 8 weeks after implantation, suggesting that the local neurodegenerative state is progressive. After 16 weeks, we observed axonal pathology in the form of hyperphosphorylation of the protein tau in the immediate vicinity of the microelectrodes (as observed in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies). The results of this study suggest that a local, late onset neurodegenerative disease-like state surrounds the chronic electrodes and is a potential cause for chronic recording failure. These results also inform strategies to enhance our capability to attain reliable long-term recordings from implantable electrodes in the CNS.
Capital Crime: Black Infant Mortality in America

Why do 10 000 black American infants die during their first year of life, and why is this rate increasing? Why is the black infant mortality rate twice that of white infants, with no signs of any narrowing gap between the two races? The reader is immediately gripped by a powerful foreword, written by John W. Scanlon, MD, director of neonatalogy, Columbia Hospital for Women, Washington, DC. He vividly describes the neonatal intensive care units in our nation's capital, where tiny victims are born, incompletely formed, to be attached to electronic monitors and infusions. He describes how the survivors too frequently develop blindness, hearing loss, infections, and permanent handicaps. After incurring hundreds of thousands of dollars of hospital costs, infants are discharged to the same bleak, often violent environment that launched their premature arrival into neonatal intensive care. The result of these premature births is a black infant mortality rate
'Viewing in slow motion': patients', families', nurses' and doctors' perspectives on end-of-life care in critical care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the meaning of end-of-life care for critically ill cancer patients, families, oncologists, palliative care specialists, critical care consultants and nurses. BACKGROUND End-of-life care for critically ill patients, of whom nearly 20% will die in critical care, remains somewhat problematic (Truog et al. 2008). End-of-life care is an established domain in cancer; however, research has not been conducted previously into dying, critically ill cancer patients' experiences. DESIGN Qualitative, phenomenological in-depth interviews were undertaken. METHODS Phenomenology was used to explore experiences of 27 participants: surviving patients at high risk of dying, bereaved families, oncologists, palliative and critical care consultants, and nurses. Purposive sampling from a UK critical care unit was carried out. In-depth interviews were taped analysed using Van Manen's phenomenological analysis framework. RESULTS A phenomenological interpretation of dying in cancer critical illness, and the impact on opportunities for end-of-life care, is presented. Three main themes included: dual prognostication; the meaning of decision-making; and care practices at end of life: choreographing a good death. End-of-life care was an emotive experience for all participants; core tenets for good end-of-life care included comfort, less visible technology, privacy and dignity. These findings are discussed in relation to end-of-life care, cancer and critical illness. CONCLUSION The speed of progressing towards dying in critical illness is often unknown and subsequently affects potential for end-of-life care. Caring was not unique to nurses and end-of-life care in critical care came with considerable emotional cost. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE There is an opportunity for nurses to use the care of patients dying in critical care to develop specialist knowledge and lead in care, but it requires mastery and reconciliation of both technology and end-of-life care. Healthcare professionals can help facilitate acceptance for families and patients, particularly regarding involvement in decisions and ensuring patient advocacy.