Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3D shape sensing of an epidural needle based on simultaneous spatial multiplexing of optical backscattering reflectometry

Here a novel paradigm of fiber optics 3D shape sensing is presented. Fiber optics technology offers a great potential for minimal invasive medical applications. The approach is supported by two basic cornerstones: the first is the Optical Backscattering Reflectometry (OBR), which gives the possibility of distributed strain sensing along the length of fiber sensor installed on the needle; the second is the principle of simultaneous scattering-level multiplexing (SLMux), which permits to interrogate a parallel of optical sensor in the same OBR scan. SLMux, which overtakes the OBR limitation to the interrogation of a single optical sensor, is possible by using a custommade MgO nanoparticles doped fiber (NPDF), which presents a core doped with a randomly distributed pattern of particles. NP-fiber shows a backscattering power of more than 40 dB higher than a standard single-mode fibers (SMF). By splicing NP-fiber cuts with different SMF pigtail it is possible to achieve a parallel where the higher NP-fiber backscattering can be effectively discriminated. With this approach it is possible to pack several sensors along the needle length to detect all the strain components. Experimentally, a parallel of four sensors has been fixed along the length of an epidural needle at 90 degrees from each other. 3D shape sensing is achieved by strain measurement from each fibers and distributed strain sensing along the needle. As a result of strain elaboration, shape deformation and bending of the needle during its insertion into a custom-made phantom, which mimics human spine anatomy, have been obtained.
The role of autonomic neuropathy in predicting ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a life-threatening iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation during the assisted reproductive technique. Objective: This study was aimed to elucidate the effect of autonomic neuropathy on the occurrence of OHSS during assisted reproductive techniques. Materials and Methods: One hundred subfertile women underwent ovarian stimulation. The ovarian response was diagnosed by hormone concentrations and vaginal ultrasound. Autonomic function tests were done for all patients using Ewing's protocol. Results: Twenty-eight percent of subfertile women involved in this study had autonomic neuropathy. Out of 100 infertile women undergoing ovarian stimulation, only 5 (5%) had been developed OHSS, all of them had autonomic neuropathy (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the autonomic neuropathy for the occurrence of OHSS was 100% and 58% which was insignificant (P > 0.05). The best cutoff score associated with OHSS was ≥1.5 which detected from receiver operating characteristic curve. The odds ratio for the absence of OHSS in patients without neuropathy was 9.891, which was significant as compared with the patients with neuropathy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that ovarian stimulation may cause autonomic function disturbance which can predict OHSS.
Language in the genes: Where’s the evidence?

Evidence regarding the genetic bases of human language abilities comes from many sources, but none is as rich and reliable as the one that comes from infant speech perception studies. This contribution provides an overview of how research on infant speech perception informs the debate on the genetic basis of human language abilities. Speci ﬁ cally, this contribution reviews ﬁ ndings which document infants’ abilities to learn from pre- and postnatal experience, and ﬁ ndings which strongly suggest that humans possess language-speci ﬁ c abilities as part of their genetic makeup.
Salivary proteome and glucose levels are related with sweet taste sensitivity in young adults

ABSTRACT Sweet taste plays a critical role in determining food preferences and choices. Similar to what happens for other oral sensations, individuals differ in their sensitivity for sweet taste and these inter-individual differences may be responsible for variations in food acceptance. Despite evidence that saliva plays a role in taste perception, this fluid has been mainly studied in the context of bitterness or astringency. We investigated the possible relationship between sweet taste sensitivity and salivary composition in subjects with different sucrose detection thresholds. Saliva collected from 159 young adults was evaluated for pH, total protein concentration and glucose. One- and bi-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) were performed and protein profiles compared between sweet sensitivity groups, with proteins that were differently expressed being identified by MALDI-FTICR-MS. Moreover, Western blotting was performed for salivary carbonic anhydrase VI (CA-VI) and cystatins and salivary amylase enzymatic activity was assessed in order to compare groups. Females with low sensitivity to sweet taste had higher salivary concentrations of glucose compared to those with sensitivity. For protein profiles, some differences were sex-dependent, with higher levels of α-amylase and CA-VI in low-sensitivity individuals and higher levels of cystatins in sensitive ones for both sexes. Body mass index was not observed to affect the association between salivary proteome and taste sensitivity. To our knowledge, these are the first data showing an association between sweet taste and saliva proteome.
Orphaned Adolescent Males in Sub-Saharan Countries: Sexuality Challenges Experienced

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the challenges experienced by orphaned adolescent males in Sub-Saharan countries. Literature research indicates that due to lack of physiological needs (for example, parental support, stable environment, clothes) due to orphanhood, a disproportionate number of male youth are prone to myriad of risk sexual behaviour such as substance abuse, promiscuity, sexually transmitted infections and teenage fatherhood. Guided by multi-theoretical approaches including Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system model and Theory of Planned Action by Fishbein and Ajzen, this paper employed systematic review to critically analyse the electronic journals and doctoral theses highlighted the plight faced by this marginalized cohort. Based on the literature findings, this paper argues that orphaned adolescent males may flourish and cope with adversity provided the school, church and governmental sectors collaborate in providing skills and social support necessary to buffer against deviant peers and exposure to disorganized environment.
Hipertensión pulmonar a moderada altura en niños Pulmonary hypertension at moderate altitude in children

We report the lack of studies on the relationship between pulmonary hypertension and altitude above sea level in children, and based on the physiology of the latter we emphasize the importance of hypobaric hypoxia, which plays a determinant role in the etiology and bio- pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension of the altitude inhabitants. Regarding the bio-pathogenesis, we indicate the importance of the hyperreactivity of the pulmonary vascular bed and its correct evaluation. Similarly, we make a summary of pathologies related to pulmonary hypertension in the child living in the altitude, and fi nally, with respect to the treatment of pulmonary hypertension of the altitude inhabitants, we highlight through the evolution of clinical cases the importance of living at low altitude above sea level.
Hipótesis de lateralización a partir de la asociación entre la topografía del infarto cerebral y la disfunción autonómica cardiaca luego de un ictus isquémico

OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between topography of cerebral infarction and the appearance of cardiac autonomic dysfunction after an ischemic stroke. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A bibliographic search was conducted in Medline database from 2014 to 2018, using the English terms autonomic heart regulation or autonomic nervous system, ischemic stroke or cerebral infarction, cardiac autonomic dysfunction or heart rate variability (HRV), hypothesis of lateralization, insula, in English and Spanish. The search resulted in 48 original articles and two systematic reviews: a study on the neuroanatomic and physiological basis of cardiovascular autonomic control, three on the evaluation of heart rate variability. In addition 46 articles on the effects of cerebral infarction and its topography on cardiac autonomic function were found. RESULTS: The insular cortex is considered a center of cardiovascular autonomic integration. Significantly higher values of low frequency / high frequency ratio have been found in patients with right insular infarction. The prominent role of the right insula in the parasympathetic control of cardiac function explains why cerebral infarction in this region can lead to autonomic imbalance and positive regulation of sympathetic function. CONCLUSIONS: The topography of cerebral infarction is associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction after an ischemic stroke. Insular infarction is primarily responsible for the majority of autonomic cardiovascular disorders caused by an ischemic stroke. The findings on hemispheric lateralization for autonomic cardiovascular control are contradictory. However, most studies agree that right brain injuries are associated with sympathetic tone increase.
Association Between Liver Function and Peak Oxygen Uptake in Heart Failure Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Objective With respect to liver function and heart failure, 46% of acute decompensated heart failure patients exhibit abnormal liver function. However, there have been no reports of the association between liver function and functional capacity in these patients. Our aim was to clarify the relationship between liver function and functional capacity using the peak oxygen uptake (VO2). Methods We retrospectively identified 36 heart failure patients who were referred to our rehabilitation laboratory. These patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). Furthermore, we investigated the correlations between peak VO2, blood measurements [e.g., total bilirubin (T-bil) and brain natriuretic peptide], and echocardiographic parameters. Finally, multivariate regression analysis was performed to investigate the independent variables related to peak VO2. Results The mean peak VO2 was 10.7±2.9 ml/kg/min. Peak VO2 during CPX correlated inversely with T-bil [r=-0.379, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.654 to -0.014, P=0.043], aspartate transaminase (r=-0.426, 95% CI: -0.685 to -0.07, P=0.021), and peak heart rate (r=0.391, 95% CI: 0.029 to 0.663, P=0.036). The significant independent factors associated with peak VO2 were treatment with statin (β=-3.19, P=0.015) and T-bil levels (β=-4.27, P=0.002). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that liver function may contribute to the functional capacity in heart failure patients.
Evaluation of Salvia miltiorrhiza radix (Danshen) in the treatment of chronic kidney disease: a literature review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global public health issue with few treatments currently available that effectively reverse the disease or prevent its progression. Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and acute kidney disease are the major contributors to CKD. These co-morbidities cause the destruction of glomeruli resulting in blood flow changes, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, systemic hypertension, proteinuria, inflammation and oxidative stress. Pharmaceutical interventions, including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics, are used as mono- or combination therapies to achieve blood pressure control and improve the condition. However, combinations of pharmaceuticals increase the risk of adverse events and in many patients does not prevent progression to renal failure. Salvia miltiorrhiza radix (Danshen) is a traditional Chinese herb that shows considerable potential in ameliorating the effects of CKD. A computer-based search of Cinahl, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline and TRIP databases was performed to appraise the scientific literature on this herb. While there is little evidence for the use of Danshen in CKD and no human studies have been located, this review provides a summary of the research to date that may reveal a novel treatment for this disease.
Ultrawideband Power-Switchable Transmitter With 17.7-dBm Output Power for See-Through-Wall Radar

In this brief, a fully digitized pulse generator with programmable pulse number and width is used as an ultrawideband (UWB) pulse transmitter with 17.7-dBm output power for see-through-wall (STW) radar. A fully differential operation broadband CMOS power amplifier (PA) with a power-switchable mode and fast settling time for pulse radar is presented, achieving excellent power consumption, considerable output power, and a −3-dB bandwidth from 3.6 to 6.6 GHz. The on-chip transformer is used for impedance transformation in the output and converting signals from the differential to single ended. Fabricated in a 65-nm standard CMOS process, the operating carrier frequency range of the transmitter covers 3.2–5.8 GHz and the pulsewidth can be adjusted from 0.75 to 1.2 ns. The number of pulses varies from 4 to 1. At 10-MHz pulse repetition frequency (PRF), the maximum peak-to-peak voltage of the transmitter output pulse reaches 3.8 V with 50- $\Omega $ load, and the corresponding pulsewidth is 0.75 ns. The equivalent power is 17.7-dBm after calibration, and the average power consumption is only 22.5 mW.
Characterization and growth of human cardiac stem cells

Claudia Bearzi, Stefano Cascapera, Angelo Nascimbene, Claudia Casarsa, Raffaella Rastaldo, Toru Hosoda, Antonella De Angelis, Marcello Rota, Federico Quaini, Konrad Urbanek, Annarosa Leri, Piero Anversa, New York Medical College Cardiovascular Research Inst, Valhalla, NY; Roberto Bolli, University of Louisville Division of Cardiology, Louisville, KY; Jan Kajstura, New York Medical College Cardiovascular Research Inst, Valhalla, NY
Active contamination control for high-tech equipment and substrates: particle generation

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Analysis of Creative Thinking Skills and Student Learning Motivation in Solving Problems

This study aims to see whether there is a relationship between student learning motivation with students' creative thinking skills. This research is a survey research using a qualitative approach. The subjects of this study were 34 high school students. The instruments used in data collection were tests of creative thinking skills, motivational questionnaires, and interview guides. The results showed that there is a relationship between students who have high motivation, creative thinking skills are also high, and vice versa. Data obtained that 5.9% of students who have high motivation, 32.4% of students have moderate motivation, 58.8% of students who have low motivation, and 2.94% of students who have very low motivation. While students' creative thinking skills found 29.4% of students in the fluency stage, 35.3% of students at the flexibility stage, and 23.5% of students at the Novelty stage in solving math problems were given. So, it can be concluded the need for efforts made by the teacher is to design a Math Teaching Kit that can facilitate students' motivation and creative thinking skills.
Insidious Rare Thyroid Microcarcinoma (Black Ink)

Introduction The thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent endocrine cancer and represents 1% of all malignant lesions. Its incidence in the general population varies from 0.05 to 1 new case per 100.000 in habitants 1 every years. By denition of the WHO (World Health Organization) the papillary microcarcinoma is a malignant thyroid cancer with a diameter that does not exceed 1 cm. As for all the thyroid cancer the cause of papillary carcinoma is unknown.
Adaptive Attitude Estimation for Low-Cost MEMS IMU Using Ellipsoidal Method

In this article, the attitude estimation for low-cost MEMS inertial measurement units in a smartphone is proposed using adaptive ellipsoidal methods. Accelerometer and magnetometer measurements in an attitude heading reference system (AHRS) are ideally applicable when there is no acceleration and magnetic disturbance. However, when the AHRS is applied to the smartphone, acceleration is frequently occurred by hand movement, and it causes significant attitude errors. Besides, magnetic disturbance from the surrounding environment degrades the heading estimation. In order to improve the attitude accuracy, the acceleration from movement, in addition to the magnetic disturbance is considered in adaptive logic using measurement residuals in this article. The performance of the proposed algorithm is simulated by the computer and tested using the rate table and optical motion capture system compared with the conventional algorithms.
Blood and Lymphatic Cancer : Targets and Therapy Dovepress

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 Blood and Lymphatic Cancer: Targets and Therapy 2015:5 43–53 Blood and Lymphatic Cancer: Targets and Therapy Dovepress
FLI1 Expression in Breast Cancer Cell Lines and Primary Breast Carcinomas is Correlated with ER, PR and HER2

FLI1 is a member of ETS family of transcription factors that regulate a variety of normal biologic activities including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The expression of FLI1 and its correlation with well-known breast cancer prognostic markers (ER, PR and HER2) was determined in primary breast tumors as well as four breast cancer lines including: MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 using RT-qPCR with either 18S rRNA or ACTB (β-actin) for normalization of data. FLI1 mRNA level was decreased in the breast cancer cell lines under study compared to the normal breast tissue; however, Jurkat cells, which were used as a positive control, showed overexpression compared to the normal breast. Regarding primary breast carcinomas, FLI1 is significantly under expressed in all of the stages of breast cancer upon using 18S as an internal control. This FLI1 expression was correlated with ER, PR and HER2 status. In conclusion FLI1 can be exploited as a preliminary marker that can predict the status of ER, PR and HER2 in primary breast tumors.
Medical Laboratory Managers Success with Preanalytical Errors

Medical Laboratory Managers Success with Preanalytical Errors by Huong Ly MBA, Ellis University, 2010 BS, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, 1997 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2017
Pharmacological Potentials of Ginger

Zingiber officinale , belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, is a popular spice and herb used as delicacy and to manage numerous diseases such as diabetes, hyperten-sion, cancer, ulcer, diarrhea, cold, cough, spasm, vomiting, etc. in folk medicine from China, India, and Arabia Peninsula to other continents of the world including Africa (Nigeria, Egypt, and so on). Though this review is aimed at summarizing the pharmacological potentials of this well-endowed spice, interestingly, we found out that these reported ethnobotanical uses are attributed to a number of inherent chemical constituents including gingerol, 6-, 8-, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 6-hydro-shogaol, oleoresin, etc., eliciting various pharmacological effects, not limited to antioxidant, antitumor/anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anticholesterolemic, antibiotic/antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antiulcer/gastroprotective, antiemetic, hepatoprotective, and antiplatelet aggrega-tion, safety profiles established through a number of studies (in vitro, in vivo, and cell lines), though some of these potentials are yet to be explored. Sadly, even few of these established effects are yet to be experimented in clinical trials, and only until these are intensified would there be prospect toward drug development for preventive and curative treatments. In conclusion, we are able to highlight and sum up the therapeutic implications of ginger and its related derivatives in the management of ailments confronting humanity.
Estudios moleculares en enfermedad celíaca: hacia un mejor diagnóstico y conocimiento de la enfermedad

La enfermedad celiaca (EC) es una enfermedad sistemica mediada por el sistema inmune y provocada por el gluten que se puede desarrollar en individuos de cualquier edad, aunque presenta bastantes diferencias segun el debut se produzca en la infancia o en la edad adulta. Es una enfermedad poligenica, con la principal asociacion genetica en la region HLA y numerosas variantes de bajo riesgo distribuidas por todo el genoma descritas gracias a los estudios de barrido genomico (GWAS). La mayor parte de estas variantes se encuentran en regiones no codificantes del genoma, muchas de ellas se cree que afectando a la expresion genica. Los GWAS han puesto ademas de manifiesto la existencia de una base genetica compartida entre enfermedades autoinmunes. El diagnostico de EC se basa en criterios clinicos, histologicos, serologicos y geneticos bien establecidos, que en su mayoria necesitan que el paciente este en dieta con gluten. A pesar de ello, muchos pacientes presentan un diagnostico complejo. Debido a esto, se hace necesario profundizar en el estudio de estos pacientes, asi como desarrollar nuevos metodos diagnosticos.