Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graphene nanomaterials as biocompatible and conductive scaffolds for stem cells: impact for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

The discovery of the interesting intrinsic properties of graphene, a two‐dimensional nanomaterial, has boosted further research and development for various types of applications from electronics to biomedicine. During the last decade, graphene and several graphene‐derived materials, such as graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, activated charcoal composite, fluorinated graphenes and three‐dimensional graphene foams, have been extensively explored as components of biosensors or theranostics, or to remotely control cell–substrate interfaces, because of their remarkable electro‐conductivity. To date, despite the intensive progress in human stem cell research, only a few attempts to use carbon nanotechnology in the stem cell field have been reported. Interestingly, most of the recent in vitro studies indicate that graphene‐based nanomaterials (i.e. mainly graphene, graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes) promote stem cell adhesion, growth, expansion and differentiation. Although cell viability in vitro is not affected, their potential nanocytoxicity (i.e. nanocompatibility and consequences of uncontrolled nanobiodegradability) in a clinical setting using humans remains unknown. Therefore, rigorous internationally standardized clinical studies in humans that would aim to assess their nanotoxicology are requested. In this paper we report and discuss the recent and pertinent findings about graphene and derivatives as valuable nanomaterials for stem cell research (i.e. culture, maintenance and differentiation) and tissue engineering, as well as for regenerative, translational and personalized medicine (e.g. bone reconstruction, neural regeneration). Also, from scarce nanotoxicological data, we also highlight the importance of functionalizing graphene‐based nanomaterials to minimize the cytotoxic effects, as well as other critical safety parameters that remain important to take into consideration when developing nanobionanomaterials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tracker-based cache utilization strategy in CCN

One important feature of Content-centric Networking (CCN) is to utilize built-in network caches to improve the transmission efficiency of content dissemination. In CCN, all nodes have the function of caching contents. Consequently, caches are ubiquitous and diverse. How to make full use of these caches to reduce the network load and the transmission delay has become a hot research topic in recent years. In order to speed up content distribution and improve network resource utilization, a cooperative caching strategy called Tracker-based Cache Utilization Strategy (TBCUS) is proposed in this paper. In TBCUS, an idea of partial centralized management of the caches is introduced into traditional CCN. Moreover, in order to alleviate the pressure that the incurred overhead imposes on network bandwidth, TBCUS divides the whole caching system into several sub-systems. Each of the sub-systems has a tracker server as the controller and some peers. The contents cached in a sub-system are transparent to each other through the coordination of the tracker server. Once a content request reaches to a sub-system, all the caches in the sub-system can be selected to respond to this request. While the traditional caching strategy in CCN is that only the caches on the delivery path can be used to respond to the content request. TBCUS improves the cache utilization and has higher cache hit ratio and lower transmission delay and network load compared with the traditional caching strategy.
Prognostic factors in head and neck cancer: a 10-year retrospective analysis in a single-institution in Italy

SUMMARY This study was undertaken to evaluate the association between demographics, lifestyle habits, and clinical data and overall survival (OS), recurrence and second primary cancer (SPC) in patients with first primary head and neck cancer (HNC). We retrospectively reviewed data from 482 patients treated at the "Agostino Gemelli" Teaching Hospital, Rome, between 2002-2012 for primary HNC. Individual parameters were evaluated for association with specific outcomes such as OS, cancer recurrence and second primary cancer (SPC) appearance using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five-year OS was 60.6% for all HNC cases, 49.0% for oral cavity, 54.8% for oropharynx, 50.0% for hypopharynx and 63.4% for larynx. Predictors of OS were older age (HR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05) and advanced tumour stage (HR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.41-2.84). The risk of recurrence was associated with drinking 8-14 drinks per week (HR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.00-2.97). The risk of developing SPC increased with advanced tumour stage (HR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.39-5.44) and with smoking for more than 40 years (HR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.10-12.30). OS differed among HNC sites. Increasing age was an unfavourable predictor of HNC OS. Tumour stage was a prognostic factor both for OS and for risk of developing SPC. Alcohol and tobacco consumption were prognostic factors for recurrence and SPC, respectively.
Effects of the blockade of the renin–angiotensin system in cyclosporin-induced hypertension

Objective: To compare the acute hypotensive effects of three different methods of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system in a primate model of cyclosporin-induced hypertension. Design: The effects of maximally effective doses of an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, antihuman renin antibodies or a renin inhibitor (Ro 42-5892) on arterial pressure were evaluated in cyclosporin-treated monkeys. Methods: Squirrel monkeys were made hypertensive by a 4-week treatment with oral cyclosporin (30 mg/kg) and were equipped with a telemetry system in order to measure arterial blood pressure in the conscious state. Results: Each inhibitor induced a complete suppression of plasma angiotensin II 1 h after administration. The renin antibodies did not decrease blood pressure. Cilazapril decreased blood pressure and Ro 42-5892 was more effective than cilazapril. Moreover, when the renin inhibitor was administered after injection of renin antibodies (rabbit antiserum, 0.4 ml intravenously) or after cilazapril (10 mg/kg orally), it induced a supplementary fall in blood pressure. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that in this experimental model of hypertension the three different methods of maximal inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system do not lead acutely to the same blood pressure decrease. The results also suggest that renin inhibition might be more effective than angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition in certain forms of hypertension.
Maturation of layer 5 neocortical pyramidal neurons: amplifying salient layer 1 and layer 4 inputs by Ca2+ action potentials in adult rat tuft dendrites

1 Changes in the arborization and electrical excitability of the apical dendritic tufts of pyramidal cells of cortical layer 5 were examined during the first 2 months (postnatal days (P)2‐56) of postnatal development in rats. 2 Reconstructions of biocytin‐filled neurons showed that the apical dendritic trunk was continually growing, becoming longer and thicker and that the distance between the tuft and soma increased more than 5‐fold. 3 In P2 animals, both the tuft and soma had a high input resistance (> 500 MΩ) and the tuft was electrotonically close to the soma. In contrast, the apical tuft and soma of P56 neurons had a low input resistance (< 50 MΩ) and they were electrotonically isolated from each other. 4 Depolarizing current pulses injected into the tuft of P2 cells generated mostly Na+‐dependent regenerative dendritic potentials of short duration (≈15 ms) while in the tuft of P56 animals, complex regenerative potentials were generated which had a longer duration (≈55 ms) and were Na+ and Ca2+ dependent. In young and juvenile animals (P14‐28) dendritic regenerative potentials could be restricted to the apical dendritic tuft whereas in adult animals (> P42), the complex regenerative potentials frequently occurred simultaneously with somatic action potentials. 5 The main developmental change in layer 5 pyramidal neurons, as assayed with square pulse current injections and synaptic stimulations, is the progressive electrotonic isolation of the dendritic tuft from the soma. This change is concomitant with the appearance of complex, mostly Na+‐ and Ca2+‐dependent, regenerative dendritic potentials initiated partly in the tuft and partly in the axon. The coupling of the dendritic tuft and axonal initiation zones for regenerative potentials by active dendritic Na+ and Ca2+ conductances enables mature layer 5 pyramidal neurons to detect selectively the salient distal synaptic inputs and coincident synaptic inputs arriving at different cortical layers.
Shared Mind: Communication, Decision Making, and Autonomy in Serious Illness

In the context of serious illness, individuals usually rely on others to help them think and feel their way through difficult decisions. To help us to understand why, when, and how individuals involve trusted others in sharing information, deliberation, and decision making, we offer the concept of shared mind—ways in which new ideas and perspectives can emerge through the sharing of thoughts, feelings, perceptions, meanings, and intentions among 2 or more people. We consider how shared mind manifests in relationships and organizations in general, building on studies of collaborative cognition, attunement, and sensemaking. Then, we explore how shared mind might be promoted through communication, when appropriate, and the implications of shared mind for decision making and patient autonomy. Next, we consider a continuum of patient-centered approaches to patient-clinician interactions. At one end of the continuum, an interactional approach promotes knowing the patient as a person, tailoring information, constructing preferences, achieving consensus, and promoting relational autonomy. At the other end, a transactional approach focuses on knowledge about the patient, information-as-commodity, negotiation, consent, and individual autonomy. Finally, we propose that autonomy and decision making should consider not only the individual perspectives of patients, their families, and members of the health care team, but also the perspectives that emerge from the interactions among them. By drawing attention to shared mind, clinicians can observe in what ways they can promote it through bidirectional sharing of information and engaging in shared deliberation.
The metabolic and toxicological considerations for mTOR inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem worldwide. Several molecular pathways involved in HCC growth and progression have recently been identified. Rapamycin analogs are able to inhibit one of the most active oncogenic molecular pathways in HCC cells: the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Areas covered: In this review, the authors analyze the principal molecular features of the mTOR pathway and the use of rapamycin analogs in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma. The article also looks at the reoccurrence of HCC following liver transplantation as well as after the treatment of de novo neoplasms. Finally, the authors discuss the advantage of using a combined HCC pharmacological therapy to obtain a synergistic effect on tumor mass. Expert opinion: Among the available options for the treatment of advanced-stage HCC, mTOR pathway inhibitors show great promise. Once these agents have their safety and efficacy confirmed, in the treatment of liver disease, their use should be considered in patients affected by HCC. This should especially be the case for those who have had liver transplants or suffered with de novo tumors. Moreover, the authors believe that mTOR inhibitors could be used in a combined pharmacological approach to improve HCC molecular-targeted therapy by producing a multiple-level block of tumor intracellular signaling.
Games and Social Networks

Social media and social networks have gained an unprecedented role in connecting people, knowledge, and experiences. Game industry is using the power of social networks by creating Social Network Games, which can be even more engaging than traditional games. In this chapter, the main characteristics of Social Network Games and their potential are discussed. This potentiality can also be used for serious games (i.e. games with purposes beyond entertainment) and especially games related to learning and behavioural changes. This leads to introducing the emerging field of Serious Social Network Games and their unique characteristics that make them suitable for serious applications. Finally, the rising phenomenon of Social TV is discussed, which combines the power of TV and social media. Based on a project by the authors, preliminary findings on the most engaging techniques of Social TV Games are presented, together with initial suggestions on what constitutes good game mechanics for such games. The chapter concludes with future research directions for Social Network Games to become even more engaging and effective for purposes beyond pure entertainment.
Autophagy and Lysosomes in Pompe Disease

In Pompe disease, a deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase, intralysosomal glycogen accumulates in multiple tissues, with skeletal and cardiac muscle most severely affected.1 Complete enzyme deficiency results in rapidly progressive infantile cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle myopathy that is fatal within the first two years of life. Patients with partial enzyme deficiency suffer from skeletal muscle myopathy and experience shortened lifespan due to respiratory failure. The major advance has been the development of enzyme replacement therapy, which recently became available for Pompe patients. However, the effective clearance of skeletal muscle glycogen, as shown by both clinical and pre-clinical studies, has proven more difficult than anticipated.2-4 The work published in Annals of Neurology5 was designed to cast light on the problem, and was an attempt to look beyond the lysosomes by analyzing the downstream events affected by the accumulation of undigested substrate in lysosomes. We have found thatthe cellular pathology in Pompe disease spreads to affect both endocytic (the route of the therapeutic enzyme) and autophagic (the route of glycogen) pathways, leading to excessive autophagic buildup in therapy-resistant skeletal muscle fibers of the knockout mice. Addendum to: Dysfunction of Endocytic and Autophagic Pathways in a Lysosomal Storage Disease Tokiko Fukuda, Lindsay Ewan, Martina Bauer, Robert J. Mattaliano, Kristien Zaal,Evelyn Ralston, Paul H. Plotz and Nina Raben Ann Neurol 2006; 59:700-8
Peripheral vascular tree stenoses: evaluation with moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography.

PURPOSE To evaluate a magnetic resonance (MR) angiographic technique for imaging of the peripheral arteries with gadolinium enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS Moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiograms were obtained in 15 healthy volunteers and in 28 patients with intermittent claudication before and during slow infusion of contrast material. Lower- and upper-leg and pelvic regions were imaged. Unenhanced images were subtracted from gadolinium-enhanced images, and maximum intensity projection images were generated. Image quality was evaluated subjectively and objectively, and maximum intensity projection images were compared with conventional angiograms, which served as the standard of reference. RESULTS Moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography proved to be a robust technique, and image quality on maximum intensity projection images was comparable with that on conventional angiograms. Sensitivity and specificity for grading hemodynamically significant stenoses were 93% and 98%, respectively, with excellent interobserver agreement. CONCLUSION Moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography can be used to image all peripheral arteries in 4 minutes by using a small amount of contrast material and a conventional 1.5-T MR imager.
Beyond Sentence Prosody: Paragraph Intonation in Dutch

Abstract The present research aims at a partial model for synthesized text intonation, restricted to utterances consisting of a single intonation phrase. Intonational characteristics of short utterances in different positions within a paragraph are investigated. The effects of position in the paragraph on sentence prosody are mainly located in the beginning of the utterance. A model is formulated to capture the main findings. The model is then perceptually evaluated. The results indicate that the model can be used to improve the naturalness of rule-based intonation in a system for automatic text-to-speech conversion.
Intracranial metastasis from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid 25 years after primary surgery

Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is an uncommon tumour. In most patients, it is confined to the neck with or without involvement of the local cervical nodes. It rarely metastasizes to the mediastinum, lungs or liver. Intracranial metastasis is extremely rare with very few reported cases in the literature. We report an unusual case of an intracranial metastasis from a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid that occurred 25 years after primary surgery. We discuss the unusual features of our case together with a review of the literature.
Transient early wheeze is not associated with impaired lung function in 7‐yr-old children

The aim of the present study was to analyse determinants of lung function in 7‐yr-old children with different wheezing patterns (early, persistent and late onset) in a prospective cohort study. The German Multicentre Allergy Study (MAS) followed 1,314 children from birth onwards. Annual assessments included clinical check-ups, a structured interview and repeated measurement of specific immunoglobulins Ig(E) directed against food and inhalant allergens. At the age of 7 yrs, lung function was measured by body plethysmography in 800 children. Episodes of wheezing in the past 12 months (“current wheeze”) were strongly associated with reduced lung function at age 7 yrs. Children with wheezing episodes only during the first 3 yrs of life showed a slight impairment in maximal expiratory flow when 50% of the forced vital capacity remains to be exhaled (98.9±24.2 versus 103.2±22.8% of the predicted value in children who never wheeze). Separate analysis of determinants of pulmonary function within these subgroups resulted in distinctly different patterns. Determinants of impaired lung function in the group of current wheezers were: time in years since first wheeze, a parental history of atopy, current sensitisation to indoor allergens, elevated cord blood IgE levels and a low ponderal index at birth. In the group of transient early wheezers, frequent lower respiratory tract infections early in life and maternal smoking during pregnancy were significant but weak determinants of impaired lung function. The present results indicate that determinants of pulmonary function in 7‐yr-old children differ with respect to different wheezing phenotypes, demanding different therapeutic strategies. Although transient early wheezers were found to have normal-to-subnormal lung function, children with asthmatic symptoms (persistent and late-onset disease) at age 7 yrs already show significant impairment of expiratory flow volumes.
Ongoing in Vivo Experience Triggers Synaptic Metaplasticity in the Neocortex

In vivo experience can occlude subsequent induction of long-term potentiation and enhance long-term depression of synaptic responses. Although a reduced capacity for synaptic strengthening may function to prevent excessive excitation, such an effect paradoxically implies that continued experience or training should not improve and may even degrade neural representations. In mice, we examined the effect of ongoing whisker stimulation on synaptic strengthening at layer 4-2/3 synapses in the barrel cortex. Although N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors were required to initiate strengthening, they subsequently suppressed further potentiation at these synapses in vitro and in vivo. Despite this transition, synaptic strengthening continued with additional sensory activity but instead required the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors, suggesting a mechanism by which continued experience can result in increasing synaptic strength over time.
A tailored minimal self-help intervention to promote condom use in young women: results from a randomized trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a theory-based tailored minimal self-help intervention to increase condom use among young women at risk for HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD). Design: Randomized controlled trial on an intent-to-treat basis in two managed care plans, in Washington state and North Carolina, with follow-up at 3 and 6 months. Participants: A proactively recruited sample of 1210 heterosexually active, non-monogamous, non-pregnant women, aged 18–24 years recruited June 1999–April 2000; 85% completed the 6-month follow-up. Method: Arm 1 received usual care. Arm 2 received a mailed computer-generated self-help magazine, individually tailored on survey items including stage of readiness to use condoms, barriers to condom use, partner type; condom samples and a condom-carrying case were included in the packet; this was followed 3 months later by a tailored ‘booster’ newsletter. The a priori 6-month main outcomes were percentage of women using condoms during the previous 3 months (overall and by partner type) and proportion of total episodes of intercourse during which condoms were used in the previous 3 months. Results: Relative to usual care, intervention group women reported significantly more condom use overall [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32–2.65; P = 0.0005] and with recent primary partners (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.37–2.86; P = 0.0003). They also reported using condoms for a higher proportion of intercourse episodes (52.7% versus 47.9%; P = 0.05). Significantly more intervention women carried condoms, discussed condoms with partners, and had higher self-efficacy to use condoms with primary partners. Conclusions: Tailored cognitive/behavioral minimal self-help interventions hold promise as HIV/STD prevention strategies for diverse populations of young at-risk women.