Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graded motor imagery in the rehabilitation of children with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome ( CRPS ) : Evidence still needed

In recent times, a growing number of children with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) attending tertiary pain clinics across Australia report having used mirror therapies and laterality recognition tasks prescribed by their local therapists as part of a graded motor imagery (GMI) rehabilitation protocol.1 GMI is a progressive motor imagery intervention with three key components applied successively. The intervention begins with a laterality recognition component, followed by imagined movements of the affected limb, and then mirror therapy exercises (Moseley, 2004a). This commentary will review the rationale for GMI and report on the current state of evidence for GMI interventions with children. Consideration will be given to what we can learn from the adult literature as well specific areas that require further pediatric research.
Improved Blood Pressure Estimation Using Photoplethysmography Based on Ensemble Method

Many noninvasive continuous blood pressure measurements using photoplethysmography (PPG) are still inadequate in terms of accuracy and stability, which hinders the practical application of this method. This paper proposes a model based on ensemble method for BP estimation using PPG. A number of blood pressure calculation base-models is built on the same training data. These base-models are used to estimate the blood pressure and the results of each base-model are processed synthetically with clustering. Stepwise regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) are used to build base-models within the ensemble model respectively. Compared to single model, the accuracy and stability of blood pressure (BP) estimation are expected to improve further with this method. University of Queensland vital signs dataset [8], which contains a variety of vital signs data recorded from patients undergoing anesthesia, is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. We employed it to estimate systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP). It could be confirmed that the estimation accuracy and stability of the proposed method is higher than that with single model. In order to extract the feature points of the PPG signal whose quality is poor, a robust feature extraction method is proposed. This method can effectively extract the characteristic information in the experiment.
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme, CYP46A1 genes polymorphism with senile cataract

Background: Senile cataract is the most common type of cataract characterized by gradual progressive thickening of the lens of the eye. Previously, many studies investigated the association between genetic polymorphism and senile cataract. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism is the potential risk factor for many eye-related diseases such as retinopathy and glaucoma. CYP46A1 enzyme converts cholesterol to 24S-hydroxycholesterol; human lens' membranes contain the highest cholesterol content. Defects in enzymes of cholesterol metabolism can be associated with cataracts. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the association of ACE and CYP46A1 genes polymorphism with senile cataract cases and controls. Materials and Methods: ACE (rs 4646994) and CYP46A1 (rs 754203) genes polymorphism in cases and controls were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: This study included 103 senile cataract cases (55 were males and 48 were females) and 102 controls (53 were males and 49 were females). Mean age of cases in this study was 52.02 ± 12.11 years while in control group 53.74 ± 11.87 years. Frequencies of ACE ID, DD, and II genotypes in senile cataract cases were 64.07%, 4.85%, and 31.06% and controls were 61.76%, 26.47%, and 11.76%, respectively. The CYP46A1 gene CT, CC, and TT genotype frequencies were 48.54%, 8.73%, and 42.71% in senile cataract cases and 28.43%, 3.92%, and 67.64% in healthy controls, respectively. ACE DD and II genotypes (P < 0.001,P = 0.0008) and CYP46A1 CT and TT genotypes (P = 0.003,P = 0.0003) were significantly associated with senile cataract cases compared to the controls. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that ACE and CYP46A1 genes polymorphism may be a predictive marker for early identification of population at risk of senile cataract. This potential role of ACE and CYP46A1 genes polymorphism as a marker of susceptibility to senile cataract needs further validation in studies involving larger number of patients from different regions.
Single and collective cell migration: the mechanics of adhesions

Chemical and physical properties of the environment control cell proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis in the long term. However, to be able to move and migrate through a complex three-dimensional environment, cells must quickly adapt in the short term to the physical properties of their surroundings. Interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur through focal adhesions or hemidesmosomes via the engagement of integrins with fibrillar ECM proteins. Cells also interact with their neighbors, and this involves various types of intercellular adhesive structures such as tight junctions, cadherin-based adherens junctions, and desmosomes. Mechanobiology studies have shown that cell–ECM and cell–cell adhesions participate in mechanosensing to transduce mechanical cues into biochemical signals and conversely are responsible for the transmission of intracellular forces to the extracellular environment. As they migrate, cells use these adhesive structures to probe their surroundings, adapt their mechanical properties, and exert the appropriate forces required for their movements. The focus of this review is to give an overview of recent developments showing the bidirectional relationship between the physical properties of the environment and the cell mechanical responses during single and collective cell migration.
Role of Lipid A Acylation in Yersinia enterocolitica Virulence

ABSTRACT Yersinia enterocolitica is an important human pathogen. Y. enterocolitica must adapt to the host environment, and temperature is an important cue regulating the expression of most Yersinia virulence factors. Here, we report that Y. enterocolitica 8081 serotype O:8 synthesized tetra-acylated lipid A at 37°C but that hexa-acylated lipid A predominated at 21°C. By mass spectrometry and genetic methods, we have shown that the Y. enterocolitica msbB, htrB, and lpxP homologues encode the acyltransferases responsible for the addition of C12, C14 and C16:1, respectively, to lipid A. The expression levels of the acyltransferases were temperature regulated. Levels of expression of msbB and lpxP were higher at 21°C than at 37°C, whereas the level of expression of htrB was higher at 37°C. At 21°C, an lpxP mutant was the strain most susceptible to polymyxin B, whereas at 37°C, an htrB mutant was the most susceptible. We present evidence that the lipid A acylation status affects the expression of Yersinia virulence factors. Thus, expression of flhDC, the flagellar master regulatory operon, was downregulated in msbB and lpxP mutants, with a concomitant decrease in motility. Expression of the phospholipase yplA was also downregulated in both mutants. inv expression was downregulated in msbB and htrB mutants, and consistent with this finding, invasion of HeLa cells was diminished. However, the expression of rovA, the positive regulator of inv, was not affected in the mutants. The levels of pYV-encoded virulence factors Yops and YadA in the acyltransferase mutants were not affected. Finally, we show that only the htrB mutant was attenuated in vivo.
Similarity in the linear and non-linear oral absorption of drugs between human and rat.

OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study was to provide a simple, pharmacokinetic rationale for great similarity in the extent (Fab) of gastrointestinal absorption of about 100 different, diverse compounds between human and the rat in linear dosing range, and to test the general applicability of a novel empirical method to correlate the non-linear Fab between the human and the rat by normalizing doses by body surface area (BSA) or body weight 0.67. METHOD The mean small intestinal transit time (t) of 36 rats was estimated from the reported study, and this was used to compare with that in humans. The reported great similarity in apparent first-order absorption rate constants (k) of seven structurally diverse compounds between the two species were obtained. Extensive computer search was made and non-linear Fab data for the two species were obtained for chlorothiazide, acyclovir, miglitol and pafenolol. RESULTS The mean t for rats was estimated to be 3.32 h which is almost identical to that reported in humans. The great similarity in Fab between human and rat in linear absorption range can be rationalized by similar t and k between the two species. The markedly different Fab vs dose/kg of body weight profiles between human and rat for the four drugs showing dose-dependent Fab were found to collapse when doses were normalized by BW0.67. CONCLUSION For Fab not limited by the solubility problem, the great similarity in Fab between human and rat in linear absorption range can be rationalized by the similar t and k. For non-linear Fab drugs, great similarity in Fab can also be obtained between human and rat when doses are normalized by BSA or BW0.67. Regardless of absorption properties (active, passive or facilitated), similar Fab between the two species may be generally obtained when doses used in humans are about 5 to 7 times lower than that in rats. The above findings may be valuable in drug development.
Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Access for Drainage of Petrous Apex Lesions: A Case Report

Objective In this case report, we present a novel, minimally invasive image-guided approach to drainage of a petrous apex lesion. Patient(s) A 34-year-old man diagnosed with a petrous apex lesion consistent with cholesterol granuloma. The granuloma was large and caused mild compression of the brainstem with associated neurologic symptoms and seizure-like activity. Interventions Based on the anatomic location of the lesion, it was determined that the treatment plan would be to surgically drain the lesion via 2 linear paths—one after an infralabyrinthine approach and the other a subarcuate approach. Customized microstereotactic frames that mount on bone-implanted markers and constrain the drill along the desired path were used to accurately drill these desired paths and avoid damage to surrounding critical structures. After a simple mastoidectomy, the petrous apex was successfully reached without damage to vital adjacent structures by drilling the 2 linear channels using 2 custom microstereotactic frames. Main Outcome Measures Viscous brown liquid and debris was recovered by irrigating through one of the channels and suctioning through the other. Results Drainage of the petrous apex was successfully performed via 2 linear channels without any complications. Custom microstereotactic frames were used to accurately drill those linear channels. Postoperative CT ensured no complications. Postoperative course of the patient was remarkable with normal hearing and normal facial nerve function. Conclusion We presented a successful implementation of an image-guided approach to drain petrous apex.
PROOF Modelling eggshell maculation

The eggshells of many avian species are characterised by distinctive patterns of maculation, consisting of speckles, spots, blotches or streaks, the spatial-statistical properties of which vary considerably between (and often within) species. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the production of eggshell maculation would enable us to explore the costs and constraints on the evolution of maculation patterns, but as yet this area is surprisingly understudied. Here I present a simple model of eggshell maculation, which is based on the known biology of pigment deposition, and which can produce a range of realistic maculation patterns. In particular, it provides an explanation for previous observations of maculation heterogeneity and diversity, and allows testable predictions to be made regarding maculation patterns, including a possible signalling role.
Biochemical Selection of Prepubertal Patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome by Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Response to the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test

Before puberty, the diagnosis of androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) can be difficult. We studied whether the decrease of sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG) during the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test may represent a biochemical test to select prepubertal patients with AIS. We examined prepubertal patients with AIS (n = 9, age 0.9-8.2 y), male pseudohermaphroditism not due to AIS (other-MPH) (n = 8, age 0.6-10.7 y), and control boys (n = 12, age 0.8-12.5 y). Testosterone and SHBG levels (mean ± SD) were measured before (d 0) and after (d 5) a hCG test (1500 IU × 3 d). Testosterone levels (nmol/L) increased in all groups [AIS: from 1.5 ± 1.2 to 22.1 ± 11.8 (p < 0.001); other-MPH: from 0.6 ± 0.6 to 9.2 ± 7.4 (p < 0.02); controls: from 1.8 ± 1.4 to 22.8 ± 14.4 (p < 0.001)]. SHBG concentrations (nmol/L) did not change in AIS [from 66.2± 15.1 to 67.5 ± 18.6 (p = NS), Δ-variation 1.7± 12.7%], whereas they were significantly decreased in other-MPH [from 59.9 ± 14.2 to 46.5 ± 18.6 (p < 0.005),Δ-variation -23.7 ± 19.6%] and controls [from 63.0 ± 16.9 to 33.7 ± 14.6 (p < 0.003), Δ-variation -46.9± 15.2%]. Our data suggest that the SHBG changes during the hCG test can be used to assess in vivo the biologic response to androgens in prepubertal patients with ambiguous genitalia, selecting those patients in whom it is worth performing second level investigations to confirm the AIS diagnosis.
Agreement among spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, standard automated perimetry, and stereophotography in the detection of glaucoma progression.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement among spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, standard automated perimetry (SAP), and optic disc stereo photography in the detection of glaucomatous progression. METHODS This was an observational cohort study enrolling 246 eyes (148 patients) followed for an average of 31.8 ± 9 months. Images were obtained every 6 to 12 months with optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field test, and optic disc stereo photography. Progression was determined with OCT using guided progression analysis (GPA) software, in perimetry with Humphrey field analyzer GPA, and by masked assessment of stereo photograph series. Agreement among methods was reported using the κ coefficient, prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted κ (PABAK), Gwet's first-order agreement coefficient (AC1), overall percentage agreement (OPA), percentage of positive agreement (Ppos), and percentage of negative agreement (Pneg). RESULTS Progression by stereo photos, SAP, and OCT was found in 17 eyes (6.9%), 37 eyes (15%), and 63 eyes (25.6%), respectively. Most cases with detectable changes were only identified by one examination method, resulting in low Ppos (<33%). On the contrary, 147 eyes (59.7%) were identified as nonprogressing cases by all three methods, showing high OPA (72.8-89.8) and high Pneg (83.8-94.5). PABAK and AC1 between methods reached 0.67 to 0.88. Measurements of agreement showed a trend toward better agreement between photos and visual field (VF) than between photos and OCT. Spectral-domain OCT parameters reflected a tendency toward better agreement with stereo photos than with VF. CONCLUSIONS Methods obtained acceptable agreement outcomes in terms of PABAK, AC1, and OPA. However, most cases with detectable changes were identified only by one examination method, resulting in low Ppos.
Empowerment of Home Health Care Case Managers

Home health care is one of the fastest-growing segments of the American health sector. Between 2010 and 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor projects an increase of nearly 90,000 jobs in the field (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). While several disciplines are involved in the delivery of care, registered nurses provide the greatest amount of hands-on work. According to Bercovitz and Feldman (2011), more than 27 million older adults will require community-based, long-term care by 2050. These figures suggest that more nurses will continue to enter homecare.
Ambient PM 2 . 5 Human Health Effects — Findings in China and Research Directions

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) results in adverse health outcomes. Although this is a global concern, residents of China may be particularly vulnerable due to frequent severe air pollution episodes associated with economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization. Until 2012, PM2.5 was not regulated and monitored in China and annual average concentrations far exceeded the World Health Organizations guidelines of 10 μg/m3. Since the establishment of PM2.5 Ambient Air Quality Criteria in 2012, concentrations have decreased, but still pose significant health risks. A review of ambient PM2.5 health effect studies is warranted to evaluate the current state of knowledge and to prioritize future research efforts. Our review found that recent literature has confirmed associations between PM2.5 exposure and total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, respiratory mortality, hypertension, lung cancer, influenza and other adverse health outcomes. Future studies should take a long-term approach to verify associations between exposure to PM2.5 and health effects. In order to obtain adequate exposure assessment at finer spatial resolutions, high density sampling, satellite remote sensing, or models should be employed. Personal monitoring should also be conducted to validate the use of outdoor concentrations as proxies for exposure. More research efforts should be devoted to seasonal patterns, sub-population susceptibility, and the mechanism by which exposure causes health effects. Submicron and ultrafine PM should also be monitored and regulated.
Identification and characterization of liver nonparenchymal cells by flow cytometry

Our objective was to correlate biochemical or functional properties that could be measured by fluorescence to individual nonparenchymal cell types by the simultaneous detection of forward angle light scatter and fluorescence. Cells were released from liver following selective digestion of hepatocytes by Pronase perfusion. To fractionate the cells according to size, isolates were subjected to unit gravity sedimentation on a 1 to 5% sucrose gradient. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the resulting fractions as well as the original unfractionated cells. This reaffirmed that forward angle light scatter is linearly related to the sedimentation velocity (size) of the cells and that it can be used to assess cell sizes in an unfractionated population. Endocytosis of fluorescently tagged particulates was studied by injecting either fluorescein isothiocyanate‐tagged colloidal albumin or Coumarin‐tagged latex beads (0.57 μm diameter) prior to Pronase perfusion. Beads were found only in the largest cells (Kupffer cells). Since endothelial cells could endocytose only colloidal albumin, they were readily differentiated from nonendocytosing, nonsinusoidal cells (“lymphocytes”). Staining cell protein with fluorescein isothiocyanate made possible the determination of relative protein content per cell (“lymphocyte”: endothelial:Kupffer cell was 0.57:1.0:2.0). To determine relative esterase activities, mixed cell isolates were incubated in fluorescein diacetate (“lymphocyte”: endothelial:Kupffer cells was 0.13:1.0:2.4). Uptake of rhodamine 123 was used to assess mitochondrial function (“lymphocyte”:endothelial:Kupffer cells was 0.45:1.0:14.6). Mitochondrial volume per cell is known to be 1:2 for endothelial:Kupffer cells. Therefore, the large difference in rhodamine uptake is not related to volume.
A power efficient digitally programmable delay element for low power VLSI applications

Digitally programmable delay elements (DPDE) are required to be monotonic and low power. In this paper, a low power digitally programmable delay element (DPDE) with monotonic delay characteristics is proposed. A dynamic current mirror together with a feedback technique enables a current-on-demand operation. To avoid direct currents in the output transistors, an extra inverter is introduced to independently control the NMOS of the output inverter. The static power is eliminated while dynamic power is made proportional to the delay with a maximum of 36uW when the unit is operating at 450MHz.
Marketing communication analysis of benetton PR campaigns

Abstract In today’s economies the role of marketing cannot be underestimated, just the sole amount of media communications is astonishing not taking in consideration the different marketing and PR strategies involved. The most well-known tools include advertising, public relations, sales promotions, direct marketing and personal selling. There is an increasing number of advertisements that reach our attention by the presence of vulgarity, nudity or moral offenses. The aim of the article is to extensively review the literature of shock advertising namely shockvertising and to pinpoint its evolution in case of Benetton fashion brand. Shockvertising focuses on the idea of selling products through evoking terrifying and repulsive emotions. This type of advertising is used to sensitize people to religion, racism, war, poverty and other taboo topics. The descriptive method is used in order to describe such complex phenomena. The research is conducted in the form of a retrospective qualitative case study focusing on the historical events that are connected to the communications at Benetton. Through the following research a better understanding of shockvertising and its dynamics is reached and emotional reactions of a range of individuals is presented. In addition, the question of ethical considerations and the shock advertising effectiveness is analyzed.