Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of preoperative oral supplementation with a specialized diet in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Perioperative nutrition with specialized enteral diets improves outcome when compared with standard formulas. A post-hoc analysis suggested preoperative administration as the most important period. Thus, we designed a study to understand prospectively whether preoperative supplementation could be as efficacious as the perioperative approach and superior to a conventional treatment (no artificial nutrition) in reducing postoperative infections and length of hospital stay. METHODS A total of 305 patients with preoperative weight loss <10% and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract were randomized to receive the following: (1) oral supplementation for 5 days before surgery with 1 L/day of a formula enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and RNA, with no nutritional support given after surgery (preoperative group, n = 102); (2) the same preoperative treatment plus postoperative jejunal infusion with the same enriched formula (perioperative group, n = 101); and (3) no artificial nutrition before and after surgery (conventional group; n = 102). RESULTS The 3 groups were comparable for all baseline and surgical characteristics. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a 13.7% incidence of postoperative infections in the preoperative group, 15.8% in the perioperative group, and 30.4% in the conventional group (P = 0.006 vs. preoperative; P = 0.02 vs. perioperative). Length of hospital stay was 11.6 +/- 4.7 days in the preoperative group, 12.2 +/- 4.1 days in the perioperative group, and 14.0 +/- 7.7 days in the conventional group (P = 0.008 vs. preoperative and P = 0.03 vs. perioperative). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative supplementation is as effective as perioperative administration in improving outcome. Both strategies seem superior to the conventional approach.
Improving adherence to cardiovascular disease medications with information technology.

OBJECTIVES Evaluate the utility of 2 electronic medical record (EMR)-linked, automated phone reminder interventions for improving adherence to cardiovascular disease medications. STUDY DESIGN A 1-year, parallel arm, pragmatic clinical trial in which 21,752 adults were randomized to receive either usual care (UC) or 1 of 2 interventions in the form of interactive voice recognition calls-regular (IVR) or enhanced (IVR+). The interventions used automated phone reminders to increase adherence to cardiovascular disease medications. The primary outcome was medication adherence; blood pressure and lipid levels were secondary outcomes. METHODS The study took place in 3 large health maintenance organizations. We enrolled participants who were 40 years or older, had diabetes mellitus or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and were suboptimally adherent. IVR participants received automated phone calls when they were due or overdue for a refill. IVR+ participants received these phone calls, plus personalized reminder letters, live outreach calls, EMR-based feedback to their primary care providers, and additional mailed materials. RESULTS Both interventions significantly increased adherence to statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) compared with UC (1.6 to 3.7 percentage points). Adherence to ACEIs/ARBs was also significantly higher for IVR+ relative to IVR participants. These differences persisted across subgroups. Among statin users, IVR+ participants had significantly lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels at follow-up compared with UC (Δ = -1.5; 95% CI, -2.7 to -0.2 mg/dL); this effect was seen mainly in those with baseline LDL levels ≥ 100 mg/dL (Δ = -3.6; 95% CI, -5.9 to -1.3 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS Technology-based tools, in conjunction with an EMR, can improve adherence to chronic disease medications and measured cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A routing protocol based on combinative metric for wireless mesh network

Although wireless mesh network is one of the most hotspots in wireless network field, the routing protocol standardization is still on the way. In this paper, an improved routing protocol based on AODV, MODVWLS, is proposed by using combinative metric, which is composed of node's available bandwidth, buffer queue and throughput, as routing metric. The metric of each hop is accumulated, and the path with minimal combinative metric from source to destination is finally used as preferred route. Metric calculation, message formats, route discovering and maintenance process are also introduced. Finally, several simulations are conducted by ns-2, and results show that due to utilizing disengaged nodes sufficiently and balancing network load perfectly, MODVWLS is better than AODV on packet delivery fraction, average end-to-end delay and normalized routing load, so it is more suitable for wireless network.
Ontology view of intelligent systems

The article develops an ontological view for analysis of intelligent systems. The idea is to view intelligent systems as series of ontological transformations of information. The paper, then, proposes and analyses the claim that the assumption of fixed ontology significantly bounds the abilities of an intelligent system, especially their performance in complex environments. This limiting assumption is used in most of current AI designs.
Viscoelastic measurements after vocal fold scarring in rabbits—short-term results after hyaluronan injection

Abstract Conclusions. The scarring model resulted in significant damage and elevated viscoelasticity of the lamina propria. Hyaluronan preparations may alter viscoelasticity in scarred rabbit vocal folds. Objectives. Vocal fold scarring results in stiffness of the lamina propria and severe voice problems. The aims of this study were to examine the degree of scarring achieved in the experiment and to measure the viscoelastic properties after injection of hyaluronan in rabbit vocal folds. Materials and methods. Twenty-two vocal folds from 15 New Zealand rabbits were scarred, 8 vocal folds were controls. After 8 weeks 12 of the scarred vocal folds received injections with 2 types of cross-linked hyaluronan products and 10 scarred folds were injected with saline. After 11 more weeks the animals were sacrificed. After dissection, 15 vocal folds were frozen for viscoelastic measurements, whereas 14 vocal folds were prepared and stained. Measurements were made of the lamina propria thickness. Viscoelasticity was measured on intact vocal folds with a linear skin rheometer (LSR) adapted to laryngeal measurements. Results. Measurements on the digitized slides showed a thickened lamina propria in the scarred samples as compared with the normal vocal folds (p <0.05). The viscoelastic analysis showed a tendency to stiffening of the scarred vocal folds as compared with the normal controls (p =0.05). There was large variation in stiffness between the two injected hyaluronan products.
Persistent conduction abnormalities and requirements for pacemaking six months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

AIMS Early conduction abnormalities and need for pacemaking after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is well recognised. It is still unknown, however, if these conduction abnormalities are persistent, and what is the need for permanent pacemaking after 1-month follow-up. In this prospective study, we examined the incidence of post-procedural and 6-month conduction abnormalities and need for permanent pacemaking after TAVI. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) of 91 consecutive patients in whom a Medtronic CoreValve ReValving System was implanted between November 2005 and April 2009. We evaluated the ECGs before treatment, after treatment, at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. The requirement and timing of permanent pacemaking was documented. The mean age of patients was 81±7 years and the mean logistic EuroSCORE was 16±9%. Median duration of follow-up was 213 days (IQR 64, 519). There was a 39% increase in the frequency of LBBB after TAVI (15% before treatment vs. 54% after treatment, p<0.001). Importantly, there was no significant change in the frequency of LBBB from after treatment to 1- or 6-month follow-up (54% after treatment vs. 42% at 1-month follow-up, p=0.45, and 54% after treatment vs. 45% at 6-month follow-up, p=0.39). Permanent pacemaking was required in 17/91 (19%) of patients. A permanent pacemaker was implanted in 8/17 patients (47%) within seven days of TAVI, in 6/17 (35%) at 7-30 days, and in 3/17 (18%) after 30 days. Male gender, previous myocardial infarction, pre-existing right bundle branch block, actual diameter (mm) of the inflow portion of the CoreValve frame post-implantation and depth of implantation were predictors for new LBBB; pre-treatment QRS duration (msec) and septal wall thickness were predictors for permanent pacemaking. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that early conduction abnormalities occurring after TAVI persist at 6-months follow-up. Patient-related, anatomical-related, and procedure-related factors need to be considered in the pathogenesis of conduction abnormalities after TAVI.
Current-mode motion detector sensor using copier cell in CMOS technology

This paper presents a CMOS pixel motion detector based on an current-mode APS (Active Pixel Sensor) topology using standard 0. 35μm CMOS process. We propose a design with transmission gate to control two copier cells to compare different integration time. The pixel output is a differential current signal proportional to the difference between the two current copier cells level. The whole circuit has been simulated using LTSpice and the results had demonstrated the circuit capability to operate as a motion detector. Simulations show an average power consumption of 99nW per pixel respectively at 3.3V power supply voltage. The complete circuit pixel occupies a very small area of 33μm ×73μm.
Measurement of MHC/Peptide Interactions by Gel Filtration

This unit describes a technique for the direct and quantitative measurement of the capacity of peptide ligands to bind Class I and Class II MHC molecules. The binding of a peptide of interest to MHC is assessed based on its ability to inhibit the binding of a radiolabeled probe peptide to MHC molecules. The establishment of an MHC/peptide binding assay, and its subsequent use in determining the MHC binding capacities of peptide ligands, requires sufficient stocks of purified MHC and both labeled and unlabeled peptides. Accordingly, this unit includes protocols for the purification of Class I and Class II MHC molecules by affinity chromatography, and for the radiolabeling of peptides using the chloramine T method. A support protocol describes alterations in the basic protocol that are necessary when performing direct binding assays, which are required for (1) selecting appropriate high‐affinity, assay‐specific, radiolabeled ligands and (2) determining the amount of MHC necessary to yield assays with the highest sensitivity. After a 2‐day incubation, the bound and unbound radiolabeled species are separated, and their relative amounts are determined. Two methods for separation by size‐exclusion gel‐filtration chromatography are described, as is data analysis.
A Biomechanical Comparison Between Anterior and Transverse Interbody Fusion Cages

Study Design. Human cadaveric lumbar spines underwent placement of threaded fusion cages (TFCs) in either an anterior or transverse orientation. Spines underwent load testing and angular rotation measurement in the intact state, after diskectomy, after cage placement, and after fatiguing. Angular rotations were compared between cage orientations and interventions. Objective. To determine which cage orientation resulted in greater immediate stability. Summary of Background Data. There has been extensive biomechanical study of interbody fusion cages. The lateral orientation has been increasingly used for intervertebral fusion, but a direct biomechanical comparison between cages implanted either anteriorly or transversely in human cadaveric spines has not been performed. Methods. Fourteen spines were randomized into the anterior group (anterior diskectomy and dual anterior cage placement) and the lateral group (lateral diskectomy and single transverse cage placement). Pure bending moments of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 Nm were applied in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Load testing was performed while intact, after diskectomy, after cage placement, and after fatiguing. Angular rotation was compared between anterior and lateral groups and, within each group, among the different interventions. Results. Segmental ranges of motion were similar between spines undergoing either anterior or lateral cage implantation. Conclusions. These results demonstrate few differences between angular rotation after either anterior or lateral TFC implantation. These findings add to data that find few differences between orientation of implanted TFCs. Combined with a decreased risk of adjacent structure injury through a lateral approach, these data support a lateral approach for lumbar interbody fusion.
Changes of Biogenic Amines and Their Metabolites in Postmortem Brains from Patients with Alzheimer‐Type Dementia

Abstract: Noradrenaline (NA), 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐ethylamine (dopamine, DA), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5‐HT), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5‐hydroxy‐indoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) were measured in 22 regions of postmortem brains from four histologically verified cases with Alzheimer‐type dementia (AID) and nine histologically normal controls. Compared with the controls, concentrations of 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA in the ATD brains were significantly reduced in nine regions (superior frontal gyrus, insula, cingulate gyrus, amygdala, putamen, medial and lateral segments of globus pallidus, substantia nigra, lateral nucleus of thalamus) and in eight regions (amygdala, substantia innominata, caudate, putamen, medial and lateral segments of globus pallidus, medial and lateral nuclei of thalamus), respectively. NA concentrations of the ATD brains were significantly reduced in six regions (cingulate gyrus, substantia innominata, putamen, hypothalamus, medial nucleus of thalamus, raphe area). In contrast, significant reductions of DA and HVA concentrations in the ATD brains were found only in putamen and amygdala, respectively. The 5‐HIAA/5‐HT ratio in the ATD brains decreased significantly in locus coeruleus, while the HYA/DA ratio increased significantly in putamen and medial segment of globus pallidus. These findings suggest that the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems are affected, while the dopaminergic system is relatively unaffected in ATD brains.
Improved fetal ECG extraction by applying adaptive filtering

The abdominal signal recorded on the abdomen of a pregnant woman allows the fECG extraction for a further analysis. The main problem when using the ADSs is that they contain not only the signals of interest but also some disturbing signals that influence the fECG extraction methods. This study proposes an adaptive algorithm that removes the main PLI frequency and its harmonics from the real and simulated abdominal signals. The algorithm is quite stable and preserve the fECG morphology.
Adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine induces early CD4+ T cell response that predicts long-term persistence of protective antibody levels

Immune responses to vaccination are tested in clinical trials. This process usually requires years especially when immune memory and persistence are analyzed. Markers able to quickly predict the immune response would be very useful, particularly when dealing with emerging diseases that require a rapid response, such as avian influenza. To address this question we vaccinated healthy adults at days 1, 22, and 202 with plain or MF59-adjuvanted H5N1 subunit vaccines and tested both cell-mediated and antibody responses up to day 382. Only the MF59-H5N1 vaccine induced high titers of neutralizing antibodies, a large pool of memory H5N1-specific B lymphocytes, and H5-CD4+ T cells broadly reactive with drifted H5. The CD4+ response was dominated by IL-2+ IFN-γ− IL-13− T cells. Remarkably, a 3-fold increase in the frequency of virus-specific total CD4+ T cells, measurable after 1 dose, accurately predicted the rise of neutralizing antibodies after booster immunization and their maintenance 6 months later. We suggest that CD4+ T cell priming might be used as an early predictor of the immunogenicity of prepandemic vaccines.
Low-Dose Radiation-Induced Protective Process and Implications for Risk Assessment, Cancer Prevention, and Cancer Therapy

A low-dose protective apoptosis-mediated (PAM) process is discussed that appears to be turned on by low-dose gamma and X rays but not by low-dose alpha radiation. PAM is a bystander effect that involves cross-talk between genomically compromised [e.g., mutants, neoplastically transformed, micronucleated] cells and nongenomically compromised cells. A novel neoplastic cell transformation model, NEOTRANS3, is discussed that includes PAM. With NEOTRANS3, PAM is activated by low doses and inhibited by moderate or high doses and is, therefore, a hormetic process. A low-dose region of suppression of the transformation frequency below the spontaneous frequency relates to the hormetic zone over which PAM is presumed to operate. The magnitude of suppression relates to what is called the hormetic intensity. Both the hormetic intensity and width of the hormetic zone are expected to depend on dose rate, being more pronounced after low dose rates. It is expected that PAM likely had a significant role in the following observations after chronic irradiation: (1) what appears to be a tremendous reduction in the cancer incidence below the spontaneous level for Taiwanese citizens residing for years in cobalt-60 contaminated apartments; and (2) the published reductions in the lung cancer incidence below the spontaneous level in humans after protracted X irradiation and after chronic gamma plus alpha irradiation. Implications of PAM for cancer prevention and low-dose cancer therapy are briefly discussed.
Anti-inflammatory study on crude methanol extract and different fractions of Eremostachys laciniata

Context: Eremostachys laciniata (L.) Bunge (Lamiaceae), which has been reported as a rich source of flavonoids, is one of the rarely explored species of the genus Eremostachys. Objective: In this study, the crude methanol extract and different fractions of E. laciniata were investigated for in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. Material and methods: Shade-dried leaves of E. laciniata were exhaustively extracted by percolation with methanol (80%) to obtain 250 g of crude methanol extract (El), followed by fractionation with different organic solvents to get the n-hexane (Elh), chloroform (Elc), ethyl acetate (Ele), butanol (Elb), and water (Elw) fractions. An in vivo anti-inflammatory study of the crude extract and sub-crude fractions was carried out in rats using the carrageenan model. Results: The Ele fraction was found to be the most potent inhibitor of edema formation by inducing a maximum inhibitory effect of 74.2% at the 300 mg/kg dose, during 3 h post carrageenan injection. The El extract and Elc fraction also showed good anti-inflammatory properties at the same dose. Discussion: The demonstration of excellent anti-inflammatory activity by the plant chiefly concentrating in the Ele fraction and the appearance of peak activity in the latter phase of the experiment suggested the presence of relatively low-polar substances with arachidonic acid metabolite inhibition property. Conclusion: The plant may be an excellent source in the future for activity-guided isolation of important anti-inflammatory substances.
The N Terminus of Drosophila ESC Binds Directly to Histone H3 and Is Required for E(Z)-Dependent Trimethylation of H3 Lysine 27

ABSTRACT Polycomb group proteins mediate heritable transcriptional silencing and function through multiprotein complexes that methylate and ubiquitinate histones. The 600-kDa E(Z)/ESC complex, also known as Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), specifically methylates histone H3 lysine 27 (H3 K27) through the intrinsic histone methyltransferase (HMTase) activity of the E(Z) SET domain. By itself, E(Z) exhibits no detectable HMTase activity and requires ESC for methylation of H3 K27. The molecular basis for this requirement is unknown. ESC binds directly, via its C-terminal WD repeats (β-propeller domain), to E(Z). Here, we show that the N-terminal region of ESC that precedes its β-propeller domain interacts directly with histone H3, thereby physically linking E(Z) to its substrate. We show that when expressed in stable S2 cell lines, an N-terminally truncated ESC (FLAG-ESC61-425), like full-length ESC, is incorporated into complexes with E(Z) and binds to a Ubx Polycomb response element in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. However, incorporation of this N-terminally truncated ESC into E(Z) complexes prevents trimethylation of histone H3 by E(Z). We also show that a closely related Drosophila melanogaster paralog of ESC, ESC-like (ESCL), and the mammalian homolog of ESC, EED, also interact with histone H3 via their N termini, indicating that the interaction of ESC with histone H3 is evolutionarily conserved, reflecting its functional importance. Our data suggest that one of the roles of ESC (and ESCL and EED) in PRC2 complexes is to enable E(Z) to utilize histone H3 as a substrate by physically linking enzyme and substrate.
Late-onset social anxiety disorder following traumatic brain injury

Background: Neuropsychiatric sequelae are the predominant long-term disability after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study reports a case of late-onset social anxiety disorder (SAD) following TBI. Case report: A patient that was spontaneous and extroverted up to 18-years-old started to exhibit significant social anxiety symptoms. These symptoms became progressively worse and he sought treatment at age 21. He had a previous history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) at age 17. Neuroimaging investigations (CT, SPECT and MRI) showed a bony protuberance on the left frontal bone, with mass effect on the left frontal lobe. He had no neurological signs or symptoms. The patient underwent neurosurgery with gross total resection of the lesion and the pathological examination was compatible with intradiploic haematoma. Conclusions: Psychiatric symptoms may be the only findings in the initial manifestation of slowly growing extra-axial space-occupying lesions that compress the frontal lobe from the outside. Focal neurological symptoms may occur only when the lesion becomes large. This case report underscores the need for careful exclusion of general medical conditions and TBI history in cases of late-onset SAD and may also contribute to the elucidation of the neurobiology of this disorder.