Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dispositivo robótico para guiagem de agulhas flexíveis em procedimentos minimamente invasivos

Author: André Augusto Geraldes Supervisor: Prof. Antônio Padilha Lanari Bó, ENE/UnB Graduate Program in Electronic Systems Engineering and Automation – PGEA Brasília, 25th September 2015 Flexible needles represent a novel technology in minimally invasive surgery. Due to their ability to bend inside soft tissue, they have the potential to increase the performance of several surgical procedures, however the precise positioning of this kind of needles remains a challenge to be solved by the scientific community. In this context, this work presents a novel robotic device for flexible needle steering. This device uses a discrete insertion approach, in order to solve existing problems of the Telescoping Support Device, considered the state of the art. The development of this device comprises an original mechanical design as well as the electronics and software systems required to control the needle insertion. In vitro experiments allowed to quantify the open loop performance of the developed system and to compare it to the state of the art. The obtained results showed that the novel device has more accuracy, resulting in a 35% decrease on the mean positioning error, but it is 4 times less precise. The performed experiments also allowed identifying mechanical issues with the manufactured device, which had a negative impact in its performance. The correction of these issues should increase the precision of the developed device, however this modifications are left for future work.
Hypermutation in Human B Cells in Vivo and in Vitro

Abstract: We develop our previous observation that a subpopulation of circulating memory IgM+IgD+CD27+B cells belongs to a separate pathway of differentiation in humans. This subpopulation, which represents 5–25% of peripheral B cells, is also present in spleen in the same proportion and displays a marginal‐zone‐like B cell phenotype. In addition, we describe a short‐time in vitro induction model for somatic hypermutation by using the BL2 Burkitt's lymphoma cell line stimulated by a combination of antibodies directed against different surface receptors. This short‐time assay allows us to show that mutations are stably introduced in one DNA strand of the BL2 VH gene in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Low-Loss Transponder Aggregator Using Spatial and Planar Optical Circuit

We propose a compact transponder aggregator (TPA) consisting of a wavelength selective switch (WSS) array and a direction switch array. It has no intrinsic splitting loss and therefore the number of ports can exceed that of a conventional multicast switch. A waveguide-based frontend that incorporates spatial beam transformers enables us to increase the number of ports and integrate multiple WSSs in a simple optical system. The direction switch array is integrated in the frontend. We describe an 8 × 24 prototype, which is the largest port count yet achieved for a TPA with no intrinsic splitting loss.
Fasudil alleviates pressure overload‐induced heart failure by activating Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant responses

The RhoA/Rho‐kinase cascade plays an important role in many aspects of cardiovascular function. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of fasudil, a Rho‐kinase inhibitor, on pressure overload induced heart failure in rats. Pressure overload induced heart failure was induced in SD rats by banding the abdominal aorta for 8 weeks. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham, TAC, TAC plus low dose of fasudil, and TAC plus high dose of fasudil group. Low dose and high dose fasudil were 5 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively. Rats in the Sham and TAC groups were treated with vehicle. Fasudil effectively inhibited TAC‐induced heart failure, as evaluated by echocardiography and transmission electron microscopy. Fasudil could significantly promote superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) content in a dose‐dependent maner in TAC rats. Consistently, fasudil evoked significant nuclear translocation of Nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) with increased DNA/promoter binding and transactivation of Nrf2 targets. In addition, fasudil increased the content of iron as well as transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) in TAC rats. A mild oxidative stress induced by iron may activate the antioxidant enzymes by feedback response. Taken together, these results indicate that the protective effect of fasudil may be due to its strong antioxidative activities which related with the activated Nrf2 and its down‐regulated genes. These findings provide a new treatment concept and support the benefit of fasudil treatment in heart failure.
Functional organization of the dorsal spino-cerebellar tract in the cat. V. Further experiments on convergence of excitatory and inhibitory actions.

Summary. Intra-axonal recording in Flechsig's fasciculus was used for a further investigation of the functional organization of the dorsal spino-cerebellar tract. After ipsilateral section of lumbar and sacral dorsal roots, many neurons identified as belonging to the dorsal spino-cerebellar tract (neurons activated by group I muscle afferents) were found to have a resting discharge. In silent neurons a discharge could be made to appear after repetitive stimulation of dorsal roots. It is concluded that these neurons receive excitatory action from interneurons. Convergence of excitation and inhibition onto DSCT neurons from various muscles was studied with the use of electrical stimulation of muscle nerves as well as with adequate activation of stretch receptors. As evidenced by monosynaptic excitation on single shock stimulation of muscle nerves, convergence of excitatory action mediated by group I afferents was found to be rather limited. A number of neurons can only be fired from one muscle nerve but some from as many as three out of seven nerves (including non-synergists). Convergence of inhibitory action mediated by group I afferents is extensive also from other muscles than the antagonist of the nerve supplying the main excitatory action.
Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer: molecular mechanisms

Abstract: Every living organism on the surface of the earth is exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) fraction of the sunlight. This electromagnetic energy has both life‐giving and life‐endangering effects. UV radiation can damage DNA and thus mutagenize several genes involved in the development of the skin cancer. The presence of typical signature of UV‐induced mutations on these genes indicates that the ultraviolet‐B part of sunlight is responsible for the evolution of cutaneous carcinogenesis. During this process, variable alterations of the oncogenic, tumor‐suppressive, and cell‐cycle control signaling pathways occur. These pathways include (a) mutated PTCH (in the mitogenic Sonic Hedgehog pathway) and mutated p53 tumor‐suppressor gene in basal cell carcinomas, (b) an activated mitogenic ras pathway and mutated p53 in squamous cell carcinomas, and (c) an activated ras pathway, inactive p16, and p53 tumor suppressors in melanomas. This review presents background information about the skin optics, UV radiation, and molecular events involved in photocarcinogenesis.
Ca(2+)‐induced Ca2+ release in myocytes from dyspedic mice lacking the type‐1 ryanodine receptor.

While subtypes 1 and 2 of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) function as intracellular Ca2+ release channels, little is known about the function of the third subtype (RyR‐3), first identified in brain. Myocytes from mice homozygous for a targeted mutation in the RyR‐1 gene (dyspedic mice) can now be used for a study on the function of RyR‐3, which is predominantly expressed in these cells according to our reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis. We here demonstrate in these myocytes caffeine‐, ryanodine‐ and adenine nucleotide‐sensitive Ca(2+)‐induced Ca2+ release with approximately 10 times lower sensitivity to Ca2+ than that of RyR‐1. Although RyR‐3 does not mediate excitation‐contraction coupling of the skeletal muscle type, we propose that RyR‐3 may induce intracellular Ca2+ release in response to a Ca2+ rise with a high threshold.
PROTECTION AGAINST CYTOSINE ARABINOSIDE‐INDUCED ALOPECIA BY MINOXIDIL IN A RAT ANIMAL MODEL

Background. Alopecia is one of the most physically and psychologically distressing side effect of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. In the past 2 years, we reported that: (a) treatment of 8‐day‐old rats with 1‐B‐D‐arabinofuranosylcy‐tosine (Ara‐C), doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (cyc) consistently produced alopecia; (b) Imuvert, a biological response modifier, produced complete protection against alopecia induced by Ara‐C and doxorubicin, but not that produced by cyc, most probably through the release of in‐terleukin‐1; and (c) n‐acetylcysteine protected against cyc‐induced alopecia in the newborn rat.
[Model for predicting childhood obesity from diet and physical activity].

BACKGROUND If obesity results from the interaction of variables that involve the subject and his environment, the alternatives to face the problem could be very diverse. The objective of this study was to seek for the best predictive model of childhood obesity from energy ingestion, dietary habits and physical activity. METHODS Case control study of 99 obese and 100 healthy weight children (Center for Diseases Control criteria). Energy ingestion was estimated by means of a 24-hour recall, dietary and physical activity habits by validated questionnaires. A logistic regression analysis was made. RESULTS Variables independently associated to obesity were higher energy ingestion; lower frequency in mealtimes; having the afternoon lunch outside home; higher frequency of consumption of fat, junk food and sweetened beverages; lower time of moderate physical activity at school and at home; and increased time for homework and watching TV. The variables included in the regression model were energy intake; frequency of ingestion of fat, junk foods and sweetened beverages; and physical activity at home and at school. CONCLUSION The diversity of associated variables underlines the complexity and multi-causal condition of obesity.
Iron supplementation of breast-fed Honduran and Swedish infants from 4 to 9 months of age.

OBJECTIVE The objective was to study the effects of iron supplementation on hemoglobin and iron status in 2 different populations. STUDY DESIGN In a randomized, placebo-controlled, masked clinical trial, we assigned term Swedish (n = 101) and Honduran (n = 131) infants to 3 groups at 4 months of age: (1) iron supplements, 1 mg/kg/d, from 4 to 9 months, (2) placebo, 4 to 6 months and iron, 6 to 9 months, and (3) placebo, 4 to 9 months. All infants were breast-fed exclusively to 6 months and partially to 9 months. RESULTS From 4 to 6 months, the effect of iron (group 1 vs 2 + 3) was significant and similar in both populations for hemoglobin, ferritin, and zinc protoporphyrin. From 6 to 9 months, the effect (group 2 vs group 3) was significant and similar at both sites for all iron status variables except hemoglobin, for which there was a significant effect only in Honduras. In Honduras, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia at 9 months was 29% in the placebo group and 9% in the supplemented groups. In Sweden, iron supplements caused no reduction in the already low prevalence of iron deficiency anemia at 9 months (<3%). CONCLUSION Iron supplementation from 4 to 9 months or 6 to 9 months significantly reduced iron deficiency anemia in Honduran breast-fed infants. The unexpected hemoglobin response at 4 to 6 months in both populations suggests that regulation of hemoglobin synthesis is immature at this age.
Earth structure from free oscillations and travel times: Geophys

An extensive set of reliable gross Earth data has been inverted to obtain a new estimate of the radial variations of seismic velocities and density in the Earth. The basic data set includes the observed mass and moment of inertia, the average periods of free oscillation (taken mainly from the Dziewonski-Gilbert study), and five new sets of differential travel-time data. The differential travel-time data consists of the times of PcP-P and ScS-S, which contain information about mantle structure, and the times of P′_(AB) - P′_(DF) and P′_(BC)-P′_(DF) which are sensitive to core structure. A simple but realistic starting model was constructed using a number of physical assumptions, such as requiring the Adams-Williamson relation to hold in the lower mantle and core. The data were inverted using an iterative linear estimation algorithm. By using baseline-insensitive differential travel times and averaged eigenperiods, a considerable improvement in both the quality of the fit and the resolving power of the data set has been realized. The spheroidal and toroidal data are fit on the average to 0·04 and 0·08 per cent, respectively. The final model, designated model B1, also agrees with Rayleigh and Love wave phase and group velocity data. The ray-theoretical travel times of P waves computed from model B1 are about 0·8s later than the 1968 Seismological Tables with residuals decreasing with distance, in agreement with Cleary & Hales and other recent studies. The computed PcP, PKP, and PKiKP times are generally within 0·5 s of the times obtained in recent studies. The travel times of S computed from B1 are 5–10 s later than the Jeffreys-Sullen Tables in the distance range 30° to 95°, with residuals increasing with distance. These S times are in general agreement with the more recent data of Kogan, Ibrahim & Nuttli, Lehmann, Cleary, and Bolt et al. Model B1 is characterized by an upper mantle with a high, 4·8 km s^(−1), S_n velocity and a normal, 3·33 g cm^(−3), density. A low-velocity zone for S is required by the data, but a possible low-velocity zone for compressional waves cannot be resolved by the basic data set. The upper mantle transition zone contains two first-order discontinuities at depths of 420 km and 671 km. Between these discontinuities the shear velocity decreases with depth. The radius of the core, fixed by PcP-P times and previous mode inversions, is 3485 km, and the radius of the inner core-outer core boundary is 1215 km. There are no other first-order discontinuities in the core model. The shear velocity in the inner core is about 3·5 km s^(−1).
Anabolic androgenic steroids and violent offending: confounding by polysubstance abuse among 10,365 general population men.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with aggressive and violent behaviour, but it remains uncertain if this relationship is causal in humans. We examined the link between AAS use and violent crime while controlling for polysubstance abuse and additional suggested risk factors for violence. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of a population-based sample. SETTING In 2005, all Swedish-born male twins aged 20-47 years were invited to participate in the Swedish Twin Adults: Genes and Environment (STAGE) survey of the Swedish Twin Register (response rate = 60%). PARTICIPANTS A total of 10,365 male survey participants with information on AAS use. MEASUREMENT Data on self-reported use of AAS, alcohol and other substances, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and personality disorder symptoms were linked to nation-wide, longitudinal register information on criminal convictions, IQ, psychological functioning and childhood socio-economic status (SES) covariates. FINDINGS Any life-time use of AAS was associated strongly with conviction for a violent crime [2.7 versus 0.6% in convicted and non-convicted men, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 5.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.7-9.3]. However, this link was substantially reduced and no longer significant when controlling for other substance abuse (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.8-3.3). Controlling for IQ, psychological functioning, ADHD, personality disorder symptoms and childhood SES did not reduce the risk further. CONCLUSION In the general population, co-occurring polysubstance abuse, but not IQ, other neuropsychological risks or socio-economic status, explains most of the relatively strong association between any anabolic androgenic steroid use and conviction for a violent crime.
Correlations between prostate chromatin structure and transcriptional activity and acceptor site distribution

Androgen‐receptor complexes are intimately involved in the maintenance of rat ventral prostate chromatin in a transcriptionally active structure. The presence or absence of androgens influenced the quantity of transcriptionally active chromatin and the distribution of acceptor sites for androgen‐receptor complexes as probed by endonucleolytic cleavage. After castration, changes in the sedimentation rates of nucleosome oligomers were consistent with the absence of androgen‐receptor complexes and elongating polyribonucleotide chains. These changes were accompanied by decreases in the ability of chromatin released under conditions of minimal nuclease digestion to bind androgen‐receptor complexes and to support incorporation of RNA precursors responsive to androgenic stimulation. Saturation analyses of chromatin and nuclear fractions with partially purified androgen‐receptor complexes revealed two affinity classes of acceptor sites. After castration, alterations in the intrachromatin distribution of acceptor sites were consistent with their redeployment into areas of decreased nuclease sensitivity, as previously shown for androgen‐responsive genes.
Acetylcholinesterase level and molecular isoforms are altered in brain of Reelin Orleans mutant mice

In this study we examined changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) pattern in the brain of adult Reelin Orleans (RelnOrl) homozygous mutant mice. The AChE histochemistry firstly revealed an abnormal distribution of AChE‐positive cells in several areas of the reeler brain, including cortices; the strongest labelling was observed in cerebellum and hippocampus when compared with controls. Biochemical determinations demonstrated an increase of 80–90% in AChE specific activity from cerebellar and hippocampal extracts. We also report that the AChE tetrameric form (G4) was selectively increased in the RelnOrl brain. The relationship between AChE and Reelin and suggested morphogenetic functions are also discussed.
A new quick response digital control DC-DC converter with bias modification

This paper presents a new quick response digital control dc-dc converter with the bias modification and its transient characteristics. In this new research, the reference bias in the P-I-D control is controlled by the reactor current sensing method with the R-C filter. In this case, the averaged reactor current is used in the model control by the low-pass filter with op-amp. In this paper, the proposed method is compared with the model control of the output current sensing method. As the result, the proposed method can obtain transient characteristics equal to the conventional P-I-D control of optimal control coefficients without depending on the integral gain in the P-I-D control.
p53 suppresses the self-renewal of adult neural stem cells

There is increasing evidence that tumors are heterogeneous and that a subset of cells act as cancer stem cells. Several proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors control key aspects of stem cell function, suggesting that similar mechanisms control normal and cancer stem cell properties. We show here that the prototypical tumor suppressor p53, which plays an important role in brain tumor initiation and growth, is expressed in the neural stem cell lineage in the adult brain. p53 negatively regulates proliferation and survival, and thereby self-renewal, of neural stem cells. Analysis of the neural stem cell transcriptome identified the dysregulation of several cell cycle regulators in the absence of p53, most notably a pronounced downregulation of p21 expression. These data implicate p53 as a suppressor of tissue and cancer stem cell self-renewal.
Differential effects of laminar stimulation of V1 cortex on target selection by macaque monkeys

We explored the effects of microstimulation on target selection by delivering stimulation at different depths within V1 (striate cortex) of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Stimulation evoked saccadic eye movements that terminated in the receptive‐field location of the activated neurons. The current thresholds for saccade evocation were highest (≥ 30 µA) in the superficial layers and lowest (≤ 10 µA) in the deep layers. To study target selection, one visual target was presented in the receptive‐field location of the stimulated neurons and a second visual target was presented outside this location. Microstimulation delivered in concert with the appearance of the two targets decreased the probability that a monkey would select the target placed in the receptive‐field location when the upper layers of V1 were stimulated, and it increased this probability when the lower layers were stimulated. We suggest that microstimulation of the upper layers of V1 disrupts visual signals from retina en route to higher cortical areas, whereas microstimulation of the lower layers activates V1 efferents that innervate the oculomotor system.
Timing, rather than the concentration of cyclic AMP, correlates to osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Previously, we demonstrated that protein kinase A (PKA) activation using dibutyryl‐cAMP in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) induces in vitro osteogenesis and bone formation in vivo. To further investigate the physiological role of PKA in hMSC osteogenesis, we tested a selection of G‐protein‐coupled receptor ligands which signal via intracellular cAMP production and PKA activation. Treatment of hMSCs with parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone‐related peptide, melatonin, epinephrine, calcitonin or calcitonin gene‐related peptide did not result in accumulation of cAMP or induction of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression. The only ligand that did induce cAMP, prostaglandin E2, even inhibited ALP expression and mineralization, suggesting that physiological levels of cAMP may inhibit osteogenesis. Furthermore, intermittent exposure of hMSCs to dibutyryl‐cAMP inhibited ALP expression, whereas we did not observe an inhibitive effect at low dibutyryl‐cAMP concentrations. Taken together, our results demonstrate that cAMP can either stimulate or inhibit osteogenesis in hMSCs, depending on the duration, rather than the strength, of the signal provided. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of a novel CCR5 antagonist, aplaviroc, in healthy subjects.

AIMS This study assessed the effects of the CYP3A inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) on the steady-state pharmacokinetics (PK) of aplaviroc (APL), a CYP3A4 substrate, in healthy subjects. METHODS In Part 1, APL PK was determined in eight subjects who received a single oral 50-mg APL test dose with/without a single dose of 100 mg ritonavir (RTV). Part 2 was conducted as an open-label, single-sequence, three-period repeat dose study in a cohort of 24 subjects. Subjects received APL 400 mg every 12 h (b.i.d.) for 7 days (Period 1), LPV/r 400/100 mg b.i. d. for 14 days (Period 2) and APL 400 mg + LPV/r 400/100 mg b.i. d. for 7 days (Period 3). All doses were administered with a moderate fat meal. PK sampling occurred on day 7 of Periods 1 and 3 and day 14 of Period 2. RESULTS In Part 1, a single RTV dose increased the APL AUC(0-infinity) by 2.1-fold [90% confidence interval (CI) 1.9, 2.4]. Repeat dose coadministration of APL with LPV/r increased APL exposures to a greater extent with the geometric least squares mean ratios (90% CI) being 7.7 (6.4, 9.3), 6.2 (4.8, 8.1) and 7.1 (5.6, 9.0) for the APL AUC, C(max), and C(min), respectively. No change in LPV AUC or C(max) and a small increase in RTV AUC and C(max) (28% and 32%) were observed. The combination of APL and LPV/r was well tolerated and adverse events were mild in severity with self-limiting gastrointestinal complaints most commonly reported. CONCLUSIONS Coadministration of APL and LPV/r was well tolerated and resulted in significantly increased APL plasma concentrations.