Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolating response inhibition in the brain: Parietal vs. frontal contribution

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A Novel Molecular Microbiologic Technique for the Rapid Diagnosis of Microbial Invasion of the Amniotic Cavity and Intra‐Amniotic Infection in Preterm Labor with Intact Membranes

The diagnosis of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) has been traditionally performed using traditional cultivation techniques, which require growth of microorganisms in the laboratory. Shortcomings of culture methods include the time required (days) for identification of microorganisms, and that many microbes involved in the genesis of human diseases are difficult to culture. A novel technique combines broad‐range real‐time polymerase chain reaction with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI‐MS) to identify and quantify genomic material from bacteria and viruses.
Analysis of the Communication Education in the Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum of Korea

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the current conditions with communication-related education in the nursing undergraduate curriculum, and to develop effective strategies for communication education. Methods: We collected 48 syllabi of communication-related courses from the nursing college or nursing department of a university and analyzed the syllabi using the content analysis method. Results: First, in the knowledge domain, `Theories of communication`, `Characteristics of human relationship, understanding the importance, and building philosophical foundations` were covered. Second, the skill domain covered `Application of communication for nursing care` as a main concept. Third, `Building human relationships for nursing care` was mainly covered in the attitude domain. On the other hand, topics and content were different depending on instructors. Although the courses covered the same educational content, they were categorized under different names and concepts. Conclusion: These findings have implications for how to standardize a communication course in the nursing curriculum.
Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: the case for ximelagatran

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac disorder, affecting one in 20 people older than age 60.1 The prevalence of AF is on the rise, owing largely to increased life expectancy and increased longevity among patients with chronic cardiac disease, which predisposes to AF.2,3 The incidence of stroke is increased five-fold to ∼5% per year for primary events and 12% per year for recurrent events in patients with AF, despite a large number of these events being preventable by oral anticoagulant treatment of the highest-risk patients.4,5 The vitamin K antagonist (VKA) warfarin provides highly effective prophylaxis. Meta-analysis of key trials demonstrates that anticoagulation with adjusted-dose warfarin reduced stroke by 62% [95% confidence interval (CI), 48–72%], with absolute risk reductions of 2.7% per year [number needed to treat for 1 year to prevent one stroke (NNT), 37] for primary prevention and 8.4% per year (NNT, 12) for secondary prevention.6 Unfortunately, the long list of limitations associated with warfarin7 and the need for regular coagulation monitoring means that physicians and patients are reluctant to start using this effective prophylactic treatment,8 which has led to wide variations in management strategies for AF. This has spurred renewed efforts in the development of novel oral agents which may provide, after more than 60 years, a viable alternative to VKAs. To develop a clinically successful agent, it is important to consider what the ideal characteristics for an antithrombotic agent should be ( Figure 1 ). In terms of efficacy, a new anticoagulant will need to be at least as effective as warfarin and demonstrate predictability of response in randomized clinical trials. In terms of safety, the drug needs a wide therapeutic window, a low incidence and severity of adverse effects, and low inter- and intra-patient variability. In …
Size, shape, structure, and direction of angiogenesis in laryngeal tumour development

Aims: Angiogenesis and vessel organisation in laryngeal tumour development and progression were examined to determine characteristics of biological and clinical relevance. Methods: Automated quantitative image analysis was performed on 1451 factor VIII (FVIII) associated blood vessels with regard to occurrence, structure, size, shape, and staining intensity, in addition to vessel direction. Results: Vessel numbers were increased in preneoplastic states and severe dysplasia, in addition to squamous cell carcinomas, being greater in poorly differentiated carcinomas. Small regular vessels predominated in benign conditions and large, irregular vessels in malignant neoplasms. Vessel distribution was related to degree of differentiation in squamous cell carcinomas, with circumferential angiogenesis occurring in well differentiated neoplasms, directional angiogenesis in moderately differentiated tumours, and aberrant angiogenesis in less well differentiated neoplasms. Alterations in vessel shape increased significantly with increasing degree of malignancy. Comparing the characteristics of individual vessels showed vessel shape abnormalities and the intensity of FVIII staining to increase with vessel size. Conclusions: Increased angiogenesis was an early event in laryngeal tumour development, with vessel structure, size, and shape related to the tumour growth pattern and behaviour.
Behaviour-aware sensor fusion: Continuously inferring the alignment of coordinate systems from user behaviour

Within mobile mixed reality experiences, we would like to engage the user's head and hands for interaction. However, this requires the use of multiple tracking systems. These must be aligned, both as part of initial system setup and to counteract inter-tracking system drift that can accumulate over time. Traditional approaches to alignment use obtrusive procedures that introduce explicit constraints between the different tracking systems. These can be highly disruptive for the user's experience. In this paper, we propose another type of information which can be exploited to effect alignment: the behaviour of the user. The crucial insight is that user behaviours - such as selection through pointing - introduce implicit constraints between tracking systems. These constraints can be used as the user continually interacts with the system to infer alignment without the need for disruptive procedures. We call this concept behaviour-aware sensor fusion. We introduce two different interaction techniques-the redirected pointing technique and the yaw fix technique - to illustrate this concept. Pilot experiments show that behaviour-aware sensor fusion can increase ease of use and speed of interaction in exemplar mixed-reality interaction tasks.
Giving mobile devices a SIXTH sense: Introducing the SIXTH middleware for Augmented Reality applications

With the increasing availability of sensors within smartphones and within the world at large, a question arises about how this sensor data can be leveraged by Augmented Reality (AR) devices. AR devices have traditionally been limited by the capability of a given device's unique set of sensors. Connecting sensors from multiple devices using a Sensor Web could address this problem. Through leveraging this SensorWeb existing AR environments could be improved and new scenarios made possible, with devices that previously could not have being used as part of an AR environment. This paper proposes the use of SIXTH: a middleware designed to generate a Sensor Web, which allows a device to leverage heterogeneous external sensors within its environment to help facilitate the creation of richer AR experiences. This paper will present a worst case scenario, in which the device chosen will be a see-through, Android-based Head Mounted Display that has no access to sensors. This device is transformed into an AR device through the creation of a Sensor Web allowing it to sense its environment facilitated through the use of SIXTH.
Epidermal growth factor receptor status in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been reported to be overexpressed in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). In vitro studies have shown that EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) greatly inhibit cellular growth and induced apoptosis in the ATC cell lines, while somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain or an increased gene copy number are associated with increased sensitivity to TKIs in non-small cell lung cancer. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of EGFR overexpression, gene amplification and activating mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain in patients with ATC. Methods: The EGFR gene status and protein expression were investigated by direct DNA sequencing of the hot-spot regions in exons 18, 19 and 21, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), and immunohistochemistry in tumour tissues from 23 patients with ATC. Results: On mutational analysis and FISH, neither mutations in the hot-spots nor gene amplification was observed. However, high polysomy was identified in 14/23 (60.9%) patients with ATC. All cases with immunohistochemistry (IHC) positivity (n = 6) had high polysomy, whereas 8/17 (47.1%) cases with IHC negativity had high polysomy (p = 0.048). High polysomy was observed in all 10 cases with giant cell subtype, but in only 4/11 (36.3%) with squamoid and 0/2 with spindle cell sarcomatoid subtype. There was no statistically significant correlation between FISH positivity of ATC tumour and presence of well-differentiated component. Conclusion: Despite the low incidence of somatic EGFR gene mutation and amplification in the study samples, in view of the fact that high polysomy was often identified by FISH, as well as the current lack of therapeutic options, EGFR TKIs are worth investigating for treating the patients with ATC who have at least giant cell subtype.
CARMa: Content augmented reality marker

The current marker-based augmented reality (AR) rendering has demonstrated good results for online and special purpose applications such as computer-assisted tasks and virtual training. However, it fails to deliver a solution for off-line and generic applications such as augmented books, newspapers, and scientific articles. These applications feature too many markers that imposes a serious challenge on the recognition module. This paper proposes a novel design for augmented reality markers. The proposed marker design employs multi-view orthographic projection to derive dense depth maps and relies on splats rendering for visualisation. The main objective is to interpret the marker rather than recognising it. The proposed marker design stores six depth map projections of the 3D model along with their coloured textures in the marker.
[Poster] HMD Video see though AR with unfixed cameras vergence

Stereoscopic video see though AR systems permit accurate marker video based registration. To guarantee accurate registration, cameras are normally rigidly blocked while the user could require changing their vergence. We propose a solution working with lightweight hardware that, without the need for a new calibration of the cameras relative pose after each vergence adjustment, guarantees registration accuracy using pre-determined calibration data.
Aortic stent grafts

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) occur when weakened areas of the abdominal aortic wall result in a ballooning of the blood vessel. Attributed risk factors include smoking, atherosclerosis and hypertension. Traditionally, AAAs were treated with open surgery, involving a large abdominal incision and the placement of a synthetic graft. The introduction of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) however, proved to have many advantages over open repair, chief among which is a lower perioperative morbidity and mortality rate. EVAR is likely to continue to evolve and the complications associated with this procedure will likely continue to decrease. In the meantime, the benefit of the continued, detailed analyses of explanted devices is twofold: (1) for future development of new devices; and (2) cognisance of complications that arise with any new device. This review is a guide to the many FDA approved stents which are commercially available, and those likely to become available following clinical trials.
Different immunophenotypical apoptotic profiles characterise megakaryocytes of essential thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis

Aims: Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) share some clinical and pathological features, but show different biological behaviour and prognosis. The latest contributions to understanding the nature of these disorders have focused on bone marrow microenvironment remodelling and proliferative stress, recognising megakaryocytes (MKCs) as “key-cells”. The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic profile of ET and PMF MKCs in order to further characterise the biology of these disorders. Methods: Bone marrow biopsy samples from 30 patients with ET, and 30 patients with PMF, were immunophenotypically studied for the expression of pro-apoptotic (Fas, Fas-L, Bax, Bad) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase)) molecules and the “executioner” molecule caspase-3. The fraction of MKCs undergoing apoptosis was assessed by deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling. Results: Only the mitochondrial pathway seemed to be involved in MKC apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-XL was predominantly found in ET MKCs (50.5% of ET MKCs versus 35% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.036), while pro-apoptotic molecules Bax and Bad showed a prevalent expression in PMF MKCs (30.5% of ET MKCs versus 55% of PMF MKCs; 41% of ET MKCs versus 52% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.001 and p = 0.068, respectively). A significant fraction of PMF MKCs were committed to apoptosis according to caspase-3 expression and TUNEL, while only few ET cells were committed to apoptosis. hTERT was significantly more expressed in PMF (32% of ET MKCs versus 46% of PMF MKCs; p = 0.022), in agreement with the proliferative nature of this disease. Conclusions: It was found that ET and PMF MKCs, which barely differ in terms of morphology and aggregation, are characterised by markedly different apoptotic profiles. The rather high apoptotic fraction of PMF was able to support the fibrotic nature of this process, while the anti-apoptotic profile of ET cells fits well with their “steady” maturative state.
Developmental anatomy of the airway

Abstract This article describes changes that occur in the larynx and trachea from birth to adolescence in order to provide a rational approach to airway management at different ages. The timing and evolutionary role of the descent of the larynx is described. Guidelines are given for selecting endotracheal tube size along with a discussion of why choosing the correct tube size is so important. Changes in relative head size, adenotonsillar hypertrophy and mandibular growth are also discussed. The article ends with hints and tips for successful intubation.
Platelet function testing: practice among UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme for Blood Coagulation participants, 2006

Aims: Platelet function testing forms an important part of the laboratory investigation of a bleeding tendency; however, little standardisation and quality control is available for these tests. A UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS) for Blood Coagulation exercise sought to identify current practice among laboratories performing platelet function tests. Methods: A questionnaire was circulated in March 2006 to establish the current status of platelet function testing practice among participants of UK NEQAS. Participants were asked specifically about practice in bleeding time testing, PFA-100 analyser use, platelet aggregometry methodology and additional tests of platelet function. Results: 169 returned questionnaires revealed that 26 centres used bleeding time, the PFA-100 analyser and platelet aggregometry in their investigations; 13 used bleeding time and the PFA-100 only; 33 used bleeding time and platelet aggregometry; and 23 used the PFA-100 with platelet aggregometry. 58 centres reported that they performed only bleeding times in their investigations, 10 reported use of the PFA-100 only, and 6 reported use of aggregometry only. Marked variability was observed in methodology for each of these tests, and in many cases no form of quality control was employed. Conclusions: The data confirmed the lack of standardisation in methodology employed in different centres. Updated guidelines and standardisation of platelet function assessment are required to facilitate comparability between centres.
Comparative study of Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) between Prehypertensives and Normotensives

Background : The aim of present study is to compare left ventricular mass index between prehypertensives and normotensives.Material and Methods : Total 100 Male subjects were selected from general population with the age range between 18 to 40 years and BMI range >18 Kg/m2 to <30 Kg/m2. Blood pressure were measured with mercury sphygmomanometer and prehypertension was classified according to JNC 7. 50 subjects were prehypertensives and 50 were normotensives. Two-dimensionally guided M-mode echocardiography was performed by standard methods using a 7340 ESAOTE echocardiograph. Left ventricular internal dimension (LVID) and interventricular septal and posterior wall thickness (IVST and PWT) were measured at end-diastole and end-systole. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated at end-diastole by using the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) convention. Statistical analysis was done using independent students t test.Results : Statistical analysis shows significant increase in LVMI in prehypertensive than normotnesives. (p value <0.05)Conclusion : LVMI is the indicator of target organ damage. From this study it is seen that LVMI is higher in prehypertensives than normotensives. Prehypertensive are more prone to converted into hypertensives. Thats why echocardiography is also recommended for prehypertensives to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases in Rural Area of Hmawbi and Urban Yangon City

With improvements in life expectancy and as more and more people have access to modern medicine, non-communicable diseases are emerging as a health problem in both urban and rural communities in Myanmar. Of all non-communicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are known to be the major health problem. Since many studies that have been conducted in both developed and developing countries have shown a difference between rural and urban communities with regard to cardiovascular diseases, our study had the objective of finding out the prevalence of ischemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease and rheumatic heart disease in a rural and urban community. The risk of obesity and smoking in the occurrence of CVD was also studied. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three urban townships of Yangon City (Sanchaung, Latha and Pabedan) and one rural township of Hmawbi. The results showed that CVD were a health problem in both the urban and rural communities. Coronary heart disease was seen to be more prevalent in the urban townships than in the rural Hmawbi Township, but hypertension (HT) and rheumatic heart diseases (RHD) were more prevalent in the rural township of Hmawbi. Obesity which has been blamed as the major risk factor for CHD and HT in the developed countries was not found to be a risk factor in the study townships, but smoking was.
Zika virus: A new threat to human reproduction

Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated in 1947 in a rhesus monkey from the Zika forest of Uganda. Until 2007, only 14 human cases were reported. The first large human outbreak occurred in 2007 (Yap Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Pacific) followed by French Polynesia in 2013 and Brazil in 2015. The virus is mainly transmitted through Aedes mosquito bites, but sexual and post‐transfusion transmissions have been reported. Symptoms include low‐grade fever, maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, myalgia, arthralgia, and asthenia. During the recent outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil, ZIKV infection has been associated with two major complications: microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Since fetal infection includes other birth defects, congenital Zika syndrome has been used to define in utero infection. The majority of sexual transmission occurred from a symptomatic male to a female, but female‐to‐male and male‐to‐male transmission have been reported. Asymptomatic male‐to‐female transmission has also been described. Importantly, ZIKV RNA can persist at least 6 months in semen. The male urogenital tract may therefore act as a reservoir for the virus. ZIKV RNA was detected in a cervical swab of a patient 3 days after presenting the classic symptoms suggesting a potential tropism for the female genital tract. Long‐lasting presence of ZIKV RNA might not indicate that the individual is infectious but makes recommendation for couples potentially exposed to the virus and willing to conceive difficult. It will also be important to determine whether genital ZIKV infection might have a deleterious effect on male and female fertility.
Multifocal polypoid endometriosis in a young woman simulating vaginal and pelvic neoplasm

A 27-year-old nulliparous woman presented with large finger-like projections protruding from her vagina. Intraoperatively there were deposits in the pouch of Douglas. Clinical presentation and history of vaginal bleeding suggested malignancy. Histopathology of both the vaginal and pouch of Douglas masses showed endometrial glands and stroma. There was no architectural complexity or cytological atypia of glands or stroma. Immunohistochemistry for oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and CD10 was positive. Based on morphological and immunohistochemical findings, multifocal polypoid endometriosis was diagnosed; this is a recently described entity having a clinical presentation and age range completely different from conventional or non-polypoid endometriosis. Although an association between tamoxifen use, unopposed oestrogen therapy and polypoid endometriosis has been suggested, the patient had no history of tamoxifen or oestrogen intake. Polypoid endometriosis should be part of the differential diagnosis in young women presenting with vaginal growth.