Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalised joint hypermobility and knee joint hypermobility: prevalence, knee joint symptoms and health‐related quality of life in a Danish adult population

Several biomechanical factors, such as knee joint hypermobility (KJH), are suggested to play a role in the etiology of knee joint symptoms and knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, the prevalence or consequences of KJH solely or included in the classification of generalized joint hypermobility (GJHk) is unknown for a general population. Therefore, the objectives were to report the prevalence of self‐reported GJHk and KJH, as well as the association of these conditions to knee joint symptoms, severity and duration of symptoms, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Danish adult population.
Managing product requirements for medical IT products

In this paper we shall describe our experiences over several years in improving the product requirements management process in an industrial environment where information technology products are made for use in hospitals and clinics. Central to our approach is that we have introduced an improved product requirements management process and supporting tools on a step-by-step basis. This policy of "evolution rather than revolution" is necessary to build stakeholder confidence in the new approaches and not to hinder on-going product development. During this time, we have transformed the process from being one of managing documents filled with requirements to a more efficient process where the requirements are managed in a database and are published into documents for release projects. The availability of better quality product requirements at the start of a release project has contributed significantly to improved project leadtime estimation for the feasibility phase-potentially improving the time to market and human resource usage.
WAN antenna design for mobile phone with closed metal frame

In this paper we proposed an low-profile internal antenna positioned on bottom of mobile phone PCB with closed metal frame to support LTE and WAN bands including 850 /1800 /1900 /2100 /2300 /2500. The multiple frequency bands are realized by tunable technology. Simulation results showed good potential for mobile applications.
Randomized phase II trial of concurrent cisplatin-radiotherapy with or without neoadjuvant docetaxel and cisplatin in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE To compare the toxicities, tumor control, survival, and quality of life of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients treated with sequential neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent cisplatin-radiotherapy (CRT) or CRT alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS Previously untreated stage III to IVB NPC were randomly assigned to (1) neoadjuvant docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks for two cycles, followed by cisplatin 40 mg/m(2)/wk concurrent with radiotherapy, or (2) CRT alone. Planned accrual was 30 patients per arm to detect 20% difference of toxicities based on 95% CIs. RESULTS From November 2002 to November 2004, 65 eligible patients were randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by CRT (n = 34) or CRT alone (n = 31). There was a high rate of grade 3/4 neutropenia (97%) but not neutropenic fever (12%) during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. No significant differences in rates of acute toxicities were observed between the two arms during CRT. Dose intensities of concurrent cisplatin, late RT toxicities and quality of life scores were comparable in both arms. The 3-year progression-free survival for neoadjuvant versus control arm was 88.2% and 59.5% (hazard ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.20 to 1.19; P = .12). The 3-year overall survival for neoadjuvant versus control arm was 94.1% and 67.7% (hazard ratio = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.078 to 0.73; P = .012). CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant docetaxel-cisplatin followed by CRT was well tolerated with a manageable toxicity profile that allowed subsequent delivery of full-dose CRT. Preliminary results suggested a positive impact on survival. A phase III study to definitively test this neoadjuvant-concurrent strategy is warranted.
Pam17 Is Required for Architecture and Translocation Activity of the Mitochondrial Protein Import Motor

ABSTRACT Import of mitochondrial matrix proteins involves the general translocase of the outer membrane and the presequence translocase of the inner membrane. The presequence translocase-associated motor (PAM) drives the completion of preprotein translocation into the matrix. Five subunits of PAM are known: the preprotein-binding matrix heat shock protein 70 (mtHsp70), the nucleotide exchange factor Mge1, Tim44 that directs mtHsp70 to the inner membrane, and the membrane-bound complex of Pam16-Pam18 that regulates the ATPase activity of mtHsp70. We have identified a sixth motor subunit. Pam17 (encoded by the open reading frame YKR065c) is anchored in the inner membrane and exposed to the matrix. Mitochondria lacking Pam17 are selectively impaired in the import of matrix proteins and the generation of an import-driving activity of PAM. Pam17 is required for formation of a stable complex between the cochaperones Pam16 and Pam18 and promotes the association of Pam16-Pam18 with the presequence translocase. Our findings suggest that Pam17 is required for the correct organization of the Pam16-Pam18 complex and thus contributes to regulation of mtHsp70 activity at the inner membrane translocation site.
Purification, Partial Characterization, and Cloning of Nitric Oxide-carrying Heme Proteins (Nitrophorins) from Salivary Glands of the Blood-sucking Insect Rhodnius prolixus(*)

Four nitric oxide (NO)-carrying proteins have been isolated from salivary glands of the blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus. These have been given the collective name “nitrophorins,” and individual proteins are designated NP1-NP4 in order of their relative abundance in the glands. All four reversibly bind NO; spectral shifts associated with NO binding indicate the interaction of NO with an Fe(III) heme. Physical properties, amino acid composition, and amino-terminal sequences of the nitrophorins are reported. The most abundant nitrophorin was cloned, and its sequence was determined.
A novel function of red wine polyphenols in humans: prevention of absorption of cytotoxic lipid peroxidation products

Current evidence supports a contribution of polyphenols to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, but their mechanisms of action are not understood. We investigated the impact of red wine polyphenols on postprandial cytotoxic lipid peroxidation products (MDA) levels in humans. In a randomized, crossover study, the effect of red wine polyphenols on postprandial levels of plasma and urine MDA was investigated. Three meals of 250 g turkey cutlets supplemented by water (A); soaked in red wine after heating plus 200 ml of red wine (B); or soaked in red wine prior to heating plus 200 ml of red wine (C) were administered to 10 healthy volunteers. Subject baseline plasma levels of MDA were 50 ± 20 nM. After a meal of turkey meat cutlets, plasma MDA levels increased by 160 nM (P<0.0001);after (B) there was a 75% reduction in the absorption of MDA (P<0.0001). However, after (C), the elevation of plasma MDA was completely prevented (P<0.0001). Similar results were obtained for MDA accumulation in urine. Our study suggests that red wine polyphenols exert a beneficial effect by the novel new function, absorption inhibition of the lipotoxin MDA. These findings explain the potentially harmful effects of oxidized fats found in foods and the important benefit of dietary polyphenols in the meal. — Gorelik, S. , Ligumsky, M. , Kohen, R. , Kanner, J. A novel function of red wine polyphenols in humans: prevention of absorption of cytotoxic lipid peroxidation products. FASEB J. 22, 41–46 (2008)
Prospective evaluation of teleophthalmology in screening and recurrence monitoring of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE Teleophthalmology has the potential to reduce costs and inconveniences associated with frequent patient visits. Evaluating teleophthalmology in the management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) will allow for future implementation of this technology. OBJECTIVE To evaluate teleophthalmology as a tool for the screening and monitoring of neovascular AMD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective, randomized clinical trial that included 106 referral eyes for suspected neovascular AMD and 63 eyes with stable neovascular AMD. New referrals for patients with suspected neovascular AMD and patients with stable neovascular AMD were randomized into either routine or teleophthalmologic groups. In the routine group, patients received clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging at a tertiary hospital-based retina clinic. In the teleophthalmologic group, patients received basic examination and diagnostic imaging at a stand-alone teleophthalmologic site, where patient information and imaging studies were acquired and electronically sent over to tertiary hospital-based retina specialists. Patients in the teleophthalmologic group were called back to the tertiary treatment center if the teleophthalmologic data set suggested pathology or was inconclusive for diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Patient wait times for diagnosis and/or treatment, referral accuracy, and visual outcome. RESULTS For neovascular AMD screening, the average referral-to-diagnostic imaging time was 22.5 days for the teleophthalmologic group and 18.0 days for the routine group, for a difference of 4.5 days (95% CI, 11.8 to -2.8 days; P = .23). The average diagnostic imaging to treatment time was 16.4 days for the teleophthalmologic group and 11.6 days for the routine group, for a difference of 4.8 days (95% CI, 10.7 to -1.1 days; P = .11). For neovascular AMD monitoring, the average recurrence to treatment time was shorter for the routine group (0.04 days) compared with 13.6 days for the teleophthalmologic group, for a difference of -13.5 days (95% CI, -18.2 to -9.0 days; P < .01). There was no difference identified between end-of-study visual acuities in the 2 groups (P = .99). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A delay of referral to treatment time could not be identified when comparing teleophthalmologic screening for suspected neovascular AMD with retinal specialist-based screening. Teleophthalmologic monitoring for neovascular AMD recurrence resulted in longer wait times for treatment reinitiation, but no adverse visual outcomes were identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01581606.
Enhanced spatial resolution for EDXRD inspection methods by reconstruction from multiple measurements

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Diffraction (EDXRD) in transmission geometry enables spatially localized measurements on extended objects and is favorably used in airport baggage inspection systems. Here, a method is presented to improve their comparably low spatial resolution in the direction of the incident beam by performing a one-dimensional object scan instead of a single data acquisition. The series of measurements taken under different object positions allows reconstruction of the signal contributions from individual voxels at a significantly enhanced resolution. The type of reconstruction used can be regarded as a two-dimensional deconvolution or solving an inverse problem. Due to the specific shape of the convolution kernel the problem turns out to be ill-posed, and thus its solution using measured (noisy) data requires application of a suitable regularization method. Detailed studies on this issue led to the development of a novel iterative algorithm combining several deconvolution runs with preceding and intermediate image processing steps. The Tikhonov method was used for regularization. However, depending on the object under investigation the original Euclidean norm (least squares fit) was advantageously replaced by the 1-norm (least absolute deviation, LAD problem). The algorithm was tested using simulated and measured data sets of different material compositions under pencil beam irradiation. The results demonstrate the significant increase in spatial resolution achieved by means of the method.
Therapie der diabetischen Ketoazidose im Kindes- und Jugendalter in zwei kinderdiabetologischen Zentren

Diabetes mellitus Typ1 ist eine haufige chronische Erkrankung im Kindes- und Jugendalter, die mit schwerwiegenden Komplikationen, sowohl akut als auch als Spatfolgen auftretend, einhergeht. Zu einer der haufigsten und auch letal bedrohenden Komplikationen zahlt die diabetische Ketoazidose. Im padiatrischen Bereich gibt es derzeit zwar Leitlinien zur Thera- pie, jedoch sind diese je nach Studien- und Erfahrungslage immer wieder anzupassen. Als leitliniengerechte Insulindosierung gilt derzeit 0,1 IE/kgKG/h, um die Ketoazidose ef- fizient zu durchbrechen mit moglichst geringen Nebenwirkungen wie Hypoglykamien oder Auftreten eines Hirnodems. Neuere Studien belegen jedoch, dass das auch mit einer gerin- geren Insulingabe von 0,05 IE/kgKG/h erreicht werden kann. Mit dieser Arbeit wurde der Einfluss zweier unterschiedlicher Therapiekonzepte hinsichtlich Flussigkeits- und Insulindo- sierung bei der DKA im Kindes- und Jugendalter untersucht. Ausgangspunkt hierfur waren die objektiv differenten Therapieschemata der Kinderklinik des Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH sowie der Universitatsklinik und Poliklinik fur Kinder und Jugendliche in Leipzig. Die Insu- lindosierung liegt in einem Zentrum bei 0,025 IE/kgKG/h, in dem anderen leitliniengerecht bei 0,1 IE/kgKG/h. Retrospektiv wurden alle Kinder, die innerhalb der Jahre 1998 bis 2005 in den Kliniken aufgrund einer DKA behandelt wurden, in die Studie aufgenommen. Nach Untersuchung hinsichtlich Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien ergaben sich die Probandenkollek- tive mit 23 Patienten in Zentrum A und 41 Patienten in Zentrum B. Alle notwendigen Daten wurden sorgfaltig aus den Archivakten herausgearbeitet. Anhand dieser Informationen soll- ten insbesondere Antworten auf folgende Fragestellungen gefunden werden: 1. Gibt es Unterschiede in der Dauer der Blutzuckersenkung, der Dauer bis zur Normali- sierung des pH-Wertes? 2. Wie haufig treten Komplikationen unter der Therapie (Hypoglykamien, Hypokaliami- en) auf? Nach Analyse der vorliegenden Daten gibt es Unterschiede in der Dauer der Blutzuckersen- kung bis hin zur Normalisierung des pH-Wertes. Hohere Insulindosen in Zusammenhang mit hoherer Flussigkeitssubstitution fuhrten zu signifikant rascherem Absinken der Blutzucker- werte und tendenziell schnellerer Normalisierung von pH und Standardbikarbonat. Bezug- lich des Auftretens von Hypoglykamien konnte kein wesentlicher Unterschied nachgewiesen werden, jedoch kam es unter niedrigerer Insulindosis gehauft zu Spathypoglykamien. Hypo- kaliamien traten in Zentrum B signifkant haufiger auf, hier wurde die Kaliumsubstitution erst bei fallenden Kaliumwerten begonnen. In Zentrum A wurde leitliniengerecht mit Be- ginn der Diurese Kalium substituiert. In Zentrum B wurde nach Vorlage der Ergebnisse die spate Kaliumsubstitution ebenfalls verlassen. Auch wenn in Zentrum B ein Proband ein Hirn- odem entwickelte, ist der Zusammenhang mit der Therapie nicht nachweisbar. Eine hohere Flussigkeitssubstitution von 10 ml/kgKG/h scheint keinen nachteiligen Effekt im Sinne ei- nes Hirnodems zu haben, sondern fordert die…
Parametric versus discriminative learning approach for multispectral image recognition

Land cover classification for remote sensing data have motivated several researches such us source separation, feature extraction and classification method. In this work, we aim to provide enhanced pattern recognition method based on source separation. Then, new data presentation is processed by feature extraction and adaptative classification. The non linearity for the mixing phenomenon is approximted by neural network. Adaptative classification approch is based on a parametric feature characterization. We will compare this approch to a discriminative classifier such as Support vector machine. Experimentations are based on SPOT4 observations. They demonstrates that the new presentation and the parametric model allows more efficient pattern identification. The results prove the potential of the method for urban areas.
Hormonal contraceptive use and women's risk of HIV acquisition: priorities emerging from recent data

Purpose of review Understanding whether hormonal contraception increases women's risk of HIV acquisition is a public health priority. This review summarizes recent epidemiologic and biologic data, and considers the implications of new evidence on research and programmatic efforts. Recent findings Two secondary analyses of HIV prevention trials demonstrated increased HIV risk among depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users compared with nonhormonal/no method users and norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) users. A study of women in serodiscordant partnerships found no significant association for DMPA or implants. Two meta-analyses found elevated risks of HIV among DMPA users compared with nonhormonal/no method users, with no association for NET-EN or combined oral contraceptive pills. In-vitro and animal model studies identified plausible biological mechanisms by which progestin exposure could increase risk of HIV, depending on the type and dose of progestin, but such mechanisms have not been definitively observed in humans. Summary Recent epidemiologic and biologic evidence on hormonal contraception and HIV suggests a harmful profile for DMPA but not combined oral contraceptives. In limited data, NET-EN appears safer than DMPA. More research is needed on other progestin-based methods, especially implants and Sayana Press. Future priorities include updating modeling studies with new pooled estimates, continued basic science to understand biological mechanisms, expanding contraceptive choice, and identifying effective ways to promote dual method use.
Role of Adenosine 3′,5′-Cyclic Monophosphate and Its Specific Binding Protein in the Regulation of d-Serine Deaminase Synthesis

Adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyAMP) and the cyAMP-binding protein are necessary for efficient induction of d-serine deaminase (Dsdase) synthesis in dsdC+dsdO+ and dsdC dsdO+ strains of Escherichia coli K-12, and for constitutive synthesis in dsdC dsdO+ strains. Neither is required in dsdO strains, confirming previous indications that in dsdO mutants Dsdase synthesis is not subject to catabolite repression control. Since efficient Dsdase synthesis in dsdC+ and dsdC strains that are dsdO+ requires the cyAMP-binding protein, which acts at the level of transcription in other systems, it is concluded that catabolite repression acts at the level of transcription of the Dsdase structural gene. Since catabolite repression is reversed by the inducer, d-serine in dsdC dsdO+ strains, it is concluded that induction also acts at the level of transcription in this system. The dsdC strains were found to be much more sensitive to induction by d-serine than are dsdC+ strains under conditions of catabolite repression, whether the repression was caused by glucose or by loss of ability to form cyAMP or cyAMP-binding protein. This suggests that a d-serine-dsdC complex may be able to replace partially the cyAMP:cyAMP-binding protein action in initiation of Dsdase messenger ribonucleic acid synthesis—a positive control effect.
Subcutaneous specific immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a review of treatment practices in the US and Europe

Abstract Background: Subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT) is claimed to be successful both in the US and Europe, yet treatment methodology differs. Methods: The authors review current literature surrounding guidelines and clinical trials in Europe and the US and contrast the treatment approach to SCIT for allergic rhinitis. Search methodology employs MEDLINE and PubMed, selecting articles on SCIT and allergic rhinitis, limited between 1990–2009. They focus on the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and the differences in formulations. Also mentioned are: standardization, new approaches in SCIT and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Results: SCIT treatment differs in many respects regarding availability of SCIT products, regulatory controls, guidelines (e.g. multiple allergen vaccines in US, single allergen vaccines in Europe) and in location of formulation (US, clinician’s office; Europe, manufacturers). Conclusions: SCIT is an effective and safe therapy, but major evidence for efficacy is provided from European studies of single allergen extract vaccines; these vaccines may gain more acceptance because of increasing regulatory approval and lower numbers of injections. The potential impact upon public health (e.g. arrest of the ‘allergic march’) should not be overlooked.
Myofibroblasts and subepithelial fibrosis in bronchial asthma.

A thickened bronchial epithelial basement membrane has long been regarded as a histopathologic characteristic of bronchial asthma. As we had previously demonstrated that this phenomenon is due to the deposition of interstitial collagens and fibronectin, we have now sought to determine the nature of the cell responsible for this process by studying endobronchial biopsies from eight normal and seven asthmatic volunteers by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Biopsies were stained with PR 2D3, a monoclonal antibody to myofibroblasts of the pericrypt sheath of the colon and a monoclonal antibody to alpha-smooth muscle actin. The thickness of the subepithelial collagen and the organelle content of the cells therein were determined by electron microscopy. The subepithelial collagen thickness in the normal subjects ranged from 2.16 to 6.26 microns, while that in the asthmatic subjects ranged from 3.75 to 11.1 microns (Mann-Whitney test; P = 0.05). Elongated cells in the collagen layer were identified by staining with PR 2D3. As this antibody also stains smooth muscle, consecutive frozen sections were stained for alpha-smooth muscle actin and the number of positive cells per millimeter of basement membrane was subtracted from the count for PR 2D3. This yielded a count of 4.9 to 9.4 cells/mm in the normal subjects and 11.9 to 20.6 cells/mm in the asthmatics (P = 0.001). There was a highly significant correlation between the depth of subepithelial collagen and the number of PR 2D3-positive, alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells (Spearman rank correlation; r = 0.764 and P = 0.006). Electron microscopy confirmed the myofibroblastic nature of these cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of Epoch Length on Power Spectrum Analysis of the EEG

To study the effect of epoch length on the variability of power spectrum analysis of the EEG, 22 64-s segments of EEG were analyzed using epoch lengths of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 s. Nine of these segments exemplified EEG changes during transient anesthetic states or surgical conditions. Epoch-to-epoch variability was computed within frequency bins for all segments, and ANOVA with hierarchal classification was used to determine the length of the EEG segment necessary to identify a statistically significant change in those EEG segments recorded during changing conditions. In 16 segments, the epoch-to-epoch variability with power spectra were computed using 2-s epochs was significantly less than the variability when power spectra were computed using longer epoch lengths. In five segments, no significant difference existed between the variance at 2-s epochs and longer (4-s) epochs. In one case, an EEG containing a burst-suppression pattern, the variability was significantly increased when 2-s epochs were used. Analysis using 2-s epochs also identified changes more rapidly than analysis using any longer epoch length in eight of nine segments, and the differences were clinically significant as well (over 30 s faster when 2-s epochs were used instead of 16-s epochs). These findings suggest the preferability of short epoch lengths when power spectrum analysis is used for intraoperative EEG monitoring.