Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Masquelet induced membrane technique for treatment of rat chronic osteomyelitis

The application value of Masquelet induced membrane technique for the treatment of rat chronic osteomyelitis was explored. A total of 180 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (control group), chronic osteomyelitis model group (model group) and Masquelet induced membrane therapy + chronic osteomyelitis model group (observation group); 60 rats in each group. A rat model of traumatic osteomyelitis was established using a modified blunt trauma method in model and observation group. All rats in observation group were treated with membrane induction technology while in the control group they were not. Postoperative complications, bone healing time and functional status of the affected limbs were recorded. After surgery, no obvious perioperative complications occurred in most of the rats, except that 5 rats experienced partial necrosis at the edge of the flap, and 3 experienced superficial infection around the incision site in the ilium. Primary bone healing was achieved in 50 rats with an average healing time of 15 weeks. Among them, 38 rats restored weight-bearing function after 20 weeks. Seven rats experienced infection after surgery, but complete bone healing was achieved after treatment with induced membrane technique again. Following treatment with induced membrane technique, the rat body weight, body temperature and the number of bacteria in the wound decreased over time. In conclusion, Masquelet induced membrane technique is effective for the treatment of large bone defects in rats after traumatic osteomyelitis. This technique significantly shortens the treatment cycle. The surgical procedure is simple, and the incidence of postoperative complications is low.
Comparative biodistribution analysis across four different 89Zr-monoclonal antibody tracers—The first step towards an imaging warehouse

Rationale: Knowledge on monoclonal antibody biodistribution in healthy tissues in humans can support clinical drug development. Molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) can yield information in this setting. However, recent imaging studies have analyzed the behavior of single antibodies only, neglecting comparison across different antibodies. Methods: We compared the distribution of four 89Zr-labeled antibodies in healthy tissue in a retrospective analysis based on the recently published harmonization protocol for 89Zr-tracers and our delineation protocol. Results: The biodistribution patterns of 89Zr-lumretuzumab, 89Zr-MMOT0530A, 89Zr-bevacizumab and 89Zr-trastuzumab on day 4 after tracer injection were largely similar. The highest tracer concentration was seen in healthy liver, spleen, kidney and intestines. About one-third of the injected tracer dose was found in the circulation, up to 15% in the liver and only 4% in the spleen and kidney. Lower tracer concentration was seen in bone marrow, lung, compact bone, muscle, fat and the brain. Despite low tracer accumulation per gram of tissue, large-volume tissues, especially fat, can influence overall distribution: On average, 5-7% of the injected tracer dose accumulated in fat, with a peak of 19% in a patient with morbid obesity. Conclusion: The similar biodistribution of the four antibodies is probably based on their similar molecular structure, binding characteristics and similar metabolic pathways. These data provide a basis for a prospectively growing, online accessible warehouse of molecular imaging data, which enables researchers to increase and exchange knowledge on whole body drug distribution and potentially supports drug development decisions.
Functional Evolution of Avian RIG-I-Like Receptors

RIG-I-like receptors (retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors, or RLRs) are family of pattern-recognition receptors for RNA viruses, consisting of three members: retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2). To understand the role of RLRs in bird evolution, we performed molecular evolutionary analyses on the coding genes of avian RLRs using filtered predicted coding sequences from 62 bird species. Among the three RLRs, conservation score and dN/dS (ratio of nonsynonymous substitution rate over synonymous substitution rate) analyses indicate that avian MDA5 has the highest conservation level in the helicase domain but a lower level in the caspase recruitment domains (CARDs) region, which differs from mammals; LGP2, as a whole gene, has a lower conservation level than RIG-I or MDA5. We found evidence of positive selection across all bird lineages in RIG-I and MDA5 but only on the stem lineage of Galliformes in LGP2, which could be related to the loss of RIG-I in Galliformes. Analyses also suggest that selection relaxation may have occurred in LGP2 during the middle of bird evolution and the CARDs region of MDA5 contains many positively selected sites, which might explain its conservation level. Spearman’s correlation test indicates that species-to-ancestor dN/dS of RIG-I shows a negative correlation with endogenous retroviral abundance in bird genomes, suggesting the possibility of interaction between immunity and endogenous retroviruses during bird evolution.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of pregabalin for postherpetic neuralgia in Chinese and international patients

Purpose Pregabalin is indicated for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in multiple countries, including China. This analysis compared pregabalin efficacy and safety in Chinese and international patients with PHN. Patients and methods Data from Chinese and international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were compared. Pregabalin was administered at fixed (150, 300, or 600 mg/day) or flexible (150–600 mg/day) doses. The main efficacy measure was mean pain score change at endpoint on an 11-point numeric rating scale ranging from 0 = no pain to 10 = worst possible pain. Secondary efficacy measures included proportions of 30% and 50% pain responders, pain-related sleep interference (PRSI) scores, and proportions of Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) responders. The incidences of serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse events (AEs) were used to assess safety. The effect of baseline pain severity on efficacy was tested. The proportions of patients with severe baseline pain who had moderate or mild pain at endpoint were also assessed. Results A total of 1166 patients were analyzed: 312 Chinese and 854 international. Overall, results were similar between Chinese and international patients. Pregabalin statistically significantly improved mean pain score versus placebo (least squares mean difference [95% CIs]: Chinese, −0.8 [–1.2, −0.5]; international, −1.3 [–1.6, −1.0]; both p<0.001). Pregabalin was statistically significantly better than placebo in Chinese and international patient groups in the proportions of 30% and 50% pain responders, PRSI scores, and proportions of PGIC responders. Baseline pain severity did not affect efficacy, except for some measures in Chinese patients with moderate baseline pain. Similar proportions of pregabalin-treated patients with severe baseline pain had moderate or mild pain at endpoint in both groups. SAE and AE profiles were comparable in Chinese and international patient groups, except incidences were commonly higher in international patients. Conclusion Chinese and international patients with PHN exhibit comparable pregabalin efficacy and safety, highlighting the utility of pregabalin for diverse PHN patient populations.
Patient-Specific 3-Dimensional Modeling and Its Use for Preoperative Counseling of Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) represents complex alterations in the bony morphology of the proximal femur and acetabulum. Imaging studies have become crucial in diagnosis and treatment planning for symptomatic FAI but also have limited patient understanding and satisfaction. Exploration of alternative patient counseling modalities holds promise for improved patient understanding, satisfaction, and ultimately for outcomes. Purpose: To compare perceived understanding of functional anatomy and FAI pathomorphology among patients counseled with routine computed tomography (CT), generic hip models, and a 3-dimensional (3D) model printed in accordance with a patient’s specific anatomy. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective randomized analysis of patients presenting with radiographically confirmed FAI was conducted between November 2015 and April 2017. Patients were randomized into groups that received preoperative counseling with CT imaging alone, a generic human hip model, or a haptic 3D model of their hip. All groups were subjected to a novel questionnaire examining patient satisfaction and understanding on a variety of topics related to FAI. Data were compared with bivariate and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was determined as P < . 05. Results: Thirty-one patients were included in this study (25 men, 6 women). Ten patients were randomized to the CT-only group, 11 to the generic hip model group, and 10 to receive custom 3D-printed models of their hips. Patients preoperatively counseled with isolated CT imaging or a generic hip model reported greater understanding of their pathophysiology and the role of surgical intervention when compared with those counseled with haptic 3D models (P = .03). At final follow-up, patients counseled with the use of isolated CT imaging or haptic 3D models reported greater increases and retention of understanding as compared with those counseled with generic hip models alone (P = .03). Conclusion: Preoperative counseling with haptic 3D hip models does not appear to favorably affect patient-reported understanding or satisfaction with regard to FAI when compared with the use of CT imaging alone. Continued research into alternative counseling means may serve to further improve patient understanding and satisfaction on this complex anatomic phenomenon.
Elastic buffer evaluation for link pipelining under process variation

Network-on-chip (NoC) adopted for many-core intercommunications may face long link delay and power consumption limitations. A proven solution is to segment long links with storage elements or repeaters. Besides, a new design paradigm called elastic has been considered in the literature, which seems suitable for NoC designs. In this study, the authors explore the benefit of various elastic-buffer (EB) structures to be used for link pipelining. They study elastic handshaking protocols and explore various elastic buffer designed to be used in NoC era. They propose to use synchronous elastic flow (SELF) handshaking protocol for link pipelining. Results show elastic buffer structure based on SELF-handshaking protocol, which can run at least with 21% higher frequency, has 25% less delay and consumes 8% less power compared with other proposed designs. They have explored the process variation issues with various scenarios on seven different structures. They have improved the SELF-elastic buffer, which is more resilient against process variation, proposing two new structures. The new proposed structures exhibit about 5% better performance and 13% less power delay product variation in average.
Active Damping of a DC Network with a Constant Power Load: An Adaptive Passivity-based Control Approach

This paper proposes a nonlinear, adaptive controller to increase the stability margin of a direct-current (DC) small-scale electrical network containing a constant power load, whose value is unknown. Due to their negative incremental impedance, constant power loads are known to reduce the effective damping of a network, leading to voltage oscillations and even to network collapse. To tackle this problem, we consider the incorporation of a controlled DC-DC power converter between the feeder and the constant power load. The design of the control law for the converter is based on the use of standard Passivity-Based Control and Immersion and Invariance theories. The good performance of the controller is evaluated with numerical simulations.
A Reinterpretation of the Optimal Demand for Risky Assets in Fund Separation Theorems

In a continuous-time portfolio selection model with N risky assets and K state variables driving their risk and return parameters, we derive simple expressions for the allocation to each asset in the K + 1 risky funds of the (K + 2)-fund separation theorem. We show that the allocation to any given risky asset in each fund can be written in terms of the parameters of a regression of the excess returns of this asset on those of the N − 1 remaining assets. We also use these parameters to provide quantitative measures of the increase in Sharpe ratio of the speculative demand, or in the maximum correlation of each hedging demand with respect to the corresponding risk factor, associated with the introduction of a new asset in the investment universe. Finally, we show that in a multiperiod setting, an asset is “spanned” by others if and only if it improves neither the maximum Sharpe ratio of the speculative demand nor the maximum correlations of the hedging demands with the risk factors. This paper was accepted .
Evaluation of T cell infiltration in matched biopsy and nephrectomy samples in renal cell carcinoma

Abstract T cell infiltration in tumors has been investigated as a biomarker of response to checkpoint inhibitors. Neo-adjuvant studies in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may provide a unique opportunity to compare T cell infiltration in a pretreatment renal mass biopsy to a posttreatment nephrectomy specimen, and thus evaluate the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, there are no data regarding the association of T cell infiltration in matched biopsy and nephrectomy samples without intervening treatment. Understanding this association will inform investigation of this potential biomarker in future studies. Matched biopsy and nephrectomy samples (without intervening systemic therapy) were identified from patients with nonmetastatic RCC. Selected tissue sections from biopsy and nephrectomy samples were reviewed and marked for intratumoral lymphocytes by a pathologist. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to stain for T cell markers (CD3, CD4, and CD8). Intratumoral staining was then quantified in the tissue sections as counts per total tumor area surveyed. Spearman correlation (r) was used to measure associations. Thirty matched pairs were investigated. The median interval between biopsy and nephrectomy was 2.8 (0.2–87.7) months. Clear cell was the most common histology (29/30; 97%). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the frequency of CD3 +and CD8+ T cells between matched biopsy and nephrectomy samples (r = 0.39; P = .036 and r = 0.38; P = .041, respectively). The frequencies of CD8+ T cells in matched biopsy and nephrectomy samples in RCC in the absence of intervening treatment have been characterized and show a positive correlation between matched biopsy and nephrectomy samples.
A Functional Comparison of Treatment of Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency with Muscle‐Derived and Adipose Tissue‐Derived Stem Cells

This study investigated the effect of muscle‐derived stem cells (MDSCs) and adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and their differences in a rat model. MDSCs and ADSC were isolated from rats (n = 10), examined for their properties, and labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) gene. Rats received bladder‐neck and transurethral sphincter injection of EGFP‐labeled MDSCs and β‐gal gene‐labeled ADSC and injection of D‐Hanks as a control (n = 24 each group). At 0, 15, 30, and 60 days after cells injection, urinary voiding function was assessed by urine dynamics detector. The rats were killed to harvest their urethras for tracking of MDSCs and ADSC. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) was performed to detect smooth muscle contents. Urodynamic test showed that MDSCs and ADSC improved the function of urination in rats with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), and effect of MDSCs‐treatment was more pronounced. In addition, histologic analysis showed that the MDSCs and ADSC‐treated groups had significantly higher myosin and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) content than the control group. Compared with ADSC‐treated groups, the MDSCs‐treated groups in myosin and α‐SMA content showed the tendency of increase. In summary, MDSCs and ADSCs have obvious effects in the treatment and/or prevention of ISD and transplantation of MDSCs is more effective than ADSC. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(10):976–984, 2018
Characterization of microsatellite markers for Moricandia moricandioides (Brassicaceae) and related species

Premise of the Study Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed to study population structure and mating patterns of the monocarpic herb Moricandia moricandioides (Brassicaceae). Methods and Results Illumina MiSeq sequencing was used to develop a panel of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers that were tested across 77 individuals from three populations on the Iberian Peninsula. All markers were polymorphic in at least two studied populations, and the number of alleles ranged from one to 11 per locus. The levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.153 to 0.865, respectively. Nine and 11 loci were successfully amplified in the congeneric species M. arvensis and M. foetida, respectively. Conclusions The 15 microsatellite markers will be useful for population genetic studies of the genus Moricandia. These markers will serve as a useful tool for exploring population structure and mating patterns of M. moricandioides.
A Concept of Bimodal Visual Emotion Recognition in Computer Users

Touchless measurement of affects in computer users is gaining much interests in current man-machine interactions. In this work we present the concept of bimodal visual emotion recognition in computer users. Our idea builds on two different paradigms: a pulse detection based on face image processing and an analysis of scanpath features using eyetracking. The concept is supported by mutual correspondence of the two different methods, while both originate from a video frame sequence possibly acquired with a single sensor. Besides the novel concept, we also put forward several suggestions for future work.
Dysfunction and Therapeutic Potential of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, multifactorial metabolic disease whereby insulin deficiency or resistance results in hyperglycemia. Endothelial cells (ECs) form the innermost layer of the blood vessel and produce and release a variety of vasoactive substances and growth factors to regulate vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis. Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance can cause endothelial dysfunction, leading to vascular complications such as coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. The detrimental effect exerted on ECs by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance underlines the importance of reparatory mechanisms in DM. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), derived from bone marrow, have been recognized as endogenous cells involved in endothelial repair and new blood vessel formation. Initially isolated from a subset of circulating CD34+ mononuclear cells, EPCs were found to possess the ability to differentiate into ECs when cultured in vitro and incorporate into newly formed vessels upon transplantation in animal models of ischemia. Due to the low frequency of CD34+ cells in circulation, the vast majority of studies investigating EPC actions have used cells that are generated through the culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) for 4 - 7 days in endothelial selective medium. These cells, mainly of myeloid hematopoietic cell origin, were termed “Early EPCs,” of which, few expressed stem/progenitor-cell markers. Therefore, early EPCs were also termed “myeloid angiogenic cells” (MACs). When PBMNCs are cultured for over 2 weeks, early EPCs gradually diminish while so-called late EPCs appear. Late EPCs share phenotypic features with mature ECs and are therefore also termed blood-derived ECs; they will not be addressed in this review. MAC dysfunction has been observed in a variety of disease conditions including DM. In this article we review the activities and therapeutic potential of MACs in DM. We will interchangeably use “EPCs” and “MACs” to refer to the cells procured by culture of PBMNCs in EC selective medium for approximately 7 days.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Attack Detection at a Hackfest on Industrial Control Systems

A hackfest named <bold>S</bold>WaT <bold>S</bold>ecurity <bold>S</bold>howdown (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{S}}^3$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>S</mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="sridhar-ieq1-2878597.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>) has been organized consecutively for two years. <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{S}}^3$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>S</mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="sridhar-ieq2-2878597.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> has enabled researchers and practitioners to assess the effectiveness of methods and products aimed at detecting cyber attacks launched in real-time on an operational water treatment plant, namely, Secure Water Treatment (SWaT). In <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{S}}^3$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>S</mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="sridhar-ieq3-2878597.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>, independent attack teams design and launch attacks on SWaT while defence teams protect the plant passively and raise alarms upon attack detection. Attack teams are scored according to how successful they are in performing attacks based on specific intents while the defense teams are scored based on the effectiveness of their methods to detect the attacks. This paper focuses on the first two instances of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{S}}^3$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>S</mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="sridhar-ieq4-2878597.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> and summarizes the benefits of hackfest and the performance of an attack detection mechanism, named Water Defense, that was exposed to attackers during <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">${\text{S}}^3$</tex-math><alternatives><mml:math><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>S</mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msup></mml:math><inline-graphic xlink:href="sridhar-ieq5-2878597.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>.