Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Pharmacology in Neonates: Small Size, Huge Variability

Drug therapy is a powerful tool for improving neonatal outcome. Despite this, neonatologists still routinely prescribe off-label compounds developed for adults and extrapolate doses from those used for children or adults. Knowledge integration through pharmacokinetic modeling is a method that could improve the current situation. Such predictive models may convert neonatal pharmacotherapy from explorative to confirmatory. This can be illustrated by research projects related to the prediction of neonatal renal clearance and neonatal glucuronidation. This type of model will also improve the current knowledge of neonatal (patho)physiology. In the meanwhile, the fields of clinical pharmacology (e.g. pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling and pharmacogenetics) and neonatology (e.g. whole-body cooling and the lower limit of viability) have both matured, resulting in new research topics. However, in order for the modeling and the newly emerging topics to become effective tools, they need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of neonates. Consequently, the field of neonatal pharmacotherapy needs dedicated neonatologists who continue to raise the awareness that off-label practices, eminence-based dosing regimens and the absence of neonatal drug formulations all reflect suboptimal care.
Pathogenic potential of IgG binding to water channel extracellular domain in neuromyelitis optica

Background: Autoantibody specific for the aquaporin-4 astrocytic water channel is restricted to serum and CSF of patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and related CNS inflammatory demyelinating disorders (relapsing optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis). NMO-typical lesions are distinct from MS-typical lesions. Aquaporin-4 is lost selectively at vasculocentric sites of edema/inflammation coinciding with focal deposits of immunoglobulins (Ig) G, M, and terminal complement products, with and without myelin loss. Evidence for antigen-specific autoantibody pathogenicity is lacking. Methods: We used confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to evaluate the selectivity and immunopathological consequences of Ig binding to surface epitopes of living target cells expressing aquaporin-4 fused at its cytoplasmic N-terminus with GFP. We tested serum, IgG-enriched and IgG-depleted serum fractions, and CSF from patients with NMO, neurologic control patients, and healthy subjects. We also analyzed aquaporin-4 immunoreactivity in myelinated adult mouse optic nerves and spinal cord, and plasma cell Ig isotypes in archived brain tissue from an NMO patient. Results: Serum IgG from patients with NMO binds to the extracellular domain of aquaporin-4; it is predominantly IgG1, and it initiates two potentially competing outcomes, aquaporin-4 endocytosis/degradation and complement activation. Serum and CSF lack aquaporin-4-specific IgM, and plasma cells in CNS lesions of NMO contain only IgG. Paranodal astrocytic endfeet highly express aquaporin-4. Conclusions: NMO patients’ serum IgG has a selective pathologic effect on cell membranes expressing aquaporin-4. IgG targeting astrocytic processes around nodes of Ranvier could initiate demyelination.
Intra operative indocyanine green video-angiography in cerebrovascular surgery: An overview with review of literature

Microscope integrated Near infra red Indocyanine green video angiography (NIR ICG VA) has been frequently used in cerebrovascular surgery. It is believed to be a simple and reliable method with acquisition of real time high spatial resolution images. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the efficacy of intra operative Indocyanine green video angiography (ICG VA) in Aneurysm, brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgeries and also to analyze its limitations. Intra operative imaging is a very useful tool in guiding surgery; thus, avoiding surgical morbidity. Now-a-days, many cerebrovascular units are using ICG VA rather than Doppler and intra operative DSA in most of their aneurysm surgeries, and surgeons are incorporating this technique for AVM and in EC-IC bypass surgeries too. This article is an overview of the beneficial effects of ICG VA in cerebrovascular surgery and will also point out its limitations in various circumstances. Intra operative ICG VA gives high resolution, real time images of arterial, capillary, and venous flow of cerebral vasculature. Although it gives adequate information about the clipped neck, parent/branching artery and perforator involvement, it has some limitations like viewing the neck residuals located behind the aneurysm, thick walled atherosclerotic vessels, and thrombosed aneurysms. In AVM surgery, it is useful in detecting the residual nidus in diffuse type AVM, but cannot be relied in deep seated AVMs and it gives exact information about the anastomosis site in EC-IC bypass, thus, avoiding early bypass graft failure. NIR ICG VA is a simple, reliable, and quick method to pick up subtle findings in cerebrovascular procedures. But in selected cases of aneurysms, endoscopy and intra operative Digital substraction angiography (DSA) may be helpful, whereas in deep seated AVMs, navigation may be required as an adjunct to confirm intra operative findings.
Guideline for the Acquisition and Preparation of Conventional and Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Specimens for the Diagnosis and Molecular Testing of Patients with Known or Suspected Lung Cancer

Rationale: Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-TBNA are widely accepted tools for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and the initial procedure of choice for staging. Obtaining adequate specimens is key to provide a specific histologic and molecular diagnosis of lung cancer. Objectives: To develop practice guidelines on the acquisition and preparation of conventional TBNA and EBUS-TBNA specimens for the diagnosis and molecular testing of (suspected) lung cancer. We hope to improve the global unification of procedure standards, maximize the yield and identify areas for research. Methods: Systematic electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies for inclusion in the guideline [PubMed and the Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)]. Main Results: The number of needle aspirations with both conventional TBNA and EBUS-TBNA was found to impact the diagnostic yield, with at least 3 passes needed for optimal performance. Neither needle gauge nor the use of miniforceps, the use of suction or the type of sedation/anesthesia has been found to improve the diagnostic yield for lung cancer. The use of rapid on-site cytology examination does not increase the diagnostic yield. Molecular analysis (i.e. EGFR, KRAS and ALK) can be routinely performed on the majority of cytological samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA and conventional TBNA. There does not appear to be a superior method for specimen preparation (i.e. slide staining, cell blocks or core tissue). It is likely that optimal specimen preparation may vary between institutions depending on the expertise of pathology colleagues.
Thermal Transient Response of GaAs FETs Under Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI)

Transient thermal responses of GaAs field-effect transistors (FETs) in the presence of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) are investigated in this paper. The numerical methodology employed is an efficient nonlinear finite-element method (FEM) that combines the element-by-element FEM and the preconditioned conjugate gradient technique. Parametric studies are carried out to show different pulse parameters on the transient thermal responses as well as maximum channel temperatures of some typical GaAs FETs, with silicon FETs also taken into account for comparison. It is numerically proven that the thermal impact caused by medium EMP will be the most serious compared with fast EMP or ultra-wideband pulse, and the captured maximum channel temperature is proportional to the input power density, approximately of the EMP injected. This research can serve as a base for taking further protection measures to prevent on-chip device from breakdown by the attack of an EMP.
Monitoring of surface mitochondrial nadh levels as an indication of ischemia during liver isograft transplantation

Ischemia‐reperfusion injury is a major cause of transplant dysfunction. One feature of this damage is mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine whether surface fluorometric measurements of mitochondrial NADH can be made, and if the technique can detect differences in mitochondrial respiration between minimally stored 1 to 2°C for 25 minutes (group 1, control) transplanted livers and those stored in hypertonic citrate at 1 to 2°C (group 2) for 24 hours before transplantation. Measurements were made in livers isografted in 20 male Lewis rats. The technique is sufficiently sensitive to detect increased (nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide (NADH) during dissection of hepatic vessels before ligation 0.52 ± 0.04 (n = 14, P < 0.03) compared with the in situ exposed liver, 0.43 ± 0.02 n = 14). Complete hepatic ligation resulted in a significant increase in NADH (1.22 ± 0.10, n = 14), P < 0.0001) compared with hepatic artery ligation, which did not increase NADH levels. After storage, NADH levels increased (P < 0.02) but there was no significant difference between groups. In group 1, completion of portal vein (PV), suprahepatic vena cava (SVC), and descending vena cava anastomoses resulted in decreased NADH levels toward those after preparation of the vessels before ligation. However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.004) between the 25‐minute and the 24‐hour stored livers, 0.56 ± 0.07 versus 0.23 ± 0.04, respectively. On final revascularisation, NADH returned to preligation values in group 1 but there was a highly significant difference between groups 1 (0.42 ± 0.03) and 2 (0.22 ± 0.02) (P < 0.0003) equivalent to 89% and 100% oxidation. This abnormal maximal level of NADH oxidation (100%) in the 24‐hour stored livers is suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction. These results show that it might be possible to predict organ viability by noninvasive measurements of respiratory chain dysfunction in the clinical transplant situation.
Validation of habitual energy intake

Abstract Objective: To provide a framework for use of the doubly labelled water method to measure energy expenditure in order to validate dietary instruments for the assessment of energy. Design: Review and description of the use of doubly labelled water method for use as a biomarker for habitual energy intake. Results: The doubly labelled water method has a relative accuracy of 1% and within-subject precision of 5 to 8%. Comparison of self-reported energy intake with energy expenditure demonstrated that over one-third of individuals may underreport energy intake by more than 25%. Conclusions: The doubly labelled water method, although expensive and dependent on non-routine laboratory instrumentation, is an excellent biomarker of energy intake.
Glyoxal Oxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium Is a New Radical-Copper Oxidase (*)

A free radical-coupled copper complex has been identified as the catalytic structure in the active site of glyoxal oxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium based on a combination of spectroscopic and biochemical studies. The native (inactive) enzyme is activated by oxidants leading to the elimination of the cupric EPR signal consistent with formation of an antiferromagnetically coupled radical-copper complex. Oxidation also leads to the appearance of a substoichiometric free radical EPR signal with an average g value (gav = 2.0055) characteristic of phenoxyl π-radicals arising from a minority apoenzyme fraction. Optical absorption, CD, and spectroelectrochemical measurements on the active enzyme reveal complex spectra extending into the near IR and define the redox potential for radical formation (E1/2 = 0.64 V versus NHE, pH 7.0). Resonance Raman spectra have identified the signature of a modified (cysteinyl-tyrosine) phenoxyl in the vibrational spectra of the active complex. This radical-copper motif has previously been found only in galactose oxidase, with which glyoxal oxidase shares many properties despite lacking obvious sequence identity, and catalyzing a distinct reaction. The enzymes thus represent members of a growing class of free radical metalloenzymes based on the radical-copper catalytic motif and appear to represent functional variants that have evolved to distinct catalytic roles.
Frequency response of Measurement Current Transformers

In this paper the frequency response of two CTs is experimentally evaluated in the range of 30-600 Hz. A theoretical analysis of CTs behavior has been developed by means of the equivalent circuit. It was shown, by an experimental test, that, for the frequency range analyzed, the transformer equivalent circuit is a valid tool for the evaluation of CT performances.
Management of large (>60 g) prostate gland: PlasmaKinetic Superpulse (bipolar) versus conventional (monopolar) transurethral resection of the prostate.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Today, urologists around the world are encountering greater numbers of larger prostate glands, probably because of an initial trial of pharmacotherapy. The present study was performed to assess the safety and efficacy of bipolar transurethral resection of large prostate glands using the PlasmaKinetic (PK) Superpulse System. PATIENTS AND METHODS This single-blind, randomized study included 70 patients with prostate gland >60 g seen on three-dimensional transrectal ultrasonography. Patients were randomized 1:1 using envelopes into either a PK Superpulse transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) group or conventional TURP group, and underwent the procedure accordingly. Perioperative and postoperative parameters included operative time, blood loss, need for blood transfusion, clinical transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome, and duration of catheterization and hospitalization. Of 70 patients, 67 were followed for a minimum of 9 months, and data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS Both groups were comparable in terms of preoperative parameters, which included American Urological Association Symptom Score, Qmax, gland size, and postvoid residual. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was found in terms of perioperative blood loss, change in serum sodium, and duration of catheterization. These complications were significantly less in the PK Superpulse group, with an obvious reduction in the duration of hospitalization in that group. CONCLUSION The PK Superpulse System can be used as safely and effectively in the resection of the large gland (>60 g) as it has been reported to be in the resection of small and medium-sized glands. By using physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) as irrigation fluid, it eliminates any danger of TUR syndrome and thus eliminates the conventional time limit of resection. PK Superpulse TURP is a promising treatment modality in the management of large prostate glands. It has all the features of gold-standard monopolar TURP, along with added safety and efficacy. It is ready to be included in the urologist's armamentarium.
Spatial organization of four hnRNP proteins in relation to sites of transcription, to nuclear speckles, and to each other in interphase nuclei and nuclear matrices of HeLa cells.

RNA polymerase II transcripts are complexed with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) proteins. These proteins are involved in several aspects of the maturation and transport of hnRNA. We performed a detailed study of the spatial distribution of four hnRNP proteins (hnRNP C, I, L, and U) in HeLa nuclei, using immunofluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy. Despite the fact that hnRNP proteins have been shown to coimmunoprecipitate, a hallmark of hnRNP proteins, we find that hnRNP C, I, and L have a spatial nuclear distribution that is not related to that of hnRNP U. We also examined the distribution of hnRNP proteins in relation to that of nascent transcripts. The four hnRNP proteins that we examined are not enriched at sites of RNA synthesis. Using antibodies against the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein (PAB II) we investigated the relationship between the distribution of hnRNP proteins and that of nuclear domains (nuclear speckles) that are enriched in splicing factors, poly(A)+RNA, and PAB II. We found that the four hnRNP proteins are not enriched in these domains. This indicates that the poly(A)+RNA, present in high concentration in speckles, is not complexed with these hnRNP proteins. This is in agreement with the notion that poly(A)+RNA in speckles is different from ordinary hnRNA. Previously, we have shown that hnRNP proteins are the major protein components of the fibrogranular internal nuclear matrix (K. A. Mattern et al. (1996) J. Cell. Biochem. 62, 275-289; K. A. Mattern et al. (1997) J. Cell. Biochem. 65, 42-52). We observed that in nuclear matrices the spatial distributions of the four hnRNP proteins, like that of nascent RNA and PAB II, are essentially the same as observed in intact nuclei. Moreover, also in nuclear matrix preparations, like in intact nuclei, nascent RNA and PAB II have spatial distributions that differ from those of hnRNP proteins. Our results are compatible with the notion that hnRNP proteins are able to form complexes of many different, probably overlapping, compositions.
Metabolic syndrome, or What you will: definitions and epidemiology

The ‘metabolic syndrome’ is a clustering of risk factors which predispose an individual to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is general consensus regarding the main components of the syndrome (glucose intolerance, obesity, raised blood pressure and dyslipidaemia [elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol]) but different definitions require different cut points and have different mandatory inclusion criteria. Although insulin resistance is considered a major pathological influence, only the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Group for the study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR) definitions include it amongst the diagnostic criteria and only the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition has waist circumference as a mandatory component. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome within individual cohorts varies with the definition used. Within each definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with age and varies with gender and ethnicity. There is a lack of diagnostic concordance between different definitions. Only about 30% of people could be given the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome using most definitions, and about 35-40% of people diagnosed with metabolic syndrome are only classified as such using one definition. There is currently debate regarding the validity of the term metabolic syndrome, but the presence of one cardiovascular risk factor should raise suspicion that additional risk factors may also be present and encourage investigation. Individual risk factors should be treated.
Integration between Business Planning and Information Systems Planning: An Evolutionary-Contingency Perspective

One of the key elements of strategic planning for information systems (IS) is the integration of information systems planning (ISP) with business planning (BP). This integration enables IS to support business strategies more effectively. Although this issue has received significant attention in recent years, empirical research focusing specifically on BP-ISP integration is still relatively sparse. This research extends existing results by examining the evolution of BP-ISP integration and the contingency variables that may influence BP-ISP integration.The results confirmed the existence of an evolutionary pattern that can be defined in terms of movement through four types of BP-ISP integration: administrative integration to sequential integration to reciprocal integration to full integration. Only a few firms indicated that they had reached full integration. Bypassed phases and reverse evolution, though observed, were uncommon. Among the contingency variables, the business competence of the IS executive appeared to be a key factor in influencing the extent of integration.
A bird's‐eye view of cell therapy and tissue engineering for cardiac regeneration

Complete recovery of ischemic cardiac muscle after myocardial infarction is still an unresolved concern. In recent years, intensive research efforts have focused on mimicking the physical and biological properties of myocardium for cardiac repair. Here we show how heart regeneration approaches have evolved from cell therapy to refined tissue engineering. Despite progressive improvements, the best cell type and delivery strategy are not well established. Our group has identified a new population of cardiac adipose tissue–derived progenitor cells with inherent cardiac and angiogenic potential that is a promising candidate for cell therapy to restore ischemic myocardium. We also describe results from three strategies for cell delivery into a murine model of myocardial infarction: intramyocardial injection, implantation of a fibrin patch loaded with cells, and an engineered bioimplant (a combination of chemically designed scaffold, peptide hydrogel, and cells); dual‐labeling noninvasive bioluminescence imaging enables in vivo monitoring of cardiac‐specific markers and cell survival.
Optimization of Synchrotron Beam Alignment using a Linguistic Control Scheme

The project deals with the design and the implementation of an adaptive controller which optimizes the beam alignment at the SuperESCA beamline, using a behavioural model based on fuzzy logic. The operating environment is an extension of the FuzzyCLIPS1 expert system shell, integrated in the ELETTRA Beamline Control System.
Expression of PDGFR-β in colorectal cancer stroma and the relationship to lymphangiogenesis

Objective : To test the expression of PDGFR-β in colorectal cancer stroma, and evaluate the relationship to lymphangiogenesis. Methods: Applying Immunohistochemistry SP method, the expression of PDGFR-β in 90 patients with colorectal cancer and 20 normal tissues. Marked by D2–40, lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) was counted. The expression of PDGFR-β and its relationship to LMVD and clinicopathologic factors was analyzed. Results: The expression of PDGFR-β was found significantly higher in colorectal cancer stroma than in normal tissues surrounding tumors[PDGFR-β: 46.67%(42/90) vs 20%(4/20), P<0.05]. The LMVD in cancer tissues was found significantly higher than in normal tissues surrounding tumors (P <0.05). Higher LMVD was found in groups with lymph node metastasis (26.06 + 16.41 vs 17.26 + 12.97, t =2.582, P <0.05). Also higher LMVD was found in colorectal cancer with positive PDGFR-β expression than with that corresponding negative expression [(27.63 + 15.46)vs (17.47 + 14.68), t =3.01, P <0.05]. High PDGFR-β expression was significantly more common with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of PDGFR-β in colorectal cancer stroma was closely correlated with lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.
A sample/hold circuit for 80MSPS 14-bit A/D converter

In this paper, a sample/hold circuit for switched capacitor structure in 0.35um CMOS process technology is described. The sample/hold circuit is used for 14-bit pipelined A/D converter with a conversion rate up to 80MSPS. In the circuit, the differential unity gain structure is employed. The impact of channel injected charges is reduced through sequential control. The amplifier with a folded cascode gain intensified structure is adopted, so desired gain and bandwidth of the circuit are obtained. By circuit simulation, the maximum harmonic distortion of the sample/hold circuit at a supply voltage of 3V is −90dB at 80MSPS with input signal of 2Vpp. As a result, the DNL is 0.8/−0.9 LSB, the INL is 3.1/−3.7 LSB, the SNR is 70.2dB,and the SFDR is 89.3dB.