Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytosterols and vascular disease

Purpose of review Phytosterols and stanols are plant derivatives that compete with cholesterol for intestinal absorption and thereby lower serum cholesterol concentrations. They have been developed as food additives to help lower serum cholesterol but there is concern that these additives could inadvertently increase cardiovascular risk. This concern arises from the observation that patients with the rare genetic condition phytosterolemia overabsorb phytosterols and develop premature atherosclerosis. This review evaluates the relationship between phytosterol and stanol supplementation and cardiovascular risk. Recent findings Plant sterol supplementation produces minimal increases in blood phytosterol concentrations in humans. Recent animal studies suggest that phytosterols reduce atherosclerosis in the Apo-E deficient mouse model. The evidence from human studies is mixed and does not prove or disprove an increase in atherosclerotic risk from serum phytosterol levels. An increase in risk seems unlikely, but additional studies should address this possibility. Summary Phytosterols are effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and do not appear to increase atherosclerotic risk, but additional research on this topic is necessary.
Ohmic contact formation between Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change material and vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

The contact property between Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) with vertical carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is studied in this work. By careful catalyst design and process optimization, we have demonstrated the formation of ohmic contact between the CNT and the GST material. The developed process is CMOS compatible and can be used for form phase change memory over the vias in the interconnect layers.
Ac ce pt ed M an us cr ip t Statistical shape model reconstruction with sparse anomalous deformations : application to intervertebral disc herniation

Many medical image processing techniques rely on accurate shape modeling of anatomical features. The presence of shape abnormalities challenges traditional processing algorithms based on strong morphological priors. In this work, a sparse shape reconstruction from a statistical shape model is presented. It combines the advantages of traditional statistical shape models (defining a ’normal’ shape space) and previously presented sparse shape composition (providing localized descriptors of anomalies). The algorithm was incorporated into our image segmentation and classification software. Evaluation was performed on simulated and clinical MRI data from 22 sciatica patients with intervertebral disc herniation, containing 35 herniated and 97 normal discs. Moderate to high correlation (R = 0.73) was achieved ∗Corresponding author Room 512, General Purpose South Building (78) School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering The University of Queensland St. Lucia 4072 Australia Phone: +61 (0) 7 3253 3638 Email: ales.neubert@uqconnect.edu. au Preprint submitted to the special issue on Sparsity Techniques May 15, 2015
Predictors and Timing of Neurological Complications Following Intracranial Angioplasty and/or Stent Placement

BACKGROUND:Transient or permanent neurological complications can occur in the periprocedural period following intracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement. Which patients are at risk and the time period for maximum vulnerability among those who undergo intracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement have not been formally studied. OBJECTIVE:To assess the predictors and timing of neurological complications following intracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement in the periprocedural period in a consecutive series of patients. METHODS:We reviewed medical records and angiograms of consecutive patients treated with intracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement in 3 academic institutions. We evaluated the effect of demographic, clinical, intraprocedural, and angiographic risk factors on subsequent development of periprocedural neurological complications. Periprocedural neurological complications were defined as new or worsening transient or permanent neurological complications that occurred during or within 1 month of the procedure. We also recorded the timing and nature of neurological complications in the periprocedural period. RESULTS:A total of 92 patients were included in the study (mean age ± standard deviation: 59 ± 14 years; 59 were men). The overall rate of in-hospital neurological complications was 9.8% (9 of 92 patients). Eight out of 9 neurological complications occurred either during the procedure or within 6 hours thereafter. Presence of diabetes mellitus (P = .003) and use of balloon-expandable stent (P = .09) were associated with periprocedural neurological complications. The degree of pre- and post-procedure stenosis, morphological appearance, and length of lesion were unrelated to periprocedural complications. CONCLUSION:Patients with diabetes mellitus and those treated with balloon expandable stents are at high risk for periprocedural neurological complications. The first 6 hours following intracranial angioplasty and stent placement represent the period of highest risk.
Robotics in general surgery: personal experience in a large community hospital.

HYPOTHESIS Robotic technology is the most advanced development of minimally invasive surgery, but there are still some unresolved issues concerning its use in a clinical setting. DESIGN The study describes the clinical experience of the Department of General Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy, in robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System. RESULTS Between October 2000 and November 2002, 193 patients underwent a minimally invasive robotic procedure (74 men and 119 women; mean age, 55.9 years [range, 16-91 years]). A total of 207 robotic surgical operations, including abdominal, thoracic and vascular procedures, were performed; 179 were single procedures, and 14 were double (2 operations on the same patient). There were 4 conversions to open surgery and 3 to conventional laparoscopy (conversion rate, 3.6%; 7 of 193 patients). The perioperative morbidity rate was 9.3% (18 of 193 patients), and 6 patients (3.1%) required a reoperation. The postoperative mortality rate was 1.5% (3 of 193 patients). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary experience at a large community hospital suggests that robotic surgery is feasible in a clinical setting. Its daily use is safe and easily managed, and it expands the applications of minimally invasive surgery. However, the best indications still have to be defined, and the cost-benefit ratio must be evaluated. This report could serve as a basis for a future prospective, randomized trial.
Augmented reality: towards an ethical fantasy?

In this paper augmented reality solution development is analysed from an ethical perspective. The paper aims to be a guide on which different aspects of augmented reality and mixed reality development must at least be taken into account when adopting this emerging technology to counter ethically suspicious and malicious consequences which may cause harm amongst the different stakeholders. The analysis consist on both possible direct and collateral consequences of careless augmented reality system development where e.g. privacy, equality, data ownership and other forms of misuse are covered. The topics handled include direct consequences in the form of surveillance and other private and governmental use of augmented reality data, peer surveillance and sousveillance, ownership of data about ourselves, on top of such unintended consequences as augmented reality applications not acknowledging people of darker complexions or using augmented reality applications for even more effective bullying than current applications offer. Wider public discourse on the various current and potential uses of augmented reality applications is needed for the public to understand the direct and collateral consequences and for the legislators to make informed decisions on laws and policies governing augmented reality application usage.
The Intercultural Development Inventory: An Approach for Assessing and Building Intercultural Competence

Consider the following situation. It was 9 months ago that Acme Pharmaceutical Company formally agreed to a limited partnership arrangement with JacaMarketing of Japan. The purpose of this partnership is to permit Acme to introduce a line of pharmaceutical products in Japan. Jaca is a well-respected and established marketing firm in Japan that knows the “ins and outs” of obtaining government approvals so that the medicines developed by Acme can be formally approved for sale to Japanese consumers. At the time of the signing of the agreements, both the president of Acme and the president of Jaca expressed their enthusiastic support for and confidence in the newly formed partnership. For Acme, Jaca represents an essential method of introducing pharmacological products into the Japanese arena. For Jaca, the opportunity to represent a large, U.S.-owned multinational corporation that wants to do
Risk Factors for First Fractures Among Males With Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Background: Fractures are a significant concern for individuals with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy with 21% to 44% of males experiencing a fracture. Factors that increase or decrease the risk for fracture have been suggested in past research, although statistical risk has not been determined. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network cohort, a large, population-based sample to identify risk factors associated with first fractures in patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy. Our study cohort included males with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy born between 1982 and 2006 who resided in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, and Western New York, retrospectively identified and followed through 2010. We utilized a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to determine hazard ratios for relevant factors associated with first fracture risk including race/ethnicity, surveillance site, ambulation status, calcium/vitamin D use and duration, bisphosphonate use and duration, and corticosteroid use and duration. Results: Of 747 cases, 249 had at least 1 fracture (33.3%). Full-time wheelchair use increased the risk of first fracture by 75% for every 3 months of use (hazard ratio=1.75, 95% confidence interval, 1.14, 2.68), but corticosteroid use, bisphosphonate use, and calcium/vitamin D use did not significantly affect risk in the final adjusted model. Conclusions: In this cohort, first fractures were common and full-time wheelchair use, but not corticosteroid use, was identified as a risk factor. The impact of prevention measures should be more thoroughly assessed. Clinical Relevance: Fractures are a significant concern for individuals with dystrophinopathies, but the contribution of various risk factors has not been consistently demonstrated.
Stacked FET structure for multi-band mobile terminal power amplifier module

A multi-band PHEMT 5 × 7 mm2 PA module for mobile applications is described based upon a stacked FET structure. The PA has 28.5 dBm linear output power and over 40 % PAE with -38 dBc ACLR for a 3.2 V supply voltage, covering a wide frequency range of 698-915 MHz, 1430-1450 MHz and 1710-1980 MHz. A Stacked FET structure and the method to align voltage phase of stacked FETs are described. The module contains two PA chips, one output switch and MIPI RFFE interface compatible PA and SW controller.
Enteral nutrition and the risk of mortality and infectious complications in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of enteral vs parenteral nutrition in patients with severe acute pancreatitis for clinically relevant outcomes. DATA SOURCES A computerized literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for articles published from January 1, 1966, until December 15, 2006. STUDY SELECTION From 253 publications screened, 5 randomized controlled trials comparing enteral and parenteral nutrition in patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION Information on study design, patient characteristics, and acute pancreatitis outcomes were independently extracted by two of us using a standardized protocol. DATA SYNTHESIS A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed using a random-effects model. Enteral feeding reduced the risk of infectious complications (relative risk, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.77; P < .001), pancreatic infections (0.48; 0.26-0.91; P = .02), and mortality (0.32; 0.11-0.98; P = .03). The risk reduction for organ failure was not statistically significant (0.67; 0.30-1.52; P = .34). CONCLUSIONS Enteral nutrition results in clinically relevant and statistically significant risk reduction for infectious complications, pancreatic infections, and mortality in patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis.
Effect of Inorganic Lead on Rat Brain Mitochondrial Respiration and Energy Production

Abstract: Toxicologically significant amounts of inorganic lead were added to rat brain mitochondrial preparations that did not contain EDTA or Pi. The binding of the lead to the mitochondria was measured by anodic stripping voltometry. In the presence of lead, the respiratory control ratios decreased, implying a decrease in the degree of dependence of respiration on a phosphate acceptor. Nucleotide contents were also measured, and in the presence of inorganic lead the actual amounts of ATP formed from ADP were found to be significantly decreased as well.
Treatment of Extracranial and Intracranial Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Fistulae Using Stent Grafts

OBJECTIVE:Treatment of 11 patients with aneurysms or arteriovenous fistulae of the craniocervical arteries with stent grafts. METHODS:Peripheral stent grafts were deployed in two extracranial internal carotid arteries. Coronary stent grafts were used to treat two giant aneurysms, five direct carotid-cavernous fistulae, one vertebrojugular fistula, and two dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery (V2 and V4). RESULTS:Stent grafts were used successfully in two extracranial internal carotid and two extracranial vertebral arteries, one dissecting aneurysm of the intracranial vertebral artery, one giant aneurysm and one pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous internal carotid artery, and five direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae. Angiographic follow-up examinations (available in nine patients; obtained at 3 mo to 5 yr; average, 24 mo) revealed normal vessel caliber, and the stent grafts in all 9 of 11 initial patients were patent. There was a recurrent saccular aneurysm adjacent to the stent graft in the patient with the intracranial vertebral artery aneurysm. The following five complications were encountered: transient hemiparesis (n = 2), increased hemiparesis, post-procedural management-related fatality, and ICA dissection. In six patients, stent graft deployment was accomplished without any technical or clinical complication. There were no permanent neurological deficits consequent to stent graft placement. CONCLUSION:Stent grafts are a useful tool for the endovascular treatment of head and neck aneurysms and direct arteriovenous fistulae in selected patients. The major disadvantage of the currently available stent grafts is their lack of mechanical flexibility. Maneuvering stent grafts in the intracranial arteries carries the risk of iatrogenic vessel dissection and may require supportive measures and protection of the target site by conventional stents.
The natural history of liver allo‐ and autotransplantation in the pig

A series of 40 pig liver transplants surviving for at least 5 days is presented. Twenty orthotopic allografts are compared with 20 autograft controls, and in each group biliary drainage by a cholecystoduodenostomy (gall‐bladder to duodenum anastomosis) is compared with a choledochocholedochostomy (direct bile‐duct to bile‐duct anastomosis).
Antioxidant and collagenase inhibitory activity of ether soluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (ESP-BF) of flaxseed.

The present study was conducted to investigate antioxidant, collagenase inhibitory activity of ether soluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (ESP-BF) of flaxseed. Results demonstrated that ESP-BF had potent DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 51.18 μg/ml) and antilipid peroxidation (IC50 70.74 μg/ml) activity better than standard, ascorbic acid. ESP-BF also showed a dose dependent increase in reducing power. However, the observed ABTS scavenging activity of ESP-BF was weaker than standard, trolox. ESP-BF showed high concentration of total phenolics than flavonoids. Preliminary phytochemical screening and HPTLC profiling of ESP-BF could exhibit presence of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), flavonoids and phenyl propanoids. Furthermore, ESP-BF inhibited collagenase activity and had IC50 of 78.80 μg/ml. In conclusion, ESP-BF possesses potent antioxidant and collagenase inhibitory activity, which could be due to its SDG and flavonoids content.
Arthrography of the Hip in Children

A method by which bilateral hip arthrography was performed under general anaesthesia in 130 infants and children 1 month to 7 years of age is described. Significant contractures of the adductor muscles had been corrected before the examination. Most of the children were girls with unilateral congenital idiopathic hip instability detected before the age of one year. From films exposed in standardized projections valuable information was obtained about the configuration of the joint cavity and the size and shape of the femoral head. Criteria for normal appearance in infants of ages 2 to 12 months are presented. More reliable details on the relation between the articular surfaces, the radiographic anatomy of the acetabulum and the distribution of the contrast medium were yielded by stereoradiography. Closed reduction was usually accomplished successfully during the arthrography, which made beginning of definitive treatment under the same anaesthesia possible.
Maximum insufflation capacity.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of deep lung insufflations on maximum insufflation capacities (MICs) and peak cough flows (PCFs) for patients with neuromuscular disease. METHOD Forty-three patients with neuromuscular disease were trained in stacking delivered volumes of air to deep lung insufflation and were prescribed a program of air stacking once their vital capacities (VCs) were noted to be < 2,000 mL. VC, MIC, and unassisted and assisted PCF were monitored. The initial data were compared with the highest MICs subsequently achieved. For those patients whose MICs only decreased, we compared the initial data with the most recent data. RESULTS The MICs increased from (mean +/- SD) 1,402 +/- 530 mL to 1,711 +/- 599 mL (p < 0.001) for 30 patients and only decreased for 13 patients. Patients for whom the MICs increased also had a significant increase in assisted PCF from 3.7 +/- 1.4 to 4.3 +/- 1.6 L/s (p < 0.05) despite having somewhat decreasing VCs and unassisted PCFs. CONCLUSION With training, the capacity to stack air to deep insufflations can improve despite progressive neuromuscular disease. This can result in increased cough effectiveness.
BEHAVIORAL AND BIOLOGIC ASPECTS OF MARIJUANA USE *

Before the current decade, only three comprehensive studies of the effects of repeat-dose marijuana administration had been conducted.zs45,52 Our current data base has been expanded considerably and has been reviewed in part in several comprehensive publicatiorsz53 Yet, despite an exponential increment in our fund of information about the effects of marijuana on human biologic function and behavior, we are still far from certain about the type and nature of any subtle, and perhaps disastrous, consequences that may be associated with long-term marijuana use. Data presented in this paper reprint an overview of a series of multidisciplinary studies conducted in our laboratory. The major questions that we addressed in this research were similar to those we have posed in previous These questions were: “Does chronic use of marijuana systematically affect motivation to engage in a variety of social and goal-directed activities? Are there constant relationships between free-choice marijuana intake and antecedent and consequent mood states? What are the relationships between free-choice marijuana intake and patterns of verbal interaction? What are the relationships between free-choice marijuana intake and performance on psychologic tasks that assess such functions as problem solving and risk taking, memory, time estimation, and cognitive function? And, finally, are physiologic and biochemical changes associated with repeated doses of marijuana? ” Some answers for these questions are provided in each of the topical sections of this manuscript. This report is a summary of the current “state of science” for ongoing research in our laboratory and clinical research facility. More detailed presentations of data obtained in studies of behavorial and social reactions, group interaction, and tolerance will be published by Dr. Babor and his associates. Dr. A. Michael Rossi and his colleagues will report in subsequent publications on studies of mood, short-term memory, vigilance, and reaction time. Drs. Kuehnle and Bernstein have submitted data for publication on psychiatric aspects and cardiac and pulmonary function. Drs. Greenberg and Mello and their associates have presented a detailed description of studies of operant behavior elsewhere in this monograph. One of the most important joints we would like to emphasize is the 35, 37.
Methemoglobin formation during laser induced photothermolysis of vascular skin lesions

Monitoring dynamic changes during laser induced photothermolysis of vascular skin lesions is essential for obtaining an optimal therapeutic result. Rapid photoinduced thermal damage occurs at a threshold temperature of about 70°C. It is therefore, relevant to identify markers to indicate if this threshold temperature has been reached. Methemoglobin, which is formed by a photo‐induced oxidation of hemoglobin, indicates that the temperature has reached this threshold value. This study presents a proof of concept of a method for monitoring the in vivo presence of methemoglobin immediately after laser exposure.
PERSPECTIVES IN PEDIATRIC PATHOLOGY Molecular Insights into Congenital Disorders of the Digestive System

Recent work is providing new insights into molecular mechanisms of digestive system development and their alteration in clinically significant disorders. An understanding of these mechanisms has largely been gained through the use of animal models, because many of the basic processes required in embryogenesis are functionally conserved among species. Such conserved factors include cell–cell signaling pathways and the regulation of gene expression. Disruption of these pathways have been implicated in several congenital disorders of the digestive system, including Hirschsprung disease, malrotation, altered sphincter development, Meckel diverticulum, biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome, pancreatic heterotopias, and pancreatic agenesis. In this review, we highlight recent studies in digestive system development, which elucidate mechanisms underlying congenital disorders of the human digestive system.