Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated Circuit Angular Displacement Sensor with On-chip Pinhole Aperture

Sensors that remotely track the displacement of a moving object have a wide range of applications from robotic control to motion capture. In this paper, we introduce a simple, small silicon integrated circuit sensor that tracks the angular displacement of an object tagged with a small light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). This sensor uses a new angular transduction mechanism, differential diffusion of photoelectrons generated from the light spot cast by the light tag onto a Si anode, that is described by a simple physics model using pinhole optics and carrier diffusion. Because the light spot is formed by a pinhole aperture integrated on the sensor chip, no external focusing optics are needed, reducing system complexity, size, and weight. Prototype sensors based on this model were fabricated and their basic characteristics are presented. These sensors transduce angular displacement of an LED across orthogonal latitudinal and longitudinal arcs into normalized differential photocathode currents with signal linearly proportional to LED angular position across a ± 40° field-of-view. These sensors offer potential performance and ease-of-use benefits compared to existing displacement sensor technologies.
Complex Size and Surface Charge Determine Nucleic Acid Transfer by Fusogenic Liposomes

Highly efficient, biocompatible, and fast nucleic acid delivery methods are essential for biomedical applications and research. At present, two main strategies are used to this end. In non-viral transfection liposome- or polymer-based formulations are used to transfer cargo into cells via endocytosis, whereas viral carriers enable direct nucleic acid delivery into the cell cytoplasm. Here, we introduce a new generation of liposomes for nucleic acid delivery, which immediately fuse with the cellular plasma membrane upon contact to transfer the functional nucleic acid directly into the cell cytoplasm. For maximum fusion efficiency combined with high cargo transfer, nucleic acids had to be complexed and partially neutralized before incorporation into fusogenic liposomes. Among the various neutralization agents tested, small, linear, and positively charged polymers yielded the best complex properties. Systematic variation of liposomal composition and nucleic acid complexation identified surface charge as well as particle size as essential parameters for cargo-liposome interaction and subsequent fusion induction. Optimized protocols were tested for the efficient transfer of different kinds of nucleic acids like plasmid DNA, messenger RNA, and short-interfering RNA into various mammalian cells in culture and into primary tissues.
The Impact of Bioceramic Scaffolds on Bone Regeneration in Preclinical In Vivo Studies: A Systematic Review

Bioceramic scaffolds are appealing for alveolar bone regeneration, because they are emerging as promising alternatives to autogenous and heterogenous bone grafts. The aim of this systematic review is to answer to the focal question: in critical-sized bone defects in experimental animal models, does the use of a bioceramic scaffolds improve new bone formation, compared with leaving the empty defect without grafting materials or using autogenous bone or deproteinized bovine-derived bone substitutes? Electronic databases were searched using specific search terms. A hand search was also undertaken. Only randomized and controlled studies in the English language, published in peer-reviewed journals between 2013 and 2018, using critical-sized bone defect models in non-medically compromised animals, were considered. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the SYRCLE tool. A meta-analysis was planned to synthesize the evidence, if possible. Thirteen studies reporting on small animal models (six studies on rats and seven on rabbits) were included. The calvarial bone defect was the most common experimental site. The empty defect was used as the only control in all studies except one. In all studies the bioceramic materials demonstrated a trend for better outcomes compared to an empty control. Due to heterogeneity in protocols and outcomes among the included studies, no meta-analysis could be performed. Bioceramics can be considered promising grafting materials, though further evidence is needed.
Lifetime affective symptoms and mortality in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development

This thesis investigated associations between lifetime affective symptoms and mortality in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD; the British 1946 birth cohort). Affective symptoms were initially rated by teachers when study members were aged 13 and 15; then by semi-structured clinical interview at age 36 using the Present State Examination (PSE); the interview-based Psychiatric Frequency Questionnaire at age 43; and the self-report 28-item General Health Questionnaire at age 53. Mortality data including cause of death was obtained from the NHS Central Register. Follow-up time was from ages of exposure to end of October 2014 (age 68). A wide range of covariates were tested, including sex; early life factors; adult health indicators and health behaviours; psychotropic medication; stressful life events, and social factors. Cox regression showed that after adjustment for sex, severe affective symptoms were associated with an increased risk of mortality compared to those with no or mild symptoms across most ages. There was evidence of an accumulation effect where the risk of mortality increased as affective caseness increased. Adolescent-only, intermittent and chronic caseness were associated with increased risk of mortality compared to those who were never a case. There was a slightly stronger association between affective caseness and cardiovascular mortality compared to cancer mortality; however the strongest associations appeared to be with respect to deaths from ‘other’ causes. After full adjustment, those who were a case at a single point in time and those with adolescent-only caseness had a 46% and 73% increased risk of mortality respectively, compared to those who were never a case. All other associations were largely explained by the covariates, with most relationships attenuated predominantly by self-reported health conditions, physical activity, lung function, smoking, and psychotropic medication use. These results demonstrate the inherent interplay between affective symptoms and physical health, and highlight the importance of early intervention in order to reduce health inequalities.
Lateral oscillation and body compliance help snakes and snake robots stably traverse large, smooth obstacles

Snakes can move through almost any terrain. Similarly, snake robots hold the promise as a versatile platform to traverse complex environments like earthquake rubble. Unlike snake locomotion on flat surfaces which is inherently stable, when snakes traverse complex terrain by deforming their body out of plane, it becomes challenging to maintain stability. Here, we review our recent progress in understanding how snakes and snake robots traverse large, smooth obstacles like boulders and felled trees that lack "anchor points" for gripping or bracing. First, we discovered that the generalist variable kingsnake combines lateral oscillation and cantilevering. Regardless of step height and surface friction, the overall gait is preserved. Next, to quantify static stability of the snake, we developed a method to interpolate continuous body in three dimensions (both position and orientation) between discrete tracked markers. By analyzing the base of support using the interpolated continuous body 3-D kinematics, we discovered that the snake maintained perfect stability during traversal, even on the most challenging low friction, high step. Finally, we applied this gait to a snake robot and systematically tested its performance traversing large steps with variable heights to further understand stability principles. The robot rapidly and stably traversed steps nearly as high as a third of its body length. As step height increased, the robot rolled more frequently to the extent of flipping over, reducing traversal probability. The absence of such failure in the snake with a compliant body inspired us to add body compliance to the robot. With better surface contact, the compliant body robot suffered less roll instability and traversed high steps at higher probability, without sacrificing traversal speed. Our robot traversed large step-like obstacles more rapidly than most previous snake robots, approaching that of the animal. The combination of lateral oscillation and body compliance to form a large, reliable base of support may be useful for snakes and snake robots to traverse diverse 3-D environments with large, smooth obstacles.
Retrospective analysis of risk factors of hypotensive bradycardic events during shoulder arthroscopic surgery under interscalene blockade in the sitting position

Background Hypotensive bradycardic events (HBEs) are a frequent adverse event in patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery under interscalene block (ISB) in the sitting position. This retrospective study was conducted to investigate the independent risk factors of HBEs in shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB in the sitting position. Methods A total of 2549 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB and had complete clinical data were included in the study. The 357 patients who developed HBEs were included in the HBEs group, and the remaining 2192 in the non-HBEs group. The potential risk factors for HBEs, such as age, sex, past medical history, anesthetic characteristics, and intraoperative medications were collected and compared between the groups. Statistically significant variables were included in a logistic regression model to further evaluate the independent risk factors for HBEs in shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB. Results The incidence of HBEs was 14.0% (357/2549). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the intraoperative use of hydralazine (odds ratio [OR] 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–6.3), propofol (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3–3.6), and dexmedetomidine (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.9–7.8) before HBEs were independent risk factors for HBEs in patients who received shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB. Conclusions The intraoperative use of antihypertensives such as hydralazine and sedatives such as propofol or dexmedetomidine leads to increased risk of HBEs during shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB in the sitting position.
Whole-Course Application of Dexmedetomidine Combined with Ketorolac in Nonnarcotic Postoperative Analgesia for Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND Opioid-based postoperative analgesia provides adequate analgesia with much adverse effects and immunosuppression. Dexmedetomidine and ketorolac have properties of opioid-sparing, antiinflammation, and immune protection. OBJECTIVES To investigate the efficacy and safety of whole-course application of dexmedetomidine combined with ketorolac in nonnarcotic postoperative analgesia and its effect on inflammatory response and immune function in thoracoscopic surgery of lung cancer. STUDY DESIGN Double-blind, randomized control trial. SETTING The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China. METHODS Sixty patients scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups to receive a combination of intraoperative usage of dexmedetomidine and postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia of dexmedetomidine 0.1 µg/kg/h and ketorolac 3 mg/kg (DEX group) or only postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia of sufentanil 1.5 µg/kg and ketorolac 3 mg/kg (SUF group) for 48 hours. Vital signs, postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Ramsay sedation score, patient-controlled analgesia pressing times, consumption of sufentanil and rescue drug, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. The levels of inflammatory factors and immune function were also compared. RESULTS A significant reduction in median blood pressures and heart rates within 48 hours after surgery and perioperative consumption of sufentanil were observed in the DEX group compared with the SUF group (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in VAS scores, patient-controlled analgesia pressing times, and rescue drug consumption between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of nausea was significantly lower in the DEX group compared with the SUF group (P < 0.05). A significant decrease of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and increased CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were observed in the DEX group compared with the SUF group at 24 and 48 hours after surgery (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the levels of CD8+ and natural killer cells between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS This study was limited by its sample size. CONCLUSIONS Whole-course application of dexmedetomidine combined with ketorolac in nonnarcotic postoperative analgesia provided adequate and safe postoperative analgesia, reduced sufentanil consumption, analgesia-related complications, alleviated inflammatory response, and immunosuppression compared with sufentanil-based analgesia in thoracoscopic surgery. KEY WORDS Dexmedetomidine, ketorolac, sufentanil, thoracoscopic surgery, postoperative analgesic, patient-controlled analgesia, inflammatory response, immune function.
The dog as a sentinel species for environmental effects on human fertility.

Despite the vast body of evidence that environmental toxicants adversely affect reproductive development and function across species, demonstrating true cause and effect in the human remains a challenge. Human meta-analytical data, showing a temporal decline in male sperm quality, is paralleled by a single laboratory study showing a similar 26 year decline in the dog, which shares the same environment. These data are indicative of a common cause. Environmental chemicals (ECs) detected in reproductive tissues and fluids induce similar, short term, adverse effects on human and dog sperm. Both pre and post natal stages of early life development are sensitive to chemical exposures and such changes could potentially cause long term effects in the adult. The environmental "pollutome" (mixtures of ECs), is determined by industrialisation, atmospheric deposition, and bio-accumulation, and characterises real-life exposure. In Arctic ecosystems, dietary and non-dietary chemical contaminants are detectable in biological tissues and linked with adverse health effects in both dogs and their handlers. In the female, such exposure could contribute to disorders such as ovarian insufficiency, dysregulated follicle development, ovarian cancer and polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the dog, ovarian chemical concentrations are greater than in the testis, and preliminary studies indicate that dietary exposures may influence the sex ratio in the offspring in favour of females. Within this article, we review current knowledge on chemical effects on human reproduction and suggest that the dog, as a sentinel species for such effects, is an essential tool for addressing critical data gaps in this field.
Green-Sustainable Recovery of Phenolic and Antioxidant Compounds from Industrial Chestnut Shells Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: Optimization and Evaluation of Biological Activities In Vitro

Chestnut processing industry generates large amounts of by-products, including leaves, burs and shells that are a source of bioactive compounds. The purpose of this study was to establish an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic and antioxidant compounds from industrial chestnut shells. A central composite design (CCD) was conducted to analyze the effects of time (4–46 min) and temperature (34–76 °C) in the antioxidant activity (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) of chestnut shells extracts. The optimal extraction conditions were obtained at 70 °C for 40 min. The optimal extract was characterized regarding phenolic profile, radical scavenging capacity, and effects on intestinal and dermal cell lines. The optimal extract revealed high amounts of ellagic acid (40.4 µg/mg dw), followed by caffeic acid derivative (15.4 µg/mg dw) and epigallocatechin (15.3 µg/mg dw). Indeed, the extract exhibited the highest scavenging efficiencies against NO● (IC50 = 0.1 µg/mL) and HOCl (IC50 = 0.7 µg/mL) and did not conducted to a decrease on HaCaT and HFF-1 viability up to 100 μg/mL. Oppositely, a decrease on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX viability was observed. This study suggests that UAE could be a sustainable option to valorize chestnut shells as raw material for different industries.
Task-based mirror therapy enhances the upper limb motor function in subacute stroke patients: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND The improvement of the upper limb disability, which is mainly caused by stroke, is still one of the rehabilitation treatment challenges. However, the effectiveness of Task-Based Mirror Therapy (TBMT) on subacute stroke with moderate and severe upper limb impairment has not been deeply explored. AIM The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of TBMT, in comparison to occupational therapy, in moderate and severe upper limb impairment by analyzing the motor function and activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients. DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. SETTING Rehabilitative inpatient unit. POPULATION 30 patients with moderate and severe subacute stroke recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University have been randomly divided into two groups; the Task-Based Mirror Therapy group (N = 15) and the control group (N =15). METHODS The first group received TBMT while the control group only underwent only occupational therapy without a mirror utilization. The intervention time was equal for both groups consisting of 25 minutes per day for 25 days. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Brunnstrom Assessment(BRS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were used to assess the outcomes for this study. RESULTS After 25 sessions of treatment, the patients in both groups have shown improvement in the activates of daily living, motor recovery, and motor function. No significant differences between the two groups were observed on BRS and MBI. However, interestingly, the results of the TBMT group were significantly better than the control group in FMA (P < 0.05) and certain aspects of MAS (elbow flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and fingers extension with P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the combination of conventional rehabilitation treatment and TBMT is an effective way to improve the functional recovery in the upper limb stroke patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT TBMT is a therapeutic technique that can be used in subacute stroke patients with moderate and severe upper limb impairment.
Knowledge of osteoporosis among the patients attending orthopedic outpatient department in tertiary care hospital of Nagpur

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue which results in consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture and more common in post-menopausal women and elderly people. Fractures in osteoporotic bones can be prevented by simple methods like early detection by certain investigative methods like DEXA and its treatment. A questionnaire was devised to assess knowledge of osteoporosis, its risk factors, risk reducing factors, complications and required treatment along with investigations. It was completed by 97 patients who attended the orthopedic outpatient department. Overall knowledge about osteoporosis was poor. 57.73% patients were aware about osteoporosis, 50.01% were aware about its preventive measures, regarding risk factors (for alcohol only 33.33% could identify it as a risk factors, similarly for smoking scored 29.62%, malnutrition had 16.66%, lack of exercise had 3.7%, gender scored 11.11% and drugs scored 5.55%). Merely 29.89% and 7.21% were aware about the complications and investigations respectively. Knowledge about osteoporosis amongst patients was found low. There is a need for public to be made more aware about osteoporosis and its causes. With the help of social media and national campaigns, people can be well educated about this disorder. Keywords: Osteoporosis, Fracture, Post-menopausal, Systemic, Skeletal, DEXA
Effectiveness of vacuum assisted negative pressure wound therapy in grossly contaminated wounds

Management of open highly contaminated wound due to high velocity trauma (road traffic accidents) is always a challenging problem for surgeon for primary definite management of fracture. For such grossly contaminated wounds new modalities of treatment are available and are under trail. Here in our study we present the effectiveness of vacuum assisted negative pressure wound therapy for excellent management of wound with gross contamination and more effective granulation tissue formation, leading to reduction of bacterial load which helps in preventing infection and being cost effective.
The Expression of Apolipoprotein A1 on Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Compared to Fertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumour, which usually produces catecholamines. The classical triad of clinical symptoms consists of palpitations, headaches and profuse sweating. Other symptoms include: hypertension, anxiety, pallor, nausea, weakness. However, it can be asymptomatic. Because of unspecific symptoms the diagnosis of this rare neuroendocrine tumor can be missed or delayed. In differential diagnosis other entities should be considered: essential hypertension, anxiety attack, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, hypoglycemia, renal artery stenosis, intracranial lesion, autonomic epilepsy, carcinoid syndrome, use of cocaine or amphetamine.
The Clinical Analysis of 104 Sanhupung Patients that visited at an Oriental Medicine Hospital.

The Clinical Analysis of 104 Sanhupung Patients that visited at an Oriental Purpose: Sanhupung's pathological conditions is different from non-postpartum's disease. So it is important to analyze Sanhupung's construction, onset factors and Oriental theraphy. Methods: We studied 104 Sanhupung women visiting ○○ hospital form January 2008 to December 2009. We analyzed the general characteristics, kinds of symptoms and Oriental theraphy's present condition. Also We compared patients' age, the number of live births and delivery month to the National Statistical Office's results. Results:1.Patients over the age of 30, who have one child and who gave birth in September(14.42%) and in Summer(43.26%) occupied the highest percentage. But delivery method was not correlated with Sanhupung. 10 days(47.12%) and treated only herb medicine(54.90%) were the most common. And the patients responded satisfacion or over were 88.46%. Conclusion: Patients' age, the number of born babies, delivery time were correlated with Sanhupung symptoms, but the method of delivery was not associated. And musculo-skeletal symptoms were the most common symptoms. Sanhupung patient's treatment period and methods were limited.