Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Structural Equation Model of Self-care Activities in Diabetic Elderly Patients

Background: Self-care is a valuable strategy to improve health and reduce events of hospitalization and the duration of hospital stay in elderly diabetic patients. This study aimed to examine the model of self-care behaviors in elderly diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted among 209 diabetic elderly patients who were admitted in three hospitals affiliated with the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants. Depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived social support were considered as predicting exogenous variables and elderly patients' self-care activities were treated as endogenous variables. The data were collected by a four-part questionnaire consisting of demographic and health-related characteristics; 21-item depression anxiety stress scale, multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and Diabetes Self-care Activities scale. Structural equation modelling by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Analysis of Moment Structures-7 (AMOS) software was applied for data analysis. Results: Mean (standard deviation) of depression, anxiety, stress, perceived social support, and self-care activities of participants were 14.29 (4.3), 13.62 (3.74), 16.83 (4.23), 57.33 (14.19), and 44.56 (13.77), respectively. The results showed that the overall model fitted the data (χ2/df = 3.8, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 0.52, incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.48, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.14). Three out of four variables (i.e., perceived social support, anxiety, and depression) significantly predicted adherence to self-care behaviors among diabetic elderly patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The perceived social support, anxiety, and depression were identified as key constructs which need to be taken into account and well managed by health care professionals to enhance adherence to self-care activities in diabetic elderly patients.
Diagnosis and management of gallbladder calculus disease

Abstract Background. The number and rate of cholecystectomy are increasing worldwide, although indications for operative treatment remain empirical, and several issues in the understanding of the condition are not concisely outlined. Our intention is to summarize and interpret current opinion regarding the indications and timing of cholecystectomy in calculous gallbladder disease. Methods. Publications concerned with gallstone disease and related topics were searched for in MEDLINE using PubMed and summarized according to clinical scenarios with an emphasis on recent research. Results. Only one randomized controlled trial has investigated the management (conservative vs. surgery) of patients with acute cholecystitis and several have compared early with deferred surgery. Two RCTs have examined treatment of uncomplicated, symptomatic gallstone disease. Apart from these, the overwhelming majority of publications are retrospective case series. Conclusions. Recent literature confirms that cholecystectomy for an asymptomatic or incidental gallstone is not justified. Symptomatic, uncomplicated gallstone disease may be classified into four severity groups based on severity and frequency of pain attacks, which may guide indication for cholecystectomy. Most patients below the age of 70 seem to prefer operative treatment. Acute cholecystitis may be treated with early operation if reduction of hospital days is an issue. Patients older than 70 years with significant comorbidities may forego surgical treatment without undue hazard. Symptoms following cholecystectomy remain in 25% or more and recent evidence suggest these are caused by a functional gastrointestinal disorder.
Combined treatment with sustained-release basic fibroblast growth factor and heparin enhances neovascularization in hypercholesterolemic mouse hindlimb ischemia.

BACKGROUND Whether the combined treatment with sustained-release basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and heparin enhances neovascularization in hypercholesterolemic mouse hindlimb ischemia was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Wild-type C57BL/6 and low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice were assigned to 1 of the following 4 experimental groups and treated for 2 weeks after femoral artery extraction: group N, no treatment; group H, daily subcutaneous injection of heparin calcium; group F, single intramuscular injection of the sustained-release bFGF microspheres; and group FH, combined treatment with sustained-release bFGF and heparin. Among the wild-type mice at 4 weeks after femoral artery extraction, the laser Doppler perfusion image index (LDPII) in groups H, F, and FH was significantly higher than that in group N. The vascular density in group FH was the highest among the 4 groups. The maturation index in the 3 treated groups was significantly higher than that in group N. Among the hypercholesterolemic mice, the LDPII in group FH was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups. The vascular density and maturation index in group FH were the highest among the 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS Combined treatment with sustained-release bFGF and heparin enhanced neovascularization in the hypercholesterolemic hindlimb ischemia model.
Local competition sparks concerns for fairness in the ultimatum game

Humans reject uneven divisions of resources, even at personal cost. This is observed in countless experiments using the ultimatum game, where a proposer offers to divide a resource with a responder who either accepts the division or rejects it (whereupon both earn zero). Researchers debate why humans evolved a psychology that is so averse to inequity within partnerships. We suggest that the scale of competition is crucial: under local competition with few competitors, individuals reject low offers, because they cannot afford to be disadvantaged relative to competitors. If one competes against the broader population (i.e. global competition), then it pays to accept low offers to increase one's absolute pay-off. We support this intuition with an illustrative game-theoretical model. We also conducted ultimatum games where participants received prizes based on pay-offs relative to immediate partners (local competition) versus a larger group (global competition). Participants demanded higher offers under local competition, suggesting that local competition increases people's demands for fairness and aversion to inequality.
Human Papillomavirus E2 Down-regulates the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter*

The transcriptional regulation of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene is a critical step in transformation and differentiation. Human papillomavirus E2 protein inhibits cell growth in HPV-infected cells and triggers apoptosis in HeLa cells. Because E2 induces cell growth suppression and senescence, we hypothesize that the protein may modulate cellular gene expression related to these processes. In this report, we demonstrate that E2 inhibits the hTERT promoter. The mapping of the E2-responsive region of hTERT reveals that Sp1 is important for E2-mediated repression of this promoter in 293T cells. Site-directed mutagenesis data on the hTERT promoter show that E2 does not abolish E-Box-mediated transcription and represses promoter activity via the Sp1 binding site. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that E2 is actively recruited to the hTERT promoter region. Our findings provide novel insights into the biological function of human papillomavirus E2.
Spread Spectrum Watermark Detection on Degraded Compressed Sensing

This letter proposes a robust spread spectrum image watermark detection on compressed sensing (CS) measurements degraded by both multiplicative and additive noise. Watermark detection threshold is calculated first using log-likelihood ratio model. Distortion minimization problem is then formulated in terms of watermark embedding strength and the number of CS measurements under the constraint of detector reliability. A large set of simulation results show high detection probability with low false rate at low watermark power.
Accelerated statistical reconstruction for C-arm cone-beam CT using Nesterov's method.

PURPOSE To accelerate model-based iterative reconstruction (IR) methods for C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT), thereby combining the benefits of improved image quality and/or reduced radiation dose with reconstruction times on the order of minutes rather than hours. METHODS The ordered-subsets, separable quadratic surrogates (OS-SQS) algorithm for solving the penalized-likelihood (PL) objective was modified to include Nesterov's method, which utilizes "momentum" from image updates of previous iterations to better inform the current iteration and provide significantly faster convergence. Reconstruction performance of an anthropomorphic head phantom was assessed on a benchtop CBCT system, followed by CBCT on a mobile C-arm, which provided typical levels of incomplete data, including lateral truncation. Additionally, a cadaveric torso that presented realistic soft-tissue and bony anatomy was imaged on the C-arm, and different projectors were assessed for reconstruction speed. RESULTS Nesterov's method provided equivalent image quality to OS-SQS while reducing the reconstruction time by an order of magnitude (10.0 ×) by reducing the number of iterations required for convergence. The faster projectors were shown to produce similar levels of convergence as more accurate projectors and reduced the reconstruction time by another 5.3 ×. Despite the slower convergence of IR with truncated C-arm CBCT, comparison of PL reconstruction methods implemented on graphics processing units showed that reconstruction time was reduced from 106 min for the conventional OS-SQS method to as little as 2.0 min with Nesterov's method for a volumetric reconstruction of the head. In body imaging, reconstruction of the larger cadaveric torso was reduced from 159 min down to 3.3 min with Nesterov's method. CONCLUSIONS The acceleration achieved through Nesterov's method combined with ordered subsets reduced IR times down to a few minutes. This improved compatibility with clinical workflow better enables broader adoption of IR in CBCT-guided procedures, with corresponding benefits in overcoming conventional limits of image quality at lower dose.
Recurrent neural networks based Indic word-wise script identification using character-wise training

This paper presents a novel methodology of Indic handwritten script recognition using Recurrent Neural Networks and addresses the problem of script recognition in poor data scenarios, such as when only character level online data is available. It is based on the hypothesis that curves of online character data comprise sufficient information for prediction at the word level. Online character data is used to train RNNs using BLSTM architecture which are then used to make predictions of online word level data. These prediction results on the test set are at par with prediction results of models trained with online word data, while the training of the character level model is much less data intensive and takes much less time. Performance for binary-script models and then 5 Indic script models are reported, along with comparison with HMM models.The system is extended for offline data prediction. Raw offline data lacks the temporal information available in online data and required for prediction using models trained with online data. To overcome this, stroke recovery is implemented and the strokes are utilized for predicting using the online character level models. The performance on character and word level offline data is reported.
[Manifestation of hyper-IgE syndrome in advanced HIV-1 infection].

BACKGROUND The classical triad of Job's syndrome (Hyper-IgE syndrome), a congenital immunodeficiency disorder, includes recurrent "cold" abscesses, pneumonias and extreme elevations of the serum IgE concentration. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old HIV-1 infected patient with a viral load of 268,852 copies/ml plasma and a CD4+ T lymphocyte concentration of 2 cells/microliter blood was admitted to our clinic for antibiotic therapy and incision and drainage of several large abscesses. The patient suffered for approximately 5 years from recurrent pneumonias, abscesses and multiple allergies. The serum IgE level was over 100-fold elevated and, after analysis of archived serum samples, had not been influenced by fluctuations in the plasma viral load or changes in the CD4+ T lymphocyte concentration in previous years. No stigmata of Job's syndrome were present prior to the patient's HIV-1 infection. Observations on other patients with AIDS and recurrent abscesses suggest that in these patients hyperimmunoglobulinemia E is related to a cytokine class switch from a TH1 to a TH2 profile as CD4+ T lymphocytes are depleted. CONCLUSIONS Following CD4+ T lymphocyte depletion, it has been rarely documented that HIV-1 infected patients may develop clinical symptoms and a hyperimmunoglobulinemia E, similar to patients with the congenital immunodeficency of Job's syndrome.
Effects of treadmill training with optic flow on balance and gait in individuals following stroke: randomized controlled trials

Objective: This study examined the effects of treadmill training with optic flow on the functional recovery of balance and gait in stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Participants: Thirty patients following stroke were divided randomly into the treadmill with optic flow group (n = 10), treadmill group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Interventions: The subjects in the experimental group wore a head-mounted display to receive speed-modulated optic flow during treadmill training for 30 minutes, while those in the treadmill group and control group received treadmill training and regular therapy for the same time, three times a week for four weeks. Main measures: The data were collected using timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, 10-m walk test, and six-minute walk test before and after treatment. Results: The timed up-and-go test in the treadmill with optic flow group (5.55 ± 2.04) improved significantly greater than the treadmill (1.50 ± 0.93) and control (0.40 ± 0.84) groups. The functional reach test in the treadmill with optic flow group (2.78 ± 1.44) was significantly higher than the control group (0.20 ± 0.16) only. The gait velocity in the treadmill with optic flow group (0.21 ± 0.06) showed a significant decrease compared to the treadmill (0.03 ± 0.02) and control (0.01 ± 0.02) groups. Finally, the six-minute walk test in the treadmill with optic flow group (24.49 ± 11.00) showed significant improvement compared to the treadmill training (4.65 ± 3.25) and control (1.79 ± 3.08) groups. Conclusion: Treadmill using optic flow speed modulation improves the balance and gait significantly in patients with stroke who are able to participate in physical gait training.
Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Valganciclovir in HIV‐ and CMV‐Seropositive Subjects

As a result of the low oral bioavailability of ganciclovir, a prodrug was developed to improve the bioavailability of ganciclovir. This study was designed to investigate the fasting, single‐dose pharmacokinetics as well as the absolute and relative bioavailability of a valine ester prodrug of ganciclovir, valganciclovir, as compared to oral and intravenous ganciclovir in asymptomatic HIV+ and CMV+ subjects. In this open‐label, randomized, three‐period crossover study, 18 subjects received, in random order, single oral doses of valganciclovir 360 mg and ganciclovir 1000 mg and an intravenous infusion of ganciclovir 5 mg/kg over 1 hour. Valganciclovir was rapidly and extensively hydrolyzed to ganciclovir, resulting in significantly greater bioavailability compared to 1000 mg oral ganciclovir (60.9% vs. 5.6%, respectively). Higher peak serum concentrations were reached earlier following valganciclovir (ganciclovir [2.98 ± 0.77 μg/mL at 1.0 ± 0.3 h]) than following oral ganciclovir (0.47 ± 0.17 μg/mL and 2.2 ± 1.0 h). Mean total ganciclovir AUCs following oral ganciclovir (1000 mg) and 360 mg valganciclovir (3.8 ± 1.2 and 10.8 ± 1.9 μg‐h/mL) were less than that following a standard 5 mg/kg intravenous infusion of ganciclovir (25.1 ± 3.8 μg‐h/mL). In summary, valganciclovir is a prodrug with a favorable safety profile with enhanced bioavailability and significantly higher serum concentrations of ganciclovir than following oral administration of ganciclovir itself.
Retrodirective antenna array for circularly polarized wireless power transmission

In this paper, a retrodirective antenna (RDA) array for wireless power transmission (WPT) is presented. Applications include the charging of mobile device batteries wirelessly. Thanks to the principle of phase conjugation in mixers, retrodirectivity can be achieved in the far-field. More specifically, the reported RDA architecture deals with an active transmitter module to retrodirect a received beacon tone, with increased power, from a mobile unit and with circularly polarized (CP) radiation. Measurements and simulations show a good agreement in terms of the retrodirective tracking capabilities. In addition, a new RDA architecture is also proposed for WPT, using sub-arrays, in order to boost the overall received power at the mobile while also not significantly increasing the costs of the active transmitter module. Other applications for the proposed RDA circuit element include target tracking, low-cost sensor charging, and other WPT systems.
Foreign body reaction to meshes used for the repair of abdominal wall hernias.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the local tissue reactions to meshes that had been removed from humans. DESIGN Open study SETTING Surgical department of the technical University, Aachen, Germany. MATERIAL Samples of 17 non-absorbable meshes (1 polyester, 10 polypropylene, 2 reduced polypropylene, and 4 polytetrafluorethylene, PTFE) and 1 absorbable mesh (polyglactin 910) that had been implanted for repair of abdominal wall defects. INTERVENTIONS Light and transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and histological examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Signs of inflammatory response. RESULTS Light microscopy showed chronic inflammatory tissue reaction, even after years, with pronounced differences among materials. Partial volume of inflammatory cells (%) varied from 32 in polypropylene, to 12 in expanded PTFE, 8 in polyester, and 7 in reduced polypropylene. Formation of connective tissue correlated significantly with the extent of the inflammatory reaction (p<0.01). In meshes implanted for long periods there were still numerous macrophages at the interface between tissue and polypropylene (45%), polyester (45%), expanded PTFE (25%), and reduced polypropylene (22%). There was no difference in time dependent tissue reactions (p = 0.19). CONCLUSION Inflammation around alloplastic materials used to repair defects in the abdominal wall persists for many years. There was evidence of long term wound complications as a result of persistent foreign body reactions. Further studies are required to evaluate the long term tissue response to these materials.
Reliability of 20μm micro bump interconnects

The purpose of this paper is to study reliability evaluation of fine pitch micro bump. In this work, hot temperature storage(HTS) test and electromigration(EM) test were performed for reliability evaluation. We compared microstructure of 20um diameter fine pitch micro bump at 150°C and 180°C. Also, Ni3Sn4 IMC growth rate and Ni UBM dissolution rate at 180 □ were investigated. For HTS 180°C, resistance starts to degrade after 1000 hours. We found that open failure occurred when Ni UBM completely consumed and time to failure is consistent with total consumption time of Ni UBM. In addition, micro bumps shows strong EM resistance.
Leptin acts as a mitogenic and antiapoptotic factor for colonic cancer cells

Obesity is associated with increased levels of leptin. The mitogenic actions of leptin have been identified in various cell types. Because obesity may be a risk factor for colonic cancer, the proliferative and antiapoptotic effects of leptin on colonic cancer cells and the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) signalling were investigated.
Prevention of Premature Fusion of Calvarial Suture in GLI-Kruppel Family Member 3 (Gli3)-deficient Mice by Removing One Allele of Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2)*

Background: Gli3-deficient mice (Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J) show premature suture closure (craniosynostosis). Results: Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J mice have aberrant cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in the sutures. Reducing the dosage of Runx2 (Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J;Runx2+/− mice) rescues the abnormality through canonical Bmp-Smad signaling. Conclusion: Gli3 represses bone formation Bmp-Smad signaling, which integrates Dlx5/Runx2-II cascade. Significance: Targeting Runx2 might provide an attractive way of preventing craniosynostosis in patients. Mutations in the gene encoding the zinc finger transcription factor GLI3 (GLI-Kruppel family member 3) have been identified in patients with Grieg cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome in which premature fusion of calvarial suture (craniosynostosis) is an infrequent but important feature. Here, we show that Gli3 acts as a repressor in the developing murine calvaria and that Dlx5, Runx2 type II isoform (Runx2-II), and Bmp2 are expressed ectopically in the calvarial mesenchyme, which results in aberrant osteoblastic differentiation in Gli3-deficient mouse (Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J) and resulted in craniosynostosis. At the same time, enhanced activation of phospho-Smad1/5/8 (pSmad1/5/8), which is a downstream mediator of canonical Bmp signaling, was observed in Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J embryonic calvaria. Therefore, we generated Gli3;Runx2 compound mutant mice to study the effects of decreasing Runx2 dosage in a Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J background. Gli3Xt-J/Xt-J Runx2+/− mice have neither craniosynostosis nor additional ossification centers in interfrontal suture and displayed a normalization of Dlx5, Runx2-II, and pSmad1/5/8 expression as well as sutural mesenchymal cell proliferation. These findings suggest a novel role for Gli3 in regulating calvarial suture development by controlling canonical Bmp-Smad signaling, which integrates a Dlx5/Runx2-II cascade. We propose that targeting Runx2 might provide an attractive way of preventing craniosynostosis in patients.