Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) in intact and ileorectal anastomosed pigs Published, JLR Papers in Press, April 16, 2005. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M500129-JLR200

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of cholesterol-enriched casein (CAS) and blue lupin seed (BL) diets on the cholesterol metabolism of intact (INT) and ileorectal anastomosed (IRA) pigs. For 3 weeks, four groups of six pigs were allocated to the treatments (CAS-INT, CAS-IRA, BL-INT, and BL-IRA). Diet-induced hypercholesterolemia was inhibited by the BL through a substantial decrease in plasma LDL-cholesterol. The BL also reduced liver esterified and total cholesterol, increased hepatic LDL receptor synthesis and HMG-CoA reductase activity, and stimulated intestinal bile acid reabsorption. The neutral sterol output was higher in BL- than in CAS-fed pigs. The bile acid output was lower in IRA than in INT pigs. Surgery also prevented steroid microbial transformation, but it did not influence plasma cholesterol levels. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic effect of the BL, compared with the CAS, is attributable to impaired intestinal cholesterol absorption, probably involving increased bile acid reabsorption and higher contents of dietary phytosterols, both factors that reduce the micellar solubilization of cholesterol. Furthermore, according to our data, the contribution of the large intestine to cholesterol metabolism is very weak.
Inflammatory mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury

Interruption of blood ﬂow to an organ or tissue (ischemia) and subsequent reperfusion lead to an acute inﬂammatory response that may cause signiﬁcant cellular damage and organ dysfunction. Warm ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver has been shown in a number of clinical settings, including hepatic resectional surgery, liver transplantation, and hemorrhagic shock with ﬂuid resuscitation. 1-4 Consequences of ischemia/reperfusion injury include liver failure in association with remote organ failure in more severe cases, both of which have signiﬁcant rates of morbidity and mortality. Experimental models of warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury have provided a greater understanding of the events that contribute to the pathogenesis of this syndrome and have prompted several clinical approaches to the prevention and treatment of organ dysfunction caused by hepatic ischemia/ reperfusion. This concise review will focus on the inﬂamma-tory mechanisms that contribute to organ pathophysiology after warm hepatic ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, we discuss clinical strategies to both prevent and minimize the insult and sequelae of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion.
Fabricating soft maganetic composite by using selective laser sintering

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder-based additive manufacturing capable to produce parts layer by layer from a 3D CAD model. Currently there is a growing interest in industry for applying this technology for generating objects with high geometrical complexity. The aim of this study is to adopt the selective laser sintering techniques for soft magnetic powder sintering. When soft magnetic powder is sintered by the selective laser sintering techniques instead of compaction, we expect that the porosity of soft magnetic compound will be improved. Replace part of the soft magnetic silicon steel in the application of the motor of the magnetic. [1]Also part of the selective laser sintering method (SLS) the soft magnetic powder surface coating insulating layer.
Does adding intravenous fentanyl to caudal block in children enhance the efficacy of multimodal analgesia as reflected in the plasma level of catecholamines?

Background and objective: Several studies showed that single analgesic modality management can attenuate perioperative stress, but little is known about the effect of multimodal analgesia on catecholamine responses to surgical trauma in children. Methods: Fifty children (American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade I or II) were randomly allocated to one of two groups: one received general anaesthesia and a caudal block (control group), and one group was given general anaesthesia, caudal block and intravenous (i.v.) fentanyl 2 &mgr;g kg−1 (fentanyl group). Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were measured three times during the perioperative period: at induction time (T0), at the end of surgery (T1) and when the children were fully awake in the postanaesthesia care unit (T2). Results: There was a significant reduction in the catecholamine levels in the two groups when (T1) and (T2) were compared with T0. When plasma epinephrine levels (at T0, T1 and T2) between the two groups were compared, a statistically significant reduction at T2 was obtained in the fentanyl group, when compared with the control group. However, plasma norepinephrine levels showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (at T0, T1 and T2). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the multimodal analgesic approach of adding i.v. low‐dose fentanyl to a caudal block may decrease the plasma epinephrine release in children undergoing inguinal herniotomy.
Learning population and subject-specific brain connectivity networks via Mixed Neighborhood Selection

In neuroimaging data analysis, Gaussian graphical models are often used to model statistical dependencies across spatially remote brain regions known as functional connectivity. Typically, data is collected across a cohort of subjects and the scientific objectives consist of estimating population and subject-specific graphical models. A third objective that is often overlooked involves quantifying inter-subject variability and thus identifying regions or sub-networks that demonstrate heterogeneity across subjects. Such information is fundamental in order to thoroughly understand the human connectome. We propose Mixed Neighborhood Selection in order to simultaneously address the three aforementioned objectives. By recasting covariance selection as a neighborhood selection problem we are able to efficiently learn the topology of each node. We introduce an additional mixed effect component to neighborhood selection in order to simultaneously estimate a graphical model for the population of subjects as well as for each individual subject. The proposed method is validated empirically through a series of simulations and applied to resting state data for healthy subjects taken from the ABIDE consortium.
An Erasable Watermarking Scheme Based on Text Exact Authentication

It is becoming easier and easier to tamper with digital Works in ways that are difficult to detect. The problem of authentication has been well studied. This paper proposes a novel erasable text watermarking scheme for exact authentication, which including authentication of content and format of Chinese Word documents. In this method, the cover document is divided into two blocks by utilizing the mathematical expression of Chinese characters, and then the hashing values of the text document’s content and format are embedded into the two blocks respectively by setting underlines to Chinese characters and hiding the underlines. In each block, the embedding position is chosen by Chinese character’s strokes and the magic square. Watermark to be authenticated can be extracted without the help of the original watermark and Word document itself. When any modification of the watermarked text document’s content and/or format are made, the Chinese text document will fail to pass the authentication. Experimental results indicate that the proposed scheme is efficient and secure.
Structural and functional characteristics of S1P receptors

The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) family of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) regulates essential cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, cytoskeletal organization, adherens junction assembly, and morphogenesis. S1P, a product from the breakdown of sphingomyelin, binds to the five members of this receptor family, S1P1, S1P2, S1P3, S1P4, and S1P5, previously referred to as endothelial differentiation gene (EDG)‐1, ‐5, ‐3, ‐6, and ‐8. S1P receptors are widely expressed in different tissues, so it is not surprising that the S1P receptor family regulates many physiological processes, such as vascular maturation, cardiac development, lymphocyte trafficking, and vascular permeability. FTY720, a new S1P receptor agonist, is undergoing clinical trials as an immunosuppressor. Understanding the physiological role of these receptors and the basics of the ligand‐receptor interaction will potentially provide new therapies to control a variety of diseases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Bladder Tumor Recurrence Data with the Terminal Event and Cure Fraction

Complete observation of the recurrent events may not be available, since some subjects might drop out or fail before the endpoint of observation. However, the assumption of independency of the recurrent events and the censoring is not realistic in many situations. In this paper, we develop an innovative model based on the Clayton-Oakes copula function to fit the correlation of these variables. The joint survival function of the recurrent event times can be obtained through the marginal hazard functions with copula parameters which measure the degree of dependence and control the association between these variables. The cure fraction can be concluded into the proposed model as well. An example of application on bladder tumor recurrence data is re-analyzed to assess the proposed models and methodologies.
Making the best of the worst of times : traits underlying combined shade and drought tolerance of Ruscus aculeatus and Ruscus microglossum ( Asparagaceae

The genusRuscus (Asparagaceae) consists of evergreen, woodymonocot shrubs withmodified photosynthetic stems (phylloclades) that occur in dry, shaded woodland areas of the Mediterranean Basin and southern Europe. The combined drought and shade tolerance of Ruscus species challenges the ‘trade-off model’, which suggests that plants can be either drought or shade adapted, but not both. To clarify the potential mechanisms that enable Ruscus species to survive in shaded environments prone to pronounced soil drought, we studied form–function relations based on a detailed trait survey for Ruscus aculeatus L. and Ruscus microglossum Bertol. , focusing on gas exchange, hydraulics, morphology, anatomy, and nutrient and isotope composition. We then compared these trait values with published data for other species. R. aculeatus and R. microglossum exhibited numerous traits conferring drought and shade tolerance via reduced demand for resources in general and an ability to survive on stored water. Specific traits include thick phylloclades with low rates of maximum photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, low stomatal conductance to water vapour (gs), low respiration rate, low light compensation point, low shoot hydraulic conductance, low cuticular conductance, and substantial water storage tissue. Ruscus carbon isotope composition values of –33 ‰ were typical of an understory plant, but given the low gs could be associated with internal CO2 recycling. Ruscus appears to be a model for extreme dual adaptation, both physiologically and morphologically, enabling its occupation of shaded sites within drought prone regions across a wide geographical range, including extremely low resource understory sites. Additional keywords: carbon isotopes, functional morphology, gas exchange, hydraulic conductance, Mediterranean climate, phylloclades, understory. Received 4 March 2013, accepted 14 July 2013, published online 28 August 2013
Risk factors of postpartum depression and EPDS scores in a group of Nigerian women

A sample of 252 women was studied for postpartum depression (PPD) in a 68-bed maternity hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. After obtaining consent, they were assessed using: (1) a questionnaire on socio-demographic profile and risk factors of PPD; (2) the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and when necessary with (3) the depressive module of International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10). The cohort was predominantly young (mean age 28.5 - 5.26 years). About one-quarter (23%) scored -12, (the cut-off score) on EPDS assessment; with majority of these depressed on further evaluation with ICD-10. The risk factors for PPD were found to be mainly psychosocial, including unwanted pregnancy, unemployment and marital conflict. It is concluded that PPD is a major complication of childbirth in Nigeria, which can be minimized by improving both the citizens' socioeconomic condition and providing cheaper and more efficient health-care services.
Chronic Pulmonary Infection with Salmonella Typhimurium

The first report of a case of chronic sputum carriage of salmonella is presented. The patient was a 51‐year‐old male with pulmonary cavitation and mycetoma, who developed pulmonary infection with Salmonella typhimurium after rectal surgery, and subsequently has carried the salmonella in his sputum for 18 months to date.
Electrocardiographic monitoring during marathon running: a proof of feasibility for a new telemedical approach

Objective There is a risk for sudden cardiac death and nonfatal arrhythmias for marathon runners. A new telemedical approach to prevent sudden cardiac death could be online electrocardiogram monitoring during endurance sport events, which would allow the emergency services located along the running track to initiate instantaneous therapy. In a first proof-of-concept study we evaluate the feasibility of recording, transferring and analysing an electrocardiogram via a mobile phone (electrocardiogram streaming) and compare the quality to a conventional Holter electrocardiogram during marathon running. Methods A total of 10 recreational endurance runners are equipped with a Holter Tele-electrocardiogram and a standard smartphone connected via Bluetooth® to each other in order to continuously record an electrocardiogram during a first marathon event (five runners) and a second marathon event (five runners). All streaming electrocardiogram data were transferred from the device to our telemedicine centre (Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany); the data were monitored live and stored for a subsequent offline analysis. The primary endpoint was the percentage of successful transfer time of the streaming electrocardiogram compared with Holter electrocardiogram; the secondary endpoint was the percentage of correctly identified arrhythmias in the observed period. Results It is technically feasible to stream an electrocardiogram during marathon running in the presence of thousands of mobile phone users. In addition, the identification of arrhythmias during a marathon is possible by electrocardiogram streaming. However, during the first race, the data transfer quality was low. After improvement of the software, in the subsequent race there was an extremely good quality in the data transfer via the mobile phone network (89%) and 100% of the rhythm disturbances could be detected in the streamed electrocardiogram. Conclusion Online electrocardiogram surveillance during marathon running is a promising preventive concept. Intensive further technical development is needed first before further studies with clinical endpoints can start.
Flexible structures of SIBLING proteins, bone sialoprotein, and osteopontin.

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) are two members of the SIBLING (Small Integrin-Binding LIgand, N-linked Glycoprotein) family of genetically related proteins that are clustered on human chromosome 4. We present evidence that this entire family is the result of duplication and subsequent divergent evolution of a single ancient gene. The solution structures of these two post-translationally modified recombinant proteins were solved by one dimensional proton NMR and transverse relaxation times. The polypeptide backbones of both free BSP and OPN rapidly sample an ensemble of conformations consistent with them both being completely unstructured in solution. This flexibility appears to enable these relatively small glycoproteins to rapidly associate with a number of different binding partners including other proteins as well as the mineral phase of bones and teeth. These proteins often function by bridging two proteins of fixed structures into a biologically active complex.
Amalgamation of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and sequential organ failure scoring system in predicting sepsis survival

Background: The clinical value of inflammatory biomarkers is still questionable. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical informative value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma concentration in the early detection of sepsis, as well as relating these biomarkers to other scoring systems. Patients and Methods: A total of 138 patients were enrolled in our study. All were subjected to PCT, CRP, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores daily for 7 days (starting from admission day). Blood samples were collected before starting antibiotics, with 28 days follow-up and patients were assigned to three groups: Group I: SOFA 2-7, Group II: SOFA 8-10, and Group III: SOFA ≥11. Results: Underlying clinical diagnosis revealed pneumonia in 72 patients, urinary tract infections in eight, bloodstream infection in four, and other infections in 23, while infection could not be traced in 25 patients. The mean PCT was 3 ng/ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1-4), 12 ng/ml (95% CI: 9.1-14), and 19 ng/ml (95% CI: 16.3-22.3) in Groups I, II, and III, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in the mean PCT level among the three groups (P < 0.0001). On the other hand, CRP mean level did not significantly differentiate between the groups (147.1 mg/L in Group II, which was even higher than the level of Group III, 138.4 mg/L). Conclusion: PCT seems to do better than CRP in predicting the SOFA groups, giving its patronage display over a wide spectrum of insults.
The History of the Development of Paediatric Echocardiography

T HE INTRODUCTION OF, AND ADVANCES MADE IN, echocardiography as used in the care of children with cardiac disease represents one of the greatest advances in the field of paediatric cardiology. Paediatic echocardiography has developed in tandem with the field of adult echocardiography. In this review, we outline the history of echocardiography, especially as it relates to the care of children. We focus on the evolution of the technique, discussing how it has improved the care of children with congenitally malformed hearts and other cardiac conditions.
Prehospital management of pediatric asthma requiring hospitalization

Our objective was to evaluate the quality of prehospital assessment and management in pediatric asthma requiring hospitalization via a retrospective chart review. Charts were obtained from a pediatric emergency department (ED) with 24,000 annual visits. Included in the study were 27 patients less than 18 years of age with asthma requiring hospitalization, transported to the Boston City Hospital Pediatric ED by Boston Emergency Medicine Services (EMS). We found that 12 patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit over an 18-month period, and 15 patients admitted to the ward over a six-month period, received prehospital care from Boston EMS. Only 63% of cases (17/27) had a physical examination marker of asthma severity noted on the EMS record. Twenty-six percent of cases (7/27) did not receive O2 in the field. Thirty percent of cases (8/27) were hypoxic at ED presentation. None of the hypoxic patients had received albuterol in the field, and one did not receive O2. We conclude that further study of the prehospital assessment and management of pediatric asthma is warranted.
Face Generation with Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks

Conditioned face generation is a complex task with many applications in several domains such as security (e.g., generating portraits from description), styling and entertainment. In this project, we explore extensions to Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to generate faces conditioned on identity. We implement several conditional GAN (CGAN) variants with multiple network architectures and loss functions – with special emphasis on quantifying the performance of each of these networks using state-of-the-art face detection and recognition systems. Face images generated by our best performing CGAN implementation and trained on a custom celebrity dataset achieves 98% detection rate and 60% accuracy in matching identities.
Estimating perfusion using microCT to locate microspheres

The injection of microspheres into the blood stream has been a common method to measure the spatial distribution of blood flow (perfusion). A technique to conduct this kind of measurement in small animal organs is presented using silver-coated microspheres with a diameter of 16 µm and high-resolution computed tomography (microCT) to detect individual microspheres. Phantom experiments demonstrate the detectability of individual spheres. The distribution of microspheres within a rat heart is given as an example. Using non-destructive, three-dimensional imaging for microsphere detection avoids the cumbersome dissection of the organ into samples or slices and their subsequent registration. The detection of individual spheres allows high-resolution measurements of perfusion and arbitrary definition of regions of interest. These, in turn, allow for accurate statistical analysis of perfusion such as relative dispersion curves.
Treatment of refractory auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia by rTMS: Positive impact of negative double blind controlled study

Background: Several studies reported on the effectiveness of 1 Hz repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the temporoparietal cortex (TPC) on refractory auditory hallucinations (AH) in schizophrenia but little is known about the long-term therapeutic effect of this tool. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate rTMS’ impact on auditory hallucinations (AH) and cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia with a three-month follow-up. Methods: In a randomized double blind sham controlled study, 26 patients with refractory schizophrenia received 1 Hz rTMS applied on TPC for four weeks. rTMS was given to patients over one month with five rTMS sessions each week. Patients were evaluated via AHRS (Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale, Hoffman et al.), PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Kay et al. 1988), and CGI (Clinical Global Impression) before treatment by rTMS every week during the first month, and every month until the third month. Results: Neither clinical nor cognitive differences were found between rTMS and placebo. Conclusion: 1 Hz rTMS using parameters mentioned above has no statistically significant effect on AH; although evidences about the potential benefit of rTMS in the treatment of AH negative results suggest the need for further studies in this area.