Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of unfractionated heparin on endothelial glycocalyx in a septic shock model

The constituents of vascular endothelial glycocalyx, such as syndecan‐1 and heparan sulphate (HS), can be detected in the plasma of patients and animals with septic shock. However, the dynamics of glycocalyx degradation and its association with inflammation remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the association between the biomarkers of acute endothelial glycocalyx degradation and inflammatory factors. We also evaluated the effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH) on glycocalyx shedding in a canine septic shock model.
Transformations of nanomaterials in the environment.

Increasing use of engineered nanomaterials with novel properties relative to their bulk counterparts has generated a need to define their behaviors and impacts in the environment. The high surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles results in highly reactive and physiochemically dynamic materials in environmental media. Many transformations, e.g. reactions with biomacromolecules, redox reactions, aggregation, and dissolution, may occur in both environmental and biological systems. These transformations and others will alter the fate, transport, and toxicity of nanomaterials. The nature and extent of these transformations must be understood before significant progress can be made toward understanding the environmental risks posed by these materials.
Low power design of a multi-mode transceiver

Recent advances in electronic technology integration coupled with increasing needs for more services in portable communications favors the development of high performance dual-mode terminals. We present the complete architecture implementation of the GMSK/GFSK modulator/demodulator including the FIR filters design. The main features of the modulator/demodulator and the architectural implementation of FIR filters are described. The interface with ASPIS processor and A/D & D/A converters is also described in detail manner. The whole architecture of the modulator/demodulator was described by VHDL hardware language, synthesised and implemented in Xilinx environment.
A genome-wide association study on a southern European population identifies a new Crohn's disease susceptibility locus at RBX1-EP300

Objective Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple risk loci for Crohn's disease (CD). However, the cumulative risk exerted by these loci is low, and the likelihood that additional, as-yet undiscovered loci contribute to the risk of CD is very high. We performed a GWAS on a southern European population to identify new CD risk loci. Design We genotyped 620 901 genome markers on 1341 CD patients and 1518 controls from Spain. The top association signals representing new candidate risk loci were subsequently analysed in an independent replication cohort of 1365 CD patients and 1396 controls. Results We identified a genome-wide significant association on chromosome 22q13.2 in the intergenic region between the RBX1 and EP300 genes (single nucleotide polymorphism rs4820425, OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.38, p=3.42E-8). We also found suggestive evidence for the association of the IFNGR2 (21q22.11), FOXP2 (7q31), MACROD2 (20p12.1) and AIF1 (6p21.3) loci with CD risk. Conclusions In this GWAS performed on a southern European cohort, we have identified a new risk locus for CD between RBX1 and EP300. This study demonstrates that using populations of different ancestry is a useful strategy to identify new risk loci for CD.
Wide-Beam X-Ray Source Target Thermal Management Simulation Using Inner Jet Cooling

A wide-beam area X-ray source has been proposed as a practical replacement for synchrotron sources in clinical DEI applications. Due to a wide X-ray illumination area, a decrease in X-ray flux is expected and thus high electron beam currents up to 3A are considered. To ensure the target performance without deterioration, melting, cracking, or even evaporation, an active cooling system is required for the target block in order to remove the heat and allow for sufficient scanning time. In this study, jet cooling of the target back is investigated for a prototype proof-of-principle target. The prototype target was simulated with the transient k- ɛ turbulence multiphysics model in ANSYS CFX. The simulations were conducted at a heat flux of 1.8 × 10 7 W/ m 2 , consistent with values anticipated for a full scale target. The simulation results show that the target temperature exceeds the copper melting point in 2 seconds at inlet velocities below 2 m/s. Also, critical heat flux calculations show that a 1.5 m/s inlet velocity at atmospheric pressure is a lower limit for prevention of target burnout using water as a coolant. Inlet velocities in excess of 2 m/s allows for steady-state operation while satisfying all thermal design constraints.
Increase of Exhaled Nitric Oxide (eNO) after Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) Exposure in Isocyanate Workers with Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness

ABSTRACT Background : Isocyanates have become one of the most important causes of occupational asthma in industrialized countries. Increased exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels have been shown to be associated with allergic airway inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of isocyanate on eNO levels and to elucidate whether the latter are associated with specific sensitization and/or unspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Additionally, we wanted to compare eNO changes of smokers and non-smokers. Methods: We determined eNO during diagnostic isocyanate challenges in workers with suspected isocyanate asthma. Results : Fourteen of 22 symptomatic isocyanate workers showed BHR and five of these 14 developed an asthmatic response upon challenge with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). In comparison with the group without BHR, subjects with BHR had higher basal eNO and a significant increase in eNO 22 hrs after MDI challenge. Four of the asthmatic responders and six of the nine MDI non-responders with BHR revealed an eNO increase of > 30%. There was also a positive association between the eNO change and the increase in airway resistance in isocyanate workers with BHR. The highest eNO change was found in subjects with IgE-mediated sensitization to MDI and low MDI thresholds. Only one of the eight MDI non-responders without BHR exhibited an eNO increase of > 30%. Conclusions : Isocyanate workers with BHR show increased MDI responses both of airway resistance and of the inflammatory marker eNO. eNO measurement is obviously a new suitable tool for monitoring isocyanate workers under respiratory risk.
Experience of peripheral angioscopy in Scandinavia

Since we introduced angioscopy in autumn 1991 byin situ vein bypass operations we have used four different angioscopes with outer diameters of 2.2, 2.3, 2.8, and 2.9 mm. The 2.2 mm model was steerable, and collateral irrigation through a separate irrigation catheter was used. The other scopes had a built-in irrigation channel. Irrigation fluid was provided by a pressure cuff device placed around a liter of Ringer's acetate solution in plastic bag and inflated to between 200 and 300 mmHg. Recently we have used a roller pump that provides adjustment of the flow rate with a constant pressure of 200 mmHg. A Mills valve cutter was tested in the initial phase, but later the Insitucath proved more suitable. Valve disruption has been safe and confident. In addition, the angioscopy has been used as an adjuvant method in carotid endartectomies, thromboembolectomies, aortobifemoral reconstructions, iliacofemoral endarterectomies, in vascular access surgery, and percutaneous stent application. The visualization has been excellent or good and there have not been any significant complications due to the angioscopes. The use of angioscopy is well established in our arterial procedures and in the near future it will be introduced in venous surgery. The need for further studies concerning the significance of intraluminal findings is obvious.
A new low-voltage charge pump circuit for PLL

In this paper, a new low-voltage charge pump circuit is presented. Its simple and symmetric structure can provide more stable operation. The proposed charge pump circuit is composed of a pair of symmetric pump circuits and a wide-swing current mirror circuit. To ensure more accurate charge pumping operation, a weak pull-up circuit is inserted in the symmetric pump circuit. The new charge pump circuit has wide output range and no jump phenomenon. It has been designed by using the MOSIS 0.35 /spl mu/m double-poly triple-metal CMOS technology and simulated by HSPICE. The power consumption of the proposed charge pump circuit is 0.03 mW at a supply voltage of 1.5 V. The circuit can be widely used in either single-ended or fully differential phase-locked loop structures.
Role of pharmacogenetics in variable response to drugs: focus on opioids

Pharmacogenetics is the study of the role of genetics in inter-individual variability to drug response and therapy. This review provides a comprehensive report of the present status of pharmacogenetic studies for opioid drugs. Opioid analgesics are widely used clinically for pain management, and inter-patient variability with opioid therapy is often reported. Information on genetic polymorphisms in enzymes, receptors and transporters related to opioid disposition (pharmacokinetics) and pharmacology (pharmacodynamics) is discussed. Pharmacogenetics of enzymes, including the cytochrome P450s and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyltransferases, opioid receptors and the ABC family of transporters, is reviewed. The role of genetic variability in clinical opioid therapy is examined, and relevant clinical trials cited. The present status of opioid pharmacogenetics, promises and challenges and future directions are discussed.
Are Condom Instructions in Spanish Readable? Implications for AIDS Prevention Activities for Hispanics

Almost haylof the 10,544 cases of AIDS reported among Hispanics are associated with sexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus. As a result, the use of condoms has assumed a central role in the prevention of AIDS. In order to determine the readability of Spanish instructions provided with condoms, twentyfive brands were purchased in Los Angeles. Only half of the manufacturers of condoms available in Los Angeles provided instructions in Spanish. Seven different Spanish texts were identified from the thirteen marketed brands. Readability tests indicate that these texts pose difficulties in comprehension for anyone whose reading skills are below the ninth grade level. These instructions inadequately serve the majority of the Hispanic community whose limited reading skills inhibit comprehension of high school level materials. These results suggest the need to modify AIDS education and prevention materials to increase the level of information available to the Hispanic community.
Recent advances in autoimmune pancreatitis: type 1 and type 2

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis characterised clinically by frequent presentation with obstructive jaundice, histologically by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with fibrosis, and therapeutically by a dramatic response to steroids. When so defined, AIP can be sub-classified into two subtypes, 1 and 2. Recent international consensus diagnostic criteria for AIP have been developed for diagnosis of both forms of AIP. Type 1 AIP is the pancreatic manifestation of a multiorgan disease, recently named IgG4-related disease. Little is known about the pathogenesis of either form of AIP. Despite frequent association of type 1 AIP with elevated serum IgG4 levels and infiltration with IgG4-positive plasma cells, it is unlikely that IgG4 plays a pathogenic role in AIP. Type 1 AIP responds to steroids, but there needs to be consensus on treatment regimens for induction and therapeutic end points. Relapses are common, but can be reduced by long-term use of low-dose steroids. Recent reports suggest that immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and mycophenolate mofetil), as well biological agents (the antibody to CD20, rituximab) may have a role in maintaining remission in relapsing type 1 AIP. Future studies should clarify the best management options for treatment of relapses and maintenance of remission. Type 2 AIP is a pancreas-specific disorder not associated with IgG4. It presents in younger individuals equally with obstructive jaundice and pancreatitis. The inflammatory process responds to steroid therapy; relapses are uncommon. The clinical spectrum and long-term outcomes of medically treated type 2 AIP are still being evaluated.
Update on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review

Objective To update the findings of the 2005 systematic review of population-based studies assessing the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Design PubMed and Embase were screened for new references using the original search strings. Studies were required to be population-based, to include ≥200 individuals, to have response rates ≥50% and recall periods <12 months. GERD was defined as heartburn and/or regurgitation on at least 1 day a week, or according to the Montreal definition, or diagnosed by a clinician. Temporal and geographic trends in disease prevalence were examined using a Poisson regression model. Results 16 studies of GERD epidemiology published since the original review were found to be suitable for inclusion (15 reporting prevalence and one reporting incidence), and were added to the 13 prevalence and two incidence studies found previously. The range of GERD prevalence estimates was 18.1%–27.8% in North America, 8.8%–25.9% in Europe, 2.5%–7.8% in East Asia, 8.7%–33.1% in the Middle East, 11.6% in Australia and 23.0% in South America. Incidence per 1000 person-years was approximately 5 in the overall UK and US populations, and 0.84 in paediatric patients aged 1–17 years in the UK. Evidence suggests an increase in GERD prevalence since 1995 (p<0.0001), particularly in North America and East Asia. Conclusions GERD is prevalent worldwide, and disease burden may be increasing. Prevalence estimates show considerable geographic variation, but only East Asia shows estimates consistently lower than 10%.
Phase 1b study of obinutuzumab, ibrutinib, and venetoclax in relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Targeted therapies including the engineered afucosylated anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody obinutuzumab, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib, and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 inhibitor venetoclax have demonstrated significant clinical activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and, based on their complementary mechanisms, are ideal for combination. However, combining venetoclax with other active agents raises safety concerns, as it may increase the risk for tumor lysis syndrome. To minimize this risk, we designed and implemented a fixed-duration regimen using sequentially administered obinutuzumab followed by ibrutinib (cycle 2) and venetoclax (cycle 3), for a total of fourteen 28-day cycles. This phase 1b study included 12 patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. We tested 3 dose levels of venetoclax and identified the doses of all 3 agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in the combination. Adverse events were consistent with known toxicities of the individual agents, with hematologic adverse events being most frequent. No clinically significant tumor lysis syndrome occurred. The overall response rate was 92% (95% confidence interval, 62%-100%), with 42% (5/12) achieving a complete remission or complete remission with incomplete marrow recovery. There were 6 patients with no detectable CLL in both the blood and bone marrow at the end of treatment. We found this regimen to be safe and tolerable in CLL, and capable of inducing deep responses, justifying future study in our ongoing phase 2 cohorts of relapsed or refractory and treatment-naive patients, as well as larger phase 3 trials currently in planning. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as #NCT02427451.
Pregnancy in Infertile Women: Outcome in Mother and Fetus, A Cross Sectional Study

Purpose : Extreme use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (1) in infertile women can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the pregnancy outcomes in infertile women who were treated with ART and compared in spontaneous pregnancy. Materials and Method: In this retrospective study which was done in Imam Khomeini hospital, Sari, Iran, 100 pregnant women who were treated with ART were entered into our study, randomly. The interviewer talked to them and filled the questionnaires. Moreover, the adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared with 100 women with spontaneous pregnancy. Results: These two groups were matched regarding some quantitative, qualitative variables and history of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The common causes of infertility were ovarian, male, and unknown factors. The incidence of some adverse pregnancy outcomes in infertile women who were treated with ART (such as: late abortion, low birth weight, premature rupture of membrane, ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, gestational diabetes, intra uterine fetal death, neonatal death, hypertension in pregnancy and preeclampsia) was significantly ( p< 0.05) higher than spontaneous pregnancy. Conclusion: Some complications of adverse pregnancy outcomes in fetus and mother are common in pregnancy with ART.
Treatment of patients with dual hepatitis B and C: a step in the right direction

Several convincing lines of evidence have shown that effective antiviral treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) can positively affect the natural course of both diseases. Indeed, maintained HBV suppression by pegylated interferon (PegIFN) or nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment has been shown to reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), eliminate the risk of liver decompensation, and improve overall survival.1 The same holds true for HCV, where viral eradication achieved by IFN or by directly acting antiviral-based therapy abolishes the risk of progression to cirrhosis and reduces, or abrogates, the risk of liver-related complications in patients with cirrhosis.1 Unfortunately, less is known about the impact of antiviral therapy in patients co-infected with both viruses. This is not a rare event, as in most countries HBV and HCV share modalities of transmission; currently it is estimated that nearly 5–20% of HBV patients and 2–10% of HCV patients have HBV–HCV co-infection.2 From a clinical standpoint, HBV–HCV co-infection has been associated with increased risk of fulminant hepatitis in the acute phase and development of cirrhosis and HCC in the long term.3 Still this has not been confirmed in all studies, probably because of significant differences in terms of ethnicity, comorbid conditions and virological profiles among the analysed cohorts.4 Patients with HBV–HCV co-infection are indeed extremely heterogeneous both in terms of infection modality—with most patients from Asia acquiring HBV infection at birth and later having HCV superinfection, whereas patients from Europe and the USA often acquire both infections concomitantly—and in terms of viral dominance of one virus over the other. …
Periodized Strength Training for Sprint Kayaking/Canoeing

HIGH PERFORMANCE SPRINT kayaking/canoeing requires a high level of relative strength, exc6lient local muscle endurance, and the ability of the muscles to perform in low pH environments. Excellent lactic acid clearance and protonbuffering capacity of the blood are also prerequisites for producing a consistently high level of mechanical power output. Peak power generated by muscle action during acceleration can reach 928W in men, with subsequent stabilization at about 70 strokes per minute (1, 4). The energy needed for this output is generated by phosphagen and the fast glycolytic system. After the initial period of acceleration, extreme lactate values are maintained during the entire race (2, 3). They remain high and are maintained even when a metabolically more economic cruising speed requires an average power output of 35OW anti 225W for men and women, respectively, at around 85% of VO,, max for both sexes. If we consider that a power is generated by the repetitive actions of the relatively small muscle groups of the upper body, we must acknowledge the fact that great demands are put on this musculature. The ultimate goal of strength training and conditioning for sprint kayaking/canoeing is to elevate the athlete's overall capacity through a properly structured and periodized strength training program to a level where he or she can produce consistently high power output. This capacity is called speed endurance. Theoretical considerations and practical experience confirm that in sprint flatwater kayaking/ canoeing: 1. Strength is the basic quality that provides the necessary foundation and influences the performance of others. 2. The best method for effectively structuring and manipulating strength training and conditioning in a goal oriented manner
The management of immunosuppression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Immunomodulators and biologic agents (hereafter referred to jointly as ‘immunosuppression’) are effective in treating IBD and recent evidence supports their introduction earlier in the disease course.1 ,2 An important concern to both patients and physicians considering immunosuppression for the treatment of IBD is the potential associated cancer risk. It is estimated that 1.6 million new diagnoses of cancer will be made in 2013 among the general population in the USA alone.3 Likewise, as the population of patients with IBD ages, it is inevitable that some will develop cancer. As such, in addition to concerns about the development of de novo cancer in a patient without a history of cancer, clinicians caring for patients with IBD are increasingly challenged with questions about IBD management after the development of cancer. Conversely, oncologists are often concerned about how to manage IBD in cancer patients. Several important clinical questions deserve further attention with respect to IBD therapy and cancer (figure 1). First, does medical therapy for IBD predispose to developing cancer? Second, in an IBD patient with a history of cancer, does IBD therapy impact cancer recurrence? Third, once cancer develops in an IBD patient, is the cancer outcome different? Finally, in an IBD patient with current cancer, does the cancer therapy affect IBD outcomes? Figure 1 Clinical questions related to patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; TNF, tumour necrosis factor. Question 1, dealing with the topic of de novo cancer development related to treatments for IBD in patients without a history of cancer, has recently been reviewed.4 Less is known about the impact of immunosuppressive therapies on cancer in IBD patients who have had a prior (controlled) cancer or have a current (uncontrolled) cancer. …
A low-voltage BiCMOS transconductor with improved linearity for VHF transconductance-C filters

A new low-voltage BiCMOS triode transconductor with improved linearity suitable for VHF transconductance filter is proposed. Improved linearity is achieved using a translinear crosscoupled circuit. The output resistance of the transconductor is compensated. The transconductor has a large bandwidth due to having parasitic poles at extremely high frequencies. The performance of the transconductor is demonstrated by simulation results.