Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative blood flow as assessed by intravascular ultrasound

textabstractThe aim of the present study was to develop the correlation-based method for quantitative blood flow for intravascular ultrasound purposes. The feasibility of the technique was studied by means of computer simulations, in vitro and in animal measurements, and in patient validation. A general overview in IVUS flow is presented (Chapter 2). Computer simulations were implemented for the study of the decorrelation characteristics of the ultrasound beam from the lVUS array catheter. First, blood was mimicked as a collection of randomly located point scatterers as single red blood cells (Chapter 3). Second, strings of point scatterers were used as aggregates of red blood cell (Chapter 4). Different blood flow profiles were also studied by means of computer simulation (Chapter -5). In vitro measurements were performed to validate the results presented in Chapter 3, 4 and 5 (Chapter 6). In vitro measurements of the ultrasound beam of the IVUS array catheter were performed to calibrate the correlation-based method for quantitative blood flow method (Chapter 7). Noise in the radio frequency signals is of major importance in the correlation-based blood velocity method; therefore, a technique was needed to correct the correlation coefficients for noise. Numerical validation, and in vitro and in animal measurements were performed to validate the correlation-based method for blood velocity estimation and quantitative volume blood flow, and the new technique that corrects for noise (Chapter 8 and 9). Finally, a functional parameter such as coronary flow reserve ( CFR, ratio between high flow and low flow) of the heart was evaluated in patients (Chapter 9). In another series of patients CFR was compared with Geometric Measurements of Coronary Dimensions (Chapter 10).
Aboveground vs. Belowground Carbon Stocks in African Tropical Lowland Rainforest: Drivers and Implications

Background African tropical rainforests are one of the most important hotspots to look for changes in the upcoming decades when it comes to C storage and release. The focus of studying C dynamics in these systems lies traditionally on living aboveground biomass. Belowground soil organic carbon stocks have received little attention and estimates of the size, controls and distribution of soil organic carbon stocks are highly uncertain. In our study on lowland rainforest in the central Congo basin, we combine both an assessment of the aboveground C stock with an assessment of the belowground C stock and analyze the latter in terms of functional pools and controlling factors. Principal Findings Our study shows that despite similar vegetation, soil and climatic conditions, soil organic carbon stocks in an area with greater tree height (= larger aboveground carbon stock) were only half compared to an area with lower tree height (= smaller aboveground carbon stock). This suggests that substantial variability in the aboveground vs. belowground C allocation strategy and/or C turnover in two similar tropical forest systems can lead to significant differences in total soil organic C content and C fractions with important consequences for the assessment of the total C stock of the system. Conclusions/Significance We suggest nutrient limitation, especially potassium, as the driver for aboveground versus belowground C allocation. However, other drivers such as C turnover, tree functional traits or demographic considerations cannot be excluded. We argue that large and unaccounted variability in C stocks is to be expected in African tropical rain-forests. Currently, these differences in aboveground and belowground C stocks are not adequately verified and implemented mechanistically into Earth System Models. This will, hence, introduce additional uncertainty to models and predictions of the response of C storage of the Congo basin forest to climate change and its contribution to the terrestrial C budget.
Centering the Organizing Center in the Arabidopsis thaliana Shoot Apical Meristem by a Combination of Cytokinin Signaling and Self-Organization

Plants have the ability to continously generate new organs by maintaining populations of stem cells throught their lives. The shoot apical meristem (SAM) provides a stable environment for the maintenance of stem cells. All cells inside the SAM divide, yet boundaries and patterns are maintained. Experimental evidence indicates that patterning is independent of cell lineage, thus a dynamic self-regulatory mechanism is required. A pivotal role in the organization of the SAM is played by the WUSCHEL gene (WUS). An important question in this regard is that how WUS expression is positioned in the SAM via a cell-lineage independent signaling mechanism. In this study we demonstrate via mathematical modeling that a combination of an inhibitor of the Cytokinin (CK) receptor, Arabidopsis histidine kinase 4 (AHK4) and two morphogens originating from the top cell layer, can plausibly account for the cell lineage-independent centering of WUS expression within SAM. Furthermore, our laser ablation and microsurgical experiments support the hypothesis that patterning in SAM occurs at the level of CK reception and signaling. The model suggests that the interplay between CK signaling, WUS/CLV feedback loop and boundary signals can account for positioning of the WUS expression, and provides directions for further experimental investigation.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) Among Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Vascular Technologists

Literature indicates a significant history of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) and vascular technologist (VTs). To gather current data related to this historical trend, the authors administered a survey to a random and convenient sample of 5200 registered DMS and VTs. The invitation to complete the survey on a secure Web site yielded the largest participant sample to date of 2963 completed surveys (57% response). Data relative to the prevalence of WRMSD were analyzed and compared to other WRMSD research over the past decade. Results indicated that 90% of respondents were scanning in pain, a 9% increase since the last large-scale survey in 1997. Across all demographics, shoulder pain is most common, with older and more experienced sonographers having more finger, hand, and wrist pain than other groups. Pain continues to be related to pressure applied to the transducer, abduction of the arm, and twisting of the neck and trunk. Ergonomic equipment and education are provided by application specialists, but the incidence of WRMSD appears to be unabated. Higher order research, including randomized trials, with education and ergonomic interventions is needed to protect DMS and VTs who are necessary to meet increasing health care demands.
Correction: Essential and Checkpoint Functions of Budding Yeast ATM and ATR during Meiotic Prophase Are Facilitated by Differential Phosphorylation of a Meiotic Adaptor Protein, Hop1

A hallmark of the conserved ATM/ATR signalling is its ability to mediate a wide range of functions utilizing only a limited number of adaptors and effector kinases. During meiosis, Tel1 and Mec1, the budding yeast ATM and ATR, respectively, rely on a meiotic adaptor protein Hop1, a 53BP1/Rad9 functional analog, and its associated kinase Mek1, a CHK2/ Rad53-paralog, to mediate multiple functions: control of the formation and repair of programmed meiotic DNA double strand breaks, enforcement of inter-homolog bias, regulation of meiotic progression, and implementation of checkpoint responses. Here, we present evidence that the multi-functionality of the Tel1/Mec1-to-Hop1/Mek1 signalling depends on stepwise activation of Mek1 that is mediated by Tel1/Mec1 phosphorylation of two specific residues within Hop1: phosphorylation at the threonine 318 (T318) ensures the transient basal level Mek1 activation required for viable spore formation during unperturbed meiosis. Phosphorylation at the serine 298 (S298) promotes stable Hop1-Mek1 interaction on chromosomes following the initial phospho-T318 mediated Mek1 recruitment. In the absence of Dmc1, the phospho-S298 also promotes Mek1 hyper-activation necessary for implementing meiotic checkpoint arrest. Taking these observations together, we propose that the Hop1 phospho-T318 and phospho-S298 constitute key components of the Tel1/Mec1based meiotic recombination surveillance (MRS) network and facilitate effective coupling of meiotic recombination and progression during both unperturbed and challenged meiosis. PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone. 0134297 July 30, 2015 1 / 17 a11111
T lymphocyte engineering ex vivo for cancer and infectious disease

Background: Basic research contributions towards the molecular and cellular understanding of immune mediated control of cancer and infectious diseases have created opportunities to develop new forms of T-cell-based vaccination for cancer and chronic infections like HIV. In the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cell therapy clinical trials around the world aimed at enhancing antitumor immunity, restoring immune function to infectious diseases and augmenting vaccine efficacy. Objective: To provide a review of new and emerging methods of T lymphocyte engineering, gene transfer to T cells and clinical trials. Methods: A review of recent clinical trials, along with a brief historical perspective, with a focus on challenges and recent advances in the field and requirements for successful T-cell therapies. Conclusion: Advances in the technological approaches and methods for ex vivo manipulation have led to T lymphocytes endowed with enhanced potency and unique functions, with promise as the new generation of infused therapeutics.
Shear bond strength of brackets bonded to enamel with a self-etching primer. Effects of increasing storage time after activation.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate bonding efficacy of activated Transbond Plus Self-Etching Primer (TPSEP) used at different time points with Transbond XT to bond metallic orthodontic brackets to bovine incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The inferior incisors of 210 bovines were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 30). TPSEPs were mixed, activated, and kept activated for 30 (group 30), 21 (group 21), 15 (group 15), 7 (group 7), 3 (group 3), or 1 (group 1) days before bonding, and in one group (group 0) TPSEP was used immediately after mixed. At day zero, incisors in each group were bonded in exactly the same way. After applying TPSEP, brackets were bonded with Transbond XT, according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 24 hours, shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed for all samples at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min, and the Adhesive Remnant Index was scored. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the SBS of groups 0, 1, 3, 7, and 15 (P > .05) However, those groups had higher SBS (P < .05) compared with groups 21 and 30. No significant difference (P > .05) was observed between groups 21 and 30. Despite the decrease in SBS for groups 21 and 30, bond strength values were still satisfactory. CONCLUSION After activation, the TPSEP mix can be stored for a period of 15 days without losing its adhesive properties.
Interseptal bone reduction on the rate of maxillary canine retraction.

OBJECTIVE To propose and evaluate a novel surgical approach with minimal trauma, termed interseptal bone reduction, combined with the use of a conventional orthodontic fixed appliance to accelerate canine retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS A split-mouth design study was conducted in 18 female subjects (mean age, 21.9 years) whose bilateral upper first premolars were extracted and who subsequently received canine distalization. The extraction socket on the experimental side was deepened, and interseptal bone distal to the maxillary canine was reduced in thickness using a surgical bur; conventional extraction was performed on the control side. The canines were then distalized using elastomeric chains on both the labial and palatal sides, with a net force of 150 g. The extent of canine movement and rotation was determined from study models, and the angulation was analyzed based on lateral cephalograms. RESULTS A Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated that the extent of canine movement in the mesio-distal direction after 3 months was significantly greater on the experimental side than on the control side (5.4 and 3.4 mm, respectively, P = .002). However, there was no statistically significant difference in canine angulation or rotation after 3 months between the experimental and control sides. CONCLUSIONS In combination with the use of conventional orthodontic appliances, interseptal bone reduction can enhance the rate of canine movement when interseptal bone is sufficiently reduced in both thickness and depth following surgical criteria.
Early risk factors for posterior crossbite and anterior open bite in the primary dentition.

OBJECTIVE To investigate risk factors specific to posterior crossbite and anterior open bite at the age of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 422 children of the French EDEN mother-child cohort. The main outcomes were the presence of posterior crossbite and anterior open bite assessed by dentists at 3 years. Social characteristics (collected during pregnancy), neonatal characteristics (collected at birth), duration of breast-feeding (collected prospectively), sucking habits at 3 years, and open lips (as a proxy for mouth breathing) were studied and two logistic regressions conducted. RESULTS Preterm birth appears to be a risk factor specific for posterior crossbite (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.13-8.68), whereas small for gestational age seems to be associated with a lower risk of posterior crossbite (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12-0.87). Ongoing pacifier or thumb sucking at 3 years is a risk factor for both posterior crossbite and anterior open bite. CONCLUSIONS Children born preterm seem to be more at risk for posterior crossbite than those born at term. Different mechanisms may be involved in posterior crossbite and anterior open bite.
Anterior dislocation of shoulder due to entanglement of rope and pull by cattle in an octogenarian

The shoulder joint is a common site of dislocation owing to its inherent anatomical characteristics. It is common in young individuals and is frequently related to sports and other activities. Mostly they are managed successfully with urgent reduction and rehabilitation in uncomplicated scenario. However, risk of recurrence calls for periodic review and future assessment. The occurrence in older patients is uncommon. Our case depicts an unusual mode of this injury in an octogenarian lady who sustained injury due to entanglement of rope while pulled by a cow and its satisfactory management.
Restarting Oral Anticoagulant in Patients with Mechanical Heart Valve(s) and Intracranial Haemorrhage

Patients with mechanical heart valves who present with intracranial haemorrhage are initially treated by reversing their coagulopathy. However, these patients will ultimately require that their oral anticoagulant be restarted. The time at which oral anticoagulants are restarted is critical since restarting too early may increase the risk of recurrent bleeding, while withholding anticoagulants increases the patient’s risk of thromboembolic events. The ideal time to restart patients on their oral anticoagulant medication is defined as the time at which all these risks are minimized. This thesis includes a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. The main outcomes were recurrent haematoma, valve thrombosis, stroke and peripheral emboli. Results were stratified by types of intracranial haemorrhage. We also conducted a survey to gain insight into current practices of neurosurgeons and thrombosis experts in Canada and USA when they are faced with deciding on anticoagulant restart times in patients with ICH. Results were stratified by type of intracranial bleed and participants’ characteristics and demographics. The systematic review identified that the ideal time for restarting anticoagulant therapy in patients following an ICH is unknown. Meta-analysis was limited by the heterogeneity of the studies. The survey results indicated that physicians had a wide range of practice and that their practice was dependent on the patient’s clinical features, but many physicians would restart oral anticoagulants between 4 and 14 days after the haemorrhage. For this reason we have proposed a multi centre cohort study to investigate the safety and efficacy of restarting patients on anticoagulation therapy between day 5 and 9 post haemorrhage. A full study protocol is presented in this thesis.
Shifting Life's Focus: African American Dialysis Patients' Experiences with Kidney Transplant Evaluation

SHIFTING LIFE'S FOCUS: AFRICAN AMERICAN DIALYSIS PATIENTS' EXPERIENCES WITH KIDNEY TRANSPLANT EVALUATION Susan L. Humphreys, PhD George Mason University, 2011 Dissertation Director: Dr. Jean B. Moore Chronic kidney disease is a growing health problem that, in the United States, disproportionately affects African Americans. Although African Americans have a significantly higher incidence of kidney disease and end stage kidney failure than Caucasian Americans, they are less likely to receive a kidney transplant. This study begins to build a substantive theory about patients' experiences with the kidney transplant evaluation process to better understand this health disparity. Participants in this study were interviewed in the dialysis unit about these experiences. Shifting Life's Focus, the substantive theory emerging from this study, explains participants' experiences with the process of kidney transplant evaluation as they physically and emotionally prepared to receive a kidney transplant. Three major concepts compose this theory: complex chronic health issues, financial concerns, and following through. This theory not only explains the experiences of these participants, but may help explain those of other African American patients on dialysis. Understanding this theory may provide insight to reasons why many African Americans may not complete their transplant evaluations and be listed to receive a kidney transplant, and therefore has direct application to both health policy and clinical practice.
The impact of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) in targeted supplementation of children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in South Africa

Objective: To describe catch-up growth in children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) on targeted supplementation using Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). Methods: An impact study was done to determine anthropometric changes in children aged 12–60 months who received RUSF (175 kcal/kg/day) for six weeks, managed as outpatients and followed up for 12 weeks until a final assessment. Results: Default rates were high, with 30% of children returning to the primary healthcare facility for follow-up only once or twice. Despite significant improvement in height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), 70.5% of the sample remained in the same malnutrition classification and only 26% recovered. The growth velocity of children with a lower initial WHZ was significantly higher (r = –0.15, p < 0.05) than those with less wasting, but only 20% grew at a rate to achieve catch-up growth. The mean growth velocity decreased as the intervention period continued. Conclusion: All median anthropometric indicators improved with RUSF supplementation. However, catch-up growth or recovery occurred in only 20–25% of children included in the study. These findings create questions about the value of supplementation in the absence of blanket food distribution or other interventions to address food security.
The Possible Application of He-Ne Laser for Dental Plaque Control

A possibility of the He-Ne laser application for human dental plaque control was investigated. Twenty adult volunteers participated in this experiment. One of the premolar teeth on one side of a subject was irradiated by the He-Ne laser for 3min. , once a day, for 3 days, at an output power of 20mW, while one of the premolar teeth on the other side was left unirradiated as a control. The number of cultivable plaque bacteria was found to be reduced by He-Ne laser irradiation when dental plaque was stained with methylene blue-based plaque-disclosing dye. No similar decrease in cultivable bacteria was observed when the laser irradiation or the plaque-disclosing dye alone was used. From these results, the photodynamic killing mediated by He-Ne laser irradiation was shown to affect oral bacteria in uiuo, and the potential application of this new modality for dental plaque control is discussed.
Tube Feeding Audit Reveals Hidden Costs and Risks of Current Practice

A multidisciplinary audit at 11 teaching hospitals assessed hidden costs and quality issues related to tube feeding. Data were collected on 417 tube-fed patients via interviews and review of departmental records. Hospitals averaged 38 tube-fed patients per day and 13 different formulas. Average tube feeding duration was 8.1 days. Hidden costs were identified: 18% to 62% of formulas were wasted per patient per day. The mean annual cost of wasted tube feeding formula per facility was $26,846. Open systems required 14 min/patient/d to manage, compared with 2 min/patient/d for closed systems; the open system required additional administration sets, which cost each facility an average of $47,744 per year; 33% of feedings required additional labor for manipulations. Risks identified included underfeeding of prescribed volume, exceeding hang-time policy, and practices associated with bacterial risk. The audit addressed the need for multidisciplinary evaluation of tube feeding programs to reveal hidden costs and true practices.
Estimating transmission parameters using social contact data and serological data.

Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Universityof Antwerp, BelgiumIn order to restrict the damage caused by an epidemic, intervention strategies are needed toreduce the transmission of infection-speciﬁc antigens. To this purpose, the estimation of age-dependent transmission rates is required. In the past, different mixing patterns were imposedto the so-called Who-Acquires-Infection-From-Whom matrix (WAIFW) to make them estimablefrom seroprevalence data (Anderson and May, 1991). These mixing assumptions, however, areratherartiﬁcialandresultinlargedifferencesontheestimationofthebasicreproductionnumberR
Patienters självskattning av Aktiviteter i Dagligt Liv efter en protesnära fraktur

The purpose of this study was to investigate patients self-rated ADL-function after a periprosthetic fracture, to view the demographics of the patient group and investigate any gender differences in ADL-function. Whether patients managed to return to previous housing after the fracture and reasons for this was also studied. This is a register-based retrospective and prospective cohort study with a quantitative approach. Demographic and anamnestic patient data was collected from the electronic health records. The participants were called for an interview where Katz ADL-index and EQ5D was used to describe the participants´ ADL functioning together with physical and mental functioning. The result shows that the majority of the participants rated themselves as independent in their ADL-function. No gender differences were noted in ADL-functioning. Self-rated EQ5D demonstrated that the majority of the participants had some problems with walking. The typical participant in this study was a single woman living in an apartment and 78 years of age. All of the participants returned to previous housing. The majority of the participants rated themselves as independent in their ADL-functioning. Correlation was noted between the lack of daily exercise and lower ADL-function. Therefore it is important to promote the older individuals’ ability for exercise.