Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anaesthesia and Still's disease

Anaesthesia for children with juvenile chronic arthritis (Still’s disease) can be an alarming and hazardous undertaking for anaesthetist and patient because of difficulty in the maintenance of the airway under general anaesthesia. The problems and management were reported from this centre. ’ The advent of the Olympus rhinoscope (ENF-P) has made fibre-optically guided tracheal intubation a possibility in thesechildren and this short report up-dates our management guidelines. The anaesthetic problems presented by these children are restricted neck movements due to fused cervical vertebrae in early onset seronegative patients; or, dangerously unstable subluxed cervical vertebrae in late onset seropositive patients; and in addition, a minimal mouth opening range because of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint and an underdeveloped mandible. The above make induction and maintenance of anaesthesia difficult and tracheal intubation by conventional means impossible. A gaseous anaesthetic induction and maintenance is possible with less severely affectedchildren for peripheral procedures but, in severe cases, the airway becomes progressively obstructed while anaesthesia deepens despite the insertion of nasal or oral airway. Ketamine has been recommended in these cases followed by diazepam postoperatively to control hallucinations. Ketamine is, however, less than ideal for the major orthopaedic surgery which is often performed on these children, because of the bloody surgical field induced, while spinal or epidural anaesthesia can also be difficult because of involvement of the lower spine. The airway is not secured with ketamine so surgery in the prone position or for oral or nasal procedures can be hazardous, while abdominal surgery which requires relaxation is difficult. Fibre-optically guided tracheal intubation in children is now possible using the rhinoscope which will allow a 4.5 mm tube to be inserted over it. Introduction is much easier via the nasal route because the oral route, even when the mouth can be opened adequately, involves an approach to the larynx which is an acute angle. Awake intubation is inappropriate in this age group and the airway obstructs under conventional anaesthesia or even heavy sedation. We have found that a combination of oral trimeprazine premedication \ Airway obstructs Good airway + +
Differential effects of growth differentiation factor-5 on porcine dental papilla- and follicle-derived cells

In this study, the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) on the growth and differentiation of porcine dental papilla- and follicle-derived cells was investigated. Furthermore, the effect was compared with that of BMP-2. Recombinant mouse GDF-5 (rmGDF-5) enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in dental papilla-derived cells in a dose-dependent manner, while ALP activity in dental follicle-derived cells was reduced. In rmGDF-5 stimulated dental papilla-derived cells, the expressions of odontoblast-marker genes were up-regulated. Conversely, recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) enhanced ALP activity dose-dependently in both dental papilla- and follicle-derived cells. When combined, GDF-5 did not further enhance BMP-2-induced ALP activities. Rather, GDF-5 reduced BMP-2-induced ALP activities in both dental papilla- and follicle-derived cells. This suggests that affinity of GDF-5 to the shared receptors may be higher than that of BMP-2 in both cell types. These observations indicate that GDF-5 regulates differentiation of both dental papilla and follicle during odontogenesis, co-operatively with other growth factors such as BMP-2.
Analysis of squeeze film air damping in fixed-fixed beam RF MEMS switches

In this paper the effect of different geometry on the squeeze film damping of fixed-fixed beam RF MEMS switch is analyzed. Squeeze film air damping analysis is done on the fixed-fixed beam membrane for different geometry of membrane. The surface pressure distribution and damping force on the membrane is simulated for different geometry of membrane. Membrane with slits of length 60μm was found to be the better choice when compared to other geometry of membrane. The variation in damping force with respect to radius of hole and length of slits is analyzed for different ambient pressures. Variation in damping force with respect to radius of hole and length of slits was obtained as minimum for lower values of ambient pressure. Modeling and simulation of damping force and surface pressure is done in COMSOL Multiphysics.
Fluid intake from beverages in Spanish adults; cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION Dietary questionnaires usually only assess the intake of drinks that provide calories, but do not accurately evaluate total fluid or water intake. The evaluation of the fluid consumption pattern of a population has been the main objective of only a very few studies. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the total fluid intake from different types of beverages in Spanish adults. METHODS A total of 1,262 adults aged 18-70 years were randomly recruited from all Spanish regions. The information about the quantity and quality of daily fluid intake from different types of beverages was collected using a 24h fluid-specific diary over 7 consecutive days. RESULTS 50.4% of the study population had a fluid intake < 80% of the EFSA recommendations for total water intake. The odds of meeting the recommendations of total fluid intake were higher in women [OR: 2.48; 95%CI: 1.81-3.40], and in those with higher leisure-time physical activity (3-4 times/week [OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.01- 2.46]; 5 times/week or more [OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.37-2.83]). Women consumed significantly more hot and sweet light beverages. However, men consumed significantly more sweet regular and alcoholic drinks. A significant higher percentage of young and normal/underweight subjects exceed the WHO recommendations for free sugars (> 10% total energy intake) from beverages alone. CONCLUSION Half of the adults studied do not meet the EFSA fluid intake recommendations. Water is the main fluid consumed. Differences in the pattern of fluid consumption were observed between ages and genders. A quarter of the population studied consumes from beverages alone already more sugar than recommended from the total diet.
Relationship between outcome and baseline blood pressure and other haemodynamic measures in acute ischaemic stroke: data from the TAIST trial

Background A poor outcome after stroke is associated independently with high blood pressure during the acute phase; however, relationships with other haemodynamic measures [heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), rate–pressure product (RPP)] remain less clear. Methods The Tinzaparin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Trial is a randomised, controlled trial assessing the safety and efficacy of tinzaparin versus aspirin in 1484 patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR measurements taken immediately prior to randomization were averaged, and the mid-blood pressure (MBP), PP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure index, and RPP were calculated. The relationship between these haemodynamic measures and functional outcome (death or dependency, modified Rankin Scale > 2) and early recurrent stroke, were studied with adjustment for baseline prognostic factors and treatment group. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) refer to a change in haemodynamic measure by 10 points. Results A poor functional outcome was associated with SBP (adjusted OR; 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.21), HR (adjusted OR; 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00–1.31), MBP (adjusted OR; 1.15, 95% CI, 1.03–1.29), PP (adjusted OR; 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02–1.26), MAP (adjusted OR; 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02–1.31) and RPP (adjusted OR; 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02). Early recurrent stroke was associated with SBP, DBP, MBP and MAP. Conclusions A poor outcome is independently associated with elevations in blood pressure, HR and their derived haemodynamic variables, including PP and the RPP. Agents that modify these measures may improve functional outcome after stroke.
Correlative Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy in 3D—Scanning Electron Microscope Perspective

The ability to correlate fluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM) data obtained on biological (cell and tissue) specimens is essential to bridge the resolution gap between the data obtained by these different imaging techniques. In the past such correlations were limited to either EM navigation in two dimensions to the locations previously highlighted by fluorescence markers, or subsequent high‐resolution acquisition of tomographic information using a TEM. We present a novel approach whereby a sample previously investigated by FM is embedded and subjected to sequential mechanical polishing and backscatter imaging by scanning electron microscope. The resulting three dimensional EM tomogram of the sample can be directly correlated to the FM data. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Involvement of the p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Transforming Growth Factor-β-induced Gene Expression*

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase family, is suggested to be involved in TGF-β-induced gene expression, but the signaling mechanism from TAK1 to the nucleus remains largely undefined. We have found that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its direct activator MKK6 are rapidly activated in response to TGF-β. Expression of dominant negative MKK6 or dominant negative TAK1 inhibited the TGF-β-induced transcriptional activation as well as the p38 activation. Constitutive activation of the p38 pathway in the absence of TGF-β induced the transcriptional activation, which was enhanced synergistically by coexpression of Smad2 and Smad4 and was inhibited by expression of the C-terminal truncated, dominant negative Smad4. Furthermore, we have found that activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2), which is known as a nuclear target of p38, becomes phosphorylated in the N-terminal activation domain in response to TGF-β, that ATF-2 forms a complex with Smad4, and that the complex formation is enhanced by TGF-β. In addition, expression of a nonphosphorylatable form of ATF-2 inhibited the TGF-β-induced transcriptional activation. These results show that the p38 pathway is activated by TGF-β and is involved in the TGF-β-induced transcriptional activation by regulating the Smad-mediated pathway.
Between a Rock and a Cell Phone: Communication and Information Technology Use during the 2011 Uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt

Many observers heralded the use of social media during recent political uprisings in the Middle East, even dubbing Iran’s post-election protests a “Twitter Revolution”. The authors seek to put into perspective the use of social media in Egypt during the mass political demonstrations in 2011. We draw on innovation diffusion theory to argue that these media could have had an impact beyond their low adoption rates due to other factors related to the essential role played by social networks in diffusion and the demographics of Internet and social media adoption in Egypt, Tunisia and (to a lesser extent) Iran. To illustrate the argument the authors draw on technology adoption, information use, discussion networks and demographics. They supplement the social media data analysis with survey data collected in June 2011 from an opportunity sample of Egyptian youth. The authors conclude that in addition to the contextual factors noted above, the individuals within Egypt who used Twitter during the uprising have the characteristics of opinion leaders, that is, a group of early adopters with influence throughout their social circles and beyond. These findings contribute to knowledge regarding the use and impact of social media
A controlled trial of zidovudine in primary human immunodeficiency virus infection.

BACKGROUND It is possible that antiretroviral treatment given early during primary infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may reduce acute symptoms, help preserve immune function, and improve the long-term prognosis. METHODS To assess the effect of early antiviral treatment, we conducted a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 77 patients with primary HIV infection were randomly assigned to receive either zidovudine (250 mg twice daily; n = 39) or placebo (n = 38) for six months. RESULTS The mean time from the onset of symptoms until enrollment in the study was 25.1 days. Among the 43 patients who were still symptomatic at the time of enrollment, there was no appreciable difference in the mean (+/- SE) duration of the retroviral syndrome between the zidovudine group (15.0 +/- 4.1 days) and the placebo group (15.8 +/- 3.6 days). During a mean follow-up period of 15 months, minor opportunistic infections developed in eight patients: oral candidiasis in four, herpes zoster in two, and oral hairy leukoplakia in two. Disease progression was significantly less frequent in the zidovudine group (one opportunistic infection) than in the placebo group (seven opportunistic infections; P = 0.009 by the log-rank test). After adjustment for the base-line CD4 cell count, the patients treated with zidovudine had an average gain of 8.9 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter per month (95 percent confidence interval, -1.4 to 19.1) during the first six months of the study, whereas those receiving placebo had an average loss of 12.0 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter per month (95 percent confidence interval, 5.2 to 18.7), for a between-group difference of 20.9 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter per month (95 percent confidence interval, 8.5 to 33.2; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Antiretroviral therapy administered during primary HIV infection may improve the subsequent clinical course and increase the CD4 cell count.
Compliance with referral for curative care in rural Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND The goal of this study is to contribute to improving the functioning of the referral system in rural Burkina Faso. The main objective is to ascertain the compliance rate for referral and to identify the factors associated with successful referral. METHODS A record review of 12 months of curative consultations in eight randomly selected health centres was conducted to identify referral cases. To assess referral compliance, all patient documents at referral hospitals from the day of the referral up to 7 days later were checked to verify whether the referred case arrived or not. Descriptive statistics were then used to compute the compliance rate. Hierarchical modelling was performed to identify patient and provider factors associated with referral compliance. RESULTS The number of visits per person per year was 0.6 and the referral rate was 2.0%. The compliance rate was 41.5% (364/878). After adjustment, females (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.52-0.98), patients referred during the rainy seasons (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.40-0.78), non-emergency referrals (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.34-0.65) and referrals without a referral slip (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.21-0.43) were significantly less likely to comply. Children between 5 and 14 years old (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.35-1.06) were at a higher risk of non-compliance, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Moreover, none of provider characteristics was statistically significantly associated with non-compliance. CONCLUSIONS In a rural district of Burkina Faso, we found a relatively low compliance with referral after the official referral system was organized in 2006. Patient characteristics were significantly associated with a failure to comply. Interventions addressing female patients' concerns, increasing referral compliance in non-emergency situations, reducing inconvenience and opportunity costs due to seasonal/climate factors, and assuring the issue of a referral slip when a referral is prescribed may effectively improve referral compliance.
A Color-Contingent Prism Displacement Aftereffect

Observers were trained to point with feedback to red and blue dots whose images had been laterally displaced in opposite directions by a reversible prism. On pretraining and posttraining trials the red and blue dots were aligned vertically in the absence of visual orientation cues. The alignment was modified by the pointing training on the posttraining trials. The colors were aligned in the direction of their prior prismatic displacement. One control experiment showed that the alignment aftereffect, requires feedback during the pointing task. Another experiment in which observers pointed to the red and blue dots with opposite arms showed that pointing to both dots with the same arm was necessary to produce the alignment aftereffect. Changes in the perceived position of objects in the visual field occur when changes in perceived limb position cannot compensate for a sensorimotor conflict. Eye torsion or fixation displacements are proposed as alternative mechanisms mediating the aftereffect.
A high power density high voltage distributed power system for pulse power applications

In this paper, a high-density high-voltage distributed power system for pulse power applications is designed and implemented. Different topologies are evaluated for two power stages. According to pulse load condition, system power density is optimized through the tradeoff between power loss and magnetic component size. High power density and high efficiency are verified by the experimental result
Do we underestimate the importance of leaf size in plant economics? Disproportional scaling of support costs within the spectrum of leaf physiognomy.

BACKGROUND Broad scaling relationships between leaf size and function do not take into account that leaves of different size may contain different fractions of support in petiole and mid-rib. METHODS The fractions of leaf biomass in petiole, mid-rib and lamina, and the differences in chemistry and structure among mid-ribs, petioles and laminas were investigated in 122 species of contrasting leaf size, life form and climatic distribution to determine the extent to which differences in support modify whole-lamina and whole-leaf structural and chemical characteristics, and the extent to which size-dependent support investments are affected by plant life form and site climate. KEY RESULTS For the entire data set, leaf fresh mass varied over five orders of magnitude. The percentage of dry mass in mid-rib increased strongly with lamina size, reaching more than 40 % in the largest laminas. The whole-leaf percentage of mid-rib and petiole increased with leaf size, and the overall support investment was more than 60 % in the largest leaves. Fractional support investments were generally larger in herbaceous than in woody species and tended to be lower in Mediterranean than in cool temperate and tropical plants. Mid-ribs and petioles had lower N and C percentages, and lower dry to fresh mass ratio, but greater density (mass per unit volume) than laminas. N percentage of lamina without mid-rib was up to 40 % higher in the largest leaves than the total-lamina (lamina and mid-rib) N percentage, and up to 60 % higher than whole-leaf N percentage, while lamina density calculated without mid-rib was up to 80 % less than that with the mid-rib. For all leaf compartments, N percentage was negatively associated with density and dry to fresh mass ratio, while C percentage was positively linked to these characteristics, reflecting the overall inverse scaling between structural and physiological characteristics. However, the correlations between N and C percentages and structural characteristics differed among mid-ribs, petioles and laminas, implying that the mass-weighted average leaf N and C percentage, density, and dry to fresh mass ratio can have different functional values depending on the importance of within-leaf support investments. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that variation in leaf size is associated with major changes in within-leaf support investments and in large modifications in integrated leaf chemical and structural characteristics. These size-dependent alterations can importantly affect general leaf structure vs. function scaling relationships. These data further demonstrate important life-form effects on and climatic differentiation in foliage support costs.
Physical therapy for persons with vestibular disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Persons with vestibular disorders experience symptoms of dizziness and balance dysfunction, resulting in falls, as well as impairments of daily life. Various interventions provided by physical therapists have been shown to decrease dizziness and improve postural control. In the present review, we will focus on the role of physical therapy in the management of vestibular symptoms in patients with peripheral and central vestibular disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Persons with both acute and chronic central and peripheral vestibular disorders improve with vestibular rehabilitation. New interventions during the past 5 years have been designed to enhance recovery from problems with balance and dizziness. Examples include the use of virtual reality, vibrotactile feedback, optokinetic flow, YouTube videos, and innovative methods to change the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). SUMMARY Patients with central and peripheral vestibular disorders benefit from physical therapy interventions. Advances in physical therapy interventions include new methods to stimulate adaptation of the VOR and the vestibulospinal systems.
Scheduling of Site Battery Energy Storage for Demand Response Capacity

We explore scheduling issues relating to coordination between battery energy storage (BES) and contractual demand response (DR) resources in daily operations where the two types of resources are partially interchangeable and interact with each other. The proposed formulation models the daily operations of BE Sand DR that considers not only the physical constraints of BES, energy prices, and consumer preferences, but also more importantly the contractual capacity obligations for DR and uncertainties in the DR activation by a utility or system operator. Example simulation results are used to illustrate operational scenarios of BES and DR that should be coordinated to achieve multiple objectives of reducing purchasing costs, reducing curtailments, meeting DR obligations, and planning contingent operations when the contractual DR capacity is activated.
Percutaneous Mitral Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Assisted by Hemodynamic Support Devices: A Case Series of Bailout Procedures.

Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (PMVR) using the MitraClip system (Abbott Vascular) is an effective treatment option beyond medical therapy for patients with mitral regurgitation, who are not eligible for cardiac surgery.1 Previously, it was reported that patients with severely impaired left ventricular ejection function (<20%) may have similar benefits from the procedure as patients included in the EVEREST trial (Endovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Study). 2 Hemodynamic support devices can be an option in critically ill patients, such as patients in cardiogenic shock, although their use is a matter of debate.3 Up to now, there is to the best of our knowledge …