Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Need for Evidence in Medical Education: The Development of Best Evidence Medical Education as an Opportunity to Inform, Guide, and Sustain Medical Education Research

The development of the Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) Collaboration is introduced in the context of other systematic review initiatives, specifically the Cochrane and Campbell collaborations. The commentary addresses two goals: to describe the current status of BEME and to situate BEME in the broader context of the medical education community's need to be accountable, to conduct research to understand educational processes and results, and the key role that medical educational research must play within the quality-improvement agenda. Lessons drawn from the evidence-based practice movement of the last ten years and the current experience with BEME suggest that, although BEME will inform some educational policies and practices, its initial success may be limited because of the paucity of studies that meet current standards for evidence and the great difficulty in conducting methodologically rigorous studies in the complex social interaction called education. Nonetheless, the need exists for medical education research to continue to address key issues in medical education using experimental designs, while at the same time anticipating the need for more situation-specific data to permit educators to monitor and benchmark their existing programs within a quality-improvement and accountability framework. The authors conclude that the very nature of being professional in today's social and fiscal context demands that medical educators provide evidence of effectiveness and efficiency of their programs while at the same time BEME and medical education research continue to grow and mature.
A New Actuator With Adjustable Stiffness Based on a Variable Ratio Lever Mechanism

This paper presents the actuator with adjustable stiffness (AwAS-II), an enhanced version of the original realization AwAS. This new variable stiffness actuator significantly differs from its predecessor on the mechanism used for the stiffness regulation. While AwAS tunes the stiffness by regulating the position of the compliant elements along the lever arm, AwAS-II changes the position of the lever's pivot point. As a result of the new principle, AwAS-II can change the stiffness in a much broader range (from zero to infinity) even by using softer springs and shorter lever arm, compared to AwAS. This makes the setup of AwAS-II more compact and lighter and improves the stiffness regulation response. To evaluate the aptitude of the fast stiffness adjustment, experiments on reproducing the stiffness profile of the human ankle during the stance phase of a normal walking gait are conducted. Results indicate that AwAS-II is capable of reproducing an interpolated stiffness profile of the ankle while providing a net positive work and thus a sufficient amount of energy as required for the toe-off.
New avenue in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy by classical anti-epileptics: A hypothetical establishment of executioner Caspase 3 inactivation by molecular modeling

Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are prescribed first-line antiepileptic drugs and surgery to the management of this disorder. Unfortunately, the surgical treatment has been shown to be beneficial for the selected patients but fails to provide a seizure-free outcome in 20-30% of TLE patients. In our present study, we investigate the possibilities of marketed antiepileptic drugs in a different manner to improve the present situation in TLE. Molecular docking simulation study and various open source computational tools were used to perform the study. AutoDock 4.2 MGL tools, Pymol visualize tools, Patch dock server, and Swarm Dock servers (protein-protein docking) were used to perform the molecular modeling. FTsite and computed atlas of surface topography of protein open source server were used to understand the pocket and ligand binding information respectively. Toxtree application was used to determine the toxicity profile of the drug by Cramers rule. The obtained molecular docking models (Caspase 3, Procaspase 8, and Fas-associated death domain [FADD]) with selected compounds (Clonazepam, Clobazepam, and Retigabine) showed promising trio blocking event of FADD, Caspase 3, and Procaspase 8 (−6.66 kcal, −8.1 kcal, 6.46 kcal) by Clonazepam respectively. Protein-protein interaction study (Swarm Dock, Patch Dock server) indicated promising results that helped to establish our hypothesis. Toxtree showed a quantitative structure toxicity relationship report that helps to clarify the toxicity of the selected compounds. Clonazepam showed a trio inhibition property that may lead to develop a new era of the new generation benzodiazepine prototype drugs in the future. Filtered compounds will further process for higher in vitro, in vivo models for better understanding of the mechanism.
Characterization and comparison of Clostridium cellulovorans endoglucanases-xylanases EngB and EngD hyperexpressed in Escherichia coli

By the use of a T7 expression system, endoglucanases-xylanases EngB and EngD from Clostridium cellulovorans were hyperexpressed and purified from Escherichia coli. The two enzymes demonstrated both endoglucanase and xylanase activities. The substrate specificities of both endoglucanases were similar except that EngD had four-times-greater p-nitrophenyl beta-1,4-cellobiosidase activity. The two proteins were very homologous (80%) up to the Pro-Thr-Thr region which divided the protein into -NH2- and -COOH-terminals. The -COOH- region of EngB has high homology to the endoglucanases and a xylanase from Clostridium thermocellum and to an endoglucanase from Clostridium cellulolyticum and did not show strong binding to cellulose (Avicel). However, the -COOH- region of EngD, which had homology to the cellulose-binding domains of Cellulomonas fimi exo- and endoglucanases and to Pseudomonas fluorescens endoglucanase, demonstrated binding ability to cellulose even when the domain was fused to the N-terminal domain of EngB. By probing the Avicel-purified cellulase complex (F8) with anti-EngB and anti-EngD antibodies, both EngB and EngD were shown to be present on the cellulase complex of C. cellulovorans. Many proteins homologous to EngB and EngD were also present on the complex.
Firefly Algorithm for Finding Optimal Shapes of Electromagnetic Devices

Many real-world optimization problems have to be treated as multi-objective optimization problems. An approach, well established in recent years, is to find Pareto optimal configurations of the trial variables by detecting nondominated solutions with the help of a suitable vector optimization method. Alternatively, relying on scalar optimization methods (both stochastic or deterministic), a suitable objective function taking all objectives into account simultaneously has to be defined. Depending on the number of trial variables, a scalar objective function of that type will exhibit a considerable number of feasible local solutions besides the global one. Therefore, a useful scalar optimization strategy should be able to end up (with a high probability) in the best of all possible solutions in the given search space and additionally detect as many local solutions as possible. Some population-based stochastic methods are implicitly suited for that task; others can be enhanced to fulfill these requirements. Higher order evolution strategies have successfully been tuned for that kind of problem by introducing cluster sensitive recombination [niching higher order evolution strategy (NES)]. The firefly algorithm (FFA) mimics the behavior of fireflies, which use a kind of flashing light to communicate with other members of their species. Since the intensity of the light of a single firefly diminishes with increasing distance, the FFA is implicitly able to detect local solutions on its way to the best solution for a given scalar objective function. The FFA will be applied to the well-known Rastrigin test function and to a shielding/shunting electromagnetic problem with two and three objectives, respectively, and its results will be compared with the ones obtained with an NES.
Interleukin 1 is Potent Modulator of Insulin Secretion from Isolated Rat Islets of Langerhans

The effects of interleukin 1 (IL-1) on glucose-induced insulin secretion from isolated rat islets of Langerhans have been examined. IL-1 both inhibits and stimulates glucose-induced insulin secretion depending on the experimental design. Inhibition of glucose-induoed insulin secretion was observed after a 15-h treatment of islets with either purified IL-1, murine recombinant IL-1 (rIL-1), or human rIL-1. r IL-1 inhibition of glucose-induced insulin secretion was dose dependent with half-maximal inhibition observed at 25 pM human r IL-1. Basal insulin secretion was not affected by r IL-1 treatment. Mannose- and leucine-induced insulin secretion was also inhibited by a 15-h treatment with human rIL-1. Islets treated 15 h with inhibitory concentrations of murine IL-1 were morphologically intact, well granulated, and retained normal concentrations of insulin compared with control islets. Furthermore, human rIL-1 treatment did not affect the islet plasma membrane permeability as assessed by the measurement of the islet intracellular volume. Finally, the viability of islets treated 15 h with murine rIL-1 was demonstrated by the observation that the inhibitory effects of murine rIL-1 on glucose-induced insulin secretion were reversible. In addition to the inhibitory effects of IL-1 on glucose-induced insulin secretion, purified IL-1 and human rIL-1 had stimulatory effects on glucose-induced insulin secretion under the following conditions: 1) a 90-min incubation with purified IL-1 (10% vol/vol) or in the presence of human r IL-1 (1400 pM) or 2) a 15-h incubation with relatively low concentrations of human rIL-1 (0.5 or 5 pM). In conclusion, IL-1 has complex dual effects on glucose-induced insulin secretion that include both stimulation and inhibition and depend on IL-1 concentration and time of incubation. These studies suggest that IL-1 may have a physiological role as a potent modulator of insulin secretion by islets of Langerhans.
Is there an underestimation of intima‐media thickness based on M‐mode ultrasound technique in the abdominal aorta?

Measuring intima‐media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery (CCA) is a valuable resource for the evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis. The main objective of this study was to explore whether a B‐mode ultrasound technique, Philips ATL, and an M‐mode ultrasound technique, Wall Track System (WTS), show interchangeable results when measured in CCA and the abdominal aorta (AA). A total of 24 healthy, young subjects were examined. IMT and lumen diameter (LD) of the AA and the CCA were measured twice by two skilled ultrasonographers with two different ultrasound equipment B‐mode: (Philips, ATL and M‐mode: WTS). The intra‐observer variability of IMT in CCA and AA using B‐mode showed a coefficient of variation 8% and 9%, and with M‐mode 11% and 15%, respectively. Interobserver variability of IMT in CCA and AA using B‐mode was 6% and 12%, and with M‐mode 11% and 18%, respectively. CCA IMT was 0·53 ± 0·07 and 0·53 ± 0·09 mm using B‐mode and M‐mode, respectively. However, in AA, IMT was 0·61 ± 0·05 and 0·54 ± 0·10 mm using B‐mode and M‐mode, respectively. Thus, AA IMT was 11·5% thicker using B‐mode (P<0·01). We received adequate IMT readings from the carotid artery as well as the AA using two commonly used B‐mode and M‐mode techniques. B‐mode technique seems to show less variability, especially in the AA. More importantly, the two techniques measured different IMT thickness in the aorta, emphasizing the importance of using similar technique when comparing the impact of absolute values of IMT on cardiovascular disease.
Dissociable Electroencephalograph Correlates of Visual Awareness and Feature-Based Attention

Background: The relationship between awareness and attention is complex and controversial. A growing body of literature has shown that the neural bases of consciousness and endogenous attention (voluntary attention) are independent. The important role of exogenous attention (reflexive attention) on conscious experience has been noted in several studies. However, exogenous attention can also modulate subliminal processing, suggesting independence between the two processes. The question of whether visual awareness and exogenous attention rely on independent mechanisms under certain circumstances remains unanswered. Methods: In the current study, electroencephalograph recordings were conducted using 64 channels from 16 subjects while subjects attempted to detect faint speed changes of colored rotating dots. Awareness and attention were manipulated throughout trials in order to test whether exogenous attention and visual awareness rely on independent mechanisms. Results: Neural activity related to consciousness was recorded in the following cue-locked time-windows (event related potential, cluster- based permutation test): 0–50, 150–200, and 750–800 ms. With a more liberal threshold, the inferior occipital lobe was found to be the source of awareness-related activity in the 0–50 ms range. In the later 150–200 ms range, activity in the fusiform and post-central gyrus was related to awareness. Awareness-related activation in the later 750–800 ms range was more widely distributed. This awareness-related activation pattern was quite different from that of attention. Attention-related neural activity was emphasized in the 750–800 ms time window and the main source of attention-related activity was localized to the right angular gyrus. These results suggest that exogenous attention and visual consciousness correspond to different and relatively independent neural mechanisms and are distinct processes under certain conditions.
Effect of pH and energy spilling on bacterial protein synthesis by carbohydrate-limited cultures of mixed rumen bacteria.

Rumen contents were obtained from a cow fed 2.5 kg concentrates and 2.5 kg timothy hay twice daily, and the mixed rumen bacterial inoculum (pH 6.3) was separated from large feed particles and protozoa by centrifugation. Bacteria were incubated in artificial media at pH 6.7 and 6.0. When starch, sucrose, cellobiose, xylan, pectin, or a mix of carbohydrates were provided to pH 6.7 incubations at 1 mM/h for 10 h, fermentation was carbohydrate-limited, less than 20% of the carbohydrate was converted to lactate, molar ratio of methane to hexose fermented was as great as 49%, and pH remained constant. When initial pH was lowered to 6.0, methane production was nearly eliminated, volatile fatty acid production was reduced, and there was a small decrease (less than .5) in final pH. At pH 6.0, lactate production was increased in all incubations except xylan and pectin, and pH had a greater effect on acid production than the type of carbohydrate provided. Bacterial protein synthesis was reduced 34 to 69% when initial pH was 6.0, but these reductions were greater than decreases in carbohydrate utilization, increases in lactate, and associated decreases in adenosine 5'-triphosphate production. Because less adenosine 5'-triphosphate was used for protein synthesis, it appeared that low pH diverted energy to nongrowth functions.
Factor VIII and factor IX in a twin population. Evidence for a major effect of ABO locus on factor VIII level.

In order to establish the relative importance of genetic factors on the variation in plasma concentration of coagulation factors VIII and IX, these parameters were determined in 74 monozygotic and 84 like-sexed dizygotic twin pairs. The twins belonged to two age groups: 33-39 years and 57-62 years. Factor VIII was determined as factor VIII coagulant antigen (VIIICAg) and as factor VIII-related antigen (VIIIRAg). Factor IX was determined as factor IX antigen (IXAg). A higher value for each coagulation factor was found in the older-age group compared to the younger group, whereas no difference was found between the sexes. A significant correlation was found between values for VIIIRAg and VIIICAg (r = .56). For VIIICAg, it could be demonstrated that the age effect was secondary to the age effect on VIIIRAg. The concentration of VIIICAg and VIIIRAg varied among ABO blood types, being lowest in type O individuals, higher in A2 individuals, and highest in A1 and B individuals. The effect of the ABO locus on VIIICAg was secondary to an effect on VIIIRAg. Analysis of variance revealed a significant genetic influence on the variance of VIIICAg and VIIIRAg with a heritability estimate of . 57 for VIIICAg and . 66 for VIIIRAg. This is in agreement with a previous hypothesis of an effect of several autosomal genes on factor VIII concentration. Thirty percent of the genetic variance of VIIIRAg was due to the effect of ABO blood type. The ABO locus is therefore a major locus for the determination of factor VIII concentration. No significant genetic effect on the variation in plasma concentration of IXAg could be detected.
Proliferative rate in endoscopic ultrasound fine‐needle aspiration of pancreatic endocrine tumors

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the role of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) and to investigate whether the Ki‐67 index determined on cytologic material could help predict their behavior.
Long-term outcome and anaesthetic management for non-cardiac surgery after Fontan palliation: a single-centre retrospective analysis

Abstract Objectives: The improved management of Fontan patients has resulted in good outcome. As such, these patients may necessitate care for non-cardiac surgery. We sought to determine the long-term outcome of our Fontan series palliated with the most recent surgical techniques. Our second objective was to report the incidence and the perioperative course after non-cardiac procedures. We reviewed the records of all patients with either a lateral tunnel or an extracardiac conduit Fontan between 1996 and 2008. Follow-up was recorded until June, 2013, including records regarding non-cardiac interventions. Results: Overall, 58 patients were included. Of them, one patient underwent a takedown of his Fontan, and five patients died in the immediate postoperative course. The cumulative survival of the remaining 52 patients was 81%. There was no significant difference in survival between right and left ventricle morphologies (p=0.56), nor between both types of Fontan (p=0.9). Chronic arrhythmias (25%), fatigue/dyspnoea (40%), thrombotic complications (19%), and embolic events (10%) were among the most recurrent comorbidities. In total, 45 non-cardiac interventions were performed on 26 patients, with three bleeding complications and one death. Conclusions: This study shows excellent long-term survival after both lateral tunnel and extracardiac conduit Fontan. The incidence of cardiovascular morbidity remains high, however. We also report a high number of non-cardiac interventions. Thorough understanding of the Fontan physiology is mandatory when non-cardiac anaesthesiologists are in charge of these patients.
Effect of Rickettsia rickettsii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Infection on the Biological Parameters and Survival of Its Tick Vector—Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease spread from North America to Argentina. The major vectors of R. rickettsii in the United States are Dermacentor andersoni Stiles and Dermacentor variabilis (Say). It is generally believed that vector ticks serve as major reservoirs of R. rickettsii in nature; however, the ability of ticks to support the indefinite perpetuation of R. rickettsii has been challenged by reports of deleterious effects of rickettsial infection on D. andersoni. To better elucidate the relationship of the pathogen with D. variabilis, we assessed the effects of R. rickettsii on the survival, fertility, and fecundity of D. variabilis. We used an isolate of R. rickettsii (Di-6), originally acquired from an opossum caught in Virginia, and ticks from a laboratory colony established from adult D. variabilis also collected in Virginia. Overall, infection with R. rickettsii protracted the feeding periods of all life stages of ticks. Infected nymphal and adult ticks experienced a slight decrease in feeding success compared with the uninfected colony, but neither larval nor nymphal molting success was affected. Infected females reached smaller engorgement weights, were less efficient in conversion of bloodmeal into eggs, and produced smaller egg clutches with a lower proportion of eggs hatching. However, no sudden die-off was observed among infected ticks, and longevity was not decreased due to R. rickettsii infection in any stage. Although infection with the studied isolate of R. rickettsii caused slight decrease in fecundity in sympatric vector ticks, no obvious deleterious effects were observed.
Wound bed preparation from a clinical perspective

ABSTRACT Wound bed preparation has been performed for over two decades, and the concept is well accepted. The ′TIME′ acronym, consisting of tissue debridement, i nfection or inflammation, moisture balance and edge effect, has assisted clinicians systematically in wound assessment and management. While the focus has usually been concentrated around the wound, the evolving concept of wound bed preparation promotes the treatment of the patient as a whole. This article discusses wound bed preparation and its clinical management components along with the principles of advanced wound care management at the present time. Management of tissue necrosis can be tailored according to the wound and local expertise. It ranges from simple to modern techniques like wet to dry dressing, enzymatic, biological and surgical debridement. Restoration of the bacterial balance is also an important element in managing chronic wounds that are critically colonized. Achieving a balance moist wound will hasten healing and correct biochemical imbalance by removing the excessive enzymes and growth factors. This can be achieved will multitude of dressing materials. The negative pressure wound therapy being one of the great breakthroughs. The progress and understanding on scientific basis of the wound bed preparation over the last two decades are discussed further in this article in the clinical perspectives.
Resource Allocation for 3D Drone Networks Sharing Spectrum Bands

This paper provides an appropriate allocation scheme of channel resources for drone communications. In recent years, the usage of drones has been increasing for a wide range of applications, and their communications require using additional frequency bands. However, their communications must avoid interference with primary users (e.g., radar systems) when they use additional frequency bands. We assume that their communications use two frequency bands, the main band and the backup band, to avoid interference. The proposed resource allocation method, which determines whether each drone should use the main or the backup bands, enables drone communications to use the main band efficiently without causing interference. For the proposed resource allocation scheme, this paper presents a stochastic geometry analysis of interference in drone networks. Based on the assumption that the distribution of drones follows a 3D Poisson point process, we analytically derive the radar's outage probability (OP) and the drone's OP. From these analyses, an optimization problem is formulated to maximize the number of drones using the main band, since drones can transmit massive amounts of data by using the main band. Then, we numerically evaluate the solution of the optimization problem. Our results show that the maximum ratio of the number of drones using the main band to the total number of all drones increases along with the size of the primary exclusive region.