Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in three-dimensional coronary imaging and computational fluid dynamics: is virtual fractional flow reserve more than just a pretty picture?

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has shown a high success rate in the treatment of coronary artery disease. The decision to perform PCI often relies on the cardiologist’s visual interpretation of coronary lesions during angiography. This has inherent limitations, particularly due to the low resolution and two-dimensional nature of angiography. State-of-the-art modalities such as three-dimensional quantitative coronary angiography, optical coherence tomography and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) may improve clinicians’ understanding of both the anatomical and physiological importance of coronary lesions. While invasive FFR is the gold standard technique for assessment of the haemodynamic significance of coronary lesions, recent studies have explored a surrogate for FFR derived solely from three-dimensional reconstruction of the invasive angiogram, and therefore eliminating need for a pressure wire. Utilizing advanced computational fluid dynamics research, this virtual fractional flow reserve (vFFR) has demonstrated reasonable correlation with invasive measurements and remains an intense area of ongoing study. However, at present, several limitations and computational fluid dynamic assumptions may preclude vFFR from widespread clinical use. This review demonstrates the tight integration of advanced three-dimensional imaging techniques and vFFR in assessing coronary artery disease, reviews the advantages and disadvantages of such techniques and attempts to provide a glimpse of how such advances may benefit future clinical decision-making during PCI.
The Effect of Misspecifying Latent and Infectious Periods in Space-Time Epidemic Models

Individual level models (ILMs) are a class of models that can be applied to epidemic data to help in the understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of infectious diseases. Typically, these models are analyzed in a Bayesian framework using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodology. Here, we test the effect of misspecifying the latent and infectious period in such a model. We do this by simulating data from a simple spatial ILM, and then fitting various misspecified models to the simulated data. The fitted models serve as a basis for investigating the effect of the misspecification of latent and infectious periods on model parameter estimates, as well as estimates of the basic reproduction number.Additionally, we analyze how a given preventative control strategy, optimized via simulation from a fitted model with assumed latent and infectious periods, is affected by such misspecification. We observe bias in the estimation of model parameters as latent and infectious periods become more misspecified, as well as a significant deviation in estimates of the basic reproduction number from those observed under the true model. Where the misspecification results in a higher basic reproduction number estimate, we also find that a more stringent control policy is required to achieve a given policy goal.
Context, curriculum and culture: prospects for Australian medical education

In 2007, 17 Australian universities accepted medical students. There is a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and increasingly females occupy more positions than males. The total number of students is growing rapidly in response to a chronic under supply of doctors. A recent paper in the Medical Journal of Australia considered the magnitude of this growth. On the back of a doubling in the number of Australian medical schools between 2000 and 2008, graduate numbers will increase by at least 81 per cent over the coming five years. This has the potential to strain the delicate clinical teaching environment, and some suggest a crisis looms. The paper concluded that Australia must plan now to ensure that ‘the impacts on medical education and health service delivery systems are managed as Some suggest a crisis looms Ozzawa paper
Axonemal positioning and orientation in three‐dimensional space for primary cilia: What is known, what is assumed, and what needs clarification

Two positional characteristics of the ciliary axoneme—its location on the plasma membrane as it emerges from the cell, and its orientation in three‐dimensional (3D) space—are known to be critical for optimal function of actively motile cilia (including nodal cilia), as well as for modified cilia associated with special senses. However, these positional characteristics have not been analyzed to any significant extent for primary cilia. This review briefly summarizes the history of knowledge of these two positional characteristics across a wide spectrum of cilia, emphasizing their importance for proper function. Then the review focuses what is known about these same positional characteristics for primary cilia in all major tissue types where they have been reported. The review emphasizes major areas that would be productive for future research for understanding how positioning and 3D orientation of primary cilia may be related to their hypothesized signaling roles within different cellular populations. Developmental Dynamics 240:2405–2431, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycosphingolipids in signaling and development: From liposomes to model organisms

Since the launch of the raft hypothesis in 1997, data generated in liposomes and cultured cells have highlighted the role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in the dynamic organization of biological membranes and the activity of signaling complexes. In parallel studies, genetic analysis of the GSL synthetic pathway has begun to reveal some of the specific roles of GSLs in vivo. Here, we review the role of GSLs in signaling in the context of a refined raft hypothesis. Recent genetic studies in worms, flies, and mice give us the opportunity to integrate these in vivo data with earlier in vitro liposome studies. Developmental Dynamics 241:92–106, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Working memory and depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and substance use disorders

Background. Substance abuse is highly prevalent in schizophrenia and it has been associated with negative consequences on the course of the pathology. Regarding cognition, the prevailing literature has produced mixed results. Some groups have reported greater cognitive impairments in dual diagnosis schizophrenia, while other groups have described the reverse. Objective. The current cross-sectional study sought to investigate the potential differences in psychiatric symptoms and cognition between schizophrenia patients with and without substance use disorders. Methods. Fifty-three schizophrenia patients were divided into two groups: with (n=30) and without (n=23) a substance use disorder (DSM-IV criteria). Psychiatric symptoms were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). Psychomotor speed and spatial working memory were measured using Cambridge Neuropsychological Tests Automated Battery (CANTAB). Results. Patients in the dual diagnosis group displayed more severe depressive symptoms and poorer strategy during the working memory task. Conclusions. These results are in keeping with the prevailing literature describing negative consequences of substance abuse in schizophrenia. Substance abuse may exacerbate depressive symptoms and interfere with metacognition in schizophrenia.
Epigenetics, genomic mutations and cognitive function

Introduction. There is growing interest in the role of single genes in cognitive functions. Association studies are the most commonly applied method in this field. This method assumes that the genetic information affecting cognitive processes is “static” and unchanging. However, there is accumulating evidence that dynamic genomic and epigenetic alterations can modulate complex cognitive processes, and influence susceptibility to disorders associated with impaired cognitive functioning. Methods. We present an overview of genomic and epigenetic mechanisms, and discuss the cognitive and psychiatric consequences of genomic and genetic abnormalities. Results. Genomic and epigenetic changes can affect complex cognitive functions, including learning and memory and are causative in several developmental and psychiatric disorders effecting language, social functioning and IQ. Conclusions. Genomic and epigenetic disorders are “experiments of nature” that offer unique and valuable insight in to the physiology of general and specific cognitive functions.
Depressed expression of angiogenic growth factors in the subacute phase of myocardial ischemia: a mechanism behind the remodeling plateau?

Background and aimsTo investigate whether, in the subacute phase of acute myocardial infarction, in the peri-infarcted area the expressions of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin (Ang) ligand receptors are depressed, and whether overexpression of these angiogens counteracts a downregulation of myocardial function. MethodsAcute myocardial infarction was induced by left anterior descending artery ligation and overexpression through injection of human VEGF-A165 and Ang-1 plasmids. The capillary and arteriolar densities, Akt-1 phosphorylation and citrate synthase activity were measured concurrent with the expression of VEGF-A, VEGFR1 and R2, Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2. ResultsOne day after AMI, VEGR-2 was unchanged but all other measured factors in the two families were upregulated. After day 2, the Ang-2 expression increased but other measured factors decreased. After gene transfer, the vascular supply, Akt phosphorylation and citrate synthase activity were higher in the peri-infarcted area, where also the endogenous angiogenic growth factor expressions were increased. ConclusionA rapid decrease in angiogenic stimulating factors occurs in the subacute phase of AMI and is related to a progressive decrease in myocardial contraction. A negative consequence of such a circuit is a successive reduction in the vascular supply and contractility in areas with reduced perfusion. These negative adaptations can be counteracted by angiogen overexpression.
Dental Development from Birth to 16 Years

: Tooth eruption in 212 randomly selected Swedish urban children has been investigated from birth to 16 years as part of a prospective longitudinal study of growth and development. The ages and the order of eruption of the deciduous and permanent teeth were in agreement with those reported in other contemporary studies. The good agreement with another longitudinal study of the tooth eruption of Swedish children born during the same period is an indication that the present sample was representative of contemporary Swedish children. In the deciduous dentition a probable male advancement was found, while girls were consistently the advanced sex as regards the eruption of permanent teeth. Sex differences have also been found in the relation between dental development and other criteria of somatic growth and development. The correlations were low or moderate with, in general, higher values for girls than boys. A positive association with somatic growth was observed both for the deciduous and the permanent dentition but with intriguing sex differences for various body measurements.
The receptor-like kinases GSO1 and GSO2 together regulate root growth in arabidopsis through control of cell division and cell fate specification.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH Confocal image of a median optical section through a heart stage Arabidopsis embryo expressing the epidermalmarker pATML1:: HTA6-GFP and counterstained with propidium iodide. From The receptor-like kinases GSO1 and GSO2 together regulate root growth in Arabidopsis through control of cell division and cell fate specification; Racolta et al, Developmental Dynamics 243:257-278.
Impaired conscious memory in non-clinical schizotypy

Introduction. Impaired controlled and preserved/enhanced automatic memory processes have been reported in schizotypy. This memory pattern has been considered as a marker of vulnerability to schizophrenia. Our aim was to further explore this memory pattern in non-clinical schizotypy in order to determine which specific dimensions of schizotypy (i.e., positive, negative or disorganised), and more specifically which components of the dimensions, are most closely related to memory dysfunctions. Methods. Fifty-seven undergraduate students performed a category-production task. This was adapted for use with the process dissociation procedure in order to dissociate between automatic and controlled memory processes. The level of schizotypy was assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Results. Regression analyses confirmed that controlled memory processes decreased as schizotypy increased. The positive factors (more specifically, the ideas of reference subscale) and disorganised factors (more specifically, the odd or eccentric behaviour subscale) were negatively correlated with the controlled memory processes. Conclusions. Our study supports the idea that impaired controlled processes are an early cognitive marker of vulnerability to schizophrenia and confirm that the disorganised factor contributes the most to vulnerability to memory dysfunction. It also emphasises the importance of dissociating between each of the features characterising schizotypy rather than considering it as a whole.
The globalization of Chagas disease

American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is a zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi . Currently, 7·6 million people in the Americas from Mexico in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south are estimated to be infected [1]. The only Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas in which no humans have been found to be infected by T. cruzi are Cuba and the Dominican Republic [2]. In endemic countries, Chagas disease is estimated to have caused 45 000 deaths per year in the 1980s, 23 000 in 1990, and 11 000 in 2000. Most infections in human beings occur when the skin or mucous membranes come into contact with the stool or urine of bloodsucking insects, the triatomas, infected with T. cruzi [2,3]. In up to 50% of untreated individuals, or those for whom treatment was ineffective, T. cruzi can be detected in the blood years after infection. Consequently, T. cruzi can be transmitted through a blood transfusion to an uninfected person [2,3]. Fortunately, only some of those who receive a transfusion of infected blood contract the disease—from 12% to 20% in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, and up to 48% in Bolivia [2,3]. However, this risk could be further reduced, since in the USA it was proven that 11 individuals who had received units positive for T. cruzi continued to be seronegative [4]. In any event, transfusion is considered the second most common mode of transmission of T. cruzi infection [2,3]. A third mode of natural transmission is transplacental transmission [2,3].
Enlarged temporal integration window in schizophrenia indicated by the double-flash illusion

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the present study we were interested in the processing of audio-visual integration in schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. The amount of sound-induced double-flash illusions served as an indicator of audio-visual integration. We expected an altered integration as well as a different window of temporal integration for patients. Methods: Fifteen schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy volunteers matched for age and gender were included in this study. We used stimuli with eight different temporal delays (stimulus onset asynchronys (SOAs) 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200 and 300 ms) to induce a double-flash illusion. Group differences and the widths of temporal integration windows were calculated on percentages of reported double-flash illusions. Results: Patients showed significantly more illusions (ca. 36–44% vs. 9–16% in control subjects) for SOAs 150–300. The temporal integration window for control participants went from SOAs 25 to 200 whereas for patients integration was found across all included temporal delays. We found no significant relationship between the amount of illusions and either illness severity, chlorpromazine equivalent doses or duration of illness in patients. Conclusions: Our results are interpreted in favour of an enlarged temporal integration window for audio-visual stimuli in schizophrenia patients, which is consistent with previous research.
Filicide, Attempted Filicide, and Psychotic Disorders *

Abstract: The objective of the study was to describe and discuss the cases of two women who faced criminal charges, one for attempting to murder her three children and the other for killing her 1‐year‐old boy. After a forensic psychiatric assessment of their level of criminal responsibility, these patients were considered not guilty by reason of insanity and were committed to forensic mental hospitals. These two patients received a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, according to the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria. In both cases, psychotic symptoms were present before the manifestation of violent behavior, in the form of persecutory delusions, auditory hallucinations, and pathological impulsivity. The investigation into cases of filicide may contribute powerfully to expand our understanding of motivational factors underlying this phenomenon and enhance the odds for effective prevention.
A systematic review of the incidence and prevalence of low back pain in children

Abstract Objectives: To identify what is known about the prevalence and incidence of low back pain (LBP) in children and to assess the quality of the methods employed to find this information. Data source: The entire holdings of Medline, Cinahl, Amed, Embase, Psycinfo, Australian Medical Index, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Registry of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials up to September 2008. Methods: Inclusion criteria were cross-sectional, retrospective or prospective studies, published in English, participants aged 7–18 years, studies reporting data that includes information about the age of onset of LBP, prevalence and/or incidence of LBP. Studies were assessed for quality according to nine pre-defined criteria. Results: Thirty-five studies were included in the review. Lifetime prevalence was most widely studied. There was considerable variation in the definition of LBP and recall periods for reporting of LBP. Age specific data indicates that LBP is not uncommon in children less than 10 years. Lifetime prevalence of LBP gradually increases from age 7 to 12 years (lifetime prevalence 1% at 7 years to 17% at 12 years). This is followed by a steep increase in lifetime prevalence from 12–15 years (from a maximum lifetime prevalence of 17% at 12 years to 53% at 15 years), with a continued increase in lifetime prevalence of LBP until the late teens. Discussion/Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of LBP in children has been widely studied. Inconsistency in definition of LBP and pre-defined recall periods, along with a range of other variations in data collection methods, probably affect the reported prevalence rates. Standardisation of best methods is essential for confident pooling of future studies.
Evoked Potential Findings in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury 1: Middle Latency Component Augmentation and Cognitive Component Attenuation

Objective:To compare evoked potential (EP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings from patients with suspected mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) versus normal controls using computerized EP and EEG analysis procedures. Design:Matched two-group comparison design, with a second matched replication group, and a second group of normals. Setting:Private, ambulatory, non-emergency facility specializing in assessment, pain management, and rehabilitation of spine and related injuries. Patients and Other Participants:Patients were 54 consecutive referrals for computerized EP/EEG evaluation with histories of primarily motor vehicle accidents and symptoms consistent with mild TBI. Normal controls were 27 screened volunteers. Patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups and matched to the controls on the basis of age and gender. Main Outcome Measures:Outcome measures not included in this phase of investigation. Auditory and visual EPs were obtained in resting and P300 task sessions (in which subjects counted the number of randomly occurring target stimuli). The paucity of existing literature did not permit prediction of all critical EP or EEG variables. Results:Middle latency EP components (ie, after brain stem responses yet before long latency, cognitive components) showed amplitude increases (auditory PI, P2, and N2, and visual P2, 50-220 milliseconds poststimulus). Long latency cognitive components (auditor)' and visual P300 and N3, 290-700 milliseconds) showed amplitude decreases. Similar findings were present in the replication group of patients and in comparison to a second group of normal controls. Conclusions:Significant and reliable EP differences were present in patients whose histories and symptoms were consistent with mild TBI.
Keeping an eye on SOXC proteins

The formation of a mature, functional eye requires a complex series of cell proliferation, migration, induction among different germinal layers, and cell differentiation. These processes are regulated by extracellular cues such as the Wnt/BMP/Hh/Fgf signaling pathways, as well as cell intrinsic transcription factors that specify cell fate. In this review article, we provide an overview of stages of embryonic eye morphogenesis, extrinsic and intrinsic factors that are required for each stage, and pediatric ocular diseases that are associated with defective eye development. In addition, we focus on recent findings about the roles of the SOXC proteins in regulating vertebrate ocular development and implicating SOXC mutations in human ocular malformations. Developmental Dynamics 244:367–376, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional analysis of Hairy genes in Xenopus neural crest initial specification and cell migration

Background: Neural crest formation is one of the fundamental processes in the early stages of embryonic development in vertebrates. This transient and multipotent embryonic cell population is able to generate a variety of tissues and cell types in the adult body. hairy genes are transcription factors that contain a basic helix–loop–helix domain which binds to DNA. In Xenopus three hairy genes are known: hairy1, hairy2a, and hairy2b. The requirement of hairy genes was explored in early neural crest development although the late requirements of these genes during neural crest maintenance, migration and derivatives formation are still unknown. Results: In this work, we extended the analysis of Xenopus hairy genes expression patterns and described new domains of expression. Functional analysis showed that hairy genes are required for the induction and migration of the neural crest and for the control of apoptosis. Moreover, we showed that hairy genes function as transcriptional repressors and that they are down‐regulated by bone morphogenetic protein‐Smad signaling and positively regulated by the Notch/Delta‐Su(h) pathway. Conclusions: Our results indicate that hairy genes have a functional equivalence between them and that they are required for multiple processes during neural crest development. Developmental Dynamics 244:988–1013, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From actomyosin oscillations to tissue‐level deformations

Pulsatile actomyosin contractility driving cell shape oscillations is a common feature of actomyosin networks present in a variety of tissues undergoing morphogenetic processes. The origin of this oscillatory dynamics, how it is stabilized over time to give rise to net cell shape changes and how it is spatially coordinated across a tissue, are questions that have being extensively investigated in recent years. In this work, I review how genetics, cell biology, and quantitative and theoretical approaches have started to give a comprehensive understanding of these problems revealing that both biochemical and mechanical regulation play an important role in the emergence, coordination and stabilization of this activity. Developmental Dynamics 245:268–275, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.