Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bistable composite helices with thermal effects

Morphing technologies use large, seamless changes in the shape of a structure to enable multi-functionality and reconfigurability. Several industrial sectors could benefit from morphing structures, including medical, energy and aerospace which require lightweight, simple and reliable solutions. Composite materials are key to lightweight morphing technologies due to their increased strength- and stiffness-to-mass ratios, stiffness tailorability and excellent fatigue properties, all of which reduce the mass and complexity of these types of structures. By accounting for thermal effects in their analytical description, we enhance the viability of multi-stable composite helical structures. This consideration improves predictions of existing analytical models in comparison with experiments, while also vastly expanding the design space to include antisymmetric and non-symmetric flange lay-up sequences. The developed analytical model is presented and verified using both finite-element models and experiments. By including thermal effects, we show that beneficial new morphing behaviours can be obtained.
Environmental Enrichment and Brain Neuroplasticity in the Kainate Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Background and Purpose Environmental enrichment (EE) improves brain function and ameliorates cognitive impairments; however, whether EE can reverse the learning and memory deficits seen following seizures remains unknown. Methods We tested the hypothesis that EE augments neurogenesis and attenuates the learning and memory deficits in rats subjected to kainate-induced seizures in hippocampus, amygdala and motor cortex. EE consisted of daily exposures immediately after KA lesioning (early EE) and after a 60-day period (late EE). Morphometric counting of neuron numbers (NN), dendritic branch-points and intersections (DDBPI) were performed. Spatial learning in a T-maze test was described as percent correct responses and memory in a passive-avoidance test was calculated as time spent in the small compartment where they were previously exposed to an aversive stimulus. Results EE increased NN and DDBPI in the normal control and in the KA-lesioned rats in all brain areas studied, after both early and late exposure to EE. Late EE resulted in significantly fewer surviving neurons than early EE in all brain areas (p < 0.0001). EE increased the percent correct responses and decreased time spent in the small compartment, after both early and late EE. The timing of EE (early vs. late) had no effect on the behavioral measurements. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that, after temporal lobe and motor cortex epileptic seizures in rats, EE improves neural plasticity in areas of the brain involved with emotional regulation and motor coordination, even if the EE treatment is delayed for 60 days. Future studies should determine whether EE is a useful therapeutic strategy for patients affected by seizures.
The human endosalpinx: anatomical three-dimensional study and reconstruction using confocal microtomography

Purpose To evaluate in three dimensions (3D) the human endosalpinx and reconstruct its surface along its different anatomical segments, without the injection or insertion of luminal contrasts, using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). Material and methods 15 fallopian tubes (FT) from 14 women in reproductive age from procedures for benign disease or sterilization were selected. The specimens were fixed in formalin and stained with Lugol solution. Micro-CT studies were conducted on the specimens using protocols adapted from biological studies, to acquire images to reconstruct in 3D the endosalpinx surface. Results From these specimens, 6 presented the intra-mural segment, 14 presented the isthmus and 15 presented the ampulla and fimbria segment of the FT. The specimen presented tissue definition, and contrast sufficient for FT endosalpinx morphological analysis and lumen definition. The intramural portion presented initially a mucosal projection toward the lumen, bending on its own axis, and increased numbers of projections towards the isthmic portion, where the projections become longer more numerous. The endosalpinx becomes more tortuous, the lumen diameter increases and the mucosal projections become more bulky in the ampullary portion, with the projections less present on the antimesenteric side. The infundibular portion is marked with the organized and predictable endosalpinx, the abdominal ostium is cleared demonstrated, with the reduction of the endosalpinx volume. The fimbria demonstrated a small relation between fringes and intratubal endosalpinx. Conclusions Microscopic anatomy of different segments of the human FT mucosa can be analyzed and reconstructed in 3D with histological correlation using micro-CT.
Magnetic resonance-guided direct shoulder arthrography for the detection of superior labrum anterior-posterior lesions using an open 1.0-T MRI scanner

Purpose Direct magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) offers increased diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions. The aim of the present study was to present the technique of magnetic resonance-guided direct shoulder arthrography (MDSA), to evaluate the diagnostic value of this novel MRA procedure to detect SLAP lesions in comparison to the currently practiced MRI, and to correlate the radiological findings to the respective arthroscopic findings. Material and methods Fifty-six patients with clinical signs of a SLAP lesion underwent both MRI examination and MDSA prior to arthroscopic surgery. The MRI of both interventions were compared with the arthroscopic findings. Statistical analysis was performed using the McNemar test. Results Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting SLAP lesions were 23%, 88%, and 54% on MRI and 80%, 81%, and 80% on MDSA, respectively. Sensitivity (p < 0.001) and accuracy (p = 0.001) in detection of SLAP lesions were significantly higher by MDSA whereas accuracy showed no significant differences (p = 0.625). Conclusions The MDSA can be performed in an open 1.0-T MRI scanner with a high level of technical success and a reasonable methodical effort. The modification of MRA provides the requirements as a practicable routine shoulder magnetic resonance examination including arthrography to detect SLAP lesions. The diagnostic value is significantly better than MRI examinations without included arthrography, which currently predominates the clinical practice to investigate shoulder pathology.
Comparative performance of I-gel and laryngeal mask airway supreme: A randomised, controlled study

Patients and Methods: In a randomised, controlled study, we compared the performance of i-gel against the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Supreme in 60 anaesthetised and paralysed patients for non-laparoscopic surgical procedures. Results: The primary outcome measure, the oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), was significantly higher for i-gel as compared to LMA Supreme (mean [standard deviation] 26.23 [4.09] vs 21.73 [3.19] cm H2O, respectively; P < 0.0001). Twenty-four (80%) of LMA Supreme and 22 (73.3%) of i-gels were successfully placed with similar ease on the first attempt to achieve an effective airway. The time taken for inserting the LMA Supreme was significantly less than that required for i-gel (mean [SD] 7.89 [1.6] s vs 11.48 [4.86] s, respectively; P < 0.0001). Gastric tube insertion was easier in the LMA Supreme as compared to i-gel (96.7% vs 63.3% respectively; P < 0.0001). There were no differences in the positioning of the supraglottic airway devices as evaluated fibreoptically. Postoperative sore throat was comparable with both devices. Conclusion: We conclude that while both these devices are suitable for routine use during maintenance of anaesthesia, a significantly higher OLP might provide the i-gel an advantage in this respect.
Sentinel Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection by Natural Orifices Transvaginal Endoscopic Surgery Approach after Indocyanine Green Dye Detection in Early Endometrial Cancer of Posthysterectomy Patient

There was a case of 57-year-old female who was done the natural orifices transvaginal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for benign disease. However, her biopsy result was Grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and she was incidentally diagnosed as endometrial cancer. She was uneventful apart from that finding. She underwent the sentinel pelvic lymph node dissection with indocyanine green-guided NOTES approach for complete staging. This technique may be helpful to maximize the complete staging in early endometrial cancer as well as it can minimize the morbidity-related lymphadenectomy. In conclusion, in spite of a new technique for NOTEs, it can be safe and cost-effective for patients.
High-Fidelity Simulation versus Case-Based Discussion for Teaching Bradyarrhythmia to Emergency Medical Services Students

Introduction: Bradyarrhythmias are a common clinical finding yet can be life-threatening in certain situations. Accordingly, diagnosis and prompt intervention remain the cornerstone of effective management of bradyarrhythmia. The study compares the two methods by assessing improvement in knowledge acquisition using pretest, posttest, and satisfaction survey with the teaching pedagogy. Materials and Methods: A randomized control trial of simulation-based teaching compared with case-based discussion was conducted among Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medical Services students. The students anonymously filled out pretest, posttest, and a satisfaction questionnaire composed of six statements in three domains (quality of instruction, debriefing, and overall satisfaction). The statements were rated using a 10-point scale. Test results were compared using t-test for equality of means of independent samples. Results and Discussion: All 40 students selected completed all the steps of the study. Knowledge improvement from pretest to posttest was observed in both teaching methods derived using paired sample t-test (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed while comparing improvement scores of posttest versus pretest between both the groups. Mean satisfaction score of simulation group was significantly higher at 8.40 compared to case-based group which was at 7.87. Satisfaction survey showed marked significance (P = 0.03) for simulation-based teaching. Conclusion: As a single intervention, simulation-based teaching is superior to case-based discussion in terms of student satisfaction but remains similarly effective in terms of knowledge acquisition.
Simultaneous or staged operation? Timing of cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal shunt after decompressive craniectomy

Aims: Cranioplasty and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) are common procedures for patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy. The ideal time for these two procedures remains controversial. Settings and Design: This is a retrospective, single institute, chart review comparing the complications associated with simultaneous and staged cranioplasty and VPS. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to December 2017, 56 patients who underwent both cranioplasty and VPS surgery at our hospital were separated into simultaneous or staged operation groups. We compared the demographic data and complications, including infections, subdural or epidural hemorrhage, and revision surgery between the groups. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent Student's t-test was used for analysis of continuous variables, and Fisher's exact test was used for categorical data. MedCalc (version: 18.11) was used to perform all analysis. Results: Nineteen patients underwent simultaneous cranioplasty and VPS, whereas 37 underwent staged operation. Etiologies for craniectomy included traumatic brain injury, infarction, spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the groups. The overall complication rate was 14.3%. Three (15.8%) patients experienced complications in the simultaneous group: One (5.3%) with skin infection and two (10.5%) with overdrainage. Five (13.5%) patients experienced complications in the staged group: three (10.8%) with skin infections, one with central nervous system (CNS) infections, and one with both skin and CNS infections. Overall complications, wound infections, CNS infections, overdrainage, and revision surgery showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Simultaneous cranioplasty and VPS showed complication rates similar to those of staged operation.
Genome-Wide Alteration of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Hypoxic-Ischemic Neonatal Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder usually occurring early in life and persisting through the whole life. Several risk factors, including perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), may contribute to occurrence of CP in preterm infants. DNA hydroxymethylation has been shown to play an important role in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the effect of DNA hydroxymethylation in CP remains unknown. The aim of this study is to explore whether and how DNA hydroxymethylation is involved in CP pathogenesis. We observed that overall 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) abundance in the cortex of the temporal lobe of rat pups was decreased significantly after hypoxic-ischemic injury, and the reduced expression of Tet1 and Tet2 enzymes might be responsible for this change. Identified differential hydroxymethylation regions (DhMRs) were richly involved in multiple signaling pathways related to neuronal development and function. Furthermore, we found that reduced 5hmC modification on the DhMRs-related genes were accompanied by decrease of their mRNA expression levels. These results suggest that 5hmC modifications are involved in the CP pathogenesis and may potentially serve as a new therapeutic target.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Rodent Models: An Overview of Technical Considerations

Over the last several decades, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has evolved from a treatment for select neuropsychiatric disorders to one that holds promise in treating numerous inflammatory conditions. Growing interest has focused on the use of VNS for other indications, such as heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury. As pre-clinical research often guides expansion into new clinical avenues, animal models of VNS have also increased in recent years. To advance this promising treatment, however, there are a number of experimental parameters that must be considered when planning a study, such as physiology of the vagus nerve, electrical stimulation parameters, electrode design, stimulation equipment, and microsurgical technique. In this review, we discuss these important considerations and how a combination of clinically relevant stimulation parameters can be used to achieve beneficial therapeutic results in pre-clinical studies of sub-acute to chronic VNS, and provide a practical guide for performing this work in rodent models. Finally, by integrating clinical and pre-clinical research, we present indeterminate issues as opportunities for future research.
Extensive Coverage of Marine Mineral Concretions Revealed in Shallow Shelf Sea Areas

Ferromanganese (FeMn) concretions are mineral precipitates found on soft sediment seafloors both in the deep sea and coastal sea areas. These mineral deposits potentially form a three-dimensional habitat for marine organisms, and contain minerals targeted by an emerging seabed mining industry. While FeMn concretions are known to occur abundantly in coastal sea areas, specific information on their spatial distribution and significance for marine ecosystems is lacking. Here, we examine the distribution of FeMn concretions in Finnish marine areas. Drawing on an extensive dataset of 140,000 sites visited by the Finnish Inventory Programme for the Underwater Marine Environment (VELMU), we examine the occurrence of FeMn concretions from seabed mapping and use spatial distribution modelling techniques to estimate the potential coverage of FeMn concretions. Using seafloor characteristics and hydrographical conditions as predictor variables, we demonstrate that the extent of seafloors covered by concretions in the northern Baltic Sea is larger than anticipated, as concretions were found at ~7000 sites, and were projected to occur on over 11 % of the Finnish sea areas. These results provide new insights into seafloor complexity in coastal sea areas, and further enable examining the ecological role and resource potential of seabed mineral concretions.
Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms as Novel Ecosystems: A Global Perspective

Offshore oil and platforms are found on continental shelves throughout the world’s oceans. Over the course of their decades-long life-spans, these platforms become ecologically important artificial reefs, supporting a variety of marine life. When offshore platforms are no longer active they are decommissioned, which usually requires the removal of the entire platform from the marine environment, destroying the artificial reef that has been created and potentially resulting in the loss of important ecosystem services. While some countries allow for these platforms to be converted into artificial reefs under Rigs-to-Reefs programs, they face significant resistance from various stakeholders. The presence of offshore platforms and the associated marine life alters the ecosystem from that which existed prior to the installation of the platform, and there may be factors which make restoration of the ecosystem unfeasible or even detrimental to the environment. In these cases, a novel ecosystem has emerged with potentially significant ecological value. In restoration ecology, ecosystems altered in this way can be classified and managed using the novel ecosystems concept, which recognises the value of the new ecosystem functions and services and allows for the ecosystem to be managed in its novel state, instead of being restored. Offshore platforms can be assessed under the novel ecosystems concept using existing decommissioning decision analysis models as a base. With thousands of platforms to be decommissioned around the world in coming decades, the novel ecosystems concept provides a mechanism for recognising the ecological role played by offshore platforms.
Cancer-Derived Exosomes as Effectors of Key Inflammation-Related Players

Exosomes, a category of small lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles that are naturally secreted by many cells (both healthy and diseased), carry cargo made up of proteins, lipids, DNAs, and RNAs; all of which are functional when transferred to their recipient cells. Numerous studies have demonstrated the powerful role that exosomes play in the mediation of cell-to-cell communication to induce a pro-tumoral environment to encourage tumor progression and survival. Recently, considerable interest has developed in regard to the role that exosomes play in immunity; with studies demonstrating the ability of exosomes to either metabolically alter immune players such as dendritic cells, T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. In this review, we summarize the recent literature on the function of exosomes in regulating a key process that has long been associated with the progression of cancer—inflammation and immunity.
Characterization of the Microbial Resistome in Conventional and “Raised Without Antibiotics” Beef and Dairy Production Systems

Metagenomic investigations have the potential to provide unprecedented insights into microbial ecologies, such as those relating to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We characterized the microbial resistome in livestock operations raising cattle conventionally (CONV) or without antibiotic exposures (RWA) using shotgun metagenomics. Samples of feces, wastewater from catchment basins, and soil where wastewater was applied were collected from CONV and RWA feedlot and dairy farms. After DNA extraction and sequencing, shotgun metagenomic reads were aligned to reference databases for identification of bacteria (Kraken) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) accessions (MEGARes). Differences in microbial resistomes were found across farms with different production practices (CONV vs. RWA), types of cattle (beef vs. dairy), and types of sample (feces vs. wastewater vs. soil). Feces had the greatest number of ARGs per sample (mean = 118 and 79 in CONV and RWA, respectively), with tetracycline efflux pumps, macrolide phosphotransferases, and aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferases mechanisms of resistance more abundant in CONV than in RWA feces. Tetracycline and macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin classes of resistance were more abundant in feedlot cattle than in dairy cow feces, whereas the β-lactam class was more abundant in dairy cow feces. Lack of congruence between ARGs and microbial communities (procrustes analysis) suggested that other factors (e.g., location of farms, cattle source, management practices, diet, horizontal ARGs transfer, and co-selection of resistance), in addition to antimicrobial use, could have impacted resistome profiles. For that reason, we could not establish a cause–effect relationship between antimicrobial use and AMR, although ARGs in feces and effluents were associated with drug classes used to treat animals according to farms’ records (tetracyclines and macrolides in feedlots, β-lactams in dairies), whereas ARGs in soil were dominated by multidrug resistance. Characterization of the “resistance potential” of animal-derived and environmental samples is the first step toward incorporating metagenomic approaches into AMR surveillance in agricultural systems. Further research is needed to assess the public-health risk associated with different microbial resistomes.
An Engineered Fusion Protein Anti-CD19(Fab)-LDM Effectively Inhibits ADR-Resistant B Cell Lymphoma

The 5-year survival rate of patients with B cell lymphoma is about 50% after initial diagnosis, mainly because of resistance to chemotherapy. Hence, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of chemo-resistance and to explore novel methods to circumvent multidrug resistance. Previously, we showed that an engineered cytotoxic fusion protein anti-CD19(Fab)-LDM (lidamycin), can induce apoptosis of B-lymphoma cells. Herein, we successfully established an adriamycin (ADR)-resistant B cell lymphoma cell line BJAB/ADR. The mRNA and protein level of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) were significantly overexpressed in BJAB/ADR cells. Increased efflux function of ABCB1 was observed by analyzing intracellular accumulation and efflux of Rhodamine 123. The efflux of Rhodamine 123 could be significantly ameliorated by verapamil. Treatment with anti-CD19(Fab)-LDM at different concentrations induced cytotoxic response of BJAB/ADR cells similar to that of the sensitive cells. In vivo studies showed that anti-CD19(Fab)-LDM had better antitumor effect in BJAB and BJAB/ADR cell lymphoma xenografts compared with ADR or LDM treatment alone. Taken together, anti-CD19(Fab)-LDM can effectively inhibit the growth of BJAB/ADR cells both in vitro and in vivo. Anti-CD19(Fab)-LDM could be a promising molecule for the treatment of drug resistant cancers.