Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced Priority Listing versus Mixed Integer Programming in solving the Unit Commitment problem

This paper compares an Advanced Priority Listing (APL) method with a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach to solving the Unit Commitment (UC) problem. The APL method is developed to obtain solutions quickly. The main drawback of this approach is that obtained solutions are not proven to be optimal. With the MILP approach, an optimality criterion is set (proven optimality). Simulations are done with various power systems and load profiles, in order to make a quantitative comparison towards obtained solution (total cost) and calculation time. The APL approach has a relative constant calculation time for the scenarios investigated in this work, while the MILP approach has a broader range of calculation times. In about half of the scenarios investigated, the MILP approach has a lower calculation time. When looking at the outcome (total cost) of both models, the solution of the MILP model yields a lower cost (since it is optimal) in all scenarios. Differences range from 0 to some 2 %. When limiting the calculation time of the MILP solver to that of APL, solutions found by MILP are often better.
Dexamethasone as an anti-cancer or hepatotoxic

Abstract The linkage between inflammation and oxidative stress in liver damage has been proven and is undeniable; dexamethasone with some antioxidants can reduce the toxicity of liver tissue. Due to the importance of cancer treatment, glucocorticoids' synergistic effect in inhibiting cancer cell growth is also investigated. Dexamethasone alone and combined with etoposide were tested at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 μM to evaluate the potency of dexamethasone in inhibiting the growth of A549 cells using oxidative stress factors and DNA damage. Also, intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone in rats was used to induce liver toxicity. Coenzyme Q10 at different concentrations (1, 10, and 50 mg/kg) was used as an antioxidant to assess the oxidative stress factors and measure Caspase-3 activity. The results showed that dexamethasone combined with etoposide could significantly inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Treatment of A549 cells using dexamethasone also inhibits cancer cells' growth by inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Dexamethasone also, by inducing oxidative stress and activation of caspase 3, ultimately causes hepatotoxicity. Treatment with different concentrations of CoQ10 showed improved mitochondrial function, antioxidant defense, and liver enzyme. The best effect of coenzyme Q10 on dexamethasone-induced hepatotoxicity is 50 mg/kg. As a result, dexamethasone (alone and combined with etoposide) has an anti-cancer effect by damaging DNA and inducing oxidative stress. Also, CoQ10 has antioxidant effects against dexamethasone-induced hepatotoxicity by improving mitochondrial function and reducing caspase-3 activity.
Establishment of a prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma by integration of 7 pyroptosis-related genes and cross-validation between the TCGA and GEO cohorts: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis

Pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) have been reported to be associated with prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Until now, the relationship of PRGs to the prognosis of LUAD patients and its underlying mechanisms have been poorly elucidated. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) LUAD cohort, a prior bioinformatics analysis constructed a prognostic signature incorporating 5 PRGs (NLRP7, NLRP1, NLRP2, NOD1, and CASP6) for predicting prognosis of LUAD patients. However, it has not been validated by the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) LUAD cohort yet. We implemented a modified bioinformatics analysis to, respectively, construct one prognostic signature with the TCGA cohort and with the GEO cohort and attempted to perform cross-validations by the GEO cohort and the TCGA cohort alternately in turn. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis screened PRGs and constructed 2 prognostic signatures with the TCGA and GEO cohorts. All LUAD samples were classified into high- and low-risk groups according to the median risk score that was generated by regression formula. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis compared the overall survival rate between the 2 risk groups, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis evaluated predictive performance of the 2 signatures. Additionally, risk score, combined with clinicopathological features, was subjected to multivariate Cox regression analysis, to evaluate independent prognostic value of the 2 signatures. Finally, the 2 signatures received cross-validations by the GEO and TCGA cohorts, alternately. The TCGA cohort yielded a 3-gene signature (PYCARD, NLRP1, and NLRC4), whereas the GEO cohort built a 7-gene signature (SCAF11, NOD1, NLRP2, NLRP1, GPX4, CASP8, and AIM2) for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients. Multivariate analysis proved independent prognostic value of risk score in the TCGA cohort (hazard ratio, = 1.939,; P = 8.43 × 10−4) and the GEO cohort (hazard ratio, = 2.291,; P = 4.34 × 10−9). Cross-validations confirmed prognostic value for the 7-gene signature from the GEO cohort by the TCGA cohort but not for the 3-gene signature from the TCGA cohort by the GEO cohort. We develop and validate a 7-gene prognostic signature (SCAF11, NOD1, NLRP2, NLRP1, GPX4, CASP8, and AIM2) with independent prognostic value for patients with LUAD.
Enablers and barriers of first-year common semesters and semester-long courses aimed at interprofessional collaborative practice capability development: A scoping review

ABSTRACT Designing a first-year undergraduate common semester aimed at developing interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) capabilities is challenging. A scoping review was conducted to identify enablers and barriers for common semesters. Due to limited numbers of eligible studies, the review was expanded to include studies of semester-long first-year courses aimed at IPCP development. Key enablers of common semesters or courses in 35 included studies were: real-world, problem-solving, hands-on, interprofessional teamwork aligned with graduate practice capabilities relevant across disciplines; continuous feedback and critical evaluation; relationship building amongst students and staff; cohesive, well-trained interprofessional teams of staff and leaders; secure, supportive institutional policies and structures. Key barriers included: students’ lack of preparation, perceptions of irrelevance, and misaligned expectations; variable student capability and response amongst professions; miscommunicated or misaligned course outcomes; course, faculty or institutional non-integration; and cost, logistic, and evaluation issues. Outcomes were mainly positive improvements in self-evaluated student IPCP skills and understanding, variability between professions, and persistent misconceptions. Scales measuring capabilities lacked uniformity, and few studies were comparative or observational. Overall, the review suggests noncompetitive undergraduate first-year common semesters or courses positively impact IPCP capability development when robustly assessed, clearly evaluated, and supported by an integrated IPE culture.
How Do Nonsurgical Interventions Improve Pain and Physical Function in People With Osteoarthritis? A Scoping Review of Mediation Analysis Studies

Nonsurgical interventions are recommended for osteoarthritis (OA). However, how interventions change pain and physical function is unclear. Therefore, the objectives of this scoping review were to 1) identify what potential mediators of nonsurgical interventions on pain and physical function have been evaluated and 2) summarize the findings according to intervention, joint, and outcome.
Large Signal Synchronizing Instability of PLL-Based VSC Connected to Weak AC Grid

Similar large signal synchronizing instability that is common in traditional power system also exists in voltage source converter (VSC) dominated power system, which is increasingly reported and investigated. In this paper, the large signal instability of phase locked loop (PLL) synchronized VSC connected to weak ac grid is investigated. First, the influence of high grid impedance on PLL's dynamics is explored and an additional feedback loop is found to be introduced, which deteriorates the performance of PLL. Then an analysis model that is similar as the rotor motion model of synchronous generator (SG) is developed. Based on the developed model, equal-area method is employed to carry out the large-signal stability analysis. The large signal instability is found to be mainly resulted by the following two factors. One is the nonexistence of equilibrium point, which is similar as that there does not exist intersection between the mechanical power input curve and electromagnetic restoring force curve in SG grid connected system. The other is related with the transition process resulted by insufficient decelerating area, which leads to that the system cannot stably go through the transition from initial point to the existing equilibrium point. The proposed analysis not only contributes to revealing the physical mechanism but also provides guidance for the future improvement measures.
Paradoxical Positioning: Does “Head Up” Always Improve Mechanics and Lung Protection?*

OBJECTIVES: Head-elevated body positioning, a default clinical practice, predictably increases end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure and aerated lung volume. In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), however, the net effect of such vertical inclination on tidal mechanics depends upon whether lung recruitment or overdistension predominates. We hypothesized that in moderate to severe ARDS, bed inclination toward vertical unloads the chest wall but adversely affects overall respiratory system compliance (Crs). DESIGN: Prospective physiologic study. SETTING: Two medical ICUs in the United States. PATIENTS: Seventeen patients with ARDS, predominantly moderate to severe. INTERVENTION: Patients were ventilated passively by volume control. We measured airway pressures at baseline (noninclined) and following bed inclination toward vertical by an additional 15°. At baseline and following inclination, we manually loaded the chest wall to determine if Crs increased or paradoxically declined, suggestive of end-tidal overdistension. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Inclination resulted in a higher plateau pressure (supineΔ: 2.8 ± 3.3 cm H2O [p = 0.01]; proneΔ: 3.3 ± 2.5 cm H2O [p = 0.004]), higher driving pressure (supineΔ: 2.9 ± 3.3 cm H2O [p = 0.01]; proneΔ: 3.3 ± 2.8 cm H2O [p = 0.007]), and lower Crs (supine Δ: 3.4 ± 3.7 mL/cm H2O [p = 0.01]; proneΔ: 3.1 ± 3.2 mL/cm H2O [p = 0.02]). Following inclination, manual loading of the chest wall restored Crs and driving pressure to baseline (preinclination) values. CONCLUSIONS: In advanced ARDS, bed inclination toward vertical adversely affects Crs and therefore affects the numerical values for plateau and driving tidal pressures commonly targeted in lung protective strategies. These changes are fully reversed with manual loading of the chest wall, suggestive of end-tidal overdistension in the upright position. Body inclination should be considered a modifiable determinant of transpulmonary pressure and lung protection, directionally similar to tidal volume and positive end-expiratory pressure.
Association Between Vaccination and Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke After COVID-19 Infection.

Association Between Vaccination and Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke After COVID-19 Infection Studies have suggested an increased incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic stroke after COVID-19 infection related to an increased risk of thrombosis.1,2 Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are effective against COVID-19 and its progression to severe disease.3 However, it is unclear if vaccines also prevent secondary complications. We examined the association between vaccination and AMI and ischemic stroke after COVID-19 infection.
Overcoming clinical challenges of refractory neuropathic pain

ABSTRACT Introduction Refractory neuropathic pain (ReNP), and its definition, is widely disputed among clinicians due in part to unclear diagnosing guidelines, overall duration of neuropathic pain, and the exhaustiveness of treatment options. Usually, ReNP is defined as chronic, intractable, and unresponsive neuropathic pain that has otherwise been untreatable. Areas covered In this narrative review, we discuss and summarize the effectiveness of prospective ReNP research conducted over the past 10 years. This research looks at pharmacological and interventional therapies in clinical trial settings. The pharmacological therapies discussed include the use of adjuvant treatments to improve the safety and efficacy of conventional approaches. Different modalities of administration, such as injection therapy and intrathecal drug delivery systems, provide targeted drug delivery. Interventional therapies such as neuromodulation, pulse radiofrequency, and nerve lesioning are more invasive; however, they are increasingly utilized in the field, as reflected in ongoing clinical trials. Expert opinion Based on the current data from RCTs and systematic reviews, it is clear that single drug therapy cannot be effective and has significant limitations. Transitioning to interventional modalities that showed more promising results sooner rather than later may be even more cost efficient than attempting different conservative treatments with a high failure rate.
The design and application of an individualized 3D printing assisted guide plates in assisting sacroiliac screws insertion

Abstract Objective Currently, the sacroiliac screws insertion still faces several challenges in the fixation of pelvic and acetabular injuries. This study was aimed to design a personalized three-dimensional (3D) printing assisted guide plates to assist sacroiliac screws insertion, so as to provide a reference for further clinical applications. Methods Eight pelvic specimens (5 males and 3 females) of normal adults were used to simulate actual operation. After thin-layer CT scanning, the 3D models of pelvis were established based on the images data. Furthermore, in Mimics 17.0 software, the screw entry points and screw channels of sacroiliac screws were further simulated and designed, and the appropriate range of the posterior superior iliac spine was selected to establish and print the virtual guide plates. Then, the simulated screws insertion was performed in vitro, the pelvic specimens after screws insertion were scanned again by CT, and the effect of screws insertion was further evaluated. Results A total of 16 sacroiliac screw guide plates were designed and printed, and 48 screws were inserted on both sides. Therein, 45 screws were completely located in the sacral vertebra, which was determined as grade 0, with an accuracy rate of 93.2%. The other 3 screws penetrated the anterior cortex or sacral canal of sacral vertebra, including 2 screws in Grade 1 (4.1%) and 1 screw in Grade 2 (2.1%). Compared with the simulated screw channels, the anterior and posterior offset angles of the cross section were (0.912 ± 0.625) ° and (0.802 ± 0.681) ° respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). The upper and lower offset angles of coronal plane were (1.158 ± 0.823) ° and (1.034 ± 0.908) ° respectively, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions 3 D printing guide plates assisted sacroiliac screws insertion can enhance the stability of pelvic posterior ring fixation and assist surgeons to reduce the difficulty of operation.
Facial anatomical site-related variation in short-term outcomes of laser treatment for congenital melanocytic nevi

Laser treatment for congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is controversial. Correlations between anatomical distribution of facial CMN and efficacy of laser treatment have not been characterized. A total of 90 facial CMN treated with ablative laser (Er:YAG or CO2 laser) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical assessments were completed by at least two plastic surgeons using the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score. The mean IGA score was 4.37. The IGA scores recorded at the periorbital, temple/forehead, nose, cheek and lip/chin areas were 3.68, 5.88, 4.63, 4.52 and 4.92, respectively (p = 0.03). Moreover, facial CMN with uniform pigment distribution showed higher IGA scores than those with a non-uniform pigment distribution. Thickening, hairiness and age at first treatment were not statistically correlated with laser efficacy. Correlations between anatomical distribution and the efficacy of laser treatment are described for the first time. The subdivided anatomical distribution of facial CMN can yield meaningful information on predicting the efficacy of laser treatment
Retrolife and The Pawns Neighbors

Summary One of Martin Gardner's most famous columns introduced John Conway's game of Life. The inverse problem, finding a previous generation in the Game of Life given some extra constraints, was introduced a few years ago and is referred to as Retrolife. In this paper we present a puzzle played on a chessboard that is isomorphic to a variation of Retrolife, in memory of Martin Gardner.
Short‐term outcomes following development of a dedicated pelvic exenteration service in a tertiary centre

Pelvic exenteration surgery (PE) offers potentially curative resection for locally advanced malignancy but is associated with significant complexity and morbidity. Specialised teams are recommended to achieve optimal patient outcomes. This study aims to analyse short‐term outcomes at a tertiary setting before and after creating a dedicated PE service.
Preparation of uniform-sized GeXIVA[1,2]-loaded PLGA microspheres as long-effective release system with high encapsulation efficiency

Abstract The purpose of this study was to prepare GeXIVA[1,2] PLGA microspheres by W/O/W re-emulsification-solvent evaporation technology and to develop sustained-release formulations to meet the clinical treatment needs of chronic neuropathic pain. Through prescription optimization, the uniformity of particle size and the encapsulation efficiency is improved, so as to achieve the quality standard of the microspheres. The mechanism of trehalose improving the stability of GeXIVA[1,2] was studied and verified by molecular simulation. The results showed that when adding trehalose to W1, using the PLGA model of 75:25, PLGA concentration of 30%, PVA concentration of 1.5%, adding 1% NaCl to PVA and adding 1% NaCl to solidification water, the prepared microspheres are smooth, the particle size is about 25 μm, and the encapsulation rate reaches 90%. The results of in vitro release experiments showed that the microspheres could be released steadily for about 30 days. The microsphere samples were characterized and analyzed by molecular simulation and powder X-ray diffractometer, and the protective mechanism of trehalose on GeXIVA[1,2] was discussed. The results showed that the hydrogen bond formed between trehalose and GeXIVA[1,2] acted as a hydration film and played a certain protective role on GeXIVA[1,2]. In addition, high-viscosity trehalose can form a glass state and wrap around GeXIVA[1,2], reducing the free movement of molecules. In the microsphere system, trehalose can also avoid the influence of PLGA material on the secondary structure of GeXIVA[1,2]. In conclusion, this study is expected to provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Graphical Abstract
How Do We Define and Measure Health Equity? The State of Current Practice and Tools to Advance Health Equity

Introduction: Healthy People establishes national goals and specific measurable objectives to improve the health and well-being of the nation. An overarching goal of Healthy People 2030 is to “eliminate health disparities, achieve health equity, and attain health literacy to improve the health and well-being of all. ” To inform Healthy People 2030 health equity and health disparities content and products, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago, conducted a review of peer-reviewed and gray literature to examine how health equity is defined, conceptualized, and measured by public health professionals. Methods: We reviewed (1) peer-reviewed literature, (2) HHS and other public health organization Web sites, and (3) state and territorial health department plans. We also conducted targeted searches of the gray literature to identify tools and recommendations for measuring health equity. Results: While definitions of health equity identified in the scan varied, they often addressed similar concepts, including “highest level of health for all people,” “opportunity for all,” and “absence of disparities. ” Measuring health equity is challenging; however, strategies to measure and track progress toward health equity have emerged. There are a range of tools and resources that have the potential to help decision makers address health equity, such as health impact assessments, community health improvement plans, and adapting a Health in All Policies approach. Tools that visualize health equity data also support data-driven decision making. Discussion: Using similar language when discussing health equity will help align and advance efforts to improve health and well-being for all. Healthy People objectives, measures, and targets can help public health professionals advance health equity in their work. HHS ODPHP continues to develop Healthy People tools and resources to support public health professionals as they work with cross-sector partners to achieve health equity.
A Modified Anterior Column Realignment With Partial Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Release in Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion

Study Design. Retrospective radiological analysis. Objective. To demonstrate the radiological outcome after a modified anterior column realignment (mACR) with partial anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) release in oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF). Summary of Background Data. Anterior column realignment (ACR) remains a powerful sagittal correction technique in minimally invasive adult spinal deformity surgery and is often combined with posterior column osteotomy (PCO) to achieve more lordosis. OLIF is ideal for ACR because the anterior-to-psoas corridor typically involves the anterolateral half of the disk. Methods. This study included 112 operated disk levels of 101 consecutive patients who underwent OLIF between L2–L3 and L4–L5 using a 12° lateral cage. The mACR was performed at 73 (65.2%) levels with 30% to 50% sectioning of the ALL. Each operated level was grouped according to the mACR and additional PCO as: (1) no mACR, OLIF only (n=39); (2) mACR with no PCO (n=18); (3) mACR with grade 1 PCO (n=27); (4) mACR with grade 2 PCO (n=22); or (5) mACR with grade 3 PCO (n=6). Results. At the last follow-up, the mean disk lordotic angles were 10.9±2.9°, 12.6±3.0°, 13.3±3.9°, 16.7±3.2°, and 16.8±2.4° in the no mACR, mACR with no PCO, mACR with grade 1 PCO, mACR with grade 2 PCO, and mACR with grade 3 PCO groups, respectively (P<0.001). The mean increases in disk lordotic angle were 5.8±4.1°, 12.1±6.1°, 13.5±8.7°, 15.8±6.7°, and 17.9±6.2° in each group, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions. ACR can be performed with partial ALL release under direct vision in OLIF without deep dissection into the ventral disk space. The mACR in OLIF is a simple, safe, and effective technique for anterior column lengthening. Level of Evidence: 4.