LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars Are the Result of Chronic Inflammation in the Reticular Dermis

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are caused by cutaneous injury and irritation, including trauma, insect bite, burn, surgery, vaccination, skin piercing, acne, folliculitis, chicken pox, and herpes zoster infection. Notably, superficial injuries that do not reach the reticular dermis never cause keloidal and hypertrophic scarring. This suggests that these pathological scars are due to injury to this skin layer and the subsequent aberrant wound healing therein. The latter is characterized by continuous and histologically localized inflammation. As a result, the reticular layer of keloids and hypertrophic scars contains inflammatory cells, increased numbers of fibroblasts, newly formed blood vessels, and collagen deposits. Moreover, proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α are upregulated in keloid tissues, which suggests that, in patients with keloids, proinflammatory genes in the skin are sensitive to trauma. This may promote chronic inflammation, which in turn may cause the invasive growth of keloids. In addition, the upregulation of proinflammatory factors in pathological scars suggests that, rather than being skin tumors, keloids and hypertrophic scars are inflammatory disorders of skin, specifically inflammatory disorders of the reticular dermis. Various external and internal post-wounding stimuli may promote reticular inflammation. The nature of these stimuli most likely shapes the characteristics, quantity, and course of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Specifically, it is likely that the intensity, frequency, and duration of these stimuli determine how quickly the scars appear, the direction and speed of growth, and the intensity of symptoms. These proinflammatory stimuli include a variety of local, systemic, and genetic factors. These observations together suggest that the clinical differences between keloids and hypertrophic scars merely reflect differences in the intensity, frequency, and duration of the inflammation of the reticular dermis. At present, physicians cannot (or at least find it very difficult to) control systemic and genetic risk factors of keloids and hypertrophic scars. However, they can use a number of treatment modalities that all, interestingly, act by reducing inflammation. They include corticosteroid injection/tape/ointment, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, compression therapy, stabilization therapy, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy, and surgical methods that reduce skin tension.
Parental involvement in middle school: a meta-analytic assessment of the strategies that promote achievement.

Early adolescence is often marked by changes in school context, family relationships, and developmental processes. In the context of these changes, academic performance often declines, while at the same time the long-term implications of academic performance increase. In promoting achievement across elementary and secondary school levels, the significant role of families, family-school relations, and parental involvement in education has been highlighted. Although there is a growing body of literature focusing on parental involvement in education during middle school, this research has not been systematically examined to determine which types of involvement have the strongest relation with achievement. The authors conducted a meta-analysis on the existing research on parental involvement in middle school to determine whether and which types of parental involvement are related to achievement. Across 50 studies, parental involvement was positively associated with achievement, with the exception of parental help with homework. Involvement that reflected academic socialization had the strongest positive association with achievement. Based on the known characteristics of the developmental stage and tasks of adolescence, strategies reflecting academic socialization are most consistent with the developmental stage of early adolescence.
Laser irradiation of iron, cobalt, and nickel targets in liquid nitrogen: A facile approach for nitride nanoparticle fabrication of ferromagnetic transition metals

Abstract Nitride nanoparticles of ferromagnetic metal elements were produced by laser irradiation from metallic targets immersed in liquid nitrogen using Nd:YAG lasers with wavelengths of 532 and 1024 nm. Transmission electron microscopy analyses of the precipitated nanoparticles from the suspensions on microscopy grids reveal agglomerates consisting of polydisperse particles with sizes in the tens of nanometers range. Some particles with size of several hundreds of nanometers indicate that laser irradiation promotes cryoablation together with plasma erosion of the targets. Selected area electron diffraction analyses corroborated by Raman measurements indicate the formation of crystalline metal nitrides with spheroidal and acicular morphologies. Regardless of the laser radiation wavelength, nanoparticles with similar nitride phases are found: Fe 4 N and Fe 16 N 2 for Fe target, Co 2 N and Co 3 N for Co target, Ni 4 N with Ni 8 N for Ni target. All nanoparticles show superparamagnetic-like behavior with a blocking temperature varying significantly with the nanoparticle size. Such single-step method is a promising green route for nanoparticle production of these metal nitrides, which are commonly obtained using more complex and multi-step processes.
Geolocation of a known altitude object from TDOA and FDOA measurements

Most satellite systems for locating an object on Earth use only time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements. When there are relative motions between an emitter and receivers, frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) measurements can be used as well. Often, the altitude of an object is known (it is zero, for example) or can be measured with an altimeter. Two sets of geolocation solutions are proposed which exploit the altitude constraint to improve the localization accuracy. One is for TDOAs alone and the other for the combination of TDOA and FDOA measurements. The additional complexity by imposing the constraint is a one-dimensional Newton's search and the rooting of a polynomial. The covariance matrices of the new estimators are derived under a small measurement noise assumption and shown to attain the constrained Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). When there is a bias error in the assumed altitude, using the altitude constraint will introduce a bias to the solution. Since applying the constraint decreases the variance, there is a tradeoff between variance and bias in the mean square error (MSE). The maximum allowable altitude error such that the constraint solution will remain superior to the unconstraint is given. Simulation results are included to corroborate the theoretical development.
A tailored minimal self-help intervention to promote condom use in young women: results from a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a theory-based tailored minimal self-help intervention to increase condom use among young women at risk for HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD).


DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial on an intent-to-treat basis in two managed care plans, in Washington state and North Carolina, with follow-up at 3 and 6 months.


PARTICIPANTS
A proactively recruited sample of 1210 heterosexually active, non-monogamous, non-pregnant women, aged 18-24 years recruited June 1999-April 2000; 85% completed the 6-month follow-up.


METHOD
Arm 1 received usual care. Arm 2 received a mailed computer-generated self-help magazine, individually tailored on survey items including stage of readiness to use condoms, barriers to condom use, partner type; condom samples and a condom-carrying case were included in the packet; this was followed 3 months later by a tailored 'booster' newsletter. The a priori 6-month main outcomes were percentage of women using condoms during the previous 3 months (overall and by partner type) and proportion of total episodes of intercourse during which condoms were used in the previous 3 months.


RESULTS
Relative to usual care, intervention group women reported significantly more condom use overall [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32-2.65; P = 0.0005] and with recent primary partners (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.37-2.86; P = 0.0003). They also reported using condoms for a higher proportion of intercourse episodes (52.7% versus 47.9%; P = 0.05). Significantly more intervention women carried condoms, discussed condoms with partners, and had higher self-efficacy to use condoms with primary partners.


CONCLUSIONS
Tailored cognitive/behavioral minimal self-help interventions hold promise as HIV/STD prevention strategies for diverse populations of young at-risk women.
80 Hz versus 130 Hz subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation: effects on involuntary movements.

BACKGROUND
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation (STN-DBS) represents a valid therapeutic option for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), leading to a significant amelioration of motor fluctuations and levodopa-induced involuntary movements (IM). This study address the issue of whether stimulation frequency may influence the control of IM in STN-DBS treated patients, comparing the effects of 80 Hz and 130 Hz STN-DBS frequencies in 10 parkinsonian patients with residual IM (dyskinesia in 6 cases and dystonia in 4 cases).


METHODS
Patients were evaluated by means of the Rush Dyskinesias Rating Scale (blinded-video analysis) and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale at 4 different time-points: baseline, shortly after the switch of stimulation frequency from 130 Hz to 80 Hz, after 1 month and 12 months of chronic 80 Hz stimulation.


RESULTS
IM improved in most subjects after the switch of stimulation frequency: dyskinesias improved in 6/6 subjects and dystonic features in 3/4 subjects after one month of 80 Hz stimulation. However, the 130 Hz STN stimulation was restored in 4 subjects during the following months, because of a gradual worsening of parkinsonian symptoms. A sustained efficacy on motor features and IM was observed with 80 Hz stimulation frequency in the remaining patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In this limited cohort of STN-DBS patients, we observed an improvement of residual IM after the switch of stimulation frequency from 130 Hz to 80 Hz. However, a moderate worsening of parkinsonian symptoms was observed in a portion of patients, requiring to return at 130 Hz STN-DBS.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by Pulicaria glutinosa extract

The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has attracted tremendous attention in recent years because these protocols are low cost and more environmentally friendly than standard methods of synthesis. In this article, we report a simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver NPs using an aqueous solution of Pulicaria glutinosa plant extract as a bioreductant. The as-prepared silver NPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the effects of the concentration of the reductant (plant extract) and precursor solution (silver nitrate), the temperature on the morphology, and the kinetics of reaction were investigated. The results indicate that the size of the silver NPs varied as the plant extract concentration increased. The as-synthesized silver NPs were phase pure and well crystalline with a face-centered cubic structure. Further, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the plant extract not only acted as a bioreductant but also functionalized the NPs' surfaces to act as a capping ligand to stabilize them in the solvent. The developed eco-friendly method for the synthesis of NPs could prove a better substitute for the physical and chemical methods currently used to prepare metallic NPs commonly used in cosmetics, foods, and medicines.
Dynamic subcortical blood flow during male sexual activity with ecological validity: A perfusion fMRI study

This study used arterial spin labeling (ASL) fMRI to measure brain perfusion in a group of healthy men under conditions that closely resembled customary sexual behavior. Serial perfusion measures for 30 min during two self-limited periods of partnered penis stimulation, and during post-stimulatory periods, revealed novel sexual activity-related cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes, mainly in subcortical parts of the brain. Ventral pallidum rCBF was highest during the onset of penile erection, and lowest after the termination of penis stimulation. The perceived level of sexual arousal showed the strongest positive association with rCBF in the right basal forebrain. In addition, our results demonstrate that distinct subregions of the hypothalamus and cingulate cortex subserve opposite functions during human male sexual behavior. The lateral hypothalamus and anterior part of the middle cingulate cortex showed increased rCBF correlated with penile erection. By contrast, the anteroventral hypothalamus and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex exhibited rCBF changes correlated with penile detumescence after penile stimulation. Continuous rapid and high-resolution brain perfusion imaging during normal sexual activity has provided novel insights into the central mechanisms that control male sexual arousal.
Comparison study of portable bladder scanner versus cone-beam CT scan for measuring bladder volumes in post-prostatectomy patients undergoing radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION
In post-prostatectomy radiotherapy to the prostatic bed, consistent bladder volume is essential to maintain the position of treatment target volume. We assessed the differences between bladder volume readings from a portable bladder scanner (BS-V) and those obtained from planning CT (CT-V) or cone-beam CT (CBCT-V). Interfraction bladder volume variation was also determined.


METHODS
BS-V was recorded before and after planning CT or CBCT. The percentage differences between the readings using the two imaging modalities, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals were determined. Data were analysed for the whole patient cohort and separately for the older BladderScan™ BVI3000 and newer BVI9400 model. Interfraction bladder volume variation was determined from the percentage difference between the CT-V and CBCT-V. Treatment duration, incorporating the time needed for BS and CBCT, was recorded.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients were enrolled, producing 133 data sets for analysis. BS-V was taken using the BVI9400 in four patients (43 data sets). The mean BS-V was 253.2 mL, and the mean CT-V or CBCT-V was 199 cm(3). The mean percentage difference between the two modalities was 19.7% (SD 42.2; 95%CI 12.4 to 26.9). The BVI9400 model produced more consistent readings, with a mean percentage difference of -6.2% (SD 27.8; 95% CI -14.7 to -2.4%). The mean percentage difference between CT-V and CBCT-V was 31.3% (range -48% to 199.4%). Treatment duration from time of first BS reading to CBCT was, on average, 12 min (range 6-27).


CONCLUSIONS
The BS produces bladder volume readings of an average 19.7% difference from CT-V or CBCT-V and can potentially be used to screen for large interfraction bladder volume variations in radiotherapy to prostatic bed. The observed interfraction bladder volume variation suggests the need to improve bladder volume consistency. Incorporating the BS into practice is feasible.
The association of housing density, isolation and tuberculosis in Canadian First Nations communities.

BACKGROUND
First Nations communities in Canada experience disproportionately high levels of overcrowded housing, degree of isolation, and rates of tuberculosis (TB). A study was done to assess the association between housing density, isolation, and the occurrence of TB in First Nations communities.


METHODS
Average persons per room (ppr), isolation type, average household income, population, and TB cases (1997-1999) at the community level were entered into a database. Tuberculosis notification rates and 95% CI were calculated for different strata of ppr and isolation. Two multiple logistic regression models were developed to examine the association of ppr, isolation, income, and population with the occurrence of >/=1, or >/=2, TB cases in a community.


RESULTS
The rate was 18.9 per 100,000 (95% CI: 13.3-24.6) in communities with an average of 0.4-0.6 ppr, while communities with 1.0-1.2 ppr had a rate of 113.0 per 100,000 (95% CI: 95.4-130.5). An increase of 0.1 ppr in a community was associated with a 40% increase in risk of >/=2 TB cases occurring, while an increase of $10,000 in community household income was associated with 0.25 the risk, and being an isolated community increased risk by 2.5 times.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a significant association between housing density, isolation, income levels, and TB. Overcrowded housing has the potential to increase exposure of susceptible individuals to infectious TB cases, and isolation from health services may increase the likelihood of TB.
Inequality, Social Insurance, and Redistribution

I s the political support for welfare policy higher or lower in less egalitarian societies? We answer the question using a model of welfare policy as publicly financed insurance that pays benefits in a redistributive manner. When voters have both redistributive and insurance motives for supporting welfare spending, the effect of inequality depends on how benefits are targeted. Greater inequality increases support for welfare expenditures when benefits are targeted to the employed but decreases support when benefits are targeted to those without earnings. With endogenous targeting, support for benefits to those without earnings declines as inequality increases, whereas support for aggregate spending is a V-shaped function of inequality. Statistical analysis of welfare expenditures in advanced industrial societies provides support for key empirical implications of the model.
Classification Techniques for Speech Recognition: A Review

Speech Processing is emerged as one of the important application area of digital signal processing. Various fields for research in speech processing are speech recognition, speaker recognition, speech synthesis, speech coding etc. Speech recognition is the process of automatically recognizing the spoken words of person based on information content in speech signal. This paper introduces a brief survey on Automatic Speech Recognition and discusses the various classification techniques that have been accomplished in this wide area of speech processing. The objective of this review paper is to summarize some of the well-known methods that are widely used in several stages of speech recognition system. Keywords—Feature Extraction, Acoustic phonetic Approach, Pattern Recognition,Artificial intelligence Approach, Speech Recognition.
Efficient computation of multiple coupled Cosserat rod models for real-time simulation and control of parallel continuum manipulators

Parallel continuum robots have the potential to provide multi-degree-of-freedom articulation using a structure that is simple, compact, compliant, and highly scalable. These characteristics may be useful in micromanipulation, endoscopic robotic-assisted surgery, and human-robot interaction. Our prior work formulated a kinematic model which treats a parallel continuum robot as a set of multiple Cosserat rods with coupled boundary conditions. In this paper, we detail methods for the efficient numerical solution of this model at rates that enable real-time interactive simulation, motion planning, design optimization, and control. Exploitation of the model structure enables a significant reduction in the number of integrations required to evaluate the boundary value Jacobian matrix used in a shooting method. Our approach is used to teleoperate a prototype robot using real-time inverse kinematics solutions, and simulation tests show that inverse kinematics solutions are consistently computed at rates of several kilohertz using standard desktop computing hardware.
Atopic children and use of prescribed medication: A comprehensive study in general practice

PURPOSE
A comprehensive and representative nationwide general practice database was explored to study associations between atopic disorders and prescribed medication in children.


METHOD
All children aged 0-18 years listed in the NIVEL Primary Care Database in 2014 were selected. Atopic children with atopic eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) were matched with controls (not diagnosed with any of these disorders) within the same general practice on age and gender. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study the differences in prescribed medication between both groups by calculating odds ratios (OR); 93 different medication groups were studied.


RESULTS
A total of 45,964 children with at least one atopic disorder were identified and matched with controls. Disorder-specific prescriptions seem to reflect evidence-based medicine guidelines for atopic eczema, asthma and AR. However, these disorder-specific prescriptions were also prescribed for children who were not registered as having that specific disorder. For eczema-related medication, about 3.7-8.4% of the children with non-eczematous atopic morbidity received these prescriptions, compared to 1.4-3.5% of the non-atopic children. The same pattern was observed for anti-asthmatics (having non-asthmatic atopic morbidity: 0.8-6.2% vs. controls: 0.3-2.1%) and AR-related medication (having non-AR atopic morbidity: 4.7-12.5% vs. controls: 2.8-3.1%). Also, non-atopic related medication, such as laxatives and antibiotics were more frequently prescribed for atopic children.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study shows that atopic children received more prescriptions, compared to non-atopic children. Non-atopic controls frequently received specific prescriptions for atopic disorders. This indicates that children with atopic disorders need better monitoring by their GP.
Differences in physician attitudes towards patient-centredness: across four medical specialties.

AIMS
There is limited study on patient-centred attitudes with regards to the patient-physician relationship in physicians. The objective of this study was to examine and compare physician attitudes toward patient-centredness in four different medical settings.


METHODS
The present study utilised a cross-sectional survey design and purposive sampling to recruit physicians from a single academic medical centre via face-to-face interviews. Patient-centred attitudes of physicians specialising in surgery, oncology, obstetrics and gynaecology and primary care (N = 78) were compared on the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) using an independent one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The four medical specialties comprised the four levels, with role orientation (patient-centred orientation vs. doctor-centred orientation) as the dependent measure.


RESULTS
A significant level of difference (p < 0.001) was found between the four specialisations: oncologists were found to have the highest level of patient-centeredness, followed by obstetricians & gynaecologists and primary care physicians, with surgeons being the least patient-centred among specialisations sampled.


CONCLUSION
These data are the first from the South-East Asian region to demonstrate differences in physician attitudes between medical specialties. Our findings prompt further investigation and confirmation as to whether physicians with particular attitudinal traits are attracted to any particular specialties of medicine, or if physician attitudes are acquired through professional experience and training. In addition, this study offers better insight into the attitudinal differences of physician between medical specialities.