Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Upper Sacral Nerve Root Tunnel: An Anatomic and Clinical Study

Objectives: To radiographically demonstrate the upper sacral nerve root tunnel (USNRT) in both cadaveric specimens and a clinical cohort and to quantify its clinical relevance. Setting: Level 1 trauma center and anatomy laboratory. Patients and Participants: Eleven cadaveric pelves and 23 consecutive patients who underwent fluoroscopically assisted iliosacral screw insertions. Interventions: Cadaveric pelves were fluoroscopically imaged using standard pelvic inlet, outlet, and true lateral sacral views. The course of the USNRT pathway was identified. Then, these tunnels were filled completely with a semisolid radio-opaque agent. The specimens were reimaged after the contrast injection. Clinically, 23 consecutive patients with unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions were treated using fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous iliosacral screws based on these predictable radiographic landmarks. A total of 44 iliosacral screws were inserted. Main Outcome Measurements: For the cadaveric portion, the images with contrast were used to identify the USNRTs. For the clinical study, tunnel visualization was determined on all views intraoperatively. Screw placement was documented by postoperative pelvic plain radiographs and computed tomography scan. Results: In the cadaveric specimens, the contrast agent consistently demonstrated the USNRTs on all 3 pelvic radiographic views. In the clinical series, the USNRTs were well visualized on the pelvic outlet image in all 23 patients (100%). Using the inlet image, the USNRTs were visualized in only 5 of 23 patients (21%). On the true lateral sacral views, the USNRTs were seen in 21 of 23 patients (91%). Using these USNRT radiographic landmarks, no iliosacral screw was extraosseous. Conclusions: The USNRTs have a consistent radiographic appearance that is best seen on the pelvic outlet and true lateral sacral views, but their course is best understood when seen on all 3 views. Awareness and understanding of the USNRT, its course, and its radiographic landmarks allow the surgeon to avoid tunnel intrusion by an iliosacral screw.
Identification of a System N‐Like Na+‐Dependent Glutamine Transport Activity in Rat Brain Neurons

Abstract: Glutamine is a primary precursor for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid. It is proposed that glutamine, synthesized and released by astrocytes, is transported into the neuron for subsequent conversion to neurotransmitters. To provide a more complete characterization of this process, we have delineated the transport systems for glutamine uptake in primary cultures of brain neuronal cells from 1‐day‐old rats. The Na+‐dependent glutamine entry is mediated by system A, system ASC, and a third, previously unidentified, activity that has been tentatively designated as system Nb. System Nb activity can be monitored by assaying Na+‐dependent [3H]glutamine uptake in the presence of 2 mM concentrations of both 2‐(methylamino)isobutyric acid and threonine to block uptake by systems A and ASC, respectively. The newly identified transport activity exhibits an apparent substrate specificity that is unique compared with the hepatic system N, because it is inhibited by glutamine and asparagine, but not by histidine. Also, the affinity of system Nb for glutamine, as estimated from Km values, is significantly greater than that observed for the hepatic and muscle Na+‐dependent glutamine transporters, systems N and Nm. In sharp contrast to the hepatic system N transporter, system Nb exhibits a relative insensitivity to pH and does not permit Li+ substitution for Na+ as the cosubstrate. The substrate specificity, kinetic analysis, pH sensitivity, and cation dependence of this transport activity indicate that it represents a glutamine transport system not previously identified.
Ancient Agropastoral System of the Bolivian Altiplano: a Robust Ecosystem Endangered from Changes in Land-use

The current study examines the challenges and constraints faced by rural, small-herd, llama (Lama glama) agropastoralists of the Bolivian Altiplano. Three different study sites with various degrees of agropastoralism were examined in order to describe the relationship between quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and llama production and the implications of land use competition between these two livelihoods. In order to document the impact of land use change, the study also examined the native forage species available to free grazing llamas and their relative importance. Llama pastoralists were interviewed and completed a survey on the perceived importance of native forage plants in grazing llama diets as well as the perceived constraints to llama husbandry. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) index was employed as a measure of relative importance of different native forage plant species. This data was supplemented with further primary data collected from the field using mixed methods involving participatory rural appraisal techniques (PRA), interviews and focus groups. Secondary data was collected from an in-depth literature review, government offices and other relevant institutions. The study presents a detailed list of all cited native forage species and their perceived importance as a forage crop and any ethnoveterinary uses. The results reveal that challenges and constraints can often be site-specific, and a lack of forage throughout the dry season (May to November) was a general constraint among study sites. Quinoa production was found to be in direct competition with llama husbandry, with many sites demonstrating s shift away from llama pastoralism.
Disparities in the treatment and outcomes of lung cancer among HIV-infected individuals

Objectives:HIV-infected people have elevated risk for lung cancer and higher mortality following cancer diagnosis than HIV-uninfected individuals. It is unclear whether HIV-infected individuals with lung cancer receive similar cancer treatment as HIV-uninfected individuals. Design/methods:We studied adults more than 18 years of age with lung cancer reported to the Texas Cancer Registry (N = 156 930) from 1995 to 2009. HIV status was determined by linkage with the Texas enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System. For nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases, we identified predictors of cancer treatment using logistic regression. We used Cox regression to evaluate effects of HIV and cancer treatment on mortality. Results:Compared with HIV-uninfected lung cancer patients (N = 156 593), HIV-infected lung cancer patients (N = 337) were more frequently young, non-Hispanic black, men, and with distant stage disease. HIV-infected NSCLC patients less frequently received cancer treatment than HIV-uninfected patients [60.3 vs. 77.5%; odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30–0.52, after adjustment for diagnosis year, age, sex, race, stage, and histologic subtype]. HIV infection was associated with higher lung cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.56, adjusted for demographics and tumor characteristics). Inclusion of cancer treatment in adjusted models slightly attenuated the effect of HIV on lung cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.25; 95% CI 1.06–1.47). Also, there was a suggestion that HIV was more strongly associated with mortality among untreated than among treated patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.32 vs. 1.16, P-interaction = 0.34). Conclusion:HIV-infected NSCLC patients were less frequently treated for lung cancer than HIV-uninfected patients, which may have affected survival.
Optical spectroscopy of the dwarf nova U Geminorum

The dwarf nova U Gem is unique in having a direct measurement of the K velocity of its white dwarf from Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectra (K-1 = 107 +/- 2 km s(-1) from Long et al.). We present high-resolution optical spectra of U Gem in quiescence taken to test the accuracy to which the HST value can be recovered from optical data. We find that, even with data of very high signal-to-noise ratio on this archetypal system, we cannot recover Long et al.'s value to better than about 20 per cent by any method. Contamination by neighbouring emission lines seems a likely culprit. Our data reveal a number of new features: Doppler tomograms show emission at low velocity, close to the centre of mass, and a transient, narrow absorption feature is seen in the Balmer lines near the line centres at the time of eclipse. We suggest that stellar prominences, as previously invoked for the dwarf novae IP Peg and SS Cyg in outburst, may explain both of these features. The He II 4686.75 angstrom line emission is dominated by the gas stream/disc impact region. Two distinct spots are seen in Doppler maps, the first being very narrow and showing a velocity close to that of the accretion disc in the impact region, and the second much broader and located between the velocities of the (ballistic) stream and the (Keplerian) disc. We present tentative evidence of weak spiral structure, which may support explanations for 'spiral shocks' based upon three-body effects. We find no evidence of stream-disc overflow in the system. Our data suggest an inclination angle > 70 degrees, favouring a mass < 1.1 M-circle dot for the white dwarf, in disagreement with measurements of its gravitational redshift. The mass donor is clearly seen in the Doppler maps, with emission concentrated towards its poles, and mainly on the side facing the white dwarf. This suggests irradiation with shielding by the disc from which we estimate a height-to-radius ratio (H/R) between 0.15 and 0.25.
UK Lung Cancer RCT Pilot Screening Trial: baseline findings from the screening arm provide evidence for the potential implementation of lung cancer screening

Background Lung cancer screening using low-dose CT (LDCT) was shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by 20% in the National Lung Screening Trial. Methods The pilot UK Lung Cancer Screening (UKLS) is a randomised controlled trial of LDCT screening for lung cancer versus usual care. A population-based questionnaire was used to identify high-risk individuals. CT screen-detected nodules were managed by a pre-specified protocol. Cost effectiveness was modelled with reference to the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial mortality reduction. Results 247 354 individuals aged 50–75 years were approached; 30.7% expressed an interest, 8729 (11.5%) were eligible and 4055 were randomised, 2028 into the CT arm (1994 underwent a CT). Forty-two participants (2.1%) had confirmed lung cancer, 34 (1.7%) at baseline and 8 (0.4%) at the 12-month scan. 28/42 (66.7%) had stage I disease, 36/42 (85.7%) had stage I or II disease. 35/42 (83.3%) had surgical resection. 536 subjects had nodules greater than 50 mm3 or 5 mm diameter and 41/536 were found to have lung cancer. One further cancer was detected by follow-up of nodules between 15 and 50 mm3 at 12 months. The baseline estimate for the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of once-only CT screening, under the UKLS protocol, was £8466 per quality adjusted life year gained (CI £5542 to £12 569). Conclusions The UKLS pilot trial demonstrated that it is possible to detect lung cancer at an early stage and deliver potentially curative treatment in over 80% of cases. Health economic analysis suggests that the intervention would be cost effective—this needs to be confirmed using data on observed lung cancer mortality reduction. Trial registration ISRCTN 78513845.
In vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of Anacardium occidentale and Mangifera indica in oral care

Background: Oral health is an integral and important component of general health. Infectious diseases such as caries, periodontal, and gingivitis indicate the onset of imbalance in homeostasis between oral micro biota and host. The present day medicaments used in oral health care have numerous side effects. The uses of herbal plants as an alternative have gained popularity due to side effects of antibiotics and emergence of multidrug resistant strains. Anacardium occidentale (cashew) and Mangifera indica (mango) have been used as traditional oral health care measures in India since time immemorial. Materials and Methods: The ethanol extracts of cashew and mango leaves were obtained by maceration method. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by clear zone produced by these plant extracts against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans in agar plate method, determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC), and suppression of biofilm. The cytotoxic effects of plants extract was determined by microculture tetrazolium assay on human gingival fibroblast and Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79) cell lines. Results: Cashew and mango leaf extract significantly (P < 0.05) produced larger zone of inhibition against test pathogens when compared to povidone-iodine-based mouth rinses. Although the MIC and MBC/MFC values of mouth rinses were effective in lower concentrations; plant extracts significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed the biofilms of oral pathogens. The leaf extracts were less cytotoxic (P < 0.001) compared to mouth rinses. Conclusions: Plant extracts are superior to the mouth rinses and have a promising role in future oral health care.
Microbial Programming of Systemic Innate Immunity and Resistance to Infection

A multicellular organism is subject to constant microbial exposure throughout its life. These interactions can be transient or permanent, with microbes ranging from those considered commensal to pathogenic [1]. The initial host response to these myriad microbes relies upon the innate immune system. This highly conserved and ancient arm of host defense has generally been thought of as hardwired and inflexible [2], with only local interactions with microbes at environmental interfaces believed to exert a significant influence on innate immune cell function [3], [4]. It is now becoming clear that this long-held dogma is incorrect, and the ongoing microbial exposure we experience throughout life, whether it is by the microbiota or pathogenic organisms, exerts a systemic influence on the production and function of innate immune cells. In this Pearl, I will describe the mechanistic basis for these systemic effects and discuss how they modulate host defenses to infection by other microbes.
Acting otherwise: Resistance, agency, and subjectivities in Milgram’s studies of obedience

In this account of the Obedience to Authority experiments, we offer a richer and more dynamic depiction of the subjects’ acts and reactions. To paraphrase Milgram, our account tries to examine the central elements of the situation as perceived by its research subjects. We describe a model of the experimenter–subject system that moves beyond experimentalism and humanism, positing instead a model that considers experimenter–subject relations and extends both spatially and temporally past the experiment’s traditionally assumed limits: the walls of the laboratory and its canonical methods. Following Butler and Krause, we propose an approach that attends to quotidian, subtle, and unregistered ways of acting otherwise. Taking the Yale archive’s collection of Milgram’s subject files, audio recordings, and notes as historical traces of the experimenter–subject system, our analysis introduces a grounded understanding of how Milgram’s cut between obedience and disobedience renders invisible all but the most explicit manifestations of resistance or ways of acting otherwise. Investigating Milgram’s work through an experimenter–subject systems model illuminates previously undocumented affective and temporal dimensions of laboratory life and serves as a template for assessing other experimental situations.
Swimming Pool Evaporative Water Loss and Water Use in the Balearic Islands (Spain)

The Balearic Islands are a major Mediterranean tourist destination that features one of the greatest swimming pool densities within Europe. In this paper, standard meteorological data were combined with a diachronic swimming pool inventory to estimate water evaporation from swimming pools over the Balearic archipelago. Evaporation was estimated using an empirical equation designed for open-water surfaces. Results revealed a 32% increase in swimming pools’ water use by 2015. Evaporation from swimming pools added 9.6 L of water to touristic consumption per guest night and person, and represented 4.9% of the total urban water consumption. In 2015, almost 5 hm3 (5 billion L) were lost from pools across the Balearic Islands. In several densely urbanized areas, evaporative water loss from pools exceeded four million litres per square kilometre and year. The water needed to refill the total of 62,599 swimming pools and to counteract evaporative water loss is equivalent to 1.2 pools per year. Swimming pools have rapidly proliferated across the islands. We have expounded on this development in view of much-needed responsible water management across the islands.
A New Nonlinear Fuzzy Robust PCA Algorithm and Similarity Classifier in Classification of Medical Data Sets

In this article a classification method is proposed where data is first preprocessed using new nonlinear fuzzy robust principal component analysis (NFRPCA) algorithm to get data into more feasible form. After this preprocessing step the similarity classifier is then used for the actual classification. The procedure was tested for dermatology, hepatitis and liver-disorder data. Results were quite promising and better classification accuracy was achieved than using classical PCA and similarity classifier. This new nonlinear fuzzy robust principal component analysis algorithm seems to have the effect that it project the data sets into a more feasible form and when used together with the similarity classifier a classification accuracy of 72.27 % was achieved with liver-disorder data, 88.94 % with hepatitis, and 97.09 % accuracy was achieved with dermatology data. Compared to results with classical PCA and the similarity classifier, higher accuracies were achieved with the approach using nonlinear fuzzy robust principal component analysis and the similarity classifier.
Pathways to care of first-admitted subjects with psychosis in South-Western France

Background. A limited number of studies have assessed the pathways to care of patients with first-episode psychosis. The aim of the study was to describe the pathways to care of subjects with psychosis between onset of psychosis and first admission, and to examine the demographic and clinical factors influencing access to care. Method. Number and type of helping contacts since onset of first psychotic symptoms were assessed using multiple sources of information in 86 subjects with psychosis first-admitted in two hospitals of South-Western France. Characteristics independently associated with long delays between onset of symptoms and first helping contact, first treatment and first admission were explored using logistic regressions. Results. Twelve per cent of subjects were first admitted without any previous helping contact. The patients were seen by a median of two helpers (maximum 7). For most patients (70%), the first helping contact was a health care professional, and the same proportion of patients had a first contact with a GP or a psychiatrist. The type of first contact was not predicted by demographic or clinical characteristics. Subjects with poor pre-morbid functioning or at-risk behaviour were more likely to have a delayed access to care. Conclusions. The delay in access to care may not be totally attributed to inadequate management by health professionals, but may be a characteristic of the disease itself, at least in part independent of the organization of the health system.
Simulation of wind gust – Producing thunderstorm outflow over Mahakam block using WRF

Wind gust is an event of sudden rising in the speed of the wind, which potentially damage the structures exposed to it. For an example, there was an oil rig accident, which make it run aground due to wind gust event in the Mahakam Block, East Kalimantan on 24 February 2011. The wind gust event was caused by a thunderstorm outflow from a convective cloud that located to the west of the Mahakam Block. In this study, a wind gust simulation that caused by thunderstorm outflow was performed using Weather Research and Forecasting - Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) model. The convective cloud associated with the wind gust event was successfully simulated using the WRF model. When reaching the Mahakam Block, the convective cloud has already begun to enter dissipation stage and its thunderstorm outflow begun to the early mature stage. While entering the mature stage, the thunderstorm outflow produces the wind gust event at that time. The wind speed parameters of the WRF model output show similar results with observational data in five observation stations in the Mahakam Block. The average increase in the speed of the wind during the wind gust event is at least 70% at the locations of the five observation stations.Wind gust is an event of sudden rising in the speed of the wind, which potentially damage the structures exposed to it. For an example, there was an oil rig accident, which make it run aground due to wind gust event in the Mahakam Block, East Kalimantan on 24 February 2011. The wind gust event was caused by a thunderstorm outflow from a convective cloud that located to the west of the Mahakam Block. In this study, a wind gust simulation that caused by thunderstorm outflow was performed using Weather Research and Forecasting - Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) model. The convective cloud associated with the wind gust event was successfully simulated using the WRF model. When reaching the Mahakam Block, the convective cloud has already begun to enter dissipation stage and its thunderstorm outflow begun to the early mature stage. While entering the mature stage, the thunderstorm outflow produces the wind gust event at that time. The wind speed parameters of the WRF model output show similar results with observ.
Reasons for and patterns relating to the extraction of permanent teeth in a subset of the Saudi population

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons for and patterns of extraction of permanent teeth in a subset of the Saudi population. Methods During a 3-month period, dentists were asked to record, using a specially designed survey form, the reasons for every extraction of a permanent tooth. The reasons for tooth extraction were assigned to different causes, ie, dental caries, periodontal disease, eruption problems, trauma, orthodontics, failed root canal treatment, and others. The data requested for each extraction were: patient age, gender, nationality, and type of tooth removed and the reason for its extraction. Results The highest percentage of extractions was observed in young females aged 10–30 years. Presence of caries was observed to be the main reason for extraction (50.2%) followed by orthodontic problems (18.2%), eruption problems (17.5%), and periodontal problems (8.2%). The most frequently extracted posterior teeth were the third mandibular molar (19.4%), the third maxillary molar (16.4%), the first maxillary premolar (13.2%), and the first mandibular molar (10.9%). Conclusion Dental caries was found to be the most common reason for extraction of teeth. Molar teeth were found to be the most frequently extracted, with an increased number of extracted first premolars as a result of orthodontic treatment. The highest percentage of extractions was observed in young females aged 10–30 years.