Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous liver biopsy in clinical practice

Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the standard procedure for obtaining hepatic tissue for histopathological examination, and remains an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of parenchymal liver diseases. The use of liver biopsy (LB) is increasing with the advent of liver transplantation and the progress being made in antiviral therapeutic agents. While blind percutaneous needle biopsy is the traditional technique, the use of ultrasound (US) guidance has increased considerably. Literatures were reviewed to assess the existing clinical practice of PLB with an emphasis on the technique, the operator, types of biopsy needles, quality of LB specimens and the risk of complications. The best available evidence indicates that the use of ultrasound‐guided biopsy (UGB) is superior to blind needle biopsy (BNB). The odds ratios of the controlled studies showed that BNB carried a higher risk for major complications, postbiopsy pain and biopsy failure. Therefore, percutaneous LB under US control is superior to BNB and it is recommended that UGB be considered the standard of care for this important and widely used invasive procedure in the field of clinical hepatology.
Hydrocephalus and intestinal aganglionosis: is L1CAM a modifier gene in Hirschsprung disease?

Congenital hydrocephalus associated with aqueductal stenosis and/or agenesis of the corpus callosum has been described in newborn males with mutations in L1CAM, a gene that encodes a neural cell adhesion molecule. These males usually have severe mental retardation and may have spastic paraplegia and adducted thumbs. In contrast, Hirschsprung disease, or absence of ganglion cells in the distal gut, has rarely been described in such individuals. We report a male infant who had severe hydrocephalus identified in the prenatal period with evidence of aqueductal stenosis and adducted thumbs at birth. He developed chronic constipation, and rectal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. Molecular testing of the L1CAM gene revealed a G2254A mutation, resulting in a V752M amino acid substitution. A common polymorphism in RET, but no mutation, was identified. Our patient represents the third example of coincident hydrocephalus and Hirschsprung disease in an individual with an identified L1CAM mutation. We hypothesize that L1CAM-mediated cell adhesion may be important for the ability of ganglion cell precursors to populate the gut, and that L1CAM may modify the effects of a Hirschsprung disease-associated gene to cause intestinal aganglionosis.
Data Rate Theorem for Stabilization Over Time-Varying Feedback Channels

A data rate theorem for stabilization of a linear, discrete-time, dynamical system with arbitrarily large disturbances, over a rate-limited, time-varying communication channel is presented. Necessary and sufficient conditions for stabilization are derived, their implications and relationships with related results in the literature are discussed. The proof techniques rely on both information-theoretic and control-theoretic tools.
Remediation of Explosives Contaminated Groundwater With Zero-Valent Iron

Abstract : A series of laboratory and field studies was performed to evaluate the in situ degradation of TNT and RDX using permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) made with zero-valent iron (ZVI). The disappearance of both TNT and RDX were shown to be rapid in the laboratory and ex situ field columns. Batch experiments performed with 14C-labelled TNT have showed that the products of reaction with iron metal are partly sequestered on the metal (oxide) particle surfaces. Most of the bound residue could not be solubilized using a range of extraction procedures. However, batch studies over a range of experimental conditions show considerable variability in the degradation products, while the primary TNT degradation product in column studies is TAT. Ex situ column experiments at the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot were used to examine the viability of the ZVI under field conditions. This site is challenging because the dissolved oxygen concentration is high. A series of column experiments were conducted at the site: including columns with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 100% iron by volume is silica sand. In all of these cases, oxygen is rapidly scrubbed from the water by the iron. For the low iron cases, oxygen and RDX breakthrough occurred after several thousand of pore volumes. The columns with higher iron content (30%, 100%) plugged after time. In at least some cases this was due to particulates coming from the column.
Optimal Healing Environments

There is universal agreement that a healing environment is desirable for patients and for providers. What constitutes a healing environment is open to discussion and depends on individual perspectives. The Samueli Institute coined the term Optimal Healing Environment (OHE) in 2004 to describe a healthcare system that is designed to stimulate and support the inherent healing capacity of patients, families, and their care providers. An OHE consists of people in relationships, their health-creating behaviors, and the surrounding physical environment.1 The OHE framework (Figure) is a conceptual framework applicable to health professionals; patients, their families, and significant others; healthcare organizations; and healthcare systems. As an organizing framework, the 8 concepts contained in the 4 environments of the OHE framework provide direction to patients, families, care providers, and organizations to optimize the potential for healing. Each of the environments and constructs of the OHE framework work .
Effects of Metallicity on the Chemical Composition of Carbon Stars

We present Spitzer IRS data on 19 asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, complementing existing published data sets of carbon stars in both Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way, to investigate the effects of metallicity on dust and molecular spectral features arising from the circumstellar envelope. We find that the C2H2 P- and R-branches at 7.5 μm are affected by dust dilution at higher mass-loss rates—albeit to a lesser extent for sources in the Magellanic Clouds, compared to the Milky Way—while the narrow 13.7 μm C2H2 Q-branch only shows the effect of dust dilution at low mass-loss rates. A strong metallicity dependence is not observed for the Q-branch. Independent of metallicity, we also provide an explanation for the observed shifts in the central wavelength of the SiC emission feature, as we show that these are largely caused by molecular band absorption on either side of the dust emission feature, dominating over shifts in the central wavelength caused by self-absorption. We have devised a method to study the dust condensation history in carbon-rich AGB stars in different metallicity environments, by measuring the strength of the 11.3 μm SiC and 30 μm MgS features with respect to the continuum, as a function of mass-loss rate. With this method, it is possible to distinguish in what order SiC and graphite condense, which is believed to be sensitive to the metallicity, prior to the eventual deposit of the MgS layer.
Can asphyxiated infants at risk for neonatal seizures be rapidly identified by current high-risk markers?

OBJECTIVE Markers currently used to identify infants at highest risk for perinatal hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury are insensitive in predicting the subsequent occurrence of neonatal seizures and/or neurodevelopmental sequelae, ie, cerebral palsy. To facilitate therapeutic strategies, early identification of the infant at highest risk for developing seizures secondary to hypoxia ischemia or asphyxia is critical, particularly if novel but potentially toxic therapies currently under experimental investigation become available for clinical use. METHODS Ninety-six inborn term infants considered at high risk for having neonatal seizures secondary to hypoxia ischemia or asphyxia and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit directly after labor and delivery were prospectively evaluated. Markers of high risk included the presence of moderate to thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), fetal heart rate (FHRT) abnormalities abruptio placentae, intubation and positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room (DR), chest compressions and epinephrine administration as part of resuscitation, a 5-minute Apgar score of 5 or less, umbilical cord arterial pH of 7.00 or less, and/or a base deficit of -14 mEq/L or more negative. RESULTS Seizures developed in 5 (5.2%) of the 96 infants. High-risk markers included FHRT abnormalities only (n=36), FHRT abnormalities and MSAF (n=20), MSAF only (n=23), abruptio placentae (n=6), intubation in the DR (n=44), intubation in the neonatal intensive care unit (n=22), chest compressions (n=2), 5-minute Apgar scores of 5 or less (n=21), umbilical cord arterial pH of 7.00 or less (n=21), and base deficits of -14 mEq/L or more negative (n=19). By univariate analysis, significant relationships with seizures were found with Apgar scores, the need for intubation in the DR, umbilical cord arterial pH, and base deficit. Combinations of the identified risk markers showed a strong relationship with seizures with the following odds rations (ORs), 95% confidence limits, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values (PPVs): (1) low cord pH and intubation, OR, 163 (confidence limits, 7.9 and 3343.7); sensitivity, 100%; specificity 94%; and PPV, 50%; (2) low cord pH and low 5-minute Apgar score, OR, 39 (confidence limits, 3.9 and 392.5); sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 91%; and PPV, 33.3%; and (3) low pH, intubation, and low 5-minute Apgar score, OR, 340 (confidence limits, 17.8 and 6480.6); sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 98.8%; and PPV, 80%. CONCLUSIONS A combination of high-risk postnatal markers, specifically, a low 5-minute Apgar score and intubation in the DR in association with severe fetal acidemia, facilitates the identification within the first hour of life of term infants at highest risk for developing seizures secondary to perinatal asphyxia.
Neuroscientific Investigations of Musical Rhythm: Recent Advances and Future Challenges

Neuroscientific research into music has increased noticeably over the last two decades, but how (or if) the findings have improved our understanding of music is debatable. This question is considered in this article, which first describes advances in neuroimaging techniques, and then reviews findings from research in the neuroscience of music (with a focus on rhythm and meter). Some of the difficulties encountered by researchers are highlighted, from lack of consensus about timing mechanisms to difficulties in comparison of neuroscientific findings across different studies. The article ends with a description of several new methodological developments that are likely to feature prominently in future investigations of music and neuroscience.
Effects of a 4-week exercise program on balance using elastic tubing as a perturbation force for individuals with a history of ankle sprains.

STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial with pretraining, posttraining, and follow-up repeated measures. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of a 4-week elastic resistance exercise program on balance in subjects with and without a history of sprained ankles. BACKGROUND Several researchers have suggested that improving balance may help alleviate the symptoms of functional ankle instability and reduce the rate of recurrent ankle sprains. METHODS AND MEASURES Forty subjects (20 males, 20 females; 20 subjects with chronic ankle instability [CAI], 20 healthy) participated in the study. Ten subjects (5 males, 5 females) from each CAI and healthy group were randomly assigned to either the exercise or control group, resulting in a total of 4 groups. Total travel distance of the center of pressure, monitored using a force platform, was measured before training, after 4 weeks of training, and at a 4-week follow-up. RESULTS There were no interactions between gender, ankle sprain history, or training groups. Balance significantly improved in subjects with and without a history of ankle sprains following 4 weeks of elastic resistance exercises. Mean improvement in balance for the exercise group following training, reflected through a decrease in total travel distance, was -11.1 cm (95% confidence interval: -14.0 to -8.2 cm). These improvements in balance were retained 4 weeks after training. CONCLUSIONS Balance was improved after 4 weeks of elastic resistance exercise in subjects with and without a history of lateral ankle sprains. Balance improvements persisted 4 weeks following the treatment cessation.
Chloride ion distribution in twenty-year-old prestressed bridge girders

The distribution of chloride ions was determined for three prestressed concrete bridge girders that had been exposed to deicing salts over a period of 20 years. The amount of chlorides in the deck slab was also investigated. The level of chlorides in the bridge girders at the depth of prestressing strands did not generally exceed 120 ppm by weight of concrete, which is less than the threshold level to initiate corrosion (250 to 510 ppm). There were no visible signs of corrosion evidient on the strands that were subsequently removed from the girders. Samples obtained from the bridge deck contained chloride ion levels on the order of 1000 to 2000 ppm by weight of concrete at the depth of the reinforcement.
Individual, social, and physical environment factors associated with electronic media use among children: sedentary behavior at home.

BACKGROUND Individual, home social and physical environment correlates of electronic media (EM) use among children were examined and pattern of differences on school and weekend days. METHODS Youth (n = 298) aged 11 to 12 years self-reported time spent using EM (TV, video/DVD, computer use, and electronic games) on a typical school and a weekend day, each dichotomized at the median to indicate heavy and light EM users. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Logistic regression examined correlates of EM use. RESULTS In total, 87% of participants exceeded electronic media use recommendations of ≤ 2 hrs/day. Watching TV during breakfast (OR = 3.17) and after school (OR = 2.07), watching TV with mother (OR = 1.96), no rule(s) limiting time for computer game usage (OR = 2.30), having multiple (OR = 2.99) EM devices in the bedroom and BMI (OR = 1.15) were associated with higher odds of being heavy EM user on a school day. Boys (OR = 2.35) and participants who usually watched TV at midday (OR = 2.91) and late at night (OR = 2.04) had higher odds of being a heavy EM user on the weekend. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to modify children's EM use should focus on a mix of intervention strategies that address patterns and reinforcement of TV viewing, household rules limiting screen time, and the presence of EM devices in the child's bedroom.
Relationship of uptake and binding of an antileukemic phthalanilide to its biochemical and chemotherapeutic effects on P388 lymphocytic leukemia cells.

An antileukemic phthalanilide, 2-chloro-4′,4″-di(2-imidazolin-2-yl)terephthalanilide (NSC 60339), was taken up by P388 lymphocytic leukemia cells growing in culture. The uptake was related to the extracellular concentration of drug and the length of exposure to drug. The drug was extracted from the cells in 3 forms: lipid-bound, hydrophilic-bound, and “free. ” The levels of both bound components correlated significantly with the chemotherapeutic response, and it was found by multiple regression analysis that the chemotherapeutic response was related to the level of the lipid-bound component, less related to the hydrophilic-bound drug, and not related to the level of the “free” drug. In addition, the inhibitions of biosynthetic capabilities of treated cells (DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid synthesis) were compared with intracellular drug concentration and with chemotherapy. Inhibition of DNA and protein synthesis occurred at drug concentrations which did not elicit a chemotherapeutic response; inhibition of lipid and RNA synthesis occurred at higher intracellular drug levels which killed the cells and therefore prolonged the life of the host mice. At intracellular drug concentrations which resulted in pronounced chemotherapy, DNA and lipid syntheses were completely inhibited, but RNA and protein syntheses were not.
Biology of Acinetobacter baumannii: Pathogenesis, Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms, and Prospective Treatment Options

Acinetobacter baumannii is undoubtedly one of the most successful pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired nosocomial infections in the modern healthcare system. Due to the prevalence of infections and outbreaks caused by multi-drug resistant A. baumannii, few antibiotics are effective for treating infections caused by this pathogen. To overcome this problem, knowledge of the pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii is important. In this review, we summarize current studies on the virulence factors that contribute to A. baumannii pathogenesis, including porins, capsular polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, phospholipases, outer membrane vesicles, metal acquisition systems, and protein secretion systems. Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of this organism, including acquirement of β-lactamases, up-regulation of multidrug efflux pumps, modification of aminoglycosides, permeability defects, and alteration of target sites, are also discussed. Lastly, novel prospective treatment options for infections caused by multi-drug resistant A. baumannii are summarized.
Adjuvant radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil after curative resection of cancer of the pancreas and periampullary region: phase III trial of the EORTC gastrointestinal tract cancer cooperative group.

OBJECTIVE The survival benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil versus observation alone after surgery was investigated in patients with pancreatic head and periampullary cancers. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA A previous study of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy in these cancers by the Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Cooperative Group of EORTC has been followed by other studies with conflicting results. METHODS Eligible patients with T1-2N0-1aM0 pancreatic head or T1-3N0-1aM0 periampullary cancer and histologically proven adenocarcinoma were randomized after resection. RESULTS Between 1987 and 1995, 218 patients were randomized (108 patients in the observation group, 110 patients in the treatment group). Eleven patients were ineligible (five in the observation group and six in the treatment group). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. One hundred fourteen patients (55%) had pancreatic cancer (54 in the observation group and 60 in the treatment group). In the treatment arm, 21 patients (20%) received no treatment because of postoperative complications or patient refusal. In the treatment group, only minor toxicity was observed. The median duration of survival was 19.0 months for the observation group and 24.5 months in the treatment group (log-rank, p = 0.208). The 2-year survival estimates were 41% and 51 %, respectively. The results when stratifying for tumor location showed a 2-year survival rate of 26% in the observation group and 34% in the treatment group (log-rank, p = 0.099) in pancreatic head cancer; in periampullary cancer, the 2-year survival rate was 63% in the observation group and 67% in the treatment group (log-rank, p = 0.737). No reduction of locoregional recurrence rates was apparent in the groups. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant radiotherapy in combination with 5-fluorouracil is safe and well tolerated. However, the benefit in this study was small; routine use of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is not warranted as standard treatment in cancer of the head of the pancreas or periampullary region.
Global sourcing versus domestic sourcing: Implementation of technology, competitive advantage, and performance

Abstract While it is thought that global sourcing is critical to achieve competitive advantage, no substantial empirical data has been provided with respect to its role in increasing companies' performance and in sustaining competitive advantages. This industry-specific exploratory study is designed to fill these voids of previous studies and to provide a realistic picture of current global sourcing practices. This study particularly compared global sourcing versus domestic sourcing firms in terms of implementation of technology, perceptions of competitive advantage, and performance. The survey results, with 113 US apparel manufacturers responding, showed that companies with large sales volumes who produce fashion-oriented apparel products significantly source globally. Companies with small sales volumes and focusing basic items tend to source domestically. Global versus domestic sourcing firms were significantly different in implementation of some technologies, sources of competitive advantage, and operational performances. However, in terms of market performances, global versus domestic sourcing firms were not significantly different. Based on findings, theoretical and practical implications were suggested.
Inverse Determination of Thermal Boundary Conditions from Transient Surface Temperatures and Strains in Slabs and Tubes

For most problems where the thermal boundary condition (temperature or flux) is known a priori, the analytical procedure for determining internal temperatures, strains, and/or stresses is tractable with many solutions available. Although more practical from a measurement standpoint, the inverse problem where the boundary conditions must be determined from remotely determined temperature and/or flux data is ill posed and inherently sensitive to data errors. Moreover, only a limited number of solutions are available, and they are usually restricted to timeframes before the thermal wave reaches any boundaries. Fortunately, a generalized direct solution based on strain histories can be used to determine thermal boundary conditions via a least squares determination of coefficients. Once the inverse problem is solved and the unknown boundary condition determined, the resulting polynomial can then be used with the generalized direct solution to determine the thermal and stress states as a function of time and position. For thick slabs and tubes, excellent agreement was seen with various test cases. The derived solutions appear to be well suited for many thermal scenarios provided the analysis is restricted to the time interval used to determine the polynomial and the thermophysical properties that do not vary with temperature.
Augmentation with Atypical Antipsychotics for Depression: A Review of Evidence‐Based Support from the Medical Literature

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic mental illness that affects an estimated 5–26% of adults at some time in their lives. Treatment is often started as pharmacotherapy using a single drug such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. If a patient fails to respond adequately to the initial antidepressant, typically three pharmacotherapy options are available to the practitioner. The dose of the current therapy can be maximized, a change can be made to a different drug, or the current regimen can be augmented with another drug. Atypical antipsychotics have recently become a major focus for augmentation of traditional antidepressant therapy.