Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Comparative Study of Ultrasonography, Contrast-Enhanced MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT for Detecting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in T1 Breast Cancer

Purpose A more noninvasive evaluation of axillary lymph node in breast cancer is one of the principal challenges of breast cancer treatment. To detect axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in T1 breast cancer, we have compared the axillary ultrasonography (AUS), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to determine the most adequate test or a combination of tests. Methods Retrospectively, 349 T1 breast cancer patients who were preoperatively examined using AUS, cMRI, and PET/CT between 2008 and 2011 and whom underwent pathological evaluations of axillary lymph nodes were reviewed and analyzed. Results In total, 26.4% (92/349) of patients exhibited ALNM. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of AUS for determining ALNM were 44.6%, 88.7%, 58.6%, 81.7%, and 77.1%, respectively. cMRI was similar to AUS. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of PET/CT were 44.5%, 94.2%, 73.2%, 82.6%, and 81.1%, respectively. The combination including cMRI and PET/CT was the most accurate with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy values of 39.1%, 98.8%, 92.3%, 81.9%, and 83.1%, respectively. The mean number (3.5±4.2) of ALNMs in the patients who were positive based on cMRI and PET/CT and also pathologically proven to exhibit ALNM was significantly larger than the number (2.16±2.26) in other patients who exhibited ALNM (p=0.035). Conclusion There are no definitive modalities for detecting ALNM in T1 breast cancers to replace sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). If ALNM is suspected based on cMRI and PET/CT, the axillary dissection without SLNB might be a better option because it is related to high possibilities of ALNM and large axillary metastatic volumes.
Iron deficiency and in vitro iron chelation reduce the expression of cluster of differentiation molecule (CD)28 but not CD3 receptors on murine thymocytes and spleen cells

Cluster of differentiation molecule (CD)3 and CD28 receptors play crucial roles in T-lymphocyte proliferation. Fe deficiency in man and animals impairs T-lymphocyte proliferation by unknown mechanisms. To test the hypothesis that reduced CD3 and CD28 expression is one of them, thymocytes and splenocytes from control (C; n 24), Fe-deficient (ID; n 24), pair-fed (PF; n 24), and ID mice that were Fe-repleted for 3 (R3; n 24) or 14d (R14; n 12) were labelled with anti-CD3-fluorescein isothiocyanate and anti-CD28-phycoerythrin antibodies. Positive cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Significant differences were observed among groups in the mean levels of haemoglobin and liver Fe stores (C=PF=R14>R3>ID; P<0·005). While Fe deficiency slightly increased the percentage of CD3+ splenocytes, it reduced that of CD28+ thymocytes in mice with thymus atrophy and splenomegaly (P<0·05). These changes were corrected by Fe repletion. CD28 mean fluorescence intensity (FI) was lower and CD3 FI was higher in lymphocytes from R3 and ID, especially those with splenomegaly, than in those from R14 and PF mice (P<0·05). In vitro Fe chelation by deferoxamine (60min) significantly decreased CD28 expression (P<0·05), and slightly increased that of CD3 (P>0·05). Spleen cell proliferative responses to concanavalin A and anti-CD3±anti-CD28 were reduced by Fe deficiency (ID≤R3<C=PF<R14; P<0·05); and they correlated with FI and percentages of CD3+ and CD28+ cells (r≤0·69; P<0·05). Indicators of Fe status negatively correlated with CD3 FI (r−0·23), but positively correlated with CD28 FI (r≤0·44; P<0·05). Data suggest that altered CD28 expression may contribute to reduced T-cell proliferation during Fe deficiency.
Preparation and Characterization of Phosphate Glass Fibers and Fabrication of Poly(caprolactone) Matrix Resorbable Composites

Phosphate glass fibers (20Na2O—24CaO—16MgO—40P 2O5) were prepared with varying pulling speeds from 50 to 2000 m/min. Fiber diameters ranging from 48 ± 6 μm to 12 ± 4 μm were obtained at pulling speeds of 50 and 2000 m/min respectively. Degradation tests of the fibers (up to 7 days) were carried out in aqueous medium at 37°C and indicated that phosphate glass fibers experience a higher mass loss initially before reaching a plateau. Before composite fabrication, fibers were treated using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Phosphate glass fiber reinforced poly(ε-caprolactone) matrix unidirectional composites were prepared by using both in-situ polymerization and compression molding techniques. For in-situ polymerized composites (25% fiber by volume), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), and impact strength (IS) were found to be 105 MPa, 5.9 GPa, 88 MPa, 6.8 GPa, and 27 kJ/m2, respectively. For compression molded composites (10% fiber by volume), FS, FM, TS, TM, and IS were found to be 55 MPa, 2.1 GPa, 46 MPa, 1.6 GPa, and 14 kJ/m2 respectively. After 6 weeks of immersion in aqueous media (37°C), the fibers inside the composite had degraded as determined by scanning electron microscope.
Dynamics of cortical domains in early Drosophila development

ABSTRACT Underlying the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is an actin cortex that includes actin filaments and associated proteins. A special feature of all polarized and epithelial cells are cortical domains, each of which is characterized by specific sets of proteins. Typically, an epithelial cell contains apical, subapical, lateral and basal domains. The domain-specific protein sets contain evolutionarily conserved proteins, as well as cell-type-specific factors. Among the conserved proteins are, the Par proteins, Crumbs complex and the lateral proteins Scribbled and Discs large 1. Organization of the plasma membrane into cortical domains is dynamic and depends on cell type, differentiation and developmental stage. The dynamics of cortical organization is strikingly visible in early Drosophila embryos, which increase the number of distinct cortical domains from one, during the pre-blastoderm stage, to two in syncytial blastoderm embryos, before finally acquiring the four domains that are typical for epithelial cells during cellularization. In this Review, we will describe the dynamics of cortical organization in early Drosophila embryos and discuss the processes and mechanisms underlying cortical remodeling. Summary: Cortical domains are a central feature of epithelial and polarised cells. This Review presents the dynamics of cortical domains in early Drosophila embryos and discusses underlying mechanisms for formation of cortical domains.
Degree of vision impairment influence the fight outcomes in the Paralympic judo: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND In the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) judo Sports Classes B1, B2, and B3 compete against each other within weight- and gender-specific categories. B1 athletes are totally blind, whereas B2 and B3 are partially sighted. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the degree of vision impairment on fight outcomes. METHODS We analyzed 1936 fights from official competitions and compare win ratio in fights between discordant Sports Classes. RESULTS B1 won B2 ratio was 34.8%, B1 won B3 ratio was 36.5%, B2 won B3 ratio = 50.6%. The B1 percent of IBSA judo athletes decreased from 25.9% in 2007 to 19.4% in 2016, while the total number of participants increased over this period. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that blind athletes have fewer chances to win a fight in IBSA Judo and become a member of National Team. Loss of vision functions affects movement coordination, balance, and emotional state, which are important for martial arts and may explain why B1 athletes are more likely to lose competitions against either B2 or B3. Creation of the evidence-based and sport-specific classification system and/or improvement of the technical rules are necessary for fair IBSA Judo competitions.
Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Free Flaps in Lower Extremity Traumatic Reconstruction: A Multicenter Outcomes Analysis.

in performing the autologous procedure,4 which the authors themselves recognize as the optimal procedure, and its steep learning curve should not deter plastic surgeons from mastering autologous reconstruction. Finally, although this new technology is exciting and innovative, is the technology available everywhere in the world, especially in those countries with the highest incidence of microtia? Many of these patients live in regions with limited access to medical care and scarce resources, and travel to countries where this technology may be available in the future is unlikely. Moreover, what is the cost of such technologies? What would the learning curve for the physicians be? We agree with Chen et al. that new technologies that allow low-cost, safe, high-quality ear reconstruction would be welcome, with the main focus of improving the overall auricular framework definition. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000004392
The Intersectionality of Stigmas among Key Populations of Older Adults Affected by HIV: a Thematic Analysis

ABSTRACT Objectives: The present study examined the intersectionality of stigma across varying groups of older persons living with HIV (PWH). Methods: Four focus groups of older PWH (gay/bisexual men, heterosexual men, heterosexual and bisexualwomen, and Spanish-speaking) were audio-recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic text analysis was used to identify qualitative themes. Results: Five major themes emerged from the data: 1) disclosure of HIV status; 2) types of stigma experienced; 3) discrimination experienced; 4) other outcomes associated with experiencing stigma; and 5) influence of aging on social isolation experienced due to stigma. Findings indicate women did not suffer from the intersection of stigmas. Other groups suffered from the intersection of stigma due to HIV status and age (gay/bisexual males); HIV status and perceived stigma of sexual orientation or drug use (heterosexual males); and HIV status and culture/ethnicity (Spanish-speaking). Conclusions: Results indicate that many at-risk groups, including heterosexual men, homosexual men, and Spanish-speaking individuals, experience an intersection of stigma between aging and their sexuality, HIV status, or real or perceived drug use. Clinical Implications: Results highlight the need for HIV support, especially social support, to address intersection of stigmas for unique groups of individuals disproportionately affected by HIV.
CLAFS, a Holistic Climatic-Ecological-Anthropogenic Hypothesis on Easter Island's Deforestation and Cultural Change: Proposals and Testing Prospects

This paper reviews the existing hypotheses concerning the cultural shift from the Ancient Cult (AC) to the Birdman Cult (BC) that occurred on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) during the last millennium and introduces a holistic new hypothesis called CLAFS (Climate-Landscape-Anthropogenic Feedbacks and Synergies), which considers a variety of potential drivers of cultural change and their interactions. The CLAFS hypothesis can be tested with future paleoecological studies on new sedimentary sequences such as the new continuous and coherent record encompassing the last millennium from Rano Kao (KAO08-03) using a combination of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP), charcoal, and fecal lipid analyses, at decadal to multidecadal resolution. The Kao record should be be compared with other continuous records of the last millennium available for the two other freshwater bodies of the island, Rano Aroi and Rano Raraku, to obtain an island-wide perspective of spatio-temporal deforestation patterns in relation to climatic shifts and human activities. The CLAFS hypothesis predicts that the shift from the AC to the BC was associated with the drying out and deforestation of Rano Raraku (the center of the AC) by ~1570 CE, followed by human migration to Rano Kao (the social center of the BC), where freshwater and forests were still available. Under the CLAFS scenario, this migration would have occurred by ~1600 CE. Findings to the contrary would require modification and refinement, or outright rejection, of the CLAFS hypothesis and the consideration of alternate hypotheses compatible with new paleoecological evidence. Regardless the final results, archaeological evidence will be required to link climatic and ecological events with cultural developments.
Correction to “Analysis of variability and trends of extreme rainfall events over India using 104 years of gridded daily rainfall data”

[1] In the paper ‘‘Analysis of variability and trends of extreme rainfall events over India using 104 years of gridded daily rainfall data’’ by M. Rajeevan, Jyoti Bhate, and A. K. Jaswal (Geophysical Research Letters, 35, L18707, doi:10.1029/2008GL035143), the affiliations and mailing addresses of Jyoti Bhate and A. K. Jaswal appear incorrectly. The correct affiliations and mailing addresses are shown below. [2] M. Rajeevan, Jyoti Bhate, and A. K. Jaswal [3] National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Tirupati, India. [4] India Meteorological Department, Pune, India.
Safe Surgery Checklist, Patient Safety, Teamwork, and Responsibility—Coequal Demands? A Focus Group Study

The use of World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Safe Surgery checklist is an established practice worldwide and contributes toward ensuring patient safety and collaborative teamwork. The aim of this study was to elucidate operating room nurses’ and operating room nursing students’ experiences and opinions about execution of and compliance with checklists. We chose a qualitative design with semistructured focus group discussions. Qualitative content analysis was conducted. Two main themes were identified; the Safe Surgery checklists have varied influence on teamwork and patient safety, and taking responsibility for executing the checks on the Safe Surgery checklist entails practical and ethical challenges. The experiences and opinions of operating room nurses and their students revealed differences of practices and attitudes toward checklist compliance and the intentions of checklist procedures. These differences are related to cultural and professional distances between team members and their understanding of the Safe Surgery checklists as a tool for patient safety.
Cardiac glycosides suppress the maintenance of stemness and malignancy via inhibiting HIF-1α in human glioma stem cells

Tissue hypoxia contributes to solid tumor pathogenesis by activating a series of adaptive programs. We previously showed that hypoxia promotes the preferential expansion and maintenance of CD133 positive human glioma stem cells (GSC) in a hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α)-dependent mechanism. Here, we examined the activity of digitoxin (DT), a cardiac glycoside and a putative inhibitor of HIF-1α, on human GSC in vitro and in vivo. During hypoxic conditions (1% O2), we observed the effect of DT on the intracellular level of HIF-1α and the extracellular level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human GSC. We found that DT at clinically achievable concentrations, suppressed HIF-1α accumulation during hypoxic conditions in human GSC and established glioma cell lines. DT treatment also significantly attenuated hypoxia-induced expression of VEGF, a downstream target of HIF-1α. Exposure to DT also reduced hypoxia-induced activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Furthermore, DT potently inhibited neurosphere formation, and decreased CD133 expression even at concentrations that were not overtly cytotoxic. Lastly, treatment with DT reduced GSC engraftment in an in vivo xenograft model of glioblastoma. Intraperitoneal injections of DT significantly inhibited the growth of established glioblastoma xenografts, and suppressed expression of HIF-1α and carbonic anhydrase (CA9), a surrogate marker of hypoxia. Taken together, these results suggest that DT at clinically achievable concentration functions as an inhibitor of HIF-1α, worthy of further investigations in the therapy of glioblastoma.
Optimal timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis in spine trauma managed operatively: A nationwide propensity-matched analysis of trauma quality improvement program

BACKGROUND Patients with spinal trauma are at high risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation but they are unclear on timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of early versus late initiation of venous thromboprophylaxis in patients with spinal trauma who underwent operative intervention. METHODS We performed a 2-year (2013–2014) review of patients with isolated spine trauma (spine-Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥ 3 and no other injury in another body region with Abbreviated Injury Scale score, > 2) who underwent operative intervention and received thromboprophylaxis postoperatively. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of initiation of thromboprophylaxis: early(<48 hours) and late(≥48 hours), and were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching for demographics, admission vitals, injury parameters, type of operative intervention, hospital course, and type of prophylaxis(low molecular weight heparin vs. unfractionated heparin). Outcomes were rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism, red-cell transfusions, the rate of operative interventions for spinal cord decompression and mortality after initiation of thromboprophylaxis. RESULTS Nine thousand five hundred eighty-five patients underwent operative intervention and received anticoagulants, of which 3554 patients (early, 1,772; late, 1,772) were matched. Matched groups were similar in demographics, injury parameters, emergency department vitals, hospital length of stay, rates of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and time to operative procedure. Patients who received thromboprophylaxis within 48 hours of operative intervention, unlike those who did not, were less likely to develop DVT (2.1% vs. 10.8%, p < 0. 01). However, the rate of pulmonary embolism was similar in both groups (p = 0.75). Additionally, there was no difference in postprophylaxis red cell transfusion requirements (p = 0.61), rate of postprophylaxis decompressive procedure on the spinal cord (p = 0.27), and mortality (p = 0.53). CONCLUSION Early VTE prophylaxis is associated with decreased rates of DVT in patients with operative spinal trauma without increasing the risk of bleeding and mortality. The VTE prophylaxis should be initiated within 48 hours of surgery to reduce the risk of DVT in this high-risk patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic studies, level IV.
Synthesis and Characterization of Stimuli-Responsive Poly(2-dimethylamino-ethylmethacrylate)-Grafted Chitosan Microcapsule for Controlled Pyraclostrobin Release

Controllable pesticide release in response to environmental stimuli is highly desirable for better efficacy and fewer adverse effects. Combining the merits of natural and synthetic polymers, pH and temperature dual-responsive chitosan copolymer (CS-g-PDMAEMA) was facilely prepared through free radical graft copolymerization with 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl 2-methacrylate (DMAEMA) as the vinyl monomer. An emulsion chemical cross-linking method was used to expediently fabricate pyraclostrobin microcapsules in situ entrapping the pesticide. The loading content and encapsulation efficiency were 18.79% and 64.51%, respectively. The pyraclostrobin-loaded microcapsules showed pH-and thermo responsive release. Microcapsulation can address the inherent limitation of pyraclostrobin that is photo unstable and highly toxic on aquatic organisms. Compared to free pyraclostrobin, microcapsulation could dramatically improve its photostability under ultraviolet light irradiation. Lower acute toxicity against zebra fish on the first day and gradually similar toxicity over time with that of pyraclostrobin technical concentrate were in accordance with the release profiles of pyraclostrobin microcapsules. This stimuli-responsive pesticide delivery system may find promising application potential in sustainable plant protection.
Using the device-oriented subjective outcome (DOSO) scale to measure outcomes of different hearing aids

Abstract Objective: The device-oriented subjective outcome (DOSO) is a device-oriented questionnaire, intended to minimise the influence of personality on self-reported measures. The aim of this study was to provide normative data with 2015-era hearing aid technologies. Design: This retrospective study evaluated data from records of three clinical trials. The DOSO was administered for the participants’ own devices as a part of the intake and after using research devices in the field. Study sample: The DOSO data were collected from 132 experienced bilateral hearing aid wearers who participated in the clinical trials. Results: The DOSO data collected with the participants’ own devices were compared to the interim normative data collected between 2004 and 2005. The DOSO subscale scores from the participants’ own devices were significantly higher than those from the interim norms, except Listening Effort subscale. To demonstrate the utility of the new norms, a separate set of DOSO data collected from the same participants after using research hearing aids were contrasted to the new normative data. After accounting for possible placebo effects, the DOSO data with research devices revealed additional self-reported benefit of technological advancements. Conclusions: Norms for the DOSO are recommended for evaluating hearing aids with more recent technologies.