Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone metastases from thyroid carcinoma: a histopathologic study with clinical correlates.

CONTEXT Only limited information exists on the pathologic aspects of thyroid carcinomas with bone metastases, most large studies having concentrated mainly on their clinical features. OBJECTIVE To study in detail the morphologic features of thyroid carcinomas with skeletal metastases. DESIGN Seventy-nine cases of thyroid carcinoma with bone metastases treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, between 1964 and 1998 were investigated, with emphasis on the pathology of the primary and/or metastatic tumors and comparison of the morphologic features of the tumors at both the sites, wherever possible. The tumors were also compared for various clinical parameters. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 22 papillary, 17 follicular, 16 insular, 10 anaplastic, 9 Hürthle cell, and 5 medullary carcinomas. Of these cases, 68% had poorly differentiated or undifferentiated features in the primary and/or metastatic tumors. The metastatic tumors were better differentiated than the primary in one third of the cases (6 of 18). Only one case showed a less differentiated metastasis. The overall 5- and 10-year survival probabilities after the bone metastases were 29% and 13%, respectively (Kaplan-Meier method). Although both the tumor type and differentiation seemed to affect survivals after bone metastasis (P =.007 and.012, respectively) (log-rank test), this was primarily due to the much worse prognosis in the cases of anaplastic and medullary carcinoma. Cases of Hürthle cell carcinoma showed the longest median survival. There was no significant difference in survival among patients up to or older than 45 years at the time of metastases (P =.31). CONCLUSIONS Most thyroid carcinomas with bone metastases are of papillary type, and most have poorly differentiated or undifferentiated features. The influence of the microscopic tumor type and tumor differentiation on survival after bone metastasis primarily appears to be due to the much worse prognosis among anaplastic and medullary carcinomas. Age at diagnosis of bone metastases does not influence survivals.
Myocardial Autophagy after Severe Burn in Rats

Background Autophagy plays a major role in myocardial ischemia and hypoxia injury. The present study investigated the effects of autophagy on cardiac dysfunction in rats after severe burn. Methods Protein expression of the autophagy markers LC3 and Beclin 1 were determined at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 h post-burn in Sprague Dawley rats subjected to 30% total body surface area 3rd degree burns. Autophagic, apoptotic, and oncotic cell death were evaluated in the myocardium at each time point by immunofluorescence. Changes of cardiac function were measured in a Langendorff model of isolated heart at 6 h post-burn, and the autophagic response was measured following activation by Rapamycin and inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA). The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat, the angiotensin receptor I blocker losartan, and the reactive oxygen species inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI) were also applied to the ex vivo heart model to examine the roles of these factors in post-burn cardiac function. Results Autophagic cell death was first observed in the myocardium at 3 h post-burn, occurring in 0.008 ± 0.001% of total cardiomyocytes, and continued to increase to a level of 0.022 ± 0.005% by 12 h post-burn. No autophagic cell death was observed in control hearts. Compared with apoptosis, autophagic cell death occurred earlier and in larger quantities. Rapamycin enhanced autophagy and decreased cardiac function in isolated hearts 6 h post-burn, while 3-MA exerted the opposite response. Enalaprilat, losartan, and DPI all inhibited autophagy and enhanced heart function. Conclusion Myocardial autophagy is enhanced in severe burns and autophagic cell death occurred early at 3 h post-burn, which may contribute to post-burn cardiac dysfunction. Angiotensin II and reactive oxygen species may play important roles in this process by regulating cell signaling transduction.
Effect of Piracetam on Recovery and Rehabilitation After Stroke: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Summary:The nootropic agent piracetam has been shown to improve learning and memory, and it may, by this means, facilitate recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke. We report the results of a pilot study exploring its effects in patients undergoing rehabilitation after acute cerebral infarction in the carotid artery territory. We compared piracetam and placebo, each given for 12 weeks, in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of parallel-group design; testing was performed at baseline (6–9 weeks poststroke), weeks 5 and 12, and, in fewer patients, 12 weeks after termination of treatment. Standardized tests of activities of daily living (Barthel Index, Kuriansky Test), aphasia (Aachen Aphasia Test), and perception (Rivermead Perception Assessment Battery) were the primary efficacy variables. Of 158 patients, 137 (81 males, 56 females) were studied after treatment and 88 at 24-week follow-up. Thirty patients on piracetam (45%) and 37 on placebo (53%) were aphasic on entry. Both groups, including the subgroups with aphasia, were well matched at baseline for demographic data, stroke sequelae, type and severity of aphasia, and prognostic parameters. Multivariate analysis of Aachen Aphasia subtest scores showed a significant overall improvement relative to baseline in favor of piracetam (p = 0.02) at 12 weeks. This was not seen at 24 weeks when, however, fewer patients were available for evaluation so that we could neither confirm nor deny whether improvement was maintained after cessation of piracetam. We were unable to demonstrate an effect on tests of activities of daily living and could neither confirm nor exclude an effect on perceptual deficit. We have shown an improvement in aphasia in patients undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke after 12 weeks' treatment with piracetam that requires confirmation in further studies.
Current Trends of Vocabulary Teaching and Learning Strategies for EFL Settings

This paper sets out to examine the current vocabulary teaching and learning strategies based on research studies. It first reviews the historical development of vocabulary status in the ELT pedagogy. It then analyses the current vocabulary teaching and learning strategies by considering the strengths and weaknesses of the contextual and de-contextual perspectives of getting access to and retaining vocabulary. The analysis illustrates that effective vocabulary teaching strategies have the nature of the contextual and consolidating (2C) dimensions and dynamics. Effective vocabulary learning strategies can be illustrated by the dimensions and dynamics of a 5R model – receiving, recognizing, retaining, retrieving, and recycling. This paper further proposes a reciprocal co-ordinate model of vocabulary pedagogy, 2C-5R, for EFL classrooms, because effective vocabulary teaching strategies need to be incorporated into learners’ vocabulary learning process. Finally, recognizing the weaknesses of vocabulary teaching in class, the paper suggests an important aspect of vocabulary teaching. That is, on the one hand, teachers should explore the various dimensions and dynamics of individual approaches to learning vocabulary. On the other hand, students need to be informed of a broad range of vocabulary learning strategies.
Management of anticoagulated patients in implant therapy: a clinical comparative study.

OBJECTIVES This prospective clinical comparative study aimed to analyze the postoperative bleeding risk of patients continuing their anticoagulation therapy (AT) and undergoing implant surgery and bone grafting procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The treatments ranged from the insertion of single or multiple dental implants over implant exposures to sinus floor augmentation and vertical and/or lateral bone grafting with autologous bone grafts. The patients of the test groups (AT groups) were treated with platelet aggregation inhibitors (PAIs), Vitamin-K inhibitors, Vitamin-K inhibitor withdrawal bridged with heparin (LMWH), or new/direct oral anticoagulants (NOACs/DOACs). Patients of the control group were non-anticoagulated (non-AT group). Surgical procedures were performed in the same manner in all groups. Pre, intra, and postoperative data concerning the treatment, extent of the surgery and bleedings was recorded and statistically evaluated. RESULTS There were seven postoperative bleedings in 564 patients (1.2%), four in the AT groups (3.4%), and three in the non-AT group (0.6%). No thromboembolic complication occurred in the whole observation period. The invasiveness of the surgical procedure had no statistically significant effect on bleeding frequencies. Patients taking Vitamin-K inhibitors had a significantly higher risk of a postoperative bleeding compared to patients without any AT (P = 0.038). Two patients were hospitalized due to the severity of the bleeding as a precautionary measure (one in the non-AT and one in the PAI group). All bleedings were easily controllable with local hemostatic measures. There was no postoperative bleeding recorded for patients taking DOACs. CONCLUSIONS Anticoagulation therapy should be continued in patients undergoing implant surgery and bone grafting procedures avoiding thromboembolic complications. Surgeons should always apply the most minimally invasive approach to reduce postoperative risks and be able to apply local hemostatic measures in terms of a bleeding complication.
Detection of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 1 Among Blood Donors From Southwest of Iran

Background Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in developing countries and reveals significant regional differences. Several studies have reported virus transmission via blood transfusion. To date, however, no cases of HEV RNA detection in blood donors have been reported from Iran. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the presence of HEV RNA in plasma samples of blood donors referred to a blood transfusion center in Shiraz in the southwest of Iran. The HEV genotypes were also investigated using nucleotide sequencing. Patients and Methods Blood samples were collected from 700 blood donors who were referred to Fars blood transfusion organization from January to March 2014. Plasma samples were screened for the presence of HEV IgG and IgM antibodies by standard enzyme immunoassay. Samples seroreactive to anti-HEV were further tested for the presence of HEV RNA using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal primers for detection of all four HEV genotypes. Positive PCR samples were then subjected to DNA sequencing for further analysis. Results Fifty (50, 7.1%) out of 700 plasma samples tested positive for anti-HEV antibodies. HEV RNA was detected in 7/50 (12%) of the antibody-positive samples, the majority of which were IgM positive. Sequence analysis of seven isolates of the HEV RNA ORF 2 gene region revealed > 80% similarity with genotype 1. Conclusions The analysis indicates that the HEV isolated from blood donors in the southwest of Iran belongs to genotype 1. However, more samples from other geographic regions of Iran are needed to confirm these findings. Because transmission of HEV by administration of blood or blood components is likely to occur, it may be sensible to screen donor blood for HEV to eliminate transfusion-transmitted HEV infection when the recipient is immunocompromised.
TPT-RAID: a High Performance Box-Fault Tolerant Storage System

TPT-RAID is a multi-box RAID wherein each ECC group comprises at most one block from any given storage box, and can thus tolerate a box failure. It extends the idea of an out-of band SAN controller into the RAID: data is sent directly between hosts and targets and among targets, and the RAID controller supervises ECC calculation by the targets. By preventing a communication bottleneck in the controller, excellent scalability is achieved while retaining the simplicity of centralized control. TPT-RAID, whose controller can be a software module within an out-of-band SAN controller, moreover conforms to a conventional switched network architecture, whereas an in-band RAID controller would either constitute a communication bottleneck or would have to also be a full-fledged router. The design is validated in an InfiniBand-based prototype using /SCSI and /SER, and required changes to relevant protocols are introduced.
The effect of dyadic intervention on self‐efficacy, social support, and depression for men with prostate cancer

Urinary and sexual dysfunctions are side effects of radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PC) that contribute to depression. Despite the effectiveness of support groups at reducing depression in cancer patients, men typically do not participate in them. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the effects of a dyadic intervention (one‐to‐one support) on social support (Modified Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors), self‐efficacy (Stanford Inventory of Cancer Patient Adjustment), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale). Subjects were randomized to group. Controls (N=15; Mage=59.7) received usual care. Experimentals were paired with long‐term survivors (LTS) who had RP and who had treatment side effects in common. Experimentals (N=15; Mage=57.5) met with a LTS 8 times in 8 weeks to discuss concerns associated with survivorship. No significant differences were detected on social support, but after 4 weeks, significant differences were present on depression between controls and experimentals, however these differences were not seen at 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, there were also significant differences on self‐efficacy between controls and experimentals. Weekly anecdotal data supported the feasibility and acceptance of the intervention that was a low cost strategy effective at reducing depression and increasing self‐efficacy in men treated by RP. Future research directions and clinical application is presented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Portfolio Theory: A Step Toward Its Practical Application

The modern theory of portfolio analysis dates from the pioneering work of Markowitz. ' Of paramount importance to the practical application of this theory is the ability to assess accurately the future performance of portfolios of risky assets. With accurate assessments, an investor can optimize his choice of a portfolio on the two dimensions of risk and expected return. In spite of the need of obtaining accurate assessments of future performance in applying portfolio analysis to a practical situation, there has been virtually no statistical analysis of the empirical properties of explicit methods of assessing future performance. This paper proposes two different methods of assessing future performance or, more technically, of assessing predictive or subjective distributions of future returns. These two different methods will be compared by evaluating the accuracy of the predictive distributions derived under these two alternatives, using as a criterion the degree of approximation between these predictive distributions and the underlying distributions generating the future returns. After reviewing some of the more important theoretical and empirical properties of symmetric, stable distributions in section II, section III develops the first method which assesses predictive distributions of the returns for all the assets individually and then aggregates these distributions into predictive distributions for portfolios. This procedure is implicit in Sharpe's well-known diagonal algorithm for calculating the efficient set.2 This paper shows that this first method of aggregation requires certain empirical assumptions about the predictive distributions for the individual assets. After sections IV and V describe the sample and the statistical design, section VI uses this first method to assess predictive distributions for a sample of portfolios of common stocks using historical data and compares these predictive distributions to the generating distributions of the future returns. The closeness of the approximation of these predictive distributions to the future generating distributions varies considerably with the particular empirical assumptions used in the process of aggregation. The second method to be presented in section VII assesses the predictive distributions of future returns for portfolios directly rather than first assessing the distributions for the individual assets. This second or alternative method still requires some of the assumptions needed by the first method. Neverthe* The author is deeply indebted to Professors Eugene Fama, Lawrence Fisher, Merton Miller, and Harry Roberts for their very helpful advice. In addition, the comments of Professors Robert Keeley, Benjamin King, Michael Jensen, and Myron Scholes were appreciated.
Plasma Norepinephrine During Stress in Essential Hypertension

SUMMARY Comparative studies of plasma norepinephrine in patients with essential hypertension and in nonnotensive controls have consistently reported higher mean resting levels of norepinephrine in the hypertensive groups, but the hypertenslve-nonnotenslve differences have often been small and, in about three-fifths of the studies, not statistically significant. The author reviewed the medical literature to test the hypothesis that, during stress, hypertenslve-nonnotenslve differences in norepinephrine become more apparent. Among 24 studies involving orthostatic stress, the increment in norepinephrine with standing was similar for hypertensives and normotensives (239 vs 230 pg/ml). In contrast, among eight studies involving exercise, the increment in norepinephrine was significantly greater in hypertensives (834 vs 450 pg/ml). For both standing and isotonic exercise, absolute changes in norepinephrine with stress correlated with basal norepinephrine across the hypertensive but not the nonnotensive groups. These results are consistent with the existence within the hypertensive population of a subgroup of patients with elevated norepinephrine levels at rest and excessive sympathetic responsiveness to stress. However, the available literature is deddedly lacking in studies about other types of stress besides standing and exercise.
Partnership in Mental Health and Child Welfare

Abstract Mental illness is an issue for a number of families reported to child protection agencies. Parents with mental health problems are more vulnerable, as are their children, to having parenting and child welfare concerns. A recent study undertaken in the Melbourne Children's Court (Victoria, Australia) found that the children of parents with mental health problems comprised just under thirty percent of all new child protection applications brought to the Court and referred to alternative dispute resolution, during the first half of 1998. This paper reports on the study findings, which are drawn from a descriptive survey of 228 Pre-Hearing Conferences. A data collection schedule was completed for each case, gathering information about the child welfare concerns, the parents' problems, including mental health problems, and the contribution by mental health professionals to resolving child welfare concerns. The study found that the lack of involvement by mental health social workers in the child protection system meant the Children's Court was given little appreciation of either a child's emotional or a parent's mental health functioning. The lack of effective cooperation between the adult mental health and child protection services also meant decisions made about these children were made without full information about the needs and the likely outcomes for these children and their parents. This lack of interagency cooperation between mental health social work and child welfare also emerged in the findings of the Icarus project, a cross-national project, led by Brunel University, in England. This project compared the views and responses of mental health and child welfare social workers to the dependent children of mentally ill parents, when there were child protection concerns. It is proposed that adult mental health social workers involve themselves in the assessment of, and interventions in, child welfare cases when appropriate, and share essential information about their adult, parent clients. Children at risk of abuse and neglect are the responsibility of all members of the community, and relevant professional groups must accept this responsibility.
Inclusive spectra in charmless semileptonic B decays by dressed gluon exponentiation

The triple differential spectrum in Xul is computed by Dressed Gluon Exponentiation (DGE). In this framework the on-shell calculation, converted into hadronic variables, can be directly used as an approximation to the meson decay spectrum, without involving a leading–power non-perturbative function. Sudakov resummation for the fully differential Xul width is formulated in moment space, where moments are defined using the ratio between the lightcone momentum components of the partonic jet p+/p− and the hard scale is p−. In these variables the correspondence with the Xsγ case is transparent. The Sudakov exponent is known to next–to–next–to–leading logarithmic accuracy. Further constraints are put on its Borel sum using the cancellation of the leading renormalon ambiguity and the absence of the next–to–leading one, which was proven in the large–β0 limit and assumed here to be general. Based on the resummed spectrum, matched to the fully differential NLO result, we calculate the event fraction associated with experimental cuts on the hadronic mass (or the small lightcone component) as well as on the lepton energy. Finally, we extract |Vub| from recent measurements by Belle and analyze the theoretical uncertainty.
Aging in autism: Symptomatology, co-occurring psychopathology, and cognitive functioning across the adult lifespan

Whereas working memory (WM) performance in typical development increases across childhood and adolescence, and decreases during adulthood, WM development seems to be delayed in young individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). How WM changes when individuals with ASD grow old is largely unknown. We bridge this gap with a cross-sectional study comparing age-related patterns in WM performance (n-back task: three load levels) among a large sample of individuals with and without ASD (N = 275) over the entire adult lifespan (19– 79 years) as well as inter-individual differences therein. Results demonstrated that, despite longer RTs, adults with ASD showed similar WM performance to adults without ASD. Age-related differences appeared to be different among adults with and without ASD as adults without ASD showed an age-related decline in WM performance, which was not so evident in adults with ASD. Moreover, only IQ scores reliably dissociated inter-individual differences in age-gradients, but no evidence was found for a role of basic demographics, comorbidities, and executive functions. These findings provide initial insights into how ASD modulates cognitive aging, but also underline the need for further WM research into late adulthood in ASD and for analyzing individual change trajectories in longitudinal studies.