Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spondylodiscitis Associated With Multiple Level Involvement and Negative Microbiological Tests: An Unusual Case

Study Design. A case report. Objective. To report an unusual case of spondylodiscitis with multiple level involvement. Summary of Background Data. Spondylodiscitis, an infection of the intervertebral disc space, vertebral bodies, or the paraspinal epidural space can be a serious disease because of diagnostic delay and inadequate treatment. Methods. A previously healthy, 52-year-old man was presented to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of acute, atraumatic onset of severe back pain for more than 1 month. Initially, he was misdiagnosed at another clinic as myofascial pain and treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatories and physical therapy, which he did not benefit from. He never complained of fever; however, laboratory tests revealed raised erythrocyte sedimentation values, increased C-reactive protein values but normal leukocyte count. Thoracal and lumbal plain radiographs were nonspecific. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated increased signal intensity in vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc space through T12–L4 and in the paravertebral musculature at L2–L3 with contrast enhancement. Blood cultures and computed tomography-guided needle biopsy and cultures were negative. Results. The patient was treated with oral amoxicillin and clavulanate and responded very well clinically; however, imaging examinations were repeated up to 6 months because of multilevel involvement. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging findings at 3 months and 6 months showed decreased signal intensity, and luckily, there was no evidence of vertebral destruction. Conclusion. Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis could be challenging and commonly missed; however, it should always be included in the differential diagnoses of back pain in the middle aged and healthy population.
Effects of Elevated CO(2) Concentrations on Glycolysis in Intact ;Bartlett' Pear Fruit.

Mature intact ;Bartlett' pear fruit (Pyrus communis L.) were stored under a continuous flow of air or air + 10% CO(2) for 4 days at 20 degrees C. Fruit kept under elevated CO(2) concentrations exhibited reduced respiration (O(2) consumption) and ethylene evolution rates, and remained firmer and greener than fruit stored in air. Protein content, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate levels, and ATP:phosphofructokinase and PPi:phosphofructokinase activities declined, while levels of fructose 6-phosphate and fructose 2,6-bisphosphate increased in fruit exposed to air + 10% CO(2). These results are discussed in light of a possible inhibitory effect of CO(2) at the site of action of both phosphofructokinases in the glycolytic pathway, which could account, at least in part, for the observed reduction in respiration.
Recent Update on One-Minute Rainfall Rate Measurements for Microwave Applications in Nigeria

Rain rate statistics is required for planning both satellite and terrestrial links, especially in the microwave and millimeter wave bands. Presented in this work is the one-minute rain rate statistics observed over seventeen months using an electronic weather station - Davis Vantage Vue. The installation is at the main campus of Osun State University, Osogbo (7° 76' N, 4° 60' E), Nigeria. The cumulative rain rate distribution from the measured rain rate is presented alongside predictions by other prominent models. The R0.01 estimate as high as ~ 120 mm/h was obtained from the surface data and subsequently employed in estimating the fade margin over a hypothetical DTH link for the reception of digital television content at 12.245 GHz from EUTELSAT W4/W7. Estimates presented over time percentages ranging between 0.001% and 1% are dissimilar. However, their suitability for predicting fade margins over this location could be ascertained via a performance analysis, based on experimental attenuation estimates over the link. The first point rain rate estimate from surface data over Osogbo is reported here and will be very useful for modeling rain attenuation and for planning both terrestrial and earth-space microwave links.
Predictors of Participation in Health Care at Menopause

Patient participation in health care is widely advocated but little is known about the factors influencing patients' active participation. To learn whether attitudes and beliefs helped predict patient participation, 252 midlife women completed measures of self-efficacy, perceived barriers to participation, attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions following a decision to support intervention on menopause. Two months following the intervention, 63 women who had visited a health care provider returned questionnaires by mail regarding self-reported participation in the health care encounter and satisfaction with the decision about estrogen replacement therapy. The results were that self-efficacy (β =. 19; p <. 05) significantly predicted intention to participate in the next health care encounter. Both patient intentions (β =. 40; p <. 05) and perceived barriers (β = -.27; p <. 05) were significant predictors of self-reported participation. Active participation (β =. 42; p <. 05) and attitude (β =. 25; p <. 05) were associated with increased satisfaction with decision. Participation resulted in increased self-efficacy (β =. 30; p <. 05). The conclusions were that midlife women who express more confidence in their ability to participate in their health care have greater intentions to participate. Women who experience fewer barriers to participation and have more intention to participate are more likely to report actively participating in a health care encounter, and self-reported participation and more positive attitudes toward participation are associated with greater satisfaction with decisions.
A Mutant Chaperone Converts a Wild-Type Protein into a Tumor-Specific Antigen

Monoclonal antibodies have become important therapeutic agents against certain cancers. Many tumor-specific antigens are mutant proteins that are predominantly intracellular and thus not readily accessible to monoclonal antibodies. We found that a wild-type transmembrane protein could be transformed into a tumor-specific antigen. A somatic mutation in the chaperone gene Cosmc abolished function of a glycosyltransferase, disrupting O-glycan Core 1 synthesis and creating a tumor-specific glycopeptidic neo-epitope consisting of a monosaccharide and a specific wild-type protein sequence. This epitope induced a high-affinity, highly specific, syngeneic monoclonal antibody with antitumor activity. Such tumor-specific glycopeptidic neo-epitopes represent potential targets for monoclonal antibody therapy.
Subjective Intelligibility of Deep Neural Network-Based Speech Enhancement

Recent literature indicates increasing interest in deep neural networks for use in speech enhancement systems. Currently, these systems are mostly evaluated through objective measures of speech quality and/or intelligibility. Subjective intelligibility evaluations of these systems have so far not been reported. In this paper we report the results of a speech recognition test with 15 participants, where the participants were asked to pick out words in background noise before and after enhancement using a common deep neural network approach. We found that, although the objective measure STOI predicts that intelligibility should improve or at the very least stay the same, the speech recognition threshold, which is a measure of intelligibility, deteriorated by 4 dB. These results indicate that STOI is not a good predictor for the subjective intelligibility of deep neural network-based speech enhancement systems. We also found that the postprocessing technique of global variance normalisation does not significantly affect subjective intelligibility.
Comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in military personnel: correlation with polysomnographic variables.

OBJECTIVES Military personnel undergoing polysomnography are typically diagnosed only with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Comorbid insomnia with OSA is a well-established, underappreciated diagnosis. We sought to determine if military personnel with mild OSA met clinical criteria for insomnia and if there was a pattern of polysomnogram (PSG) variables that identified insomnia in these patients. METHODS Retrospective chart review of military personnel with mild OSA; cluster analysis to describe PSG variables. RESULTS 206 personnel assessed, predominately male (96.6%), mean age 36.5 ± 8.14 years, body mass index 30.2 ± 3.66 kg/m(2) and apnea hypopnea index of 8.44 ± 2.92 per hour; 167 (81.1%) met criteria for insomnia. Cluster analysis identified a group of patients (N = 52) with PSG variables of increased wakefulness after sleep onset 77.3 minutes (27.7) (p < 0.001) and decreased sleep efficiency 82.6% (5.82) (p < 0.001) consistent with insomnia. Patients in this group were more likely to meet criteria for insomnia with an odds ratio 5.27 (1.20, 23.1), (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The majority of military personnel with mild OSA meet criteria for insomnia. Roughly one-third of these patients can be identified by a pattern of PSG variables. Recognizing and treating both comorbid insomnia and OSA could improve clinical outcomes.
The cost of IUD failure in China.

By 1988, 71% of the 206 million married Chinese women of reproductive age were using a modern method of contraception. About 60 million women were using IUDs (41%), and 38% relied on tubal ligation, the main methods promoted by the national family planning (FP) program. During several trips to China between May 1990 and October 1991, some serious problems with the use of IUDs in China were discussed with Chinese FP officials. The main IUD produced and used in China is the single-ring, stainless steel IUD, which is made in several sizes (20-23 mm). There are 10 IUD factories in China, most of which manufacture the single ring, the Copper V-200, a uterine-shaped, steel-ring IUD; and several others. The failure and expulsion rates of the single ring are much higher than those of other IUDs. One study, conducted in 1983-84 in 13 provinces, compared 3 IUDs available in China: the single ring, the Copper T-220, and the Copper V-200. The single ring had a 12-month failure (pregnancy) rate of 10.6%, compared with a rate of 1.7% for the Copper T and 2.1% for the Copper V. The 1982 One per Thousand Fertility Survey reported that 34.11% of all abortions obtained by the women surveyed were the result of IUD failure. In abortions obtained by the women surveyed were the result of IUD failure. In a 1987 study, in one county where 32% of the women were using IUDs, 80% of the abortions were obtained after the failure of a contraceptive method, usually the stainless steel IUD. In 1987, there were more than 10 million reported abortions in China that cost the government about $45 million. China's FP program has been criticized for its heavy reliance on abortion. Reducing reliance on the single-ring IUD, by inserting better devices in first-time users and in those women experiencing single-ring failures, may help improve the image of China's FP program.
Motor imagery questionnaire as a method to detect BCI illiteracy

The aim of this study performed on 20 able-bodied right-handed volunteers was to test whether motor imagery questionnaires can be used as a method to detect Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) illiteracy. Participants performed a cue-based kinesthetic imagination of their left and their right hand. Features chosen for classification were power spectral densities in two frequency bands recorded bipolarly over the left hand, right hand and foot motor areas. A strong correlation was found between a kinesthetic imagination score (KI) and a BCI classification accuracy (Pearson r2=0.66), while a weak correlation existed between a visual motor imagination score (VI) and a BCI classification accuracy (Pearson r2=0.23). A weak negative correlation was also found between the KI and the degree of right handedness (Pearson r2=0.245).
Non‐operative management of penetrating liver injuries: A prospective study

This is a report of a study of 63 cases of penetrating liver injuries. Forty‐two patients (67 per cent) who presented with signs of an acute abdomen were operated on. The liver was routinely sutured and drained. There was no incidence of postoperative intra‐abdominal sepsis or haematobilia. In the remaining 21 patients (33 per cent) liver involvement was suggested by the fact that the wound was over the liver region, and penetrated the peritoneum, and abdominal paracentesis for blood was positive or the patient was shocked or pale. The patients in this group had a soft abdomen and they were treated conservatively with observation and blood transfusions if necessary. No complications were recorded in this group. It is concluded that many civilian penetrating injuries of the liver may be managed non‐surgically. If an operative approach is selected suturing of the liver with drainage is the recommended procedure.
Fowler's Type G Penannular Brooches Reconsidered

BASIC, but rigorous, classificatory analysis is still a principal requirement in the archaeology of western and northern Britain in the early post-Roman period. The largest group of mainland penannular brooches—type G in Mrs Elizabeth Fowler's classification—is therefore reviewed in the light of recent discussions, and for the first time most are illustrated. Clear distinctions of type in date and distribution are confirmed, notably between those from Scotland and northern Ireland (7th to 9th centuries) and those from further south (4th(? ) to 6th centuries). The latter are examined in greater detail, and consideration of their dating involves an excursus on late Roman ring brooches.
FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID WITH SALINITY STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF SUNFLOWER ( Helianthus annuus L . ) CROP

The potential agricultural lands are falling prey t o salinity in the world over including Pakistan. The limited water supply is also becoming a serious problem to f eed the humans and livestock production. Therefore, research studies were undertaken to enhance the gro wth and development of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) on saline soils to increase productively of crop. T he treatments consisted of (a) two lines of sunflower (Hysun-33 and LG-56-63), (b) two levels of salinity (0, 120 mM (NaCl)) and (c) two levels of salicylic ac id (0, 200 mg L) and were arranged in a completely randomized desig n w th four replications. The results showed that biological yield was significantly reduce d due to imposition of salinity at the rate of 120 mM (NaCl) on both sunflower lines (Hysun -33, LG 56-63). The stem length was also reduced due to decrease in biological yield in response to salinity. However, the exogenous application of salicylic acid at the rat of 200 mg L mitigated the adverse effects of salts and improve d th biological yield and stem length under saline and non-saline environments. The quantity of chlorophyll (SPAD) values were impacted negatively in response to salt stress, however, the phenomenon was recovered by foliar spray of salicylic acid. The nutrient concentration of K , Cl and Na were altered because of presence of excess quantity of NaCl in the substrate. The translocation of K + ion was reduced substantially, while higher amount o f Na and Cl ions were absorbed, thus creating ionic imbalance in the plant system. The foliar spray of salicylic acid ( 200 mg L) enhanced the uptake of K + from the soil medium. The salicylic acid proved a potential phytoprotectant to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and thereb y improving the physiological and biochemicals attr ibutes, stem length and also enhanced uptake of K + ion while depressing Na + and Cl ions in plant system.
Investigation of in vitro cytotoxicity of the redox state of ionic iron in neuroblastoma cells

Background: there is an intimate relation between transition metals and cell homeostasis due to the physiological necessity of metals in vivo. Particularly, iron (ferrous and ferric state) is utilized in many physiological processes of the cell but in excess has been linked with negative role contributing in many neurodegenerative processes. Objective: the aim of this study was to investigate which oxidation state of ionic iron (Ferrous (II) versus Ferric (III)) is more toxic to neuronal cells (SHSY5Y). Materials and Methods: The neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cells were exposed to varying concentration of ferric and ferrous iron. Morphological studies using immunofluorescence staining and microscopic analysis as confirmed by intracellular glutathione (GSH) test demonstrated oxidative stress to cells in iron microenvironment. In addition, MTT assay was performed to evaluate the viability and metabolic state of the cells. Results: the results showed that ferrous form has significantly higher toxicity compared to the ferric ionic state of higher concentration. In addition, microscopic analysis shows cell fenestration at higher concentrations and swelling at intermediate ferric dosages as demonstrated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Interestingly, the addition of a differentiation inducing factor, trans-retinoic rcid (RA) retains significant viability and morphological features of the cells irrespective of the ionic state of the iron. AFM images revealed clustered aggregates arising from iron chelation with RA. Conclusions: the results indicate that Fe (II) has more toxic effects on cells. In addition, it could be an interesting finding with respect to the antioxidant properties of RA as a chelating agent for the neurodegenerative therapeutics.
Comparison of olfactory function between neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT Objectives: Olfactory dysfunction (ODF) has been reported in patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the comparison of olfactory function and olfactory-related gray matter (GM) between patients with NMO and MS needed to be further elucidated. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven patients with NMO and 37 with MS were enrolled. Olfactory function was evaluated with a Japanese T&T olfactometer test kit, and the neuroanatomical features of olfactory-related GM were assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Results: Olfactory deficits were found in 51.4% of patients with NMO and 40.5% of patients with MS. Patients with NMO with ODF had significantly smaller olfactory bulbs than patients with MS with ODF (p = 0.031). Olfactory-related GM atrophy was found in patients with NMO in several regions of the right orbitofrontal cortex and right superior frontal gyrus; in patients with MS, reduced GM volume was found in the right parahippocampal gyrus and piriform cortex (p < 0.05, cluster size > 200 voxels). Conclusions: Olfactory deficits are common in both NMO and MS. However, the neuroanatomical features related to olfactory deficits differ greatly between the two diseases.
A new method for the extraction of R lipopolysaccharides.

A method is described which is specific for the extraction of lipopolysaccharides from R form bacteria. The extraction mixture which is monophasic, consists of aqueous phenol, chloroform and petroleum ether. R form lipopolysaccharides (glycolipids). due to their lipophilic nature, are completely soluble in the mixture. S and T form lipopolysaccharides as well as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, are insoluble, and they are excluded from the extracts. The method is mild, as it can be carried out at below 10°. The yields are generally higher than those obtained by phenol-water extraction, and the products are usually water-soluble. Lipopolysaccharides have been successfully extracted from all R form bacteria so far attempted.
Regional cerebral blood flow response to oral amphetamine challenge in healthy volunteers.

UNLABELLED Functional brain imaging is a powerful tool for examining the central nervous system (CNS) response to pharmacologic challenges. Amphetamine is of interest both because of its role as a stimulant of the dopaminergic system and because of its use to alter mood in mood-disordered patients, particularly in patients suffering from depression. In this study, we report the effects of oral D-amphetamine relative to placebo on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measured by SPECT in healthy volunteers to characterize the normal CNS response to this primarily dopaminergic stimulant. METHODS SPECT was used to assess changes in rCBF induced by amphetamine in 16 healthy volunteers. Subjects received placebo and then 0.4 mg/kg oral amphetamine in a fixed-order single-blind design and were imaged on a triple-head tomograph. Another six healthy volunteers received placebo at both times to assess normal rCBF variability. rCBF changes were assessed with a three-dimensional voxel-based analysis integrated into an automated coregistration system. Data were automatically normalized to whole-brain counts and coregistered. Resultant rCBF changes were evaluated parametrically through the formation of an image whose voxel values were based on the paired t statistic. RESULTS Amphetamine increased rCBF in two mesial prefrontal zones (Brodmann's areas 8 and 10), inferior orbital frontal lobe (area 11), brain stem (ventral tegmentum), anteromesial temporal lobe (amygdala), and anterior thalamus. Amphetamine decreased rCBF to motor cortex, visual cortex, fusiform gyrus, posterolateral temporal lobe, and right lateral temporal lobe. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that amphetamine induces focal increases and decreases in rCBF in healthy volunteers in areas primarily innervated by dopamine pathways and in areas with secondary (primarily limbic) affiliations. These data are consistent with glucose metabolic data from autoradiographic studies in animals, in which the largest increases are seen in brain stem, followed by striatum, thalamus, and frontal and sensory cortices. Frontopolar and temporal increases observed in our study appear to be unique to humans.
Global analysis of the transcriptional network controlling Xenopus endoderm formation

A conserved molecular pathway has emerged controlling endoderm formation in Xenopus zebrafish and mice. Key genes in this pathway include Nodal ligands and transcription factors of the Mix-like paired homeodomain class, Gata4-6 zinc-finger factors and Sox17 HMG domain proteins. Although a linear epistatic pathway has been proposed, the precise hierarchical relationships between these factors and their downstream targets are largely unresolved. Here, we have used a combination of microarray analysis and loss-of-function experiments to examine the global regulatory network controlling Xenopus endoderm formation. We identified over 300 transcripts enriched in the gastrula endoderm, including most of the known endoderm regulators and over a hundred uncharacterized genes. Surprisingly only 10% of the endoderm transcriptome is regulated as predicted by the current linear model. We find that Nodal genes, Mixer and Sox17 have both shared and distinct sets of downstream targets, and that a number of unexpected autoregulatory loops exist between Sox17 and Gata4-6, between Sox17 and Bix1/Bix2/Bix4, and between Sox17 and Xnr4. Furthermore, we find that Mixer does not function primarily via Sox17 as previously proposed. These data provides new insight into the complexity of endoderm formation and will serve as valuable resource for establishing a complete endoderm gene regulatory network.