Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrathoracic goiter: analysis of 21 cases.

UNLABELLED Goiters are classified into: the cervical, retrosternal, substernal and intrathoracic. The aim of research is to analysis of intrathoracic goiters (ITG) which include goiters with more than 80% of tissue in the thoracic cavity and intrathoracic thyroid choristomas. METHODS In prospective non-randomized study were analyzed 21 consecutive patients operated on for intrathoracic non-toxic benign goiters from 1987-98. Fourteen patients with intrathoracic goiters (more than 80% of tissue in the thoracic cavity) and seven patients with intratoracic choristomas were operated. Two groups of ITG were observed according to the expressed symptomatology and surgical approach and complications of operative treatment were compared to the complications of operative treatment of 986 non-ITG non-toxic benign goiters. RESULTS ITG represented 1.1% of the whole number of operatively treated thyroid diseases. One third of patients were asymptomatic. Commonly observed symptoms were dispnea, stridor and dysphagia and there was no significant difference in appearance of these symptoms between the two groups of ITG. In 19% of patients correct preoperative diagnosis wasn't assessed. Cervical approach with sternothomy was used in 11 patients, cervical approach with right thoracotomy in seven, right thoracotomy only in two, and cervical approach only in one patient. Thoracic approach was used in 95% of cases and there was no significant difference between the two groups of ITG. Concerning the operative complications, in two patients transient vocal cord paresis and in one patient postoperative bleeding were verified. There was no statistically significant deference in frequency of operative complications between ITG and non-ITG. CONCLUSIONS ITG are rare, but might present a difficult diagnostic and complex surgical problem. Common clinical presentation and identical surgical approach in operative treatment justify the common review of the two groups of intrathoracic goiters. With adequate and timely performed surgical approach, in specialized institutions, frequency of complications in operative treatment of ITG is not higher if compared to operative treatment of non-ITG.
Rifampicin-impregnated central venous catheters: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND The use of antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) for the prevention of CVC microbial colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) remains controversial. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating CRBSI and colonization of CVCs impregnated with rifampicin-based antimicrobial combinations. Our main analysis compared the occurrence of CRBSI with rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs with that of non-rifampicin-impregnated CVCs. The PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched (until October 2006). RESULTS Eight RCTs were included in the analysis. The main analysis (seven RCTs) demonstrated that rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs were associated with fewer CRBSIs compared with catheters not impregnated with rifampicin/minocycline (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14-0.40). The same was true regarding colonization (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31-0.69). Further analysis, comparing rifampicin-based CVCs with non-rifampicin-impregnated CVCs, demonstrated superiority of rifampicin-based CVCs in reducing colonization (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24-0.62) and CRBSI (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.14-0.40). Similar results, suggesting superiority of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs, were noted in a subgroup analysis of colonization and CRBSIs in which rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs were compared with simple, non-tunnelled, non-antimicrobially impregnated CVCs, a subgroup analysis that was performed by excluding low quality RCTs, and a subgroup analysis for colonization comprising studies in which the sonication technique was used. No serious adverse events and no difference in mortality between the two treatment groups were reported. No clear conclusions can be made regarding the impact of the use of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs on the development of antimicrobial resistance based on the available data. CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs are safe and effective in reducing the rate of catheter colonization and CRBSI. Further research should focus on the possible development of resistance and on pharmacoeconomic issues related to the use of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs.
Expression in Human Normal and Tumor Tissues : Loss of p 73 Expression Is Associated with Tumor Progression in Bladder Cancer

Purpose: To characterize the expression profile of p73 in human normal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to analyze the correlation between p73 expression and bladder cancer progression. Experimental Design: CJDp73 was characterized for p73 detection in Western blot and IHC through its application to isoform-transfected 293 cells. Normal tissues were analyzed by IHC with the CJDp73 antiserum. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)-derived cell lines were subjected to reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. TCC tissue microarrays were analyzed for p73 expression by IHC, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: p73 immunostaining was nuclear and restricted to epithelial cells of certain organs such as squamous epithelium of the epidermis and transitional epithelium of the bladder. The expression was also observed in certain specialized glandular epithelia such as acinar cells of breast and parotid gland. Four of seven TCC-derived cell lines had low to undetectable p73 protein levels. We found undetectable or low p73 expression in 104 of 154 (68%) TCC cases, this phenotype being more frequently observed in invasive tumors when compared with superficial lesions. This association was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). We also observed a significant association between p53, p63, and p73 alterations with bladder cancer progression (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: p73 plays a tumor suppressor role in bladder cancer, and its inactivation occurs through an epigenetic mechanism, most probably involving protein degradation.
New Chlamydia trachomatis L2 Strains Identified in a Recent Outbreak of Lymphogranuloma Venereum in Vienna, Austria

Background: Since 2003, an ongoing outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), caused by Chlamydia trachomatis biovar L2b, has been reported among men who have sex with men. Methods: Twenty-four samples positive for C. trachomatis were analyzed for specific biovars and genovariants by genotyping of the variable segment (VS) 4, VS2 and VS1 regions of the outer membrane protein (omp) A. In addition we assessed the patients’ sociodemographic background and clinical signs and symptoms. Results: Twenty-four men who have sex with men presented with either anorectal or inguinal symptoms and tested positive for C. trachomatis DNA. Of these, the L2 genotype accounted for 15 patients, with a high coinfection rate with HIV (73.3%) and other sexually transmitted infections (53.4%). Analysis of the VS1, VS2, and VS4 regions of the ompA gene revealed the variant L2b in 8 patients. In 4 patients, 3 new L2 sequences were identified with nucleotide changes in the VS1, VS2, and VS4 region, respectively, defining new strains designated L2c, d, e. Conclusions: This outbreak of LGV represents the further spread of C. trachomatis L2 infection. Sequence analysis of ompA regions shows heterogeneity of L2 variants, suggesting more than 1 source of the LGV infections diagnosed in Vienna.
International Happiness: A Multilevel Perspective

Executive Overview Blanchflower and Oswald (2011) present a review of statistical accounts of international happiness, and argue that subjective measures of international happiness need to be considered. They cite studies showing that money can and does buy happiness, thus disputing the adage that “money does not buy happiness,” but they also acknowledge the paradoxical finding that national happiness does not seem to increase with economic growth. In this commentary, some of the recent research on happiness at work is reviewed from the perspective of an organizational behaviorist and scholar of emotions in the workplace. A key conclusion is that happiness and the processes associated with happiness depend on perspective, especially level of analysis. In particular, there is no reason for cross-national correlations of prosperity and happiness to equal the correlation of prosperity and happiness over time within any particular nation.
Optimization of Superlattice Thermoelectric Materials and Microcoolers

The performance of thermoelectric (TE) coolers is determined by the figure of merit of the TE materials ZT. In order to obtain the optimal performance of a superlattice microcooler, both the superlattice structure and the device were optimized in the design and the fabrication process. The thermal conductivities of InGaAs/InGaAsP superlattices with different periodic lengths were measured with the 3omega method. The result indicates that the superlattice at a certain periodic length has minimal thermal conductivity, which, in general, corresponds to an enhanced ZT. A 1D model was utilized to investigate the significant parameters in microcoolers. Based on the modeling results, a set of superlattice microcoolers were fabricated. The maximum cooling temperature that was reached is 0.76degC for the optimized cooler at room temperature.
Association between exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and performance in Thoroughbred racehorses.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) was associated with racing performance inThoroughbred horses not medicated with furosemide and not using nasal dilator strips. DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 744 two- to 10-year-old Thoroughbred horses racing in Melbourne, Australia. PROCEDURE Horses were enrolled prior to racing, and a tracheobronchoscopic examination was performed after 1 race. Examinations were recorded on videotape, and presence and severity (grade 0 to 4) of EIPH were subsequently determined by 3 observers blinded to the horses' identity. Race records were abstracted for each horse examined. RESULTS Overall, 52.1% of horses eligible for participation in the study were examined, and horses that were examined did not differ from horses that were not examined in regard to age, sex distribution, or proportion of horses that won or finished in the first 3 positions. Horses with EIPH grades < 1 were 4.0 times as likely to win, 1.8 times as likely to finish in the first 3 positions, and 3.03 times as likely to be in the 90th percentile or higher for race earnings as were horses with grades > 2. Horses with EIPH grades > 1 finished significantly farther behind the winner than did horses without EIPH. However, odds that horses with grade 1 EIPH would win or finish in the first 3 positions were not significantly different from odds for horses without EIPH. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that EIPH is associated with impaired performance in Thoroughbred racehorses not medicated with furosemide and not using nasal dilator strips.
Increased SHISA3 expression characterizes chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients sensitive to lenalidomide

Abstract Lenalidomide is a therapeutically effective drug in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Twenty-seven CLL patients were treated with lenalidomide in a phase II clinical trial. Ten patients were grouped as responders (R) and 6 as nonresponders (NR). We evaluated T lymphocytes, NK, monocytes and dendritic cells at baseline and after treatment. A gene expression analysis was performed on 16 CLL samples collected before treatment. The levels of immune cells or immune-related cytokines are not different between R and NR patients. However, CLL patients sensitive to lenalidomide clearly show a peculiar gene expression profile in leukemic cells. The most up-regulated gene (fold change = +23 in R vs. NR) is Wnt inhibitor SHISA homolog 3 (SHISA3). SHISA3highCLL are characterized by a restrained activation of Wnt signaling and sensibility to lenalidomide-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, SHISA3 is a candidate gene for the identification of CLL patients who will benefit of lenalidomide treatment as single agent.
Stroke with supernumerary phantom limb: case study, review of literature and pathogenesis

Objective: Constitute hypothesis for origin of supernumerary phantom limb (SPL) after stroke. Method: Single case description, review of literature and formulation of hypothesis. Results: A 59-year-old lady was evaluated for complaints of left-sided hemiparesis and extra limbs attached to her left shoulder for the past 7 months. Neuropsychological assessment revealed left hemineglect with SPL, and profile suggested bilateral frontal, right parietotemporal and basal ganglia involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging brain scan showed gliotic cavity secondary to the old haematoma in right putamen with white matter changes in the right frontoparietotemporal lobes. Conclusions: The conceptual framework of body schema can be used to classify many of the neurological disorders of body representation. Generation of SPL comes under the subtype of pathology of updating among the disorders of body schema. The continuous updating allows the body schema to modulate perceptual processing of objects according to their position in space. Brain areas classified as parts of motor system can, under pathological conditions (haemorrhage), influence body perception. So, when she used to move her arm, the representation of the estimated position was not updated by the motor commands. Sensory and motor information therefore becomes discrepant, and failure to integrate these two sources of information leads to loss of normal coherence, and the perceived shape of the body was altered by adding a SPL to accommodate the discrepancy.
Does an employer training levy work? The incidence of and returns to adult vocational training in France and Britain

We examine two different policy regimes towards continuing vocational training for the adult workforce: policy in France has been interventionist, using an employer training levy since the 1970s, whereas British policy has relied largely on individual initiatives for training investment by employers and workers. We begin with a review of the theory of vocational training, indicating why market failure and underprovision are the likely outcome and signalling types of corrective policy that might be adopted. We set up hypotheses about the likely impact of policy in France relative to Britain to provide a framework for evaluation. We present a detailed comparison of the two systems in observed training incidence and the returns to training captured by workers and employers, drawing on a wide range of econometric studies. We conclude with an assessment of the employer training levy in France and suggest ways it could be modified if adopted in Britain.
The strength of human resource practices and transformational leadership: impact on organisational performance

The Human resource (HR) strength concept (Bowen, D., and Ostroff, C. 2004, ‘Understanding HRM-Firm Performance Linkages: The Role of the “Strength” of the HRM System,’ Academy of Management Review, 29, 2, 203–221) reflects the capacity of an HR system to transmit messages characterised by high distinctiveness, consistency and consensus. HR systems are therefore affecting perceptions and interpretations of organisational realities, such as climate and culture. Furthermore, Bowen and Ostroff (2004) suggest that organisational climate mediates the relationship between HR strength and performance. The leadership literature advocates that leaders are people who are able to create a social context in which employees are guided towards a shared interpretation, understanding and perception of the organisational climate (Yukl, G.A. 1989, Leadership in Organizations, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall). In summary, both HR strength and leadership are two environment dimensions shaping and moulding employees' perceptions and interpretations. The current study explores the relationships between HR strength, leadership, organisational climate and performance. 323 questionnaires were used to gather information from a company in the industrial sector. The results show a positive relationship between the variables; however, mediating effects of climate were only observed between leadership and performance.
In Vitro Stimulation of Forage Fiber Degradation by Ruminal Microorganisms with Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Extract

Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (Amaferm) was evaluated for its ability to influence degradation of brome grass and switchgrass fiber fractions by mixed ruminal microorganisms in vitro. Addition of Amaferm at a concentration of 0.067 mg/ml, which is approximately the concentration found in the rumen ecosystem (0.06 mg/ml), increased the degradation of brome grass neutral detergent fiber (NDF) by 28% after fermentation for 12 h (P < 0.01), but had no effect after fermentation for 24 or 48 h. The levels of degradation of both the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions were increased after fermentation for 12 h (P < 0.01). Additions of 0.08 and 8% (vol/vol) Amaferm filtrate (12.5 g/100 ml) stimulated degradation of switchgrass NDF by 12 and 24% (P < 0.01), respectively, after fermentation for 12 h; when 80% filtrate was added, degradation was decreased by 38%. The concentrations of total anaerobes in culture tubes containing 80% filtrate were 5 times greater than the concentrations in the controls; however, the concentrations of cellulolytic organisms were 3.5 times lower than the concentrations in the controls (P < 0.05). These results suggested that the filtrate contained high concentrations of soluble substrate which did not allow the cellulolytic organisms to compete well with other populations. The remaining concentrations of esterified p-coumaric and ferulic acids were lower at 12 h in NDF residues obtained from fermentation mixtures supplemented with Amaferm. Because the total anaerobes were not inhibited in fermentation mixtures containing Amaferm, antibiotics are unlikely to be involved as a mode of action for increasing NDF degradation. The possibility that Amaferm contains enzymes (possibly esterases) that may play a role in stimulating the rate of fiber degradation by mixed ruminal microorganisms by removal of plant cell wall phenolic acid esters is discussed.
Improved International Comparisons Of Real Product And Its Composition: 1950–1980

A set of international comparisons is developed for 124 countries over the three post World War II decades, 1950‐80. A Data Table is presented which gives, for most countries and most years, real product estimates for three different national income concepts and for the major subaggregates consumption, investment, and government. Detailed comparative price level estimates are provided as well.
Sparse Coding on Stereo Video for Object Detection

Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNN) require millions of labeled training examples for image classification and object detection tasks, which restrict these models to domains where such datasets are available. In this paper, we explore the use of unsupervised sparse coding applied to stereo-video data to help alleviate the need for large amounts of labeled data. We show that replacing a typical supervised convolutional layer with an unsupervised sparse-coding layer within a DCNN allows for better performance on a car detection task when only a limited number of labeled training examples is available. Furthermore, the network that incorporates sparse coding allows for more consistent performance over varying initializations and ordering of training examples when compared to a fully supervised DCNN. Finally, we compare activations between the unsupervised sparse-coding layer and the supervised convolutional layer, and show that the sparse representation exhibits an encoding that is depth selective, whereas encodings from the convolutional layer do not exhibit such selectivity. These result indicates promise for using unsupervised sparse-coding approaches in real-world computer vision tasks in domains with limited labeled training data.
The effect of light-activation sources on tooth bleaching

Vital bleaching is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures asked by patients who seek a more pleasing smile. This procedure consists of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel applications that can be applied in-office or by the patient (at-home/overnight bleaching system). Some in-office treatments utilise whitening light with the objective of speeding up the whitening process. The objective of this article is to review and summarise the current literature with regard to the effect of light-activation sources on in-office tooth bleaching. A literature search was conducted using Medline, accessed via the National Library of Medicine Pub Med from 2003 to 2013 searching for articles relating to effectiveness of light activation sources on in-office tooth bleaching. This study found conflicting evidence on whether light truly improve tooth whitening. Other factors such as, type of stain, initial tooth colour and subject age which can influence tooth bleaching outcome were discussed. Conclusions: The use of light activator sources with in-office bleaching treatment of vital teeth did not increase the efficacy of bleaching or accelerate the bleaching.
B2C E-COMMERCE BANKING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN EGYPT

The accelerate growth of e-commerce and advanced Internet technology have changed the way banking services are designed and delivered. Electronic commerce has meant that currently most banking products and services are conducted through the Internet. However, most of the previous works about ecommerce banking have focused mainly on developed countries, and less so on other developing countries. The underlying assumption is that most e-commerce users are from Western countries and they have a more favorable Internet environment. Thus, this paper aims to help address some of gaps in the current body of literature, specifically in our local context, through proposing an empirical model that can predict and indentify the factors that have the most influence on the customer’s intention to use e-commerce banking, and simultaneously assess the extent to which this technology is actually applied in Egypt as an example of developing country. This paper attempted to integrate and encompass the most frequently cited factors in the e-commerce literature, and applied them in the local context in order to best examine the phenomenon under investigation. Thus, the proposed model contained variables that have not been tested simultaneously in previous works.
Politics, State Ownership, and Corporate Investments

We document a political cycle in the investment decisions of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by using the constitutionally mandated election schedule in India as a source of exogenous variation in politicians’ incentive to cater to voters. Using a project-level investment database, we find that SOEs announce more capital expenditure projects in election years, especially in infrastructure, and in districts with close elections, high-ranking politicians, and left-wing incumbents. SOE projects in election years have negative announcement returns, suggesting a loss in shareholder value. These patterns are not seen in nongovernment firms or in off-election years. (JEL G31, G38, D72, D73, P16) Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.