Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life‐threatening haemorrhage following obturator artery injury during transurethral bladder surgery: a sequel of an unsuccessful obturator nerve block

In spite of prior blockade of the obturator nerve with 1% mepivacaine (8 ml) utilizing a nerve stimulator, violent leg jerking was evoked during transurethral electroresection of a bladder tumour approximately 1 h after the blockade in a 68‐year‐old man. The patient became severely hypotensive immediately following the jerking, and a large lower abdominal swelling concurrently developed. The urgent laparotomy indicated that the left obturator artery was severely injured by the resectoscope associated with the bladder perforation, causing acute massive haemorrhage. The patient recovered uneventfully after adequate surgery. Investigation of the literature suggested that both our nerve stimulation technique and anatomical approach were appropriate. It was therefore unlikely that our block resulted in failure because of an inappropriate site for deposition of the anaesthetic. However, consensus does not appear to have been obtained as to the concentration and volume of the anaesthetic necessary for prevention of the obturator nerve stimulation during the transurethral procedures. The concentration and volume of mepivacaine we used might have been too low and/or small, respectively, to profoundly block all the motor neuron fibres of the nerve. Alternatively, stimulation of the obturator nerve might occur because of the presence of some anatomical variant, such as the accessory obturator nerve or its abnormal branching. In conclusion, some uncertainty appears to exist in the effectiveness of the local anaesthetic blockade of the obturator nerve. In order to attain profound blockade of the motor neuron fibres of the obturator nerve and thereby prevent the thigh‐adductor muscle contraction which can lead to life‐threatening situations, we recommend, even with a nerve stimulator, to use a larger volume of a higher concentration of local anaesthetic with a longer duration in the obturator nerve block for the transurethral procedures.
Post-traumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Background: Studies about cancer-related trauma have shown that psychological reactions to the disease are not exclusively negative but most patients also report positive experiences. These positive perceptions are also called post-traumatic growth and benefit patients psychologically, spiritually, and physically. Therefore, we have conducted a study about how women with breast cancer perceive post- traumatic growth and the recognition of its dimensions in Iran.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by using Interpretative Phe- nomenological Analysis. A total of 23 women with breast cancer who met the inclusion criteria were selected after which patients completed a researcher-generated open-ended questionnaire. Data were analyzed according to the guidelines for the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Smith method.Results: Participants’ perceptions in this study about post-traumatic growth included three themes: spiritual growth, appreciation of life, and increased personal strengths.Conclusion: Themes found in this study conformed to dimensions according to the Tedeschi and Calhoun theory of post-traumatic growth. However, relations with others were not found in the present study. We propose that interventions should be designed and implemented in order to facilitate and enhance post-traumatic growth.
Disability and Learning Outcomes: How Much Does the Disability Really Matter? Occasional Paper.

Students with a disability tend to have poorer educational outcomes in vocational education and training (VET) than the average over all students. This paper seeks to isolate the direct effect of being a member of a particular disability group by taking into account the characteristics (notably, educational background) of the members of the group. It is found that the direct effect of the disability differs between groups, and is highest for those with a mental illness, a medical condition or a physical disability.
Hippocampal volumes, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolites, and cerebrovascular disease in mild cognitive impairment subtypes.

BACKGROUND Although a majority of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) progress to Alzheimer disease, the natural history of nonamnestic MCI (naMCI) is less clear. Noninvasive imaging surrogates for underlying pathological findings in MCI would be clinically useful for identifying patients who may benefit from disease-specific treatments at the prodromal stage of dementia. OBJECTIVE To determine the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy (1H MRS) profiles of MCI subtypes. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Community-based sample at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Ninety-one patients with single-domain aMCI, 32 patients with multiple-domain aMCI, 20 patients with single- or multiple-domain naMCI, and 100 cognitively normal elderly subjects frequency-matched by age and sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Posterior cingulate gyrus 1H MRS metabolite ratios, hippocampal volumes, and cerebrovascular disease on MRI. RESULTS Patients with single-domain aMCI were characterized by small hippocampal volumes and elevated ratios of myo-inositol to creatine levels. Patients with naMCI on average had normal hippocampal volumes and 1H MRS metabolite ratios, but a greater proportion (3 of 20 patients [15%]) had cortical infarctions compared with patients with single-domain aMCI (6 of 91 [7%]). For characterization of MCI subtypes, 1H MRS and structural MRI findings were complementary. CONCLUSIONS The MRI and 1H MRS findings in single-domain aMCI are consistent with a pattern similar to that of Alzheimer disease. Absence of this pattern on average in patients with naMCI suggests that cerebrovascular disease and other neurodegenerative diseases may be contributing to the cognitive impairment in many individuals with naMCI.
The Neural Correlates of Inner Speech and Auditory Verbal Imagery in Schizophrenia: Relationship to Auditory Verbal Hallucinations

Background Auditory verbal hallucinations are thought to arise from the disordered monitoring of inner speech (thinking in words). We tested the hypothesis that a predisposition to verbal auditory hallucinations would be associated with an abnormal pattern of brain activation during tasks which involved the generation and monitoring of inner speech. Method The neural correlates of tasks which engaged inner speech and auditory verbal imagery were examined using positron emission tomography in (a) schizophrenic patients with a strong predisposition to auditory verbal hallucinations (hallucinators), (b) schizophrenic patients with no history of hallucinations (nonhallucinators), and (c) normal controls. Results There were few between-group differences in activation during the inner speech task. However, when imagining sentences spoken in another person's voice, which entails the monitoring of inner speech, hallucinators showed reduced activation in the left middle temporal gyrus and the rostral supplementary motor area, regions which were strongly activated by both normal subjects and nonhallucinators (P<0.001). Conversely, when nonhallucinators imagined speech, they differed from both hallucinators and controls in showing reduced activation in the right parietal operculum. Conclusions A predisposition to verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia is associated with a failure to activate areas implicated in the normal monitoring of inner speech, whereas the absence of a history of hallucinations may be linked to reduced activation in an area concerned with verbal prosody.
Outsourcing and Flexibility

This study examines the direct, concurrent effect of several economic and organisational theories on the outsourcing decision, and analyses the relationship between outsourcing and other workplace flexibility dimensions, as well as their concurrent impact of firm performance. The results of a survey to a sample of 156 Spanish firms reveal that outsourcing intensity is positively explained by production cost advantages, transaction costs, environmental dynamism, and firm strategy. External cooperation and firm performance are not predictors of outsourcing. Financial performance is positively explained by outsourcing and functional flexibility, and negatively by external numerical flexibility. Firm maturity is a negative moderator on the relationship between outsourcing and financial performance. Innovation performance is positively explained by outsourcing and functional flexibility, and firm maturity is also a negative moderator on outsourcing and firm performance. And strategic flexibility is positively explained by outsourcing and internal numerical flexibility, and negatively by external numerical flexibility
Generation of Boron-Rich Plasma by a Pulsed Vacuum Arc With Lanthanum Hexaboride Cathode

We report on the generation of boron-rich plasma by a pulsed vacuum arc with lanthanum hexaboride cathode. Two different ranges of arc current pulse duration and amplitude were investigated: the first one has pulse duration of 5–20 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and arc current of 100–700 A and the second one has pulse duration of 300 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and arc current of 140 A. The ion mass-to-charge spectrum of the plasma was investigated by both time-of-flight spectrometry and magnetic analysis. The results of measurements of the plasma ion composition for different arc parameters are presented and discussed. For all arc parameters considered, the fractional composition of boron and lanthanum ions agrees well with the stoichiometric composition of these elements into the lanthanum hexaboride cathode.
FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HETEROLOGOUSLY EXPRESSED PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM EBL PROTEINS by JOHN VINCENT STOKES

PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM EBL PROTEINS by JOHN VINCENT STOKES (Under the Direction of David S. Peterson) ABSTRACT While heterologous expression has replaced biochemical purification as the principle method for obtaining purified, authentic proteins for characterization, no single expression system has proven appropriate for all applications. Heterologous expression of Plasmodium falciparum genes has proven especially challenging due to their extreme A+T codon bias and inappropriate post-translational modifications to product made by existing expression systems. These issues have generated interest in developing a novel heterologous expression system for P. falciparum. Here, we have transfected the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila with a novel secretion vector bearing the R2 binding region of the P. falciparum genes, ebl-1 and jsebl. In addition, we demonstrated successful expression of the R2 region. This is the first demonstration of secreted P. falciparum antigens expressed by T. thermophila. We believe T. thermophila shows promise as a heterologous expression system for P. falciparum genes.
The chemical composition of synthetic bone substitutes influences tissue reactions in vivo: histological and histomorphometrical analysis of the cellular inflammatory response to hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate and biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics

Bone substitute material properties such as granule size, macroporosity, microporosity and shape have been shown to influence the cellular inflammatory response to a bone substitute material. Keeping these parameters constant, the present study analyzed the in vivo tissue reaction to three bone substitute materials (granules) with different chemical compositions (hydroxyapatite (HA), beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and a mixture of both with a HA/TCP ratio of 60/40 wt%). Using a subcutaneous implantation model in Wistar rats for up to 30 days, tissue reactions, including the induction of multinucleated giant cells and the extent of implantation bed vascularization, were assessed using histological and histomorphometrical analyses. The results showed that the chemical composition of the bone substitute material significantly influenced the cellular response. When compared to HA, TCP attracted significantly greater multinucleated giant cell formations within the implantation bed. Furthermore, the vascularization of the implantation bed of TCP was significantly higher than that of HA implantation beds. The biphasic bone substitute group combined the properties of both groups. Within the first 15 days, high giant cell formation and vascularization rates were observed, which were comparable to the TCP-group. However, after 15 days, the tissue reaction, i.e. the extent of multinucleated giant cell formation and vascularization, was comparable to the HA-group. In conclusion, the combination of both compounds HA and TCP may be a useful combination for generating a scaffold for rapid vascularization and integration during the early time points after implantation and for setting up a relatively slow degradation. Both of these factors are necessary for successful bone tissue regeneration.
Multiple Extracellular Elements of CCR5 and HIV-1 Entry: Dissociation from Response to Chemokines

The human β-chemokine receptor CCR5 is an important cofactor for entry of human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1). The murine form of CCR5, despite its 82 percent identity to the human form, was not functional as an HIV-1 coreceptor. HIV-1 entry function could be reconstituted by fusion of various individual elements derived from the extracellular region of human CCR5 onto murine CCR5. Analysis of chimeras containing elements from human CCR5 and human CCR2B suggested that a complex structure rather than single contact sites is responsible for facilitation of viral entry. Further, certain chimeras lacking the domains necessary to signal in response to their natural chemokine ligands retained vigorous HIV-1 coreceptor activity.
Observed stratospheric downward reflection and its relation to upward pulses of wave activity

[1] We examine the differences between observed stratospheric vertical wave reflection and wave absorption events, which differ in that the wave-induced deceleration remains confined to upper levels in the former. The two types of events signify two types of stratospheric winter dynamics, associated with different downward coupling to the troposphere. Using time-lagged composites, we find that the main factor influencing which event will occur is the duration, in time, of the upward pulse of wave activity entering the stratosphere from the troposphere. Short pulses accelerate the flow at their trailing edge in the lower stratosphere while they decelerate it at upper levels, resulting in a vertical shear reversal, and corresponding downward reflection, while long pulses continue decelerating the vortex at progressively lower levels. The confinement of deceleration to upper levels for short-wave–forcing pulses is also found in an idealized model of an interaction between a planetary wave and the stratospheric vortex, although some aspects of the wave geometry evolution, and thus vertical reflection, are not captured realistically in the model. The results suggest that the stratospheric influence on the type of wave interaction, in reality, is indirect, through a possible effect on the duration of upward wave fluxes through the tropopause.
Monocarboxylate transporters contribute to the adaptation of neuronal activity to repeated glucose deprivation in the rat lateral septal nucleus

Using optical recording methods in the rat lateral septal nucleus (LSN) slice, we examined the question of whether antecedent hypoglycemia protects neurons from the adverse effects of subsequent hypoglycemic stimuli. The first exposure of LSN neurons to glucose deprivation for 15 min produced a marked depression of neuronal activity. The neuronal activity recovered by reapplication of glucose to the neurons. In neurons previously exposed to glucose deprivation, subsequent applications of glucose‐free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) produced only weak depression of the neuronal activity. The contribution of monocarboxylate transporters to this adaptation of neuronal activity to repeated glucose deprivation was examined in LSN neurons. α‐Cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamate (4‐CIN, 100 μM), an inhibitor of the monocarboxylate transporters, did not significantly affect the depression of the neuronal activity induced by the first glucose deprivation. However, in the presence of 4‐CIN (100 μM), a second glucose deprivation produced a typical depression of the neuronal activity, indicating that 4‐CIN had nullified the adaptation of neuronal activity to a second glucose deprivation. Cytochalasin B (CCB, 20 μM), an inhibitor of glucose transporters, depressed the neuronal activity in the presence of 11 mM glucose. Pyruvate (11 mM) partially restored the neuronal activity depressed by pretreatment with CCB (20 μM) for 30–40 min. These results suggest that antecedent glucose deprivation stimulates monocarboxylate‐transporters to supply energy substrates to LSN neurons, thus protecting the neurons against subsequent glucose deprivation. Synapse 49:97–105, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CONDUCTION VELOCITY OF MOTOR NERVES IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN.

The literature concerning the measurement of conduction velocity in human motor nerves and its clinical applications is reviewed. The chief value of the test to the clinician lies in the demonstration of a peripheral neuropathy and in its differentiation from myelopathy and myopathy. It is pointed out that this investigation is often particularly useful in infants and children as it is an objective and relatively painless test requiring little co-operation from the patient. Starting from approximately half the normal adult value at birth in full-term infants the motor nerve conduction velocity normally increases to the full adult level during the first 3 to 5 years of life. In premature infants it begins at a still lower level. This increase is of clinical interest and can be studied serially. There is also a particular developmental aspect in infants in relation to possible delays or disturbances of innervation or myelination. The results of measurements of conduction velocity, chiefly in the median nerves, are reported in 45 "normal" infants and children and in 100 others who had a variety of neurological disorders. The rate was normal in all but one of 33 children with miscellaneous cerebral disorders, including nonspecific mental retardation, Down's syndrome (mongolism), D1 trisomy, hydrocephalus, and organic convulsive disorders. There was a distinct reduction in metachromatic leucodystrophy (2 cases), infantile amaurotic idiocy (1 case), and recurrent and chronic polyneuropathy (3 cases). In 4 children with acute neuronitis there were no demonstrable gross changes in conduction velocity during the first 2 months, while the diminished voltage and increased temporal dispersion of the action potential were more helpful early diagnostic features. Normal results were obtained in benign congenital hypotonia (10 cases), phenylketonuria (3 cases), and ataxia-telangiectasia (1 case). Five children with Friedreich's ataxia were examined and 2 of these had marked clinical fluctuations in the extent of their weakness suggestive of peripheral neuropathy. One of the latter was seen during an acute exacerbation of his weakness when he had a distinctly reduced nerve conduction velocity, and prolonged terminal latency from wrist to thenar eminence. The other was tested during a phase of relative well-being and had a normal conduction velocity but even more prolonged terminal latency than the first. The remaining children had a slowly progressive illness; all of them had normal conduction velocity, but one had just significantly prolonged terminal conduction time. Somewhat slow conduction rates for the age appeared to be present in 1 of 6 infants with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and in 4 of 14 with clubfoot below the age of 2 years, but the statistical significance of these deviations cannot yet be indicated. The results are discussed, with particular emphasis on developmental aspects and the involvement of the peripheral nervous system in "dysmyelination" and demyelination.
Economic Viability of Selling Locally Grown Produce to Local Restaurants

The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative comparative analysis of growers' costs for inputs related to production, processing, packaging, and distribution of local foods to independent restaurants. Growers have been motivated to sell locally due to the asymmetry in farm-retail price spreads. Yet selling locally direct to restaurants may imply new types of processes, costs, and investments. While local farm-to-retail markets may provide opportunities to reduce these price spreads and maximize benefits for growers, it is unclear whether such efforts are economically viable for growers when all input costs are considered. Interviews with local food producers found that there were clearly higher costs for growers in most of the value chain for directly selling products to restaurants. Specifically, growers expressed a need for increased communication and interaction with restaurant buyers. Such interaction helped growers showcase their products to restaurants, yet required greater time inputs. However, premiums received by growers for these direct market sales were perceived to offset these costs. Local food is gaining popularity as an alternative economic strategy for developing local communities. For it to develop and be adopted progressively, however, clear costs and benefits need to be examined, evaluated, and communicated to producers and consumers.
Gravitational Self-Torque and Spin Precession in Compact Binaries

We calculate the effect of self-interaction on the “geodetic” spin precession of a compact body in a strong-field orbit around a black hole. Specifically, we consider the spin precession angle ? per radian of orbital revolution for a particle carrying mass ? and spin s? (G/c)? 2 in a circular orbit around a Schwarzschild black hole of mass M? We compute ? through O(? /M) in perturbation theory, i.e, including the correction ? (obtained numerically) due to the torque exerted by the conservative piece of the gravitational self-field. Comparison with a post-Newtonian (PN) expression for ? , derived here through 3PN order, shows good agreement but also reveals strong-field features which are not captured by the latter approximation. Our results can inform semianalytical models of the strong-field dynamics in astrophysical binaries, important for ongoing and future gravitational-wave searches