Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radio-wave depolarization and scattering within ice sheets: a matrix-based model to link radar and ice-core measurements and its application

Abstract Crystal-orientation fabric (COF) has a large influence on ice-sheet flow. Earlier radar studies have shown that COF-based birefringence occurs within ice sheets. Radio-wave scattering in polar ice results from changing physical properties of permittivity and conductivity that arise from differing values of density, acidity and COF. We present an improved mathematical model that can handle all these phenomena together. We use this matrix-based model to study the two-way propagation of depolarized radio waves that scatter at both isotropic and anisotropic boundaries. Based on numerical simulations, we demonstrate how COF affects the radar signals in terms of radar polarization and frequency. We then compare the simulated features with VHF radar data obtained at two contrasting inland sites in East Antarctica, where COF is known from ice-core studies. These two sites are Dome Fuji, located near a dome summit, and Mizuho, located in a converging ice-flow region. Data at Dome Fuji are dominated by typical features resulting from birefringence. In contrast, both birefringence and anisotropic scattering affect the radar data at Mizuho. We argue that radar methods can be used to determine principal axes and strength of birefringence in the ice sheets.
Preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer with high-dose radiation and oxaliplatin-containing regimen: the Lyon R0-04 phase II trial.

PURPOSE The combination of radiation, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin in locally advanced rectal cancer has been shown to be feasible in a phase I trial. The purpose of this phase II trial was to assess tolerance and efficacy of this regimen in a preoperative setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between May 2000 and October 2001, 40 operable patients were entered onto the study. Radiotherapy was delivered with a three-field technique to a dose of 50 Gy over 5 weeks with a concomitant boost approach. Two cycles of chemotherapy were given synchronously on weeks 1 and 5, with oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 followed by 5-day continuous infusion of fluorouracil 350 mg/m(2) and L-folinic acid 100 mg/m(2). Surgery was planned 5 weeks later. RESULTS All patients completed treatment without modification except one who experienced grade 3/4 toxicity. Grade 3 toxicity was seen in seven patients. Surgery was performed in all patients after a mean interval time of 5 weeks. An objective clinical response was seen in 30 patients (75%). Sphincter-saving surgery was possible in 26 patients. No postoperative deaths occurred. In four patients (10%), a reoperation was necessary (anastomotic fistula, n = 2; pelvic abscess, n = 2). In six cases the operative specimen was sterilized (15%), and in 12 cases (30%), only few residual cells were detected. CONCLUSION Such a combined preoperative chemoradiotherapy and oxaliplatin-containing regimen is well tolerated with no increase in surgical toxicity. The good response rate observed warrants its use in further clinical trials.
MR imaging of the breast in patients with occult primary breast carcinoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate the utility of contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the breast for localization of the site of primary breast carcinoma in patients with isolated ipsilateral axillary metastasis, without other focal findings at physical examination or mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve women with biopsy-proved metastatic adenocarcinoma to axillary lymph nodes and occult primary tumor underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T with a three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo pulse sequence before and after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Enhancing areas were correlated with histopathologic findings at mastectomy (n = 8) or breast-conserving treatment (n = 4). RESULTS In nine (75%) of the 12 patients, enhancement was seen on MR images that represented the site of the primary tumor at surgery. Eight had focal masses, and one had an area of regional enhancement. Two patients had negative MR findings, and no tumor was found at mastectomy. One patient with regional enhancement on MR images had no corresponding tumor at surgery. CONCLUSION Breast MR imaging enables identification of the site of primary tumor in most patients suspected of having occult primary breast cancer, and MR findings can influence surgical treatment.
Aberrant Immunophenotypes of Mantle Cell Lymphomas

Mantle cell lymphomas (MCL) are characterized by cytomorphological criteria, a distinct immunophenotype and a characteristic chromosomal aberration (t(11;14)). In morphological variants of MCL the immunohistochemical constellation with CD5-positivity and CD23-negativity is a helpful and decisive diagnostic aid to differentiate MCL from other B-cell-lymphomas, e.g. lymphocytic lymphomas (B-CLL). In this study the morphological, immunophenotypical, and genetical features of 50 MCL were analysed. Five cases revealed an aberrant immunophenotype with lacking expression of CD5 (n =3) and positive reactivity to CD23 (n =2) while cyclin D1 expression could be demonstrated in all 5 cases. These constellations show that there is, besides morphological subgroups, a small group of MCL with aberrant immunophenotypes, which has to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis to lymphocytic lymphoma and other lymphomas.
Reference Values for a Heterogeneous Ferritin Assay and Traceability to the 3rd International Recombinant Standard for Ferritin (NIBSC Code 94/572)

Abstract Reference values for Ferritin FlexTM on the Dimension RxL analyzer calibrated against the 3rd International Standard for Ferritin (recombinant) and N-Latex Ferritin ® on the BNA II nephelometer calibrated against the 2nd International Standard for Ferritin (spleen) both from Dade Behring (Marburg, Germany) were established (77 men and 182 women). Exclusion criteria were iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, inflammation, liver disease, malignancy, and other hematological or chronic disorders. The reference values (5.0th–95th percentiles) were as follow: for N-Latex Ferritin® –men, 12–399 μg/l; women <50 years, 11–102 μg/l and women ≥50 years, 17–219 μg/l; for Ferritin FlexTM –men, 14–415 μg/l; women <50 years, 11–111 μg/l and women ≥50 years, 22–224 μg/l. Both assays correlated very closely with each other (r=0.993). The linearity was acceptable down to 2 μg/l for the Ferritin FlexTM method, but only down to 15 μg/l for the N-Latex Ferritin® assay. The mean recovery of the 3rd International Standard by N-Latex Ferritin® and Ferritin FlexTM was comparable (~80%). We conclude that the new Ferritin FlexTM assay, which is based on the new 3rd International Standard, should be used for ferritin measurement in the routine medical laboratories in the future.
Polymorphisms in oestrogen and progesterone receptor genes: possible influence on prolactin levels in women

objective Oestrogen and progesterone are known to influence the release of human prolactin. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the possible influence of polymorphisms of the genes encoding the oestrogen receptor (ER)α, ERβ and the progesterone receptor (PGR), on prolactin levels in premenopausal women.
More or less the same? A memorability analysis on episodic memory tasks in young and older adults.

A relative memorability analysis was conducted on a young (19.5 years, n = 48) and an old (67.0 years, n = 45) age group, using 10 episodic memory tasks (four lists of words, four lists of paired associates, and two texts). Probability of recall of individual items (lists) or idea units (texts) by the older adults could be predicted from probability of recall for the corresponding items or idea units by the young adults, with a median correlation (corrected for test unreliability) of . 88. It was found that the same item characteristics predicted recall probability of individual items or idea units in both age groups. For lists of words and texts, no differences were found in the slopes of the regression functions relating item characteristics to recall probability in the two age groups. For 3 of 4 lists of paired associates, the slopes for item characteristics significantly predicting recall probability were reliably larger for the older adults as compared with the young adults. It can be concluded that age differences in deliberate recall are to a large amount quantitative, and not qualitative, in nature.
Genital human papillomavirus infections: knowledge, perception of risk, and actual risk in a nonclinic population of young women.

The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in a group of young women in a nonclinic setting and to examine the association between perception of risk and actual risk. One hundred ten women attending a state university participated in the study and were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire about knowledge and perceptions of risk. They were then offered testing for the virus using a self-administered vaginal method. The mean age was 20 +/- 1.2 years. Ninety (82%) were sexually experienced (SE), with a mean number of lifetime partners of 5.1 +/- 4.3. The mean knowledge score was less than the 68th percentile, reflecting low levels of knowledge about genital HPV infections. The SE group had a higher knowledge score than the sexually inexperienced (p < .02), but there were no differences in knowledge between those who chose to be tested and those who refused testing. The majority of women attributed negative emotion to being hypothetically tested positive for HPV. Emotions selected by > 50% of the group included feeling scared, angry, guilty, anxious, confused, dirty, regretful, and panicky. A greater negative emotion score was associated with refusing HPV testing (p < .002). Of the SE women, 58% (51) perceived themselves at risk, and, of this group, 71% (36) agreed to be tested. Of the women who agreed to HPV testing, 36% who perceived themselves at risk and 35% who did not perceive themselves at risk were, in fact, positive for HPV (p = ns). The majority of women have little knowledge of HPV infections and have attributed many negative emotions associated with infectivity. These negative attributes appear to influence women's decision making concerning HPV testing. The risk of HPV infection in this nonclinic group was substantial, suggesting that even in a nonclinic group, the prevalence of HPV is quite high. Perception of risk was unrelated to actual risk (HPV positive test), reflecting the lack of self-identified risk.
Screening for body image dissatisfaction in patients with advanced cancer: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Cancer and its treatment can significantly affect appearance and body integrity. A number of studies have explored the impact of cancer and its treatment on body image, primarily in head and neck and breast cancer. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the construct of body image dissatisfaction and its measurement using a single question in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS Outpatients with advanced cancer were recruited (n=81). Assessments included Body Image Scale (BIS), Appearance Schema Inventory (ASI-R), Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) with a total symptom distress score (TSDS) and two subscales scores (physical distress [PHS] and psychological distress [PSS]), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and one question assessing the overall appearance satisfaction from the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ). We also asked patients to rate the body image changes importance compared with five symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression, insomnia, lack of appetite). RESULTS Forty-seven (58%) patients had a BIS score >10 (body image dissatisfaction) with a median of 11 (first-third quartiles, Q1-Q3; 5-16) and a median ASI-R of 3.1 (Q1-Q3; 2.8-3.5). Sensitivity and specificity of ≤3 for body image dissatisfaction in the single overall appearance question using the BIS as a standard was 0.70 and 0.71, respectively. BIS score was significantly correlated with ASI-R (r=0.248; p=0.025), age (r=-0.225; p=0.043), HADS-A (r=0.522, p<0.001), HADS-D (r=0.422, p<0.001), PSS score (r=0.371, p=0.001), PHS score (r=0.356, p=0.001), TSDS score (r=0.416, p<0.001), and the overall appearance question (MBSRQ; r=-0.449, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Body image dissatisfaction was frequent and associated with symptom burden. A single item ≤3 has a sensitivity of 70% for body image satisfaction screening.
Posttranslational regulation of TPH1 is responsible for the nightly surge of 5‐HT output in the rat pineal gland

Abstract: Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT), a precursor for melatonin production, is produced abundantly in the pineal gland of all vertebrate animals. The synthesis of 5‐HT in the pineal gland is rate limited by tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) whose activity displays a twofold increase at night. Earlier studies from our laboratory demonstrate that pineal 5‐HT secretion exhibits dynamic circadian rhythms with elevated levels during the early night, and that the increase is controlled by adrenergic signaling at night. In this study, we report that (a) 5‐HT total output from the pineal gland and TPH1 protein levels both display diurnal rhythms with a twofold increase at night; (b) stimulation of cAMP signaling elevates 5‐HT output in vivo; (c) 5‐HT total output and TPH1 protein content in rat pineal gland are both acutely inhibited by light exposure at night. Consistent with these findings, molecular analysis of TPH1 protein revealed that (a) TPH1 is phosphorylated at the serine 58 in vitro and in the night pineal gland; and (b) phosphorylation of TPH1 at this residue is required for cAMP‐enhanced TPH1 protein stability. These data support the model that increased nocturnal 5‐HT synthesis in the pineal gland is mediated by the phosphorylation of TPH1 at the serine 58, which elevates the TPH1 protein content and activity at night.
The impact of childhood sexual abuse on the mental and physical health, and healthcare utilization of older adults

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study is to examine the long-term association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and mental and physical health, especially with conditions related to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction such as mood disorders, cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, pain disorders, and measures of frailty and functional mobility. In addition, we examined the impact of CSA on self-reported health and healthcare utilization. Methods: Data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing were employed (N = 8,178). The effects of CSA on mental health, physical health, and healthcare utilization in old age population were estimated by ordinal least square, logistic regression, and Poisson regression, controlling for demographic factors, childhood adversities, and behavioral health. Results: Six percent of respondents reported CSA with little variation by gender. A significant association was found between CSA and mental health. Those who reported CSA were more likely to have depression, anxiety, worry, loneliness, and low quality of life. Poor self-reported health, lung disease, arthritis, peptic ulcer, chronic pain as well as high levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were associated with CSA. Further, those who reported CSA were more likely to report doctor and hospital visits than those without a history of CSA. Conclusions: Findings from the present study show that CSA has significant long-term mental and physical consequences, whereby early life events are linked to later life health outcomes.
Medium-dependent inhibition of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius by sodium polyanetholsulfonate in blood culture media

Of 13 species of anaerobic cocci, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was the only species tested that was sensitive to 0.1% sodium polyanetholsulfonate (SPS). However, the sensitivity of P. anaerobius to SPS varied according to the media in which the cultures were grown. In supplemented peptone (B-D) and brain heart infusion media, most strain of P. anaerobius were not inhibited by SPS. Gelatin and proteose peptone were the medium components which were protective. The minimal inhibitory concentration of SPS for P. anaerobius was approximately 60-fold higher in media. However, the concentration of SPS required to neutralize the bactericidal properties of human serum was only four fold higher in media containing geltain. In a commerical medium containing SPS (0.03%) and gelatin (1.2%), SPS-sensitive strains of P. anaerobius were not inhibited by SPS, and the bactericdal action of human blood on Escherichia coli C and Serratia marcescens SM 29 was eliminated.
ENDOTOXIN LETHALITY AND TRYPTOPHAN PYRROLASE INDUCTION IN COLD-EXPOSED MICE.

Abstract : Mice singly housed and exposed to 5C are almost as responsive as animals at 25C in carrying out glyconeogenesis following a single injection of cortisone. An LD50 of endotoxin lowers liver glycogen about equally in mice housed at each of the two temperatures, but the dose for mice at 5C is one one- hundredth the dose at 25C. Cortisone given concurrently with the endotoxin prevents glycogen depletion in mice at 25C but not in those housed at 5C, except possibly at certain critical doses. Cortisone also fails to induce an increase in liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity in cold-exposed mice, in contract to those maintained at room temperature, and this failure cannot be ascribed to any alteration in hematin level, the cofactor for the enzyme. These findings are considered as evidence for an impaired capacity for protein (enzyme) synthesis in normothermic animals during acute exposure to cold.
RISK FACTORS OF CHILDREN'S ASTHMA (6-12 YEARS OLD) IN KHORRAMABAD, IRAN: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors involved in the morbidity of asthma in Khorramabad city and its suburban areas. In the present case-control research, all the patients who had referred to the Shahid Rahimi Hospital and a pulmonary disease sub-specialist’s office in Khorramabad in 2015 and had been diagnosed with asthma by a pulmonary disease sub-specialist and based on the criteria of Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) were enrolled in the study. The census taking sampling method was used and all patients with immunodeficiency, congenital diseases, chronic allergic pulmonary diseases or sinusitis were excluded. The control group that matched the experimental group in terms of age, sex and the place of residence were selected from among those referring to the ophthalmological and dermatological clinics of the Shahid Rahimi Hospital. The data collection instrument used in this study was a questionnaire that included items related to the demographic information of the patients, and also questions regarding the patient’s economic and social situation as well as the patient's clinical symptoms from birth until the present. All parents of the selected children signed written consents regarding their participation in the study. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The mean age of the patients was 8.5±2.1 and 60.3 percent of the patients were male. The average age of the mothers of asthmatic children was higher than the mothers of healthy children and this difference was statistically significant (P-value= 0.009). The mean duration of breastfeeding in healthy children was higher than the asthmatic children and this difference was Statistically significant (P-value= 0.001). There was observed a statistically significant relationship between a background of asthma or allergy among first-degree relatives and the development of asthma in the patients themselves (P-value < 0.05). The children of highly educated parents were less likely to develop allergic diseases and asthma, which could be attributed to the knowledge of the parents about various diseases. Given the risk factors, it can be concluded that acquired factors can play an important role in the occurrence of this disease in children.
Changes in the Management of Treatment in Acute Pancreatitis Patients

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition with a variable clinical course from mild to the most severe with serious complications that attempt the life of a patient. According to the Atlanta classifications the severe acute pancreatitis occurs approximately at 25% of all patients with acute pancreatitis and it is associated with 10-20% of mortality. Death of the acute pancreatitis patients is often connected of at least one organ. There are two phases of the severe acute pancreatitis relating to the mortality. The first phase, two weeks after onset of syndrome, is characterized by hypovolemia or even by the shock. It is accompanied by the systemic inflammatory responsive syndrome with production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which cause consecutive injury of lungs, livers and cardiovascular system. The multi organ failure is a very common appearance in the case of the severe acute pancreatitis and it happens very often even when the infection is absent. The second phase of this disease (third-forth week) is characterized by the complications caused by the infection of pancreatic necrosis. About 40-70% patients with necrotic acute pancreatitis is afflicted by the infection of the pancreatic necrosis, which causes the deaths of acute pancreatitis patients (Beger et al., 1997). The extent of the pancreatic necrosis and the duration of disease are the risk factors of the local pancreatic infection. Its incidence tends to culminate in third week of disease, though it may appear in whichever phase of the disease (Buchler et al., 2000). Severe acute pancreatitis requires treatment at the hospital, which is developed from personal, professional and technical point of view, where is a possibility to do the full diagnosis and therapy and the interdivisional cooperation, what is the basic presumption for treatment and diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Diagnosis is based upon clinical presentation, laboratory indicates and imaging studies, whilst illness severity can be assessed by clinical scoring systems, such as Ranson, Glasgow or Apache II criteria, or by radiological assessments such as the computer tomography severity index. Mild disease is often self-limiting and inflammation resolves with simple medical management. However, a minority of patients (up to 20%) will develop severe disease that carries substantial morbidity and mortality. Over the past decades, management of severe acute pancreatitis changed from an early operative treatment to a more conservative approach. Nowadays there is clearly no more doubt that surgery is not the first choice of treatment for patients suffering from severe acute