Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specular Microscopy, Confocal Microscopy, and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy: Diagnostic Tools of the Past Quarter Century

Purpose. To identify, characterize, and illustrate the most important past and future potential contributions of specular, confocal, and ultrasound biomicroscopy to clinical diagnosis and research applications in the cornea from the past 25 years. Methods. Specular microscopy, in vivo tandem scanning confocal microscopy (TSCM), scanning slit confocal microscopy (SSCM), and high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy are examined. Results and Conclusions. This review demonstrates the abilities and limitations of three powerful new in vivo imaging modalities to resolve the cellular and structural layers of the cornea temporally and spatially in three or four dimensions, (x, y, z, t). Clinical pathological processes such as inflammation, infection, wound healing, toxicity, embryonic development, differentiation, and disease, which previously could be studied only under static ex vivo conditions, can now be dynamically evaluated over time. Thus, with continued development and application in vivo, noninvasive microscopic techniques should provide exciting new insights into understanding the structure and function of not only the eye, but also other multicellular organ systems in health and disease. These new imaging paradigms are in the first rank of advances in medical science in the past quarter century.
2-3-2016 Lambda Red-mediated Recombineering in the Attaching and Effacing Pathogen Escherichia

Background: The ability to introduce site-specific mutations in bacterial pathogens is essential towards understanding their molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity. This has been greatly facilitated by the genetic engineering technique of recombineering. In recombineering, linear doubleor single-stranded DNA molecules with two terminal homology arms are electroporated into hyperrecombinogenic bacteria that express a phage-encoded recombinase. The recombinase catalyzes the replacement of the endogenous allele with the exogenous allele to generate selectable or screenable recombinants. In particular, lambda red recombinase has been instrumental in engineering mutations to characterize the virulence arsenal of the attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), and Citrobacter rodentium. Escherichia albertii is another member of this taxon; however, the virulence of E. albertii remains cryptic despite accumulating evidence that E. albertii is an emerging pathogen. Multiple retrospective studies have reported that a substantial number of EPEC and EHEC isolates (~15 %) that were previously incriminated in human outbreaks actually belong to the E. albertii lineage. Thus, there is increased urgency to reliably identify and rapidly engineer mutations in E. albertii to systematically characterize its virulence determinants. To the best of our knowledge not a single chromosomal gene has been altered by targeted mutagenesis in E. albertii since it was first isolated almost 25 years ago. This is disconcerting because an E. albertii outbreak could cause significant morbidity and mortality owing to our inadequate understanding of its virulence program. Results: In this report we describe a modified lambda red recombineering protocol to mutagenize E. albertii. As proof of principle, we successfully deleted three distinct virulence-associated genetic loci – ler, grlRA, and hfq – and replaced each wild type allele by a mutant allele with an encodable drug resistance cassette bracketed by FRT sites. Subsequently, the FRT-site flanked drug resistance marker was evicted by FLP-dependent site-specific recombination to generate excisants containing a solitary FRT site. Conclusions: Our protocol will enable researchers to construct marked and unmarked genome-wide mutations in E. albertii, which, in turn, will illuminate its molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and aid in developing appropriate preventative and therapeutic approaches to combat E. albertii outbreaks.
Diagnostic Utility of Sonography and Correlation Between Sonographic and Clinical Findings in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

First, we investigated the accuracy of carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis by comparing the cross‐sectional area of the median nerve measured at the level of proximal inlet of the carpal tunnel with that measured at the level of the distal radioulnar joint on sonography. Second, we evaluated the correlation between sonographic and neurophysiologic findings and clinical findings assessed by the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Instrument of the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH).
Whatever Happened to Information Theory? (2)

Whatever happened to information theory? (2) Since the simplest choice is yes-or-no (or on-or-off for a switch) the information unit of a bit (binary choice) is useful. Norbert Weiner and Claude Shannon developed the Hartley approach (Perception, 1980, 9, 367-368) by examining the statistical characteristics of signals, including the values of waves for analog signals. They reinterpreted Hartley's Law, to define the average information of long sequences of n symbols as n H = -YJpi\ogpi. i (The minus sign makes H positive, since it involves logarithms of pt which is fractional.) It is well worth playing the dictionary game, of finding a word with the Twenty Questions technique of asking: "Is it before K? " And if it is: "Is it before E? " and so on. Any word in a dictionary can usually be located within twelve such binary decisions, which is quite remarkable. This is surprising because we are not used to thinking in terms of powers of two. The number of binary choices enabling selection of say a word, from a set of words, increases as follows (values rounded off):
Dietary approaches to stop hypertension patterns in older Latinos with or at risk for hypertension.

BACKGROUND Older Latinos represent a growing segment of our population, yet little is known about whether older Latinos are following the recommended Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which promotes certain food groups to reduce blood pressure (BP) over and above established strategies. Among Latinos, greater acculturation to the American society has been associated with suboptimal dietary choices and risk for chronic diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess differences in DASH accordance/adherence by BP status taking into account level of acculturation. METHODS This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving older Latinos wherein DASH accordance and adherence were calculated on the basis of nutrient analyses of food frequency questionnaires. A DASH score of 4.5 or higher indicated accordance, and a DASH Adherence Index greater than 0 indicated adherence. Blood pressure was measured in triplicate using Omron HEM-907XL and was categorized according to BP level and/or antihypertensive medication. The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II was used to rate level of acculturation. RESULTS Participants were 169 Latinos, primarily women (73%) and older (66 ± 9.0 years); the majority were hypertensive (66%), preferred speaking in Spanish (85%), and were more Latino oriented (63%) with respect to acculturation status. Overall, participants were moderately DASH accordant (4.2 ± 1.6) and DASH adherent (-0.8 ± 0.8). Acculturation scores (odds ratio, 1.4-1.7, P < 0.02) were predictive of hypertensive status (defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg) regardless of which dietary score was modeled. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, greater attention should be paid to identification of traditional Latino foods and food preparation that are consistent and acceptable to this older community in effort to foster greater DASH accordance and improve BP status.
[Influence of anatomic variations of the structures of the middle nasal meatus on sinonasal diseases].

INTRODUCTION The most common anatomic variations of the structures of the middle nasal meatus are variations of agger nasi cells, variations of the middle turbinate, variations of uncinate process, variations of the ethmoidal bulla, deviations and deformations of nasal septum in the region of the middle nasal meatus, Haller's cell (orbitoethmoidal) and Onodi's cell (sphenoethmoidal cell). In 1997, the Otorhinolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Task Force on Chronic Rhinosinusitis defined chronic sinusitis and nasal disease initially by including sinusitis and rhinitis with one term-chronic rhinosinusitis. This was done because it was apparent to many that nasal disoders often affected the sinuses, and vice versa. Also they established baseline parameters, major and minor signs and symptoms, for definition of rhinosinusitis. Two major factors or one major factor and two minor factors constitute a strong history for rhinosinusitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The following methods were used in the study: 1. Anamnestic data processing about: disease symptoms that were recognized by American Academy for ENT as major and minor criteria in diagnosing nosinusitis; the duration of symptoms; the kind of sinonasal disorder and the secondary disorders. 2. Data processing obtained by anterior/posterior rhinoscopy. 3. Data processing obtained by endoscopic examination. 4. Data processing obtained by CT of paranasal cavities and the nose. The data about anatomic variations were statistically processed by Eives's correlation coefficient that indicates the degree of correlation between sinonasal disorders and anatomic variation. RESULTS By analyzing the obtained data in the examined patients with sinonasal disorders, anatomic variations were present in over 50% of the patients and are defined by percentage. 1. The deviation of nasal septum in 83.33% patients. 2. The variations of the form of the middle nasal chonha in 58.92% patients. 3. The presence of agger nasi cells in 50% patients. 4. Variations of the form of ethomoidal bulla in 50% patients. Eives's correlation coefficient i.e. the degree of correlation between sinonasal disorders and the presence of anatomic variation statistically significantly correlate at r > or = 0.05 of anatomic variation of the middle nasal chonha (r = 0.23) and the presence of deviation/deformation of nasal septum (r = 0.6) with sinonasal disorders. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Anatomic variations of the structures of the middle nasal meatus can additionally complicate the anatomy of the lateral nasal wall and the conditions of the ostiomeatal unit. Therefore we must view these variations as factors predisposing to more rapid and frequent appearance and persistence of chronic inflammations. Also, familiary with the variations in sinonasal anatomy is a prerequisite to safe and effective surgical treatment of sinonasal disease. Recognition of this anatomic variation should minimize catastrophic violation of vital structures such as orbit or skull base.
Pulse pressure, aortic regurgitation and carotid atherosclerosis: a comparison between hypertensives and normotensives

Pulse pressure (PP) has often been associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) often have increased PP. The aim of this study is to investigate the associations among PP, AR and extracranial carotid artery (ECCA) carotid atherosclerosis (CA) in hypertensives and age‐ and sex‐matched normotensives. Two hundred and sixty‐three hypertensive patients and 270 normotensive subjects from the Chin‐Shan Community Cardiovascular Cohort participated in this study in 1996. CA, expressed as maximal common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) ≥75th percentile and ECCA plaque score >6, was measured using high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasonography. The presence of AR was assessed by echocardiography, and their relationships with CA were evaluated. Results showed measurements of CA significantly associated with increased PP. Presence of AR associated with CA, but this relationship was attenuated after controlling for age. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that an ECCA score >6 significantly increase the risk in conjunction with PP, age and smoking in hypertensives. Correspondingly, CA increased with age, smoking and left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography but not PP in normotensives. In conclusion, higher PP is strongly associated with CA in patients with hypertension. In terms of risk stratification, PP is more important in hypertensives than in normotensives which seem to imply that pulsatile haemodynamic component of BP is crucial in association with atherosclerosis.
Disability and Health-related Quality of Life in Long-term Survivors of Cancer in Childhood in Brazil

There is limited experience with patient-reported measurements of health status and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in survivors of cancer in childhood in low-income countries. The purposes of this study were to collect such measurements in Brazil, to test hypotheses about differences among diagnostic groups, and to compare results with those from other countries. Survivors were eligible if diagnosed with cancer in childhood, attending a long-term follow-up clinic, cancer free, literate, and at least 13 years of age. Health status measurements were collected using a Brazilian Portuguese Health Utilities Index questionnaire. Questionnaire responses were converted to scores for morbidity in individual health attributes and for overall HRQL. More than one-third of the 138 consecutive survivors who participated reported some cognitive disability or pain. Approximately one-quarter reported problems with vision, speech, or emotion. Mean HRQL was similar (P>0.05) among countries for survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin disease. The results support the hypotheses that Brazilian survivors of cancer in childhood experience a wide range of disabilities and impaired HRQL, are similar to those in other countries, and should be assessed in long-term follow-up clinics.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF MENTAL FORAMEN IN DRY HUMAN MANDIBLES

Background: The position and its morphological variations of Mental Foramen are very important because it will be helpful to localize the important maxillofacial neurovascular bundle passing through. It is landmark to facilitate surgical, local anaesthetic and other invasive procedures for dental surgeons performing peri-apical surgery in the mental region of mandible. Aims & Objective: To Study morphological and morphometric analysis of mental foramen in dry human mandibles. Material and Methods: 50 dried adult human mandibles with complete dentition and intact alveolar margin of unknown sex were used for this study. The shape of MF observed was either oval or rounded. The morphometric measurements which were recorded using Vernier callipers. Results: The most commonly present position of the MF as related to the lower set of teeth was in line with the second premolar, i.e. Type 4 (64.7 % cases on the right and 66.7 % cases on the left side). Next common position was Type 3, i.e. between the premolars (21.6% on right and 19.6% on the left sides. The mean distance between symphysis mentii and anterior margin of MF was 23.3 mm and 22.5 mm, on the right and left sides respectively. Mean distance between posterior margin of MF and posterior border of ramus was 61.3 mm on the right side and 62.5 mm on the left side. Conclusion: The present study reveals valuable insights on the information concerning the morphology of mental foramen in various populations and races. The knowledge of the distances from surgically encountered anatomical landmarks in the present study provide valuable information to dental surgeons that will facilitate effective localization of the neurovascular bundle passing through mental foramen thus avoiding complications from local anaesthetic, surgical and other invasive procedures.
Modifications of the methane production of the sheep by supplementation of its diet.

The normal process of methane production in ruminants is described and it is pointed out that about 8% of the energy of the diet is inevitably lost to the animal as methane. Experiments are described which show that fatty acids and other alkyl compounds added to the diet or infused into the rumen reduce methane production by, in some instances, as much as two-thirds. Although methanogenesis is markedly depressed, with some compounds there is little concomitant depression of the digestion of cellulose or indeed of the non-lipid organic constituents of the diet. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Job Satisfaction, Wages, and Unions

This paper provides a systematic empirical analysis of the effect of union membership on job satisfaction and wages, and shows how the interaction between these effects leads to empirically observable relations between unionization and individual quit probabilities. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Men, several empirical results were obtained. First, union members, on average, report lower levels of job satisfaction. Interestingly, unionization causes greater dissatisfaction at higher tenure levels. These findings are attributed to both the politicization of the unionized labor force and the fact that union members face flatter earnings profiles. The importance of the latter effect is reflected by the empirical fact that unions have a strong negative effect on quit probabilities at low levels of tenure, but the effect diminishes (absolutely) as tenure increases.
Human Listeriosis: An Update

Listeriosis in human is clinically characterized as perinatal listeriosis, neonatal listeriosis and adult listeriosis. Listeria spp are an established pathogen in animals, and human infections are usually seen following ingestion of contaminated food (processed food). Human infections of Listeria spp initially present with gastrointestinal symptoms. Meningitis, septicaemia, brain abscess and probably intrauterine and neonatal infections are considered as frequent complications of infection with Listeria spp. Of the six species of Listeria identified thus far, L monocytogenes and L ivanovii are considered as pathogenic strains to humans and animals respectively. Listeria monocytogenes are facultative intracellular bacterial pathogens, which pose a potential public health problem related to consumption of contaminated food that is facilitated by their ability to tolerate high concentrations of salt and able to survive and multiply in refrigeration temperatures. From being a saprophyte, pathogen responsible for abortion in cattle, Listeria spp have evolved in to potential human pathogens with ever increasing reports of human listeriosis.
Difficulties generating self-compassion: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

The aim of the present study was to make an idiographic investigation about the difficulties that are encountered by people who self-identify as having difficulties with self-compassion. Although a growing number of studies have been carried out concerning the concept of self-compassion, most research designs were quantitative. Based on this gap, the current study expanded the scope to include a qualitative dimension of the recent literature on self-compassion and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted as methodological preference, which particularly monitors the lived experience of participants. In consequence of four in-depth semi-structured interviews, four super-ordinate themes emerged; the double-edged-sword: perfectionism, the flaws of compassion, the effects of a third person, and the advantages of self-criticism. In line with pre-existing research, these findings explored the reasons behind self-undermining behaviours and misconstructions about self-compassion, which are a barrier to gentle self-talk. Furthermore, unfavourable effects of the social environment prime participants to maladaptive perfectionism and excessive self-criticism, which are considered a success formula by the participants. This study's purpose is to present a detailed roadmap about the self-destructive journey of the people with low self-compassion. It will help researchers and clinicians to develop future interventions in order to cultivate kind and encouraging attitudes in self-critical people.
Early Exposure to General Anesthesia Causes Significant Neuronal Deletion in the Developing Rat Brain

Frequent exposure of children to general anesthesia is common practice in modern medicine. Although previously unrecognized, recent in vitro and in vivo animal studies suggest that exposure to clinically relevant general anesthetics at the peak of brain development could be detrimental to immature mammalian neurons, as demonstrated by massive and widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration. The survival of the developing neurons presumably depends on proper and timely formation of synapses, for which synaptic proteins (e.g., synaptophysin, synaptobrevin, amphiphysin, synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 [SNAP‐25], and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II [CaM kinase II]) are crucially important. Overinhibition of developing neurons impairs synaptic protein function and activity‐induced synaptic plasticity, which could in turn result in permanent neuronal loss. To examine the effects of general anesthesia, the pharmacological agents known to cause extensive neuronal inhibition, on synaptic proteins, and neuronal survival at the peak of synaptogenesis, we exposed 7‐day‐old rat pups to general anesthesia (midazolam, 9 mg/kg of body weight, subcutaneously, followed by 6 h of nitrous oxide 75 vol% and isoflurane 0.75 vol%). We found that this general anesthesia causes permanent neuronal deletion in the most vulnerable brain regions—the cerebral cortex and the thalamus—while transiently modulating protein levels of synaptophysin, synaptobrevin, amphiphysin, SNAP‐25, and CaM kinase II.
Induction Immunosuppression

Induction immunosuppression is intense, prophylactic therapy used at the time of transplantation based on the empiric observation that more powerful immunosuppression is required to prevent acute rejection early. In the past decade, there has been a growing trend towards the use of specialized agents such as antibody therapies for induction. In general, these agents have been shown to reduce the rate of acute rejection. However, their use has not been clearly shown to improve long-term transplant outcomes. This overview will review the biological basis for induction immunosuppression and the mechanisms of action of those specialized induction agents currently in clinical use. Clinical trials investigating induction regimens will be evaluated, and an individualized approach to the use of induction immunosuppressants will be presented.