Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FACTORS USED BY PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION RESIDENCY TRAINING DIRECTORS TO SELECT THEIR RESIDENTS

A 17-item questionnaire was designed to assess the relative importance of various factors to physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) training directors when ranking PM&R resident applicants during the National Resident Match. The questionnaire was sent to all PM&R residency training directors. The recipients were asked to grade most selection factors based on a numerical scale: 1, unimportant; 2, some importance; 3, important; 4, very important; 5, critical. The specific factors addressed in the questionnaire were: academic criteria, letters of recommendation, individual applicant characteristics and aspects of the interview process. Twelve yes-or-no questions were also designed to determine the weight that residency training directors place on certain academic criteria. A response rate of 88% (66/75) was obtained. The most important academic criteria were grades in a PM&R clerkship in their facility (4.1 ± 0.8), followed by grades in a PM&R clerkship in another facility (3.6 ± 0.9). The most important letters of recommendation were from a PM&R faculty member in the respondent's department (4.0 ± 0.8), followed by the dean's letter (3.7 ± 1.0) and the PM&R chairman's letter (3.7 ± 1.0). The three most important applicant characteristics evaluated during the interview were compatibility with the program (4.4 ± 0.8), the ability to articulate thoughts (4.2 ± 0.8) and the ability to work with the team (4.2 ± 0.8). Most program directors used multiple criteria to complete their rank list, but the most important were based upon the interview (4.5 ± 0.9), letters of recommendation (3.7 ± 0.9), medical school transcript (3.6 ± 0.8) and the dean's letter (3.6 ± 1.1). Knowledge of the specialty, personal statements and research interest were the least important candidate criteria. The majority of respondents believed that clinical and preclinical honor grades were more important than honor status on the United States Medical Licensing Examination steps 1 and 2.
What do we currently know about thoracic spinal cord injury recovery and outcomes? A systematic review.

OBJECT The purpose of this paper was to systematically review and critically appraise the evidence for whether there are differences in outcomes or recovery after thoracic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) based on the spinal level, the timing of intervention, or cause of SCI. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE through January 5, 2012. From 486 articles identified, 10 included data on the population of interest. Included studies were assigned a level of evidence (LOE) rating based on study quality, and an overall strength of evidence was assessed. To estimate the effect of injury level on patient outcomes, the relative risk and risk difference were calculated when data were available. RESULTS From 486 citations identified, 3 registry studies and 7 retrospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. All were rated as being of poor quality (LOE III). Limited literature exists on the epidemiology of traumatic and nontraumatic SCI. Few studies evaluated outcomes based on SCI level within the thoracic spine. Pulmonary complications and thromboembolic events were less common in persons with lower thoracic SCI (T7-12) than in those with higher thoracic SCI (T1-6) in 2 large studies, but no differences were found in functional outcomes in 4 smaller studies. Patients undergoing earlier surgery (< 72 hours) may have fewer ventilator, ICU, and hospital days than those undergoing later surgery. One small study of SCI during repair of aortic aneurysm compared with traumatic SCI reported similar outcomes for both groups. There are substantial deficiencies in the scientific literature on thoracic SCI in regard to assessment, outcomes ratings, and effectiveness of therapy. CONCLUSIONS The overall strength of evidence for all outcomes reported is low. Definitive conclusions should not be drawn regarding the prognosis for outcome and recovery after thoracic SCI. From a physiological standpoint, additional methodologically rigorous studies that take into consideration various levels of injury in more anatomically and physiologically relevant form are needed. Use of validated, comprehensive outcomes tools are important to improve our understanding of the impact of thoracic SCI and aid in examining factors in recovery from thoracic SCI.
Regulation of RANTES/CCL5 expression in human astrocytes by interleukin‐1 and interferon‐β

In the CNS, astrocytes are significant sources of RANTES/CCL5 (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), a CC‐chemokine with important biological function. Astrocyte RANTES/CCL5 has been shown to be induced by interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), with interferon‐γ (IFNγ) as a primer, but whether type I interferons play any role in the expression of RANTES/CCL5 is not known. In this report, we studied the detailed mechanism of RANTES/CCL5 induction in primary human astrocytes activated with IL‐1 and IFNβ. Ribonuclease protection assay and ELISA showed that IFNβ, although not effective alone, increased IL‐1‐induced RANTES/CCL5 expression, but did not antagonize IFNγ. IL‐1 or IL‐1/IFNβ‐induced RANTES/CCL5 expression was inhibited by the super‐repressor IκBα or inhibitors of p38 or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) MAPKs (mitogen‐activated protein kinases), but not by extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK) inhibitors. IFNβ enhanced IL‐1‐induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but was not effective alone. Transfection with mutated RANTES/CCL5 promoter‐reporter constructs revealed that κB, interferon‐stimulated response element (ISRE) and CAATT‐enhancer binding protein‐β (C/EBPβ) sites all contributed to IL‐1/IFNβ‐induced RANTES/CCL5 transcription. IFNβ synergized with IL‐1 to induce nuclear accumulation of C/EBPβ protein. They also synergized to form nuclear ISRE complexes with Stat1, Stat2 and interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) proteins. Together, our results demonstrate that IFNβ plays a positive regulatory role in the expression of RANTES/CCL5 in human astrocytes through several distinct mechanisms.
IMIPRAMINE EFFECTS UPON HOSTILITY IN DEPRESSION

A reciprocal relationship between hostility and depression is postulated by psychodynamic theory. Following the classic formulations derived from Freud and Abraham, the turning of hostility away from the object world and onto the ego is a crucial mechanism in the psychogenesis of depression. The effects of imipramine and other antidepressants have been studied for possible verification of this hypothesis. Based on clinical observations and research studies, it is postulated that imipramine mobilizes hostility and that this mobilization underlies the drug's therapeutic psychodynamic action. In a study of psychodynamic changes in women with depression, opportunity was afforded to test this view. Three women, hospitalized for their depressions, were studied longitudinally before and during treatment with imipramine. Using the Gottschalk verbal sample technique, hostility directed inward and directed outward was measured. No significant differences were found between the imipramine and preimipramine periods, despite significant clinical improvement during the drug treatment period. Further longitudinal studies of the effects of imipramine upon hostility are needed, before the “mobilization hypothesis” can be accepted or dismissed.
Two cheers for meta-analysis: problems and opportunities in aggregating results of clinical trials.

T he concept of aggregating the results of different experiments that addressed the same question is not new. Such exercises have been performed in physics and agriculture for more than half a century. However, during the 1970s more sophisticated techniques for synthesizing research results were introduced in the social sciences. Glass' coined the term meta-analysis to describe this synthetic process, and social scientists have since continued working to improve its methodology.2-7 It was only a matter of time before the concept caught on in clinical research. One of the early medical meta-analyses was by Chalmers and colleagues,8 who pooled the results of several trials in an effort to address the still-vexed issue of anticoagulation in acute myocardial infarction. Subsequently Goldman and Feinstein9 published a critical response to this meta-analysis, under the suggestive subtitle "The problems of pooling, drowning, and floating". This cautionary note led some authors to perform structured, semiquantitative reviews of clinical trials, wherein the evidence from each randomized study was carefully appraised in numerical terms, but actual pooling of results was relegated to secondary importance.10"1 Latterly, however, meta-analyses aimed primarily at pooling the results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have appeared with increasing frequency in all areas of the medical literature.
Socioeconomic and occupational groups and risk of asthma in Sweden.

AIM To investigate possible associations between hospitalization for asthma and socioeconomic status and occupation. METHODS A nationwide database was constructed by linking Swedish Census data to the Hospital Discharge Register (1987-2004). The hospital diagnoses of asthma were based on the International Classification of Diseases. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated for different socioeconomic and occupational groups. Ninety-five per cent confidence intervals were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution. RESULTS A total of 13,202 male and 11,876 female hospitalizations for asthma were retrieved at ages >30 years. The socioeconomic groups with < 9 years of education were associated with a significantly increased risk of hospitalization for asthma. Among male occupations, increased risks were noted for farmers, mechanics and iron and metal workers, welders, bricklayers, workers in food manufacture, packers, loaders and warehouse workers, waiters and chimney sweeps with prolonged exposures in two censuses. For female occupations, increased risks were observed among assistant nurses, religious, juridical and other social science-related workers, drivers, mechanics and iron and metalware workers and wood workers. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that socioeconomic status (low educational level) and occupation have an effect on the population's risk of hospitalization for asthma.
Nematicidal Activity of Lantana Camara L. for Control of Root-Knot Nematodes

Various concentrations of aqueous leaf extract of Lantana camara L. were assessed against second stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne spp. (Goeldi, 1982) for its nematicidal potency in vitro conditions. Study showed 50% concentration of Lantana camara leaf extract at 48 hrs of incubation period and above showed effective in immobilizing second stage of larvae (J2) of Meloidogyne spp. The standard concentration ‘S’ (100%) of leaf extract was found to be highly nematostatic, 98.66% of nematode were found dead in 48 hrs. Similarly, 57.66% of nematode juveniles were found dead when applied 50% concentration in 48 hrs. Mean number of (J2) dead at 100% concentration for three time period was statistically significant highest at 48 hrs. So far, 50% concentration in 48 hrs and above was appropriate for controlling the root-knot nematode which seems as an alternative to chemical pesticides.
Nurse practitioner’s characteristics and job satisfaction

Purpose: To identify the demographics and job satisfaction levels of currently working nurse practitioners (NPs) in California. Data sources: The Mueller McCloskey Satisfaction Scale (MMSS) was mailed to a random sample of 200 California NPs with active licensure. Descriptive analysis was employed. Conclusions: The NPs reported high levels of job satisfaction according to the MMSS. Aspects of the job that showed significant levels of satisfaction were schedules, flexibility of hours, and interprofessional relationships. NPs were least satisfied with not having professional opportunities such as participation in nursing research, writing/publishing, and belonging to a department/nursing committee. Implications for practice: The findings may be used to guide NP recruitment and retention strategies, influence practice issues, and facilitate job satisfaction for NPs by employing agencies.
Diagnostic accuracy of stereotactic large‐core needle biopsy for nonpalpable breast disease: Results of a multicenter prospective study with 95% surgical confirmation

Stereotactic large‐core needle biopsy is increasingly applied for the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast disease. Our study examines whether this minimally invasive technique is sufficiently accurate to replace surgical breast biopsy. In a prospective multicenter study, 973 consecutive women with 1,029 nonpalpable breast lesions were offered stereotactic 14‐gauge needle biopsy. If the needle biopsy yielded breast cancer, the patient was offered therapeutic surgery. Surgical biopsy was proposed in cases of needle biopsies without malignancy. An expert panel reviewed all discrepancies in histologic diagnosis between the needle biopsy and open biopsy. Forty‐five patients withdrew from participation and 113 (11%) planned needle biopsy procedures were cancelled. Of the 871 successful biopsy procedures, 95% were confirmed surgically. In 13 cases (1.5%), insufficient material was obtained for histologic assessment. Fifty‐five percent of the needle biopsies were diagnosed as malignant (290 invasive cancers, 190 ductal carcinoma in situ). Thirteen of the 322 lesions (4%, 95% CI 2–7%) with a benign needle biopsy diagnosis contained malignancy after surgery. Six of the 26 (23%, 95% CI 9–44%) lesions with a high‐risk diagnosis (atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ) were diagnosed as malignant after surgery. Five of the 30 lesions containing normal breast tissue held malignancy (17%, 95% CI 6–35%). Guidelines for the management of different categories of needle biopsy diagnoses were made. Application of these guidelines to the present findings resulted in sensitivity and specificity rates of 97% (95% CI 95–98%) and 99% (95% CI 97–100%), respectively. Stereotactic large‐core needle biopsy is an accurate diagnostic instrument for nonpalpable breast disease. It may safely replace needle localised open‐breast biopsy provided that high‐risk and normal breast tissue diagnoses are followed by needle or open‐breast biopsy. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of image quality of lumbar spine images: a comparison between FFE and VGA.

PURPOSE The aim of the present study is to compare two different methods for evaluation of the quality of clinical X-ray images. METHODS Based on fifteen lumbar spine radiographs, two new sets of images were created. A hybrid image set was created by adding two distributions of artificial lesions to each original image. The image quality parameters spatial resolution and noise were manipulated and a total of 210 hybrid images were created. A set of 105 disease-free images was created by applying the same combinations of spatial resolution and noise to the original images. The hybrid images were evaluated with the free-response forced error experiment (FFE) and the normal images with visual grading analysis (VGA) by nine experienced radiologists. RESULTS In the VGA study, images with low noise were preferred over images with higher noise levels. The alteration of the MTF had a limited influence on the VGA score. For the FFE study, the visibility of the lesions was independent of the sharpness and the noise level. No correlation was found between the two image quality measures. CONCLUSIONS FFE is a precise method for evaluation of image quality, but the results are only valid for the type of lesion used in the study, whereas VGA is a more general method for clinical image quality assessment. The results of the FFE study indicate that there might be a potential to lower the dose levels in lumbar spine radiography without losing important diagnostic information.
Children's Perceptions of Family Relationships as Assessed in a Doll Story Completion Task: Links to Parenting, Social Competence, and Externalizing Behavior

This study was designed to examine the links between parenting, children's perceptions of family relationships, and children's social behavior. Seventy-four children (M age = 6.01 years; 39 boys; 35 girls) and their parents took part in the study. Chil- dren completed relationship-oriented doll stories that were coded for coherence, prosocial themes, and aggressive themes. Parents completed a report of their child's social behavior, a parenting scale, and a number of demographic items. Teachers also completed measures of children's social competence and externalizing behavior. Warm parenting predicted both a child's representation of prosocial themes in the doll stories and social competence, whereas harsh parenting predicted both a child's use of aggressive themes in the doll sto- ries and a child's externalizing behavior. These findings support the idea that children are constructing models of relationships out of the early interactions with caregivers, and that they use these representations to guide their social behavior.
Influence factors for functional improvement after olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation for chronic spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE To explore the influence factors for the functional improvement after the fetal olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation for chronic spinal cord injury(SCI). METHODS The olfactory bulbs were harvested and trypsinized down to single fetal OEC. They were cultured for 12-17 days prepared for use. From November 2001 to December 2003, a total of 300 patients volunteered for the fetal OEC transplantation, among whom 222 suffered from complete chronic SCI and 78 suffered from incomplete chronic SCI. The procedures were performed on the patients with a disease course ranging from 6 months to 31 years (average 3.1 years) after their injuries. The fetal OEC was transplanted by the form of injections into the spinal cord at the upper and lower ends of the injury site. All the patients were assessed by the ASIA standard before the transplantation and 2-8 weeks after the transplantation. The influence factors including age, sex, duration after the injury, and injury degrees and levels were compared with those in the functional improvement after fetal OEC transplantation. RESULTS The partially-improved neurological functions assessed by the ASIA standard were indicated by the motor scores increasing from 39.1 +/- 20.6 to 45.9 +/- 20.3 (P < 0.001), the light touch scores from 51.7 +/- 24.9 to 63.4 +/- 23.0 (P < 0.001), and the pin prick scores from 53.0 +/- 24.2 to 65.3 +/- 22.7 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the functional improvement of the motor, light touch, and pin brick when compared with the age, sex, duration after the injury, and the injury degrees and levels. The motor scores and light touch scores at the cervical level were higher than the scores at the thoracic level. CONCLUSION The fetal OEC transplantation can partially improve the neurological functions quickly in treatment of the chronic spinal cord injury. All the influence factors except the motor scores and light touch scores, which were higher at the cervical level than at thoracic level, have no impact on the functional improvement after the fetal OEC transplantation.
KIBRA Regulates Hippo Signaling Activity via Interactions with Large Tumor Suppressor Kinases*

The Hippo pathway controls tissue growth and tumorigenesis by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Recent genetic studies in Drosophila identified Kibra as a novel regulator of Hippo signaling. Human KIBRA has been associated with memory performance and cell migration. However, it is unclear whether or how KIBRA is connected to the Hippo pathway in mammalian cells. Here, we show that KIBRA associates with and activates Lats (large tumor suppressor) 1 and 2 kinases by stimulating their phosphorylation on the hydrophobic motif. KIBRA overexpression stimulates the phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), the Hippo pathway effector. Conversely, depletion of KIBRA by RNA interference reduces YAP phosphorylation. Furthermore, KIBRA stabilizes Lats2 by inhibiting its ubiquitination. We also found that KIBRA mRNA is induced by YAP overexpression in both murine and human cells, suggesting the evolutionary conservation of KIBRA as a transcriptional target of the Hippo signaling pathway. Thus, our study revealed a new connection between KIBRA and mammalian Hippo signaling.
Estimating Recombination Rates From Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Using Summary Statistics

We describe a novel method for jointly estimating crossing-over and gene-conversion rates from population genetic data using summary statistics. The performance of our method was tested on simulated data sets and compared with the composite-likelihood method of R. R. Hudson. For several realistic parameter values, the new method performed similarly to the composite-likelihood approach for estimating crossing-over rates and better when estimating gene-conversion rates. We used our method to analyze a human data set recently genotyped by Perlegen Sciences.
Fluctuations in ion pairs and their stabilities in proteins

This report investigates the effect of systemic protein conformational flexibility on the contribution of ion pairs to protein stability. Toward this goal, we use all NMR conformer ensembles in the Protein Data Bank (1) that contain at least 40 conformers, (2) whose functional form is monomeric, (3) that are nonredundant, and (4) that are large enough. We find 11 proteins adhering to these criteria. Within these proteins, we identify 22 ion pairs that are close enough to be classified as salt bridges. These are identified in the high‐resolution crystal structures of the respective proteins or in the minimized average structures (if the crystal structures are unavailable) or, if both are unavailable, in the “most representative” conformer of each of the ensembles. We next calculate the electrostatic contribution of each such ion pair in each of the conformers in the ensembles. This results in a comprehensive study of 1,201 ion pairs, which allows us to look for consistent trends in their electrostatic contributions to protein stability in large sets of conformers. We find that the contributions of ion pairs vary considerably among the conformers of each protein. The vast majority of the ion pairs interconvert between being stabilizing and destabilizing to the structure at least once in the ensembles. These fluctuations reflect the variabilities in the location of the ion pairing residues and in the geometric orientation of these residues, both with respect to each other, and with respect to other charged groups in the remainder of the protein. The higher crystallographic B‐factors for the respective side‐chains are consistent with these fluctuations. The major conclusion from this study is that salt bridges observed in crystal structure may break, and new salt bridges may be formed. Hence, the overall stabilizing (or, destabilizing) contribution of an ion pair is conformer population dependent. Proteins 2001;43:433–454. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.