Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chondrosarcomas of the Cervical and Cervicothoracic Spine: Surgical Management and Long-term Clinical Outcome

Study Design A retrospective review study. Objectives To estimate the clinical outcome of various resection protocols in patients with chondrosarcoma (CHS) at the challenging region of cervical and cervicothoracic spine (CCT). Summary of Background Data It is challenging to surgically manage CHS of the spine. Although total en-bloc resection has proven to be an ideal treatment, this option is not always feasible in the spine because of the constrains of critical neurovascular structures in the vicinity. Lesions at the CCT region pose even more difficulties, and few large clinical series concerning various protocols and long-term outcomes of these lesions exist at present. Methods Fifteen patients with CHS at the CCT region who underwent surgical management in our institute were retrospectively studied. Twelve piecemeal resections and 3 en-bloc resections were performed. Intraoperative local chemotherapy and postoperative cyberknife radiotherapy were given as adjuvant therapy. Neurologic status, local recurrence, distant metastasis, and treatment-related complications were evaluated. Results The mean follow-up time was 58.7 months (median 37 mo; ranging from 18 to 141 mo). Local recurrence was detected in 5 of 5 cases (100%) treated by intracapsular piecemeal resection, and in 1 of 7 cases (14.3%) treated by extracapsular piecemeal resection, whereas no recurrence was found in 3 cases treated by en-bloc resection. Of the 6 recurrent patients, 5 died of disease 24 to 46 months after present surgery, and the remaining patient was alive with disease in the final follow-up. There were no signs of recurrence in the remaining 9 patients. Conclusions For CHS at the CCT region, intralesional piecemeal resection has a poor prognosis and should be avoided. Oncologically, en-bloc resection remains the best form of disease management and should be the primary treatment of choice. For cases in which an uncontaminated en-bloc resection could not be achieved, the extracapsular piecemeal resection with adjuvant therapy including local chemotherapy and cyberknife radiotherapy is an effective and achievable option.
A 920-1650-nm high-current photodetector

We present novel (InGa)As photodetectors which exhibit 150 mA continuous photocurrent at 2 W power dissipation. A responsivity of 0.97 A/W at 1319 nm is achieved with greater than 60% external quantum efficiency from 920 to 1650 mm. Measured dark currents are below 1 nA and bandwidths of 295 MHz are achieved. These low dark-current devices have utility to applications requiring large output current and large dynamic range.
An Evaluation of Depression as a Side Effect of Oral Contraceptives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of depressive side effects in women of child-bearing age currently taking oral contraceptives. The incidence of depression has been variously reported as between 2 per cent. and 5 per cent. (Any Questions, 1965), but clinical impression has been that this is an underestimate. Rather alarmingly, also, there has been a tendency to explain away symptomatology on a “scapegoat effect” basis (Bakker and Dightman, 1966). By blaming the Pill the patient has been held to increase her own self-esteem and avoid responsibility for lethargy, irritability, etc. Nevertheless, alert physicians have consistently recommended caution (Kaye, 1963; Grant, 1965).
Charge Transport and Injection to Phenylamine-Based Hole Transporters for OLEDs Applications

We studied the hole injection and transporting properties of four phenylamine-based hole-transporters useful for organic light-emitting diodes. The hole-transporting properties were examined in details by time-of-flight technique whereas their hole-injecting properties by current-voltage measurements and dark-current space-charge-limited-current technique (DI-SCLC). All materials were found to exhibit essentially trap-free hole transports. We discovered that a conducting polymeric anode, PEDOT:PSS, can act effectively as an Ohmic contact for hole injection into the PA compounds for DI-SCLC experiments
Relation of exhaled nitric oxide levels to development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Objective: To test the hypothesis that exhaled nitric oxide levels on day 28 and changes in exhaled nitric oxide levels in the neonatal period would differ according to whether infants developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and its severity. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Patients: 80 infants (median gestational age 28, range 24–32 weeks), 46 of whom developed BPD. Interventions: Exhaled nitric oxide measurements were attempted on days 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Main outcome measures: BPD (oxygen dependency at 28 days), mild BPD (oxygen dependent at 28 days, but not 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA)); moderate BPD (oxygen dependent at 36 weeks PMA) and severe BPD (respiratory support dependent at 36 weeks PMA). Results: On day 28, exhaled nitric oxide levels were higher in infants with BPD compared to those without BPD (p<0.001) and there was a linear trend in exhaled nitric oxide results as BPD severity increased (p = 0.006). No significances in the change in exhaled nitric oxide levels over the neonatal period were found between the four groups. Conclusion: Exhaled nitric oxide levels are raised in infants with established BPD, particularly in those developing moderate or severe BPD, and may reflect ongoing inflammation.
Divide and conquer for distributed mutual exclusion

A simple formal model of distributed mutual exclusion algorithms is introduced and a new class of algorithms is derived using the divide and conquer paradigm. A number of metrics reflecting certain realistic concerns about the distributed mutual exclusion algorithms are proposed and several relationships among them are identified. It is shown that the divide and conquer paradigm significantly simplifies the derivation of algorithms with desired values for these metrics. The new class of algorithms is compared to the voting algorithms. <<ETX>>
Differences in regional cerebral blood flow response to a 5HT3 antagonist in early‐ and late‐onset cocaine‐dependent subjects

5‐hydroxytryptamine 3 (5HT3) receptors are important modulators of mesostriatal dopaminergic transmission and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cocaine reward, withdrawal and self‐administration. In addition, the 5HT3 antagonist ondansetron is effective in treating early‐onset, but not late‐onset, alcohol‐dependent subjects. To explore the role of 5HT3 receptor systems in cocaine addiction using functioning imaging, we administered ondansetron to 23 abstinent, treatment‐seeking cocaine‐addicted and 22 sex‐, age‐ and race‐matched healthy control participants. Differences between early‐ (first use before 20 years, n = 10) and late‐onset (first use after 20 years, n = 10) cocaine‐addicted subjects were also assessed. On two separate days, subjects were administered ondansetron (0.15 mg/kg intravenously over 15 minutes) or saline. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured following each infusion with single photon emission computed tomography. No significant rCBF differences between the cocaine‐addicted and control participants were observed following ondansetron relative to saline. Early‐onset subjects, however, showed increased (P < 0.001) right posterior parahippocampal rCBF following ondansetron. In contrast, late‐onset subjects showed decreased rCBF following ondansetron in an overlapping region of the right parahippocampal/hippocampal gyrus. Early‐onset subjects also displayed increased rCBF in the left anterior insula and subthalamic nucleus following ondansetron; late‐onset subjects showed decreased rCBF in the right anterior insula. These findings suggest that the age of drug use onset is associated with serotonergic biosignatures in cocaine‐addicted subjects. Further clarification of these alterations may guide targeted treatment with serotonergic medications similar to those successfully used in alcohol‐dependent patients.
Blood cultures in paediatric patients: a study of clinical impact.

PURPOSE Blood cultures form a critical part of evaluation of patients with suspected sepsis. The present study was undertaken to study the risk factors, duration of incubation for obtaining positive cultures and the clinical impact of the culture report. METHODS A total of 220 samples from 107 pediatric patients presenting with suspected bacteraemia were processed aerobically. RESULTS Cultures were positive in 18.7% of the samples. Most of the positive cultures were obtained after 24 hours of incubation of the broth and no isolates were obtained beyond day 4 of incubation. Therapy was modified in 54.23% of the patients after receipt of culture report. CONCLUSIONS Incubation beyond four days (unless with specific indication like enteric fever) may be unnecessary for issuing a negative culture report. Repeated isolation of doubtful pathogens confirms true bacteraemia. Early culture report increases therapeutic compliance.
Learner Differences in Perceived Satisfaction of an Online Learning: An Extension to the Technology Acceptance Model in an Arabic Sample.

Online learning constitutes the most popular distance-learning method, with flexibility, accessibility, visibility, manageability and availability as its core features. However, current research indicates that its efficacy is not consistent across all learners. This study aimed to modify and extend the factors of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine perceived satisfaction of an Arabic sample in online learning. The integrated factors in the modified model includes: deep level (learning styles), surface level (gender), and cognitive (online self-efficacy) factors. Learning styles were chosen as a central factor. Hence, the online course was purposefully developed to support one pole in each dimension of Felder and Silverman Learning Styles Model (FSLSM) in order to reveal the pedagogical implications of learning styles on learner satisfaction. A total of 70 learners participated voluntarily in the research. At the end of the online course, they were requested to fill in two questionnaires: the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) and a standard questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the latter were firstly analysed to validate the instrument. Then, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to examine the proposed hypotheses. The model achieves an acceptable fit and explains 44.8% of variance. Perceived usefulness represented the best predictor, whereas online self-efficacy and perceived ease of use failed to show a direct impact on perceived satisfaction. Furthermore, neither learning styles nor gender diversity had direct influence on the dependent factors. Accordingly, the research suggested that other variables may have to be integrated to enhance the power of the model.
The Vegetative and Reproductive Structure of Papaya (Carica papaya)

Anatomical and morphological studies of tropical crop plants are widely scattered in journals and reference books. This literature is all too often inaccessible to students and researchers in the developing countries of the tropics. In addition, the structure of many crops has never been carefully studied. These factors present a significant constraint on the teaching of and research in tropical agriculture, since all aspects of agriculture are based ultimately on a firm botanical understanding of the crop and especially its plant structure and function. Therefore, this monograph is presented in an effort to summarize previously published information and to offer new observations on the structure of one crop, the papaya. The format of the present monograph will serve as a basis for what is hoped will be a forthcoming series dealing with different tropical crops. The morphology, anatomy, and cytology of the different vegetative and reproductive parts of the plant are described in detail. The terminology used can be found in an introductory text of plant anatomy (for example Esau, 1977). The author welcomes suggestions or comments that could improve the usefulness of such a reference and could be incorporated in future monographs.
Tumor Spread Through Air Spaces Is an Independent Predictor of Recurrence-free Survival in Patients With Resected Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) is a newly recognized pattern of invasion in lung adenocarcinoma. However, clinical significance of STAS has not yet been characterized in lung squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we investigated whether STAS could determine clinical outcome in Japanese patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. We reviewed tumor slides from surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinomas (n=216). STAS was defined as tumor cells within air spaces in the lung parenchyma beyond the edge of the main tumor. Tumors were evaluated for histologic subtypes, tumor budding, and nuclear diameter. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Tumor STAS was observed in 87 patients (40%), increasing incidence with lymph node metastasis (P=0.037), higher pathologic stage (P=0.026), and lymphatic invasion (P=0.033). All cases with STAS showed a solid nest pattern. The 5-year RFS for patients with STAS was significantly lower than it was for patients without STAS in all patients (P=0.001) and in stage I patients (n=134; P=0.041). On multivariate analysis, STAS was an independent prognostic factor of a worse RFS (hazard ratio=1.61; P=0.023). Patients with STAS had a significantly increased risk of developing locoregional and distant recurrences (P=0.012 and 0.001, respectively). We found that tumor STAS was an independent predictor of RFS in patients with resected lung squamous cell carcinoma, and it was associated with aggressive tumor behavior.
Studies on the pathogenesis of plasma cell tumors. II. The role of mast cells and pituitary glycoprotein hormones in the inhibition of plasma cell tumorigenesis.

The effect of administration of glycoprotein pituitary hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), on the development of plasma cell tumors in BALB/c mice was studied. Mice of both sexes were given i.p. injections of mineral oil. By 17 months of age, 93% male and 70% female control mice treated with mineral oil alone had developed plasma cell tumors. Daily s.c. injections of bovine albumin with mineral oil treatment did not modify the tumor incidence. Mineral-oil-treated mice receiving daily s.c. injections of 0.1 mg of either TSH, FSH, or LH showed extensive proliferation of mast cells in the peritoneal cavity at the age of 14 months. Phagocytosis of malignant plasma cells by mast cells was observed in some mice. Mast cell proliferation then subsided, and no plasma cell tumors appeared thereafter. By 17 months of age, 20% of the males and 0% of the females had developed plasma cell tumor. These results indicate the presence of a mast cell stimulating factor in the glycoprotein pituitary hormones and the inhibitory role of these substances or of the mast cells on the plasma cell tumor development.
IMPLEMENTATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE OF NIGERIA

The study investigated teachers’ perceived problems of curriculum implementation in tertiary institutions. The need for this study was borne out of the concern over prevalent questions raised against the standard of the education system. Three objectives were pursued; to identify perceived problems, causes, and possible solutions to curriculum implementation. 480 purposively selected teachers of tertiary institutions constituted sample for the study. A validated questionnaire with 3 sections constructed by the researchers formed the main instrument of the study. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using frequencies, means and ranking. The findings revealed the most frequently occurring problems, causes and possible solutions of the curriculum implementation. Based on the results obtained from the study, it was recommended that heads of departments and deans of faculties should be made to incorporate the task of monitoring their colleagues to the administrative task, a review of the curriculum to meet contemporary need of the society and the need for a paradigm shift of some educational policies to result oriented policies so as to enhance proper curriculum implementation.
Expression of Ki-67 and p53 in Oral Squamous Epithelial Abnormalities

Objective: We intended to study the cellular proliferation by means of Ki-67 labeling index and the protein product overexpression of p53 in a series of oral intraepithelial lesions and squamous cell carcinoma, to evaluate the potential association between their histologic grades and the expression of the two markers. The expression of these markers on sections taken from hyperplastic and normal mucosal epithelium was also evaluated in order to determine whether the combination of p53 and Ki-67 over-expression could be used as a diagnostic aid in evaluating oral biopsies. Materials and Methods: Archival biopsy specimens from 35 patients, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (19) and intraepithelial lesions (16) were retrieved from the histopathology departments of Erbil and Duhok cities, Iraq, between January and December 2010. From the same patients, 13 blocks with hyperplastic epithelium and 7 with normal mucosal epithelium were also retrieved. The study was done in Duhok Central Laboratory, Duhok, Iraq. Ki-67 labeling index and p53 overexpression was determined by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections, using avidin–biotin technique. Results: Overall, the staining patterns for Ki-67 antigen and p53 were similar. High Ki-67 and p53 overexpression was observed in 52.6% and 63.2% of carcinoma cases respectively, in 62.5% and 56.3% of intraepithelial lesions respectively, in 23.1% and 15.4% of hyperplastic epithelium respectively, and none in benign epithelium. Both high Ki-67- labeling index and p53 overexpression were significantly higher in carcinomas and intraepithelial lesions than in hyperplastic epithelium and were associated with the grade of both carcinomas and intraepithelial lesions. Conclusions: Combination of p53 and Ki-67 overexpressions can be used as a specific marker for oral lesions that are probably at high risk for malignant transformation, their immunohistochemistry emerges as a clinically useful supplement for histopathological assessment of grading of oral squamous cell carcinoma and intraepithelial lesions.
Interferon Treatment for Hypereosinophilic Syndromes and Systemic Mastocytosis

Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) and systemic mastocytosis (SMCD) are heterogeneous disorders with clinical symptoms from local and remote effects of excessive proliferation of eosinophils and mast cells, respec tively. Interferon α (IFN-α), alone or in combination with other medications, can be a useful, and at times life-saving, treatment for patients with HES. Receptors for IFN-α are present on eosinophils, and clinical benefits are due to its effect on eosinophil proliferation, migration, activation, and survival. These effects are likely mediated through multiple pathways including, but not limited to, inhibition of eosinophil colony-forming cells, upregulation of IFN-γ synthesis, and inhibition of production of eosinophil-active cytokines by T cells, mast cells, and mononuclear cells. IFN-α has been life-saving for patients with intractable HES that were resistant to prednisone, hydroxyurea, and other agents. Resistance to the eosinopenic effect of IFN-α does not develop and the dose of IFN-α necessary to maintain control of eosinophilia often decreases with time. The combination of IFN-α and hydroxyurea is very useful and allows dosage reduction of IFN-α and better control of hypereosinophilia than with either agent alone. The efficacy of IFN-α for treatment of SMCD has been more difficult to establish, with both favorable and unfavorable results reported. The disparate results may have resulted from the small number of patients with SMCD treated with IFN-α, the use of various criteria for a ‘successful’ treatment outcome, short duration of treatment and follow-up, and the use of modest dosages. In reported series, side effects from IFN-α have frequently been dose-limiting. IFN-α improves many of the clinical symptoms of SMCD including dermatological, hematological, gastrointestinal, and systemic symptoms associated with histamine release. IFN-α has a beneficial effect on skeletal symptoms because of its ability to increase bone density and reduce painful episodes from vertebral fractures. No consistent improvement in bone marrow infiltration by mast cells has been demonstrated except in a recent study employing high dosages of IFN-α. A beneficial effect from the combination of IFN-α and prednisone has been reported for several patients, suggesting that combined use of these two medications may provide synergism in treatment outcomes.
Does Quick to Blame Mean Quick to Anger? The Role of Agreeableness in Dissociating Blame and Anger

Two studies investigated agreeableness, the accessibility of blame, and their potential interactive effects on anger. To measure the chronic accessibility of blame, a choice reaction time task was created that required participants to classify words as blame-worthy or not. It was found that for individuals low in agreeableness, blame accessibility was positively related to anger and arguments during the course of daily life, hostile feelings during the course of a semester, and anger in response to a short video involving a blameworthy action. This same straightforward relationship between the accessibility of blame and anger did not characterize those high in agreeableness. The results suggest that agreeableness plays an important role in facilitating (low agreeableness) or inhibiting (high agreeableness) the link between accessible blame and anger.
Cynanchum wilfordii Ameliorates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Regulating 5α-Reductase and Androgen Receptor Activities in a Rat Model

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of the prostate gland. Cynanchum wilfordii has been reported to improve sexual behavior in male rats. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of an aqueous extract of C. wilfordii (CWW) against BPH development in a testosterone-induced BPH rat model. The rats were divided into the following six groups: sham/vehicle; BPH/vehicle; BPH/finasteride; and three CWW doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). After a 4-week treatment with CWW, the rats were euthanized at scheduled times, and their prostates were weighed, followed by a histopathological examination. Prostate growth inhibition rates in rats administered CWW 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were 54.5%, 51.8%, and 50.1%, respectively. The BPH/CWW group showed decreased serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels compared to the BPH/vehicle group. Furthermore, the BPH/CWW group showed reduced prostate testosterone and DHT levels compared to the BPH/vehicle group. Mechanistically, the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed downregulated mRNA expression levels of the androgen receptor, 5α-reductase, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the BPH/CWW200 group compared with those in the testosterone-induced groups. In conclusion, these findings show the effectiveness of CWW in slowing the progression of testosterone-induced BPH in rats.