Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LARYNGEAL CANCER: RADIOLOGICAL STAGING BY MULTISLICE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in staging of laryngeal cancer and comparison with histopathological findings. Twenty- eight patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and underwent surgical treatment were staged according to radiological and histopathological examination. The diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) for detecting cartilage involvement was as follows: sensitivity, 89 %; specificity, 80%. For detection of preepiglottic and paraglottic space invasion, MSCT has a sensitivity; 100% and 100 %, respectively, and a specificity; 55 % and 63%, respectively. Sensitivities and specifities of CT assessment for supraglottic mucosa, glottic mucosa and subglottic mucosa were 100 %, 100 % and 100 % respectively, 83 %, 85 % and 86 %, respectively. The high sensitivity value (100%) for the evaluation of the vocal cords may due to the images obtained during phonation. MSCT is a good, non-invasive imaging modality in staging of laryngeal cancer. The present study showed that CT was highly sensitive, but with relatively low specificity due to an increase in false positive values. The images obtained during phonation should be added to the neck CT protocol of the larynx cancer patients for improved evaluation of the glottic region, in particular. KEYWORDS: laryngeal cancer, staging, multislice computed tomography LARINGEAL KANSER: MULTIDEDEKTOR BILGISAYARLI TOMOGRAFI ILE RADYOLOJIK EVRELEME VE PATOLOJIK KORELASYON OZET: Multidedektorlu bilgisayarli tomografinin (MDBT) laringeal kanser evrelemesinde dogrulugunu degerlendirmek ve histopatolojik bulgularla kiyaslamak. Laringeal kanser tanisi alan ve cerrahi tedavi uygulanan 28 hasta radyolojik ve histopatolojik inceleme sonuclarina gore evrelendi. Bilgisayarli tomografinin (BT) kartilaj tutulumunu saptamada tanisal dogrulugunun sensitivitesi 89%; spesifitesi, 80%’dir. Preepiglottik ve paraglottik bosluk invazyonunun saptanmasinda, MDBT’nin sirayla sensitivitesi 100%, 100%; spesitivitesi sirayla 55% ve 63% bulunmustur. Supraglottik mukoza, glottik mukoza ve subglottik mukoza tutulumunun degerlendirilmesinde BT’nin sensitivite ve spesifite degerleri sirayla 100%,100% ve 100%, 83%,85% ve %86 idi. Vokal kordlarin degerlendirilmesindeki yuksek sensitivite degerleri 100%) fonasyon sirasinda elde edilen imajlardan kaynaklanabilir. MDBT laringeal kanser evrelemesinde guvenilir ve non-invaziv bir goruntuleme metodudur. Calismamiz gosterdi ki BT yuksek sensitivite degerlerine sahiptir. Ancak yalanci pozitif sonuclardan dolayi nispeten dusuk spesifite degerleri mevcuttur. Fonasyon sirasinda elde olunan goruntuler, larinks kanserli hastalarda glottik bolgenin daha iyi degerlendirilmesi icin boyun BT protokollerine eklenmelidir. ANAHTAR KELIMELER: laringeal kanser, evreleme, multiddektorlu bilgisayarli tomografi
MANAGING COPD: INCORPORATING GUIDELINES INTO PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE *

There are now 2 recent guidelines to help US practitioners determine the best treatment practices for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): from the American Thoracic Society in conjunction with the European Respiratory Society, and from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Based on the symptoms and stages of severity, the guidelines employ a stepwise approach to treatment. COPD is clearly best managed by a comprehensive strategy, first and foremost including smoking cessation and patient education. Bronchodilators (anticholinergics and beta agonists) are the mainstay of COPD pharmacotherapy, and long-acting versions are preferred for long-term maintenance treatment. The effects of bronchodilators are enhanced when different classes of drugs are combined and by the addition of inhaled corticosteroids. These drugs provide benefit to COPD patients not only in terms of lung function and dyspnea, but also exacerbation rates and quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation can be added to medications to achieve additional benefits. Most exacerbations can be managed as an outpatient by the patient (with appropriate education) in conjunction with the primary care team. Primary care practitioners play a leading role in the management of COPD at all stages of the disease. Even when patients require referral for more specialized therapies, primary care physicians may remain the “team captain. ” A collaborative provider-patient relationship is important to achieve optimal health outcomes in this chronic disorder. (Adv Stud Med. 2004;4(10A):S756-S766)
Combining ability analysis for yield and its quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) over environment

Line × tester experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of 54 F1 hybrids along with 18 parents in rice. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences in treatment for 1000 grain weight, kernel length, kernel breadth, L:B ratio and grain yield per plant under both normal and saline conditions except kernel breadth which found significant for normal condition. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among crosses and lines × testers for 1000 grain weight, kernel length, kernel breadth, L:B ratio and grain yield per plant under both normal and saline conditions. Parents vs. crosses were for kernel length and grain yield per plant for normal condition while in case of saline condition kernel breadth was found highly significant. Lines were highly significant and significant for 1000 grain weight and grain yield per plant in normal and saline condition, respectably. Testers were non-significant for all the traits in both conditions except kernel length in normal condition which was found significant. The estimates of variance of specific combining ability effects, ratio of variance of general combining ability to specific combining ability and degree of dominance indicated preponderance of non-additive gene effects for each trait. On over all bases, role of lines in the expression of most of the quality traits were more than testers and line × tester interaction under both conditions.
The influence of the weather on affective experience: An experience sampling study.

This study examined the relationship between affective experiences and weather variables using an experience-sampling method. The moderating effects of personality and age on the relationship were also investigated. Two age groups of participants (students and elderly people) recorded their moods when signalled during 14 consecutive days on 7 randomly determined occasions per day. Hourly weather data (temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and luminance) for the same period were obtained from the local weather station. Previously participants had completed the Estonian versions of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (Kallasmaa, Allik, Realo, & McCrae, 2000) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Allik & Realo, 1997). Multilevel random coefficient modeling analyses showed that momentary ratings of positive and negative affect were weakly related to temperature, positive affect was also related to sunlight. However, momentary ratings of fatigue showed a distinct tendency for greater incidence of sleepiness in the cold and dark. Age group was one of the most important moderators of the weather-emotion models. The influence of weather on emotions interacted with being outdoors. Personality traits also explained a small portion of variance in the influence of weather on affective states.
The Effects of Dietary Sulfur and Vitamin E Supplementation on the Quality of Beef from the Longissimus Muscle of Hanwoo Bulls

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary sulfur (S) and vitamin E (Vit E) supplementation on the quality of beef from longissimus muscle of Hanwoo bulls. Eleven, 29 months-aged Hanwoo bulls were randomly divided into three feed supplementation groups (S (n = 4), Vit E (n = 4) and S+Vit E (n = 3)). S was given as much as 12 g/head/d and Vit E was given as much as 1,200 IU/head/d; both supplements were given for 3 months prior to slaughter. At 24 h post-slaughter, the carcasses were weighed and evaluated by official grader for carcass traits. At 48 h post-slaughter, the M. longissimus from each carcass was collected and stored at 4±0.2°C for 10 days. There were no significant differences in yield and quality grades of carcass and proximate composition, physical properties and aroma pattern of meat among all groups. At 5 days of storage, the TBARS value of meat from cattle with S+Vit E supplementation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than other groups; and at 10 days of storage, the TBARS value of meat from cattle with Vit E and S+Vit E supplementations was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from cattle with S supplementation. At 5 days of storage, MetMb concentration of meat from cattle with S+Vit E supplementation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from cattle with Vit E supplementation; and at 10 days of storage, MetMb concentration of meat from cattle with S+Vit E supplementation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from other groups. At 10 days of storage, the redness value of meat from cattle with S supplementation was significantly higher (p<0.05) than from cattle with Vit E supplementation and the hue-angle value of meat from cattle with S and S+Vit E supplementations was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from cattle with Vit E supplementation. Dietary Vit E supplementation had a better effect on lipid stability whereas dietary S supplementation had a better effect on OxyMb stability. The dietary combination of S and Vit E created the highest protection for beef from myoglobin oxidation and thus improved the color stability of meat.
Does Ethnic Diversity Affect Social Capital in the Russian Context

The research considers the impact of ethnic diversity on social capital in the Russian context. The theoretical study is based on Putnam’s hypothesis related to the impact of ethnic diversity on social capital. The empirical basis of a representative survey was compiled in two multicultural regions of Russia (N = 2061). To assess the level of ethnic diversity an Ethnic Diversity Index (EDI) was calculated based on the results of the latest National Population Census. Data were processed using two-level structural equitation modelling. The results showed that ethnic diversity did not affect adversely the social capital of Russia, as assumed in Putnam’s hypothesis. In particular, Russia's ethnic diversity positively influences ethnic tolerance and informal sociability and does not affect social trust and community organizational life. The article also suggests reasons for these results.
Prevalence and Distribution of Superantigen Toxin Genes in Clinical Community Isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus

To investigate the distribution of twelve staphylococcal enterotoxin genes (se) and the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 gene (tst) in Staphylococcus aureus, 140 community isolates from various origins were investigated. Isolates were collected, from 15 clinical laboratories located at Casablanca, between 2007 and 2008, they were identified by conventional methods, and methicillin resistance was confirmed by amplification of mecA gene by PCR. All isolates were searched using a multiplex PCR for the accessory gene regulator (agr) group, and for thirteen superantigen (SAg) toxin genes: sea, seb, sec, sed, seh, selk, sell, selm, selo, selp, selq, ser and tst. Among all isolates, only two were methicillin-resistant and one hundred seven were shown to be positive for at least one of the tested SAg toxin genes. They were grouped in 43 genotypes. Our work showed that agr group III and agr group I S. aureus isolates, were highly prevalent for the presence of seh, selq, selk and/or tst genes, on one hand, and sec and/or sell genes, on the other hand (P<0.05), respectively. In addition, we found a relationship between pus/ wound S. aureus isolates and the presence of selk + selq genes (P<0.05). Our results suggest that agr group III isolates carried more of SAg toxin genes than agr groups I and II S. aureus strains.
Allelopathic behaviour of Cyperus rotundus L. on both Chorchorus olitorius (broad leaved weed) and Echinochloa crus-galli (grassy weed) associated with soybean

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) foliage and tubers were tested for allelopathic potential against the following weeds; jute Chorchorus olitorius (broad leaved weed), and barnyard grass Echinochloa crus-galli (grassy weed) associated with soybean. In the greenhouse, during 2008 and 2009, foliage and tubers of C. rotundus were mixed with soil surface at 20, 40, 60 and 80 g/kg. C. rotundus negatively affected those of jute and barnyard grass particularly at 80 g. Jute was more susceptible to allelopathy by C. rotundus than barnyard grass. Inhibition in weed dry matter was higher with tuber than foliage residues. Tuber residues reduced the dry weight of jute and barnyard grass by 85.96% of the control and by 58.28% with 80 g, respectively. On the other hand, soybean growth and yield showed a high significant increase compared with unweeded pots. A high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that C. rotundus foliage contained the following phenolic acids: caffeic, ferulic, coumaric, benzoic, vanelic, chlorogenic and cinnamic. Tubers contained hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, ferulic, vanelic and chlorogenic.
Regulated deficit irrigation effects on yield, fruit quality and vegetative growth of 'Navelina' citrus trees

An experiment on regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) was performed during two growing seasons (2007 and 2008) in a drip-irrigated orchard of Navelina/Cleopatra in Senyera (Valencia, Spain). Two RDI treatments, where water application was reduced to 40% and 60% of the «irrigation dose» (ID), were carried out during the initial fruit enlargement phase (Stage II, 17 th July to 2 nd September). The rest of the year they were irrigated at 110% ID. These treatments were compared with a control, where irrigation was applied without restriction during the whole year at 110% ID. The ID was obtained from the evapotranspiration data, as well as from the characteristic variables of drip irrigation for the specific experimental orchard. The effects of the treatments on yield, fruit quality, and vegetative growth are discussed in relation to tree water status (midday stem water potential, Ψ st ). Minimal Ψ st values reached in the treatment with the highest stress intensity were –1.71 and –1.60 MPa in 2007 and 2008 respectively. These Ψ st values reached as a consequence of the water reduction in the RDI summer treatments applied in this study did not affect yield or fruit quality, allowing water savings between 16% and 23%. In conclusion, water restriction during summer, and once «June drop» has finished, favours the better use of water resources by Navelina citrus trees, achieving an increase of water use efficiency (between 14% and 27% in this case), provided that an appropriate irrigation in autumn allows for tree recovery.
EARLINET Single Calculus Chain – technical – Part 2: Calculation of optical products

Abstract. In this paper we present the automated software tool ELDA (EARLINET Lidar Data Analyzer) for the retrieval of profiles of optical particle properties from lidar signals. This tool is one of the calculus modules of the EARLINET Single Calculus Chain (SCC) which allows for the analysis of the data of many different lidar systems of EARLINET in an automated, unsupervised way. ELDA delivers profiles of particle extinction coefficients from Raman signals as well as profiles of particle backscatter coefficients from combinations of Raman and elastic signals or from elastic signals only. Those analyses start from pre-processed signals which have already been corrected for background, range dependency and hardware specific effects. An expert group reviewed all algorithms and solutions for critical calculus subsystems which are used within EARLINET with respect to their applicability for automated retrievals. Those methods have been implemented in ELDA. Since the software was designed in a modular way, it is possible to add new or alternative methods in future. Most of the implemented algorithms are well known and well documented, but some methods have especially been developed for ELDA, e.g., automated vertical smoothing and temporal averaging or the handling of effective vertical resolution in the case of lidar ratio retrievals, or the merging of near-range and far-range products. The accuracy of the retrieved profiles was tested following the procedure of the EARLINET-ASOS algorithm inter-comparison exercise which is based on the analysis of synthetic signals. Mean deviations, mean relative deviations, and normalized root-mean-square deviations were calculated for all possible products and three height layers. In all cases, the deviations were clearly below the maximum allowed values according to the EARLINET quality requirements.
TEGUMENTARY LEISHMANIASIS: IMMUNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

The past few years have produced remarkable advances in our understanding of the skin immune response. Some better understandings of T-cell trafficking, the emerging role of Dendritic cells (DCs) and antimicrobial peptides in innate immunity, and the re-emergence of the suppressor cell as the T-regulatory cell, are changing our understanding of the immunopathology in a wide variety of cutaneous diseases and opening new opportunities to manipulate systemic immune responses through the skin. Our group has demonstrated the participation of epidermal DCs in both human and murine cutaneous leishmaniasis, and have shown that most of the tissue-damage observed in tegumentary leishmaniasis is caused by the immune response a not by the parasite. Tissue-damage that is promoted by inadequate epidermal signals directed by DCs. We have also demonstrated increased numbers of IL-10+ Langerhans cells in the lesions of patients with intermediate cutaneous leishmaniasis as compared with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, and have shown that the adoptive transfer of splenic DCs confers protection to Leishmania-infection in a neonatal BALB/c model of the disease. The antimicrobial peptides are mechanisms of the innate immunity that contribute to the host defense. LL-37 is a peptide derived from the human cathelicidin CAP18 predominately expressed on epithelial tissue during inflammation. Besides its antibacterial function, LL-37 has a role as an inflammatory mediator that have not been studied in leishmaniasis. In this study, we evaluated the leishmanicidal activity of LL-37, its effect on the infection with L. mexicana promastigotes and murine bone marrow derived DCs, and the lymphoproliferative response against the parasite. The results suggest that LL-37 is a multifunctional regulator of the innate and adaptive immune response against L. mexicana, having a leishmanicidal activity, increasing phagocytosis on DCs and macrophages, and acting as activator or suppressor of the adaptive immune response depending on the concentration. In order to understand the immunoregulatory mechanisms that are activated after the resolution of a skin lesion in leishmaniasis, we used a single homotypic stressor just before the inoculation of Leishmania parasites in our susceptible and resistant mouse models of L. mexicana infection. The stressor consisted of immobilization by placement, for 2 or 8 hours, in restraining cages. The results suggest that stress by immobilization may modulate the genetically predetermined immune response to Leishmania parasite. In addition and perhaps more significant, it indicates that animals manage the same acute and homotypic stress in a different manner, some exacerbating their lesions and others by healing them on the basis of their genetic legacy. Studies by David Sacks’ group indicate that nTregs are essential for the development and maintenance of the persistent cutaneous infection, and reactivation of the infections caused by the Leishmania parasite. Key words: Leishmaniasis, molecular biology, immunoregulation, Leishmania
Determination of Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius)

Knowledge of evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient is useful for irrigation water management to crops. Determination of crop water requirement requires measurement of crop ET (ETc), which is a critical component of water balance at any scale. In this study, readily available pan evaporation data were used to estimate the ET0 for hot and humid region of West Bengal considering the factor of pan coefficient (Kp) depending on fetch, wind speed, and relative humidity. The estimation of ETc for tossa jute crop was carried out by using soil moisture depletion method. The ratio of ETc to ET0, called the crop coefficient (Kc), was calculated on weekly basis for irrigation scheduling of jute in a hot and humid region of West Bengal.
The biodiversity and evolution of lactic flora during ripening of the Iranian semisoft Lighvan cheese

Ninety-five isolated strains of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were identified from Lighvan cheese. The LAB evolution showed the dominance of lactococci and lactobacilli in the first stage and substitution of these genera by enterococci at the end of ripening. The most predominant strains were Enterococcus faecium (22.44%), Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (20.4%), Lactobacillus plantarum (18.36%) and E. faecalis (14.28%), respectively. Eleven and 51 different carbohydrate fermentation profiles were observed according to API 20 STREP and API 50 CH, respectively. API 20 STREP dendogram showed identical fermentation profiles of some E. faecalis and E. faecium strains, indicating that these strains might be well adapted to the whole cheese manufacture.
Scaling and a Fokker-Planck model for fluctuations in geomagnetic indices and comparison with solar wind as seen by Wind and ACE

The evolution of magnetospheric indices on temporal scales shorter than that of substorms is characterized by bursty, intermittent events that may arise from turbulence intrinsic to the magnetosphere or that may reflect solar wind-magnetosphere coupling. This leads to a generic problem of distinguishing between the features of the system and those of the driver. We quantify scaling properties of short-term (up to few hours) fluctuations in the geomagnetic indices AL and AU during solar minimum and maximum, along with the parameter that is a measure of the solar wind driver. We find that self-similar statistics provide a good approximation for the observed scaling properties of fluctuations in the geomagnetic indices, regardless of the solar activity level, and in the parameter at solar maximum. This self-similarity persists for fluctuations on timescales at least up to about 1–2 hours. The scaling exponent of AU index fluctuations show dependence on the solar cycle, and the trend follows that found in the scaling of fluctuations in . The values of their corresponding scaling exponents, however, are always distinct. Fluctuations in the AL index are insensitive to the solar cycle, as well as being distinct from those in the parameter. This approximate self-similar scaling leads to a Fokker-Planck model which, we show, captures the probability density function of fluctuations and provides a stochastic dynamical equation (Langevin equation) for time series of the geomagnetic indices.