Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perfil epidemiológico dos doentes de Hanseníase no município de Anápolis

A hanseniase e uma doenca milenar, que desde seus primordios gera estigmas e preconceitos. Infectocontagiosa tem progressao lenta, alta infectividade por ter como porta de entrada e eliminacao as vias aereas superiores, e baixa patogenicidade porque nem todos os individuos que entram em contato com o bacilo adoecem, cuja evolucao depende da imunidade celular do individuo contra o bacilo Mycobacterium leprae. E altamente incapacitante e deformante quando o diagnostico e realizado tardiamente, pois a predilecao do bacilo e pela pele e nervos perifericos, tornando o seu diagnostico simples. A hanseniase pode atingir pessoas de todas as idades, de ambos os sexos, no entanto, raramente ocorre em criancas. Ha uma incidencia maior da doenca nos homens do que nas mulheres, na maioria das regioes do mundo. Fatores relacionados aos niveis de endemia e as condicoes socioeconomicas desfavoraveis, as condicoes precarias de vida e de saude e o elevado numero de pessoas convivendo em um mesmo ambiente, influem no risco de adoecer, apesar de acometer pessoas de niveis socioeconomicos mais elevados, o que desmistifica a ideia de que somente individuos pobres sao infectados. Esta pesquisa teve carater descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, bibliografica e documental e visou conhecer o perfil epidemiologico da hanseniase em Anapolis-GO, na tentativa de identificar a populacao mais vulneravel a infeccao atraves da analise dos dados obtidos e da literatura, levantando o numero de casos de pacientes com baciloscopia positiva para a doenca e classificando os portadores segundo sexo, faixa etaria, raca/cor, escolaridade, dados clinicos, tipos de atendimento, dados laboratoriais, tratamento e, medidas de controle. Diante da analise dos dados obteve-se que 55,1% sao do sexo masculino, a razao mulher:homem de 0,8/1, faixa etaria predominante (61,0%) de 20 a 49 anos, a maioria possui de 4 a 7 anos de estudo (28,0%), 75,3% sao doentes Multibacilares (MB), 52,6% com forma Dimorfa, 42,7% realizam ou realizaram esquema terapeutico com poliquimioterapia PQT/MB/24 doses, tendo 46,2% nao relacionado a doenca ao trabalho. Ainda foi possivel perceber que outras variaveis tambem avaliadas neste, obtiveram muitos dados sem informacao e que a busca ativa deve ser foco para o diagnostico seja realizado precocemente, o que se torna mais facil se houver acoes de educacao em saude para a populacao.
Feasibility of dose reduction using needle-structured image plates versus powder-structured plates for computed radiography of the knee.

OBJECTIVE A newly developed computed radiography (CR) detector that uses a storage phosphor plate made of needle-shaped crystals provides improved dose efficiency. The aim of our study was to compare the image quality of standard-dose CR and dose-reduced CR achieved using needle technology for knee imaging in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared standard CR images obtained using a powder-structured image plate (PIP) (ADC Compact Plus) with images obtained using the new needle-structured image plate (NIP) (DX-S). In 30 consecutive patients with knee pain willing to participate in this study, anteroposterior knee radiographs were acquired with both systems at a standard dose. In addition, NIP images were obtained with approximately 75% and 50% of the standard dose (corresponding incident doses: 300, 235, and 154 μGy, respectively). Images were evaluated in a blinded, side-by-side comparison. Six radiologists determined whether there was an appreciable difference in image quality at five anatomic landmarks in regions with high and low differences of attenuation. They also assessed the delineation of selected abnormalities and ranked them using a 10-point scale. The rating scores were tested for statistical differences using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS The mean overall rating scores for the evaluation of anatomic landmarks were 6.97 for NIP images obtained at full dose, 6.48 for NIP images obtained at about 75% dose, 5.47 for NIP images obtained at half dose, and 6.01 for PIP images. There was a significant difference in favor of the CR system with an NIP at the same dose level (p < 0.05). The NIP images obtained at a dose of about 75% were also ranked significantly better than the PIP images with regard to the depiction of both anatomic landmarks and abnormalities. The readers ranked half-dose NIP images inferior to the PIP images with regard to abnormalities and anatomic landmarks in areas with high attenuation, whereas in areas with low attenuation, the image quality was regarded as equivalent to the standard technique. CONCLUSION NIP technology allows a dose reduction of approximately 25% compared with PIP while still providing higher image quality. Even at the half-dose level, there was no relevant loss of image quality with regard to the delineation of anatomic landmarks in areas with low attenuation in anteroposterior knee images. The higher dose efficiency of the needle-detector CR technology compared with conventional CR can be used either for dose reduction or for improved image quality.
Deletion of Astrocyte Connexins 43 and 30 Leads to a Dysmyelinating Phenotype and Hippocampal CA1 Vacuolation

Astrocytes are coupled via gap junctions (GJs) comprising connexin 43 (Cx43) (Gja1) and Cx30 (Gjb6), which facilitate intercellular exchange of ions. Astrocyte connexins also form heterotypic GJs with oligodendrocytic somata and lamellae. Loss of oligodendrocyte gap junctions results in oligodendrocyte and myelin pathology. However, whether loss of astrocyte GJs affects oligodendrocytes and myelin is not known. To address this question, mice with astrocyte-targeted deletion of Cx43 and global loss of Cx30 [double knock-out (dKO)] were studied using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and functional assays. Commencing around postnatal day 23 and persisting into old age, we found widespread pathology of white matter tracts comprising vacuolated oligodendrocytes and intramyelinic edema. In contrast, gray matter pathology was restricted to the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and consisted of edematous astrocytes. No differences were observed in synaptic density or total NeuN+ cells in the hippocampus, or olig2+ cells in the corpus callosum. However, in dKO mice, fewer CC1-positive mature oligodendrocytes were detected, and Western blotting indicated reduced myelin basic protein. Pathology was not noted in mice expressing a single allele of either Cx43 or Cx30. When compared with single connexin knock-outs, dKO mice were impaired in sensorimotor (rotarod, balance beam assays) and spatial memory tasks (object recognition assays). We conclude that loss of astrocytic GJs can result in white matter pathology that has functional consequences.
A case with life-threatening interstitial pneumonia associated with bucillamine treatment

We report a case of bucillamine-induced interstitial pneumonia accompanied by severe hypoxemia in an 83-year-old woman who had rheumatoid arthritis. Respiratory failure worsened even after withdrawal of bucillamine and administration of high-dose corticosteroids, and mechanical ventilation was required. A review of 15 cases with bucillamine-induced pulmonary injury suggests that advanced age may be associated with the development of severe interstitial pneumonia. Bucillamine can cause corticosteroid-resistant and life-threatening lung injury, especially in the elderly.
Neuropsychological differentiation between normal aging, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

Abstract A random sample of 182 elderly community residents and 211 demented patients were studied using the D‐Test Battery based on the Luria's neuropsychological investigation method. A steady but selective cognitive impairment was observed with increasing age in normal healthy subjects. The most sensitive areas of cognition to the effects of normal aging were mnestic and conceptual functions, as well as arithmetical skills. The age‐related changes could be clearly differentiated from the changes found in patients with mild degree of dementia. The test also differentiated patients with mild, moderate and severe dementia from each other on the basis of their social competence. It failed to demonstrate specific patterns of impairment and to clearly differentiate between patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia who had the same degree of cognitive decline. Further qualitative analyses are needed to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the test.
Linear array synthesis using an ant-colony-optimization-based algorithm

The aim of this work is to show the use of a well-known type of evolutionary computational optimization technique, ant colony optimization (ACO), in a typical electromagnetic problem: linear array synthesis. To this aim, an algorithm based on the fundamentals of ant colony optimization has been developed. The algorithm uses real numbers. Some examples using different optimization criteria are presented. Also, some guidelines for the use of the algorithm, especially for creating the desirability function, are supplied. The algorithm has been demonstrated to be versatile and useful for this problem. The purpose of the work is to show (via this particular application) the flexibility and easy implementation of this algorithm family, which makes it suitable for use in other electromagnetic optimization problems.
Multiple Trauma in the Elderly: New Management Perspectives

Multiple trauma in the elderly is increasing with the aging population. In contrast to their younger counterparts, elderly patients experience significantly higher mortality rates and complications after major trauma. Diminished physiological reserve and the existence of multiple medical comorbidities present additional challenges to management. As such, a different approach is required to care for the elderly trauma patient.
The rib 1 Mutant of Arabidopsis Has Alterations in Indole-3-Butyric Acid Transport , Hypocotyl Elongation , and Root Architecture 1

Polar transport of the auxin indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) has recently been shown to occur in Arabidopsis (Arabidopis thaliana) seedlings, yet the physiological importance of this process has yet to be fully resolved. Here we describe the first demonstration of altered IBA transport in an Arabidopsis mutant, and show that the resistant to IBA (rib1) mutation results in alterations in growth, development, and response to exogenous auxin consistent with an important physiological role for IBA transport. Both hypocotyl and root IBA basipetal transport are decreased in rib1 and root acropetal IBA transport is increased. While indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) transport levels are not different in rib1 compared to wild type, root acropetal IAA transport is insensitive to the IAA efflux inhibitor naphthylphthalamic acid in rib1, as is the dependent physiological process of lateral root formation. These observed changes in IBA transport are accompanied by altered rib1 phenotypes. Previously, rib1 roots were shown to be less sensitive to growth inhibition by IBA, but to have a wild-type response to IAA in root elongation. rib1 is also less sensitive to IBA in stimulation of lateral root formation and in hypocotyl elongation under most, but not all, light and sucrose conditions. rib1 has wild-type responses to IAA, except under one set of conditions, low light and 1.5% sucrose, in which both hypocotyl elongation and lateral root formation show altered IAA response. Taken together, our results support a model in which endogenous IBA influences wild-type seedling morphology. Modifications in IBA distribution in seedlings affect hypocotyl and root elongation, as well as lateral root formation.
A simple multiplexing scheme for MIMO systems using multiple spreading codes

There has been a growing interest in the use of multiple transmit and receive antennas for wireless communications, due to the enormous increase in data rate that they promise over single antenna systems. Spatial multiplexing is a scheme that aims to achieve such high data rates by transmitting an independent substream of data from each transmit antenna. However when the receive spatial signatures are poor (i.e., when the channel is not favorable), one or more transmit antennas can not be used to transmit an independent stream. In fixed modulation systems this results in some loss in data rate. We consider such fixed modulation systems and propose a scheme that uses multiple spreading codes as in CDMA MIMO (multiple input multiple output) systems to smartly combine code multiplexing with spatial multiplexing in order to mitigate this loss in data rate. We also show that, in the presence of a low bandwidth feedback path, the proposed scheme, unlike the spatial-only multiplexing scheme, allows the transmitter to adapt the data, rate smoothly based on the receive spatial signatures.
Estimating herbage standing crop with visual obstruction in tallgrass prairie.

We evaluated the visual obstruction method as a non-destructive means of estimating herbage standing crop in tallgrass prairie. Prediction models were developed for both plot-level and pasture-level estimates by regressing standing crop from clipped plots on visual obstruction measurements (VOM) from 48, 20-sample trials. Trials were conducted year-round on burned and non-burned sites in different seral stages and with various levels of productivity and grazing pressure. Separate models were required for burned and non-burned pastures, but both applied across all other variables and were unaffected by community heterogeneity. Coefficients of determination were 0.95 and 0.90 for burned and non-burned pastures, respectively. Use of a more precise measurement scale for visual obstruction did not improve the prediction models. Models for standing crop based on individual quadrats explained less variation than models based on transect averages. The highest correlations with visual obstruction were obtained with 20 x 50 cm quadrats placed adjacent to the measurement pole and oriented toward the observer. The visual obstruction method required little training and mean deviations of student readings from those of the trainer were less than 1 cm. Sampling efficiency is improved with the visual obstruction method because it is reasonably accurate and 6 times faster than clipping. Standing crop estimates can be calculated immediately and less field equipment is needed. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v54i1_vermeire
The gastrointestinal nematodes of Paramelomys lorentzii and Mammelomys spp. (Rodentia: Muridae) with descriptions of a new genus and three new species (Heligmonellidae) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

Unidentified cestodes and 14 species of nematode and larvae that could not be placed to family level, were collected from the digestive tracts of 27 individuals of Paramelomys lorentzii, four of Mammelomys lanosus and a single M. rattoides from Papua New Guinea and Papua Indonesia. Of these three were new species. Hughjonestrongylus woolleyae sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners in having up to 26 ridges in the synlophe and a dissymmetric dorsal ray. Parvinema bafunminensis gen. nov., sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other genera in the family by the combination of features in the synlophe; with a carene, up to 17 ridges, and the pattern of ridge sizes. Parvinema helgeni sp. nov. differs from P. bafunminensis in the length of the spicule and the number of eggs in the uterus. The nematode assemblage of P. lorentzii had similar species richness to, and was also dominated by heligmonellids, as that of Paramelomys rubex, although the two assemblages differed in species composition.
20 A Primer in Survey Research

Many terminal degrees in the adult education field are D.Ed. or Ed.D. rather than Ph.D., another reflection of the practical, practitioner orientation to which we subscribe. Coorough and Nelson (1991), in a content analysis of 1,007 Ph.D. and 960 Ed.D. dissertations, concluded that the Ed.D. dissertation includes more survey research and a substantial portion of this research (42 percent) is done on the local level (institution, state, or region).
Functional Outcome After Blade Plate Reconstruction of Distal Tibia Metaphyseal Nonunions: A Study of 11 Cases

Objectives To present the functional outcome of a cohort of 11 patients prospectively followed before and after blade plate reconstruction of a distal tibia metaphyseal nonunion. Design Prospective case series. Setting University hospital tertiary referral center. Patients Eleven patients with an average age of 48 years. Average duration of nonunion was 11 months. Patients had undergone an average of 3.1 procedures before the index surgery. Three patients had prior deep infections, and one patient had an active infection. Intervention A precontoured 4.5-mm cannulated blade plate was applied to the medial tibial surface through a posteromedial approach. Autograft was added in eight patients to fill bone voids. Main Outcome Measures AOFAS scores were assigned to each patient preoperatively and at most recent follow-up. Results All patients healed their nonunions after the index surgery. Average time to radiographic union was 16 weeks. Average time to full weight bearing was 12 weeks. AOFAS scores improved in all patients from an average preoperative score of 29 to an average postoperative score of 89. The only complication was a deep infection, which was treated successfully with one irrigation and débridement and 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion Blade plate reconstruction of distal tibia metaphyseal nonunion is a safe and reliable method that results in a high union and low complication rate.
Quantum transport through a graphene nanoribbon–superconductor junction

We study the electron transport through a graphene nanoribbon–superconductor junction. Both zigzag and armchair edge graphene nanoribbons are considered, and the effects of the magnetic field and disorder on the transport property are investigated. By using the tight-binding model and the non-equilibrium Green’s function method, the expressions of the current, conductance, normal tunneling coefficient and Andreev reflection coefficient are obtained. For a clean system and at zero magnetic field, the linear conductance increases approximately in a linear fashion with the on-site energy. In the presence of a magnetic field and a moderate disorder, the linear conductance exhibits plateau structures for both armchair and zigzag edges. The plateau values increase with the width of the graphene ribbon. With a wide sample width, a saturated plateau value of |ν|e2/h emerges at the filling factor ν. For a small filling factor, the conductance can reach the saturated value at a small width, but for a high filling factor it requires to have a quite wide sample width to reach the saturated value. In particular, the Andreev reflection coefficient is always at 0.5 after reaching the saturated value, independent of any system parameters. In addition, we also consider the finite bias case, in which the Andreev reflection coefficient and normal tunneling coefficient are studied.
Identity Uncertainty and Commitment Making Across Adolescence: Five-Year Within-Person Associations Using Daily Identity Reports

A central assumption of identity theory is that adolescents reconsider current identity commitments and explore identity alternatives before they make new commitments in various identity domains (Erikson, 1968; Marcia, 1966). Yet, little empirical evidence is available on how commitment and exploration dynamics of identity formation affect each other across adolescence at the within-person level. Therefore, the current study (N = 494, Mage Time 1 = 13.3 years) examined reciprocal within-person longitudinal linkages between adolescents’ identity exploration and identity commitment making in the interpersonal and educational identity domains. For this purpose, we constructed a multilevel type cross-lagged panel model from early to late adolescence (i.e., across 5 successive years). Results supported Erikson’s (1968) hypothesis that adolescents reconsider current identity commitments and explore alternatives before they make strong commitments within the interpersonal identity domain across early to late adolescence. Within the educational identity domain, increasing identity commitment level and commitment fluctuations predicted less identity reconsideration over time. Our findings support identity theory, but indicate that the processes of identity formation might differ depending on the identity domain.
A hardware-software co-designed AES-ECC cryptosystem

Securing data transfer is a primary need for all embedded systems. The AES-ECC hybrid cryptosystem combines advantages of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to accelerate data encryption and the Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) to secure the exchange of symmetric session key. In this paper, we present an improved AES-ECC system using a co-design approach where AES runs on NIOS II softcore and ECC's scalar multiplication is implemented as a hardware accelerator. The proposed system relies on optimizations of both AES (MixColumn/InvMiColumn operation) and ECC (Point Addition/Doubling layer). The implementation on a Cyclone IV FPGA uses 11% of total logic elements, 9% of total combinatorial functions and 7% of total memory. It runs at a frequency of 157.63 MHz and consumes 166.67 mW. A comparison with similar works shows that the proposed system provides an interesting trade-off between speed and area occupation.
Renal Arteriolar C4d Deposition: A Novel Characteristic of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation–Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Background The mechanism of kidney injury in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)–associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is not completely understood. Renal C4d staining is a marker of classic complement activation and endothelial injury and has been described in preliminary reports of HSCT recipients with TA-TMA. Our objective was to evaluate complement in the pathogenesis of small vessel injury in children receiving HSCT. We hypothesized that kidney tissue from children with TA-TMA would more frequently show C4d deposition compared with HSCT recipients without histologic TA-TMA. Methods We reviewed kidney specimens (biopsy or autopsy) from children who had undergone HSCT at a single center. Using histologic criteria alone, subjects were divided into TA-TMA (n=8) and non–TA-TMA (control) groups (n=12). C4d staining was performed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated on arterioles, peritubular capillaries, glomeruli, and tubular basement membranes. Results Diffuse or focal renal arteriolar C4d staining was more common in subjects with histologic TA-TMA (75%) compared with controls (8%). Rare peritubular capillary C4d staining was present in 50% of TA-TMA samples and was absent in controls. Glomerular C4d staining was seen at a similar frequency in cases and controls, whereas tubular basement membrane staining was less frequently observed and only in subjects with TA-TMA. Conclusions Arteriolar C4d deposition may be a pathologic marker of TA-TMA, implicating localized complement fixation in HSCT recipients with kidney disease secondary to small vessel injury. Further studies to better characterize the preferential arteriolar C4d staining may identify a renal compartment of injury, possibly explaining the dramatic hypertension seen in TA-TMA.