Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tectonic Grafts for Corneal Thinning and Perforations

Purpose. To evaluate the success of tectonic grafts in cases of corneal thinning and perforations. Methods. We performed 42 tectonic grafts in 41 eyes of 40 patients. Three types of tectonic grafts were used in our treatment protocol. These were (a) full-thickness grafts, (b) mushroom grafts, and (c) lamellar grafts. The parameters evaluated were indications, visual acuity, location, size and type of graft, postoperative outcome, and complications, if any. Results. The most common indication for tectonic grafts was corneal thinning and perforation subsequent to infection (12 eyes) followed by those due to immunologic causes (six eyes) and trauma (six eyes). Twenty-four full-thickness tectonic grafts, nine mushroom grafts, and nine lamellar patch grafts were performed. Anatomical success was achieved in 35 of 41 (85.4%) eyes. Visual acuity of 6/24 or better was obtained in 29 of 41 (70.73%) eyes. The mean of best-corrected visual acuity (expressed in decimal) improved from 0.2 ± 0.26 to 0.34 ± 0.26 at an average follow-up of 10.83 ± 6.27 months. The major complications were peripheral anterior synechiae in four eyes (9.76%) and graft melting in five eyes (12.2%). Conclusions. Tectonic graft is a useful therapeutic option in selected cases of corneal thinning and perforations because it effectively restores the integrity of the eye and allows acceptable visual rehabilitation.
The efficacy of BMP-2 preloaded on bone substitute or hydrogel for bone regeneration at peri-implant defects in dogs.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this experiment was to test whether or not a synthetic bone substitute (SBS) was more effective than a polyethylene glycol hydrogel as a carrier material for bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) when attempting to regenerate bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two identical, box-type dehiscence defects (4 × 4 mm buccolingually and apicocoronally, and 8 mm mesiodistally) were surgically prepared on buccal sides of the left and right edentulous ridge in five beagle dogs. Following implant placement, the defects either received (i) no graft, (ii) SBS+hydrogel, (iii) SBS+BMP-2 loaded hydrogel, and (iv) BMP-2-loaded SBS+hydrogel. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks postsurgery. Radiographic and histomorphometric analyses were performed. RESULTS The hydrogel alone was not able to stabilize the grafted bone particles at 8 weeks, and SBS+hydrogel group did not significantly differ from the control group in all volumetric measurements. On the other hand, extensively regenerated new bone was connected with most of the remaining SBS particles in the BMP-2 groups. The BMP-2 groups exhibited significantly greater new bone formation (10.65 mm(3) and 1.47 mm(2) in the SBS+BMP-2-loaded hydrogel group; 14.17 mm(3) and 0.93 mm(2) in the BMP-2-loaded SBS+hydrogel) than non-BMP-2 groups (1.27 mm(3) and 0.00 mm(2) in the control group; 2.01 mm(3) and 0.19 mm(2) in the SBS+hydrogel group) in volumetric and histomorphometric analyses (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between both BMP-2 groups. CONCLUSION BMP-2 could yield enhanced bone regeneration in the critical-size peri-implant defects regardless of whether SBS or hydrogel is used for preloading, although the outcomes seem to be more reproducible with BMP-2 preloaded on SBS.
Public Attitudes Regarding the Use of Residual Newborn Screening Specimens for Research

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many state newborn screening (NBS) programs retain residual NBS bloodspots after the completion of screening. Potential uses for residual specimens include laboratory quality assurance, biomedical research, and, rarely, forensic applications. Our objective was to evaluate public opinion about the policies and practices relevant to the retention and use of residual bloodspots for biomedical research. METHODS: A total of 3855 respondents were recruited using 3 methods: focus groups (n = 157), paper or telephone surveys (n = 1418), and a Knowledge Networks panel (n = 2280). Some participants (n = 1769) viewed a 22-minute movie about the retention and use of residual specimens while other participants were provided only written information about this practice. All participants were surveyed using a 38-item questionnaire. RESULTS: A diverse set of participants was recruited. Respondents were very supportive of NBS in general and accepting of the use of residual bloodspots for important research activities. Respondents were evenly divided on the acceptability of NBS without parental permission, but the majority of respondents supported the use of an “opt-in” process for parental permission for residual bloodspot retention and use. Viewing the educational movie was associated with greater support for bloodspot retention and use. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the general public surveyed here was supportive of NBS and residual sample retention and research use. However, there was a clear preference for an informed permission process for parents regarding these activities. Education about NBS was associated with a higher level of support and may be important to maintain public trust in these important programs.
Substituted oxadiazoles: a patent review (2010 – 2012)

Introduction: The oxadiazoles represent a class of five-membered heterocyclic compounds which are of considerable interest in different areas of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Oxadiazoles can exist in different regioisomeric forms and employ in various agents with a broad range of biological activities. This review covers the work reported on various biological activities of oxadiazole derivatives from 2010 to 2012. Areas covered: Oxadiazole derivatives attract great attention due to their different kinds of pharmaceutical activities including antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. This paper provides a general review of oxadiazole derivatives published in international journals and patented between 2010 and 2012. Expert opinion: Oxadiazoles have been used frequently in drug-like molecules as bioisosteres for ester and amide functionalities and displayed numerous prominent pharmacological effects. The broad pharmacological profile of oxadiazole derivatives has attracted the attention of many researchers to explore this scaffold to its multiple potential against several activities. Therefore, oxadiazole motif is likely to be present in other therapeutic molecules in the future.
Stage Dynamics, Period Survival, and Mortality Plateaus

Mortality plateaus at advanced ages have been found in many species, but their biological causes remain unclear. Here, we exploit age‐from‐stage methods for organisms with stage‐structured demography to study cohort dynamics, obtaining age patterns of mortality by weighting one‐period stage‐specific survivals by expected age‐specific stage structure. Cohort dynamics behave as a killed Markov process. Using as examples two African grasses, one pine tree, a temperate forest perennial herb, and a subtropical shrub in a hurricane‐driven forest, we illustrate diverse patterns that may emerge. Age‐specific mortality always reaches a plateau at advanced ages, but the plateau may be reached rapidly or slowly, and the trajectory may follow positive or negative senescence along the way. In variable environments, birth state influences mortality at early but not late ages, although its effect on the level of survivorship persists. A new parameter \documentclass{aastex} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{bm} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{pifont} \usepackage{stmaryrd} \usepackage{textcomp} \usepackage{portland,xspace} \usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra} \usepackage[OT2,OT1]{fontenc} \newcommand\cyr{ \renewcommand\rmdefault{wncyr} \renewcommand\sfdefault{wncyss} \renewcommand\encodingdefault{OT2} \normalfont \selectfont} \DeclareTextFontCommand{\textcyr}{\cyr} \pagestyle{empty} \DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6} \begin{document} \landscape $$\mu _{\omega }$$ \end{document} summarizes the risk of mortality averaged over the entire lifetime in a variable environment. Recent aging models for humans that employ nonobservable abstract states of “vitality” are also known to produce diverse trajectories and similar asymptotic behavior. We discuss connections, contrasts, and implications of our results to these models for the study of aging.
Comparison of Real-Time Reverse Transcription–PCR and Virus Isolation for Estimating Prevalence of Avian Influenza Virus in Hunter-Harvested Wild Birds at Waterfowl Wintering Grounds Along the Texas Mid–Gulf Coast (2005–2006 Through 2008–2009)

Abstract Historically, virus isolation has been the method of choice for conducting surveillance for avian influenza virus (AIV) in avian species. More recently, the primary screening method has become real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR). We wanted to determine how these two testing methods (virus isolation and RRT-PCR) affected AIV prevalence estimation, particularly in an understudied, low-prevalence region—the waterfowl wintering grounds along the Texas mid–Gulf Coast. Cloacal swabs were collected from hunter-harvested waterfowl and other wetland-associated game birds during four consecutive hunting seasons (2005–2006 through 2008–2009). Overall prevalence by RRT-PCR (5.9%, 6.5%, 11.2%, and 5.5%) was approximately an order of magnitude higher than prevalence by virus isolation (0.5%, 1.3%, 3.9%, and 0.7%) for the four hunting seasons, respectively. Apparent AIV prevalence by virus isolation conducted only on RRT-PCR–positive samples resulted in estimates nearly identical in magnitude to those derived from parallel testing (0.5% vs. 0.6%, 1.3% vs. 1.7%, and 3.9% vs. 4.0% for 2005–2006, 2006–2007, and 2007–2008, respectively). Unlike most reports of seasonal variation in AIV prevalence, we documented differences in prevalence estimates among months by RRT-PCR only during 2008–2009 and by virus isolation only during 2006–2007 and 2007–2008. Our data indicate that screening samples by RRT-PCR followed by virus isolation only on RRT-PCR–positive samples provides a reasonable means to generate prevalence estimates close to the true prevalence as determined by virus isolation. We also confirmed the low prevalence of AIV in waterfowl wintering grounds along the Texas mid–Gulf Coast and demonstrated little variation in prevalence among months during the four hunting seasons sampled.
Evaluation of errors in a clinical laboratory: a one-year experience

Abstract Background: Efficient laboratory service is the cornerstone of modern health care systems. Scientific innovations have contributed to substantial improvements in the field of laboratory science, but errors still prevail. These errors are classified as preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical, depending upon the time of presentation. Methods: The data for 67,438 routine venous blood specimens were scrutinized, and errors were documented over the period of 1 year in the clinical biochemistry laboratory of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital in Delhi, India. Results: Preanalytical errors were most common, with a frequency of 77.1% followed by postanalytical 15% and analytical 7.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Our study illustrates the importance of proper venipuncture procedures, analytical expertise and correct transcription of numerical data for precise and accurate reporting of results to clinicians. There is an urgent need for close inter-departmental cooperation to meet the goal of ensuring patient well being. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:63–6.
Effectiveness of data collection and information transmission process for disease notification in Anambra State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Disease surveillance and notification (DSN) has been shown to be weak in Nigeria, thus, its inability to promptly detect and control epidemics. OBJECTIVE To examine the completeness and timeliness of data collection and information transmission process for DSN in the Anambra state. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was of cross-sectional design and employed the multistage sampling method to select 270 health workers who are involved in DSN in Anambra state. Data were collected by a mix method of interviewer administered questionnaire and observational checklist preceded by key informant interviews and desk review. RESULTS One hundred (43.9%) health workers reported regular supply of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) forms, 25% and 16.2% reported it was irregular and usually out of stock, respectively. Most facilities (81.5%) returned completed forms monthly. Secondary health facilities were less likely to submit completed forms, while majority of primary health facilities submitted theirs monthly ( X 2 = 4.42, P = 0.035). With respect to correctness of records, Health Management Information System records (55.6%) were the least correct, while out-patient register (88.9%) was the most correct. Only 10.0% of health facilities submitted completed forms 5 days after completion, 88.9% of them submitted completed IDSR002 forms within 2 days of completion, while the remainder was submitted 4 days later. CONCLUSION The health workers were not operating the DSN system in the State to optimal functionality. Recommendations were therefore made for the periodic training-retraining of health personnel on DSN, improved funding, provision of logistics, improved supervision, and feedback of information.
Alterations of per RNA in Noncoding Regions Affect Periodicity of Circadian Behavioral Rhythms

Circadian rhythms in Drosophila depend on a molecular feedback loop that includes products of the period (per) and timeless (tim) genes. RNA and protein products of both genes cycle with a circadian period and the proteins feedback to inhibit expression of their own mRNAs. While cyclic expression of PER protein appears to be necessary for rhythmic behavior, the function of per RNA cycling is somewhat controversial. Rhythmic transcription accounts, in part, for cycling of per RNA, but it is clear now that posttranscriptional mechanisms also contribute to the cyclic expression of both per RNA and protein. As posttranscriptional mechanisms, such as mRNA stability and translation, are frequently mediated by 3’ untranslated regions (UTR) of genes, the authors examined the role of this region of per in the regulation of circadian rhythms. Removal of most of per's 3’ UTR had a small effect on the function of a per transgene. However, replacement of per's 3’ UTR with corresponding sequences of the tubulin gene led to the rescue of behavioral rhythms in per01 flies with periods that were 3 h shorter than those generated by a wild-type per transgene. The hybrid RNA cycles, but the protein produced by it accumulates earlier in a day-night cycle than the PER protein produced by a control per transgene carrying its own 3’ UTR, perhaps because the tubulin sequences counteract the effect of destabilizing elements in the per RNA at earlier points in the circadian cycle. These data indicate that the appropriate regulation of per RNA expression, effected by transcriptional as well as posttranscriptional mechanisms, is critical for the determination of circadian period.
Selected Gray Matter Volumes and Gender but Not Basal Ganglia nor Cerebellum Gyri Discriminate Left Versus Right Cerebral Hemispheres: Multivariate Analyses in human Brains at 3T

Interest in the lateralization of the human brain is evident through a multidisciplinary number of scientific studies. Understanding volumetric brain asymmetries allows the distinction between normal development stages and behavior, as well as brain diseases. We aimed to evaluate volumetric asymmetries in order to select the best gyri able to classify right‐ versus left cerebral hemispheres. A cross‐sectional study performed in 47 right‐handed young‐adults healthy volunteers. SPM‐based software performed brain segmentation, automatic labeling and volumetric analyses for 54 regions involving the cerebral lobes, basal ganglia and cerebellum from each cerebral hemisphere. Multivariate discriminant analysis (DA) allowed the assembling of a predictive model. DA revealed one discriminant function that significantly differentiated left vs. right cerebral hemispheres: Wilks’ λ = 0.008, χ2 (9) = 238.837, P < 0.001. The model explained 99.20% of the variation in the grouping variable and depicted an overall predictive accuracy of 98.8%. With the influence of gender; the selected gyri able to discriminate between hemispheres were middle orbital frontal gyrus (g.), angular g. , supramarginal g. , middle cingulum g. , inferior orbital frontal g. , calcarine g. , inferior parietal lobule and the pars triangularis inferior frontal g. Specific brain gyri are able to accurately classify left vs. right cerebral hemispheres by using a multivariate approach; the selected regions correspond to key brain areas involved in attention, internal thought, vision and language; our findings favored the concept that lateralization has been evolutionary favored by mental processes increasing cognitive efficiency and brain capacity. Anat Rec, 298:1336–1346, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased Activity of [gamma]-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase in Tomato Cells Selected for Cadmium Tolerance

Two cell lines of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv VFNT-Cherry) were systematically compared for their capacity to tolerate cadmium. Unselected CdS cells died in the presence of 0.3 mM CdCl2. CdR6⁳0 cells, which were selected from CdS, survived and grew in medium supplemented with 0.3 mM CdCl2. Growth of CdR6⁳0 cells under this condition was accompanied by synthesis of cadmium-binding phytochelatins and maintenance of cellular glutathione (GSH) levels. CdR6⁳0 cells also exhibited increased tolerance to buthionine sulfoximine, in both the presence and absence of 0.1 mM CdCl2. The specific activity of [gamma]-glutamylcysteine synthetase (EC 6.3.2.2) was approximately 2-fold higher in CdR6⁳0 cells than in CdS cells, whereas there was no difference between cell lines in specific activity of GSH synthetase (EC 6.3.2.3). Increased activity of the first enzyme of GSH biosynthesis in CdR6⁳0 cells, presumably a result of selection for increased cadmium tolerance, provides an enhanced capacity to synthesize GSH and to maintain the production of phytochelatins in response to cadmium. This adaptation may contribute to the enhanced cadmium tolerance of CdR6⁳0 cells.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated With Open Instrumented Anterior Spinal Fusion: Five-Year Follow-up

Study Design. A multicenter prospective database was queried for patients who underwent open instrumented anterior spinal fusion (OASF) for treatment of primary thoracic (Lenke 1) adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objectives. To present the intermediate radiographic and pulmonary function testing (PFT) data from patients who underwent OASF using modern, rigid instrumentation. Summary of Background Data. Anterior spinal fusion is an excellent method to correct the 3-dimensional deformity produced by AIS. Modern instrumentation consisting of stronger metals, unthreaded rods, and dual rod systems should theoretically decrease the incidence of rod breakage, pseudarthrosis, and loss of correction seen in earlier OASF studies. The paucity of intermediate and long-term data prevents surgeons and patients from making an informed decision regarding the true incidence of these complications. Methods. Of 101 potential patients who underwent OASF with a minimum 5-year follow-up, 85 (85%) were studied. Standing radiographs were analyzed before surgery and at first standing erect, 2-year, and 5-year follow-up. PFT data were collected before surgery and at 5 years after surgery. Results. Complete 5-year follow-up was obtained in 85 patients. Five years after surgery, the mean coronal correction was 26° (51%; P < 0.05) and the thoracolumbar/lumbar curve improved 16° (51%). There was a 9-degree (P < 0.001) increase in kyphosis, and there were 9 patients (11%) in whom the C7 plumb line translated >2 cm. There was a 6.7% decrease in predicted FEV1 over the 5-year period, from 75.5% ± 13% before surgery to 68.8% ± 2% at 5-year follow-up (P = 0.007); however, there was no significant change in FVC. There were 3 significant adverse events: 1 implant breakage requiring reoperation and 2 cases of progression of the main thoracic curve requiring reoperation. Conclusion. OASF is a reproducible and safe method to treat thoracic AIS. It provides good coronal and sagittal correction of the main thoracic and compensatory thoracolumbar/lumbar curves that is maintained with intermediate term follow-up. In skeletally immature children, this technique can cause an increase in kyphosis beyond normal values, and less correction of kyphosis should be considered during instrumentation. As with any procedure that employs a thoracotomy, pulmonary function is mildly decreased at final follow-up.
Adult-children's perspectives on a parent's hearing impairment and its impact on their relationship and communication

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to describe third-party disability experienced by adult-children as a result of hearing impairment (HI) in a parent. Design: Using semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to describe the impact of a parent's HI on their relationship and communication. Interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method to explore participant's perceptions and viewpoints, was used as the method of analysis. Study sample: Twelve participants between the ages of 22 and 58 who each had a parent with confirmed HI who owned hearing aids. Results: Within the contextual factors of family relationships, communication situations, and the parent's personality, adult-children considered their coping strategies and feelings that arose as a result of the HI. Coping strategies included putting forth effort in communication, yelling as an ineffective communication strategy, and providing support to the parent with HI. The described feelings included frustration, uncertainty, and loss surrounding their communication and relationship with their parent with HI. These feelings arose as a result of implementing coping strategies, plus these feelings drove the employment of coping strategies. Conclusions: Adult-children of parents with HI experience third-party disability, however, the participation restrictions and activity limitations experienced by children appear less than experienced by spouses.