Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results of a randomized, equivalence trial of fluoroscopic caudal epidural injections in managing chronic low back pain: Part 4--Spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND Spinal stenosis is one of the 3 most common diagnoses of low back and leg symptoms which also include disc herniation and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal with encroachment on the neural structures by surrounding the bone and soft tissue. In the United States, one of the most commonly performed interventions for managing chronic low back pain are epidural injections, including their use for spinal stenosis. However, there have not been any randomized trials and evidence is limited with regards to the effectiveness of epidural injections in managing chronic function-limiting low back and lower extremity pain secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, equivalence trial. SETTING An interventional pain management practice, a specialty referral center, a private practice setting in the United States. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of caudal epidural injections with or without steroids in providing effective and long-lasting pain relief in the management of chronic low back pain in spinal stenosis and to evaluate the differences between local anesthetic with or without steroids. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups, with Group I patients receiving caudal epidural injections of local anesthetic (lidocaine 0.5%), whereas Group II patients received caudal epidural injections with 0.5% lidocaine 9 mL mixed with 1 mL of steroid. Randomization is being performed by computer-generated random allocation sequence by simple randomization. OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT Multiple outcome measures were utilized which included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI), employment status, and opioid intake with assessment at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-treatment. Significant pain relief was defined as 50% or more, whereas significant improvement in disability score was defined as reduction of 40% or more. RESULTS Significant pain relief (> or =50%) was demonstrated in 55% to 65% of the patients and functional status improvement with 40% reduction in ODI scores in 55% to 80% of the patients. The overall average procedures per year were 3.4 +/- 1.27 in Group I and 2.6 +/- 1.35 in Group II with an average total relief per year of 30.3 +/- 19.49 weeks in Group I and 23.1 +/- 21.36 weeks in Group II over a period of 52 weeks. LIMITATIONS The results of this study are limited by the lack of a placebo group and a preliminary report of 20 patients in each group, even though sample was justified. CONCLUSION Caudal epidural injections with or without steroids may be effective in patients with chronic function-limiting low back and lower extremity pain with spinal stenosis in approximately 60% of the patients.
Reverse-order-restoration-based static test compaction for synchronous sequential circuits

We present a new static test sequence compaction procedure called reverse-order-restoration (ROR) for synchronous sequential circuits. It improves the efficiency of the basic vector restoration-based compaction procedure by reversing the order of the vectors in the original test sequence. This reduces the number of faults to be resimulated after every restoration step. We extend the ROR procedure to a class of radix reverse order vector restoration procedures. These procedures dynamically increase the number of vectors to be restored in each step and, thus, speed up the vector restoration process. We also investigate techniques to improve the compaction levels achieved by the ROR-based compaction procedure. By combining reverse order vector restoration and vector omission, higher compaction levels are achieved. Experimental results on test sequences generated by several test generators show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Kinetics of the nuclear division cycle of Aspergillus nidulans

We have analyzed the cell cycle kinetics of Aspergillus nidulans by using the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea (HU) and a temperature-sensitive cell cycle mutant nimT that blocks in G2. HU rapidly inhibits DNA synthesis (S), and as a consequence progression beyond S to mitosis (M) is blocked. Upon removal of HU the inhibition is rapidly reversible. Conidia (asexual spores) of nimT were germinated at restrictive temperature to synchronize germlings in G2 and then downshifted to permissive temperature in the presence of HU. This procedure synchronizes the germlings at the beginning of S in the second cell cycle after spore germination. We have measured the total duration of S, G2, and M as the time required for these cells to recover from the HU block and undergo the next nuclear division. The duration of S was defined by the time course of sensitivity to reintroduction of HU during recovery from the initial HU block. The cell cycle time was measured as the nuclear doubling time, and the duration of mitosis was determined from the mitotic index. The duration of G1 was calculated by subtracting the combined durations of S, G2, and M from the nuclear doubling time, and the length of G2 was calculated by subtracting S and M from the aggregate length of S, G2, and M. We have also determined the duration of the phases of the cell cycle during the first cycle after spore germination. In these experiments spores were germinated directly in HU without first being blocked in G2. Because the durations of G1, S, G2, and M for the first cell cycle after spore germination were identical with those previously determined for spores presynchronized at the beginning of S in the second cell cycle, we conclude that dormant conidia of A. nidulans are arrested at, or before, the start of S.
PL of coliphage lambda: an alternative solution for an efficient promoter.

Promoter PL of coliphage lambda is highly active in vivo although it is recognized 15‐30 times less efficiently by RNA polymerase when compared with promoters of similar strength. Moreover, it differs significantly from the consensus sequence for Escherichia coli promoters. Sequence variants of PL which are more homologous to consensus promoters bind RNA polymerase with increased efficiency. They are nevertheless significantly reduced in their in vivo strength. High activity can be restored by a downstream sequence of a typical consensus‐like promoter. Evidently, such elements are required for the efficient release of a stably bound RNA polymerase into a transcriptional elongation complex. We propose that the functional programme encoded in a promoter sequence can be optimized in alternative ways.
The effects of oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy in adults with stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are recommended for patients with stable non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis, but the efficacy of oscillating positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy compared to other techniques has not been reviewed. A systematic review of studies was conducted in stable patients comparing the effect of oscillating PEP therapy to other ACTs or a control condition. Data were extracted related to sputum expectoration, lung function, gas exchange, quality of life (QOL), symptoms, and exacerbation rate. Seven studies were included with a total of 146 patients, with a mean (SD) PEDro score of 7(1). Oscillating PEP therapy enhanced sputum expectoration compared to no treatment, but has equivalent benefits as the active cycle of breathing technique with gravity-assisted drainage (mean difference [95% CI] −2.8 g [−8.8 to 3.2 g]). Oscillating PEP has a similar effect as other ACTs on dynamic lung volumes, gas exchange and breathlessness. Use of oscillating PEP improved disease-specific QOL (p < 0.001) and cough-related QOL (p < 0.002) compared to no treatment but did not reduce exacerbation rate. In conclusion, in stable non-CF bronchiectasis, oscillating PEP therapy is associated with improvement in sputum expectoration and QOL compared to no treatment. Compared to other ACTs, the effect upon sputum expectoration, lung function, gas exchange, and symptoms are equivalent.
Efficiency of the signal processing algorithms using signal-flow based mapping tool

This paper is dealing with the implementation of the signal processing algorithms, specifically the Fast Fourier Transform and the matrix multiplication, using the new tool for mapping instructions on functional units of the processor. The tool is using the signal-flow based description of the algorithm instead of the sequential notation of the program execution. The selected target processor is a multi-core digital signal processor based on the very long instruction word architecture. The final assembly code is analyzed in terms of utilization of the functional units and general purpose registers.
The role of mast cells in treatment of scabies.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to recognize the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of scabies. METHODS One hundred and fifty patients and 10 controls were included in the study. Group 1 included 20 patients without previous treatment. In group 2, 80 patients were treated with antiscabietic drugs. Group 3 had 50 patients who received an antiscabietic drug followed by 3 days of crotamiton. Diurnal and nocturnal skin biopsies were taken from group 1. In groups 2 and 3, the biopsies were taken after 2 weeks of treatment. Sections were cut and stained by hematoxylin and eosin and Giemsa stains. RESULTS Mast cells were increased in diurnal and nocturnal biopsies. Evident degranulation of mast cells was detected in nocturnal biopsies. The mast cell number decreased to half its pretreatment number in patients treated with antiscabietic drugs and to its normal number in patients treated with antiscabietic drugs followed by 3 days with crotamiton. CONCLUSION The number of mast cells are increased in scabietic lesions. This plays a role in the pathogenesis of the clinical and histologic picture of scabies. We recommend that an antiscabietic drug should be followed by 3 days of crotamiton in the treatment of scabies.
DEPARTEMENT TOEGEPASTE ECONOMISCHE WETENSCHAPPEN

This paper examines the beneficial impact of information sharing in multi-echelon supply chains. We compare a traditional supply chain, in which only the first stage in the chain observes end consumer demand and upstream stages have to base their forecasts on incoming orders, with an information enriched supply chain where customer demand data (e.g. EPOS data) is shared throughout the chain. Two types of replenishment rules are analysed: order up-to policies and smoothing policies (policies used to reduce or dampen variability in the demand). For the class of order-up-to policies, we will show that information sharing be1ps to reduce the bullwhip effect (variance amplification of ordering quantities in supply chains) significantly, especially at higher levels in the chain. However, the bullwhip problem is not completely eliminated and it still increases as one moves up the chain. For the smoothing policies, we show that information sharing is necessary to reduce order variance at higher levels of the chain. The methodology is based on control systems engineering and allows us to gain valuable insights into the dynamic behaviour of supply chain replenishment rules. We also introduce a control engineering based measure to quantifY the variance amplification (bullwhip) or variance reduction.
In vitro propagation of the endangered species Marsilea quadrifolia L. - morphological and biochemical analysis of the regenerates

The present study is part of the current concerns with biodiversity conservation of endangered gymnosperm species from The Natural Park of Comana. Marsilea quadrifolia species is protected both at a national and European level (through the Habitats Directive of the EU and the Bern Convention). The aspects of in vitro morphogenesis through all the stages from inoculation, multiplication to rooting and acclimatization have been studied. In order to long term conserve and multiply or to exploit somaclonal variation induced by the in vitro technique identification of some biochemical or molecular markers for fast evaluation of regenerates is required. In this respect, genetic stability or variability of Marsilea quadrifolia regenerates obtained by the in vitro culture was assessed by electrophoretical methods to relieve izoenzymes activity as esterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, glutamate-oxaloacetate transferase, malate dehydrogenase and peroxidase. In all enzymes systems studied a higher activity correlated with reactivity of this species to in vitro culture conditions was noticed. The expression of esterase, phosphatase, malate dehidrogenase display changes in correlation with growth condition, while the peroxidase pattern is more stable in natural population than in the in vitro regenerated plantlet.
Diagnosing the extreme surface melt event over southwestern Greenland in 2007

Abstract. Analysis of passive microwave brightness temperatures from the space-borne Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) documents a record surface snowmelt over high elevations (above 2000 m) of the Greenland ice sheet during summer of 2007. To interpret this record, results from the SSM/I are examined in conjunction with fields from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis and output from a regional climate model. The record surface melt reflects unusually warm conditions, seen in positive summertime anomalies of surface air temperatures, downwelling longwave radiation, 1000–500 hPa atmospheric thickness, and the net surface energy flux, linked in turn to southerly airflow over the ice sheet. Low snow accumulation may have contributed to the record through promoting anomalously low surface albedo.
A MEDIUM FOR THE SELECTIVE ISOLATION OF EDWARDSIELLA ICTALURI

A selective medium, called Edwardsiella ictaluri medium (EIM), has been formulated for the isolation of Edwardsiella ictaluri. The medium inhibits the growth of most gram-negative bacteria, except Proteus sp. , Serratia marcescens and some isolates of Aeromonas hydrophila and Yersinia ruckeri. The bacteria that grow on the EIM are easily differentiated from E. ictaluri based on colony morphology. The EIM inhibits gram-positive bacteria with the exception of enterococci. The addition of fungizone to EIM suppressed the growth of most fungi. The EIM allows the evaluation of environmental reservoirs, levels of contamination and carrier states of E. ictaluri.
Transient Ischemic Attack in Heavy Cannabis Smokers – How ‘Safe’ Is It?

Drugs are lately considered high-risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. Three male patients (mean age 24.6 years) who were heavy cannabis smokers presented with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) shortly after cannabis abuse. The complete examination of all 3 consisted of: EEG, brain CT scan, brain MRI, cerebral vessel angiography (digital subtraction and magnetic resonance angiography); also a full cerebrospinal fluid, urine and blood analysis (immunological, biochemical and hormonal tests were included). Urine was further examined for drug metabolites. An extensive cardiological investigation was carried out. Small vessel leukoencephalopathy was revealed by the brain CT and MRI. EEG recordings of the first patient showed paroxysmal sharp waves with left hemispheric dominance. The other 2 patients had diffuse delta and theta activity in their EEG tracings. The urine analysis was positive for cannabis metabolites. There were no other abnormal findings in the rest of the meticulous and thorough study of all 3 patients, which leads to the conclusion that cannabis was the only risk factor responsible for the observed TIA, contradictory to other studies, which support that cannabis is a ‘safe’ drug. More research is required in order for this issue to be completely elucidated.
Development of a bioavailability‐based risk assessment approach for nickel in freshwater sediments

To assess nickel (Ni) toxicity and behavior in freshwater sediments, a large‐scale laboratory and field sediment testing program was conducted. The program used an integrative testing strategy to generate scientifically based threshold values for Ni in sediments and to develop integrated equilibrium partitioning‐based bioavailability models for assessing risks of Ni to benthic ecosystems. The sediment testing program was a multi‐institutional collaboration that involved extensive laboratory testing, field validation of laboratory findings, characterization of Ni behavior in natural and laboratory conditions, and examination of solid phase Ni speciation in sediments. The laboratory testing initiative was conducted in 3 phases to satisfy the following objectives: 1) evaluate various methods for spiking sediments with Ni to optimize the relevance of sediment Ni exposures; 2) generate reliable ecotoxicity data by conducting standardized chronic ecotoxicity tests using 9 benthic species in sediments with low and high Ni binding capacity; and, 3) examine sediment bioavailability relationships by conducting chronic ecotoxicity testing in sediments that showed broad ranges of acid volatile sulfides, organic C, and Fe. A subset of 6 Ni‐spiked sediments was deployed in the field to examine benthic colonization and community effects. The sediment testing program yielded a broad, high quality data set that was used to develop a Species Sensitivity Distribution for benthic organisms in various sediment types, a reasonable worst case predicted no‐effect concentration for Ni in sediment (PNECsediment), and predictive models for bioavailability and toxicity of Ni in freshwater sediments. A bioavailability‐based approach was developed using the ecotoxicity data and bioavailability models generated through the research program. The tiered approach can be used to fulfill the outstanding obligations under the European Union (EU) Existing Substances Risk Assessment, EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Regulation of Chemicals (REACH), and other global regulatory initiatives. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:735–746. © 2015 SETAC
Gestational weight gain as a predictor of birth and placenta weight according to pre‐pregnancy body mass index

Objective. To study the association between gestational weight gain and different birth weight indicators considering the pre‐pregnancy body mass index. It was hypothesized that a high body mass index (BMI) would modify the effect of gestational weight gain and support the advice of keeping gestational weight gain at a moderate level in case of obesity.
Structure and Function of Vertebral Trabecular Bone

Study Design. A combined morphologic and finite‐element study on vertebral trabecular bone. Objective. To relate the form and function of vertebral trabecular bone, in an attempt to better understand the mechanical function of a lumbar vertebra. Summary of Background Data. The architecture of bone is closely related to its mechanical function (Wolff's Law). In the human spine, vertebrae are subjected to a large variety of loads. Yet, these bones show a typical architecture, which means that they carry typical loads. Methods. Five trabecular bone cubes from specific sites of a lumbar vertebra were 3D‐reconstructed for computerized analysis. The architecture of the specimens was quantified by the bone volume fraction and a measure of anisotropy, the mean bone length. A finite element model was used to calculate internal stresses within a homogeneous vertebral body under basic loads. For each load case, bone volume fraction of the specimens was compared with the equivalent von Mises stress, and mean bone length was compared with the principal stress directions. Results. Bone volume fraction poorly related to the von Mises stress in the physiologic load case of axial compression. However, high bone volume fractions exist at locations where multiple load situations occur (e.g., near the pedicles and endplates). Remarkably, these sites also show finer architectures. Comparison of mean bone length with principal stresses revealed that the vertebral trabecular bone architecture particularly, but not entirely, corresponds to the stress field under axial compression. The horizontal struts near the endplates were found to be due to the function of the healthy intervertebral disc, and facetal joint loads introduce stress components that relate well with the bone structures near the pedicle bases. Conclusions. The trabecular bone architecture and the vertical orientation of the facet joints suggest that walking may be the main activity that determines the lumbar vertebral bone architecture.
Cord Blood Stem Cell Procurement in Minority Donors

Abstract : This progress report summarizes the clinical activity of cord blood procurement and the preliminary analysis of the yield of cord blood cells for the purpose of clinical transplantation. The purpose of collection and procurement of cord blood is for public use and will be accessible to all stem cell transplantation centers worldwide. Cord blood is a readily available source of hematopoietic stem cells. It is more accessible than other sources such as live donors since the cryopreserved cord blood units (CBU) have already been extensively characterized in terms of tissue typing and screening for infectious disease markers. The CBU from minority donors especially African/American is particularly valuable because of the difficulty with finding a matched donor. The CBU allows for less stringent matching; thus CBU is a rapid solution to patients who are in urgent need of stem cell transplantation and have no living donor available. We will now summarize the findings of our efforts to expand the cord blood collection program in an outreach setting with a comprehensive educational program to recruit African/American donors. We are able to demonstrate a significant increase of the CBUs collected with time indicating improvement of access to the African/American donor. This activity may compensate for the poor individual yield of the total nucleated cells in the African/American donor CBU and therefore prove to be a more effective method to build the CBU inventory.
Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and photoconversion in multiple arbitrary regions of interest using a programmable array microscope

Photomanipulation (photobleaching, photoactivation, or photoconversion) is an essential tool in fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is commonly used for the determination of lateral diffusion constants of membrane proteins, and can be conveniently implemented in confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Such determinations provide important information on molecular dynamics in live cells. However, the CLSM platform is inherently limited for FRAP because of its inflexible raster (spot) scanning format. We have implemented FRAP and photoactivation protocols using structured illumination and detection in a programmable array microscope (PAM). The patterns are arbitrary in number and shape, dynamic and adjustable to and by the sample characteristics. We have used multispot PAM–FRAP to measure the lateral diffusion of the erbB3 (HER3) receptor tyrosine kinase labeled by fusion with mCitrine on untreated cells and after treatment with reagents that perturb the cytoskeleton or plasma membrane or activate coexpressed erbB1 (HER1, the EGF receptor EGFR). We also show the versatility of the PAM for photoactivation in arbitrary regions of interest, in cells expressing erbB3 fused with the photoconvertible fluorescent protein dronpa. dronpa. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.