Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Treatment of Lesions of the Third Ventricle

© 2016 Egyptian Journal of Neurosurgery. All rights reserved Background The challenging deep location of third ventricular tumors and optimal CSF medium make endoscopy a good and safe alternative treatment option to microsurgery. Additionally endoscopic procedures treat, prevent and decrease CSF disruptive complications of intraventricular tumors. To date, the criteria for selecting the ideal pathologic substrate for intraventricular endoscopy remain non elusive. Objectives Our aim in this study is to assess the efficacy of use of the endoscope as a tool for access and excision/biopsy of 3 ventricular tumors in a minimally invasive way and to determine the possible complications of endoscopic approach. Patients and Methods Prospective investigation of twenty nine patients with third ventricular lesions, who underwent thirty endoscopic procedures (Excision/biopsy with or without third ventriculostomy), was done at Ain Shams university hospitals (14/2/20121/7/2014) and at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian hospital (9/7/201430/6/2015), analyzing clinical information, procedural details, imaging and follow up data. Results Male to female ra o was 1: 1.64. Pa ern of presenta on was acute in seven pa ents (24.3%), subacute in eleven patients (37.9%) and chronic in six pa ents (20.7%). Diagnosis was accidental in five pa ents (17.2%). Biopsy was done in 5/30 (16.7%). Total endoscopic ex rpa on was done in 16/30 (53.3%). Cyst drainage and ssue biopsy was done in 4/30. Cyst drainage was done in only 3/30. No direct tumor management was done in 2/30. Total resolution of preoperative symptoms occurred in 18/24 (75%), par al improvement in 2/24 (8.3%), improvement and then recurrence in 4/24 (16.7%). Conclusion Stand-alone endoscopy can be definitive treatment for resection of some solid third ventricular tumors according to strict selection criteria. Endoscopy can provide also definitive treatment for cyst resection and fenestration of certain pathological entities i.e. colloid cysts and pineal cysts. More studies, preferably multi-center, can help set selection criteria for endoscopic targets and elucidate prognostic factors.
Recent trends in suicidal behavior in Japan

Abstract This paper reviews the present situation of suicidal behavior in Japan. Although the suicide rate among the younger generation has been decreasing steadily, that among elderly Japanese has been high. In addition, it is expected that the elderly population in Japan will increase more rapidly than in other countries in the 21st century. This paper highlights the problems of suicidal elderly in Japan, by focusing on characteristics of their psychopathology, and it proposes an integrated model for suicide prevention. Accurate knowledge about suicide crisis in the elderly and appropriate countermeasures should be acquired by every individual in the community, and efficient social support networks should be established. The long‐term objective should be to create an environment in which senior citizens can contribute to the community to the best of their ability, and every effort should be made to decrease the social stigma against old age and suicide.
Evidence for a direct link between stress and immunity in the mollusc Haliotis tuberculata.

Stress is thought to cause increased disease outbreaks and mortality in a number of invertebrates but currently very little information is available on mechanisms linking physiological states of stress and reduced disease resistance in these organisms. In the present study, we examined the possibility that stress alters immune functions, the principal line of defense against pathogens, in a molluscan model, the abalone Haliotis turbeculata. Immune parameters were investigated in abalones subjected to a 15 min mechanical disturbance which, as indicated by noradrenaline and dopamine hemolymphatic levels, resulted in a transient state of physiological stress. During the application of the stressor, immune parameters such as the number of circulating hemocytes, the migratory activity, the phagocytic capacity and the respiratory burst responses of hemocytes, decreased significantly. All parameters returned to initial values within 15-30 min after the end of the disturbance and a transient period of immunostimulation occurred between 100 and 480 min after the stress for all immune parameters except intracellular superoxide anion production. These results indicate that in the abalone H. tuberculata, as in vertebrates, a link exists between stress and the immune system. This may begin to answer why stress and disease outbreaks are linked in shellfish.
Morphology of the Lumbar Transversospinal Muscles Examined in a Mouse Bearing a Muscle Fiber‐Specific Nuclear Marker

Although the morphology of human lumbar transversospinal (TSP) muscles has been studied, little is known about the structure of these muscles in the mouse (Mus musculus). Such information is relevant given mice are often used as a “normal” phenotype for studies modeling human development. This study describes the gross morphology, muscle fiber arrangement, and innervation pattern of the mouse lumbar TSP muscles. A unique feature of the study is the use of a transgenic mouse line bearing a muscle‐specific nuclear marker that allows clear delineation of muscle fiber and connective tissue boundaries. The lumbar TSP muscles of five mice were examined bilaterally; at each spinal level muscles attached to the caudal edge of the spinous process and passed caudally as a single complex unit. Fibers progressively terminated over the four vertebral segments caudad, with multiple points of muscle fiber attachment on each vertebra. Motor endplates, defined with acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, were consistently located half way along each muscle fiber, regardless of length, with all muscle fibers arranged in‐parallel rather than in‐series. These results provide information relevant to interpretation of developmental and functional studies involving this muscle group in the mouse and show mouse lumbar TSP muscles are different in form to descriptions of equivalent muscles in humans and horses. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular Phylogeny of the Vomerifer and Pedroi Groups in the Spissipes Section of the Subgenus Culex (Melanoconion)

Abstract Members of the New World mosquito subgenus Melanoconion of the genus Culex are important vectors of many alphaviruses including eastern and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV). We investigated the phylogenetic relationships among nine putative species of the Vomerifer and Pedroi Groups of the Neotropical Spissipes Section by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) region of ribosomal DNA and using phylogenetic analyses. Results demonstrated that, within the Spissipes Section, the Vomerifer and Pedroi Groups are monophyletic sister groups. The clade comprised by Culex adamesi and Culex ribeirensis showed a sister group relationship to the group consisting of Culex pedroi sequences. The monophyly of the Vomerifer Group corroborated previous suggestions that it is a natural group. However, our topology showed that there are two well-supported, divergent groups within a major clade consisting of Cx. pedroi sequences, suggesting the possibility of a cryptic Cx. pedroi–like species. This finding could have important epidemiological implications for VEEV transmission in Central and South America.
Method for characterization of intrinsic and extrinsic components of semiconductor laser diode circuit model

A simple method for the characterization of the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of a semiconductor laser diode has been described. This method is based on the measurement of intensity noise, small-signal modulation response and input reflection coefficient of the device. The intrinsic 3-dB-modulation bandwidth and the extrinsic parasitic components associated with the device can be readily determined by using the analytical expressions presented. It has been shown that the major limitation of the 3-dB-modulation bandwidth can be attributed to the device chip RC time constant. <<ETX>>
Work Performance, Ability, and Voluntary Turnover among Psychiatric Aides

No significant differences in work performance or verbal ability were found between psychiatric aides who stayed (n = 139) and those who voluntarily left (n = 41) during a 1-yr. follow-up of new hires The findings were important to the two hospitals involved in the study since voluntary leavers were not higher in performance or ability than those who stayed. While there were no differences between the two groups on age, sex, or education, lower turnover was found among black than among white aides. No consistent relation of performance to turnover was similar to that reported in recent literature. It is evident from the 1985 research of Wells and Muchinsky that a simple relation between performance and turnover may not exist but may be dependent upon specific organizational practices of rewarding performance and external market conditions.
Current status of transgenic animal research for human health applications

Background: The current status of genetic engineering animals for biomedical and human health applications, including improving the supply of animal-based food products, was reviewed. Although transgenic animals have been available for almost 30 years only one product, a drug derived from transgenic goats’ milk, has been approved for use anywhere in the world. While a number of technical issues limited efficiency initially, products coming to market were hindered by the lack of a regulatory framework and compounded by opposition from anti-biotechnology groups. Review: As presented in the review, the production of genetically engineered livestock has progressed from the initial technology of pronuclear microinjection through to the wide-spread use today of somatic cell nuclear transfer-based cloning technology following the transfection of cells in culture with methods such as lipofection or electroporation. There also was significant progress in the development of systems based upon lentivirus or adeno-associated virusbased vectors. More recently, advances occurred based on transposon-mediated transgenesis. In conjunction with advances in methods to genetically engineer livestock, there are also advances, such as the use of zinc-finger nucleases and transient depletion of endogenous non-homologous recombination systems, to increase the efficiency of homologous recombination-based gene targeting. Applications range from the production of pharmaceutical proteins, silk for use in sutures and scaffolds for cellular regeneration, and xenotransplantation through to the development of transgenic animals that improve animal production and the nutritional value of animal-based food products. Both of these agricultural applications are important for maintaining the global production of sufficient meat-based products in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner in the face of a dramatically increasing human population. Conclusion: Advances in the production of genetically engineered animals and identification of useful applications have significantly improved and have set the stage for the adoption of transgenic animals. Brazil, because of recent technological developments and the adoption of regulatory guidelines is now in a strong position to benefit from genetically engineered animals and to contribute to the leadership in the adoption of transgenic animals for applications to improve human and animal health and well-being.
The TAOS Project: Statistical Analysis of Multi-Telescope Time Series Data

The Taiwanese-American Occultation Survey (TAOS) monitors fields of up to ∼1000 stars at 5 Hz simultaneously with four small telescopes to detect occultation events from small (∼1 km) Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs). The survey presents a number of challenges, in particular the fact that the occultation events we are searching for are extremely rare and are typically manifested as slight flux drops for only one or two consecutive time series measurements. We have developed a statistical analysis technique to search the multi-telescope data set for simultaneous flux drops which provides a robust false-positive rejection and calculation of event significance. In this article, we describe in detail this statistical technique and its application to the TAOS data set.
Impact of NiPt Thickness Scaling on Contact Resistance From Thin-Body FD SOI to Trigate FETs

The impact of NiPt thickness scaling on total resistance is investigated using short-channel (Lg = 40 nm) nm high-k metal-gate complementary SOI MOSFETs with fin widths varying from 500 nm ("planar single-gate thin-body FD SOI FET") to 25 nm (trigate FET). It is shown that limiting the amount of NiPt available for silicidation becomes increasingly critical as fin width scales due to a reduced silicide-to-silicon interfacial contact area and facilitated silicide encroachment toward the channel. The prevention of Schottky contact by scaling NiPt thickness from 10 to 5 nm on a 20-nm-thick SOI enabled a >; 2 × (NFET) and >; 6 × (PFET) reduction in total resistance along with swing and DIBL improvements on trigate FETs.
Urban Middle School Students' Stereotypes at the Intersection of Sexual Orientation, Ethnicity, and Gender.

Heterosexual urban middle school students' (N = 1,757) stereotypes about gender typicality, intelligence, and aggression were assessed. Students (Mage = 12.36 years) rated Facebook-like profiles of peers who varied by gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Several hypotheses about how the gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation of target peers intersect to shape stereotypes were tested. As predicted, a peer's sexual orientation determined stereotypes of gender typicality, with gay and lesbian students viewed as most atypical. As expected, ethnicity shaped stereotypes of intelligence, with Asian American students seen as most intelligent. Gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation independently and jointly affected stereotypes of aggression. These results demonstrate the value of an intersectional approach to the study of stereotypes. Implications for future research and practice are offered.
Efficacy and Safety of Sertindole in Schizophrenia: A Clinical Review

Abstract Sertindole is an atypical antipsychotic reintroduced into the European market in 2005 after a reevaluation of its risks and benefits, under the agreement that close electrocardiographic screening would be conducted. It has a high affinity for dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, and &agr;1 adrenergic receptors. Moreover, sertindole shows modest affinity for H1-histaminergic and muscarinic receptors. The pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sertindole are covered in this article based on a literature review from 1990 to 2014. Given current available findings, sertindole is at least effective as haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine on schizophrenia symptoms. Regarding its efficacy on cognitive symptoms, sertindole effect is supported by both preclinical and clinical studies versus haloperidol and olanzapine; however, its role on cognition needs further clarification. Concerning safety and tolerability issues, sertindole is characterized by a low potential to cause sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms, and by an acceptable metabolic profile; nevertheless, cardiac safety remains a major concern, and the electrocardiographic monitoring should be carried out during treatment to substantially reduce cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, although it has an equivalent profile compared to other antipsychotic drugs, sertindole actually remains a second-line choice for schizophrenic patients intolerant to at least one other antipsychotic agent.
Evaluation of the information needs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following pulmonary rehabilitation: a focus group study

Aims: This study aimed to understand patient information needs and how best to meet them in order to improve rehabilitation provision and aid disease self-management by exploring experiences of people who had recently completed a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in a community hospital setting. Methods: Qualitative research using focus groups was undertaken with 23 patients who had completed pulmonary rehabilitation within the previous four months. The focus groups were tape-recorded and contemporaneous notes made. The tapes were transcribed verbatim and template analysis was used to develop themes. Findings: The key information needs were for a full understanding of the disease to be generated for patients, their families and the wider public much earlier in the disease process and preferably at the point of diagnosis. Patients perceived that they needed to come to terms with the condition. In order to improve disease self-management feelings of anxiety and frustration should to be addressed with the suggestion that individual counselling might be made available through the rehabilitation programme. The need for continued support was highlighted with an emphasis on peer group support activities. Conclusions: The findings have implications for primary care in terms of unmet needs in the early stages of the condition and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in terms of providing individual counselling and ongoing peer group support to aid disease self-management. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2007; 4: 195—203
HLA B*44: Protective effects in MS susceptibility and MRI outcome measures

HLA B*44: PROTECTIVE EFFECTS IN MS SUSCEPTIBILITY AND MRI OUTCOME MEASURES To the Editor: Healy et al.1 join a series of casecontrol studies in the elucidation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I associations in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. They report that HLAA*02 and HLA-B*44 are protective independent of the risk allele HLA-DRB1*15, whereas the effect of HLA-C*05 appears to be secondary due to LD with HLA-B*44. However, we do not believe this has been established. The authors compared allele frequencies between cases and controls, which could be confounded by population stratification. Family-based analysis is more robust against population substructure, and therefore, confirmation using this approach in independent cohorts and other populations is needed. The authors’ previous study included some familybased material2; however, only a fraction of the families were typed for HLA alleles, while the remaining genotype data were imputed from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Given that HLA is a highly polymorphic locus with many functional alleles, direct typing could be more informative.3 By genotyping classic HLA alleles in a large cohort of MS families and utilizing TDT of HLA haplotypes,4 we found no protective effect of HLA-B*44 or any other Class I allelic associations independent of Class II. Furthermore, as with previous studies of this type,1,2 the exclusion of HLA-DRB1*15 alone may not be sufficient because now nearly all HLA-DRB1 alleles have been implicated in MS susceptibility and those that have not are mostly infrequent alleles with very large sample size requirements.5 LD is extensive within the human MHC. In populations of European ancestry, both HLA-A*02 and HLA-B*44 are in strong LD with a number of HLA Class II alleles including those common haplotypes also positive for HLADRB1*01, HLA-DRB1*04, HLA-DRB1*07, or HLA-DRB1*11. Healy et al.1 and Rioux et al.2 have reported an association with HLADRB1*04. HLA-DRB1*01 and HLADRB1*11 are protective either in the presence or absence of HLA-DRB1*15, respectively.5 Any proposed independent effect of HLA-B*44 would need to have adequate control of these Class II alleles, and would be supported by trans suppression of risk involving haplotypes positive for HLA-B*44 but negative for HLA-DRB1*01 in the presence of HLA-DRB1*15. It has been almost 4 decades since HLA alleles were first shown to be associated with MS, and we are still puzzled by their complexity, even for the well-established HLA-DRB1*15 association. We have recently shown that HLA diplotypes determine MS risk rather than single histocompatibility alleles. However, the fundamental unit of genetic control in this context may be the haplotype rather than the allele.4
Experience and results on the surgical and medical treatment of ischaemic colitis.

OBJECTIVE To analyse differences between patients with transient forms of ischemic colitis managed with medical treatment and those developing gangrenous forms subsidiaries of surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective study (1991-1998) of the ischemic colitis cases occurred in our center separating into two groups according to treatment received (A group: medical, 19 patients; B group: surgical, 10 patients). RESULTS Hypertension mainly appear in B group being average age higher in this group than in A group (p < 0.05). Other risk factors analysed such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal failure or consume of different drugs appear in similar way in both groups. In A group patients clinical presentation hematochezia is typical while B group use to start with acute abdomen associated to abdominal distension and hyperleukocytosis (p < 0.05). In group B average estance, morbidity and mortality have been higher than in A (17.4 vs 8.6 days 70 vs 5%, 40 vs 0%, respectively). CONCLUSION Hypertension and advanced age are associated risk factors of gangrenous ischemic colitis. The classic clinical presentation of abdominal pain and hematochezia is typical in transient forms. Patients who need a surgical operation for ischemic colitis have a high morbimortality.