Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy with technetium 99m antimony sulfide colloid to identify lymphatic drainage of cutaneous melanoma at ambiguous sites in the head and neck and trunk

Risk cutaneous melanoma (level III, ⩾1.5 mm; ⩾1.0 mm with ulceration). Frequently the primary lesion is in an ambiguous lymphatic drainage site on the trunk, pelvic and shoulder girdles, and head and neck area. Lymphoscintigrams were performed by a circumferential intradermal injection of the biopsy site using technetium 99m (99mTc) antimony sulfide colloid in a total dose of 0.2 to 0.6 mCi in a volume of 0.1 to 0.5 ml. Imaging was done with a large‐field gamma camera with high‐resolution parallel hole collimator. Technetium 99m antimony sulfide colloid is an ideal agent for lymphoscintigrams because of small particle size (3‐30 μm), which permits early migration into the interstitial space and lymphatics and rapid pickup by lymph nodes. Although it is a gamma emmitter with high activity, it has a short half‐life and does not induce tissue necrosis. It does not localize the site of lymph node metastases, but indicates only the drainage pattern. Images were obtained at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes, respectively, and then three times every hour. Surgery was usually performed 24 hours later. The majority of patients had lesions with ambiguous drainage sites: head and neck (4 of 5 patients) and trunk (9 of 13 patients). The drainage by scan was to unpredictive sites in 72%, and resulted in a change of treatment planning by location and extent of ablation with node dissection in 9 of 18 patients. Ambiguous dissection sites included: (1) question of preauricular dissection with parotidectomy versus posterior auricular and cervical dissection for selected scalp lesions; (2) low‐neck with or without axillary dissection for upper chest and shoulder lesions; and (3) axillary versus groin dissections for midflank lesions at zone of ambiguity between axilla and groin. It was concluded that preoperative 99mTc antimony sulfide lymphoscintigraphy is a highly useful planning technique in determining the appropriate lymphatic drainage basin for dissection in selected melanoma patients. Cancer 55:1403‐1413, 1985.
Short-term effects of forest disturbances on soil nematode communities in European mountain spruce forests

Abstract The nematode communities in spruce forests were compared with the short-term effects of forest damage, caused by windstorm, wildfire and management practices of forest soils. Soil samples were collected in June and October from 2006 to 2008 in four different sites: (1) forest unaffected by the wind (REF); (2) storm-felled forest with salvaged timber (EXT); (3) modified forest affected by timber salvage (wood removal) and forest fire (FIR); and (4) storm-felled forest where timber had been left unsalvaged (NEX). Nematode analysis showed that the dominant species in all four investigated sites were Acrobeloides nanus and Eudorylaimus silvaticus. An increase of A. nanus (35% of the total nematode abundance) in the first year in the FIR site led to the highest total abundance of nematodes compared with other sites, where nematode abundance reached the same level in the third year. In the FIR site bacterial feeders appeared to be the most representative trophic group, although in the second and third year, after disturbance, the abundance of this trophic group gradually decreased. In the NEX site, the number of nematode species, population densities and Maturity Index were similar to that recorded for the FIR site. In EXT and NEX sites, the other dominant species was the plant parasitic nematode Paratylenchus microdorus. Analyses of nematodes extracted from different forest soil samples showed that the highest number of species and diversity index for species (H'spp) were in the REF site. Differences between the nematode fauna in REF and other localities were clearly depicted by cluster analysis. The greatest Structure Index and Enrichment Index values were also in REF. In the EXT site, the number of nematode species, their abundance, H'spp and Maturity Index were not significantly different from those recorded in the reference site.
The relationship between nucleated red blood cell counts and early-onset neonatal seizures.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to better define the timing of neurologic insult in neonates with early-onset seizures through evaluation of neonatal nucleated red blood cell levels. STUDY DESIGN Medical records and the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes were used to identify all term neonates with neonatal convulsions who were delivered at our institution (January 1, 1990-December 31, 1995). Each neonate with early-onset seizures was matched to the next 3 neonates who met the following criteria: gestational age > or =37 weeks, no early-onset seizures, birth weight > or =800 g, umbilical artery pH > or =7.25, and a 5-minute Apgar score >7. Demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and mean initial nucleated red blood cell counts were compared between groups. RESULTS During the 6-year study period, there were a total of 36, 490 singleton term deliveries of infants who were alive at birth. Forty-five (0.1%) of these neonates had early-onset seizures. Thirty neonates with early-onset seizures met the inclusion criteria. Mean nucleated red blood cell counts (number of nucleated red blood cells per 100 white blood cells) for neonates with early-onset seizures were significantly increased compared with those of control neonates (18.4 +/- 22.0 vs 4.6 +/- 4.5; P <.0008). CONCLUSIONS Our findings are suggestive of the hypothesis that neurologic injury leading to early-onset seizures often occurs before the intrapartum period.
Problems with Sexuality after Sexual Assault

Abstract In this article, we review a number of studies on sexual functioning after sexual assault. Among the studies discussed, three different approaches can be distinguished: the descriptive analyses of sexual functioning and sexual problems, the exploration of factors which predict sexual problems, and the study of relationships between sexual problems and other psychological problems. Although the studies vary considerably in methodology, they point to the conclusion that frequency of sexual contact decreases after sexual assault. Satisfaction and pleasure in sexual activities seem to diminish for a considerable group of victims for at least 1 year postassault. In several studies it was revealed that victims develop sexual problems that can persist for years after the assault. These include response inhibiting problems, such as fear and arousal and desire dysfunctions. Most researchers have found that factors such as a young age, a known offender, and penetration during the assault are related to sexual problems. With respect to physical violence used during the assault, the results are inconclusive. Furthermore, emotions felt during and immediately after the assault, such as anger towards self, shame, and guilt, may predict sexual problems. Avoidance of sexual contact also appears to be related to sexual problems. A loving and understanding partner seems to be a protective factor. Finally it can be concluded that sexual problems are related to other psychological problems, including posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression.
Three hamster species with different scrapie incubation times and neuropathological features encode distinct prion proteins

Given the critical role of the prion protein (PrP) in the transmission and pathogenesis of experimental scrapie, we investigated the PrP gene and its protein products in three hamster species, Chinese (CHa), Armenian (AHa), and Syrian (SHa), each of which were found to have distinctive scrapie incubation times. Passaging studies demonstrated that the host species, and not the source of scrapie prions, determined the incubation time for each species, and histochemical studies of hamsters with clinical signs of scrapie revealed characteristic patterns of neuropathology. Northern (RNA) analysis showed the size of PrP mRNA from CHa, AHa, and SHa hamsters to be 2.5, 2.4, and 2.1 kilobases, respectively. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the PrP isoforms were of similar size (33 to 35 kilodaltons); however, the monoclonal antibody 13A5 raised against SHa PrP did not react with the CHa or AHa PrP molecules. Comparison of the three predicted amino acid sequences revealed that each is distinct. Furthermore, differences within the PrP open reading frame that uniquely distinguish the three hamster species are within a hydrophilic segment of 11 amino acids that includes polymorphisms linked to scrapie incubation times in inbred mice and an inherited prion disease of humans. Single polymorphisms in this region correlate with the presence or absence of amyloid plaques for a given hamster species or mouse inbred strain. Our findings demonstrate distinctive molecular, pathological, and clinical characteristics of scrapie in three related species and are consistent with the hypothesis that molecular properties of the host PrP play a pivotal role in determining the incubation time and neuropathological features of scrapie.
Sr85m scans in children with extraosseous pathology.

Sr87m scannings were performed of all or parts of the skeleton of children with a variety of tumors not arising in bone. The presence of soft tissue malignancy contiguous to bone may evoke a malignant type Sr87m uptake pattern in bone even though the malignancy does not demonstrably involve bone.Examples of malignancies of brain, neck, pelvis and foot which present with positive scans are illustrated as is the generalized abnormal uptake characteristic of acute leukemia.Wider and earlier diagnostic use of the Sr87m skeletal scan in screening for cancer in children is suggested.
Inhibin-mediated feedback control of follicle-stimulating hormone secretion in the female rat.

The secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the anterior pituitary gland is regulated by the interaction of hypothalamic and gonadal hormones. Recently, proteins termed inhibins that selectively suppress FSH secretion have been purified and characterized from the gonadal fluids of several species. Antibodies to a synthetic peptide encompassing the amino terminal 25 residues of the recently characterized porcine inhibin were used to develop a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for inhibin and to neutralize endogenous inhibin during the estrous cycle of the rat. The administration of 20 international units of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) stimulated the secretion of inhibin in intact immature female rats, whereas ovariectomy caused an abrupt decrease in plasma inhibin concentrations that were not prevented by the injection of PMSG. The infusion of a polyclonal antiserum to inhibin, from 12 noon on proestrus to 1 a.m. on the morning of estrus, as well as its acute intravenous injection during diestrus I or II, caused an increase in plasma FSH (but not luteinizing hormone) concentrations. These results support the hypothesis of a feedback loop between the release of ovarian inhibin and FSH in the female rat.
Perspectives 55 TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN AFRICAN AMERICAN PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS

Depression is a common and costly psychiatric condition, affecting nearly 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population in a given year (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2003), and the functional disability associated with this condition is comparable to or worse than many chronic medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension (Broadhead, Blazer, George, & Tse, 1990; Wells et al., 1989). Individuals suffering from depression seek help as frequently from their primary care physician (48%) as from mental health specialists (49%) (Narrow, Regier, Rae, Manderscheid, & Locke, 1993). However, depression frequently goes unrecognized and untreated in primary care settings (AHCPR Depression Guideline Panel, 1993). In this report we examine depression in African Americans, focusing specifically on the prevalence of this disorder, mental health treatment, and the effectiveness of evidenced-based psychotherapy and medication for African Americans with depression.
Evidence for Association Between the Class I Subset of the Insulin Gene Minisatellite (IDDM2 Locus) and IDDM in the Japanese Population

Although the shortest (class I) minisatellite (i.e., variable number of tandem repeats [VNTR]) alleles in the 5′ region of the insulin gene are positively associated with IDDM in Caucasians, the majority of Japanese are homozygous for class I alleles. Here, we determined the exact length, in number of repeat units (RUs), of class I alleles in Japanese subjects. The distribution of class I alleles in Japanese was trimodal, with peaks located at 32/33, 41, and 44 RUs. The shortest component (i.e., 1S [25-38 RUs]) alleles were significantly increased in the IDDM group compared with the control group (54 vs. 46%; P = 0.040). The 1S/1S genotype was significantly increased in the IDDM patients (34 vs. 20%; P = 0.005; relative risk 2.1). Furthermore, the transmission disequilibrium test of Japanese families with 1S/1M or 1S/1L heterozygous parents confirmed the association of 1S alleles: 17 alleles of 1S and 6 alleles of 1M (39-41 RUs) or 1L (42-44 RUs) were transmitted to affected offspring (P = 0.022). In addition, we found tight linkage of 1S with allele 9 of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene microsatellite and allele (-) of the IGF-II gene Apa I polymorphism, but neither 9 nor (-) alleles were significantly associated with IDDM. The present study suggests that a class I subset may have a role in IDDM susceptibility in Japan. It was revealed that the difference between 1S alleles and 1M or 1L alleles is almost consistently characterized by a sequence variation generated by deletion of two copies of an ACAGGGGTCC CGGGG repeat element, implying that sequence variation of class I alleles may influence disease susceptibility.
Does substance abuse contribute to further risk of falls in dementia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to predict the risk of falls by focusing on substance abuse in the elderly with dementia. Our national cross-sectional survey included 1210 elderly Malaysian demented subjects. The study identified the effects of age, ethnicity, sex differences, marital status, educational level, and substance abuse on the likelihood of falls in the elderly with dementia. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze data collected from samples. The prevalence of falls was about 17% among subjects and significantly increased with age (p = .006). Furthermore, the results showed that age (OR = 1.03), ethnicity (OR = 1.69), substance abuse (OR = 1.68), and female sex (OR = 1.45) significantly enhanced the risk of falls in respondents (p < .05). Educational level and marital status had no significant effects on the likelihood of falls (p > .05). However, the findings provided evidence of an additional effect of substance abuse on further risk of falls in older adults with dementia.
Psychopathy and substance use in adolescent male offenders.

Previous research with incarcerated adult male offenders yielded correlations of . 28 to . 40 between measures of substance abuse and psychopathic characteristics. This comorbidity was replicated in 40 incarcerated adolescent male offenders. Drug and alcohol use was significantly correlated with the behavioral characteristics of psychopathy (r = .48 and .41, respectively).
Segmentation of Nidus - Brain AVM

A Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins. Normally the blood flows from arteries to veins through capillary bed. But patient having AVM, the capillary bed will be absent. The veins cannot handle the pressure of blood flowing from arteries to veins and it ruptures. The success of treatment by embolization in interventional Neuroradiolgy is highly dependent on the accuracy. of the vessels visualization. In this paper, we have done segmentation ofN IDUS using 3DRA for cerebral patients, so that the doctors can analyze and decide the mode of treatment. This method consists in Preprocessing step of image enhancement, Morphological operations, clustering are used to separate vessel pixels from background and artery pixels from vein pixels that will help to find path for track the blood flow.
Atomistic and multiscale analyses of brittle fracture in crystal lattices

Applicability of the Griffith criterion [A. A. Griffith, Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London, Ser. 221, 163 (1920); S. Zhang, S. L. Meilke, R. Khare, D. Troya, R. S. Ruoff, G. C. Schatz, and T. Belytschko, Phys. Rev. B 71, 115403 (2005)] for predicting the onset of crack extension in crystal lattices is systematically evaluated using atomistic and multiscale simulations with a focus on the effects of crack size and lattice discreteness. An atomistic scheme is developed to determine the true Griffith load defined by the thermodynamic energy balance of crack extension for both finite-sized and semi-infinite crack models. For a model monolayer lattice, we identify a characteristic crack length (about ten lattice spacings) below which the Griffith fracture stress markedly overestimates the true Griffith load. Through a stability analysis of crack-tip bond separation, the athermal (nonthermally activated) loads of instantaneous fracture are determined, thereby yielding the estimated lattice trapping range. Our simulations show that the strength of lattice trapping depends on the interaction range of the interatomic force fields. Using the reaction pathway exploration method, we determine the minimum energy paths of bond breaking and healing at a crack tip, giving a more precise estimate of the lattice trapping range. The activation energy barriers governing the rate of kinetic crack extension are extracted from the minimum energy paths. Implications concerning the distinction between the athermal and Griffith fracture loads are discussed. Based on these results, a general criterion is established to predict the onset of crack growth in crystal lattices. In addition to taking into account the lattice trapping effect, this criterion is applicable to a large spectrum of crack sizes.
The Role of Nonsystem Actors in the Relationship Between Policy and Practice: The Case of Reading Instruction in California

Studies of the relationship between policy and practice typically focus on the formal policy system alone. Yet, the public policy system does not exist in isolation. A host of nonsystem actors promote, translate, and transform policy ideas as they carry them to teachers. This study draws on neoinstitutional theories of organization to investigate the role of nonsystem actors in the relationship between policy and teachers’ classroom practice. A cross-case, historical design was used to investigate how teachers in two California elementary schools responded to changes in state reading policy from 1983 to 1999. The way in which teachers responded depended in part on the nature of their connections to policy messages, which varied substantially across teachers and across policy initiatives. Policy messages from nonsystem actors were more consequential for teachers’ classroom practices. Teachers’ connections to nonsystem actors were influenced by the interrelationship between system and nonsystem actors as policy ideas emerged, diffused, and were implemented over time.
Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation, Microtubule Organization, Chromatin Behavior, and Cell Cycle Progression by Protein Phosphatases During Pig Oocyte Maturation and Fertilization In Vitro1

Abstract We used okadaic acid (OA), a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, to study the regulatory effects of protein phosphatases on mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation, morphological changes in the nucleus, and microtubule assembly during pig oocyte maturation and fertilization in vitro. When germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes were exposed to OA, MAP kinase phosphorylation was greatly accelerated, being fully activated at 10 min. However, MAP kinase was dephosphorylated by long-term (>20 h) exposure to OA. Correspondingly, premature chromosome condensation and GV breakdown were accelerated, whereas meiotic spindle assembly and meiotic progression beyond metaphase I stage were inhibited. OA also quickly reversed the inhibitory effects of butyrolactone I, a specific inhibitor of maturation-promoting factor (MPF), on MAP kinase phosphorylation and meiosis resumption. Treatment of metaphase II oocytes triggered metaphase II spindle elongation and disassembly as well as chromosome alignment disruption. OA treatment of fertilized eggs resulted in prompt phosphorylation of MAP kinase, disassembly of microtubules around the pronuclear area, chromatin condensation, and pronuclear membrane breakdown, but inhibited further cleavage. Our results suggest that inhibition of protein phosphatases promptly phosphorylates MAP kinase, induces premature chromosome condensation and meiosis resumption as well as pronucleus breakdown, but inhibits spindle organization and suppresses microtubule assembly by sperm centrosomes in pig oocytes and fertilized eggs.
Fresh-socket implants in periapical infected sites in humans.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to compare the outcome of the immediate placement of implants when used in the replacement of teeth with and without chronic periapical lesions. METHODS Thirty patients requiring a single-tooth extraction of a monoradicular or premolar tooth were selected. The control group (CG) included 15 patients without periapical lesions but with root caries and root fractures. The test group (TG) included 15 patients with periapical lesions, periapical radiolucencies, and no signs of pain, fistulas, or suppuration. Thirty teeth were extracted, and implants were immediately positioned in fresh sockets and loaded after 3 months in both groups. Clinical parameters (probing depth [PD], modified plaque index, modified bleeding index [mBI], marginal gingiva level [MGL], and keratinized mucosa [KM]) and marginal bone levels were evaluated at baseline and 12 and 24 months after implant placement. Comparisons between CG and TG values over time were performed by the Student two-tailed t test. RESULTS At the 24-month follow-up, a survival rate of 100% was reported for all implants. The mean bone loss was 0.82 +/- 0.52 mm for the CG and 0.86 +/- 0.54 for the TG. Plaque accumulation was 0.74 +/- 0.29 for the CG and 0.69 +/- 0.29 for the TG. The mBI was 0.77 +/- 0.33 for the CG and 0.72 +/- 0.36 for the TG. The soft tissue profile MGL and KM remained stable for up to 24 months for the CG and TG. The mean PD was 2.05 +/- 0.66 mm for the CG and 1.99 +/- 0.57 mm for the TG. Differences that were not statistically significant were reported between the CG and TG over time and between time points. CONCLUSION At the 24-month follow-up, endosseous implants placed immediately in extraction sites affected by periapical infection rendered an equally favorable soft and hard tissue integration of the implants, revealing a predictable outcome.