Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization of the sentinel lymph node in tongue VX2 carcinoma via indirect CT lymphography combined with methylene blue dye injection

Conclusions: Indirect computed tomography lymphography (CT-LG) combined with blue dye injection can locate the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in tongue carcinoma. Objective: To localize the SLN in tongue VX2 carcinoma using indirect CT-LG combined with methylene blue injection. Methods: Eighteen rabbits were placed into three groups: metastasis, hyperplasia, and control. Indirect CT-LG was performed with an iohexol injection into the tongue submucosa. CT images were acquired at 1, 5, and 15 min after injection. Methylene blue was injected into the same area 24 h after indirect CT-LG, followed by SLN identification and histopathological examination. Results: SLNs were visualized with an identification rate of 100%. SLN location identified using CT lymphography was confirmed by methylene blue dye. Control and hyperplastic enhanced SLNs were round or oval without any filling defects. Control rabbits had enhanced SLN attenuation values of 689.2 ± 55.4 HU, 278.4 ± 33.5 HU, and 71.7 ± 9.2 HU at 1, 5, and 15 min after injection, respectively. Hyperplastic rabbits had values of 877.4 ± 69.4 HU, 352.5 ± 43.3 HU, and 80.2 ± 11.5 HU. Filling defects were only observed in the ipsilateral metastatic SLNs of the metastasis group. CT attenuation values of the metastatic SLNs were 687.4 ± 55.6 HU, 535.1 ± 86.6 HU, and 282.3 ± 19.4 HU at 1, 5, and 15 min, respectively, after iohexol injection. Metastatic lymph node attenuation values were significantly greater than those of the control or hyperplastic nodes at 5 (p < 0.001) and 15 min (p < 0.001) after injection.
Pollen donor performance can be consistent acrossmaternal plants in wild radish (Raphanus sativus,Brassicaceae): a necessary condition for the action of sexualselection.

The possibility that sexual selection has played a role in theevolution of plant reproductive characters remains interesting, butcontroversial. One reason is that clear demonstration of the necessaryconditions for sexual selection is lacking. For sexual selection tooccur, differences in pollen donor performance must be consistent acrossmaternal plants and not be due to mechanisms such asself-incompatibility that produce interactions between maternal plantsand pollen donors. Here, I performed two experiments with wild radish totest whether differences in pollen donor performance are consistentacross maternal plants and not due to subtle effects of theincompatibility system. In the first, all maternal and paternal lineageshad different S-alleles. There were 16 maternal plants, four in each offour lineages and four pollen donors, one in each of four lineages. Rankorder of pollen donor performance, in terms of number of seeds siredafter mixed pollination, was highly consistent across maternal plantsand maternal lineages. In addition, maternal stress treatment had aneffect on mating success of pollen donors, but the effect was subtle anddid not affect the rank order of seeds sired by the four pollen donors.In the second experiment, pollinations were performed on both mature andimmature stigmas. Immature stigmas allowed some self seed set, so theincompatibility system was compromised. There was some nonrandom seedpaternity on both mature and immature stigmas. However, the amount ofnonrandom mating was less on immature stigmas. Taken together, theseexperiments show that the kind of consistent nonrandom mating necessaryfor sexual selection occurs in wild radish, but that the incompatibilitysystem and the mechanisms for sorting among compatible mates may overlapin time of development or in somepathways.
Mechanism and role of intrinsic regulation of hepatic arterial blood flow: hepatic arterial buffer response.

Hepatic parenchymal cell metabolic status does not control the hepatic arterial blood flow. Portal blood flow is a major intrinsic regulator of hepatic arterial tone. Hepatic arterial blood flow changes so as to buffer the impact of portal flow alterations on total hepatic blood flow, thus tending to regulate total hepatic flow at a constant level. This response is called the "hepatic arterial buffer response. " The mechanism of the arterial buffer response seems to depend on portal blood flow washing away local concentrations of adenosine (production may be constant) from the area of the arterial resistance site. If portal flow decreases, less adenosine is washed away and the local concentration rises resulting in arterial dilation. Putative roles. Hepatic clearance of many hormones and endogenous compounds is blood flow limited. Constancy of total hepatic blood flow is crucial to homeostasis, and severe changes in the magnitude of flow can rapidly alter plasma concentrations of such compounds. The buffer may also prevent portal flow changes from severely altering intrahepatic blood pressures and liver blood volume. Pathological implications. If the O2 supply-to-demand ratio becomes too low, as in the case of a hypermetabolic liver (chronic alcohol exposure), a state of tissue hypoxia can exist without producing hepatic arterial dilation. Therapeutic implications. Livers show protection and improved recovery from several toxic agents, including alcohol, if the O2 supply-to-demand ratio can be increased. Arterial dilation by means of intra-arterial or intra-portal adenosine may prove useful.
Hepatitis virus and HIV infections in inmates of a state correctional facility in Mexico

We sought to determine the prevalence and associated characteristics of hepatitis A, B, C and D viruses and HIV infections in a prison in Durango, Mexico. Sera from 181 inmates were analysed for HAV antibody, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV antibody, HDV antibody, HIV antibody and HCV genotypes. Prevalence of HAV antibody, HBcAb, HBsAg, HCV antibody, HDV antibody and HIV antibody were 99·4, 4·4, 0·0, 10·0, 0·0 and 0·6% respectively. HCV genotype 1a predominated in HCV-infected inmates (62·5%), followed by HCV genotype 1b (25%) and HCV genotype 3 (12·5%). An association between HBV infection and age >30 years was found. HCV infection was associated with being born in Durango City, history of hepatitis, ear piercing, tattooing, drug abuse history, intravenous drug use and lack of condom use. We concluded that the prevalence of HAV, HBV, HDV and HIV infections in inmates in Durango, Mexico were comparable to those of the Mexican general population and blood donors, but lower than those reported in other prisons around the world. However, HCV infection in inmates was higher than that reported in Mexican blood donors but lower than those reported in other prisons of the world. These results have implications for the optimal planning of preventive and therapeutic measures.
The impact of depressive symptoms on patient–provider communication in HIV care

Persons with HIV who develop depression have worse medical adherence and outcomes. Poor patient–provider communication may play a role in these outcomes. This cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of patient depression on the quality of patient–provider communication. Patient–provider visits (n=406) at four HIV care sites were audio-recorded and coded with the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Negative binomial and linear regressions using generalized estimating equations tested the association of depressive symptoms, as measured by the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression scale (CES-D), with RIAS measures and postvisit patient-rated quality of care and provider-reported regard for his or her patient. The patients, averaged 45 years of age (range =20–77), were predominately male (n=286, 68.5%), of black race (n=250, 60%), and on antiretroviral medications (n=334, 80%). Women had greater mean CES-D depression scores (12.0) than men (10.6; p=0.03). There were no age, race, or education differences in depression scores. Visits with patients reporting severe depressive symptoms compared to those reporting none/mild depressive symptoms were longer and speech speed was slower. Patients with severe depressive symptoms did more emotional rapport building but less social rapport building, and their providers did more data gathering/counseling (ps<0.05). In postvisit questionnaires, providers reported lower levels of positive regard for, and rated more negatively patients reporting more depressive symptoms (p<0.01). In turn, patients reporting more depressive symptoms felt less respected and were less likely to report that their provider knows them as a person than none/mild depressive symptoms patients (ps<0.05). Greater psychosocial needs of patients presenting with depressive symptoms and limited time/resources to address these needs may partially contribute to providers' negative attitudes regarding their patients with depressive symptoms. These negative attitudes may ultimately serve to adversely impact patient–provider communication and quality of HIV care.
Prognostic Markers for Canine Melanocytic Neoplasms

Many studies have evaluated various prognostic markers for canine melanocytic neoplasms either as primary or secondary goals; however, design, methodology, and statistical validation vary widely across these studies. The goal of this article was to evaluate and compare published canine melanocytic neoplasm studies in relation to the principals established in the Recommended Guidelines for the Conduct and Evaluation of Prognostic Studies in Veterinary Oncology. Based on this evaluation, we determined which parameters currently have the most statistically supported validity for prognostic use in canine melanocytic neoplasia. This information can also be used as part of evidence-based prospective evaluations of treatment regimens. Additionally, we highlight areas in which the current data are incomplete and that warrant further evaluation. This article represents an initiative of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists' Oncology Committee and has been reviewed and endorsed by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Essays on the Effects of Social Insurance for Disability

Title of dissertation: ESSAYS ON THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR DISABILITY Stephanie Louisa Rennane Doctor of Philosophy, 2016 Dissertation directed by: Professor Melissa S. Kearney Department of Economics This dissertation examines how social insurance, family support and work capacity enhance individuals’ economic well-being following significant health and income shocks. I first examine the extent to which the liquidity-enhancing effects of Worker’s Compensation (WC) benefits outweigh the moral hazard costs. Analyzing administrative data from Oregon, I estimate a hazard model exploiting variation in the timing and size of a retroactive lump-sum WC payment to decompose the elasticity of claim duration with respect to benefits into the elasticity with respect to an increase in cash on hand, and a decrease in the opportunity cost of missing work. I find that the liquidity effect accounts for 60 to 65 percent of the increase in claim duration among lower-wage workers, but less than half of the increase for higher earners. Using the framework from Chetty (2008), I conclude that the insurance value of WC exceeds the distortionary cost, and increasing the benefit level could increase social welfare. Next, I investigate how government-provided disability insurance (DI) interacts with private transfers to disabled individuals from their grown children. Using the Health and Retirement Study, I estimate a fixed effects, difference in differences regression to compare transfers between DI recipients and two control groups: rejected applicants and a reweighted sample of disabled non-applicants. I find that DI reduces the probability of receiving a transfer by no more than 3 percentage points, or 10 percent. Additional analysis reveals that DI could increase the probability of receiving a transfer in cases where children had limited prior information about the disability, suggesting that DI could send a welfare-improving information signal. Finally, Zachary Morris and I examine how a functional assessment could complement medical evaluations in determining eligibility for disability benefits and in targeting return to work interventions. We analyze claimants’ self-reported functional capacity in a survey of current DI beneficiaries to estimate the share of disability claimants able to do work-related activity. We estimate that 13 percent of current DI beneficiaries are capable of work-related activity. Furthermore, other characteristics of these higher-functioning beneficiaries are positively correlated with employment, making them an appropriate target for return to work interventions. ESSAYS ON THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR DISABILITY
Low Rates of Vasectomy Among Minorities: A Result of Differential Receipt of Counseling?

Male sterilization is a highly effective contraceptive method that is underused especially among minorities. This analysis examined the association between race/ethnicity and receipt of sterilization counseling. This study used data collected by the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. The analysis included men 15 to 44 years old who had not undergone sterilization. The outcome was receipt of sterilization counseling in the 12 months prior to interview, and the primary predictor was race/ethnicity. Sociodemographic characteristics, history of fathering an unintended birth, intention for more children, and access to health care were examined as confounders. Sixty-one (1.7%) men reported receiving sterilization counseling. Although counseling was reported more commonly by Black and Hispanic men compared with White men, the rates were not significantly different (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8-7.1 and OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 0.9-4.1, respectively). In this nationally representative sample of men aged 15 to 44 years, there were exceedingly low rates of sterilization counseling for all men regardless of race/ethnicity.
Patient Satisfaction With Nursing Care: Measuring Outcomes in an International Setting

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with nursing care. BACKGROUND: Patients’ satisfaction with nursing care is considered an important factor in explaining patients’ perceptions of service quality. METHODS: The study was conducted in a major tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An exploratory approach utilizing cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from 424 patients through patients’ interviews using the Arabic version of the Newcastle Satisfaction With Nursing Scale. RESULTS: The results showed a high level of satisfaction among patients in all hospital areas. Female patients were significantly more satisfied than males with no differences among other groups. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with nursing care remains an important factor in explaining patients’ perceptions of service quality. International healthcare settings should systematically monitor the relationship between nursing care and experience to support quality care provision.
Pattern of distant metastasis in molecular subtypes of carcinoma breast: An institutional study.

BACKGROUND Molecular subtypes of carcinoma breast show a particular pattern of distant metastasis, the knowledge of which can help to diagnose and intervene early in the course of the disease. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate and establish an association between the molecular subtypes of carcinoma breast and the pattern of distant metastasis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Single arm, retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Totally 400 patients of carcinoma breast (Stage I and II) were selected who were treated between January 2010 and December 2013. All these patients were treated with the standard treatment protocol for breast cancer. The estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) Neu status, and Ki-67 were done, and patients were classified into luminal A/B, HER-2 enriched, luminal/HER-2, and triple-negative subtypes. All patients were followed up until December 2015, and the pattern of local failure as well as distant metastasis was correlated with the molecular subtypes. RESULTS A total of 143 patients developed distant metastasis and local recurrence. Bone was the most common site of metastasis overall. It was the most common type of metastasis in luminal A/B (53.3%) and luminal-HER (57.1%). Brain metastasis was most common in HER-2-enriched subtype (30.3%), whereas liver was the most common site of metastasis in HER-2-enriched subtype (45.45%). The incidence of brain metastasis was comparatively lower in luminal A/B subtype. Local recurrence was most common in HER-2-enriched subtype. The results were statistically significant for lung metastasis and local recurrence (with P = 0.004 and 0.047, respectively). CONCLUSION A strong association exists between the molecular subtypes and the site of distant metastasis in breast cancer which can be used for greater vigilance to detect site-specific distant metastasis beforehand.
Molecular Analysis of Cytolysin A (ClyA) in Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains

ABSTRACT Cytolysin A (ClyA) of Escherichia coli is a pore-forming hemolytic protein encoded by the clyA (hlyE, sheA) gene that was first identified in E. coli K-12. In this study we examined various clinical E. coli isolates with regard to the presence and integrity of clyA. PCR and DNA sequence analyses demonstrated that 19 of 23 tested Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains, all 7 tested enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) strains, 6 of 8 enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) strains, and 4 of 7 tested enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains possess a complete clyA gene. The remaining STEC, EAEC, and ETEC strains and 9 of the 17 tested enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains were shown to harbor mutant clyA derivatives containing 1-bp frameshift mutations that cause premature termination of the coding sequence. The other eight EPEC strains and all tested uropathogenic and new-born meningitis-associated E. coli strains (n = 14 and 3, respectively) carried only nonfunctional clyA fragments due to the deletion of two sequences of 493 bp and 204 or 217 bp at the clyA locus. Expression of clyA from clinical E. coli isolates proved to be positively controlled by the transcriptional regulator SlyA. Several tested E. coli strains harboring a functional clyA gene produced basal amounts of ClyA when grown under standard laboratory conditions, but most of them showed a clyA-dependent hemolytic phenotype only when SlyA was overexpressed. The presented data indicate that cytolysin A can play a role only for some of the pathogenic E. coli strains.
Factors influencing completion of advanced directives in hospitalized patients.

AIM A cross-sectional, descriptive study to describe characteristics and other factors that influenced the decision by hospitalized patients in the East Texas area to formulate an advanced directive (AD). FINDINGS Spouses, family members and sense of spirituality were the strongest influential factors for completion of an AD. Most learned about ADs from family, friends, personal attorneys, and others, while less than a quarter of the sample learned about ADs from health care providers. Not wanting to be a burden on their family was the major reason cited for completing an AD. CONCLUSIONS Health care provider roles are vague in terms of responsibility for AD discussion and education. Further exploration of the attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning ADs of nurses and primary health care providers is recommended to provide focal points for future research in order to facilitate peace of mind for patients and families at end-of-life.
Patient employment status and satisfaction following cochlear implantation

Abstract The aim of this study was to look at the effect on employment and employee perception of career opportunities after receiving a cochlear implant. Retrospective analysis based on a patient questionnaire was conducted. Eighty patients were identified: 65 (81.3%) participated in the questionnaire. Forty-five patients (69.2%) were working prior to implant compared to 54 (83.9%) after implant. Job satisfaction rating rose from 5.56 to 6.82 following cochlear implantation. Twenty patients (30.8%) were unemployed prior to surgery while 11 (16.9%) remained unemployed post implantation. Twenty-six patients (57.7%) from the working group believed that their hearing disability had affected their career, while 18 (40%) from the same group believed that receiving the cochlear implant significantly improved their career prospects. Cochlear implantation is associated with an improved chance of being employed. It also helps with improved job satisfaction as well as improving employee perception of their career prospects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirituality and religion in older adults with dementia: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background: Religious and spiritual issues are clearly important to the older adult population and may play a positive role in maintaining health and recovering from illness. This study systematically reviewed the literature examining the effects of religion and spirituality on health outcomes such as cognitive functioning, coping strategies, and quality of life in people with dementia. Methods: First, 51 articles with defined keywords were collected from online databases. Then, using inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 articles were selected. These were classified according to methodological quality before being analyzed one by one. Results: The findings highlight the benefits of spirituality and religion on health outcomes. Three articles showed that in participants who used their spirituality or religion more, through their faith, their practices and in maintaining social interactions, their cognitive disorders tended to reduce or stabilize. In the other eight articles, use of spirituality or faith in daily life enabled people to develop coping strategies to help accept their disease, maintain their relationships, maintain hope, and find meaning in their lives, thereby improving their quality of life. Conclusions: Spirituality and religion appear to slow cognitive decline, and help people use coping strategies to deal their disease and have a better quality of life. This literature review allows us to take stock of research over the last decade on spirituality/religion and health outcomes. The benefits observed should be considered with caution and included in rigorous experimental research in the future.