Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy in India II: Impact, burden, and need for a multisectoral public health response

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder whose consequences are influenced socially and culturally, especially in India. This review (second of the two part series) was carried out to understand the social impact and economic burden to develop comprehensive program for control and prevention of epilepsy. Epilepsy is known to have adverse effect on education, employment, marriage, and other essential social opportunities. Economic burden associated with epilepsy is very high with treatment and travel costs emerging as an important contributing factor. A vicious cycle between economic burden and poor disease outcome is clear. There is no significant change in the perception, stigma, and discrimination of epilepsy across the country despite improvement in educational and social parameters over the time. The huge treatment gap and poor quality of life is further worsened by the associated comorbidities and conditions. Thus, a multidisciplinary response is needed to address the burden and impact of epilepsy which calls for an integrated and multipronged approach for epilepsy care, prevention, and rehabilitation. Service delivery, capacity building, integration into the existing program, mobilizing public support, and increasing public awareness will be the hallmarks of such an integrated approach in a public health model.
Injury and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to study injury and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and their effects on knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN This manuscript discusses the function of knee ligaments, including the basic mechanical properties, the structural properties of their respective bone-ligament-bone complexes, as well as their time- and history-dependent viscoelastic characteristics. The in-situ forces in the ACL and its replacement grafts and knee kinematics before and after ACL reconstruction are also examined. RESULTS A robotic/universal force-moment sensor (UFS) testing system has been developed which offers a unique method in determining the multiple-degree of freedom knee kinematics and in-situ forces in human cadaveric knees. Under a 110 N anterior tibial load we found at flexion angles of 15 degrees or lower, there was a significantly larger in-situ force in the PL bundle (approximately 75 N) of the ACL as compared to the AM bundle (approximately 35 N)(P < 0.05). We also found that a quadruple semitendinosus and gracilis tendon ACL graft may be better at fully restoring in-situ forces for the whole range of knee flexion when compared to a bone-patellar tendon-bone ACL graft. CONCLUSIONS The robotic/UFS testing system allows us to determine knee kinematics and the in-situ forces in cadaveric knees in a non-invasive, non-contact manner. Additionally, the ability to reproduce kinematics during testing allows us to evaluate ACL and ACL graft function under external and simulated muscle loading conditions. Finally, we can also examine many of the variables of ACL reconstructions that affect knee kinematics and graft forces including graft tensioning, graft type, graft placement and tibial positioning during graft fixation.
Frequency of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar prevalence among patients with gastrointestinal complaints in Chelgerd city, southwest of Iran*

BACKGROUND: Differentiation between Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is very important for both clinical therapy and epidemiological studies. Although these two species are morphologically identical, they have differences in genetic, chemical specifications and pathogenicity. This study was carried out to differentiate E. histolytica from E. dispar and also to find out frequency of the two species. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected three times from 655 patients with gastrointestinal complaints (47.3% male and 52.7% female), who were referred to the primary health care centers of Chelgerd, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiary province. Samples were examined microscopically with direct smear, formalin-ethyl-acetate concentration and trichrom staining methods to distinguish E. histolytica from E. dispar complex and differentiate them from non-pathogenic intestinal amoeba. Genomic DNA was extracted from microscopy positive isolates and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to different the two morphologically identical Entamoeba isolates. RESULTS: Among the 655 recruited patients, eleven subjects with E. histolytica / E. dispar isolates (1.7%) were identified by microscopy methods. Ten of the positive isolates (90.9%) were identified as E. histolytica by PCR and one isolate (9.09 %) was positive for E. dispar. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that E. histolytica was more prevalent than E. dispar in the studied area. This result was different from the previously reported data in other parts of Iran.
A homologue of snail is expressed transiently in subsets of mesenchyme cells in the sea urchin embryo and is down‐regulated in axis‐deficient embryos

Vertebrate members of the zinc finger transcription factor family related to Drosophila snail are expressed in neural crest and paraxial mesoderm along the left–right axis of the embryo. As simple deuterostomes, echinoderms are an important sister phylum for the chordates. We have identified populations of patterned, nonskeletogenic mesenchyme in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus by their expression of a sea urchin member of the snail family (Lv‐snail). Lv‐snail mRNA and protein are detectable at the midgastrula stage within the archenteron. At the late gastrula stage, a contiguous cluster of cells on the left side of the tip of the archenteron is Lv‐snail–positive. At the early prism stage, two small clusters of mesenchyme cells near the presumptive arm buds are also Lv‐snail–positive. At the pluteus stage, staining is detectable in isolated mesenchyme cells and the ciliated band. Based on fate mapping of secondary mesenchyme cells (SMCs) and double‐label immunostaining, these patterns are consistent with expression of SNAIL by novel subsets of SMCs that are largely distinct from skeletogenic mesenchyme. In radialized embryos lacking normal bilateral symmetry, mesenchymal expression of Lv‐SNAIL is abolished. These results suggest that transient expression of Lv‐snail may be important for the differentiation of a subset of axially patterned nonskeletogenic mesenchyme cells and suggest conserved functions for snail family members in deuterostome development. Developmental Dynamics 235:3121–3131, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Demand Theory of the Price Level

In this paper I propose a theory of a globally unique price level based on the simple idea that the price equates demand with supply in the goods market. Monetary policy through setting nominal interest rates, e.g. an interest rate peg, and fiscal policy, which satisfies the present value budget constraint at all times, jointly determine the price level. In contrast to the conventional view the long run inflation rate is, in the absence of output growth, equal to the growth rate of nominal government spending which is controlled by fiscal policy. This new theory where nominal government spending anchors aggregate demand and therefore current and future prices suggests a different perspective on the fiscal and monetary transmission mechanism, on policy coordination, on policies at the zero-lower bound and on U.S. inflation history.
Foundations of Not Necessarily Rational Negative Imaginary Systems Theory: Relations Between Classes of Negative Imaginary and Positive Real Systems

In this technical note we lay the foundations of a not necessarily rational negative imaginary systems theory and its relations with positive real systems theory. In analogy with the theory of positive real functions, in our general framework negative imaginary systems are defined in terms of a domain of analyticity of the transfer function and of a sign condition that must be satisfied in such domain. In this way, we do not require to restrict the attention to systems with a rational transfer function. In this work, we also define various grades of negative imaginary systems and aim to provide a unitary view of the different notions that have appeared so far in the literature within the framework of positive real and in the more recent theory of negative imaginary systems, and to show how these notions are characterized and linked to each other.
Induction of beta‐cell resistance to hypoxia and technologies for oxygen delivery to transplanted pancreatic islets

Hypoxia is believed to be a crucial factor involved in cell adaptation to environmental stress. Islet transplantation, especially with immunoisolated islets, interrupts vascular connections, resulting in the substantially decreased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to islet cells. Insulin‐producing pancreatic beta cells are known to be highly susceptible to oxygen deficiency. Such susceptibility to hypoxia is believed to be one of the main causes of beta‐cell death in the post‐transplantation period. Different strategies have been developed for the protection of beta cells against hypoxic injury and for oxygen delivery to transplanted islets. The enhancement of beta‐cell defense properties against hypoxia has been achieved using various techniques such as gene transfection, drug supplementation, co‐culturing with stem cells and cell selection. Technologies for oxygen delivery to transplanted islets include local neovascularization of subcutaneous sites, electrochemical and photosynthetic oxygen generation, oxygen refuelling of bio‐artificial pancreas and whole body oxygenation by using hyperbaric therapy. Progress in the field of oxygen technologies for islet transplantation requires a multidisciplinary approach to explore and optimize the interaction between components of the biological system and different technological processes. This review article focuses mainly on the recently developed strategies for oxygenation and protection from hypoxic injury – to achieve stable and long‐term normoglycaemia in diabetic patients with transplanted pancreatic islets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contemporary Treatments for Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To undertake a systematic review to determine the effects of fetal therapy interventions compared with amniodrainage for twin–twin transfusion syndrome on perinatal survival and outcome. METHODS: Searching MEDLINE (1966–2004), EMBASE (1988–2004), a hand search of specialist journals, and the Cochrane library (2004:2) identified relevant articles. Studies were selected if the effects of fetal therapeutic interventions for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (laser photocoagulation, serial amnioreduction, septostomy, and selective feticide) on perinatal survival, complications, and morbidity were compared. Study selection, quality assessment, and data abstraction were performed independently and in duplicate. RESULTS: Only 3 controlled observational studies (comparing treatment in 306 twins) and 1 randomized controlled trial (of 142 twins) were identified. Laser photocoagulation significantly improved perinatal survival of at least 1 fetus and reduced neurologic morbidity compared with serial amnioreduction. No such differences were observed in the comparison of serial amnioreduction with septostomy. CONCLUSION: In a systematic review of observational and randomized controlled studies, laser photocoagulation of chorionic plate vessels at the intertwin membrane seems to be more effective than serial amnioreduction in the treatment of twin–twin transfusion syndrome with less associated perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, septostomy and selective feticide have not been robustly evaluated.
Added Value of Baseline 18F-FDG Uptake in Serial 18F-FDG PET for Evaluation of Response of Solid Extracerebral Tumors to Systemic Cytotoxic Neoadjuvant Treatment: A Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the level of baseline 18F-FDG uptake in the primary tumor adds value to its relative change in 18F-FDG uptake in serial PET scans in predicting the histopathologic response to systemic cytotoxic neoadjuvant treatment of patients with solid extracerebral tumors. Methods: We performed a literature search from January 1995 through November 2008 using PubMed and Embase. Two reviewers independently selected eligible studies for possible inclusion in the meta-analysis by reviewing titles and abstracts. Inclusion criteria were at least 10 patients, 18F-FDG PET before and after therapy, 18F-FDG PET performed with the intention of monitoring the response of solid extracerebral tumors in humans to cytotoxic neoadjuvant systemic therapy, attenuation-corrected 18F-FDG PET studies, and studies presenting individual patient data (PET results and histopathologic reference test after treatment). Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the effect of relative change of 18F-FDG uptake ([baseline – end]/baseline) and baseline 18F-FDG uptake value with type of tumor and type of treatment as level 1 covariates. Results: Nineteen studies (all observational; a total of 438 patients [median, 23 patients per study; range, 10–40]) were included, aiming at the accuracy of PET versus histopathology. To quantify PET, maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) was used in 6 studies, mean SUV in 7, SUV (subtype unclear) in 1, tumor-to-background ratio in 3, and dose uptake ratio in 1. The average overall histopathologic response rate was 0.47 (median, 0.50), ranging from 0.17 to 0.88. The relative change in 18F-FDG uptake was the strongest indicator (P < 0.0001) for tumor response. Baseline 18F-FDG was not significantly associated as a main factor; however, a significant interaction of baseline uptake and relative change after therapy was observed (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Relative change in 18F-FDG uptake was the strongest indicator for tumor response, but the level of baseline 18F-FDG uptake in the primary tumor provided additional information about prediction of response to therapy. These data corroborate and extend the need for standardization, quality assurance, and control of PET studies quantifying 18F-FDG in oncologic treatment monitoring.
Warm-up, Stretching and Massage Diminish Harmful Effects of Eccentric Exercise

The effect of a combination of a warm-up, stretching exercises and massage on subjective scores for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and objective functional and biochemical measures was studied. Fifty people, randomly divided in a treatment and a control group, performed eccentric exercise with the forearm flexors for 30 min. The treatment group additionally performed a warm-up and underwent a stretching protocol before the eccentric exercise and massage afterwards. Functional and biochemical measures were obtained before, and 1, 24, 48, 72 and 96h after exercise. The median values at the five post-exercise time points differed significantly for DOMS measured when the arm was extended (p = 0.043). Significant main effects for treatment were found on the maximal force (p = 0.026), the flexion angle of the elbow (p = 0.014) and the creatine kinase activity in blood (p = 0.006). No time-by-treatment interactions were found. DOMS on pressure, extension angle and myoglobin concentration in blood did not differ between the groups. This combination of a warm-up, stretching and massage reduces some negative effects of eccentric exercise, but the results are inconsistent, since some parameters were significantly affected by the treatment whereas others were not, despite the expected efficacy of a combination of treatments. The objective measures did not yield more unequivocal results than the subjective DOMS scores.
Oncogene expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system include pancreatic islet cell and carcinoid tumors. These tumors comprise a functionally and biologically heterogeneous group of neoplasms that rarely show reliable histopathologic signs of malignancy. No etiologic factors are proven to be associated with them, and their exact ontogeny and carcinogenesis remain unknown.
HYPERNATRÆMIA FOLLOWING A SALINE EMETIC

A woman, aged 35 years, was admitted to the casualty ward approximately three hours after the ingestion of 5,000 mg of thioridazine hydrochloride ("Mellerll"). Her pulse was 88 per minute, temperature 37°C, and blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg. She was drowsy and dysarthric. An emetic, prepared by dissolving approximately 3,000 mEq of sodium chloride in approximately 4,000 ml of warm water, was administered orally. The quantity of vomitus was not recorded.
Establishing intra- and inter-rater agreement of the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale for evaluating pain in toddlers during immunization.

BACKGROUND The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale is a five-item tool that was developed to assess postoperative pain in young children. The tool is frequently used as an outcome measure in studies investigating acute procedural pain in young children; however, there are limited published psychometric data in this context. OBJECTIVE To establish inter-rater and intrarater agreement of the FLACC scale in toddlers during immunization. METHODS Participants comprised a convenience sample of toddlers recruited from an immunization drop-in service, who were part of a larger pilot randomized controlled trial. Toddlers were video- and audiotaped during immunization procedures. The first rater scored each video twice in random order over a period of three weeks (intrarater agreement), while the second rater scored each video once and was blinded to the first rater's scores (inter-rater agreement). The FLACC scale was scored at four timepoints throughout the procedure. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess agreement of the FLACC scale. RESULTS Thirty toddlers between 12 and 18 months of age were recruited, and video data were available for 29. Intrarater agreement coefficients were 0.88 at baseline, 0.97 at insertion of first needle, and 0.80 and 0.81 at 15 s and 30 s following the final injection, respectively. Inter-rater coefficients were 0.40 at baseline, 0.95 at insertion of first needle, and 0.81 and 0.78 at 15 s and 30 s following the final injection, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The FLACC scale has sufficient agreement in assessing pain in toddlers during immunizations, especially during the most painful periods of the procedure.
THROMBOPHILIC ABNORMALITIES AMONG PATIENTS WITH CRANIAL DURAL ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAS

OBJECTIVE Dural sinus thrombosis often accompanies or precedes the development of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). Because thrombophilic abnormalities can contribute to sinus thrombosis, we investigated the prevalence of such abnormalities and of venous sinus thrombosis in patients with DAVFs. METHODS Thrombophilic factors were measured in 18 patients with DAVFs treated with embolization at our university hospital. Control data were obtained from patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. In addition to sinus occlusion, we investigated prothrombin time, activated thromboplastin time, platelet count, and fibrinogen, platelet, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, anticardiolipin antibody, anti-cardiolipin β2-glycoprotein-I complex antibody, and D-dimer levels. RESULTS Of the 18 patients with DAVFs, 16 had abnormal D-dimer levels, whereas the mean values for other thrombophilic factors were nearly normal. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in preoperative DAVF patients than in controls. Interestingly, the mean value of D-dimer was higher in patients with sinus occlusion than in those without it (3.33 versus 1.19). D-dimer levels rose after embolization in eight out of 10 serially tested patients, but, on average, the change was not significant. In clinically cured patients treated more than 3 months before, D-dimer was lower than in preoperative patients. CONCLUSION D-dimer is a very sensitive indicator of acute venous thrombosis, suggesting that elevations in patients with DAVFs are likely to reflect sinus thrombosis. D-dimer values decreased and nearly normalized in clinically cured patients during a long-term follow-up period, a finding consistent with completion of thrombosis and cure of the disease. To clarify the correlation between DAVF and sinus thrombosis from the aspect of etiology, we should thoroughly check the variation in the concentration of the thrombophilic factors in the patient with chronic sinus occlusion to know the variation in the fistula formation in the further study.
Within-Subject Comparison of Word Recognition and Spiral Ganglion Cell Count in Bilateral Cochlear Implant Recipients

Objectives Although published reports have not demonstrated a positive correlation between the number of residual spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) and word recognition scores in patients with unilateral multichannel cochlear implants, this study was designed to retest this hypothesis in patients with bilateral multichannel cochlear implants. Materials and Methods From a pool of 133 temporal bones, all subjects with bilateral multichannel cochlear implants who were deafened bilaterally by the same etiology were studied. A total of 12 temporal bones from 6 subjects were identified and processed after death for histology. The SGCs were counted using standard techniques. The differences between left and right SGC counts as well as the differences in word recognition scores were calculated for each subject. Correlation analysis was performed between the differences of SGC counts and the differences of word recognition scores. Results Differences in SGC counts were highly correlated with the differences in word recognition scores (R = 0.934, p = 0.006). Conclusion This study suggests higher residual SGCs predicted better performance after implantation in a given patient. The results also support attempts to identify factors which may promote survival of SGCs.
Multiparental Mapping of Plant Height and Flowering Time QTL in Partially Isogenic Sorghum Families

Sorghum varieties suitable for grain production at temperate latitudes show dwarfism and photoperiod insensitivity, both of which are controlled by a small number of loci with large effects. We studied the genetic control of plant height and flowering time in five sorghum families (A–E), each derived from a cross between a tropical line and a partially isogenic line carrying introgressions derived from a common, temperate-adapted donor. A total of 724 F2:3 lines were phenotyped in temperate and tropical environments for plant height and flowering time and scored at 9139 SNPs using genotyping-by-sequencing. Biparental mapping was compared with multiparental mapping in different subsets of families (AB, ABC, ABCD, and ABCDE) using both a GWAS approach, which fit each QTL as a single effect across all families, and using a joint linkage approach, which fit QTL effects as nested within families. GWAS using all families (ABCDE) performed best at the cloned Dw3 locus, whereas joint linkage using all families performed best at the cloned Ma1 locus. Both multiparental approaches yielded apparently synthetic associations due to genetic heterogeneity and were highly dependent on the subset of families used. Comparison of all mapping approaches suggests that a GA2-oxidase underlies Dw1, and that a mir172a gene underlies a Dw1-linked flowering time QTL.