Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidences and Range of Spontaneous Findings in Control Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) Used in Toxicity Studies

The authors performed a retrospective study to determine the incidences and range of spontaneous pathology findings in control cynomolgus monkeys. Data were collected from 570 monkeys (285 animals per sex), aged twelve to thirty-six months, from sixty regulatory studies evaluated at our laboratory between 2003 and 2009. The most common finding overall was lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates observed in the following incidence: liver (60.7%), kidneys (28.8%), heart (25.8%), salivary glands (21.2%), and stomach (12.1%). Inflammation also commonly occurred in the heart, kidneys, lungs, and stomach. The most common degenerative changes were localized fatty change in the liver, myocardial degeneration, and mineralization and pigment deposits in various tissues. Parathyroid, thyroid, and pituitary cysts; ectopic thymus in the parathyroid or thyroid gland; accessory spleen within the pancreas; and adrenohepatic fusion were among the most common congenital findings. Some incidental findings bearing similarities to drug-induced lesions were also encountered in various organs. It is hoped that the results presented here and elsewhere could form the groundwork for the creation of a reliable database of incidental pathology findings in laboratory nonhuman primates.
The effects of cavity-filling techniques on microleakage in class II resin restorations prepared with Er:YAG laser and diamond bur: A scanning electron microscopy study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how two cavity-filling techniques affect microleakage in class II resin restorations prepared with Er:YAG laser and diamond bur. Standard MO and DO cavities were prepared in 20 extracted third molars, each randomly assigned to either Group-1 [Herculite XRV Ultra-bur-prepared cavity(bp)], Group-2 [Herculite XRV Ultra-laser-prepared cavity(lp)], Group-3 (SonicFill-(bp)], or Group-4 [SonicFill-(lp)]. For Groups 2 and 4, cavities were prepared by using an Er:YAG laser with a wavelength of 2.94 μm, output power of 200 mJ/pulse, and repetition rate of 20Hz. Teeth were restored with a one-step, self-etch adhesive material (OptiBond All-in-One), a nanohybrid composite (Herculite XRV Ultra), and a bulk-fill composite (SonicFill) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Five teeth from each group were chosen for microleakage investigation and two teeth for scanning electron microscope evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed by using Kruskal-Wallis test. Pair-wise comparisons were performed by Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). The statistical analysis of data revealed greater microleakage in cervical versus occlusal regions in all groups (P < 0.05). Group-2 yielded a higher degree of marginal leakage than Group-3 in terms of occlusal surfaces (p < 0.05). For cervical regions, a statistically significant difference was observed between Groups 2 and 3 as well as Groups 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Group-3 exhibited significantly better marginal sealing than Group-1 in the cervical region (p < 0.05). The cavities prepared using an Er:YAG laser showed greater microleakage than those conventionally prepared using burs regardless of restorative material at both occlusal and cervical margins. SCANNING 38:389-395, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Commissioning and initial stereotactic ablative radiotherapy experience with Vero

The purpose of this study is to describe the comprehensive commissioning process and initial clinical performance of the Vero linear accelerator, a new radiotherapy device recently installed at UT Southwestern Medical Center specifically developed for delivery of image‐guided stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). The Vero system utilizes a ring gantry to integrate a beam delivery platform with image guidance systems. The ring is capable of rotating ± 60° about the vertical axis to facilitate noncoplanar beam arrangements ideal for SABR delivery. The beam delivery platform consists of a 6 MV C‐band linac with a 60 leaf MLC projecting a maximum field size of 15×15 cm2 at isocenter. The Vero planning and delivery systems support a range of treatment techniques, including fixed beam conformal, dynamic conformal arcs, fixed gantry IMRT in either SMLC (step‐and‐shoot) or DMLC (dynamic) delivery, and hybrid arcs, which combines dynamic conformal arcs and fixed beam IMRT delivery. The accelerator and treatment head are mounted on a gimbal mechanism that allows the linac and MLC to pivot in two dimensions for tumor tracking. Two orthogonal kV imaging subsystems built into the ring facilitate both stereoscopic and volumetric (CBCT) image guidance. The system is also equipped with an always‐active electronic portal imaging device (EPID). We present our commissioning process and initial clinical experience focusing on SABR applications with the Vero, including: (1) beam data acquisition; (2) dosimetric commissioning of the treatment planning system, including evaluation of a Monte Carlo algorithm in a specially‐designed anthropomorphic thorax phantom; (3) validation using the Radiological Physics Center thorax, head and neck (IMRT), and spine credentialing phantoms; (4) end‐to‐end evaluation of IGRT localization accuracy; (5) ongoing system performance, including isocenter stability; and (6) clinical SABR applications. PACS number: 87.53. Ly
Effect of the different finishing and polishing procedures on the surface roughness of three different posterior composite resins.

Finishing and polishing techniques have great importance on the long term success and aesthetics of the composite restorations. In this study it was aimed to examine the effect of three different posterior composites on surface texture with various finishing and polishing procedures. Three different posterior composites, Filtek P60, Clearfil Majesty Posterior and Cavex Quadent Posterior Dense, and three different finishing and polishing procedures diamond finishing burs, tungsten carbide burs and Sof-Lex discs were used in the study. The specimens were 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. The surface roughness was measured at three seperate points with a profilometer device and the Ra values were recorded. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis was applied for statistical analysis and p < 0.05 was accepted significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the composite resins with respect to surface roughness (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups of diamond, carbide, and Sof-Lex groups (p < 0.05). Sof-Lex polishing system was more successful than the diamond and carbide burs in the finishing and polishing procedures of composites. SCANNING 38:448-454, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Personal predictions of stress and stress reactions in firefighter recruits

Researchers and counsellors have observed a range of stress reactions in emergency service workers even after extreme and putatively traumatic incidents. Various studies have sought to delineate characteristics of incidents or of individuals which account for differences in appraisal and stress reactions. Few studies have examined expectations of stress and stressors in recruits to emergency work. Looks at such expectations in firefighter recruits, measured at the beginning and end of their training program, and compares their predictions with actual ratings from a group of experienced firefighters in the same organization. Most of the recruits already had some familiarity with the emergency environment. Stress ratings for items dealing with other people in the emergency work context increased over training. Discusses the relationships between predictions of stress, training, and task performance.
Early Childhood Nurse-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Counselling for Post-Natal Depression

Objective: The aims were (1) to establish whether Early Childhood Nurses (ECNs) can be trained in a modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Post-natal Depression (PND), and (2) to compare the outcome of women treated with this therapy with ‘ideal standard care’ using non-specific counselling by ECNs with no additional training. Method: Five ECNs were trained in CBT and supervised weekly. Women were screened post-natally using the Edinburgh PND Scale (EPDS) and diagnostically assessed by a research registrar. Women with DSM-IV major or minor depression (n=37) were then randomized into either ‘ideal standard care’ (n=20) or CBT (n=17) for six weekly sessions. Two stages of follow-up were undertaken: research registrar interview immediately post-treatment and a postal follow-up at six months. Results: The training package was evaluated both by ECN completed questionnaires and analysis of taped therapy sessions. These evaluations indicated that ECNs could deliver modified CBT. There was a very high rate of recovery at initial follow-up with 70-80% recovered (EPDS < 10) in both groups. Six month follow-up showed a trend towards CBT being more effective in the longer term. Conclusions: ECNs can effectively provide a modified CBT intervention in the treatment of PND. For the majority of this sample with mild-moderate depression, perceived support from their ECN (forming an integral part of both the baseline assessment interview and control condition) appeared to be as effective as modified CBT.
Analysis of direct clinical consequences of MLC positional errors in volumetric‐modulated arc therapy using 3D dosimetry system

In advanced, intensity‐modulated external radiotherapy facility, the multileaf collimator has a decisive role in the beam modulation by creating multiple segments or dynamically varying field shapes to deliver a uniform dose distribution to the target with maximum sparing of normal tissues. The position of each MLC leaf has become more critical for intensity‐modulated delivery (step‐and‐shoot IMRT, dynamic IMRT, and VMAT) compared to 3D CRT, where it defines only field boundaries. We analyzed the impact of the MLC positional errors on the dose distribution for volumetric‐modulated arc therapy, using a 3D dosimetry system. A total of 15 VMAT cases, five each for brain, head and neck, and prostate cases, were retrospectively selected for the study. All the plans were generated in Monaco 3.0. 0v TPS (Elekta Corporation, Atlanta, GA) and delivered using Elekta Synergy linear accelerator. Systematic errors of +1,+0.5,+0.3,0,−1,−0.5,−0.3 mm were introduced in the MLC bank of the linear accelerator and the impact on the dose distribution of VMAT delivery was measured using the COMPASS 3D dosimetry system. All the plans were created using single modulated arcs and the dose calculation was performed using a Monte Carlo algorithm in a grid size of 3 mm. The clinical endpoints D95%,D50%,D2%, and Dmax,D20%, D50% were taken for the evaluation of the target and critical organs doses, respectively. A significant dosimetric effect was found for many cases even with 0.5 mm of MLC positional errors. The average change of dose D95% to PTV for ±1 mm,±0.5 mm, and ±0.3 mm was 5.15%, 2.58%, and 0.96% for brain cases; 7.19%, 3.67%, and 1.56% for head and neck cases; and 8.39%, 4.5%, and 1.86% for prostate cases, respectively. The average deviation of dose Dmax was 5.4%, 2.8%, and 0.83% for brainstem in brain cases; 8.2%, 4.4%, and 1.9% for spinal cord in H&N; and 10.8%, 6.2%, and 2.1% for rectum in prostate cases, respectively. The average changes in dose followed a linear relationship with the amount of MLC positional error, as can be expected. MLC positional errors beyond ±0.3 mm showed a significant influence on the intensity‐modulated dose distributions. It is, therefore, recommended to have a cautious MLC calibration procedure to sufficiently meet the accuracy in dose delivery. PACS number: 87.56
Optimizing the MLC model parameters for IMRT in the RayStation treatment planning system

Unlike other commercial treatment planning systems (TPS) which model the rounded leaf end differently (such as the MLC dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) or rounded leaf‐tip radius), the RayStation TPS (RaySearch Laboratories, Stockholm, Sweden) models transmission through the rounded leaf end of the MLC with a step function, in which the radiation transmission through the leaf end is the square root of the average MLC transmission factor. We report on the optimization of MLC model parameters for the RayStation planning system. This (TPS) models the rounded leaf end of the MLC with the following parameters: leaf‐tip offset, leaf‐tip width, average transmission factor, and tongue and groove. We optimized the MLC model parameters for IMRT in the RayStation v. 4.0 planning system and for a Varian C‐series linac with a 120‐leaf Millennium MLC, and validated the model using measured data. The leaf‐tip offset is the geometric offset due to the rounded leaf‐end design and resulting divergence of the light/radiation field. The offset value is a function of the leaf‐tip position, and tabulated data are available from the vendor. The leaf‐tip width was iteratively evaluated by comparing computed and measured transverse dose profiles of MLC defined fields at dmax in water. In‐water profile comparisons were also used to verify the MLC leaf position (leaf‐tip offset). The average transmission factor and leaf tongue‐and‐groove width were derived iteratively by maximizing the agreement between measurements and RayStation TPS calculations for five clinical IMRT QA plans. Plan verifications were performed by comparing MapCHECK2 measurements and Monte Carlo calculations. The MLC model was validated using five test IMRT cases from the AAPM Task Group 119 report. Absolute gamma analyses (3 mm/3% and 2 mm/2%) were applied. In addition, computed output factors for MLC‐defined small fields (2×2,3×3,4×4,6×6 cm2) of both 6 MV and 18 MV photons were compared to those independently measured by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC), Houston, TX. 6 MV and 18 MV models were both determined to have the same MLC parameters: leaf‐tip offset=0.3 cm,2.5% transmission, and leaf tongue‐and‐groove width=0.05 cm. IMRT QA analysis for five test cases in TG‐119 resulted in a 100% passing rate with 3 mm/3% gamma analysis for 6 MV, and >97.5% for 18 MV. The passing rate was >94.6% for 6 MV and >90.9% for 18 MV when the 2 mm/2% gamma analysis criteria was applied. These results compared favorably with those published in AAPM Task Group 119. The reported MLC model parameters serve as a reference for other users. PACS number(s): 87.55. D, 87.56. nk
Avaliação da toxicidade aguda do extrato hexânico de frutos de Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) em camundongos

This study was developed aiming to evaluate the acute effects of Melia azedarach hexanic fruit extract on mice. Two treated groups, one for each dose, 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg, were prepared. For each treatment group, a non-treated control group was used. All groups were composed of six animals, three of each sex. The animals were evaluated at 30 min., 1h, 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h and 24h and then daily, for 14 days after treatment, following the Hippocratic screening. At each three days weight gain and ration consumption were evaluated. Macroscopic and microscopic alterations were evaluated in the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen, intestine and brain. No alteration in the Hippocratic screening in both doses, during the 14-days interval, was observed. The mice treated with the 2000 mg/kg doses consumed fewer rations than the animals of the control group; however, weight gain was statistically similar. No statistic difference was observed between the weight of the organs, and they had no macroscopic alterations. No histopathologic alterations were found on the examined organs, for both doses, except for lung alterations such as hyperaemia, haemorrage and edema in both treated and control groups. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that the hexanic extract of M. azedarach green fruits had no acute effects against Swiss mice. KEYWORDS: acute effects; hexanic extract of green fruits; histopathology; Melia azedarach ; Swiss mice.
Efeito do ultra-som terapêutico em tendinite experimental de eqüinos: estudo clínico, ultra-sonográfico e histopatológico de dois protocolos

In order to evaluate two therapeutic ultrasound protocols for treatment of injuries of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) a study was performed in 18 horses. In each horse, a 0.25% solution of collagenase was injected in the middle of the left SDFT. The horses were randomly and equally divided into three groups. Horses from Group A were treated with therapeutic ultrasound of 3 MHz frequency and 1 W/cm2 intensity on continuous mode for six minutes; horses from Group B were treated with the same frequency, intensity, and time, but on pulsed mode; Group C was kept as controls. The treatment began 48 hours after the collagenase injection, totaling eight sessions. The horses were clinically evaluated for 40 days. Ultrasonographic images were evaluated weekly to score the severity rate (SR), which was based on echogenicity and cross sectional area of the lesion in the tendon. The induced lesion resulted on an average increase of 1.5cm in the shin circumference, pain response to digital pressure ranging from low to high and lameness ranging from grade 1 to 3. Regression of clinical signs were detected on average in nine days in Group A, 12 days in Group B, and 21 days in Group C. Decreases of the SR after 40 days were 42.5, 57.7 and 34.1% in groups A, B and C, respectively. Histological evaluation demonstrated intense neovascularization and fibroblastic activity on treated groups (A and B), when compared to the controls. These results suggest that UST is effective in reducing clinical signs of tendinitis.
Algorithmic Concurrent Error Detection in Complex Digital-Processing Systems

Fault tolerance capabilities are becoming a fundamental requirement in many designs. Improving these systems' dependability under demanding environmental and operating conditions requires new techniques that use concurrent error detection (CED) strategies to guarantee data integrity. The system-level algorithmic CED methodology uses selective redundancy for online monitoring of system-level properties, without requiring any modifications to the target system.
Tratamento cirúrgico da embolia pulmonar crônica: análise da experiência inicial

After the acute pulmonary embolism, in the majority of the cases lysis occurs with recanalization of the pulmonary branches. However, in a small but undetermined number of patients (pts) with chronic pulmonary embolism (PE) the incomplete resolution of the embolic material may result in a severe pulmonary hypertension. The pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is an option, specially when the obstruction is proximal and the patient presents failure of the clinical treatment. Many surgical techniques have been used, but the utilized sternotomy, extracorporeal circulation and hypothermic circulatory arrest presented best results. Until January 95,15 pts with PE were operated upon. The pulmonary angiography showed pulmonary embolism at both lungs in 66.7% of the cases. Sternotomy was realized in 73.3%. Endarterectomy by retrograde traction of thrombus was used in these pts. Extracorporeal circulation was utilized in all pts, with medium time of 124.8 min. In 66.7% of the cases hypothermic circulatory arrest was realized with medium time of 34.2 min. The pulmonary artery pressure was 91/32/55 mmHg in the pre and presented reduction by 52/15/ 27 mmHg in the postoperative period. One hospitalar death due to coagulopathy, and one later death due to complications not related to surgery were registered. Of the 13 survivors, 1 (7.7%) presented reobstruction and 12 (92.3%) had good evolution and now are free of symptoms, with oral anticoagulation in a period of until 165 months (47mo). In conclusion, the pulmonary thromboendarterectomy realized by sternotomy and with help of the hypothermic circulatory arrest is a safe procedure for resolution of pulmonary embolus and symptoms, and maintenance of the results at longterm follow-up.
The Placenta in Toxicology. Part I

The immune system represents a key defense mechanism against potential pathogens and adverse non-self materials. During pregnancy, the placenta is the point of contact between the maternal organism and non-self proteins of the fetal allograft and hence undoubtedly fulfils immune functions. In the placenta bacteria, foreign (non-self) proteins and proteins that might be introduced in toxicological studies or by medication are barred from reaching the progeny, and the maternal immune system is primed for acceptance of non-maternal fetal protein. Both immunologic protection of the fetus and acceptance of the fetus by the mother require effective mechanisms to prevent an immunologic fetomaternal conflict and to keep both organisms in balance. This is why the placenta requires toxicological consideration in view of its immune organ function. The following articles deal with placenta immune-, control-, and tolerance mechanisms in view of both fetal and maternal aspects. Furthermore, models for experimental access to placental immune function are addressed and the pathological evaluation is elucidated. “The Placenta as an Immune Organ and Its Relevance in Toxicological Studies” was subject of a continuing education course at the 2012 Society of Toxicologic Pathology meeting held in Boston, MA.
Development of radiation monitoring services for radiation workers in Saudi Arabia.

The Biomedical Physics Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre was established in 1980. This report evaluates the Health Physics Section services for all radiation workers in Saudi Arabia during the period between 2006 and 2012. In 2012, a total of 19,054 Thermoluminescent Dosimeter chips were issued compared to 2,480 TLD chips in 2006. The Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory has calibrated 1,075 survey meters in 2012 compared to 356 in 2006. In 2012, the radiation biodosimetry laboratory has been established and constructed a dose calibration curve. This report shows the improvement of radiation monitoring services in Saudi Arabia.
Does Blood Ammonia Level at Time of Initial Treatment Predict the Outcome of Patients in Cardiopulmonary Arrest on Arrival

Recently, comprehensive medical care is being promoted for when resuscitation is performed on patients in cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival (CPAOA), with an emphasis on not only cardiac resuscitation but also on brain resuscitation. When a patient in CPAOA is transported to hospital, how the arrest occurred and how much time has elapsed from the onset of arrest are frequently unknown. Even in witnessed CPA cases, the time elapsed since CPA is often incorrect, and this information is especially important. In this study, we examined an objective index to enable estimation of the time elapsed from the onset of CPA to the arrival at hospital where emergency management was performed. We studied 225 patients with witnessed intrinsic cardiogenic out-of-hospital CPA (128 male and 97 female) who were transported to our hospital during the period from April 1996 to March 2003. We statistically analyzed the correlation between the blood ammonia level at the time of the initial management and the time elapsed from confirmation of CPA to arrival at the hospital (CPA-arrival time). There was a positive correlation between the blood ammonia level at the time of initial management and the CPA-arrival time. Patients who made a full recovery showed a significantly lower blood ammonia level at the time of initial management than those who did not make a full recovery. Also, many patients whose blood ammonia level was less than 180μg/dl at the time of initial management were able to make a full recovery. Based on these results, we conclude that the blood ammonia level can potentially be used as a useful index for estimating the time elapsed since CPA and the neurological prognosis including brain resuscitation.