Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic repair of avulsion of the posterior root and body of the lateral meniscus: a twenty-year follow-up. A case report.

A recent biomechanical study demonstrated total loss of meniscal function following a tear of the posterior root of the medial meniscus as well as substantial potential advantages with repair1, prompting this case report. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and she consented. The patient, a seventeen-year-old girl, injured her left knee in June 1988 in a fall from a bicycle. Initial treatment consisted of aspiration of a bloody effusion and physical therapy. Because of continued giving-way and pain, after two months, she sought a second opinion in this clinic. Examination at that time revealed a 2-plus effusion, but guarding prevented pivot-shift and McMurray testing. The Lachman test revealed normal findings. There was bruising overlying the patella and the lateral femoral condyle, and the lateral joint line was tender. She was unable to bear full weight on the extremity, and knee range of motion was limited and painful. Radiographs did not show a fracture or osseous loose body. Magnetic resonance imaging was not available in our region at that time. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament or a bucket-handle tear of the lateral meniscus was suspected, and arthroscopic treatment was undertaken. With the patient under anesthesia, the pivot-shift maneuver elicited a McMurray-like clunk. During the arthroscopy, an effusion and hemosiderin staining of the synovium were encountered. The articular cartilage of the lateral aspect of the patella and both femoral condyles showed scuffing, softening, and superficial fissures that were <1.5 cm in length. The medial meniscus and the cruciate ligaments were intact. The posterior root of the lateral meniscus had been completely avulsed and was folded onto itself and displaced into the intercondylar space anterior to the anterior cruciate ligament. A peripheral tear continued from the posterior root anteriorly in the …
Molecular Imaging of Retinal Endothelial Injury in Diabetic Animals

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss. There is a great need for early diagnosis prior to the occurrence of irreversible structural damages. Expression of endothelial adhesion molecules is observed before the onset of diabetic vascular damage; however, to date, these molecules cannot be visualized in vivo. Methods: To quantify the expression of endothelial surface molecules, we generated imaging probes that bind to ICAM-1. The α-ICAM-1 probes were characterized via flow cytometry under microfluidic conditions. Probes were systemically injected into normal and diabetic rats, and their adhesion in the retinal microvessels was visualized via confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Histology was performed to validate in vivo imaging results. Vascular pathologies were visualized using trypsin-digested retinal preparations. Results: The α-ICAM-1 probes showed significantly higher adhesion to retinal microvessels in diabetic rats than in normal controls (P < 0.01), whereas binding of control probes did not differ between the two groups. Western blotting results showed higher ICAM-1 expression in retinas of T1D animals than in normal controls. Retinal endothelial ICAM-1 expression was observed via molecular imaging before markers of structural damage, such as pericyte ghosts and acellular capillaries. Conclusion: Results indicate that molecular imaging can be used to detect subtle changes in the diabetic retina prior to the occurrence of irreversible pathology. Thus, ICAM-1 could serve as a diagnostic target in patients with diabetes. This study provides a proof of principle for non-invasive subclinical diagnosis in experimental diabetic retinopathy. Further development of this technology could improve management of diabetic complications.
Preliminary study of ultrasonic transducer characteristic on the breast surface

This paper presents the initial result of an investigation on the application of ultrasonic sensors for a breast surface mapping. Ultrasonic transmitter and receiver were used to perceive the objects by emitting a short ultrasonic burst. The application for this system will be used in ultrasound tomography. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usability of the low frequency ultrasonic transducer to be applied in the medical field. FPGA technology and data acquisition system were used to establish the embedded system of the ultrasound tomography. FPGA is used to generate a pulse by the transmitter and the pulse is set perpendicular to the breast surface. The signal that has been reflected from the breast surface will be captured by the receiver. The results obtained shows that the system is capable of detecting the object. We also managed to demonstrate the noise reduction technique done in the frequency domain to suppress the unwanted signal.
Versatility of Chimeric Flap based on Thoracodorsal Vessels Incorporating Vascularized Scapular Bone and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Reconstructing Lower-extremity Bone Defects due to Osteomyelitis

To treat lower-extremity osteomyelitis secondary to trauma, bone and soft tissue can be grafted at the same time using microsurgical techniques. We investigate the use of chimeric flaps based on thoracodorsal vessels incorporating vascularized scapular bone and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to reconstruct bone and soft-tissue defects of the lower leg due to osteomyelitis. Ten patients with lower-extremity bone and soft-tissue defects due to osteomyelitis were treated. Vascularized scapular bones were raised on the angular branch of the thoracodorsal artery. Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were elevated simultaneously to reconstruct the soft tissue defects. All patients tolerated the procedure well. One patient developed an early venous thrombosis, which was successfully treated by thrombectomy. Mean follow-up time was 7 years and 8 months. Bone union without refracture was observed in all patients. The mean time required for bone union after surgery was 13.5 weeks. Donor-site morbidity was minimal. Chimeric flaps based on thoracodorsal vessels incorporating vascularized scapular bone and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous are safe and effective in the repair of lower-extremity bone and soft-tissue defects caused by osteomyelitis.
Transcriptome-wide characterization of human cytomegalovirus in natural infection and experimental latency

Significance Herpesviruses have an extraordinarily complex relationship with their host, persisting for the lifetime of the host by way of a latent infection. Reactivation of replication is associated with significant disease risk, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. We characterize in depth transcriptional profiles of human cytomegalovirus latency. We show that a broad and concordant viral transcriptome is found in both an experimental model of latency and in asymptomatically infected individuals. We further define genes that are differentially regulated during latent and replicative states: candidates for key regulators controlling the switch between latency and reactivation. This work will help understand the persistence of complex DNA viruses and provides a path toward developing antiviral strategies to control herpesvirus entry into and exit from latency. The transcriptional program associated with herpesvirus latency and the viral genes regulating entry into and exit from latency are poorly understood and controversial. Here, we developed and validated a targeted enrichment platform and conducted large-scale transcriptome analyses of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. We used both an experimental hematopoietic cell model of latency and cells from naturally infected, healthy human subjects (clinical) to define the breadth of viral genes expressed. The viral transcriptome derived from experimental infection was highly correlated with that from clinical infection, validating our experimental latency model. These transcriptomes revealed a broader profile of gene expression during infection in hematopoietic cells than previously appreciated. Further, using recombinant viruses that establish a nonreactivating, latent-like or a replicative infection in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells, we defined classes of low to moderately expressed genes that are differentially regulated in latent vs. replicative states of infection. Most of these genes have yet to be studied in depth. By contrast, genes that were highly expressed, were expressed similarly in both latent and replicative infection. From these findings, a model emerges whereby low or moderately expressed genes may have the greatest impact on regulating the switch between viral latency and replication. The core set of viral genes expressed in natural infection and differentially regulated depending on the pattern of infection provides insight into the HCMV transcriptome associated with latency in the host and a resource for investigating virus–host interactions underlying persistence.
The Sensitivity and Specificity of Cognitive Screening Instruments to Detect Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults With Severe Psychiatric Illness

Background: Older adults with severe psychiatric illness are often treated at community mental health centers (CMHCs) and these individuals commonly have numerous risk factors for cognitive impairment (CI). Brief cognitive screening instruments are frequently used to evaluate cognitive functioning in CMHCs, but the validity of these measures for detecting CI has not been adequately evaluated in this patient population. Objectives: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of 2 cognitive screening measures (the Mini-Mental Status Examination [MMSE] and the Stroop Color and Word Test [SCWT]) for detecting CI in a sample of older adults with severe psychiatric illness. Methods: Data were collected from 52 older adults receiving services at a CMHC. Diagnosis of CI was made by a neuropsychologist. Sensitivity and specificity coefficients for 2 cutoff scores for the MMSE and the SCWT were calculated. Results: A cutoff score of 25 on the MMSE yielded a sensitivity of 43.3% and a specificity of 90.4% for detecting CI, whereas a cutoff score of 21 yielded sensitivity of 13.1% and 100% specificity. Using an age- and education-corrected scaled score (SS) on the SCWT falling at or below 7 as the criterion the SCWT had 88.8% sensitivity and 36.8% specificity, whereas a cutoff score of 5 or below yielded sensitivity of 59.2% and specificity of 57.8%. Conclusions: Overall, the MMSE was found to be the more clinically useful cognitive screening tool for use in CMHC. Yet, because of the poor sensitivity of the MMSE for detecting CI in this patient population, alternative screening methods should be explored.
Low‐molecular weight forms of cyclin E differentiate ovarian carcinoma from cells of mesothelial origin and are associated with poor survival in ovarian carcinoma

The authors recently reported on the role of cyclin E in differentiating ovarian/primary peritoneal carcinoma from malignant peritoneal mesothelioma using gene expression arrays. In the current study, they analyzed the expression of low‐molecular weight (LMW) forms of cyclin E in ovarian carcinoma, malignant mesothelioma, and benign reactive effusions.
DOES THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT REDUCE SAVING BY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS?

This paper analyzes the effect of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on investment income. Policy-makers have devoted substantial time and resources toward increasing the saving rate of low-income households, yet the EITC provides a substantial disincentive for individuals to save and realize investment income. I find that a 1 percent increase in the after-tax return to saving causes a 3.05 percent increase in investment income. Nearly 40 percent of the decline over the last two decades in the fraction of EITC recipients with savings in income-bearing accounts can be explained by changing EITC incentives.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: recent advances

Purpose of reviewFocal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a significant and growing cause of chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome in adults and children. Recent findingsThe last year has seen continued progress in understanding podocyte biology, mechanisms of podocyte dysfunction, and its contribution to proteinuria and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. SummaryA number of studies have helped to elucidate the mechanisms of slit-diaphragm-mediated signaling to the podocyte cytoskeleton. Advances in treatment continue to lag behind advances in understanding focal segmental glomerulosclerosis disease biology.
Plasticity of the human auditory cortex induced by discrimination learning of non-native, mora-timed contrasts of the Japanese language.

In this magnetoencephalographic (MEG) study, we examined with high temporal resolution the traces of learning in the speech-dominant left-hemispheric auditory cortex as a function of newly trained mora-timing. In Japanese, the "mora" is a temporal unit that divides words into almost isochronous segments (e.g., na-ka-mu-ra and to-o-kyo-o each comprises four mora). Changes in the brain responses of a group of German and Japanese subjects to differences in the mora structure of Japanese words were compared. German subjects performed a discrimination training in 10 sessions of 1.5 h each day. They learned to discriminate Japanese pairs of words (in a consonant, anni-ani; and a vowel, kiyo-kyo, condition), where the second word was shortened by one mora in eight steps of 15 msec each. A significant increase in learning performance, as reflected by behavioral measures, was observed, accompanied by a significant increase of the amplitude of the Mismatch Negativity Field (MMF). The German subjects' hit rate for detecting durational deviants increased by up to 35%. Reaction times and MMF latencies decreased significantly across training sessions. Japanese subjects showed a more sensitive MMF to smaller differences. Thus, even in young adults, perceptual learning of non-native mora-timing occurs rapidly and deeply. The enhanced behavioral and neurophysiological sensitivity found after training indicates a strong relationship between learning and (plastic) changes in the cortical substrate.
Effect of dietary trans fatty acids on high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND Fatty acids that contain a trans double bond are consumed in large amounts as hydrogenated oils, but their effects on serum lipoprotein levels are unknown. METHODS We placed 34 women (mean age, 26 years) and 25 men (mean age, 25 years) on three mixed natural diets of identical nutrient composition, except that 10 percent of the daily energy intake was provided as oleic acid (which contains one cis double bond), trans isomers of oleic acid, or saturated fatty acids. The three diets were consumed for three weeks each, in random order. RESULTS On the oleic acid diet, the mean (+/- SD) serum values for the entire group for total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were 4.46 +/- 0.66. 2.67 +/- 0.54, and 1.42 +/- 0.32 mmol per liter (172 +/- 26, 103 +/- 21, and 55 +/- 12 mg per deciliter), respectively. On the trans-fatty-acid diet, the subjects' mean HDL cholesterol level was 0.17 mmol per liter (7 mg per deciliter) lower than the mean value on the diet high in oleic acid (P less than 0.0001; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.13 to 0.20 mmol per liter). The HDL cholesterol level on the saturated-fat diet was the same as on the oleic acid diet. The LDL cholesterol level was 0.37 mmol per liter (14 mg per deciliter) higher on the trans-fatty-acid diet than on the oleic acid diet (P less than 0.0001; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.28 to 0.45 mmol per liter) and 0.47 mmol per liter (18 mg per deciliter) higher on the saturated-fat diet (P less than 0.001; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.39 to 0.55 mmol per liter) than on the oleic acid diet. The effects on lipoprotein levels did not differ between women and men. CONCLUSIONS The effect of trans fatty acids on the serum lipoprotein profile is at least as unfavorable as that of the cholesterol-raising saturated fatty acids, because they not only raise LDL cholesterol levels but also lower HDL cholesterol levels.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF KENYA WOMEN FINANCE TRUST EASTERN NYANZA REGION, KENYA.

his study intended to investigate the relationship between training and performance in the MFIs narrowing down to attitude, service delivery and job satisfaction. The specific objectives were to investigate whether attitude, job satisfaction and service delivery affects the performance of the employees. Questionnaires were used by the researcher in data collection. Qualitative data was analyzed by editing, coding and grouping the information into relevant themes. The study made use of descriptive statistics to analyze the data. The study found out that the three variables of training investigated were key in determining employee performance especially in service firms under which MFIs fall. The research has confirmed that training has a big influence on performance with attitude, job satisfaction and service delivery equally getting the same weight. The result is consistent with modern scholars who recommend for training to develop positive attitudes at work place, to increase efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and improve job satisfaction of the employees.
Avalanche Double Photodiode in 40-nm Standard CMOS Technology

This paper investigates a silicon (Si) avalanche double photodiode (ADPD) fabricated in 40-nm standard CMOS technology. Two different types of double photodiodes (DPDs) will be introduced. The first one is a P-well/deep-N-well/P-substrate(PW/DNW/P-substrate) DPD, and the second one is a P+/N-well/P-substrate (P+/NW/P-substrate) DPD. The basic structure of the proposed ADPD is formed by P+/NW and NW/P-substrate junctions in which the avalanche effect occurs at the P+/NW junction. The P+/NW/P-substrate ADPD demonstrates responsivity of 0.84 A/W and a 3-dB electrical bandwidth of 0.7 GHz at 850 nm. For 660 nm, the ADPD shows a responsivity of 0.49 A/W with an electrical bandwidth of 1.8 GHz. For 520 nm, a responsivity of 2.04 A/W and an electrical bandwidth of 1.4 GHz are achieved.
Population Control I: Birth of an Ideology

Population control, as a major international development strategy, is a relatively recent phenomenon. However, its origins reach back to social currents in the 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in an organized birth control movement in Europe and the United States. The conflicts and contradictions in that movement's history presage many of today's debates over population policy and women's rights. Eugenics had a deep influence on the U.S. birth control movement in the first half of the 20th century. After World War II private agencies and foundations played an important role in legitimizing population control as a way to secure Western control over Third World resources and stem political instability. In the late 1960s the U.S. government became a major funder of population control programs overseas and built multilateral support through establishment of the U.N. Fund for Population Activities. At the 1974 World Population Conference, Third World governments challenged the primacy of population control. While their critique led population agencies to change their strategies, population control remained a central component of international development and national security policies in the United States.
Novel vaccine development strategies for inducing mucosal immunity

To develop protective immune responses against mucosal pathogens, the delivery route and adjuvants for vaccination are important. The host, however, strives to maintain mucosal homeostasis by responding to mucosal antigens with tolerance, instead of immune activation. Thus, induction of mucosal immunity through vaccination is a rather difficult task, and potent mucosal adjuvants, vectors or other special delivery systems are often used, especially in the elderly. By taking advantage of the common mucosal immune system, the targeting of mucosal dendritic cells and microfold epithelial cells may facilitate the induction of effective mucosal immunity. Thus, novel routes of immunization and antigen delivery systems also show great potential for the development of effective and safe mucosal vaccines against various pathogens. The purpose of this review is to introduce several recent approaches to induce mucosal immunity to vaccines, with an emphasis on mucosal tissue targeting, new immunization routes and delivery systems. Defining the mechanisms of mucosal vaccines is as important as their efficacy and safety, and in this article, examples of recent approaches, which will likely accelerate progress in mucosal vaccine development, are discussed.
Necrotizing fasciitis: 10 years' experience in a district general hospital

Of 14 patients with necrotizing fasciitis who presented between 1979 and 1988, six (43 per cent) died. The deaths were associated with delays in diagnosis, poor surgical technique and diabetes. Prompt diagnosis, resuscitation and early radical surgery are essential to the successful management of necrotizing fasciitis.
Developmental Competence of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Pluripotent Embryonic Stem Cells Over Different Homologous Feeder Layers and the Comparative Evaluation with Various Extracellular Matrices.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Use of somatic cells as a feeder layer to maintain the embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in undifferentiated state limits the stem cell research design, since experimental data may result from a combined ESCs and feeder cell response to various stimuli. Therefore, present study was designed to evaluate the developmental competence of the buffalo ESCs over different homogenous feeders and compare with various extracellular matrices using different concentrations of LIF. METHODS AND RESULTS Inner cell masses (ICMs) of in vitro hatched blastocysts were cultured onto homologous feeders viz. fetal fibroblast, granulosa and oviductal cell feeder layers and synthetic matrices viz. fibronectin, collagen type I and matrigel in culture medium. Developmental efficiency was found higher for ESCs cultured on fetal fibroblast and granulosa layers (83.33%) followed by fibronectin (77.78%) at 30 ng LIF. Oviductal feeder was found to be the least efficient feeder showing only 11.11% undifferentiated primary ESC colonies at 30 ng LIF. However, neither feeder layer nor synthetic matrix could support the development of primary colonies at 10 ng LIF. Expression of SSEA- 4, TRA-1-60 and Oct-4 were found positive in ESC colonies from all the feeders and synthetic matrices with 20 ng and 30 ng LIF. CONCLUSIONS Fetal fibroblast and granulosa cell while, amongst synthetic matrices, fibronectin were found to be equally efficient to support the growth and maintenance of ESCs pluripotency with 30 ng LIF. This well-defined culture conditions may provide an animal model for culturing human embryonic stem cells in the xeno-free or feeder-free conditions for future clinical applications.