Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychotherapy of Depression: Current Status, Future Directions

Abstract This article reviews recent studies of psychotherapy for treatment of depression. There is evidence that cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapies are useful treatments for depressed outpatients, roughly comparable to antidepressant pharmacotherapy. Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy do not, however, necessarily treat the same patients and there is emerging evidence of a neurobiological “boundary” that may delimit therapy response. Psychotherapy plus pharmacotherapy combinations appear particularly useful for outpatients with more severe, recurrent depressions. Depression-focused psychotherapy may also provide an important alternative to an indefinite course of maintenance pharmacotherapy for patients at high risk for recurrence.
Stochastic model for posttillage soil pore space evolution

Tillage operations disrupt surface layers of agricultural soils, creating a loosened structure with a substantial proportion of interaggregate porosity that enhances liquid and gaseous exchange properties favorable for plant growth. Unfortunately, such desirable soil tilth is structurally unstable and is susceptible to change by subsequent wetting and drying processes and other mechanical stresses that reduce total porosity and modify pore size distribution (PSD). Ability to model posttillage dynamics of soil pore space and concurrent changes in hydraulic properties is important for realistic predictions of transport processes through this surface layer. We propose a stochastic modeling framework that couples the probabilistic nature of pore space distributions with physically based soil deformation models using the Fokker‐Planck equation (FPE) formalism. Three important features of soil pore space evolution are addressed: (1) reduction of the total porosity, (2) reduction of mean pore radius, and (3) changes in the variance of the PSD. The proposed framework may be used to provide input to hydrological models concerning temporal variations in near‐surface soil hydraulic properties. In a preliminary investigation of this approach we link a previously proposed mechanistic model of soil aggregate coalescence to the stochastic FPE framework to determine the FPE coefficients. An illustrative example is presented which describes changes in interaggregate pore size due to wetting‐drying cycles and the resulting effects on dynamics of the soil water characteristic curve and hydraulic conductivity functions.
A Weighted Difference of Anisotropic and Isotropic Total Variation Model for Image Processing

We propose a weighted difference of anisotropic and isotropic total variation (TV) as a regularization for image processing tasks, based on the well-known TV model and natural image statistics. Due to the form of our model, it is natural to compute via a difference of convex algorithm (DCA). We draw its connection to the Bregman iteration for convex problems and prove that the iteration generated from our algorithm converges to a stationary point with the objective function values decreasing monotonically. A stopping strategy based on the stable oscillatory pattern of the iteration error from the ground truth is introduced. In numerical experiments on image denoising, image deblurring, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction, our method improves on the classical TV model consistently and is on par with representative state-of-the-art methods.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) Suppresses TKR-Growth Factor Signaling Independent of Metalloproteinase Inhibition*

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) block matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated increases in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion that are associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Here we demonstrate a direct role for TIMP-2 in regulating tyrosine kinase-type growth factor receptor activation. We show that TIMP-2 suppresses the mitogenic response to tyrosine kinase-type receptor growth factors in a fashion that is independent of MMP inhibition. The TIMP-2 suppression of mitogenesis is reversed by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536, and implicates cAMP as the second messenger in these effects. TIMP-2 neither altered the release of transforming growth factor α from the cell surface, nor epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding to the cognate receptor, EGFR. TIMP-2 binds to the surface of A549 cells in a specific and saturable fashion (K d = 147 pm), that is not competed by the synthetic MMP inhibitor BB-94 and is independent of MT-1-MMP. TIMP-2 induces a decrease in phosphorylation of EGFR and a concomitant reduction in Grb-2 association. TIMP-2 prevents SH2-protein-tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) dissociation from immunoprecipitable EGFR complex and a selective increase in total SHP-1 activity. These studies represent a new functional paradigm for TIMP-2 in which TIMP suppresses EGF-mediated mitogenic signaling by short-circuiting EGFR activation.
Identification of putative sequence specific PCR primers for detection of the toxigenic fungal species Stachybotrys chartarum.

The nucleotide sequence of a c 936 bp segment of the nuclear rRNA gene operon was determined for the toxigenic fungal species Stachybotrys chartarum and for other species of Stachybotrys and the related genus Memnoniella. This information was used to infer the phylogenetic relationships of these organisms and to search for sequence specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for S. chartarum in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Searches for candidate primers were performed both by computer using the commercially available Oligo(R) v5.0 primer analysis software package and by manual inspection of the aligned sequences. Primers identified in both types of searches were evaluated for their specificities using a priming efficiency analysis algorithm available in the Oligo(R) 5.0 software. The automated computer searches were unsuccessful in finding S. chartarum-specific primers but did identify a group-specific reverse primer (designated as StacR4) for a phylogenetically related cluster of species that included S. chartarum. Manual searches led to the identification of a reverse primer (designated as StacR3) that was predicted to be specific for only S. chartarum and one other species of Stachybotrys. Experimental PCR analyses using these primers in conjunction with a universal forward primer indicated that the computer-generated amplification efficiency predictions were correct in most instances. A notable exception was the finding that StacR3 was specific only for S. chartarum. The relative merits of different PCR strategies for the detection of S. chartarum employing either one or both of the primers identified in this study are discussed.
Comparison of measurements obtained by use of an electrogoniometer and a universal plastic goniometer for the assessment of joint motion in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare measurements obtained by use of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and an electrogoniometer (EG) and from radiographs and to compare joint motion in German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers. ANIMALS 12 healthy adult German Shepherd Dogs and data previously collected from 16 healthy adult Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES German Shepherd Dogs were sedated. One investigator then measured motion of the carpal, cubital (elbow), shoulder, tarsal, stifle, and hip joints of the sedated dogs. Measurements were made in triplicate with a UG and an EG. Radiographs were taken of all joints in maximal flexion and extension. Values were compared between the UG and EG and with values previously determined for joints of 16 Labrador Retrievers. RESULTS An EG had higher variability than a UG for all dogs. The EG variability appeared to result from the technique for the EG. German Shepherd Dogs had lower values in flexion and extension than did Labrador Retrievers for all joints, except the carpal joints. German Shepherd Dogs had less motion in the tarsal joints, compared with motion for the Labrador Retrievers, but had similar motion in all other joints. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A UG is reliable for obtaining measurements in German Shepherd Dogs. There was higher variability for the EG than for the UG, and an EG cannot be recommended for use.
Vulnerability of folate in plasma and bone marrow to total body irradiation in mice

Purpose: To examine how folate status in a body is influenced by oxidative stress. Material and methods: Mice were given total body irradiation (TBI) by X-ray, and changes in the concentration of folate were compared to those in vitamins C and E. Results: In a time-dependent study, folate in plasma and bone marrow decreased from 5 h until 120 h post-TBI at 3 Gy. Folate in plasma and bone marrow decreased in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h. Marked decreases of vitamins C and E were also detected in bone marrow, but not in plasma even at 10 Gy of TBI. The susceptibility of plasma folate by irradiation was confirmed by an in vitro exposure study. Neither vitamins C and E nor folate were decreased in the liver by TBI. Conclusion: It is suggested that folate is vulnerable to oxidative stress, and folate may need to be evaluated, particularly for TBI or radiotherapy.
Fentanyl and morphine, but not remifentanil, inhibit acetylcholine release in pontine regions modulating arousal.

BACKGROUND Opioids inhibit the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep and decrease acetylcholine (ACh) release in medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) regions contributing to REM sleep generation. It is not known whether opioids decrease ACh release by acting on cholinergic cell bodies or on cholinergic axon terminals. This study used in vivo microdialysis to test the hypothesis that opioids decrease ACh levels at cholinergic neurons in the laterodorsal tegmental nuclei (LDT) and LDT axon terminals in the mPRF. METHODS Nine male cats were anesthetized with halothane, and ACh levels within the mPRF or LDT were assayed using microdialysis and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). ACh levels were analyzed in response to dialysis of the mPRF and LDT with Ringer's solution (control), followed by dialysis with Ringer's solution containing morphine sulfate (MSO4) or naloxone. ACh in the mPRF also was measured during either dialysis delivery or intravenous infusion of remifentanil and during dialysis delivery of fentanyl. RESULTS Compared with dialysis of Ringer's solution, microdialysis with MSO4 decreased ACh by 23% in the mPRF and by 30% in the LDT. This significant decrease in ACh was antagonized by naloxone. MSO4 and fentanyl each caused a dose-dependent decrease in mPRF ACh when delivered by dialysis. Remifentanil delivered by continuous intravenous infusion or by dialysis into the mPRF did not alter mPRF ACh. CONCLUSIONS Morphine inhibits ACh at the cholinergic cell body region (LDT) and the terminal field in the mPRF. ACh in the mPRF was not altered by remifentanil and was significantly decreased by fentanyl. Thus, MSO4 and fentanyl disrupt cholinergic neurotransmission in the LDT-mPRF network known to modulate REM sleep and cortical electroencephalographic activation. These data are consistent with the possibility that inhibition of pontine cholinergic neurotransmission contributes to arousal state disruption by opioids.
HHV‐6 and seizure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) is a common infection in childhood. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between HHV‐6 infection and seizure disorders based on available literature. MEDLINE database was searched using a search strategy. We included studies that were published after 1993 in English, and described patients with HHV‐6 infection and accompanying seizure or status epilepticus. We identified 503 articles, and included 147 studies. Meta‐analysis results showed a 0.21 detection rate of HHV‐6 in febrile seizure patients. In the febrile seizure group (110 cases), 76 patients had simple and 34 had complex febrile seizures. Patients with “HHV‐6 infection and status epilepticus” had a mean age of 16.24 months. In children with febrile illnesses, a higher index of clinical suspicion for HHV‐6 infection may be required. Further studies including CSF and brain tissue may be needed to validate relationships between HHV6 infection and epilepsy. J. Med. Virol. 89:161–169, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phytoremediation of Tapioca Wastewater Using Water Hyacinth Plant (Eichhornia Crassipes)

: The objective of this study was to elucidate the possible phytoremediation of liquid waste of tapioca industry using Eichhornia crassipes prior its usage for watering maize grown on an Entisol of Malang. Tapioca liquid waste was mixed with pure water at various concentrations and then Eichhornia crassipes was grown on a water bath filled with the mixture. After twenty eight days, the mixture of tapioca liquid waste and pure water was analyzed for BOD, BOD, COD, DO, TSS, CN, total N, and total P, prior to its usage for watering maize grown on a pot filled with an Entisol. Results of this study showed that during twenty eight days Eichhornia crassipes grown on 25% tapioca wastewater was capable to reduce BOD, COD, and CN concentrations of the liquid waste and to increase pH of the the mixture of liquid and pure water. This has resulted in a significant increase of maize growth.
Donor Site Angiography before Mandibular Reconstruction with Fibula Free Flap

The use of fibular free flaps has become established as a reliable and popular method for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects. The role of routine preoperative angiography remains controversial. Sixty four digital subtraction angiograms were studied in a series of 39 consecutive patients clinically judged to be satisfactory candidates for fibula free transfer. Angiographic findings revealed vascular anomalies in 10 extremities (15.6%). Regarding the high potential for significant donor site morbidity authors consider vascular imaging essential part of preoperative evaluation.
What lies ahead?

In "Pursuit of Excellence", a lecture given by Steven Muller, President of Johns Hopkins University, and published in the Johns Hopkins Medical Journal , 1 the author poses the question, "What lies ahead? " and answers it with, "Mostly the familiar. ". "Precedent, experience, equipment and expectation carry us forwards. " His sober reflections on the values and goals of his university give comfort to the neurologist sorely perplexed by (1) the ultimate effect upon the development of a specialist of shortening the undergraduate medical curriculum and eliminating the free-standing internship, (2) curtailment of funds for training through failure of government to make appropriations of sufficient size, (3) doubts concerning the efficacy of plans proposed for the institution of wholesale medical care delivery, and (4) other doubts concerning the effectiveness of existing medical leadership in defending the legitimate interests of the specialties. Currently there is much confusion between the word usages of quality
Accuracy of clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

M Ridler, and Dr J Taylor for identifying the index patients and controls and Mrs Nora Jones for arranging for the collection of samples in Oxford. We are especially grateful to the patients who agreed to be included in the study and the late Professor Sir Alec Turnbull and other obstetricians who approached patients on our behalf and agreed to our interviewing them. The study was supported by Action Research for the Crippled Child.
Relative Eye Size in Elasmobranchs

Variation in relative eye size was investigated in a sample of 46 species of elasmobranch, 32 species of sharks and 14 species of batoids (skates and rays). To get a measure of eye size relative to body size, eye axial diameter was scaled with body mass using least-squares linear regression, using both raw species data, where species are treated as independent data points, and phylogenetically independent contrasts. Residual values calculated for each species, using the regression equations describing these scaling relationships, were then used as a measure of relative eye size. Relative and absolute eye size varies considerably in elasmobranchs, although sharks have significantly relatively larger eyes than batoids. The sharks with the relatively largest eyes are oceanic species; either pelagic sharks that move between the epipelagic (0–200 m) and ‘upper’ mesopelagic (200–600 m) zones, or benthic and benthopelagic species that live in the mesopelagic (200–1,000 m) and, to a lesser extent, bathypelagic (1,000–4,000 m) zones. The elasmobranchs with the relatively smallest eyes tend to be coastal, often benthic, batoids and sharks. Active benthopelagic and pelagic species, which prey on active, mobile prey also have relatively larger eyes than more sluggish, benthic elasmobranchs that feed on more sedentary prey such as benthic invertebrates. A significant positive correlation was found between absolute eye size and relative eye size, but some very large sharks, such as Carcharodon carcharias have absolutely large eyes, but have relatively small eyes in relation to body mass.
Cost-effectiveness of an emergency department-based early sepsis resuscitation protocol*

Objectives: Guidelines recommend that sepsis be treated with an early resuscitation protocol such as early goal-directed therapy. Our objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing early goal-directed therapy as a routine protocol. Design: Prospective before and after study. Setting: Large urban hospital emergency department with >110,000 visits/yr. Patients: The target population was patients with consensus criteria for septic shock. We excluded those with age <18 yrs, no aggressive care desired, or need for immediate surgery. Interventions: Clinical and cost data were prospectively collected on two groups: 1) patients from 1 yr before; and 2) 2 yrs after implementing early goal-directed therapy as standard of care. Before phase patients received nonprotocolized care at attending discretion. The primary outcomes were 1-yr mortality, discounted life expectancy, and quality-adjusted life-years. Using costs and quality-adjusted life-years, we constructed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and performed a net monetary benefit analysis, producing the probability that the intervention was cost-effective given different values for the willingness to pay for a quality-adjusted life-year. Results: Two hundred eighty-five subjects, 79 in the before and 206 in the after phases, were enrolled. Treatment with early goal-directed therapy was associated with an increased hospital cost of $7,028 and an increase in both discounted sepsis-adjusted life expectancy and quality-adjusted life years of 1.5 and 1.3 yrs, respectively. Early goal-directed therapy use was associated with a cost of $5,397 per quality-adjusted life-years gained and the net monetary benefit analysis indicates a 98% probability (p = .038) that early goal-directed therapy is cost-effective at a willingness to pay of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-years. Conclusion: Implementation of early goal-directed therapy in the emergency department care of patients with severe sepsis is cost-effective.
Evidence for bilateral endolymphatic hydrops in ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops: preliminary results from examination of five cases

Abstract Conclusion: After the administration of a standard dose of gadodiamide, an intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) became possible in patients with ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH). We found that patients with ipsilateral DEH may also have bilateral EH. Objective: MRI evaluation contributes to understanding of the pathological conditions in patients with EH. However, double or triple the standard dose of GBCA is often required to obtain images of high quality. We attempted to examine EH bilaterally in patients with ipsilateral DEH after routine administration of an intravenous GBCA. Methods: GBCA (gadodiamide, 0.2 ml/kg) was administered intravenously to five patients with ipsilateral DEH. Three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) MRI was performed with a 3-T MRI scanner 4 h after GBCA administration. Results: In all five patients, EH was observed in the affected vestibules. Moreover, EH was observed bilaterally in four (80%) of five patients with ipsilateral DEH. The region of the deaf ear affected by EH was considerably larger compared with the normal ear in three patients. However, observed regions of EH were of approximately the same size in both ears in patients 4 and 5.
Beyond the Individual Instructor: Systemic Constraints in the Implementation of Research‐Informed Practices

Anecdotal evidence suggests that findings of educational research and resulting curricula are, at best, only marginally incorporated into introductory physics courses. Based on interviews with four non‐PER physics faculty we investigated why incorporation of research‐based curricula is uncommon. Elsewhere, we report that these instructors have PER‐compatible beliefs about teaching and learning, but largely traditional instructional practices. In this paper we explore the significant role that systemic influences play in this apparent discrepancy and present a theoretical model to describe the interplay between individual beliefs and systemic influences.
The effectiveness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of bladder tumours at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The importance of an ultrasound in diagnos is of bladdertumours has been investigated by different authors. Some have questioned its effectiveness while others have considered the technique to be an important tool in the initial evaluation of bladder tumours. This study was carried out to establis h the effectiveness of the ultrasound in diagnosis of bladder tumours at the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Clinical indications and ultrasound findings were recorded. Cystoscopy was done and findings recorded on a preformed questi onnaire. The ultrasound findings were compared to cystoscopyfindings and thesensitivity, negativity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value determined.A total of 110 patients were recruited in this study and the male to female ratio was 2:1. The commonest (37%) age group was 41-60 years.The most common clinical indication overall was haematuria in 37% of all cases. In males, bladder outlet obstruction due to stricture was the commonest indication (31%). Out of 110 patients scheduled for cystoscopy, 71 had ultrasound done preoperatively. In these patients70% had some form of abnormal ultrasound findings.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value,and the negative predictive value (NPV) of ultrasound in detection of bladdertumour were 83%, 93%, 89% and 89%,respectively.In conclusion, u ltrasound is an effective method for evaluating patients presenting with h aematuria or suspected to have bladder tumo urs. It is cheap, available, affordable andnon-invasive; has ahigh sensitivity, and thereforeitcan alsobe useful in the follow-up of patient with bladder cancer .