Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scintigraphic evaluation of clinically silent adrenal masses.

UNLABELLED We studied 229 patients with abnormal adrenal anatomy depicted by CT who were without biochemical evidence of endocrine dysfunction using the presence of 131I-6 beta-iodomethyl-nor-cholesterol (NP-59) adrenal gland uptake as an index of differential adrenal function in the evaluation of the clinically "silent" adrenal mass lesion. METHODS NP-59 (1 mCi) was injected intravenously with posterior and lateral abdominal images obtained 5-7 days postinjection. RESULTS One-hundred and fifty-nine of 185 patients with unilateral adrenal enlargement on CT had scintigraphic evidence that the mass represented a functioning (NP-59 avid) but not hypersecretory, (biochemically normal) adrenal cortical adenoma (concordant imaging pattern). Forty-one of 44 patients with intra-adrenal neoplasms were depicted on scintigraphy as decreased or absent NP-59 accumulation on the side of the adrenal mass (discordant imaging pattern). In this study, sensitivity was 71% (41 of 58 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI), 58% to 88%); specificity was 100% (171 of 171 patients; 95% CI, 95% to 100%) and accuracy was 93% (212 of 229 patients; 95% CI, 88% to 96%). CONCLUSIONS These data confirm our earlier observations that the functional information depicted by scintigraphy complements the morphological evaluation by CT and in the absence of hormonal dysfunction, the presence of concordant CT and 131I-NP-59 scans are characteristic of functioning, but not hypersecretory, benign adrenocortical adenomas. Conversely, discordant CT and 131I-NP-59 scans are suggestive of nonfunctioning, space-occupying, adrenal lesions.
Complications of Injectable Soft Tissue Filler

Soft tissue fillers for soft tissue augmentation and the correction of wrinkles have been used widely in recent years. Various kinds of products have been developing and the demand for these products is growing more and more rapidly. The popularity of soft tissue fillers was based on the safety profile, easy application and low complications rate [1]. As the use of fillers increases, many complications have arisen recently. The range of complications varies widely. Local and temporary reaction to the filler is common and self-limited. Ozturk et al. [1] named the minimal and self-limited complication simply as adverse sequelae. Misplacement of filler, allergic reaction, infection and biofilm formation, and delayed granulomatous reaction can occur and proper treatments are necessary [1-3]. Skin necrosis and visual impairment are not common but it is a disaster to both the patient and the clinician [4,5]. These complications have to be treated immediately and properly. Clinicians are familiar with the nature and property of most commonly used fillers and their procedure technique. Enough practice is necessary to prevent various complications because injection technique is critical. Although clinicians take care of above-mentioned factors, complications can develop unexpectedly. Clinicians should be aware of the method to deal with the complications. In this article, we introduce the three different groups of fillers according to their origin and discuss properties of each filler and possible complications. We also review how to avoid or manage the complications of soft tissue fillers.
Image Denoising by using Non-Tensor Product Wavelets Filter Banks

In image denoising, where a tradeoff between noise suppression and the preservation of actual image discontinuities must be made, solutions are sought which can "detect" important image details and accordingly adapt the degree of noise smoothing. The techniques of image denoising fall into two categories: spatial domain methods and transform domain methods. The term spatial domain refers to the image plane itself, and approaches in this category are based on direct manipulation of pixels in an image. Transform domain processing techniques are based on modifying the Fourier or wavelet transform of an image. The major problem of these traditional methods is as follows: The representation couldn't contain basis elements oriented at a variety of directions, much more than the few directions that are offered by tensor product wavelets. To conquer the above headache trouble, a new approach to image denoising by using a non-tensor product bivariate orthogonal wavelet filter banks is presented. The core of our new method is that using centrally symmetric orthogonal matrices to compute filter banks. Our investigations demonstrate that there are three characteristics in this new approach: First, it is easily to understand and implement that using iterative method to compute orthogonal filter banks; Second, three high frequency subbands could present more directional features than tensor product wavelets; And the last is that different filter banks could emphasize different directional information. We employ those new filter banks to the denoising of some standard images embedded in white noise, the experimental results show that our new approach is superior to other methods in terms of denoising effectiveness.
New Insights into Pelagic Migrations: Implications for Ecology and Conservation

Highly pelagic large marine vertebrates have evolved the capability of moving across large expanses of the marine environment; some species routinely move across entire ocean basins. Our understanding of these movements has been enhanced by new technologies that now allow us to follow their movements over great distances and long time periods in great detail. This technology provides not only detailed information on the movements of a wide variety of marine species, but also detailed characteristics of the habitats they use and clues to their navigation abilities. Advances in electronic tracking technologies have been coupled with rapid development of statistical and analytical techniques. With these developments, conservation of highly migratory species has been aided by providing new information on where uncommon or endangered species go, what behaviors they perform and why, which habitats are critical, and where they range, as well as, in many cases, better estimates of their population size and the interconnectedness of subpopulations. Together these tools are providing critical insights into the ecology of highly pelagic marine vertebrates that are key for their conservation and management.
The Use of Clopidogrel (Plavix) in Patients Undergoing Nonelective Orthopaedic Surgery

Objective: To assess the effects of Plavix on patients requiring nonelective orthopaedic surgery. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: University-affiliated teaching institutions. Patients and Participants: The orthopaedic trauma registry was used to retrospectively identify all patients taking clopidogrel (Plavix; Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, Bridgewater, NJ) who required nonelective orthopaedic surgery from 2004 to 2008. Twenty-nine patients were identified on Plavix (PG) and 32 matched patients in the control group not taking Plavix (NPG). The Plavix group was separated into those with a surgical delay less than 5 days of the last dose (PG < 5) (n = 28) and a delay greater than 5 days (PG > 5) (n = 1). A randomized age- and injury-matched control group not on Plavix was separated with surgical delay less than 5 days (NPG < 5) (n = 29) and delay greater than 5 days (NPG > 5) (n = 3). Intervention: A retrospective review was performed comparing pre- and postoperative hemoglobin, blood transfusion requirements, surgical delay, 30-day mortality, and postoperative complications. Main Outcome Measurements: Statistical analyses were performed using the Student t test and chi square test to identify differences between the groups. Results: The mean preoperative hemoglobin of the PG and the NPG was 11.2 g/dL and 12.3 g/dL (P = 0.03). Transfusion rates were similar with 18 of 28 in the PG compared with 13 of 29 in the NPG (P = 0.22). The mean surgical delay between the PG and NPG was 1.88 and 1.68 days (P = 0.64). Overall complications between the PG and NPG was nine of 28 and nine of 29 (P = 0.92). In both groups, two patients had postoperative wound drainage, which resolved without intervention. One patient in each group required revision surgery for nonunion. The 30-day mortality in the Plavix group was zero of 28 (0%) compared with one of 29 (3%) in the control group (cardiac arrest) (P = 0.32). Conclusions: In this study, there were no serious complications or increased transfusion requirements in the Plavix group. Avoiding surgical delay for patients on Plavix requiring nonelective orthopaedic surgery appears to be safe. The goal should be early operative intervention to decrease the morbidity and mortality of surgical delay. This is especially true for patients with hip fractures, which was the most common nonelective orthopaedic surgery required of patients on Plavix in this study.
Where should you focus: Long Tail or Superstar?: an analysis of app adoption on the Android Market

This talk presents the examination of the long tail of sales distribution in mobile app market. With the analysis of a large data set of transactions in Android Market, our research suggests that, rather than being a "Long Tail" market where unpopular niche products aggregately contribute to substantial portion of sales, the Android Market is more a "Superstar" market strongly dominated by popular hit products. We also show that though most downloads of paid apps are from cheap apps, but some expensive apps accounts for unproportional large revenue.
Telemental health evaluations enhance access and efficiency in a critical access hospital emergency department.

INTRODUCTION Mentally ill patients in crisis presenting to critical access hospital emergency rooms often face exorbitant wait times to be evaluated by a trained mental health provider. Patients may be discharged from the hospital before receiving an evaluation or boarded in a hospital bed for observation, reducing quality and increasing costs. This study examined the effectiveness of an emergency telemental health evaluation service implemented in a rural hospital emergency room. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective data collection was implemented to consider patients presenting to the emergency room for 212 days prior to telemedicine interventions and for 184 days after. The study compared measures of time to treatment, length of stay (regardless of inpatient or outpatient status), and door-to-consult time. RESULTS There were 24 patients seen before telemedicine was implemented and 38 seen using telemedicine. All patients had a mental health evaluation ordered by a physician and completed by a mental health specialist. Significant reductions in all three time measures were observed. Mean and median times to consult were reduced from 16.2 h (standard deviation=13.2 h) and 14.2 h, respectively, to 5.4 h (standard deviation =6.4 h) and 2.6 h. Similar reductions in length of stay and door-to-consult times were observed. By t tests, use of telemedicine was associated with a statistically significant reduction in all three outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Telemedicine appears to be an effective intervention for mentally ill patients by providing more timely access to mental health evaluations in rural hospital emergency departments.
Relationship between Serum Dopamine‐β‐Hydroxylase Activity, Catecholamine Metabolism, and Hemodynamic Changes during Paroxysmal Hypertension in Quadriplegia

During the chronic phase of spinal cord injury, serum dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity, arterial blood pressure, and blood flow in the fourth finger, the hallux, and the calf were measured in nine quadriplegic subjects before, during, and after expansion of the urinary bladder. In addition, in five chronic quadriplegic subjects, serum dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity, urinary catecholamine metabolites, and arterial blood pressure were measured before and during spontaneous hypertensive episodes. There was a significant correlation between the different stages of hypertension, the serum dopamine-β-hydroxylase activity, and the concentration of urinary catecholamine metabolites. The highest levels were found at the height of intracystic pressure when the arterial blood pressure was at its maximum but the pulse rate had dropped to its lowest level. At the same time the blood flow in the upper and lower extremities and the calf musculature was below detection limits, and peripheral vascular resistance was markedly enhanced. Serum dopamine-β-hydroxylase and arterial blood pressure levels correlated directly with urinary concentrations of normetanephrine but not with those of metanephrine. The data provide evidence for an in vivo simultaneous, proportional release of dopamine-β-hydroxylase and norepinephrine, suggesting release by exocytosis. The data further show that dopamine can also be released together with norepinephrine and dopamine-β-hydroxylase as evidenced by increased urinary concentrations of its major catabolite, homovanillic acid, during hypertensive stress. The hypertensive response in quadriplegic subjects during routine test of bladder function renders these subjects ideal models for self-controlled studies of neurogenic hypertension and its biochemical parameters. The results indicate that hypertension in quadriplegia, whether spontaneous or induced, is caused by increased release of norepinephrine and that the half-life of dopamine-β-hydroxylase released during stress is shorter than that previously reported.
Prevalence of Dental Malocclusion and Root Elongation in Pet Rabbits of Ahvaz, Iran

Malocclusion and overgrowth of continuously growing teeth is a frequently seen problem in pet rabbits. In the present study, the studied rabbits were divided based on age into two groups (less than 3 years and above 3 years). They were 1-5 years old and had mean body weight of 2250 gr. It was diagnosed 5 cases of malocclusion and root elongation of grade 2 and 2 cases of grade 4. Affected rabbits were referred with signs of epiphora, pain, anorexia, disability for grooming, dermatologic problems, digestive disorders and salivation. In this study the prevalence of dental disorders (malocclusion and root elongation) was 6.7% (7 out of 105) in pet rabbits of Ahvaz city. Prevalence was significantly higher in rabbits above 3 years (14.89%; 7 out of 47) compared with rabbits less than 3 years (0%; 0 out of 58) (P=0.003). It was significantly higher in those rabbits that were in house for long times (lack of sunlight) and were fed with soft fiber also (P=0.001). Although, prevalence was higher in female rabbits (9.09%; 4 out of 44) than males (4.92%; 3 out of 61), but the difference was not significant (P=0.43). The skull radiograph revealed dental disorders. A feature of acquired dental diseases in rabbits was abnormal calcification in the skull especially alveolar bone. In a radiograph of the skull, changes in the structure and hardness of the cheek teeth had led to uneven wear.
Electrical Devices Identification Through Power Consumption Using Machine Learning Techniques

This research discusses a way to identify electrical devices in real time using intelligent techniques through data analysis. The electrical device identification process is initiated by collecting information related to power consumption of electrical appliances which are used in domestic life. In this the main attention is paid to identify an electrical device quickly with a higher accuracy. And the main objective behind the research is to provide a way to calculate power consumption of electrical devices separately with an intelligent approach with less human involvement. A prototype data acquisition system was implemented to extract parameters such as active power, reactive power, phase shift, root mean square voltage and current from the appliances connected to it. The analysis is done using neural networks, support vector machines, k-means, mean-shift and silhouette classifiers. The purpose of this study is to select the best classifier which produces the optimum results in detecting and identifying electrical appliances in real time from their electric parameters. In the selection of the classifiers for the research, basically the supervised and unsupervised learning criteria were taken into consideration. The selected classifier is used to determine a power consumption pattern (signature) for different electric appliances.
Pharyngeal Function and Breathing Pattern during Partial Neuromuscular Block in the Elderly: Effects on Airway Protection

Background:Intact pharyngeal function and coordination of breathing and swallowing are essential for airway protection and to avoid respiratory complications. Postoperative pulmonary complications caused by residual effects of neuromuscular-blocking agents occur more frequently in the elderly. Moreover, elderly have altered pharyngeal function which is associated with increased risk of aspiration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of partial neuromuscular block on pharyngeal function, coordination of breathing and swallowing, and airway protection in individuals older than 65 yr. Methods:Pharyngeal function and coordination of breathing and swallowing were assessed by manometry and videoradiography in 17 volunteers, mean age 73.5 yr. After control recordings, rocuronium was administered to obtain steady-state train-of-four ratios of 0.70 and 0.80 followed by spontaneous recovery to greater than 0.90. Results:Pharyngeal dysfunction increased significantly at train-of-four ratios 0.70 and 0.80 to 67 and 71%, respectively, compared with 37% at control recordings, and swallowing showed a more severe degree of dysfunction during partial neuromuscular block. After recovery to train-of-four ratio of greater than 0.90, pharyngeal dysfunction was not significantly different from the control state. Resting pressure in the upper esophageal sphincter was lower at all levels of partial neuromuscular block compared with control recordings. The authors were unable to demonstrate impaired coordination of breathing and swallowing. Conclusion:Partial neuromuscular block in healthy elderly individuals causes an increased incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction from 37 to 71%, with impaired ability to protect the airway; however, the authors were unable to detect an effect of partial neuromuscular block on coordination of breathing and swallowing.
Phase I, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic study of AMG 479, a fully human monoclonal antibody to insulin-like growth factor receptor 1.

PURPOSE To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and evidence of antitumor activity of AMG 479, a fully human monoclonal antibody to insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-1R). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced solid malignancies or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma received escalating doses of AMG 479 intravenously (IV) every 2 weeks (Q2W). Blood samples were assayed to determine pharmacokinetic parameters and IGF-1R occupancy on neutrophils; fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scans were used to assess tumor metabolic effects. RESULTS Fifty-three patients received 312 infusions of AMG 479 Q2W. Overall, the most common grades 1 to 2 toxicities were fatigue, thrombocytopenia, fever, rash, chills, and anorexia. One dose-limiting toxicity (ie, grade 3 thrombocytopenia) occurred in a patient at 20 mg/kg during course 1; grade 3 thrombocytopenia (n = 8) and grade 3 transaminitis elevations (n = 1) also were reported but not in the escalation phase. The maximum-planned dose of 20 mg/kg was safely administered; thus, an MTD was not reached. High levels of neutrophil IGF-1R binding and increases from baseline in serum IGF-1 levels were observed in the 12- and 20-mg/kg cohorts. Tumor responses included one durable complete response (CR) and one unconfirmed partial response (PR) in two patients with Ewing/primitive neuroectodermal tumors and included one PR and one minor response in two patients with neuroendocrine tumors. The patients with Ewing/PNET who had a CR have remained disease free on therapy after 28 months. CONCLUSION AMG 479 can be administered safely at 20 mg/kg IV Q2W. The absence of severe toxicities, attainment of serum concentrations associated with high levels of IGF-1R binding on neutrophils, and provocative antitumor activity warrant additional studies of this agent.
Effects of Urbanization on Rural Drinking Water Quality in Beijing, China

Urbanization is an inevitable trend in historical development, but eco-environmental problems, including drinking water safety, have gradually become more and more outstanding during the process of rural urbanization. Ten districts in rural areas of Beijing, China were selected to study the effects of urbanization on drinking water quality. The relation between the urbanization index and drinking water quality indicators were explored. The influence of the urbanization process on drinking water quality showed that housing construction, population urbanization, energy consumption, and industrialization during urban development were closely related to drinking water quality. The paired t-test showed the total electricity consumption, living electricity consumption, tertiary industry, and the GDP growth rate had boundary (p = 0.06) or significantly positive (p < 0.05) relations with the qualified rate of rural drinking water. The grey correlation analysis showed that the growth rates of the value-added of housing construction areas were the most important factor affecting comprehensive water quality of Beijing rural areas, followed by the growth rates of the value-added by secondary industry and total electricity consumption, and then the growth rates of the value-added by the tertiary industry and GDP. Urbanization had a significant impact on individual water quality indicators. The results of this study provided some supports for drinking water security in the face of urbanization.
Integrin clipping: A novel adhesion switch?

During human prostate cancer progression, the majority of normally expressed integrins are suppressed with the exception of the α6, α3, and β1 integrins. We have shown that in prostate cancer, the α6 integrin is found paired with the β1 integrin and that a novel form of the α6 integrin that lacks a large portion of the extracellular domain (α6p) exists. The α6pβ1 integrin is found in human prostate cancer tissue specimens as well as tissue culture cell lines and is formed on the cell surface. This review discusses the mechanism of α6pβ1 production and the potential functions of this integrin variant. Our current working model predicts that the α6pβ1 integrin maintains the intracellular cytoskeletal connections associated with the heterodimer while allowing for an alteration in cell adhesion. The mechanism provides a selective advantage for cancer cell metastasis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rac1/RhoA antagonism defines cell-to-cell heterogeneity during epidermal morphogenesis in nematodes

Antagonism between the GTPases Rac1 and RhoA controls different morphogenetic processes during embryonic development. Martin et al. use quantitative imaging analyses to demonstrate that cell-autonomous antagonism between the RhoA- and Rac1-like pathways defines cell-to-cell heterogeneity during epidermal morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.