Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurochemical organization of the human basal ganglia: Anatomofunctional territories defined by the distributions of calcium‐binding proteins and SMI‐32

The distribution of the calcium‐binding proteins calbindin‐D28K (CB), parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR), and of the nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein (with SMI‐32) was investigated in the human basal ganglia to identify anatomofunctional territories. In the striatum, gradients of neuropil immunostaining define four major territories: The first (T1) includes all but the rostroventral half of the putamen and is characterized by enhanced matriceal PV and SMI‐32 immunoreactivity (‐ir). The second territory (T2) encompasses most part of the caudate nucleus (Cd) and rostral putamen (PuT), which show enhanced matriceal CB‐ir. The third and fourth territories (T3 and T4) comprise rostroventral parts of Cd and PuT characterized by complementary patch/matrix distributions of CB‐ and CR‐ir, and the accumbens nucleus (Acb), respectively. The latter is separated into lateral (prominently enhanced in CB‐ir) and medial (prominently enhanced in CR‐ir) subdivisions. In the pallidum, parallel gradients also delimit four territories, T1 in the caudal half of external (GPe) and internal (GPi) divisions, characterized by enhanced PV‐ and SMI‐32‐ir; T2 in their rostral half, characterized by enhanced CB‐ir; and T3 and T4 in their rostroventral pole and in the subpallidal area, respectively, both expressing CB‐ and CR‐ir but with different intensities. The subthalamic nucleus (STh) shows contrasting patterns of dense PV‐ir (sparing only the most medial part) and low CB‐ir. Expression of CR‐ir is relatively low, except in the medial, low PV‐ir, part of the nucleus, whereas SMI‐32‐ir is moderate across the whole nucleus. The substantia nigra is characterized by complementary patterns of high neuropil CB‐ and SMI‐32‐ir in pars reticulata (SNr) and high CR‐ir in pars compacta (SNc) and in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The compartmentalization of calcium‐binding proteins and SMI‐32 in the human basal ganglia, in particular in the striatum and pallidum, delimits anatomofunctional territories that are of significance for functional imaging studies and target selection in stereotactic neurosurgery. J. Comp. Neurol. 443:86–103, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolonged Propofol Use in a Critically III Pregnant Patient

Objective: To describe the prolonged use of propofol for sedation of a critically ill pregnant patient in her second trimester. Case Summary: A 20-year-old pregnant woman at 14 weeks' gestation with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma required intubation and mechanical ventilation secondary to tumor-related airway obstruction. Immediately after intubation, propofol was initiated for sedation and maintained for 51 days with only one 5-day interruption in therapy. Over the course of the patient's stay in the intensive care unit, systemic chemotherapy was administered, resulting in a reduction in tumor burden and allowing for successful extubation. Ultimately, the fetus was deemed nonviable and the pregnancy was terminated. Discussion: Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic agent commonly used for the sedation of mechanically ventilated patients and is the only sedative agent that carries a pregnancy category B rating. Fetal outcomes following long-term use of propofol during the first trimester have not been formally evaluated and few reports of propofol use outside of early pregnancy termination, outpatient procedures, or parturition exist in the medical literature. Our patient required early termination of pregnancy; however, we were unable to determine whether fetal loss was a result of propofol use, chemotherapy administration, the use of other pharmacologic agents, or perhaps a combined effect. Conclusions: Despite propofol's pregnancy category B rating, data are lacking in humans regarding its safe use during pregnancy and long-term developmental outcomes in children after exposure to propofol in utero. The safety of propofol as a sedative agent for critically ill pregnant patients remains unknown.
HIV prevalence and associated risks in young men who have sex with men. Young Men's Survey Study Group.

CONTEXT Studies conducted in the late 1980s on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among older men who have sex with men (MSM) suggested the epidemic had peaked; however, more recent studies in younger MSM have suggested continued high HIV incidence. OBJECTIVE To investigate the current state of the HIV epidemic among adolescent and young adult MSM in the United States by assessing the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risks in this population in metropolitan areas. DESIGN The Young Men's Survey, a cross-sectional, multisite, venue-based survey conducted from 1994 through 1998. SETTING One hundred ninety-four public venues frequented by young MSM in Baltimore, Md; Dallas, Tex; Los Angeles, Calif; Miami, Fla; New York, NY; the San Francisco (Calif) Bay Area; and Seattle, Wash. SUBJECTS A total of 3492 15- to 22-year-old MSM who consented to an interview and HIV testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of HIV infection and associated characteristics and risk behaviors. RESULTS Prevalence of HIV infection was high (overall, 7.2%; range for the 7 areas, 2.2%-12. 1%) and increased with age, from 0% among 15-year-olds to 9.7% among 22-year-olds. Multivariate-adjusted HIV infection prevalence was higher among blacks (odds ratio [OR], 6.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-9.8), young men of mixed or other race (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 3. 0-7.6), and Hispanics (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.4), compared with whites (referent) and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (OR, 1. 1; 95% CI, 0.5-2.8). Factors most strongly associated with HIV infection were being black, mixed, or other race; having ever had anal sex with a man (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.8-13.8); or having had sex with 20 or more men (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.0-4.7). Only 46 (18%) of the 249 HIV-positive men knew they were infected before this testing; 37 (15%) were receiving medical care for HIV, and 19 (8%) were receiving medical drug therapy for HIV. Prevalence of unprotected anal sex during the past 6 months was high (overall, 41%; range, 33%-49%). CONCLUSIONS Among these young MSM, HIV prevalence was high, underscoring the need to evaluate and intensify prevention efforts for young MSM, particularly blacks, men of mixed race or ethnicity, Hispanics, and adolescents. JAMA. 2000;284:198-204
Comparative electrocardiographic effects of intravenous ondansetron and granisetron in patients undergoing surgery for carcinoma breast: A prospective single-blind randomised trial

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing symptoms after surgery performed under general anaesthesia. 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonists are routinely used for prevention and treatment of PONV. The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of QTc prolongation and quantify the amount of QTc prolongation with ondansetron and granisetron. Methods: This prospective, randomised, single-blind study was carried out in the OT and Recovery Room (RR) of a tertiary referral cancer centre. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent from the patients, 70 patients undergoing elective surgery for carcinoma breast were included. In the RR, patients randomly received 8 mg of ondansetron or 1 mg of granisetron intravenously. Serial ECGs were recorded at various intervals, Non-invasive blood pressure and SpO2 were also recorded. Chi-square test and Mann-Whiteny test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The demographics were similar in both groups. The incidence of significant QTc prolongation was significantly higher in the ondansetron group (22 of 37 (59.4%) vs. 11 of 33 patients (33.33%) (P<0.05)). There was an increase in the QTc interval in both the groups as compared to the baseline. The median prolongation in QTc interval from baseline was much more in the ondansetron group; this was statistically significant only at 5 and 15 min. Conclusion: Granisetron may be a safer option than ondanasetron for prevention and treatment of PONV due to lesser prolongation QTc interval. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01352130)
Children and Financial Education: Challenges for Developing Financial Capability in the Classroom

Financial education is viewed by both policy makers and the public as an increasingly important tool for developing financially capable citizens in an era of increasing individual financial responsibility. This paper considers the recent history of school involvement in teaching financial education. It then draws on research undertaken in summer 2010 at two Birmingham primary schools to explore children's understandings of key financial issues. The paper concludes that there appears to be a groundswell of momentum behind making financial education a compulsory part of the National Curriculum, but, even if this happens, there will be challenges in delivering such education in practice. For example, the role of values in financial education makes it a contested subject and teachers will need training and support to deal with this. They will also need to be supported to deliver financial education in a way which recognises diversity and sensitivity issues in the classroom.
Endogenous Growth Model: Evidence From East European Countries

Fiscal policy is one of the key issues for every government. In the endogenous growth model, fiscal policy is included as a key factor determining the growth of the economy. The focus in this study is placed on eleven East European transitional countries for the period of 1995 to 2014. The model includes both sides of government finance, taxation and expenditures, with expenditures being grouped into homogeneous categories in order to increase the structural efficiency. We find a positive impact on growth for certain government expenditures such as expenditures aimed at improving human resources, property protection and social investment and a negative one for distortionary taxation. The results provide empirical evidence for the theoretical predictions of endogenous growth.
In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of spherical silver nanoparticles and monodisperse hexagonal gold nanoparticles by fruit extract of Prunus serrulata: a green synthetic approach

Abstract Recently, green metal nanoparticles have received global attention owing to their economical synthesis, biocompatible nature, widespread biomedical and environmental applications. Current study demonstrates a sustainable approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (P-AuNPs) from P. serrulata fresh fruit extract. The silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized in a very rapid, efficient and facile manner, within 50 min and 30 s at 80 °C, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized by using visual observation, UV–Vis, FE-TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, FT-IR, XRD and DLS, which confirmed the formation of monodispersed, crystalline and stable nanoparticles. Further, we explored these nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of downstream NF-κB activation in macrophages (RAW264.7). We demonstrated that the nanoparticles reduced expression of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PEG2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was attenuated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, nanoparticles significantly suppressed LPS-induced activation of NF-κB signalling pathway via p38 MAPK in RAW 264.7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the efficient green synthesis of P-AgNPs and P-AuNPs using P. serrulata fresh fruit extract and its in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, our results suggest that P. serrulata fresh fruit extract is a green resource for the eco-friendly synthesis of P-AgNPs and P-AuNPs, which further can be utilized as a novel therapeutic agent for prevention and cure of inflammation due to their biocompatible nature.
A lead free joining technology for high temperature interconnects using Transient Liquid Phase Soldering (TLPS)

This Paper reports an emerging lead-free joining technology for high temperature application, which can be used for operating temperatures above 200 °C. It is called: “Transient Liquid Phase Soldering (TLPS)”. The TLPS paste used contains a tin-copper powder mixture and is almost completely transformed into Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn intermetallic phases after soldering. Due to the reaction between the liquid tin and the copper powder a skeleton of intermetallic phases are formed immediately during soldering and prevents the paste from collapsing so that a lot of voids remain in the solder line. The challenge for this investigation was to understand the mechanism of the skeleton formation, describe them in detail and find possibilities to avoid the skeleton formation. In this paper a new TLPS paste and two processes are described as a means to manufacture an almost void-less joint. Furthermore, a model was developed that describes the TLPS process in detail. The activation of the TLPS joint is crucial and will be described. Temperature cycling results, failure mechanisms and conclusions to increase the lifetime as well as reliability of such TLPS interconnects will be presented in this paper.
Inequality and Trade Policy: Pro-Poor Bias of Contemporary Trade Restrictions

This paper studies the pro-poor bias of contemporary trade policy in India by estimating the household welfare effects of eliminating the current protection structure. The elimination of a pro-poor trade policy is expected to have lower welfare gains or higher welfare loss at the low end of the per capita expenditure distribution. The paper first constructs trade restrictiveness indices for household consumption items and industry affiliations using both tariffs and the ad valorem equivalent of non-tariff barriers. The welfare effects are estimated through its impacts on household expenditure and earnings. The results indicate that Indian trade policy is regressive through the expenditure channel as it disproportionately raises the cost of consumption for poorer households, while it is progressive through the earnings channel in urban areas and neutral in rural areas. The net distributional effect through these two channels is estimated to be regressive, and elimination of current trade protection structure is expected to reduce inequality. These results indicate that a trade protection structure that designed as a progressive trade policy through the earnings channel may induce price effects that are regressive through the expenditure channel.
PER-6, an Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase from Aeromonas allosaccharophila

ABSTRACT An Aeromonas allosaccharophila environmental isolate recovered from the Seine River (Paris, France) produced a novel extended-spectrum β-lactamase, PER-6, that shared 92% amino acid identity with the closest ß-lactamase, PER-2. The kinetic properties of PER-6 showed a slightly increased affinity for carbapenems. The blaPER-6 gene was chromosomally located and bracketed by non-transposon-related structures.
Etiology and significance of incidentally detected focal colonic uptake on FDG PET/CT

Abstract Background: Incidental colonic uptake of 18F-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) is not an infrequent finding encountered during whole body positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Almost all studies on this topic are in Western populations, which have a markedly different epidemiological profile for colorectal premalignant and malignant conditions as compared to that of the Indian subcontinent. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the etiology of incidentally detected focal FDG uptake in the colon by comparing it with colonoscopy and histopathology. Materials and Methods: Electronic medical records of patients who underwent FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) at our institution for a 2½-year period from January 2009 to July 2011 were reviewed. There were 32 out of 9000 (0.35%) patients whose PET/CT reports mentioned incidental focal colonic FDG uptake, of which 24 patients subsequently underwent colonoscopy. Lesions which appeared neoplastic on colonoscopy were confirmed with histopathology obtained after biopsy or surgery. Colonoscopy and pathology findings were considered as gold standard. Results: Among the 24 patients who underwent a colonoscopy, 3 patients had normal findings (12.5%). A positive colonoscopy was noted in 21 patients (87.5%) with the lesion coinciding with the location described in the PET/CT report. Adenomatous polyps were detected in 12 patients (37.5%), whereas in 8 patients (25%) malignant lesions were confirmed [adenocarcinoma n = 5, non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma (NHL) n = 2, malignant melanoma n = 1]. In one patient, colonic uptake was diagnosed as inflammatory. The mean standardized uptake value max (SUV max ) for the 12 premalignant lesions was 16.9 ± 9.6 (range 7.5-37.4) and the mean SUV max for the 8 malignant lesions was 12.9 ± 5.5 (range 6.7-21.6). The difference in SUV max between the premalignant adenomatous polyps and the malignant lesions was not statistically significant (P = 0.316). Conclusions: Our study shows that a significant proportion of patients (62.5%, 20/32) showing an incidental focal FDG uptake will harbor premalignant (adenomatous polyps) or malignant lesions, and further evaluation with colonoscopy and biopsy is warranted in such cases.
Biological maturation and the distribution of subcutaneous fat from adolescence into adulthood: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Study.

OBJECTIVE To analyze differences in the development of a trunk-oriented fat distribution pattern between 13 and 27 years of age in individuals who either matured rapidly or slowly in adolescence. DESIGN Longitudinal, observational, four annual measurements between 1977 and 1980 and additional measurements in 1985 and 1991. SUBJECTS 79 boys, 98 girls, health Caucasian schoolchildren, classified as rapidly, normally or slowly maturing. MEASUREMENTS biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac skinfolds resulting in two skinfold ratios, body mass index, skeletal age, peak height velocity (for boys only), age at menarche. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found between rapidly and slowly maturing boys and girls, based on the skeletal age or the peak height velocity. Girls with a relatively early menarche showed significant higher mean skinfold ratios between 13 and 27 years of age than girls with a relatively late menarche. CONCLUSION Skeletal maturation of boys and girls and peak height velocity (only measured in boys) are not associated with a trunk-oriented fat distribution pattern between 13 and 27 years of age. Only a relatively early menarche in girls seems to be associated with a trunk-oriented fat distribution pattern from adolescence into adulthood.
Musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators.

OBJECTIVES A longitudinal study was conducted to describe the prevalences and development of musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators in relation to age and exposure and among former sewing machine operators who changed exposure by changing occupation. METHODS Musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed among 327 sewing machine operators in 1985 with the use of the standardized Nordic questionnaire. A follow-up study in 1991 showed that approximately one-third was still working as a sewing machine operator, one-third had changed occupation, and the rest were out of employment. The exposure was assessed by a questionnaire regarding the type of machine being operated, work organization, workplace design, units produced per day, and payment system. RESULTS High prevalences of musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and shoulders were found, with some associations to exposure variables such as efficiency. Initially symptom-free sewing machine operators were not at a higher risk of developing symptoms when they continued sewing during the six-year follow-up when compared with those who changed to other employment. However, symptomatic sewing machine operators who quit sewing were much more likely to be relieved of their symptoms than were symptomatic operators who continued sewing, odds ratio 3.26 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.38-7.72] for 12-month symptoms and odds ratio 3.90 (95% CI 1.28-11.90) for 7-day symptoms. This trend also applied to long-lasting symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that, for many sewing machine operators, neck and shoulder symptoms are reversible and may be influenced by reallocation to other worktasks.
Functional outcomes and quality of life of young adults who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Background Evaluating the quality of life of young adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is important as they are likely to have a longer life expectancy than older patients. The aim of this study was to assess their functional and quality of life outcomes. Methodology The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry records were used to identify survivors of OHCA that occurred between 2003 and 2008 in the 18-39 year-old age group. Survivors were administered a telephone questionnaire using Short Form (SF-12), EQ-5D and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended. Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) ascertained at hospital discharge from the medical record was recorded for the uncontactable survivors. Results Of the 106 young adult survivors, five died in the intervening years and 45 were not contactable or refused. CPC scores were obtained for 37 (74%) of those who did not take part in telephone follow-up, and 7 (19%) of these had a CPC ≥3 indicating severe cerebral disability. The median follow-up time was 5 years (range 2.7- 8.6 years) for the 56 (53%) patients included. Of these, 84% were living at home independently, 68% had returned to work, and only 11% reported marked or severe disability. The majority of patients had no problems with mobility (75%), personal care (75%), usual activities (66%) or pain/discomfort (71%). However, 61% of respondents reported either moderate (48%) or severe (13%) anxiety. Conclusions The majority of survivors have good functional and quality of life outcomes. Telephone follow-up is feasible in the young adult survivors of cardiac arrest; loss to follow-up is common.
Role of PET and combination PET/CT in the evaluation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging technique providing noninvasive, three‐dimensional, whole‐body, quantitative images. The primary use of PET is in tumor detection and staging. More recently, it has been shown to be of value in assessing patients with inflammatory processes. To date the role of PET in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been defined. Methods: The electronic literature (August 1966 to June 2008) on the utilization of PET in IBD was reviewed. Further references were obtained by cross‐referencing from key articles. Results: There have been no randomized studies to date examining the role of PET in the management of patients with IBD. Comparative studies have demonstrated a high degree of correlation between PET‐detected segmental 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and sites of macroscopic and histological inflammation noted on endoscopy. Prospectively, PET performs favorably in comparison to conventional imaging modalities for IBD such as immunoscintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hydro‐MRI. Several case series have highlighted the utility of PET in the diagnosis of IBD in the pediatric population. The recent development of PET/computed tomography (CT) combines the physiological sensitivity of PET with the anatomical accuracy of CT, increasing the specificity of PET. Conclusions: The case series and nonrandomized studies published to date emphasize the utility of PET in assessing patients with IBD and justify further study. The development of PET/CT represents a significant advance and should be considered in the evaluation of patients with IBD.