Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonadenomatous polyps at CT colonography: prevalence, size distribution, and detection rates.

PURPOSE To prospectively investigate with computed tomographic (CT) colonography the prevalence and size distribution of nonadenomatous polyps in asymptomatic adults and to compare the detection rates of adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1233 asymptomatic adults (mean age, 57.8 years; 505 women, 728 men) underwent same-day CT colonography and optical colonoscopy procedures. CT colonoscopy studies were interpreted prospectively with a primary three-dimensional approach immediately before optical colonoscopy. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi(2) test. Size, prevalence, and by-polyp detection differences were compared between adenomatous and nonadenomatous polyps. RESULTS Seven hundred fifty-six (57.7%) colorectal polyps identified at optical colonoscopy in 410 (33.3%) patients were nonadenomatous; of these lesions, 622 (82.3%) were diminutive (</=5 mm). Nonadenomatous polyps accounted for 622 (64.4%) of 966 diminutive lesions and 134 (39.9%) of 344 polyps 6 mm or larger (P <.001). The prevalence rate for nonadenomatous polyps was 8.8% (109 of 1233 patients) and 2.0% (25 of 1233 patients) at 6- and 10-mm thresholds, respectively. CT colonography by-polyp sensitivity for nonadenomatous lesions was 73.1% (98 of 134 patients) and 73.3% (22 of 30 patients) at 6- and 10-mm thresholds, respectively, compared with 85.7% (180 of 210 patients) and 92.2% (47 of 51 patients) for adenomas (P <.01). In 1065 patients that did not have a 6-mm or larger adenoma at optical colonoscopy, CT colonography depicted a nonadenomatous polyp that was 6 mm or larger in 63 (5.9%) patients and a nonadenomatous polyp that was 10 mm or larger in 15 (1.4%) patients. CONCLUSION More than 80% of nonadenomatous polyps were diminutive, but they accounted for nearly 40% of polyps that were 6 mm or larger. Fortunately, CT colonography is significantly (P <.01) less sensitive in the detection of lesions that have no malignant potential when compared with similar-sized adenomas that have malignant potential.
The Effects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation on Human Motor Functions: A Comprehensive Review of Functional Neuroimaging Studies

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a promising tool to enhance human motor skills. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not fully understood. On the other hand, neuroimaging modalities provide powerful tools to map some of the neurophysiological biomarkers associated with tES. Here, a comprehensive review was undertaken to summarize the neuroimaging evidence of how tES affects human motor skills. A literature search has been done on the PubMed database, and 46 relative articles were selected. After reviewing these articles, we conclude that neuroimaging techniques are feasible to be coupled with tES and offer valuable information of cortical excitability, connectivity, and oscillations regarding the effects of tES on human motor behavior. The biomarkers derived from neuroimaging could also indicate the motor performance under tES conditions. This approach could advance the understanding of tES effects on motor skill and shed light on a new generation of adaptive stimulation models.
Determination of Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Helicobacter pylori Isolates from South India Population

Introduction: The importance of H. pylori as an etiological agent in gastroduodenal disease had suggested antibiotic treatment as a main target for the elimination of infection. The successful eradication of H. pylori infection was shown to resolve the gastritis, dramatically accelerate ulcer healing, reduce ulcer recurrence and the prophylactic effect on the recurrence of ulcer bleeding. Materials and Methods: In the present study a total six antimicrobial agents such as Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Norfloxacin, Tetracyclin, Amoxycillin and Clarithromycin were used against 100 clinical isolates from patients with peptic ulcer, and non-ulcer dyspepsia. H. pylori was isolated from the gastric biopsies obtained from the clinical subjects. Results: Results of our study showed 100% resistance to Metronidazole (MIC > 256 μg/ml). 97% of the isolates were observed sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (MIC 0.38 μg), whereas Tetracyclin showed 96% sensitivity (MIC 0.25 μg - 0.125 μg). Resistance to amoxycillin, Norfloxacin, and Clarithromycin were 80%, 38% and 76% respectively (MIC > 256 μg/ml). Conclusion: It is observed that 96% - 97% of the clinical isolates were sensitive to Tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, where all isolates were found to be resistant to Metronidazole. Resistance to Amoxycillin and Clarithromycin were 80% and 76% respectively. Studies attributed the high level of resistance to the frequent use of the drugs to treat various other infections and ineffective drug control policy.
Cytomegalovirus Is Present in a Very High Proportion of Brains from Vascular Dementia Patients

We previously found that herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV1), when present in brain of carriers of the apolipoprotein E type 4 allele is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. To find if HSV1 or certain other herpesviruses are involved in vascular dementia (VaD), we searched post mortem brain specimens from patients suffering from VaD for the presence of HSV1, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesvirus type 6 DNA, using polymerase chain reaction. We have found that a very high proportion of the VaD patients, 93% (14/15), but not of age-matched normals, 34% (10/29), harbor CMV DNA (P = 0.0002); the proportions of the patients harboring the other viruses in brain do not differ significantly from those of the normals. Further studies are needed to reveal whether or not the association of CMV with VaD is causal.
Human B Cell Activation, Proliferation and Differentiation

The last several years have witnessed an extraordinary upsurge in the study and understanding of both human and murine B cell immunobiology. Two major forces have been of paramount importance in these endeavors. The first is the application of new and sophisticated technologies such as somatic cell hybridization with both B and T cells, cell cloning, molecular genetics, and recombinant DNA. The second is the identification by a number of immunology laboratories of the existence of antigen-non-specific factors which transmit signals for the growth and/or differentiation of B lymphocytes (Howard & Paul 1983). In this review, we will consider and discuss a model of human B cell function proposed by us (Muraguchi et al. 1983b) and others (Yoshizaki et al. 1982). In this model, the initial signal is provided by the interaction of antigen or its equivalents with the surface membrane Ig. This initiates B cell activation, and the cell expresses receptors for growth factors. In the presence ofthe appropriate growth factors, the cell enters S phase and becomes a cycling cell. Subsequently, receptors for differentiation factors are expressed, and the presence of those factors initiates the production and secretion of Ig.
Differential Alteration of Cellular Lipids in Drug Sensitive and Resistant P388 Leukemia Cells by Clofibrate: Effects on Mitoxantrone Cytotoxicity

Earlier Investigations have Indicated a difference in the lipid profiles of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tumor cells. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of alterations in the cellular lipid compositions by clofibrate (CPIB), an anti-hyperlipidemic agent, on mitoxantrone (Mtn) cytotoxicity in murine P388 leukemia cells sensitive (P388/S) and resistant (P388/Adr) to adriamycin and in human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. CPIB did not elicit any significant alterations in the lipid levels of P388/S cells, whereas in the P388/Adr cells it brought about a 14% and 49% decrease in the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride respectively. Inhibition of 3H-thymidine incorporation was utilized as a measure of cellular cytotoxicity. CPIB caused a dose dependent inhibition of DNA and RNA biosynthesis in P388/S, P388/Adr and CML cells. The combination of CPIB and Mtn induced a greater cytotoxicity in P388/Adr cells as compared to P388/S cells, as shown by enhanced inhibition of 3H-thymidine incorporation in P388/Adr cells. Similar results were observed when 3H-uridine was used as a measure of cellular cytotoxicity. These observations were further confirmed in fresh CML cell samples, in which the combination of CPIB with Mtn induced an irreversible and synergistic Inhibition of DNA biosynthesis. Results warrant extensive studies on CPIB as a clinical modulator to enhance the antiproliferative activity of Mtn.
G-protein Signaling Modulator-3 Regulates Heterotrimeric G-protein Dynamics through Dual Association with Gβ and Gαi Protein Subunits*

Background: GPSM3 is known to bind inactive Gαi and act as a GDP dissociation inhibitor, preventing Gβγ association. Results: GPSM3 also interacts with Gβ, independent of Gαi binding and excluding a Gγ interaction. Conclusion: GPSM3 stabilizes Gβ until formation of the Gβγ dimer. Significance: GPSM3 may establish a novel checkpoint in the regulation of heterotrimeric protein subunit dynamics. Regulation of the assembly and function of G-protein heterotrimers (Gα·GDP/Gβγ) is a complex process involving the participation of many accessory proteins. One of these regulators, GPSM3, is a member of a family of proteins containing one or more copies of a small regulatory motif known as the GoLoco (or GPR) motif. Although GPSM3 is known to bind Gαi·GDP subunits via its GoLoco motifs, here we report that GPSM3 also interacts with the Gβ subunits Gβ1 to Gβ4, independent of Gγ or Gα·GDP subunit interactions. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation studies suggest that the Gβ-GPSM3 complex is formed at, and transits through, the Golgi apparatus and also exists as a soluble complex in the cytoplasm. GPSM3 and Gβ co-localize endogenously in THP-1 cells at the plasma membrane and in a juxtanuclear compartment. We provide evidence that GPSM3 increases Gβ stability until formation of the Gβγ dimer, including association of the Gβ-GPSM3 complex with phosducin-like protein PhLP and T-complex protein 1 subunit eta (CCT7), two known chaperones of neosynthesized Gβ subunits. The Gβ interaction site within GPSM3 was mapped to a leucine-rich region proximal to the N-terminal side of its first GoLoco motif. Both Gβ and Gαi·GDP binding events are required for GPSM3 activity in inhibiting phospholipase-Cβ activation. GPSM3 is also shown in THP-1 cells to be important for Akt activation, a known Gβγ-dependent pathway. Discovery of a Gβ/GPSM3 interaction, independent of Gα·GDP and Gγ involvement, adds to the combinatorial complexity of the role of GPSM3 in heterotrimeric G-protein regulation.
Intermediate and Long-term Outcomes of Mitomycin C–enhanced Trabeculectomy as a First Glaucoma Procedure in Uveitic Glaucoma

Objectives: To evaluate the intermediate and long-term outcomes of mitomycin C–enhanced trabeculectomy as a first glaucoma procedure in uveitic glaucoma. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study included 70 eyes of 50 patients with uveitic glaucoma who underwent mitomycin C–enhanced trabeculectomy as a first glaucoma procedure at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 1996 and 2014. The main outcome measures were: the intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, the presence of visually threatening complications, and the need for further surgeries to control the IOP. Surgical outcome of each eye was classified as an absolute success, qualified success, or failure, based on the main outcome measures. Results: The mean follow-up period was 77.0 months (±40.9). The IOP and number of antiglaucoma medications decreased significantly from a mean of 39.5 mm Hg (±8.9) and 3.7 (±0.8) to 14.4 mm Hg (±6.9) and 1 (±1.3) at the last follow-up, respectively (P<0.001 for both). The cumulative probabilities of success were 60% and 35.7% at 36 and 60 months postoperatively, respectively. The most common complications were cataract development and progression (45.3%), hypotony (IOP ⩽5 mm Hg) (30%) and IOP spike≥30 mm Hg (10%). Eighteen eyes (25.7%) needed a second procedure to control the IOP. Conclusions: Although mitomycin C–enhanced trabeculectomy offers reasonable intermediate and long-term IOP control and safety in uveitic glaucoma, a significant number of patients needed further procedures to control the pressure. Thus, continuous monitoring of the pressure and inflammation are crucial.
Autonomous Wi-Fi Relay Placement With Mobile Robots

Stable communication plays an important role in many autonomous robotic applications, particularly in challenging environments that lack communication infrastructures. At present, there exists a high demand for wireless communication networks that can be quickly established to operate devices or agents, such as tasked mobile robots. Eliminating the bottlenecks in data transmission and optimizing the communication ability of base stations, mobile robots, and clients are necessary to ensure stable wireless communication. To solve the problem, an efficient approach is proposed by equipping Wi-Fi routers on mobile robots to enable and enhance dynamic communication ability. First, two specific Wi-Fi models are proposed to detect the distribution of Wi-Fi signals over operating environments and assist in the navigation of relay robots. A visual-laser simultaneous localization and mapping is proposed to establish an environmental map and further localize relay robots. A rapidly exploring random trees-based motion planning method is utilized to identify the target relay locations with optimal communication ability based on the built Wi-Fi signal distribution. Mobile relay robots are controlled automatically to the corresponding target locations, and an ad-hoc wireless network with good quality is established. The experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The impact of occiput posterior fetal head position on the risk of anal sphincter injury in forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries.

OBJECTIVE A forceps-assisted vaginal delivery is a well-recognized risk factor for anal sphincter injury. Some studies have shown that occiput posterior (OP) fetal head position is also associated with an increased risk for third- or fourth-degree lacerations. The objective of this study was to assess whether OP position confers an incrementally increased risk for anal sphincter injury above that present with forceps deliveries. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study of 588 singleton, cephalic, forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries performed at our institution between January 1996 and October 2003. Maternal demographics, labor and delivery characteristics, and neonatal factors were examined. Statistical analysis consisted of univariate statistics, Student t test, chi2, and logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of occiput anterior (OA) and OP positions was 88.4% and 11.6%, respectively. The groups were similar in age, marital status, body mass index, use of epidural, frequency of inductions, episiotomies, and shoulder dystocias. The OA group had a higher frequency of rotational forceps (16.2% vs 5.9%, P = .03), greater birth weights (3304 +/- 526 g vs 3092 +/- 777 g, P = .004), and a larger percentage of white women (48.8% vs 34.3%, P = .04). Overall, 35% of forceps deliveries resulted in a third- or fourth-degree laceration. Anal sphincter injury occurred significantly more often in the OP group compared with the OA group (51.5% vs 32.9%, P = .003), giving an odds ratio of 2.2 (CI: 1.3-3.6). In a logistic regression model that controlled for occiput posterior position, maternal body mass index, race, length of second stage, episiotomy, birth weight, and rotational forceps, OP head position was 3.1 (CI: 1.6-6.2) times more likely to be associated with anal sphincter injury than OA head position. CONCLUSION Forceps-assisted vaginal deliveries have been associated with a greater risk for anal sphincter injury. Within this population of forceps deliveries, an OP position further increases the risk of third- or fourth-degree lacerations when compared with an OA position.
The Optimal Length of Insertion of Central Venous Catheters for Pediatric Patients

Incorrect positioning of central venous catheters (CVC) in infants and children may lead to serious complications such as perforation of the heart or great vessels. CVC position is not usually assessed until the first postoperative chest radiograph, potentially leaving malposition undetected for several hours. We studied a series of 452 right internal jugular and subclavian catheter placements in infants and children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease, and measured the distance from the skin insertion site to the radiographic junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium (RA). Based on these data, the following formulae predict that a CVC will be positioned above the RA 97% of the time: correct length of insertion (cm) = (height in cm/10) − 1 for patients ≤100 cm in height, and (height in cm/10) − 2 for patients >100 cm in height. Weight-based recommendations were also developed which predict placement of CVC above the RA 98% of the time.
What next after metformin? A retrospective evaluation of the outcome of second-line, glucose-lowering therapies in people with type 2 diabetes.

CONTEXT After failure of metformin monotherapy, many second-line, glucose-lowering therapies are available to treat people with type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to compare clinical outcomes using common alternative regimens. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a retrospective cohort study using data from the U.K.-based General Practice Research Database. PATIENTS These were primary care patients with type 2 diabetes who had metformin monotherapy as their first treatment and who then initiated on relevant second-line, glucose-lowering regimens during the study period 2000-2010. A total of 27,457 patients were prescribed a second-line therapy, of whom 26,278 (95.7%) were prescribed a regimen with 1,000 or more observations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cancer, and a combined end point of any of these were measured. Secondary end points were change in glycosylated hemoglobin between baseline and 12 months. Time to clinical end points was compared using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Sulfonylurea monotherapy had significantly higher hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality (HR 1.459, 1.207-1.763); MACE (HR 1.578, 1.187-2.099); stroke (HR 1.444, 1.050-1.987); and the combined end point (HR 1.381, 1.194-1.597). Metformin plus pioglitazone had significantly lower adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality (HR 0.707, 0.515-0.970) and the combined end point (HR 0.747, 0.612-0.911). Mean glycosylated hemoglobin improved between baseline and 12 months for all regimens other than sulfonylurea monotherapy. CONCLUSION The combination of metformin plus pioglitazone appears to provide superior clinical outcomes compared with the most commonly used regimen, metformin plus sulfonylurea. Sulfonylurea monotherapy resulted in worse outcome.
Drug consumption in the first years of rheumatoid arthritis in France, The Netherlands, and Norway. A longitudinal study in the early nineties.

OBJECTIVE To analyse drug consumption in the first years of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in France, the Netherlands, and Norway, in a longitudinal study between 1991 and 1993. PATIENTS AND METHODS The EURIDISS cohort followed up over three years included 695 RA subjects with less than 5 years disease duration. Clinical and biological parameters, drug consumption according to ATC classification, and use of local treatment were recorded. RESULTS In the Netherlands consumption of second-line treatment occurred early on, and remained constant over time. In France, it was consumed by half of the subjects and decreased during follow-up (p<0.001). In Norway, 50% of the subjects were on second-line treatment at the outset. NSAIDs rather than corticoids were the most widely consumed. Patients underwent frequently local treatments with decrease frequency of infiltrations over time (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Second-line treatments were used in the first years of disease development, following varying sequences in the different countries.
The role of amplitude envelope in Cantonese lexical tone perception: implications for cochlear implants

Amplitude envelope co-varies with F0 in Mandarin le xical tones. It can cue lexical tone perception in a tone la guage such as Mandarin which uses different pitch contour s fo phonemic contrasts. The current study investigated whether amplitude envelope could also aid the perception of lexical tones in a language such as Cantonese which uses bot h pitch contour and relative pitch height for phonemic cont rasts. Stimuli containing only the amplitude envelope of Ca ntonese lexical tones were used, and native speakers of Can tonese identified the lexical tones contained in the stimu l with above-chance accuracy. Thus, amplitude envelope cou ld ue pitch contour and pitch height for lexical tone per ception. Amplitude envelope was found to co-vary with F0 in Cantonese lexical tones, and the degree of their cov ariability was a fair predictor of Cantonese lexical tone perce ption using amplitude envelope alone. Clinical implication s of these findings for cochlear implants were discussed .
Joint Replacement Surgery at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore , Review of 102 Cases

T he modern era of joint replacement surgery started with the pioneer work of Sir John Charnley in all aspects of total hip arthroplasty, including the concept of low friction torque arthroplasty, surgical alteration of hip biomechanics, lubrication materials, design and operating room environment. His major contribution was use of cold-curing acrylic cement (polymethylmethacrylate) for fixation of components. His periodic reviews of significant number of patients have been invaluable, especially concerning wear, infection, loosening and stem failure • A major breakthrough in total knee arthroplasty began with Gunston report in 1971 of his experience with minimally constrained total knee a1throplasty• The history of arthroplasty has been dynamic, and research continues to improve results, especially in younger patients. Investigations have proceeded along two major paths, one to eliminate the use of bone cement and other to improve the cemented implants. The advancements in bone cementing techniques have produced eighty-seven percent good or excellent results at 15.3 years after surgery with low friction hip arthroplasty3 and eleven year after total condylar knee a1throplasty4. Joint replacement surgery is still in introductory phase in Pakistan and other third world countries, due to economic reasons, lack of proper facilities and skilled personnel. This study is a preliminary repo1t of experience at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore regarding joint replacement. The aim of present study is to evaluate the results of joint replacement surgery in group of patients from our social, cultural, and economic setup and determining its limitations in our customs where majority of population has to perform its daily activities while sitting or squatting on the floor.
On the cause of abrupt vegetation collapse in North Africa during the Holocene: Climate variability vs. vegetation feedback

The abrupt desertification over the northern Africa in the mid‐Holocene is studied in both a complex and a simple coupled climate‐vegetation model. In contrast to the previous mechanism that relies on strong positive vegetation‐climate feedback and the resulted multiple equilibria, we propose a new mechanism in which the abrupt desertification is caused by low frequency climate variability, rather than a positive vegetation‐climate feedback. The implication of this new mechanism to modelling and observation is also discussed.