Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does lenticulostriate vasculopathy predipose to ischemic brain infarct? A case report

Lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) is a sonographic finding in infancy with obscure etiology and variable diagnostic and prognostic significance. Ischemic infarct in the territory of the lenticulostriate vessels after mild head trauma is a rare pathology. There are no publications on LSV followed by ischemic infarct. We present the case of an 8‐month‐old boy who suffered mild head trauma and developed an ischemic brain infarct in the territory of preexisting LSV. It is speculated that LSV might be a predisposing factor for ischemic brain infarct after mild head trauma in infants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2012
Time Discounting and Economic Decision-Making Among the Elderly

This paper evaluates the extent of heterogeneity in time discounting among elderly Americans, as well as its role in explaining older peoples’ key behaviors. We first show how older Americans evaluate simple (hypothetical) intertemporal choices in which payments now are compared with payments in the future. This adds to the literature on time horizon experiments by focusing on a nationally representative sample of persons age 70+. Using the indicators derived from this experiment, we show how differences in discounting patterns are associated with characteristics of particular importance in elderly populations, such as serious health and mental conditions. We then relate our discounting measure to key outcome variables including wealth, the timing of retirement, investments in health, and decisions about end of life care.
Inflation Expectations and the Price at the Pump

Consumer inflation expectations are positively correlated with gas prices. The optimal monetary policy response to energy price fluctuations depends on whether inflation expectations are excessively sensitive to gas prices, perhaps due to their high volatility and salience. I use multi-horizon microdata to study the dynamics of consumers' gas price and inflation expectations. Consumers do not "overweight" gas prices in their perception of inflation, relative to the expenditure share of gas. They believe gas price inflation is negatively autocorrelated and feeds into core inflation moderately. The impact of gas prices on inflation expectations fades quickly with forecast horizon.
The Development of Specific Responses of the Exocrine Pancreas to Pancreozymin and Secretin Stimulation in Newborn Infants

Extract: The pancreatic secretion rates of fluid, protein, Na+, K+, Ca++, and HCO3- before and after pancreozymin and secretin stimulations have been studied in 25 premature and 12 full term newborn infants. The secretion rates are (with few exceptions) higher in premature than in full term newborn infants. In both groups of subjects at birth the pancreozymin and the secretin stimulations yield an increment of pancreatic secretion rates; differences between the responses to pancreozymin and secretin have been observed but are statistically not significant; a statistically significant differentiated response to each of the two hormones appeared only in premature newborn infants at 1 month of age.Speculation: In premature and full term newborn infants the exocrine pancreas is functionally unable to distinguish pancreozymin from secretin at birth, but it is able to do so at 1 week of age. A week of adaptation to extrauterine life seems to be necessary in order to obtain a response to hormonal stimulation qualitatively similar to, although quantitatively lower than, that of older infants and children.
Hamstring Reinjuries Occur at the Same Location and Early After Return to Sport

Background: Despite relatively high reinjury rates after acute hamstring injuries, there is a lack of detailed knowledge about where and when hamstring reinjuries occur, and studies including imaging-confirmed reinjuries are scarce. Purpose: To investigate the location, radiological severity, and timing of reinjuries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with the index injury. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A MRI scan was obtained ≤5 days after an acute hamstring index injury in 180 athletes, and time to return to sport (RTS) was registered. Athletes with an MRI-confirmed reinjury in the same leg ≤365 days after RTS were included. Categorical grading and standardized MRI parameters of the index injury and reinjury were scored by a single radiologist (with excellent intraobserver reliability). To determine the location of the reinjury, axial and coronal views of the index injury and reinjury were directly compared on proton density–weighted fat-suppressed images. Results: In the 19 athletes included with reinjury, 79% of these reinjuries occurred in the same location within the muscle as the index injury. The median time to RTS after the index injury was 19 days (range, 5-37 days; interquartile range [IQR], 15 days). The median time between the index injury and reinjury was 60 days (range, 20-316 days; IQR, 131 days) and the median time between RTS after the index injury and the reinjury was 24 days (range, 4-311 days; IQR, 140 days). More than 50% of reinjuries occurred within 25 days (4 weeks) after RTS from the index injury and 50% occurred within 50 days after the index injury. All reinjuries with more severe radiological grading occurred in the same location as the index injury. Conclusion: The majority of the hamstring reinjuries occurred in the same location as the index injury, early after RTS and with a radiologically greater extent, suggesting incomplete biological and/or functional healing of the index injury. Specific exercise programs focusing on reinjury prevention initiated after RTS from the index injury are highly recommended.
Expression of Bcl-2 and epithelial growth factor receptor proteins in keratocystic odontogenic tumor in comparison with dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma

Background: Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a developmental odontogenic cyst on which various investigations have been focused due to its biological activities, high tendency to recur and different growth mechanisms in comparison with other cystic lesions. Previous studies have shown different biological and proliferative activities for the lining epithelium of KCOT. The aim of this study was immunohistochemical evaluation of Bcl-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in KCOT compared with dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 16 cases of KCOT, 16 cases of dentigerous cyst and 16 cases of ameloblastoma were immunohistochemically analyzed to determine Bcl-2 and EGFR proteins’ expression. Biotin-Stereotavidin method was used. It was observed by two oral pathologists separately, and the data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney and Kruskul–Wallis. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Regardless of staining intensity, all cases of ameloblastoma and KCOT except dentigerous cases were positively stained for Bcl-2. Expression of Bcl-2 was higher in the peripheral layer of ameloblastoma and basal layer of KCOT. Furthermore, all cases of ameloblastoma and dentigerous cysts except KCOT samples were positively stained for EGFR. Expression of EGFR was higher in the peripheral layer of ameloblastoma and basal layer of dentigerous cysts. Conclusion: According to the expression of — Bcl-2 in ameloblastoma and KCOT, and no expression of EGFR in KCOT, it can be concluded that the biological activity and growth mechanisms of KCOT are different compared with other cystic lesions. However, the aggressive potential of KCOT is not as severe as that of a neoplasm such as ameloblastoma.
Clinical and Psychosocial Origins of Chronic Depressive Episodes

Background We consider how well the psychosocial and clinical factors found to predict a chronic course for depressive episodes in the community, held for female psychiatric patients. Method A consecutive series of depressed patients, aged 18 to 60, treated as in-patients, out-patients or day-patients at psychiatric departments of two London hospitals, were interviewed initially and at follow-up two years later. Results Indices of childhood adversity and current interpersonal difficulties predicted episodes taking a chronic course (of more than 12 months' duration). Half of the episodes associated with one or the other factor were chronic, compared with 22% of those with neither. The patients were at higher risk than the community series (75% v. 34%) and this explains their much greater rate of chronicity. There was also some evidence that social support reduced risk. Clinical features and the presence of a personality disorder were unrelated to chronicity. Conclusions Similar psychosocial factors are important for predicting chronicity in both community and patient series.
Norepinephrine Controls Effector T Cell Differentiation through β2-Adrenergic Receptor–Mediated Inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 in Dendritic Cells

Despite accumulating evidence indicating that neurotransmitters released by the sympathetic nervous system can modulate the activity of innate immune cells, we still know very little about how norepinephrine impacts signaling pathways in dendritic cells (DC) and the consequence of that in DC-driven T cell differentiation. In this article, we demonstrate that β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) activation in LPS-stimulated DC does not impair their ability to promote T cell proliferation; however, it diminishes IL-12p70 secretion, leading to a shift in the IL-12p70/IL-23 ratio. Although β2AR stimulation in DC induces protein kinase A–dependent cAMP-responsive element–binding protein phosphorylation, the effect of changing the profile of cytokines produced upon LPS challenge occurs in a protein kinase A–independent manner and, rather, is associated with inhibition of the NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways. Moreover, as a consequence of the inverted IL-12p70/IL-23 ratio following β2AR stimulation, LPS-stimulated DC promoted the generation of CD4+ T cells that, upon TCR engagement, produced lower amounts of IFN-γ and higher levels of IL-17. These findings provide new insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms by which β2AR stimulation in murine DC can influence the generation of adaptive immune responses and may explain some aspects of how sympathetic nervous system activity can modulate immune function.
Sevoflurane and Anesthesia for Neurosurgery: A Review

This review assesses the extent to which sevoflurane fulfills the requirements of the ideal inhalational agent for use in neuroanesthetic practice. Sevoflurane's pharmacokinetic profile is outlined. Data from animal and human studies are used to discuss its effects on cerebral hemodynamics, central nervous system monitoring, and cardiovascular parameters. Where possible, sevoflurane is compared with isoflurane, currently considered the inhalational agent of choice in neuroanesthesia. Sevoflurane's potential for toxicity is reviewed.
Occupational irritant and allergic contact dermatitis among healthcare workers

Contact dermatitis is the most frequent occupational dermatosis and non‐specific irritants in addition to specific Type IV sensitization are involved. We reviewed our database for data from 1994 to 1998 and selected 360 consecutive patients working in healthcare environments and experiencing contact dermatitis at their hands, wrists and forearms. We found that allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis were considered to be work‐related in 16.5% (72/436) and 44.4% (194/436) of diagnoses, respectively. Occupational irritant contact dermatitis is due to exposure to a wide range of irritants in the workplace, such as soaps, solvents, cleansers and protective gloves, which conspire to remove the surface lipid layer and/or produce cellular damage. In this study the major relevant aetiological agents that induced occupational allergic contact dermatitis were: nickel sulphate (41 patch positivities), components of disinfectants [glutaraldehyde ( 5 ) and benzalkonium chloride ( 7 )] and rubber chemicals [thiuram mix ( 15 ), carba mix ( 9 ) and tetramethylthiuram monosulphide ( 6 )]. The best treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is to avoid those allergens causing the rash. Whenever this is not possible, contact with them needs to be reduced using properly selected protective gloves. Finally, subjects with atopic dermatitis should avoid ‘wet work’ and contact with irritants, because atopic dermatitis is significantly associated with irritant contact dermatitis.
Analysing spatial spillovers in corruption: A dynamic spatial panel data approach†

Previous studies on the determinants of corruption have seldom addressed cross-border spillovers of corruption in a panel data setting. In this paper, we first propose a theoretical model of spatial corruption spillover based on network analysis. Then, we analyse spatial spillovers in corruption using a dynamic spatial panel approach. The results indicate that corruption not only exhibits spatial spillovers but also a persistent effect over time. More importantly, increase of income per capita, economic freedom, and percentage of women in the parliaments have a long-term effect on the perceived levels of corruption. Policies and programmes aiming at abating corruption must take into consideration those results.
Novel features in auriculo-condylar syndrome

Auriculo-condylar syndrome (ACS, OMIM 602483) is an autosomal dominant condition with marked phenotypic variability. In some patients, the condition may be limited to the auricular deformity which can vary from auricular cleft, cupped helix to the ‘question mark’ ear, where there is constriction between the middle and lower thirds of the ear. The latter has also been reported in isolation. Other clinical features are; facial asymmetry, round faces with prominent cheeks, microstomia, micrognathia, dental malocclusion and hearing loss. Radiological findings include abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint and/or the mandibular condyle. We describe nine ACS patients (five familial, four singleton) with novel clinical signs including facial clefts, pre-auricular and cheek pits further delineating the features of this highly variable condition. Delayed diagnosis is a common feature suggesting that ACS is largely unrecognized and may be more common than the literature suggests.
Multidetector Computed Tomography for Detection and Characterization of Pulmonary Hypertension in Consideration of WHO Classification

Objective We evaluated the reliability of various multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) parameters for diagnosis and severity assessment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) with consideration of World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Methods A total of 172 patients were included in this retrospective study. One hundred fourteen patients had a diagnosis of PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg), and 58 patients without PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure <20 mm Hg) served as control subjects. The patients with PH were grouped according to the WHO classification based on PH etiology. Results The patients with PH had significantly greater main, left, and right pulmonary artery diameters than the control subjects (P < 0.001). No significant differences within the PH subgroups were found. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed reasonable sensitivity and specificity for selected MDCT parameters. The severity of PH did not correlate with MDCT parameters. Conclusions Easy-to-determine MDCT parameters allow detection of PH independent of the WHO group. In patients with dilated aorta, the vertebra can be an alternative internal standard. Severity of PH cannot be estimated by MDCT parameters.
PrPC Governs Susceptibility to Prion Strains in Bank Vole, While Other Host Factors Modulate Strain Features

ABSTRACT Bank vole is a rodent species that shows differential susceptibility to the experimental transmission of different prion strains. In this work, the transmission features of a panel of diverse prions with distinct origins were assayed both in bank vole expressing methionine at codon 109 (Bv109M) and in transgenic mice expressing physiological levels of bank vole PrPC (the BvPrP-Tg407 mouse line). This work is the first systematic comparison of the transmission features of a collection of prion isolates, representing a panel of diverse prion strains, in a transgenic-mouse model and in its natural counterpart. The results showed very similar transmission properties in both the natural species and the transgenic-mouse model, demonstrating the key role of the PrP amino acid sequence in prion transmission susceptibility. However, differences in the PrPSc types propagated by Bv109M and BvPrP-Tg407 suggest that host factors other than PrPC modulate prion strain features. IMPORTANCE The differential susceptibility of bank voles to prion strains can be modeled in transgenic mice, suggesting that this selective susceptibility is controlled by the vole PrP sequence alone rather than by other species-specific factors. Differences in the phenotypes observed after prion transmissions in bank voles and in the transgenic mice suggest that host factors other than the PrPC sequence may affect the selection of the substrain replicating in the animal model.
A study of morphine-induced urinary retention in anesthetized rats capable of micturition.

The nature of morphine-induced urinary retention was studied in anesthetized rats in which the bladder contraction accompanying micturition could be observed. Morphine (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) prolonged the micturition interval and increased the level of micturition threshold. Morphine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) completely inhibited bladder contraction and bladder pressure was elevated until solution leaked from the penis, but the bladder pressure after inhibition by morphine (1 and 5 mg/kg, i.v.) did not significantly rise over the peak pressure level during micturition before injection of morphine. The inhibitory effect of morphine (1 and 5 mg/kg, i.v.) was reversed by naloxone (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.). Morphine (5 mg/kg, i.v.) did not increase the pressure induced by infusion of solution from near the bladder neck to the urethra. After intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intrathecal (i.t.) administration of morphine (1 microgram), the micturition interval was prolonged and the level of micturition threshold was increased. Morphine (5 micrograms, i.c.v. and i.t.) inhibited bladder contraction and naloxone (5 micrograms, i.c.v. and i.t.) reversed the inhibitory effect of morphine injected by the same administration route. From these results, urinary retention induced by systematically injected morphine was considered to result from inhibition of bladder function mediated via opioid receptors of the micturition centers in the supraspinal and spinal regions.
Quality assessment of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: results of a running nationwide Austrian benchmarking project after 5 years of implementation

Objective Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has a high risk of various complications. The aim of this study is to report the main ERCP outcome, that means complications and success rates, on the basis of the pooled data of a national continuous quality assessment program. Methods This study is an uncontrolled prospective survey and provides data from both academic and community-based endoscopy centers with varying case volumes and expertise. Data were collected within a nationwide voluntary ERCP benchmarking project that was initiated by the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Results In total, 42 sites participated in this program for varying periods (1 month up to 5 years) and reported 13 513 procedures within 5 years. The overall complication rate in nonselected patients was 10.1%. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 4.2%, bleeding in 3.6% (0.4% clinically relevant), cholangitis in 1.4%, cardiopulmonary complications in 1.2%, perforation in 0.6%, and procedure-related deaths in 0.1% of procedures. The overall therapeutic and diagnostic target was achieved in 80.3% (2009–2011) to 84.8% (2006/2007) of procedures. The desired duct was visualized in 90.7% and cannulated in 88.8% of procedures. Conclusion The aim of the running benchmarking project in ERCP is to improve patient care in Austria. The survey reflects the general effectiveness and safety of ERCP. The overall complication and success rates are consistent with the available literature data. It sets an example as a benchmarking program that might result in international or even pan-European projects in high-risk endoscopic procedures.
Performance of a phase estimation method under different nonlinearities incurred by high power amplifiers in MIMO-STBC systems

Updated nonlinearity models for solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) include both amplitude and phase distortions, and thus being the same as nonlinearities in traveling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs), resulting in detrimental effects for multiple-input multiple-output space-time block code (MIMO-STBC) systems with nonlinear amplifications. This work presents a thorough investigation for the performance of a non-parametric phase estimation method for receive signal in such systems with different nonlinearities incurred from several types of HPAs. Numerical simulations verify the relevance of theoretical arguments and efficiency of the proposed estimation scheme.
Low noise level unmasks late potentials on signal-averaged electrocardiography.

INTRODUCTION Identification of late potentials requires the reduction of random noise by signal averaging. The importance of using a very low noise level (NL) as the end point of the averaging process in patients with ventricular tachycardia, the variation of results when a lower than standard NL was used and the modification of the sensitivity of the test when a very low NL was reached were evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS Signal-averaged electrocardiograms were recorded in 36 patients with ischemic heart disease and spontaneous or induced sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Thirteen patients showed negative or indeterminate results on recordings with an NL of 0.3 μV. Eight patients (group 1) underwent a second recording with an NL of 0.1 μV. Eight normal volunteers constituted the control group (group 2). The total duration of the filtered QRS vector magnitude (QRSd), the root mean square voltage of the terminal 40 ms of the vector magnitude (RMS(40)) and the low amplitude signal duration under 40 μV in the terminal portion of the vector magnitude (LAS) modifications were evaluated. A significant difference (P<0.01) in these parameters was observed in group 1 (15.88%, 48.25% and 68.5%, respectively) when both recordings were compared. Tests were positive in all patients (100%) with NL reduction. In group 2, tests were negative in all patients (100%) at both NLs (0.3 μV and 0.1 μV). QRSd was 1.18% longer, RMS(40) was 1.38% lower and LAS was 3.55% longer with NL reduction. CONCLUSION Late potentials in patients with ischemic heart disease, ventricular tachycardia, and a negative or indeterminate signal-averaged electrocardiogram may be detected if the NL is reduced to 0.1 μV. Reduction of the NL increased the sensitivity of the test without modifying its specificity.
Investigations on 77 GHz tunable reflectarray unit cells with liquid crystal

This paper presents investigations conducted with tunable reflectarray unit cells based on nematic liquid crystals (LC), at frequencies around 77 GHz. The structure of the cells is presented, as well as their performance as measured in a waveguide simulator setup. Encouraging results with tunable phase ranges as high as 280° with tuning voltages of up to 15V have been achieved. The investigated tunable unit cells will be used in electronically reconfigurable reflectarrays.