Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cause‐specific mortality in a Chinese chrysotile textile worker cohort

Chrysotile asbestos has continued to be mined and used in China, but its health effects on exposed workers have not been well documented. This study was conducted to give a complete picture about cause‐specific mortality in Chinese asbestos workers. A cohort of 586 males and 279 females from a chrysotile textile factory were prospectively followed for 37 years. Their vital status was identified, and the date and underlying cause of death were verified from death registry. Cause‐specific standardized mortality ratios by gender were computed with nationwide gender‐ and cause‐specific mortality rates as reference. Male workers were 11 years older, and had 6 years longer exposure duration than females; 79% in males and 1% in females smoked. In males, the mortality rate of all cancers doubled; both larynx and lung cancer were four‐fold, and mesothelioma was 33‐fold. In females, there was slightly excess mortality from lung cancer and all cancers, and significant increase in mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Other significantly increased mortality was seen from cancers of thymus, small intestine and penis in males, and cancers of bone and bladder in females. In addition to asbestosis, mortality from pulmonary heart disease was significantly elevated in both genders. The data confirmed significantly excess mortality from mesothelioma in either gender, lung and larynx cancers in males, and ovarian cancer in females. A gender difference in mortality from lung cancer and all cancers could be mainly due to the discrepancies in age, exposure duration and smoking between the male and female workers.
Acid volatile sulfides oxidation and metals (Mn, Zn) release upon sediment resuspension: Laboratory experiment and model development

Sediment from the Anacostia River (Washington, DC, USA) was suspended in aerobic artificial river water for 14 d to investigate the dynamics of dissolved metals release and related parameters including pH, acid volatile sulfides (AVS), and dissolved/solid phase Fe2+. To better understand and predict the underlying processes, a mathematical model is developed considering oxidation of reduced species, dissolution of minerals, pH changes, and pH‐dependent metals' sorption to sediment. Oxidation rate constants of elemental sulfur and zinc sulfide, and a dissolution rate constant of carbonate minerals, were adjusted to fit observations. The proposed model and parameters were then applied, without further calibration, to literature‐reported experimental observations of resuspension in an acid sulfate soil collected in a coastal flood plain. The model provided a good description of the dynamics of AVS, Fe2+, S0(s), pH, dissolved carbonates concentrations, and the release of Ca(aq), Mg(aq), and Zn(aq) in both sediments. Accurate predictions of Mn(aq) release required adjustment of sorption partitioning coefficient, presumably due to the presence of Mn scavenging by phases not accounted for in the model. The oxidation of AVS (and the resulting release of sulfide‐bound metals) was consistent with a two‐step process, a relatively rapid AVS oxidation to elemental sulfur (S0(s)) and a slow oxidation of S0(s) to SO 42−(aq), with an associated decrease in pH from neutral to acidic conditions. This acidification was the dominant factor for the release of metals into the aqueous phase. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:564–575. © 2011 SETAC
Unilateral pallidotomy in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated common marmosets exhibiting levodopa‐induced dyskinesia

Pallidotomy paradoxically reduces the intensity of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia without worsening motor symptoms. The reasons for this are not clear and no experimental study has investigated this phenomenon. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of unilateral pallidotomy on locomotor activity, motor disability and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated levodopa‐primed common marmosets. Animals were primed to exhibit dyskinesia by daily administration of levodopa until stable dyskinesia was evoked by each dose. Locomotor activity, motor disability and dyskinesia were assessed weekly at baseline and following an acute levodopa challenge. Prior to pallidotomies, two distinct groups of animals emerged: poor responders to levodopa with mild dyskinesia (Group 1) and those exhibiting a marked increase in motor activity and pronounced dyskinesia (Group 2). Electrolytic lesions were placed in the left internal segment of the globus pallidus. Pallidotomy had no effect on basal or levodopa‐induced motor activity in either group but significantly improved basal motor disability in Group 2. Following pallidotomy, the ability of levodopa to reduce motor disability was significantly increased in both groups. Pallidotomy improved dyskinesia in both Groups 1 and 2 but it was more effective in reducing dystonia compared with chorea. The effect of pallidotomy on dyskinesia in Group 2 was transient, with the intensity of involuntary movements reverting to presurgery levels 4 weeks later. This study shows that in levodopa‐primed, parkinsonian marmosets, placement of discrete globus pallidus lesions can ameliorate levodopa‐induced dyskinesia but not akinesia. This model allows the evaluation of pallidotomy‐induced biochemical changes in dyskinetic primates.
Orbitofrontal Cortex and Amygdala Contributions to Affect and Action in Primates

Abstract: The amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) work together as part of the neural circuitry guiding goal‐directed behavior. This chapter explores the way in which the amygdala and OFC contribute to emotion and reward processing in macaque monkeys, taking into account recent methodological and conceptual advances. Although direct functional interaction of the amygdala and OFC is necessary for some types of stimulus–reward associations, it is not necessary for others. Both regions contribute to the expression of defensive responses to a potential predator. Contrary to the prevailing view, the amygdala and OFC make distinct contributions to emotional responses and reward processing.
Performance on a Visual Sustained Attention and Discrimination Task is Associated with Urinary Excretion of Norepineprhine Metabolite in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)

ABSTRACT The degree of association between performance on a sustained attention task requiring visual discrimination and urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolites was examined in a cohort of 6- to 12-year-old children (n = 31) strictly selected and diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) according to DSM-IV and other strict criteria. Sustained visual attention and discrimination were measured using the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.). Urinary excretion of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) metabolites was measured by reversed high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pearson product-moment correlations were used to investigate the relationship between T.O. V.A. errors of omission (OMM), errors of commission (COM), response time (RT), and response time variability (RTV) and catecholamine metabolites of DA and NE. All T.O. V.A. indexes under investigation were significantly correlated with urinary excretion of NE metabolites, but correlations were low-to-moderate in magnitude (.37–.50). In contrast, there were no statistically significant correlations between T.O. V.A. indices and DA metabolites. These findings and their concordance with past research in human adults and animals, as well as theoretical issues associated with the present results, are discussed.
Nationwide Population-Based Incidence and Survival Rates of Malignant Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors in Korea, 2005-2012

Purpose Malignant central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs), although rare, are thought to occur more frequently among Asians. However, a recent population-based study revealed no differences in GCT incidence between Asians and Caucasians. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the incidence and survival rates of CNS GCTs using the national cancer incidence database, and to compare these rates to those in the United States and Japan. Materials and Methods We extracted CNS GCT patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2012 from the Korea Central Cancer Registry database. Age-standardized rates (ASRs), annual percentage change, and the male-female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated. To estimate the survival rate, we used data for patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2010 and followed their cases until December 31, 2013. Results The ASR for CNS GCT between 2005 and 2012 was 0.179 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.166 to 0.193), with an overall male-to-female (M:F) IRR of 2.95:1. However, when stratified by site, the M:F IRR was 13.62:1 for tumors of the pineal region and 1.87:1 for those located in nonpineal regions. The most frequent histologic type was germinoma (76.0%), and the most frequent location was the suprasellar region (48.5%). The 5-year survival rate of germinoma patients was 95.3%. Conclusion The incidence rate of CNS GCTs in Korea during 2005-2012 was 0.179 per 100,000, which was similar to that of the Asian/Pacific Islander subpopulation in the United States. Moreover, the CNS GCT survival rate in Korea was similar to rates in Japan and the United States.
A surgical simulation curriculum for senior medical students based on TeamSTEPPS.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the existing Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) curriculum can effectively teach senior medical students team skills. DESIGN Single-group preintervention and postintervention study. SETTING AND INTERVENTION We integrated a TeamSTEPPS module into our existing resident readiness elective. The curriculum included interactive didactic sessions, discussion groups, role-plays, and videotaped immersive simulation scenarios. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Improvement of self-assessment scores, multiple-choice examination scores, and performance ratings of videotaped simulation scenarios before and after intervention. The videos were rated by masked reviewers on the basis of a global rating instrument (TeamSTEPPS) and a more detailed nontechnical skills evaluation tool(NOTECHS). PARTICIPANTS Seventeen students participated and completed the study. RESULTS The self-evaluation scores improved from 12.76 to 16.06 (P < .001). The increase was significant for all of the TeamSTEPPS competencies and highest for leadership skills (from 2.2 to 3.2; P < .001). The multiple-choice score rose from 84.9% to 94.1% (P < .01). The postintervention video ratings were significantly higher for both instruments (TeamSTEPPS, from 2.99 to 3.56; P < .01; and NOTECHS, from 4.07 to 4.59; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The curriculum led to improved self-evaluation and multiple-choice scores as well as improved team skills during simulated immersive patient encounters. The TeamSTEPPS framework may be suitable for teaching medical students teamwork concepts and improving their competencies. Larger studies using this framework should be considered to further evaluate the generalizability of our results and the effectiveness of TeamSTEPPS for medical students.
The Evolving Postbaccalaureate Entry: Analysis of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Master's Degree in the United States

At the American Occupational Therapy Association's Annual Conference in 1999, the Representative Assembly passed Resolution J, which became Resolution 670–99 and mandated that entry to the professional level of practice in occupational therapy be at the post-baccalaureate degree level. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) set the effective date as 2007. As a result, more than 50 of the existing 157 occupational therapy educational programs faced the challenge of developing postbaccalaureate entry degree programs. These programs had previously offered only baccalaureate entry degrees. This article compiles the expectations that were articulated as outcomes of transitioning to postbaccalaureate entry, describes findings from an analysis of the current structure of the evolving master's entry level occupational therapy education and identifies concerns for consideration by educational programs and practitioners.
Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery in elite female handball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of neuromuscular fatigue and recovery from fatigue, following handball training and handball matches at elite level. The focus was specifically on changes in physical performance when playing three matches over the course of 3 days, which simulates a sequence in international championships. Female players from the Norwegian national handball team were tested during a 5‐day training camp (seven players) and a 3‐day international tournament (eight players). Testing was done before and after training sessions and matches. Neuromuscular fatigue was measured as changes in voluntary isokinetic knee extensions, jump height in counter‐movement jumps, and 20 m sprint time. The results showed a significant reduction by 2–6% in all three performance tests during the training camp and by 4–7% during the tournament (sprint and jump test) (P<0.05). Slow recovery was indicated by incomplete restoration of performance between matches and training sessions. The paper discusses the insufficient recovery measured related to handball performance. Because of changes in the rules of the game and strategic tendencies towards higher speed in play, the physical demands in elite handball seems to be increasing. The results of the study indicate that coaches should consider physical loading and recovery time available when distributing playing time between individual players in international tournaments.
Domain‐restricted expression of two glutamic acid decarboxylase genes in midgestation mouse embryos

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is the biosynthetic enzyme for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. In addition to the adult CNS, GABA and GAD also have been detected in embryos, although their precise localization and specific functions in embryonic development have not been elucidated. In this paper, the authors studied the cellular distribution of two GAD isoforms, GAD65 and GAD67, in midgestation mouse embryos by in situ hybridization histochemistry. With few exceptions, it was found that GAD65 and GAD67 mRNAs are localized in overlapping cellular domains of the embryonic CNS that later develop into regions with a strong GABAergic contribution. The GAD‐expressing cells are situated in the differentiating zone of the embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) through E11.5 CNS and in the subventricular zone and the mantle zone of the E12.5 CNS, which suggests that they are committed neuronal precursors. By using a specific serum for GABA, a similar pattern of distribution was obtained, indicating that GAD mRNAs are translated efficiently into enzymatically active GAD, which produces embryonic GABA. The expression domains of GAD overlap with those of genes that are known to be involved in the patterning of the embryonic CNS. The two GAD mRNAs also are detected outside of the embryonic CNS in various cell types, mainly those of placodal and neural crest origin. This pattern of expression is consistent with the notion that GAD and its product, GABA, play a signaling role during development. J. Comp. Neurol. 424:607–627, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Age at Diagnosis on Outcomes in Men with Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC)

Background: The association between age and outcomes in men with castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is not well understood. Objective: We aimed to evaluate CRPC patients to determine if their age at initial diagnosis impacted their cancer specific outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 333 consecutive CRPC patients treated at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) between 1995 and 2005. Patients were divided into 4 age categories, (A) <55, (B) 55-64, (C) 65-74 (reference), and (D) ≥ 75 years (yrs). Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Primary endpoints included impact of age at diagnosis on overall survival (OS) and on prostate cancer specific survival. Secondary endpoints were time from diagnosis to development of CRPC, time from CRPC to death, and time from diagnosis to bone metastases. Results and Limitations: The median OS from diagnosis to death was: Group A 5.5 yrs (95% CI 3.0-7.5); Group B 6.7 yrs (95% CI 5.9-8.4); Group C 7.8 yrs (95% CI 6.6-9.3); and Group D 4.3 years (95% CI 2.9-5.0). The hazard ratio (HR) for death in Group D was 2.58 (95% CI 1.58-4.21, p=0.0002); and in Group A was 1.49 (95% CI 0.90-2.46, p=0.13). The duration of hormone sensitivity in Group D was less and predictive of OS, as was Gleason Score ≥8 and Stage 4 disease at diagnosis. Conclusions: Age at initial diagnosis appears to impact on outcome of patients who subsequently develop CRPC with a bimodal distribution of risk, with the shortest survivals in the ≥75 and <55 groups.
Detection of serum protein fractions and their concentrations in laying and non-laying ostriches (Struthio camelus) fed with different dietary protein levels

L'objectif de cette etude est de determiner l'influence d'un regime alimentaire de teneur proteinique variable sur les differentes fractions proteiniques et sur leurs concentrations seriques chez des Autruches (Struthio camelus). Vingt autruches femelles de 8 ans ont ete reparties au hasard en 2 groupes et ont ete alimentees pendant 5 mois avec un regime alimentaire contenant 20% de proteines dans le groupe I ou 23% dans le groupe II. Selon l'activite de ponte, 2 sections ont ete creees dans chaque groupe, les autruches pondeuses etant regroupees dans les sections A (groupe I) et C (groupe II) et les non-pondeuses dans les sections B (groupe I) et D (groupe II). A la fin de ce regime alimentaire, l'albumine serique et les globulines (α 1 -, α 2 -, β- et γ-) ont ete mises en evidence par electrophorese en gel d'agarose et la proteinemie ainsi que les concentrations seriques en albumine et en globulines ont ete mesurees par colorimetrie. L'activite de ponte n'a induit aucune modification significative des concentrations des proteines seriques (proteinemie ou concentrations des differentes fractions) a l'exception des α 1 -globulines dont les concentrations ont augmente significativement (p<0.05). Lorsque les oiseaux ont ete soumis a un regime riche en proteines, la proteinemie (p<0.01), l'albuminemie (p<0.05) et les concentrations en a -globulines (α 1 -: p<0.05 et α 2 -: p<0.01) ont significativement augmente alors que les concentrations γ-globulines tendaient a diminuer, cette variation etant plus marquee chez les femelles non pondeuses (interaction entre regime et ponte: p<0.05). Vu que les modifications observees des concentrations des proteines seriques ne constituent pas un reel benefice pour la sante des autruches et vu que les couts alimentaires interviennent grandement dans le cout total de production, on peut en conclure que la teneur en proteine de l'aliment n'a pas a depasser 20%.
Occurrence of antibodies against natalizumab in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab

Background: In the clinical trials about 9% of natalizumab treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients generated anti-natalizumab antibodies, of which 6% were persistent and 3% transient. The occurrence of antibodies reduced serum levels of natalizumab, decreased bio-efficacy, and abrogated the therapeutic efficacy. Objective: The objective was to assess the frequency of anti-natalizumab antibodies in an unselected cohort of patients from four different countries. Methods: We measured anti-natalizumab antibodies in a large cohort of 4881 unselected patients from four MS centres that systematically measured antibodies in patients treated with natalizumab. We applied the same ELISA assay developed by Biogen Idec and used in the pivotal trials of natalizumab. Results: Antibodies occurred in 4.5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.0–5.1%) of the patients, and were persistent in 3.5% (95% CI: 3.0–4.0%) and transient in 1.0% (95% CI: 0.7–1.3%) of the patients. The frequencies of permanently antibody positive patients did not show statistically significant differences between the four centres, whereas the frequencies of transiently antibody positive patients showed some variations. Conclusion: The frequencies of antibodies appeared to be of the same magnitude in the four centres, but might be less than in the pivotal studies of natalizumab.
Pain free hospital - availability (24 hours) of anesthesiologists

“Pain Free Hospital” should be a new Anesthesiologist Domain. It is because the anesthesiologist is the most knowledgeable physician in pain control during the operation as well as in the recovery room. There is no reason why to stop this pain treatment in the wards. As mentioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Acute Pain Management: “Availability (24 hours) of anesthesiologists”. A profound adjustment in the “pain free hospital” project is needed based on the availability of an anesthesiologist around the clock and not relying on other physicians or nurses.
Secondary non‐response due to antibody formation in a child after three injections of botulinum toxin B into the salivary glands

Botulinum toxin (BTX) offers a new treatment option to reduce drooling in adults and children. Antibody formation against BTX is known to be one reason for clinical secondary non‐response to this treatment. This is a case report on the development of secondary non‐response to BTX type B (BTX‐B) in a 15‐year‐old male, with bilateral dyskinetic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System Level IV) with additional learning disability* and microcephaly, treated for the indication of drooling. After three successful treatment sessions, the fourth and fifth injections showed no clinical response. This was associated with the presence of antibodies against BTX‐B as determined using the mouse diaphragm assay. Thus, formation of neutralizing antibodies against BTX‐B appears to be an important issue, not only in patients treated for cervical dystonia but also in children treated for drooling. Subsequent injections with an adequate dose of BTX type A (BTX‐A) did not show any clinical response either, although no antibodies to BTX‐A were detected. Besides the unanswered questions of dosing and distribution, a second possible explanation could be that BTX‐B gave rise to non‐neutralizing antibodies that cross‐react with BTX‐A. The resulting immune complexes could be taken up by phagocytes and, thereby, impede clinical response.
Quantifying the Change of Melanoma Incidence by Breslow Thickness

Summary. Melanoma incidence has increased throughout the world over the past 25 years. A surrogate for the severity of melanoma is the Breslow thickness of the lesions. Data on melanoma, including Breslow thickness, were collected in 1978–1980 and 1988–1990 from the Tasmania Tumor Registry. We use a density ratio model to quantify the change of melanoma by Breslow thickness. In this model, the ratio of two densities is assumed to have a known form up to a parameter, but the underlying densities are not modeled. This model includes the length bias sampling model as a special case. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistic is used to test the correctness of the density ratio model. Model‐based cumulative distribution estimation is studied. Methodology developed in this article is applied to the Tasmania Tumor Registry data.