Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anorectal malformations in children

Background/Purpose: Anorectal malformations are one of the most common congenital defects. This study was undertaken to study the hospital incidence of anorectal malformations (ARM), frequency of various types of defects, their sex distribution and the spectrum of anomalies associated with ARM. The effect of presence of an associated defect on mortality and morbidity was also studied. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive children attending the pediatric surgery department were included in this study. A detailed history was taken, and examination was performed for the primary as well as the associated defects. Appropriate investigations like invertogram, cologram were done wherever indicated. Management was as per the standard protocol. The data was recorded and analyzed. Results: Out of the 100 patients, 51 were males and 49 females. One out of every 6.62 admission was for ARM. Twenty percent of the female babies had high, 76% intermediate and 4% had low anomalies, whereas 80.39% males had high, 3.92% intermediate and 15.6% showed low malformations. Ten percent of the patients had pouch colon. Associated anomalies were seen in 33 patients - 20 males and 13 females; 19 in high, 10 in intermediate, 1 in low group and 3 children with cloacal malformations. Associated defects seen were urogenital (17%), cardiovascular (7%), gastrointestinal (9%), genital (5%) and limb defects (7%). There were 8 deaths, and complications were seen in 13 patients. Ten patients had two or more defects associated with ARM. Conclusions: Anorectal malformations occurred equally in males and females. Females had intermediate defects more frequently, rectovestibular fistula being the commonest. Males were more likely to have high lesions; anorectal agenesis without fistula was the commonest defect. The most common associated defects seen were vesicoureteric reflux and esophageal atresia. Complications were seen more commonly in males with high lesions. There was a significant association between presence of an associated defect and mortality and morbidity.
Pre-hypertension is a common phenomenon: national database study.

BACKGROUND Recently the Joint National Committee (7th report) introduced the term "pre-hypertension. " Little is known on its prevalence in the general population. OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of pre-hypertension in a large national cohort. METHODS We analyzed the database of all > or = 18 year old members of Leumit Health Services, one of the four health management organizations in Israel, from which we retrieved the recorded blood pressure levels. Pre-hypertension was defined according to the JNC-7 criteria. RESULTS Of the 426,033 subjects 18.6% had a diagnosis of hypertension or used antihypertensive medications. Only 40.8% of the other 346,799 subjects had had their BP measured in the preceding 2 years. BP recording rates were higher in females than in males (45.1% vs. 36.3%) and higher in elderly subjects than in young subjects (56% aged 66-75 years vs. 32% aged 18-25). Pre-hypertension was observed in 80,625 (23.2%) of the 346,799 while only 56,113 (16.2%) had normal BP records. The prevalence of pre-hypertension increased with age (13.3% aged 18-25 vs. 44.8% aged 66-75), and was more prevalent in men than in women (24.0% vs. 22.5%). CONCLUSIONS BP levels among young people are low, even though the prevalence of pre-hypertension in this population may be high. Thus, more emphasis should be given to routine BP measurements and confirmation of the findings in all age groups.
Bone marrow CD34+ progenitor cells stimulated with stem cell factor and GM‐CSF have the capacity to activate IgD− B cells through direct cellular interaction

Recent studies have suggested the involvement of bone marrow in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in which proliferation of monocyte‐lineage cells (MLC) as well as local B cell activation in the synovium play an important role. Here, we show that bone marrow‐derived MLC have the capacity to activate human peripheral blood IgD− B cells. Bone marrow CD34+ cells from RA patients that had been stimulated with stem cell factor and GM‐CSF for 3–4 weeks (>90% CD14+ HLA‐DR+ cells, <0.5% CD19+ B cells, and <0.5% CD3+ T cells; MLC) induced the production of IgG much more effectively than that of IgM by highly purified B cells from healthy donors in the presence of IL‐2 and IL‐10. CD34+ cells from cord blood or from bone marrow of osteoarthritis patients also displayed the capacity to induce IgG production. The induction of IgG production by the bone marrow‐derived MLC was markedly decreased when they were separated from B cells by a membrane filter. The bone marrow‐derived MLC interacted preferentially with IgD− B cells to induce IgG production. These results indicate that upon stimulation with stem cell factor and GM‐CSF, CD34+ progenitor cells differentiate into MLC that activate preferentially IgD− B cells through direct cellular interactions to produce IgG. Therefore, the data suggest that the accelerated recruitment of MLC from the bone marrow to the synovium might play a role in the local B cell activation in RA.
A Multicenter Phase II Study of “Adjuvant” Irinotecan Following Resection of Colorectal Hepatic Metastases

Objectives:This study evaluates the efficacy and toxicity of single-agent irinotecan following hepatectomy for metachronous colorectal metastases, and examines the predictive value of p27 and p53 expression and of microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Methods:Twenty-nine patients, previously treated with 5-fluorouracil, with operable hepatic colorectal metastases underwent hepatectomy and received adjuvant irinotecan (thrice weekly) for 6 planned cycles. Metastases were examined for p53 and p27 expression by immunohistochemistry and for MSI using mono- and dinucleotide markers. Results:The starting dose of irinotecan was 350 mg/m2 (in 3 patients), 300 mg/m2 (n = 14), and 250 mg/m2 (n = 12). Four patients failed to complete 6 cycles (2 progressive disease and 2 toxicity). Grade ≥3 toxicity was experienced in 8% of cycles (13 of 165). The estimated median relapse-free survival (RFS) was 45.2 months. RFS at 18 months was estimated to be 59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43–80), 2-year overall survival (OS) was 85% (95% CI, 72–99.8), and the median follow-up was 27.9 months. Six patients (21%) have died; median OS has not been reached. In univariate analyses, p27 and MSI status were not predictive for RFS while p53 approached statistical significance (P = 0.051). Duration of chemotherapy was the only significant predictive factor (P = 0.006). Conclusion:The tolerability of this regimen after major liver resection supports further evaluation of irinotecan-based adjuvant chemotherapy in this group of patients.
Model-based prognostic algorithm for online RUL estimation of PEMFCs

The proposed work deals with the development of a simple but effective prognostic algorithm, able to predict to a certain extent the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The algorithm is based on mathematical equations derived from physical analysis of the key degradation mechanisms, mainly focusing on those involving the electrochemical surface area (ECSA). Through the understanding of ECSA reduction rate, a proper formulation for voltage decay is given. This formulation allows performing quick online RUL estimation at given operating conditions, representing a useful guideline for suitable mitigation strategies choice.
The Iterative Nature of Descriptive Experience Sampling: Do Interviewees Build Skills across Sampling Days?

iii LIST OF TABLES . v INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW . 3 CHAPTER 2: STUDY 1 . 21 CHAPTER 3: STUDY 2 . 35 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSIONS . 43 APPENDIX A: UTTERANCE SELECTION . 48 REFERENCES . 58 CURRICULUM VITAE . 63
Functional involvement of a novel Nedd4‐like ubiquitin ligase on retrovirus budding

In this study, we have identified a novel Nedd4‐like ubiquitin ligase, BUL1, as the host factor involved in budding of type D retrovirus Mason‐Pfizer monkey virus (M‐PMV). Overexpression of BUL1 enhanced virus particle release, while a BUL1 mutant in which a W to G substitution was introduced into a WW domain, W791G, lost the ability to bind to the viral Gag protein and abolished its ability to mediate virus budding. In addition, a fragment of BUL1 containing only the WW domains inhibited virus budding in a dominant negative manner. These results, together with previous findings, indicate that the M‐PMV Gag L domain interacts with the BUL1 WW domain and that this interaction is essential for virus budding. Our observations provide new insights into the mechanism of virus budding, and could be useful in establishing new antiviral strategies targeted at progeny virus release from a host cell.
The Effect of Muscle Actions on the Level of Connective Tissue Damage

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of concentric with eccentric muscle actions on the resulting level of damage to connective tissues by urinary concentration of hydroxyproline. Twenty-one male volunteers were divided into control group (CG), experimental concentric group (ECG), and experimental eccentric group (EEG). The measures of hydroxyproline were performed at three times: pretest, fourth week, and posttest. Biceps curl and chest press exercises also were performed with three sets of 10 repetitions two times per week for both experimental groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference between pretest of the CG and pretest of the ECG (p = 0.002), and between pretest and posttest for the EEG (p = 0.029). Therefore, this study concluded that the level of damage to the connective tissue is greater when exercises involving eccentric muscle actions are performed. The continuity of training, however might reduce this damage.
Measurement of the response of Gd2O2S:Tb phosphor to 6 MV x-rays

The phosphor Gd2O2S:Tb is widely used in camera-based electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). There is considerable interest in the application of EPIDs to dosimetry and the verification of intensity modulated radiation therapy produced by dynamic multileaf collimation (DMLC). This paper presents direct measurement of Gd2O2S:Tb phosphor luminescence under 6 MV x-ray irradiation from a linear accelerator using a photomultiplier tube. The luminescence following each radiation pulse (3 µs duration) was observed to decay with a dominant lifetime of 558 µs. Using a specialized electrometer, the temporal variation of the optical signal has been compared with the dose rate incident on the phosphor measured using a semiconductor diode detector. Under dose rates typical of those used in the clinic (1.2 Gy min -1 to the phosphor), measurements at beam-start confirmed that the optical signal is linear with dose per radiation pulse. Measurements at beam termination following phosphor doses up to 4.4 Gy showed no residual signal associated with long-lived luminescence (afterglow) from the phosphor above the noise level of the optical signal (0.17% standard deviation). This measurement demonstrates that afterglow from Gd2O2S:Tb is not of significance for its application to DMLC verification. Additionally, it was confirmed that the accelerator pulse repetition frequency has no effect on the optical signal from the phosphor in the range 25-400 Hz.
Long-term compliance with continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, compliance is a significant problem and has been incompletely assessed in long-term studies. OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term compliance of OSA patients with CPAP therapy. SUBJECTS Eighty patients who had had a diagnosis of OSA at least four years previously and received a written prescription for CPAP were evaluated. METHODS Subjects were identified by reviewing sleep laboratory records. Participants were contacted by telephone and were asked to quantitate their CPAP use (hours per night, nights per week) and to evaluate whether there had been improvement in symptoms. Those who commenced but subsequently abandoned therapy and those who never initiated treatment were questioned about their reasons for noncompliance. RESULTS Patient demographics included mean (+/- SD) age (58+/-11 years), male sex (70 of 80 patients [88%]) and mean apnea-hypopnea index (70+/-44 events/h). At the time of the interview (64.0+/-3.7 months after diagnosis), 43 of 80 patients (54%) were still using CPAP and most reported an improvement in symptoms. Twelve of 80 patients (15%) had abandoned CPAP after using it for 10.1+/-15.5 months, and 25 of 80 patients (31%) had never commenced therapy after initial diagnosis and CPAP titration. Analysis of scores reflecting initial patient sleepiness revealed a significant association of this symptom with subsequent CPAP compliance. CONCLUSION Although many patients with OSA derive subjective benefit from, and adhere to treatment with CPAP, a significant proportion of those so diagnosed either do not initiate or eventually abandon therapy. Initial experience with CPAP appears to be important, reinforcing the need for early education and support in these patients.
Genetic variances, heritability, and correlation studies on selected phenotypic traits in a backcross breeding program involving normal and opaque-2 maize

A study was undertaken to study the gene action, broad and narrow sense heritabilities, and interrelationships among five selected traits of maize including, plant height (PHT), ear height (EHT), cob length (COL), cob diameter (COD), and number of rows per cob (ROC). The obtained results indicated that all estimates of additive (VA) and dominance (VD) variances were positive for all characteristics with the exception of additive variance for cob diameter (COD), dominance variance (VD) being highly significant. The magnitude of VD was consistently larger than that of VA for all characteristics. High broad sense heritability estimates were detected for plant height (95%), ear height (81%), Cob length (75%), number of rows per cob (50%), emphasizing that the dominance genetic variance was the major component of genetic variation in the inheritance of these traits and the effectiveness of selection for improving these traits. However, moderate to low narrow sense heritability estimates were obtained for plant height (24%), ear height (34%) and cob length (4%). These results indicated the importance of choosing suitable segregating generations for exhibiting the best expression of genes of the different traits studied. Correlations among traits indicated that plant height was positively and significantly associated with ear height (0.82) in the recurrent parent population, (0.77) in the donor parent, and (0.73%) in the F1 generation. The F2 generation as well as the BC1 and BC2 generations recorded some levels of negative correlations among the traits studied.
Tarsal coalition in the young athlete

Twenty young athletes with tarsal coalition were stud ied. There was a total of 26 feet including 15 cases of calcaneonavicular bars, 9 cases of talocalcaneal bars, 1 talonavicular bar, and 1 mixed. Twenty-five feet had bar resection. Calcaneonavicular bar resection is the recommended procedure for the adolescent who presents with a painful tarsal coalition. The talocalcaneal synostosis resection has been mentioned in the literature as yield ing poor results. This was not true in my series. The eight cases of talocalcaneal coalition presented all had improvement in motion and decreased pain after sur gical excision of the bar.
DNA barcoding of five species of groupers (Pisces: Serranidae) off Visakhapatnam, central eastern coast of India

Abstract Grouper species of Epinephelus – E. epistictus, E. heniochus, E. latifasciatus, E. magniscuttis and E. radiatus exhibit overlapping colour pattern that often leads to misidentification in the field. Even the colour pattern of juveniles of these species in different size groups varies considerably with that of adults. DNA barcoding of these five species was carried out to reinforce our knowledge on existing taxonomic relationships derived based on morphological and biochemical genetic studies that were previously done from Indian waters. Mean interspecific genetic distance is in the range 0.079–0.164. The phylogeny tree revealed distinct clades for species that are in concurrence with previous taxonomic and allozyme electrophoretic studies carried out from central eastern coast of India. Barcode sequences generated for the first time for species E. heniochus from Indian waters for E. magniscuttis so far there are no reference sequences in GenBank.
LOCAL CYTONUCLEAR EXTINCTION OF THE GOLDEN‐WINGED WARBLER

I compared the mtDNA compositions of two adjacent populations of Vermivora chrysoptera (golden‐winged warbler) at different stages of transient hybridization with its sister species V. pinus (blue‐winged warbler). Pinus mtDNA introgresses asymmetrically and perhaps rapidly into chrysoptera phenotypes without comparable reverse introgression of chrysoptera mtDNA into replacing pinus populations. Pinus mtDNA was virtually fixed (98%) in an actively hybridizing lowland population with varied phenotypes. Pinus mtDNA increased from 27% (n = 11) in 1988 to 70% (n = 10) in 1992 in successive samples of a highland population in the initial stages of hybridization. This population comprised mostly pure and slightly introgressed chrysoptera phenotypes. The rapid pace of asymmetrical introgression may be the result of initial invasion of chrysoptera populations by pioneering female pinus and/or an unknown competitive advantage of pinus females and their daughters over chrysoptera females.
Teaching open source (software) (abstract only)

Integrating Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) into our curricula can provide students with a rich, motivating learning experience that helps them develop technical as well as soft skills. However, integrating FOSS into curricula does have its challenges. This birds-of-a-feather (BoF) seeks to bring together faculty to discuss challenges, share resources, share solutions, and make connections. So, whether you are considering integrating FOSS into a class for the first time, or you are looking for ways to improve what you are already doing, this BoF is for you. Members of the Teaching Open Source (http://teachingopensource.org) and the foss2serve (http://foss2serve.org/) communities will help guide the discussion and be on hand for questions.
What Do Psychiatric Patients Believe Regarding Where Control Over Their Illness Lies?: Validation of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale in Psychiatric Outpatient Care

Abstract Patients’ perceived control constructs are important factors moderating health-related behaviors. We established the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Form C Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (C-MHLC) and assessed the usefulness of these measures in the clinical setting. A cross-sectional survey querying about patients’ health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs was offered to 607 psychiatric outpatients, of whom 507 accepted. The C-MHLC scale and the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale were completed. The psychiatric patients believe that their psychiatrist plays a crucial role in improving their state of health. The men scored higher than the women in internal dimension; the women scored higher in other people external dimension. Age, treatment time, and number of psychoactive drugs used showed significant differences in HLOC dimensions. Self-efficacy correlated positively with internal dimension and negatively with external dimensions. The results showed the validity of the four-factor structure of the Spanish version of the C-MHLC.
Histopathological prevalence of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head

Objective: Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head (SIF) is a recently recognised cause of acute onset arthritis mostly in older women, which previously had been commonly considered either as osteonecrosis or osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study is to report the histopathological incidence of SIF using surgically removed femoral heads. Methods: We reviewed 7718 consecutive femoral heads from 7286 patients removed over a 4-year period (2001–2004). There were 4211 women and 3507 men. The age range was from 13 to 96, average age was 60. There were 7349 hips with a preoperative clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis and 369 with a preoperative clinical diagnosis of osteonecrosis. Results: SIF was diagnosed histologically as the primary process in 501 of 7718 resected femoral heads (6.5%). The age range in these patients was from 20 to 93, with an average age of 68, in which 79% (394 hips) were over 60. They were 305 hips in women and 196 in men. The affected side was the right one in 253 hips and left in 248. The prevalence of SIF in cases with a preoperative diagnosis of osteoarthritis was 6.3% (460 of 7349), and with osteonecrosis was 11.1% (41 of 369). In all cases, callus and granulation tissue were observed histologically along the fracture line. Conclusions: In this large series of total hip replacements SIF as the cause of disease was diagnosed histologically in 6.5% of the surgically removed femoral heads.
Relationship Between Fatigability and Perceived Fatigue Measured Using the Neurological Fatigue Index in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Understanding the relationship between perceived fatigue and performance fatigability could lead to more effective interventions to manage multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue. However, the relationship between self-perceived fatigue measured using the Neurological Fatigue Index (NFI-MS) and performance fatigability in people with MS is unknown. We sought to explore the relationship between the NFI-MS and performance fatigability in people with MS. METHODS Fifty-two participants (mean ± SD age, 46.8 ± 10.1 years) completed the study. Three measures of performance fatigability were used: percent change in meters walked from first to last minute of the 6-Minute Walk Test, percent change in force exerted from first to last trial on a repetitive maximal hand grip test, and response speed variability on the Continuous Performance Test. Perceived physical and cognitive fatigue were measured using the NFI-MS. The state level of fatigue was examined immediately before and after performing the fatigability measures using a one-item visual analogue fatigue scale. RESULTS Of the three performance fatigability measures, only the attentional task (response speed variability) was significantly associated with NFI-MS physical (r = 0.326, P = .020) and cognitive (r = 0.276, P = .050) domain scores. Participants demonstrated significantly higher state levels of fatigue after performing all performance fatigability measures (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS The NFI-MS and the performance fatigability measures used in this study are easy to administer. We encourage wider use of these measures in clinical and research settings for comprehensive assessment of MS-related fatigue.