Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Radiographic Assessment of Acetabular Fractures: A Comparison of Plain Radiographs and CT Scans

Objectives: This investigation was designed to compare computerized tomography (CT) and plain radiography for detection of articular step and gap deformity after healing of operatively treated acetabular fractures. Design: Retrospective review of CT and plain radiographic images of 15 patients treated operatively for a displaced acetabular fracture. Setting: Level I trauma center. Main Outcome Measures: Ability of CT scans and plain radiographs to detect residual articular steps and gaps after healing of acetabular fractures managed by open reduction and internal fixation. Results: Using standardized evaluation techniques, more patients were found to have residual articular incongruities on CT scans (8 with step and 7 with gap) than on plain radiographs (1 with step and 6 with gap). In addition, a step deformity on CT scan correlated with a gap deformity, and as the size of the step deformity increased, so too did the size of the gap deformity. Conclusions: Based on our data, computerized tomography is more likely than plain radiographs to allow detection of residual articular incongruities in healed acetabular fractures. The authors believe that CT scans improve the evaluation of articular reduction and that this information can be used to further evaluate surgical technique and provide insight as to the impact of residual articular incongruity on the development of hip arthrosis.
Flow cytometry detection of minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma: Lessons learned at FDA‐NCI roundtable symposium

it suitable for large scale production. Additionally, 23 mutations account for the majority (>98%) of thalassemia in Chinese population have been detected in the new assay, and the quantity of detection index can be easily expanded. Depending on the technical advantages of BBSAT, the new assay demonstrates outstanding extensibility for the requirement of various genetic mutations diagnosis. Furthermore, conventional molecular analysis of aand b-thalassemia usually utilizes two or three kinds of commercial kits, and the costs of which are comparatively high. The BBSAT can detect point mutations and deletions in parallel for the diagnosis of thalassemia, and contribute to reduce the costs for 20%.
Prognostic significance of PI3K mRNA expression in patients with operable high-risk breast cancer.

577 Background: The aim of the study was to examine the prognostic and predictive significance of PI3K, AKT-1, mTOR, and PTEN mRNA expression and PIK3CA mutations in patients with operable high-risk breast cancer. METHODS Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue blocks were available from 279 out of 595 operable high-risk breast cancer patients enrolled in a phase III clinical trial of E-T-CMF vs E-CMF. Updated clinical data were retrospectively used in the present translational research study. RNA was isolated followed by kinetic one-step quantitative RT-PCR for assessment of the expression of PI3K, AKT-1, mTOR, and PTEN. Mutations (E542K, E545K and H1047R) in the helical (exon 9) and the kinase (exon 20) domains of the PIK3CA gene encoding the catalytic p110 subunit of PI3K were investigated with custom Taqman SNP genotyping assays in 223 tumor DNA samples from the patient population enrolled in this study. RESULTS The two groups were well balanced concerning their basic characteristics except for grade (p = 0.015). The vast majority of hormone receptor positive patients (92%) received tamoxifen for 5 years, with LHRH analogs for premenopausal patients. The distribution of AKT-1 values was bimodal and therefore the 25th percentile was a natural cut-off. The median was used as a cut-off for all other genes. Mutations of the PIK3CA gene were detected in 51 patients (23%) (E542K in 8, E545K in 17 and H1047R in 26 patients). After a median follow-up time of 97 months, 93 patients (33%) had relapsed and 65 (23%) had died. High PI3K mRNA expression was associated with significantly shorter DFS (p = 0.044), irrespectively of the treatment arm. Multivariate analysis showed that high PI3K mRNA expression was an adverse prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.16-3.94, p = 0.015) and DFS (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.09-2.68, p = 0.02), while PIK3CA mutations negatively affected OS (HR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.07-3.95, p = 0.031). None of the other genes assessed was found to be of prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS High PI3K mRNA expression and PIK3CA mutations appear to be of adverse prognostic significance in patients with high-risk operable breast cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Relationship between serum IgG2 concentrations and antibody responses to pneumococcal polysaccharides in children with chronic chest symptoms

We measured IgG‐class antibodies to 12 pneumococcal antigens pre‐ and post‐immunization with polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine in 31 children who had experienced chronic chest symptoms. The purpose of the study was to determine the relation of IgG subclasses, especially IgG2, to the subjects’ antibody responses to bacterial polysaccharide antigens, to see if measuring IgG subclasses would predict these responses. Twenty‐nine children (90%) had low or low‐normal levels of one or more IgG subclasses, including 20 out of 31 (65%) with low or low normal levels of IgG2. Children studied had a relatively poor increase in levels of antibody to 10 of the 12 pneumococcal vaccine antigens investigated. Both pre‐ and post‐immunization antibody levels were related to pre‐immune serum concentrations of lgG2. Pre‐immunization antibody levels were strongly related to post‐immunization levels; when post‐immunization antibody levels were adjusted for pre‐immunization levels by partial correlation, the correlation between anticapsular antibody level post‐immunization and IgG2 was no longer significant. Thus, in children with chronic chest symptoms, levels of antibody measured at a random interval after natural exposure to these bacterial polysaccharide antigens are related to levels of IgG2 subclass, but antibody increases after vaccination appear to be affected more by other factors.
RNA Polymerase II Is Required for RNAi-Dependent Heterochromatin Assembly

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the RNA interference (RNAi) machinery converts pericentromeric transcripts into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and is required for the assembly of pericentromeric heterochromatin. Here we describe a mutation in the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Both wild-type and mutant RNAPII localized to the pericentromere. However, the mutation resulted in the loss of heterochromatic histone modifications and in the accumulation of pericentromeric transcripts, accompanied by the loss of siRNAs. This phenotype resembles mutants in RNAi and suggests that RNAPII couples pericentromeric transcription with siRNA processing and heterochromatin assembly.
Single C nociceptor responses and psychophysical parameters of evoked pain: effect of rate of rise of heat stimuli in humans.

1. Effects of rate of rise of temperature stimuli applied to skin on (i) unitary receptor threshold and frequency response often single C nociceptors, and (ii) on magnitude and reaction times of evoked pain were studied in fifteen healthy human volunteers. 2. Temperature ramps of 32 to 45 or 47 degrees C were applied at three consistent rates of rise to receptive fields of C nociceptors in dorsum of foot (n = 9) or hand (n = 1). For rates of rise of 0.3, 2.0 and 6.0 degrees C/s, mean receptor threshold for heat was remarkably uniform: 41.5 +/‐ 0.57, 41.5 +/‐ 0.61 and 41.9 +/‐ 0.71 degrees C respectively. 3. The mean discharge rate of the ten cutaneous C nociceptors increased with rate of rise of temperature stimuli: 1.22 +/‐ 0.13, 4.57 +/‐ 0.49 and 13.45 +/‐ 0.71 impulses/s, respectively, for stimulus temperature rates of 0.3, 2.0 and 6.0 degrees C/s. 4. Magnitude estimates of pain for thirteen subjects also increased with rate of rise of temperature stimuli. Mean normalized magnitude estimates of heat pain were: 11.8 +/‐ 1.55, 15.1 +/‐ 0.84 and 28.0 +/‐ 1.87 for stimulus rates of rise of 0.3, 2.0 and 6.0 degrees C/s, respectively. 5. Results of simultaneous recordings of reaction time for pain and of C nociceptor responses to heat ramps given at 2.0 degrees C/s, in three subjects, indicate that under those circumstances heat pain messages are exclusively mediated by C nociceptors.
Diffusion of Organisational Innovation in Saudi Arabia: The Case of the Project Management Office (PMO)

Recent innovation diffusion in organisations literature suggests that innovation diffusion dimensions and characteristics are not independent of each other, rather organisational internal environment interacts with both an organisational external environment and an innovation’s characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to examine the validity of the framework consisting of organisational innovation dimensions and characteristics within Saudi Arabian organisations. We test this model with survey data from a large-scale survey of 223 Saudi public and private project-based organisations, these organisations had either adopted, or intended to adopt, the project management office (PMO). To obtain a broad representation of respondents, and to minimise bias, the survey did not target any specific industry. Statistical analysis, specifically exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to ascertain the factors underlying each construct. Structural equations modelling (SEM) was sequentially utilised to determine the factor structure of the model and to assess the relationships between model constructs. This paper took an initiative step towards a conceptual framework for organisational innovation diffusion, represented by the PMO. Its results revealed that perceived organisational innovation climate functions as a gateway to the organisational innovation diffusion. It was also found that technology mediate the relationships between socio-culture and organisation climate for innovation. More importantly, PMO complexity was not related to the intention to implement the PMO. The quantitative study showed that the framework is a useful tool for studying the diffusion of organisation innovation. The model can potentially form the foundations of a framework for organisations seeking to enhance the organisational innovation diffusion that could in turn strengthen their business performance.
Outcomes of an inner-city HIV mental health programme integrated with primary care and emphasizing cultural responsiveness

Abstract Effectiveness of HIV-related mental health practice in inner cities has not been adequately documented despite an urgent need for interventions for populations disproportionately affected by the epidemic. Practices must take into account and respond to cultural issues of people of colour and the needs of those infected through injection drug use or heterosexual sex with IDUs. We report the effectiveness of an HIV mental health programme integrated with primary care and emphasizing cultural responsiveness. A sample of 47 of 188 patients who received psychiatric and psychotherapy services was compared with other subjects. The 47 had an average of 8.34 encounters over an average of 36.23 weeks. Consumers of project services used mental health care at a higher rate than did comparison subjects. Regression analyses indicated that utilization was related to reduction in reported mental health problems, HIV-related physical symptoms, and use of alcohol and powdered cocaine, as well as to improvement in social functioning. Our clients, individuals often viewed as not likely to avail themselves of or benefit from mental health care, were highly motivated for self-improvement and, given access to competent, convenient and culturally respectful services, improved their well-being in significant domains.
An MRI-Compatible Surgical Robot for Precise Radiological Interventions

Objective: A variety of medical robots have been developed in recent years. MRI, including MR angiography and morphological imaging, with its excellent soft-tissue contrast is attractive for the development of interventional MRI-guided therapies and operations. This paper presents a telerobotic device for use in CT- and/or MR-guided radiological interventions. A robotic device for precise needle insertion during MR-guided therapy of spinal diseases will be briefly described. Materials and Methods: Actuation of robots in an MRI environment is difficult due to the presence of strong magnetic fields. Therefore, the robot was constructed of nonmagnetic materials. The system frame was built from polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and fiber-reinforced epoxy, and actuated using ultrasonic and pneumatic motors. Completely MR-compatible sensors were developed for positioning control. Results: Accuracy evaluation procedures and phantom tests were performed, with the required accuracy of approximately 1 mm being achieved and no significant artifacts being caused by the robotic device during MR image acquisition.
Changing use of hormone therapy among minority women since the Women's Health Initiative

Objective: There has been a significant shift in the use of hormone therapy (HT) among nonminority women since the publication of results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Little is known about how the WHI results affected minority populations. This survey measured patterns of HT use among inner city women after publication of the WHI results, identified factors involved in the decision to continue or discontinue HT, and characterized the symptom burden and the experience of women who attempted to discontinue HT. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 101 English- and Spanish-speaking women in an inner city general internal medicine clinic from August 2003 to April 2004. All women had been taking HT at the time of the publication of the WHI results. The survey included questions on patient-reported experience with HT, symptoms of menopause, and use of alternative treatments. Results: Overall, 101 of 142 (71%) eligible women agreed to participate. The mean age of participants was 60 years; 43% were African American and 46% were Hispanic. The mean duration of HT use was 9.6 years. Three quarters (74%) had heard about the WHI findings, and 87% had attempted to stop taking HT after their publication. The most common reason for attempting to stop HT was concern about an increased risk of cancer or a general increase in risk to health. Of those who stopped HT, the vast majority (85%) reported vasomotor symptoms, and 26% restarted HT, mostly to treat those symptoms. Conclusions: Nearly all minority women in this small sample attempted to stop HT use after the results of the WHI were published. Restarting HT for treatment of symptoms was common.
Elevated uric acid correlates with wound severity

Chronic venous leg ulcers are a major health issue and represent an often overlooked area of biomedical research. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly evident that new approaches to enhance healing outcomes may arise through better understanding the processes involved in the formation of chronic wounds. We have for the first time shown that the terminal purine catabolite uric acid (UA) is elevated in wound fluid (WF) from chronic venous leg ulcers with relative concentrations correlating with wound chronicity. We have also shown a corresponding depletion in UA precursors, including adenosine, with increased wound severity. Further, we have shown that xanthine oxidase, the only enzyme in humans that catalyses the production of UA in conjunction with a burst of free radicals, is active in chronic WF. Taken together, this provides compelling evidence that xanthine oxidase may play a critical role in the formation of chronic wounds by prolonging the inflammatory process.
Interferon-γ Alters Electrical Activity and Clock Gene Expression in Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Neurons

The proinflammatory cytokine interferon (IFN-γ) is an immunomodulatory molecule released by immune cells. It was originally described as an antiviral agent but can also affect functions in the nervous system including circadian activity of the principal mammalian circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. IFN-γ and the synergistically acting cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α acutely decrease spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic activity and alter spiking activity in tissue preparations of the SCN. Because IFN-γ can be released chronically during infections, the authors studied the long-term effects of IFN-γ on SCN neurons by treating dispersed rat SCN cultures with IFN-γ over a 4-week period. They analyzed the effect of the treatment on the spontaneous spiking pattern and rhythmic expression of the “clock gene,” Period 1. They found that cytokine-treated cells exhibited a lower average spiking frequency and displayed a more irregular firing pattern when compared with controls. Furthermore, long-term treatment with IFN-γ in cultures obtained from a transgenic Per1-luciferase rat significantly reduced the Per1-luc rhythm amplitude in individual SCN neurons. These results show that IFN-γ can alter the electrical properties and circadian clock gene expression in SCN neurons. The authors hypothesize that IFN-γ can modulate circadian output, which may be associated with sleep and rhythm disturbances observed in certain infections and in aging.
Highly Sensitive Waveguide Bragg Grating Temperature Sensor Using Hybrid Polymers

A waveguide Bragg grating temperature sensor implemented using a hybrid inorganic-organic material (Ormocer) with a 25-times higher temperature sensitivity than a typical silica fiber is presented. The sensor consists of second order gratings (1010-nm pitch) in 5 μm × 5 μm waveguides fabricated on a planar substrate using the replication-based methods. The gratings were imprinted in the under-cladding layer, and the waveguide cores were patterned on top by capillary filling of microchannels, which were defined in a transparent and flexible mold. The somewhat larger, slightly multimode waveguides facilitate pigtailing with an optical fiber but lead to three reflection peaks corresponding to the different excited waveguide modes. The peak at the longest wavelength (Bragg wavelength at 1539 nm, corresponding to the fundamental mode) was tracked during temperature testing, and a sensitivity of -249 pm °C-1 was found.
Indwelling catheter and conservative measures in the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in fulminant acute pancreatitis.

AIM To study the effect of combined indwelling catheter, hemofiltration, respiration support and traditional Chinese medicine (e.g. Dahuang) in treating abdominal compartment syndrome of fulminant acute pancreatitis. METHODS Patients with fulminant acute pancreatitis were divided randomly into 2 groups of combined indwelling catheter celiac drainage and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring and routine conservative measures group (group 1) and control group (group 2). Routine non-operative conservative treatments including hemofiltration, respiration support, gastrointestinal TCM ablution were also applied in control group patients. Effectiveness of the two groups was observed, and APACHE II scores were applied for analysis. RESULTS On the second and fifth days after treatment, APACHE II scores of group 1 and 2 patients were significantly different. Comparison of effectiveness (abdominalgia and burbulence relief time, hospitalization time) between groups 1 and 2 showed significant difference, as well as incidence rates of cysts formation. Mortality rates of groups 1 and 2 were 10.0% and 20.7%, respectively. For patients in group 1, celiac drainage quantity and intra-abdominal pressure, and hospitalization time were positively correlated (r = 0.552, 0.748, 0.923, P<0.01) with APACHE II scores. CONCLUSION Combined indwelling catheter celiac drainage and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring, short veno-venous hemofiltration (SVVH), gastrointestinal TCM ablution, respiration support have preventive and treatment effects on abdominal compartment syndrome of fulminant acute pancreatitis.
Data Resource Profile: German Health Update (GEDA)--the health interview survey for adults in Germany.

The German Health Update (GEDA) study is one component of the recently established nationwide health monitoring system administered by the Robert Koch Institute. The repeated cross-sectional GEDA surveys aim to provide current data on health and disease, health determinants and time trends in health and morbidity in the adult population in Germany. This forms the basis for planning requirements and recommendations for public health policy.Between 2008 and 2013, three GEDA waves were carried out, involving a total of 62,606 computer-assisted telephone interviews with adults in Germany, living in private household, and reachable via landline.A core set of indicators was used in all GEDA waves to gather information on subjective health and health-related quality of life, chronic diseases, injuries, impairment to health and disabilities, mental health, health behaviours, social determinants, use of health services and socio-demographic characteristics.The data from the GEDA surveys are provided for public use and epidemiological research. After submitting an application form, the data are accessible from: [http://www.rki. de/EN/Content/Health_Monitoring/Public_Use_Files/public_use_file_node. htm].
The effect of betahistine, a histamine H1 receptor agonist/H3 antagonist, on olanzapine-induced weight gain in first-episode schizophrenia patients

Histamine antagonism has been implicated in antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain. Betahistine, a histamine enhancer with H1 agonistic/H3 antagonistic properties (48 mg t.i.d.), was coadministered with olanzapine (10 mg/day) in three first-episode schizophrenia patients for 6 weeks. Body weight was measured at baseline and weekly thereafter. Clinical rating scales were completed at baseline and at week 6. All participants gained weight (mean weight gain 3.1±0.9 kg) and a similar pattern of weight gain was observed: an increase during the first 2 weeks and no additional weight gain (two patients) or minor weight loss (one patient) from weeks 3 to 6. None gained 7% of baseline weight, which is the cut-off for clinically significant weight gain. Betahistine was safe and well tolerated and did not interfere with the antipsychotic effect of olanzapine. Our findings justify a placebo-controlled evaluation of the putative weight-attenuating effect of betahistine in olanzapine-induced weight gain.
Superficial Angiomyxoma (Cutaneous Myxoma) A Clinicopathologic Study of 17 Cases Arising in the Genital Region

SummarySeventeen cases of superficial angiomyxoma (cutaneous myxoma) of the genital region are reported. Thirteen patients were female (age range: 15–33 years; mean: 21 years) and four were male (age range: 18–55 years; mean: 39 years). The sites of involvement in females were the labium majus or labium, not otherwise specified (n = 6), vulva (n = 4), groin (n = 2), and mons pubis (n = 1). All lesions in male patients involved the scrotum. The tumors were present from 2 months to 4 years before resection and ranged from 0.9 to 6 centimeters in maximal dimension; 10 tumors were 3 centimeters or less in size. The predominant reason for seeking medical attention was a slow growing painless mass. All lesions were locally excised. Follow-up was obtained for 9 patients with a mean and median follow-up interval of 135 and 95 months, respectively. A recurrence developed in three patients at 8 months, 7 years 11 months, and 20 years. No patient has been shown to have Carney's complex. The tumors were immunoreaetive for vimentin (11/11), CD34 (11/11), muscle-specific actin (8/12), smooth muscle actin (9/11), S100 protein (5/13), and Factor Xllla (5/9). No immunoreactivity was present fordesmin (DE-R-11), glial fibrillary acidic protein, estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor. Superficial angiomyxomas are probably derived from fibroblast-like cells capable of antigen modulation.