Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accuracy and Safety of Pedicle Screw Placement in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients: A Review of 2020 Screws Using Computed Tomography Assessment

Study Design. Retrospective review of CT scan. Objective. To investigate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screws placed in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Summary of Background Data. The reported pedicle screws perforation rates for corrective AIS surgery vary widely from 1.2% to 65.0%. Knowledge regarding the safety of pedicle screws in scoliosis surgery is very important in preventing complications. Methods. This study investigates the accuracy and safety of pedicle screws placed in 140 AIS patients. CT scans were used to assess the perforations that were classified according to Rao et al (2002): grade 0, grade 1 (<2 mm), grade 2 (2–4 mm), and grade 3 (>4 mm). Anterior perforations were classified into grade 0, grade 1 (<4 mm), grade 2 (4–6 mm), and grade 3 (>6 mm). Grade 2 and 3 (excluding lateral grade 2 and 3 perforation over thoracic vertebrae) were considered as critical perforations. Results. A total of 2020 pedicle screws from 140 patients were analyzed. The overall total perforation rate was 20.3% (410 screws) with 8.2% (166 screws) grade 1, 2.9% (58 screws) grade 2 and 9.2% (186 screws) grade 3 perforations. Majority of the perforations was because of lateral perforation occurring over the thoracic region, as a result of application of extrapedicular screws at this region. When the lateral perforations of the thoracic region were excluded, the perforation rate was 6.4% (129 screws), grade 2, 1.4% (28 screws) and grade 3, 0.8% (16 screws). There were only two symptomatic left medial grade 2 perforations: one screw at T12 presented with postoperative iliac crest numbness and another screw at L2 presented with radicular pain that subsided with conservative treatment. There were six anterior perforations abutting the right lung, four anterior perforations abutting the aorta, two anterior perforations abutting the esophagus, and one abutting the trachea was noted. Conclusion. Pedicle screws insertion in AIS has a total perforation rate of 20.3%. After exclusion of lateral thoracic perforations, the overall perforation rate was 8.6% with a critical perforation rate of 2.2% (44/2020). The rate of symptomatic screw perforation leading to radicular symptoms was 0.1%. There was no spinal cord, aortic, esophageal, or lung injuries caused by malpositioned screws in this study. Level of Evidence: 4
Delineation of heavy metal uptake pathways (seawater and food) in the variegated scallop Chlamys varia, using radiotracer techniques

The bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics of selected metals (Ag, Co, Hg, Mn and Zn) were determined in the European variegated scallop Chlamys varia following exposures via seawater and food, using highly sensitive radiotracer techniques (110mAg, 57Co, 203Hg, 54Mn and 65Zn). Body distribution of Ag, Co, Mn and Zn was similar for both waterborne and dietary metals. Ag was mainly present in the digestive gland (> 80%); Co and Mn were generally localized in similar proportions in the digestive gland and kidneys, whereas Zn was mainly found in the kidneys (> 40%). In contrast, Hg was mainly present in gills during seawater exposure whereas it was mainly distributed in the digestive gland after food exposure. The results from all the experiments have been integrated into a bioaccumulation model in order to delineate the relative contribution of each metal uptake route in C. varia. Computation indicated that food is the main uptake route of Ag, Co, Mn, and Zn in scallop, whereas waterborne and dietary pathways were shown to contribute similarly in the global bioaccumulation of Hg in C. varia. Except for Hg, dietary transfer was investigated using two different phytoplankton species (Isochrysis galbana and Skeletonema costatum). For Mn and Zn, the dietary contribution was not influenced by the phytoplankton species used. In contrast, food quality played a major role for Ag and Co intake, (e.g., dietary pathway contributed for 97% of global Ag bioaccumulation when S. costatum was used as food vs. 58% for Ag ingested with I. galbana).
Hearing impairment associated with depression in US adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010.

IMPORTANCE Depression among hearing impaired US adults has not been studied previously. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for depression among adults with hearing loss. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 18 years or older (N = 18 318) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005-2010, a nationally representative sample. INTERVENTIONS Multistage probability sampling of US population. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Depression, assessed by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale, and hearing impairment (HI), assessed by self-report and audiometric examination for adults aged 70 years or older. RESULTS The prevalence of moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 score, ≥10) was 4.9% for individuals reporting excellent hearing, 7.1% for those with good hearing, and 11.4% for participants who reported a little trouble or greater HI. Using excellent hearing as the reference, after adjusting for all covariates, multivariate odds ratios (ORs) for depression were 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1-1.8) for good hearing, 1.7 (1.3-2.2) for a little trouble, 2.4 (1.7-3.2) for moderate trouble, 1.5 (0.9-2.6) for a lot of trouble, and 0.6 (0.1-2.6) for deaf. Moderate HI (defined by better ear pure-tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz within the range 35- to 49-dB hearing level) was significantly associated with depression among older women (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.3-11.3), after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, lifestyle characteristics, and selected health conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE After accounting for health conditions and other factors, including trouble seeing, self-reported HI and audiometrically determined HI were significantly associated with depression, particularly in women. Health care professionals should be aware of an increased risk for depression among adults with hearing loss.
OBE022, an Oral and Selective Prostaglandin F2α Receptor Antagonist as an Effective and Safe Modality for the Treatment of Preterm Labor

Preterm birth is the major challenge in obstetrics, affecting ∼10% of pregnancies. Pan-prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)] prevent preterm labor and prolong pregnancy but raise concerns about fetal renal and cardiovascular safety. We conducted preclinical studies examining the tocolytic effect and fetal safety of the oral prodrug candidate OBE022 [(S)-2-amino-3-methyl-butyric acid (S)-3-{[(S)-3-(biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-thiazolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propyl ester] and its parent OBE002 [(S)-3-(biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-hydroxy-propyl]-amide], both potent and highly selective antagonist of the contractile prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor (FP). Efficacy of OBE022 and OBE002, alone and in combination with other tocolytics, was assessed in human tissues and pregnant animal models for inhibition of uterine contraction and delay of parturition. Selective safety of OBE022 and/or OBE002, compared with NSAID indomethacin, was assessed on renal function, closure of the ductus arteriosus, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. In in vitro studies, OBE002 inhibited spontaneous, oxytocin- and PGF2α-induced human myometrial contractions alone and was more effective in combination with atosiban or nifedipine. In in vivo studies, OBE022 and OBE002 reduced spontaneous contractions in near-term pregnant rats. In pregnant mice, OBE022 delayed RU486 [(8S,11R,13S,14S,17S)-11-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-17-hydroxy-13-methyl-17-prop-1-ynyl-1,2,6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one] -induced parturition and exerted synergistic effects in combination with nifedipine. OBE022 and/or OBE002 did not show the fetal side effects of ductus arteriosus constriction, impairment of kidney function, or inhibition of platelet aggregation observed with indomethacin. Orally active OBE022 and OBE002 exhibits potent tocolytic effects on human tissues ex vivo and animal models in vivo without causing the adverse fetal side effects seen with indomethacin. Selectively targeting the FP receptor in combination with existing tocolytics may be an effective strategy for preventing or delaying preterm delivery.
Loudness Perception of Pure Tones in Parkinson's Disease.

Purpose Reduced intensity is a hallmark of speech production in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous work has examined the perception of intensity in PD to explain these speech deficits. This study reports loudness ratings of pure tones by individuals with PD and controls, all with normal thesholds for older adults. Method Twenty individuals with PD and 23 age- and sex-matched controls rated the loudness of pure tones from 1 (very soft) to 7 (uncomfortably loud). Tones at 500, 750, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz were presented from 35 to 80 dB HL (or until a rating of 7 was given). A mixed-model analysis of variance was performed on ratings to assess the effects of group, frequency, sound intensity, and ear. Loudness growth slopes were determined for each participant and analyzed by group. Results The mean loudness growth slopes of the control and PD groups did not significantly differ. Conclusions No difference was found in loudness growth slopes in response to externally generated tones in PD. This is in contrast with the findings of previous studies of self-generated speech and externally presented speech. The underlying causes for impaired perception and production of loudness in PD require further investigation.
New Footprint of DAF on the Virus Surface Decay-Accelerating Factor ( DAF ) Provide a of the Virus Complexed with Cryo-Electron Microscopy Reconstruction B 3RD Variant and a Refined 9-Angstrom The Crystal Structure of a Coxsackievirus

Published Ahead of Print 12 September 2012. 2012, 86(23):12571. DOI: 10.1128/JVI.01592-12. J. Virol. Bergelson and Susan Hafenstein Joshua D. Yoder, Javier O. Cifuente, Jieyan Pan, Jeffrey M. New Footprint of DAF on the Virus Surface Decay-Accelerating Factor (DAF) Provide a of the Virus Complexed with Cryo-Electron Microscopy Reconstruction B3-RD Variant and a Refined 9-Angstrom The Crystal Structure of a Coxsackievirus
Growth Stage, Development, and Spatial Variability in Corn Evaluated Using Optical Sensor Readings

ABSTRACT Knowing the exact stage of growth where expressed plant variability is at a maximum might lead to the identification of times when in-season fertilization could have the greatest impact. One field experiment was initiated to measure daily plant growth and spatial variability in corn (Zea mays L.) over the entire growth cycle using optical sensor readings (normalized difference vegetative index, or NDVI) collected every 0.05 m in length, 0.6 m wide from 4 corn rows, 27 m in length. Averaged over all 4 rows, plants were spaced 21 ± 7 cm apart. For each row and sensing date, the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV) were computed from the NDVI readings. Eighteen days after planting, NDVI values were near 0.20, and later peaked near 0.81, 54 days after planting at the 10-leaf growth stage (V10). Coefficients of variation were found to peak much earlier, 33 to 35 days after planting at the 6-leaf growth stage (V6), (31% to 34% during this period). Expressed spatial variability decreased from >30% at V6 to just under 10% at the 11-leaf growth stage (V11). Immediately following V11, a distinct increase in CVs was found just following the initiation of tasseling (VT), but lasted for only 2 days. Expressed spatial variability was greatest at the V6 growth stage, and this peak in the within-row-by-plant variability may be the precise growth stage at which treating that variability will have the greatest impact.
Structural and functional diversity of a dense sample of retinal ganglion cells

To aid understanding of retinal structure and function, we present as an online resource the dendritic arbors and visual responses of ganglion cells in a single patch of mouse retina. We divide the inner plexiform layer, which contains the dendritic arbors of ganglion cells, into four sublaminae defined by a purely anatomical principle of arbor segregation. The sublaminae serve as the starting point for a hierarchical clustering of our ganglion cells. We propose and apply a quantitative criterion for validating a cluster as a ganglion cell type: the aggregate neurite density of a type should be approximately uniform (density conservation). Finally, we find that ganglion cells arborizing in the inner marginal sublamina of the inner plexiform layer exhibit significantly more sustained visual responses on average.
Psychopathy and Brain Function: Empirical Findings and Legal Implications

A major focus of interest in contemporary research on mental disorders consists of work aimed at identifying differences in brain systems and processes associated with particular disorders or symptomatic expressions of disorders. This interest arises from the view that knowledge of the structure and workings of the brain is crucial to an understanding of psychological processes underlying abnormal behavior, which in turn will contribute to the development of optimally effective methods of treatment (i.e., by directly targeting underlying, brain-based processing deviations; Dadds & Rhodes, 2008; Insel & Cuthbert, 2009). The emphasis on neuroscienceoriented research in recent years also reflects the increased availability of non-invasive brain measurement methods appropriate for use with human subjects – including functional neuroimaging and electrocortical (i.e., electroencephalographic, or EEG, and event-related potential, or ERP) recording techniques. This chapter focuses on findings from studies that have used techniques of these types to test for differences in brain reactivity in individuals identified as psychopathic, and discusses implications of these findings for legal practices and policies. In reviewing findings from brain research on psychopathy, it is important to distinguish psychopathy from other conditions with which it has historically been confused (e.g., criminal or antisocial behavior, in particular violent behavior), and
Monoamine oxidase-A polymorphisms might modify the association between the dopamine D2 receptor gene and alcohol dependence.

OBJECTIVE Low monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and the neurotransmitter dopamine are 2 important factors in the development of alcohol dependence. MAO is an important enzyme associated with the metabolism of biogenic amines. Therefore, the present study investigates whether the association between the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene and alcoholism is affected by different polymorphisms of the MAO type A (MAOA) gene. METHODS A total of 427 Han Chinese men in Taiwan (201 control subjects and 226 with alcoholism) were recruited for the study. Of the subjects with alcoholism, 108 had pure alcohol dependence (ALC) and 118 had both alcohol dependence and anxiety, depression or both (ANX/DEP ALC). All subjects were assessed with the Chinese Version of the Modified Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime. Alcohol dependence, anxiety and major depressive disorders were diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria. CONCLUSION The genetic variant of the DRD2 gene was only associated with the ANX/DEP ALC phenotype, and the genetic variant of the MAOA gene was associated with pure ALC. Subjects carrying the MAOA 3-repeat allele and genotype A1/A1 of the DRD2 were 3.48 times (95% confidence interval = 1.47-8.25) more likely to be ANX/DEP ALC than the subjects carrying the MAOA 3-repeat allele and DRD2 A2/A2 genotype. The MAOA gene may modify the association between the DRD2 gene and ANX/DEP ALC phenotype.
Plumage coloration can be perceived as a multiple condition-dependent signal by Great Tits Parus major

The evolution of multiple signals can be explained because they enhance the perception of a general message by recipients. Plumage coloration frequently acts as a condition-dependent signal, so that species displaying different colour patches have the potential to transmit information on condition through a multiple signalling system. The Great Tit Parus major exhibits plumage colour patches generated by the main types of colour production, some of which, particularly those based on melanins and carotenoids, are known to be related to body condition. However, the colour expressions of all of the different colour types have never been investigated simultaneously to determine whether they function as multiple signals of condition. In addition, visual perception models have never been applied to a multiple signalling system in a wild population of birds. Here I present information that links body condition with the colour expression of almost all of the different plumage patches of male Great Tits captured during the winter. Birds in better condition had greater reflectance values at short wavelengths in all plumage patches, and this was especially so in the white (i.e. structural) colour of the cheeks. Plumage colour characteristics were calculated by means of avian visual models, suggesting that Great Tits have the capacity to perceive information contained in the plumage coloration of conspecifics. These results show that short-wavelength reflectance has great potential to transmit biologically significant information on the body condition of birds, even in achromatic plumage patches.
Gender and Health Behavior Clustering among U.S. Young Adults

ABSTRACT U.S. trends in population health suggest alarming disparities among young adults, who are less healthy across most measureable domains than their counterparts in other high-income countries; these international comparisons are particularly troubling for women. To deepen our understanding of gender disparities in health and underlying behavioral contributions, we document gender-specific clusters of health behavior among U.S. young adults using nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We find high levels of poor health behavior, but especially among men; 40 percent of men clustered into a group characterized by unhealthy behavior (e.g., poor diet, no exercise, substance use), compared to only 22 percent of women. Additionally, women tend to age out of unhealthy behaviors in young adulthood more than men. Further, we uncover gender differences in the extent to which sociodemographic position and adolescent contexts inform health behavior clustering. For example, college education was more protective for men, whereas marital status was equally protective across gender. Parental drinking mattered for health behavior clustering among men, whereas peer drinking mattered for clustering among women. We discuss these results in the context of declining female advantage in U.S. health and changing young adult social and health contexts.
Diagnostic algorithms in autoimmune encephalitis

Over the past decade the discovery of novel forms of encephalitis associated with neuronal surface antibodies had changed the paradigms for diagnosing and treating disorders that were previously mischaracterized. Recognition of clinical syndromes, consistent methods of diagnosis, and early targeted immunotherapy can lead to a favorable outcome in diseases that may be associated with significant disability or death if left untreated. Here the conditions associated with neuronal surface antibodies are briefly reviewed, some general aspects of these syndromes are considered and guidelines that could help in the recognition of these disorders are suggested. Furthermore, a diagnostic algorithm to detect and characterize neuronal cell surface autoantibodies is suggested and some of the caveats of serum testing are outlined. Future directions will involve the identification of novel autoantibodies, the standardization of methods to detect and characterize them, as well as evaluation of the most efficacious therapeutic strategies in patients with established diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.
Yield stability of rapeseed genotypes under drought stress conditions

Genotype by Environment (GxE) interactions of 29 rapeseed genotypes in normal irrigation and irrigation cut off from flowering and silique formation stages have been worked out from the data recorded during three cropping seasons. Combined variance analysis showed a significant variation for year (cropping season), moisture regimes, genotype, genotype x moisture regimes and genotype x year interactions. Results of AMMI model analysis showed that three first genotype x environment principal components (PC) were significant at 1% level of probability and fourth PC at 5% level. These four components explained 35.6, 24.4, 18.4 and 14.8 per cent of the GxE sum of squares, respectively. According to AMMI2 biplot analysis, genotypes such as L155, Neptune, Elvise, Jerry, GkGabriella, Sw102, GKH0224, Julius, GKH3705 and Sarigol were positioned in the center of the biplot so had the least GxE interaction and showed the most general compatibility. Based on simultaneous selection, winter type of genotypes namely, GKH2624, SW102, HW118, GKH3705, Wpn6 and L72 were identified as high yielding and stable whereas, spring genotypes namely, Zabol10, Dalgan, Jerome and Hyola4815 were identified as low yielding with poor stability.
An Inventory-Based Regeneration Biomass Model to Initialize Landscape Scale Simulation Scenarios

Dynamic landscape simulation of the forest requires an initial regeneration stock specific to the characteristics of each simulated stand. Forest inventories, however, are sparse with regard to regeneration. Moreover, statistical regeneration models are rare. We introduce an inventory-based statistical model type that (1) quantifies regeneration biomass as a fundamental regeneration attribute and (2) uses the overstory’s quadratic mean diameter (Dq) together with several other structure attributes and the Site Index as predictors. We form two such models from plots dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), one from national forest inventory data and the other from spatially denser federal state forest inventory data. We evaluate the first one for capturing the predictors specific to the larger scale level and the latter one to infer the degree of landscape discretization above which the model bias becomes critical due to yet unquantified determinants of regeneration. The most relevant predictors were Dq, stand density, and maximum height (significance level p < 0.0001). If plot data sets for evaluation differed by the forest management unit in addition to the average diameter, the bias range among them increased from 0.1-fold of predicted biomass to 0.3-fold.
Role of Fiber Optic Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Various Lung Diseases

Background: Fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) is a safe and useful diagnostic tool for the management of the pulmonary diseases. Objectives: To assess the role of FOB in the diagnosis of various lung diseases. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the at a tertiary care institute of North India over a period one year (Jan-Dec 2010). Data was collected from hospital record regarding age, clinical presentation, diagnostic procedure and outcome. The study was carried out on 157 patients suspected to have pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer or sarcoidosis. All the patients were subjected to FOB. Results: There were total 157 cases included in the study and subjected to FOB. Majority (59.87%) were males, the mean age was 50 years with range from 21-80 years. The overall diagnostic yield of FOB was 61.14%. Conclusion: FOB can be successfully employed for the diagnosis of lung diseases, including malignancies and granulomatous lesions. Routine flexible bronchoscopy technique continues to have a good diagnostic yield in current clinical practice in various lung diseases.