Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Lenox Hill brace

Forty-five patients with documented ACL injuries were examined objectively and subjectively to evaluate the effectiveness of the Lenox Hill brace in treating knee instability. The brace failed to significantly reduce max imal anterior subluxation of the tibia, but did increase resistance to displacement. Rotatory instability was improved an average of one grade by the brace, while varus/valgus laxity was unchanged. Subjectively, patients experienced a significant re duction in episodes of giving way, and athletic perform ance was improved by the brace in 69% of patients. Increased symptoms of instability correlated positively with greater measured laxity and low resistance to tibial displacement. The brace, while not effective in control ling absolute laxity, significantly reduced symptoms of instability in the nonelite athlete, possibly through in creasing relative resistance to subluxation. Overall, 91% of the patients examined were satisfied with the brace and felt it was beneficial for them.
Outcome of Cesarean Myomectomy: Is it a Safe Procedure?

Abstract Objective Myomectomy performed during cesarean section is still controversial because of the potential for associated complications, especially with large myomas. Many obstetricians avoid performing cesarean myomectomy procedures because of the risk of uncontrollable hemorrhage. However, the prevalence of pregnant women with myomas is increasing, leading to an increase in the likelihood that physicians will encounter this issue. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications of patients who either had or did not have cesarean myomectomy. Method A total of 361 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. Patients who had cesarean section with myomectomy and patients had cesarean section without myomectomy were compared with regard to demographics, drop in hemoglobin levels, complications, blood transfusion rates and duration of operation. These parameters were also compared when the diameter of the myoma was larger than 5 cm. Values of p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results While maternal age and gravidity were similar in both groups (p > 0.05), the mean myoma diameter was smaller and the duration of operation was longer in the group who underwent cesarean myomectomy (p < 0.05). The reduction in hemoglobin level, rate of complications, and number of transfusions were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study shows that myomectomy during cesarean section does not increase complications or transfusion rates and appears to be a safe procedure.
Endothelial cell apoptosis in sepsis

ObjectiveTo discuss a potential role for endothelial cell apoptosis in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Data SourcesStudies published in biomedical journals and studies from the authors’ laboratory. Study selectionIn vitro and in vivo studies of endothelial cell apoptosis in endotoxin and sepsis models. Data Extraction and SynthesisRelevant studies that investigate the role of apoptosis in endotoxemia and sepsis are presented. The divergent results of the different studies and the potential reasons for the discrepant findings are presented. The importance of apoptosis in sepsis and the potential impact on endothelial cells and organ function are highlighted. ConclusionsApoptosis is an important mechanism of lymphocyte and gastrointestinal epithelial cell death in sepsis. Although abundant in vitro studies indicate that endothelial cell apoptosis can occur in response to certain pathogenic organisms (e.g., Rickettsia rickettsii), data documenting endothelial cell apoptosis in in vivo models of sepsis are lacking. Because endothelial cells that undergo apoptosis detach from the vessel basement membrane, enter the circulation, and are rapidly cleared, it may be difficult to detect endothelial cell apoptosis in in vivo models of sepsis. The impact of endothelial cell apoptosis in sepsis may either be detrimental or beneficial to host survival, depending on the particular pathogen.
Factors influencing speech perception in noise for 5-year-old children using hearing aids or cochlear implants

Abstract Objective: We investigated the factors influencing speech perception in babble for 5-year-old children with hearing loss who were using hearing aids (HAs) or cochlear implants (CIs). Design: Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) for 50% correct identification were measured in two conditions – speech collocated with babble, and speech with spatially separated babble. The difference in SRTs between the two conditions give a measure of binaural unmasking, commonly known as spatial release from masking (SRM). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the influence of a range of demographic factors on outcomes. Study sample: Participants were 252 children enrolled in the Longitudinal Outcomes of Children with Hearing Impairment (LOCHI) study. Results: Children using HAs or CIs required a better signal-to-noise ratio to achieve the same level of performance as their normal-hearing peers but demonstrated SRM of a similar magnitude. For children using HAs, speech perception was significantly influenced by cognitive and language abilities. For children using CIs, age at CI activation and language ability were significant predictors of speech perception outcomes. Conclusions: Speech perception in children with hearing loss can be enhanced by improving their language abilities. Early age at cochlear implantation was also associated with better outcomes.
Influence of transiently altered retinal vascular perfusion pressure on rod/cone contributions to scotopic oscillatory potentials

The oscillatory pntentials (Ops) are sensitive to vascular disturbances in the retina. Rods in man are more susceptible than cones to ischaemia. The findings in a recent study showed that the while flash OPs had a heightened sensitivity to altered retinal vascular perfusion pressure (RVPP), compared with earlier OPs and the h‐wave. In the present study, a comparison was made of the sensitivity of scotopically matched blue and red flash OPs to dim white flash OPs, to transient stepwise changes in the RVPP, in 10 healthy young adults. After 30 minutes of dark adaptation, two consecutive 0.3 Hz Hash groups (n= 20) were filtered and averaged to obtain 100 ms flash ERGs and OPs simultaneously via DTL, fibre electrodes For white, blue, and red flashes. To minimize any earn‐over effects across flash colour, or repeated testing, the retinal responses to each of these stimuli were measured in separate test sessions several hours to days apart. The RVPP was increased or decreased by 20% and 40% non‐invasively by body inversion and scleral suction respectively. For the flash intensities used, blue and red Hash OPs appeared more variable than white flash OPs. The OP index increased or decreased across all flash colours when the RVPP was increased, with blue OPs showing the greatest spread of data. Retesting in five subjects using white and red flashes against a blue background disclosed the input of both rods and cones to the while flash scotoptc OPs. The provocative test conditions described here offer a potentially profitable approach for studies attempting to differentiate the effects of vascular disorders on rod versus cone function.
Role of radioisotope renal scans in the choice of nephrectomy side in live kidney donors.

PURPOSE We determined the role of radioisotope renal scans in the choice of nephrectomy side in potential live kidney donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 300 consecutive potential live kidney donors. In addition to routine laboratory and radiological evaluation, a radioisotope renal scan with selective determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of each kidney was performed for all donors. Results of the first 100 potential donors were used to standardize the technique and to show the normal difference in GFR of both kidneys due to technical and normal physiological variations. The subsequent 200 potential donors who underwent nephrectomy were considered the study group. In the study group kidneys with a GFR difference less than or equal to mean normal difference were considered equal in function. Disparity in function was considered if the GFR difference between both kidneys was greater than normal mean difference. RESULTS Of the 100 control donors there was no difference between mean GFR +/- SD of the left and right kidney (57.7 +/- 9.09 vs 58.09 +/- 8.93 ml per minute, respectively). The disparity in clearance of both kidneys ranged from 0 to 14.25 ml per minute and averaged 6.12 +/- 0.42. This average difference represents 5.31% +/- 0.27% of average total renographic GFR. Based on control group results a disparity greater than 5.31% of total GFR was considered significant in the study group. Of the 200 study group donors GFR of both kidneys was comparable in 116 cases (58%), the left had better function in 49 (24.5%) and the right had better function in 35 (17.5%). Therefore, a total of 84 donors (42%) had disparity in function between both kidneys. In all these donors the kidney with less function was chosen for nephrectomy regardless of anatomical considerations such as multiplicity of renal arteries. In donors with comparable GFR in both kidneys the harvested kidney was essentially chosen on an anatomical basis. CONCLUSIONS When renal function of 2 kidneys is similar or nearly similar, anatomical factors determine the side of the harvested kidney. When there is a significant difference in clearance value (greater than 6 ml per minute) the kidney with lower clearance is chosen irrespective of anatomical findings. Since this difference is expected in about 40% of healthy individuals, radioisotopic determination of split renal function should be an integral part of the preoperative evaluation of potential kidney donors.
Prognostic value of nonlinear heart rate dynamics in hemodialysis patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND Although altered nonlinear heart rate dynamics predicts death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), its prognostic value in chronic hemodialysis patients with CAD is unknown. METHODS We analyzed 24-hour electrocardiogram for nonlinear heart rate dynamics and heart rate variability in a retrospective cohort of 81 chronic hemodialysis patients with CAD. RESULTS During a follow-up period of 31 +/- 20 months, 19 cardiac and 8 noncardiac deaths were observed. Cox hazards model, including diabetes, left ventricular ejection fraction, and the number of diseased coronary arteries, revealed that abnormal alpha2 (defined as both increase and decrease in alpha2 because of its J curve relationship with cardiac mortality), decreased approximate entropy and decreased heart rate variability (triangular index and ultra-low frequency power) were significant and independent predictors of cardiac death. No significant and independent predictive power for noncardiac death was observed in either the heart rate dynamics or the heart rate variability measures. The predictive power of alpha2 and approximate entropy was independent of that of triangular index and ultra-low frequency power. Combinations of two categories of measures improved the predictive accuracy; overall accuracy of approximate entropy + ultra-low frequency power for cardiac death was 87%. CONCLUSION Altered nonlinear heart rate dynamics are independent predictors of cardiac death in chronic hemodialysis patients with CAD and their combinations with decreased heart rate variability provide clinically useful markers for risk stratification.
Interaction of lifestyle, behaviour or systemic diseases with dental caries and periodontal diseases: consensus report of group 2 of the joint EFP/ORCA workshop on the boundaries between caries and periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common diseases of humans and the main cause of tooth loss. Both diseases can lead to nutritional compromise and negative impacts upon self-esteem and quality of life. As complex chronic diseases, they share common risk factors, such as a requirement for a pathogenic plaque biofilm, yet they exhibit distinct pathophysiologies. Multiple exposures contribute to their causal pathways, and susceptibility involves risk factors that are inherited (e.g. genetic variants), and those that are acquired (e.g. socio-economic factors, biofilm load or composition, smoking, carbohydrate intake). Identification of these factors is crucial in the prevention of both diseases as well as in their management. AIM To systematically appraise the scientific literature to identify potential risk factors for caries and periodontal diseases. METHODS One systematic review (genetic risk factors), one narrative review (role of diet and nutrition) and reference documentation for modifiable acquired risk factors common to both disease groups, formed the basis of the report. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS There is moderately strong evidence for a genetic contribution to periodontal diseases and caries susceptibility, with an attributable risk estimated to be up to 50%. The genetics literature for periodontal disease is more substantial than for caries and genes associated with chronic periodontitis are the vitamin D receptor (VDR), Fc gamma receptor IIA (Fc-γRIIA) and Interleukin 10 (IL10) genes. For caries, genes involved in enamel formation (AMELX, AMBN, ENAM, TUFT, MMP20, and KLK4), salivary characteristics (AQP5), immune regulation and dietary preferences had the largest impact. No common genetic variants were found. Fermentable carbohydrates (sugars and starches) were the most relevant common dietary risk factor for both diseases, but associated mechanisms differed. In caries, the fermentation process leads to acid production and the generation of biofilm components such as Glucans. In periodontitis, glycaemia drives oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products may also trigger a hyper inflammatory state. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as for vitamin C, vitamin D or vitamin B12, may be related to the onset and progression of both diseases. Functional foods or probiotics could be helpful in caries prevention and periodontal disease management, although evidence is limited and biological mechanisms not fully elucidated. Hyposalivation, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking/tobacco use, undiagnosed or sub-optimally controlled diabetes and obesity are common acquired risk factors for both caries and periodontal diseases.
Application of PCA/DEA method to evaluate the performance of human capital management A case study

During recent years, organizations have been aware of the importance of their assets and have sought to maximize their use. Hence, human capital as one of the assets making a competitive advantage for the company has been highlighted by many organization, and managers who try to surpass their entire rivals. In many cases, managers have regarded human capital as crucial as financial assets and therefore, try to achieve some benefits such as organizational commitment and staffs participations increase through investing in this field. Due to the importance of human capital management, in this paper, performance of Foolad Technic Company was evaluated by human capital management approach and hence, employs PCA/DEA merging method. In this study, first inputs and outputs were determined through DEA model and their values were found by using a questionnaire. Afterward, principle component analysis method helped to remove correlation between input data. Also, data envelopment analysis was used to evaluate the performance of organizational units. At last, unit ranking was done by using TOPSIS.
Low level of genetic drift in foreign sequences replicating in an RNA virus in plants.

The accumulation of mutations was measured in foreign sequences constituting a portion of a hybrid virus derived from the 6.4-kb (+) RNA virus, tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV). Neither of the two foreign sequences tested (dihydrofolate reductase and neomycin phosphotransferase II) are functionally required by the virus, so they should be free of selective pressures and should be a true measure of viral sequence drift in whole plants. Four hybrid virus populations, two of each foreign sequence, were taken through 9-10 passages in whole plants of Nicotiana benthamiana. Sequences were sampled from these populations by conversion to cDNA, amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing resulting bacterial clones. The background mutation rate contributed by the enzymes of this assay system allowed viral mutation rates greater than 10(-4) mutations per base per passage to be measured. Surprisingly, all native and foreign genes accumulated mutations at a very low rate, lower than could be detected by the assay procedure. This low mutation accumulation rate of < or = 10(-4) mutations per base per passage may be due to replicase fidelity or populational "bottlenecking. " Sequence drift should not be a practical limitation to most uses of TMV as a vector, although deletion phenomena observed in this study may present difficulties.
E-business and small Ghanaian exporters: Preliminary micro firm explorations in the light of a digital divide

Purpose – The digital divide is supposed to place disadvantaged economies like Ghana in a position where using information and communication technology for development might not be an immediate reality. The purpose of this current study is to argue that the adoption of e‐business practices has benefit for small Ghanaian exporters' organizational improvement, and begin a first‐level investigation in that regard.Design/methodology/approach – This study was exploratory and focused on a sample of active, non‐traditional exporters in Accra. This sample represented the best typology of small export firms in Ghana that had been regular exporters from 2000‐2004. In all, 60 firms responded to questionnaires on e‐business and exporting. Analysis of the data was mainly by means of descriptive statistics.Findings – One‐way ANOVA analysis revealed that the export firm internationalization (measured by export intensity) has no bearing on the level of e‐business involvement or perceptions of the strategic value of e‐bus.
The Kinetic Effects on Thymidine Kinase 2 by Enzyme Bound dTTP 2 May Explain Mitochondrial Side Effects of Antiviral Thymidine Analogs 3 4 5

4 5 Liya Wang*, Ren Sun and Staffan Eriksson 6 Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Section of Veterinary Medical 7 Biochemistry, SLU, The Biomedical Centre, P.O. Box 575, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden 8 9 10 * Corresponding author: Tel: 46 18 471 4119; 11 Fax: 46 18 550762 12 e-mail: liya.wang@slu.se 13 14 15 Running title: Thymidine kinase 2 and antiviral thymidine analogs. 16 Copyright © 2011, American Society for Microbiology and/or the Listed Authors/Institutions. All Rights Reserved. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. doi:10.1128/AAC.00109-11 AAC Accepts, published online ahead of print on 28 March 2011
Evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance of ablepharon–macrostomia syndrome

Ablepharon–macrostomia syndrome (AMS) is characterized by absent or short eyelids, macrostomia, ear anomalies, absent lanugo and hair, redundant skin, abnormal genitalia, and developmental delay in two‐thirds of the reported patients. Additional anomalies include dry skin, growth retardation, hearing loss, camptodactyly, hypertelorism, absent zygomatic arches, and umbilical abnormalities. We present the second familial case of ablepharon–macrostomia syndrome in a newborn female and her 22‐year‐old father making autosomal dominant inheritance more likely than the previously proposed autosomal recessive transmission for this disorder. These cases likely represent the 16th and 17th reported cases of AMS and the first case suspected on prenatal ultrasound. Additionally, the child shows more prominent features of the disorder when compared to her father documenting variable expression and possible anticipation. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inguinal canal development: The muscular wall and the role of the gubernaculum

The inguinal canal is an anatomically complex region. Although much has been written about the gubernaculum and the descent of the testis, little is known about the development of the abdominal wall itself. We dissected this inguinal canal in 75 fetuses between 10 and 25 weeks of gestation, 42 males and 33 females. We identified the anterior body‐wall muscular layers, located the gonads and uterus, and observed the formation of the scrotum. The gubernaculum was dissected, from the deep to the superficial ends and its distal attachments were determined. We proved that the muscular‐fibrous layers of the wall were well‐differentiated and observed how the inguinal canal enlarged with embryological development. In only one of the cases, an abnormal testis was found located in the scrotum. The upper end of the gubernaculum inserted into the inferior pole of the testis or the lateral angle of the uterus, according to gender. The lower end was attached by one or multiple tails, mainly on the pubic bone. This fact explained the clinical findings of ectopic testis. Observations of the abdominal wall and its relationship with the gubernaculum assisted us in explaining the development of the inguinal region, the formation of the inguinal canal, and the presence of the gubernaculum, in both genders. We intend to explain how the deep inguinal ring moves upwards, bringing the gubernaculum along with it, and thus determines the final form of the inguinal canal. Clin. Anat. 22:614–618, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Portrait Hemispheric Laterality Measured Using Pupil Diameter and Aesthetic Judgments

Eckhard Hess’s claim that pupils dilate to pleasant images and constrict to unpleasant images was confounded because of inconsistent contrasts and luminances across his images. Building upon the work of Powell and Schirillo (2011) that explored multiple portraits by Rembrandt, we offer a new and promising methodology that overcomes this limitation. We presented leftward- or rightward-facing female and male portraits by 12 artists from various epochs to observers in either their original or mirror-reversed positions. Simultaneously, we asked observers to report how (dis)pleasing they found each image while measuring their pupil size. We found that pupil diameter was a function of arousal only while viewing male portraits. That is, for male images rated both low and high in pleasantness, larger pupil diameters were obtained. We postulate that our findings may be the result of the perceived dominance of males and how hemispheric laterality may drive emotional expression.
Studying invariants of the velocity gradient tensor of a round turbulent jet across the turbulent / nonturbulent interface using Tomo-PIV

Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (Tomo-PIV) methodology was used to study the turbulent/ nonturbulent interface of a free air jet at Re=3000. A vorticity thresholding technique was used and found to compare well against available results obtained using a similar detection criterion (Bisset et al. 1998). The joint probability density functions (jpdf) of the invariants of the velocity gradient tensor were also obtained and were used to characterize the dynamics, geometry and topology of the flow in the entrainment process. In general, it is observed that values of the invariants are all zero in the irrotational region and change rapidly when the T/NT interface is crossed. Furthermore, the jpdf of (Qs, Qw) shows a sharp tendency toward the Qs axis at the interface indicating predominance of viscous dissipation in that region. The jpdf of R, Q shows that the universal shape, the so-called “tear drop”, is not formed at the interface, but rather only inside the turbulent region. The shape of the jpdf of (Rs, Qs) is found to be unaffected by the entrainment process. These results are in good agreement with the work of Da-Silva et al. (2008) performed similar analysis on DNS data.