Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epididymal lithiasis in Gallus gallus domesticus

A study on the occurrence of epididymal lithiasis (EL) in Gallus gallus domesticus of different breeds and from different geographical regions of Brazil was carried out. Forty breeding roosters were collected in the states Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo and Goias, representing two specific pathogen free Leghorn lines (SPF), one commercial Leghorn layer breeder (Hy-Line) line, two commercial broiler breeder lines (Ross and Cobb), and two backyard chicken flocks. In commercial poultry breeders, EL was observed mainly after 55 weeks of age, and lithus resulted in lower fertility caused by inadequate maturation of spermatozoa and testicular atrophy, which evolved to more severe testicular dysfunction at 100 weeks of age. One hundred percent of the sampled roosters of the evaluated SPF lines presented epididymal lithiasis, which was also observed in all commercial genetic lines. The analysis of EL occurrence revealed no differences among regions and breeds: all regions and genetic lines presented epididymal calculi and the occurrence seemed higher in the more intensively-reared chickens. As for the backyard roosters, 50% presented calculi. Considering the occurrence of EL in the SPF flocks, its primary association with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection was discarded, despite its contribution to fertility loss.
TTX attenuates surround inhibition in rabbit retinal ganglion cells

Patch-clamp recordings were made from ganglion cells in an in vitro dark-adapted rabbit retina preparation. Cells were stimulated by images generated on a computer monitor and focussed onto the photoreceptors. Excitatory inward currents were recorded in response to spot stimuli centered on the somas of the recorded cells. Center illumination of on-brisk-transient cells produced large transient excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) which were invariably followed by a small steady-state inward component. Illumination of a centered annulus failed to elicit the transient EPSC. Simultaneous illumination of the annulus and the center spot blocked the large transient EPSC, consistent with activation of an inhibitory surround. Application of tetrodotoxin (TTX), which blocks sodium-dependent action potentials, also blocked the surround inhibition in ON-brisk transient cells as well as some other classes of ganglion cells. It is concluded that, in some ganglion cell classes, the surround is generated largely through the activity of spiking neurons, and it is suggested that the amacrine cells in the inner plexiform layer are involved.
A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of computerized CBT (SPARX) for symptoms of depression among adolescents excluded from mainstream education.

BACKGROUND Adolescents excluded from mainstream education have high mental health needs. The use of computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) has not been investigated with this group. AIMS To test the efficacy of the SPARX cCBT programme for symptoms of depression among adolescents in programmes for students excluded or alienated from mainstream education. METHOD Adolescents (32; 34% Maori, 38% Pacific Island, 56% male) aged 13-16 with Child Depression Rating Scale Revised (CDRS-R) scores indicating possible through to almost certain depressive disorder were randomized to SPARX to be completed over the following 5 weeks (n = 20) or to waitlist control (n = 12). Assessments were at baseline, 5 weeks and 10 weeks. Those in the wait condition were invited to complete SPARX after the 5 week assessment. RESULTS Most participants (n = 26, 81%) completed at least 4 levels of SPARX and 22 (69%) completed all 7 levels. Among the 30 (94%) participants who began treatment as randomized and provided 5-week data, significant differences were found between cCBT and wait groups on the CDRS-R (baseline to 5-week mean change -14.7 versus -1.1, p<.001), remission (78% vs. 36%, p = .047) and on the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (-4.6 vs. +3.2 p = .05) but not on other self-rating psychological functioning scales. In intent-to-treat analyses CDRS-R changes and remission remained significant. Gains were maintained at 10-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS SPARX appears to be a promising treatment for students with symptoms of depression who are in alternative schooling programmes for those excluded from mainstream education.
Outcome Measures of an Intracanal, Endoscopic Transforaminal Decompression Technique: Initial Findings from the MIS Prospective Registry

Background Minimally invasive transforaminal endoscopic procedures can achieve spinal decompression through either direct or indirect techniques. Subtle variations in trajectory of the surgical corridor can dictate access to the pathologic tissue. Two general strategies exist: the intradiscal “inside-out” technique and the extradiscal, intracanal (IC) technique. The IC technique utilizes a more lateral transforaminal approach than the intradiscal technique, which allows for a more direct decompression of the spinal canal. Objective This study is an assessment of IC patient outcome data obtained through analysis of a previously validated MIS Prospective Registry. Methods Post-hoc analysis was performed on the MIS Prospective Registry database containing 1032 patients. A subgroup of patients treated with the endoscopic IC technique was identified. Patient outcome measures after treatment of symptomatic disk herniation and neuroforaminal stenosis were evaluated. Results A total of 86 IC patients were analyzed. Overall, there was significant improvement in employment and walking tolerance as soon as 6 weeks post-op as well as significant one year VAS and ODI score improvement. Subanalysis of IC patients with two distinct primary diagnoses was performed. Group IC-1 (disc herniation) showed improvement in ODI and VAS back and leg outcomes at 1 year post-op. Group IC-2 (foraminal stenosis) showed VAS back and leg score improvement at one year post-op but did not demonstrate significant improvement in overall ODI outcome at any time point. The one year re-operation rate was 2% (1/40) for group IC-1 and 28% (5/18) for group IC-2. Conclusions The initial results of the MIS Registry IC subgroup show a significant clinical improvement when the technique is employed to treat patients with lumbar disc herniation. The treatment of foraminal stenosis can lead to improved short-term clinical outcome but is associated with a high re-operation rate at 1 year post-op.
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY STUDY FOR HER-2/NEU EXPRESSION IN LESIONS OF UTERINE CERVIX -

Objectives: 1. To study expression of HER-2/neu in lesions of uterine cervix by immunohistochemistry. 2. To correlate expression of HER-2/neu with histological type, grade and stage of cervical malignancy. Methods: Total 50 cases were included during the period from October 2013 to October 2015. Immunohistochemical studies were done on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks with HER-2/neu antibody. Results: Out of fifty cases, 10 cases (20%) of adenocarcinoma (ADC), 1 case (2%) of adenosquamous carcinoma, 4 cases (8%) of CIN, 3 cases (6%) of chronic cervicitis, 2 cases (4%) of chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia, 30 cases (60%) of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix (SCC). And It Amongst 9 cases of poorly differentiated SCC cases, 2 cases showed 1+ positivity, 2 cases showed 2+ positivity, 1 case showed 3+ positivity. Out of 16 cases of moderately differentiated SCC, 4 cases showed 1+ positivity, 4 cases showed 2+ positivity, 2 cases showed 3+ positivity. Among 5 cases of well differentiated SCC, 2 cases showed 1+ positivity. Out of 10 cases of adenocarcinoma of cervix, 2 cases of well differentiated adenocarcinoma showed 1+ positivity. Each 2 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma showed 1+ and 2+ positivity. Cervical carcinoma cases with involvement of lymph node and parametrium showed stronger HER-2/neu staining. Conclusion: Higher HER-2/neu expression was noted in malignant lesion as compared to benign lesions. Stronger HER-2/neu expression was noted among higher stage tumors and those with parametrial and lymph node involvement.
L-Ascorbic Acid Stimulates Expression of Smooth Muscle-Specific Markers in Smooth Muscle Cells both In Vitro and In Vivo

The dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a critical role in the progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty. Thus, factors that stimulate smooth muscle cell differentiation should be useful for therapy for these diseases. Previously, we found that l-ascorbic acid (L-Asc) induces the expression of smooth muscle-specific genes in a pluripotent bone marrow stromal cell line, TBR-B. This finding suggests that l-Asc stimulates the differentiation of smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of l-Asc and its derivatives on the differentiation state of VSMCs in vitro and in vivo. l-Asc and its long-lasting derivatives stimulated the production of smooth muscle-specific myosin heavy chain-1 (SM1) and calponin 1 in a dose-dependent manner in rat cultured VSMCs, and the elevated production of SM1 and calponin 1 was maintained for at least 2 weeks. Moreover, oral administration of 3 g/kg of l-Asc to the balloon-injured rats induced a higher expression of SM1 and calponin 1 in the injured arteries compared with that from administration of the delivery vehicle alone. These data demonstrated new biologic activity, such as the stimulation of VSMC differentiation, of l-Asc and its long-lasting derivatives. In addition, these compounds may serve as useful tools for analysis of the differentiation of VSMCs and for therapy for vascular diseases.
Perceptions of Coordination of Care Between Hospice and Skilled Nursing Facility Care Providers

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of hospice staff and skilled nursing facility staff related to end-of-life care. A Likert scale survey tool was used to explore the perceptions of nursing care between hospice and skilled nursing facility staff (Cronbach's &agr; = .858). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, &khgr;2, and t test to determine similarities and differences related to collaboration, care for hospice clients in skilled nursing facilities, and barriers and benefits to end-of-life care. Results revealed staff perceive they have effective knowledge and skills to care for the dying patient, effective management of pain, and effective continuity of care. Discrepancies were determined in the benefit of hospice to a skilled nursing facility resident along with issues surrounding coordination of care. Differences in regulations and communications were found to be the greatest barriers of collaboration in quality end-of-life care in a skilled nursing facility. Implications included the development of communication patterns focused on integrated assessment, coordinated care protocols, alignment of clinical goals and continuity of care for the dying resident in a skilled nursing facility, and education for staff in both settings specifically related to regulations and philosophy of care.
A model of mutation appropriate to estimate the number of electrophoretically detectable alleles in a finite population*.

A new model of mutational production of alleles was proposed which may be appropriate to estimate the number of electrophoretically detectable alleles maintained in a finite population. The model assumes that the entire allelic states are expressed by integers (…, A −1 , A 0 , A 1 , …) and that if an allele changes state by mutation the change occurs in such a way that it moves either one step in the positive direction or one step in the negative direction (see also Fig. 1). It was shown that for this model the ‘effective’ number of selectively neutral alleles maintained in a population of the effective size N e under mutation rate υ per generation is given by When 4 N e υ is small, this differs little from the conventional formula by Kimura & Crow, i.e. n e = 1 + 4 N e υ, but it gives a much smaller estimate than this when 4 N e υ is large.
Fluorapatite-modified Scaffold on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Mineralization

In previous studies, fluorapatite (FA) crystal-coated surfaces have been shown to stimulate the differentiation and mineralization of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in two-dimensional cell culture. However, whether the FA surface can recapitulate these properties in three-dimensional culture is still unknown. This study examined the differences in behavior of human DPSCs cultured on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) NanoECM nanofibers with or without the FA crystals. Under near-physiologic conditions, the FA crystals were synthesized on the PCL nanofiber scaffolds. The FA crystals were evenly distributed on the scaffolds. DPSCs were cultured on the PCL+FA or the PCL scaffolds for up to 28 days. Scanning electron microscope images showed that DPSCs attached well to both scaffolds after the initial seeding. However, it appeared that more multicellular aggregates formed on the PCL+FA scaffolds. After 14 days, the cell proliferation on the PCL+FA was slower than that on the PCL-only scaffolds. Interestingly, even without any induction of mineralization, from day 7, the upregulation of several pro-osteogenic molecules (dmp1, dspp, runx2, ocn, spp1, col1a1) was detected in cells seeded on the PCL+FA scaffolds. A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity was also seen on FA-coated scaffolds compared with the PCL-only scaffolds at days 14 and 21. At the protein level, osteocalcin expression was induced only in the DPSCs on the PCL+FA surfaces at day 21 and then significantly enhanced at day 28. A similar pattern was observed in those specimens stained with Alizarin red and Von Kossa after 21 and 28 days. These data suggest that the incorporation of FA crystals within the three-dimensional PCL nanofiber scaffolds provided a favorable extracellular matrix microenvironment for the growth, differentiation, and mineralization of human DPSCs. This FA-modified PCL nanofiber scaffold shows promising potential for future bone, dental, and orthopedic regenerative applications.
BUSH ENCROACHMENT MONITORING USING MULTI-TEMPORAL LANDSAT DATA AND RANDOM FORESTS

It is widely accepted that land degradation and desertification (LDD) are serious global threats to humans and the environment. Around a third of savannahs in Africa are affected by LDD processes that may lead to substantial declines in ecosystem functioning and services. Indirectly, LDD can be monitored using relevant indicators. The encroachment of woody plants into grasslands, and the subsequent conversion of savannahs and open woodlands into shrublands, has attracted a lot of attention over the last decades and has been identified as a potential indicator of LDD. Mapping bush encroachment over large areas can only effectively be done using Earth Observation (EO) data and techniques. However, the accurate assessment of large-scale savannah degradation through bush encroachment with satellite imagery remains a formidable task due to the fact that on the satellite data vegetation variability in response to highly variable rainfall patterns might obscure the underlying degradation processes. Here, we present a methodological framework for the monitoring of bush encroachment-related land degradation in a savannah environment in the Northwest Province of South Africa. We utilise multi-temporal Landsat TM and ETM+ (SLC-on) data from 1989 until 2009, mostly from the dry-season, and ancillary data in a GIS environment. We then use the machine learning classification approach of random forests to identify the extent of encroachment over the 20-year period. The results show that in the area of study, bush encroachment is as alarming as permanent vegetation loss. The classification of the year 2009 is validated yielding low commission and omission errors and high k-statistic values for the grasses and woody vegetation classes. Our approach is a step towards a rigorous and effective savannah degradation assessment.
Physical therapy diagnosis: role and function.

Introduction The Need to Define Role and Function The need to define the role and function of diagnosis in physical therapy practice stems from the importance of distinguishing this diagnosis from those made by other health care practitioners. Identifying the role and function of physical therapy diagnoses also should provide evidence that they have distinguishing characteristics, are limited to our body of knowledge and scope of practice, and are complementary to (and not in conflict with) diagnoses made by other health care practitioners. The current political-legal aspects of this issue mandate that the profession clearly communicate that the intention of the physical therapy diagnosis is not to infringe on the practice of others or to assume roles that are beyond the scope of our education and training. These political-legal issues include the prerogative and extent of involvement of the physical therapist in the diagnostic process. Resolution of these issues is done within the legislative arena. …
Cellular FLICE-like Inhibitory Protein Long Form (c-FLIPL) Overexpression is Related to Cervical Cancer Progression

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide and infection by high-risk human papillomavirus types is a precursor event. The cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) has been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancers and could be associated with cervical cancer progression because of its ability to inhibit the apoptotic process. To detect c-FLIP expression in cervical cancer, an immunohistochemical staining was performed, using tissue microarrays, on a series of 536 archival biopsy samples, including normal cervical tissues, low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and squamous cervical carcinomas. The epithelium in the normal cervix and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions mainly stained negatively for c-FLIP, whereas high-grade intraepithelial lesions and cancer samples showed an elevated expression of c-FLIP. A direct association was observed between the increasing grade of the lesion and the intensity of c-FLIP staining, in which the frequency of intense c-FLIP expression increased from 12.5% in the normal tissue to 82.1% in the cervical cancer tissue. An increased expression of c-FLIP may be an important factor in the progression of cervical cancer. This finding could aid in identifying patients with preneoplastic lesions at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. c-FLIP expression in cervical tissue may be a potential cervical cancer progression marker.
The Effect of HLA-DRB 1 on Cholecystitis

Background: Cholecystitis is one of the major digestive diseases. Its prevalence is particularly high in some populations. Significant risk factors associated with cholecystitis include age, sex, obesity, diet, parity and type 2 diabetes. Objective: To determine the association between HLA-DRB1 and cholecystitis. Methods: This casecontrol study included forty Iraqi Arab patients who had cholecystitis with multiple calculi treated by cholecystectomy admitted in the surgical ward at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital Baghdad between September -2013 to June -2014. The control group consisted of forty healthy volunteers among the staff of Al-Kindy College of Medicine. Control and cholecystitis patients groups were typed for identifying the DRB1* alleles using DNA-based methodology (PCR-SSOP). Results: There was an increased frequency of HLA-DRB1*0301 in patients with cholecystitis compared with healthy controls (p=0.0442, odd ratio=4.1111, 95% CI: 1.0372-16.2949). Conclusion: HLADRB1*0301, as a genetic factor, seems to have an association with cholecystitis. Al-Marzook TJ, et al. Iran J Immunol. 2015; 12(2):149-155
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns for Recent Clinical Isolates of Anaerobic Bacteria in South Korea

ABSTRACT We determined the antimicrobial susceptibilities of 255 clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria collected in 2007 and 2008 at a tertiary-care hospital in South Korea. Piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, imipenem, and meropenem were highly active β-lactam agents against most of the isolates tested. The rates of resistance of Bacteroides fragilis group organisms and anaerobic Gram-positive cocci to moxifloxacin were 11 to 18% and 0 to 27%, respectively.
Towards a general theory of source networks

A unified approach to multiterminal source coding problems not involving rate-distortion theory is presented. It is shown that, for determining file achievable rate region, attention may be restricted to source networks of a relatively simple structure. A product space characterizafion of the achievable rate region pinpoints the mathematical problem to be solved for getting a single letter characterization. The complexity of this problem depends on a structural condition, viz., the number of encoders of a certain kind in the source network. This approach yields all the known single-letter characterizations of achievable rate regions and a number of new ones for more complex networks. As a digression, for a class of source networks including that of Slepian and Wolf, exponential error bounds are derived which are attainable by universal codes. These bounds are tight in a neighborhood of the boundary of the achievable rate region.
Management impact of staff turnover in the view of nurses: an exploratory study

A rotatividade de profissionais afeta o trabalho do enfermeiro, logo como os enfermeiros gerenciam a rotatividade de profissionais na sua equipe? Objetivo: identificar as percepcoes de enfermeiros sobre o gerenciamento da rotatividade de trabalhadores de enfermagem em sua unidade de atuacao. Metodo: estudo descritivo, exploratorio e com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com enfermeiros que atuavam em unidades de internacao de um hospital universitario publico. Resultados: Os discursos apontam para uma preocupacao com a qualidade da assistencia prestada, a sobrecarga de trabalho, competencias desenvolvidas e a gestao de pessoas. Discussao: mudancas no quadro de pessoal suscitam no gestor pontos a serem observados no seu processo de trabalho, como supervisao mais atenta com o trabalhador recem-admitido e educacao em servico acarretando sobrecarga de trabalho. Os achados sugerem que a rotatividade afeta o processo de trabalho, sendo essas mudancas vivenciadas e gerenciadas de diferentes formas, de acordo com a singularidade de cada enfermeiro.
Rapid detection of HPA‐1 alloantibodies by platelet antigens immobilized onto microbeads

BACKGROUND: Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is one of the most common bleeding disorders in neonates. It occurs when alloantibodies from an immunized mother react with paternally inherited alloantigens, mostly human platelet antigen 1a (HPA‐1a), on the fetal platelets (PLTs). Currently, monoclonal antibody–immobilized PLT antigen (MAIPA) assay represents the standard technique for the serologic diagnosis of NAIT. MAIPA is time‐consuming, however, and limited by the availability of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Here, a gel antigen‐specific assay (GASA) was developed, which allows rapid detection of HPA‐1 alloantibodies without the use of MoAbs.