Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Axis II pathology in outpatients with dissociative identity disorder.

Forty-two outpatients with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and 16 outpatients with dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS) were administered the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II (MCMI-II), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). DID patients manifested severe personality pathology (BR > 84) on a mean of 4.0 MCMI-II scales: avoidant (76%), self-defeating (68%), borderline (53%), and passive-aggressive (45%). DDNOS cases had severe personality pathology on fewer MCMI-II scales (mean = 1.69): avoidant (50%) and self-defeating (31%). The DID and DDNOS groups differed in their scores on the DES (means = 54.9 vs. 25.9), the PK-PTSD scale of the MMPI-2 (means = 33.6 vs. 21.7), and in the incidence of severe borderline pathology (53% vs. 6%). These data on personality pathology in DID patients are virtually identical to those of seven previous studies of personality pathology in chronic PTSD patients (i.e., avoidant, self-defeating, borderline, and passive-aggressive). Such robust convergence of findings supports the construct validity of DID as a form of posttraumatic disorder and suggests that there is a quite predictable personologic core to the clinical picture of severely traumatized individuals.
Inhibition of neural nitric oxide synthase attenuates the chloride secretory response to stroking in human jejunum.

BACKGROUND Stroking of human jejunal mucosa induces serotonin release and a rise in short-circuit current (DeltaI(sc)). Nitric oxide is known to function as a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmitter in response to neural serotonin receptor activation in the rat. We hypothesize that neural nitrergic mechanisms mediate the chloride secretory response to mucosal stroking in human jejunum. METHODS Segments of normal proximal jejunum were obtained from patients having gastric bypass surgery for obesity. Muscle-stripped segments of jejunum were mounted in Ussing chambers under short-circuit conditions. The neural nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-thiocitrulline, was added to experimental tissues. Mucosal stroking of control and experimental segments was then performed. RESULTS Pretreatment with l-thiocitrulline attenuated the short circuit rise seen after stroking in the experimental group when compared with the control (5.4 +/- 1.5 microA/cm(2) vs 8.0 +/- 1.6 microA/cm(2); P <. 05, Student t test, paired data, n = 11), but did not affect baseline I(sc) before stroking. Serotonin released by stroking was not different in experimental versus control tissue. CONCLUSIONS The significantly reduced DeltaI(sc) in the group pretreated with the neural nitric oxide synthase inhibitor suggests that nitric oxide liberated from enteric neurons participates in the chloride secretory response to stroking in human jejunum in vitro.
Discordance among patient preferences, caregiver preferences, and caregiver predictions of patient preferences regarding disclosure of terminal status and end‐of‐life choices

The complexity of end‐of‐life (EOL) communication in cancer care is often increased by family caregivers, who frequently affect the information and decision‐making process. We assessed cancer patient preferences (PP), family caregiver preferences (FCP), and family caregiver predictions of patient preferences (FCPPP) regarding the disclosure of terminal status, family involvement in the disclosure process, and EOL choices, and we evaluated the concordances among them.
Malarial acute kidney injury in a paediatric intensive care unit

Summary Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of malaria which has a very high mortality rate. A retrospective analysis of medical record data of children treated for malarial AKI in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) was performed in order to evaluate the incidence, poor prognostic factors and outcome of AKI with malaria. Eighteen (48.6%) malarial patients had AKI (11 Plasmodium vivax positive, six P. falciparum positive and one mixed infection) with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. The mean age was 75 ± 32 months (range, 1 month to 10 years). Oliguria was present in 61.1% and 55.5% required renal replacement therapy. Mortality was noted in 33.3% of patients and full recovery was achieved in 50% of patients. Oliguria, shock, central nervous system involvement, jaundice, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and acute respiratory distress syndrome emerged as bad prognostic factors in simple univariate analysis. Malaria patients with and without AKI differ significantly in terms of shock, ventilator requirement, mortality and length of PICU stay.
Cyclic AMP signalling during mammalian sperm capacitation--still largely terra incognita.

Cyclic AMP is known to play a major role in intracellular signalling during mammalian sperm capacitation. However, despite much research, many of the molecular details of cyclic AMP's involvement remain obscure. In this review, I discuss the following aspects, presenting some original data as illustration where relevant. With respect to cyclic AMP synthesis, uncertainties exist as to the number of forms of adenylyl cyclase that are present in the spermatozoon, whether they are cytosolic or bound to subcellular structures, and which physiological effectors they respond to (e.g. bicarbonate, Ca2+, or receptor-coupled G-proteins). While net intracellular levels of cyclic AMP in spermatozoa depend upon the relative activities of adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase, there are wide between-sample variations within species, both in basal levels and in levels attained after activation of the cyclase (e.g. after sperm treatment with bicarbonate). Moreover, minor changes in bulk cyclic AMP levels can result in large changes in cyclic AMP-dependent functions. Finally, while cyclic AMP levels respond very rapidly to sperm treatment by effectors such as bicarbonate and Ca2+ (key components of capacitating media), there are big discrepancies between the rates of functional response. For example, enhancement of motility and collapse of phospholipid asymmetry take place within a few minutes, whereas more than 1 h of exposure to capacitating conditions is needed for cyclic AMP-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation to become detectable or for the sperm population to attain a capacitated state.
Sensorless control of a surface mounted permanent magnet motor by signal injection associated with space vector modulation technique

In this paper, an analysis of sensorless vector control of an industrial surface mounted permanent magnet motor PMSM with a small saliency is performed using injection signal method. First the position estimation principle was highlighted and validated through an experimental kit using electromagnetic actuator with variable inductance, where a 1khz signal was applied. This method was then exploited for sensorless vector speed control of PMSM using space vector modulation signal at 20 kHz sampling frequency over a wide speed range. It was found that the performances produced are satisfactory, however, they depend on an adequate amplitude of the injected signal. Further, the PMSM high frequency modeling with an adequate signal processing of the phase current signal with appropriate filters has led to a comparable performance of those of vector control of PMSM with encoder mounted at its shaft end.
Solar flare prediction by SVM integrated GA

Solar flare has various influences on the global environment, in particular on the magnetic storm and the likelihood of natural disasters. Specifically, it may have serious impacts on the Earth such as failure of satellite communication and navigation (GPS), satellite damage, increased radiation exposure to astronauts, geomagnetic storm and aurora, and power plant failures causing more serious disaster. For a precise forecast of larger scale solar flares causing serious disaster, it is important to improve the space weather forecast, which is basically a daily forecast of the solar flare. In the work so far, a machine-learning algorithm called Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used to forecast the space weather. We extend this technology by integrating Genetic Algorithm (GA) elaborately combined with Case Based Reasoning for more precise forecast or imbalanced data classification. Finally, basic evaluation of this architectural idea called CBGALO shows it is promising in improving solar flare prediction.
The distribution of two different vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (BsmI and start codon) in primary hyperparathyroidism

Abstract. Sosa M, Torres A, Martín N, Salido E, Limiñana JM, Barrios Y, de Miguel E, Betancor P (University Hospital Insular, Bone Metabolic Unit, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas and University of La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain). The distribution of two different vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (BsmI and start codon) in primary hyperparathyroidism. J Intern Med 2000; 247: 124–130.
Health Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter: Do We Know Enough to Consider Regulating Specific Particle Types or Sources?

Researchers and regulators have often considered preferentially regulating the types of ambient airborne particulate matter (PM) most relevant to human health effects. While few would argue the inherent merits of such a policy, many believe there may not yet be enough information to differentially regulate PM species. New evidence, using increasingly sophisticated methodologies, has become available in the last several years, allowing more accurate assessment of exposure and resultant associations with specific types of PM, or PM derived from different sources. Such new studies may also allow differentiation of effects from different chemical components in the same study against the same health endpoints. This article considers whether this new evidence might be adequate to allow us to “speciate” PM types or sources by severity of health effects. We address this issue with respect to two widespread sources of PM, emissions from motor vehicles and coal-fired power plants. Emissions from less widespread sources, residual oil and steel/coking facilities, are also discussed in order to illustrate how health effects associated with such emissions might instead be associated with more widespread sources when accurate exposure information is unavailable. Based upon evaluation of studies and methodologies which appear to contain the most accurate information on exposure and response to important emissions, including variable local emissions, it is concluded that public health will likely be better protected by reduction of various vehicular emissions than by continued regulation of the total mass of fine PM (PM <2.5 μ m, or PM2.5) as if all PM in this mode is equitoxic. However, the knowledge base is incomplete. Important remaining research questions are identified.
Protein tyrosine kinase expression during the estrous cycle and carcinogenesis of the mammary gland

The susceptibility of the mammary epithelium to neoplastic transformation is linked to the exposure to estrogen during the estrous cycle. The effects of the estrous cycle on the mouse mammary gland have been investigated by analyzing <3>H‐thymidine incorporation, milk protein gene expression and DNA fragmentation. We found that the mammary epithelium undergoes limited proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in a cycle‐dependent manner. The estrous‐responsive regulators of the mammary epithelium are unknown; however, considering the integral role of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) in the control of normal and malignant development, members of this family of enzymes are likely candidates for such regulatory molecules. Using a RT‐PCR‐based cloning strategy, we have undertaken a survey of PTKs expressed in the mammary gland at defined stages of development, with special emphasis on the estrous cycle. We identified 21 known and 4 novel PTKs. Their expression was analyzed throughout mammary gland development and in mammary neoplasias using a transgenic mouse model for invasive and non‐invasive carcinogenesis. Most of the identified PTKs showed highest expression during the estrous cycle and were down‐regulated during pregnancy and lactation. Deregulated expression was rarely observed in the non‐invasive mammary tumors. In contrast, 10 of 19 PTKs expressed during the estrous cycle were also over‐expressed in the invasive carcinomas, mostly involving members of the receptor family of PTKs.
A Robust Method for Extraction and Automatic Segmentation of Brain Images

A new protocol is introduced for brain extraction and automatic tissue segmentation of MR images. For the brain extraction algorithm, proton density and T2-weighted images are used to generate a brain mask encompassing the full intracranial cavity. Segmentation of brain tissues into gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is accomplished on a T1-weighted image after applying the brain mask. The fully automatic segmentation algorithm is histogram-based and uses the Expectation Maximization algorithm to model a four-Gaussian mixture for both global and local histograms. The means of the local Gaussians for GM, WM, and CSF are used to set local thresholds for tissue classification. Reproducibility of the extraction procedure was excellent, with average variation in intracranial capacity (TIC) of 0.13 and 0.66% TIC in 12 healthy normal and 33 Alzheimer brains, respectively. Repeatability of the segmentation algorithm, tested on healthy normal images, indicated scan-rescan differences in global tissue volumes of less than 0.30% TIC. Reproducibility at the regional level was established by comparing segmentation results within the 12 major Talairach subdivisions. Accuracy of the algorithm was tested on a digital brain phantom, and errors were less than 1% of the phantom volume. Maximal Type I and Type II classification errors were low, ranging between 2.2 and 4.3% of phantom volume. The algorithm was also insensitive to variation in parameter initialization values. The protocol is robust, fast, and its success in segmenting normal as well as diseased brains makes it an attractive clinical application.
Professional burnout and work satisfaction in Spanish allergists: analysis of working conditions in the specialty.

BACKGROUND Burnout is a worrying problem in the medical profession and has proven to be highly prevalent in all the care settings and specialty areas in which it has been studied.We applied 2 widely used questionnaires to analyze the working conditions of Spanish allergists in terms of quality of professional life and degree of burnout perceived. METHODS Participants completed 2 questionnaires: the 22-item Maslach scale, a structured questionnaire covering different aspects of the feelings and attitudes of professionals toward their work and patients; and the Spanish Quality of Professional Life Questionnaire (CPV-35), a 35-item questionnaire evaluating job satisfaction and perceived quality of life at work. RESULTS We received 404 questionnaires from throughout Spain. The main sources of motivation were better pay (94.4%), more available resources/technology (85.1%), access to research activities (81%), and promotion in one's professional career (80.1%). Analysis of the scores from the Maslach scale revealed that two-thirds of the allergists interviewed experienced medium and high levels of negative burnout (67.9% and 66.2%, respectively, for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization). This situation was in part compensated for by the fact that a slightly lower proportion of the group (59.2%) obtained very high scores on personal accomplishment in their work. Analysis of the scores from the CPV-35 questionnaire revealed 3 complementary aspects of job satisfaction: perceptions of the workload borne (5.8), management support available to cope with daily patient workload (5.6), and levels of intrinsic motivation for work (7.7), which was the highest value. The score for the item summarizing self-perceived overall quality of working life was acceptable (6.4). CONCLUSION Promoting intrinsic motivation of Spanish allergists using the motivating factors identified in this study could protect against professional burnout.
Determinants of portfolio equity flows to sub Saharan Africa

Purpose - The study investigates the determinants of portfolio equity flows to the Sub-Saharan African region over the period 1996-2010 Design/methodology/approach - Employing the System Generalized Methods of Moment (GMM) dynamic panel estimation framework to estimate the baseline regression, the study uses a sample of 14 Sub-Saharan African countries. To check the robustness of the estimation results, the study further analyzes the dataset using the Random effects-GLS (EGLS) estimator. Findings - The paper finds a significant positive relationship between financial development and portfolio equity flows. Further, while the study surprisingly finds trade openness to have a significant negative relationship, political stability is found to have a significant positive relationship with portfolio equity. To check for the robustness of these results, we further analyze the dataset using the Random EGLS estimator. The result of the EGLS estimator confirms that there is a robust positive relationship between financial development and portfolio equity flows to SSA. However, the results suggest that neither trade openness nor political stability is a robust determinant of portfolio equity flows to the sub-region. Practical implications - Policy measures should aim at enhancing financial sector development, political stability and rule of law. A transparent judicial system that enhances rule of law and deepens democratic governance in countries in the sub region is critical. But even more critical is deepening the financial sector, given the important role financial development play in portfolio equity flows as suggested by the findings. A range of measures and appropriate policy responses are therefore needed for countries that have to manage macroeconomic and financial stability risks to deepen the financial sector. Originality/value - Most studies on private capital flows to SSA have focused on FDI flows with no or scanty evidence on the drivers of portfolio equity-flows. This study fills the gap.
Current molecular aspects of the carcinogenesis of the uterine endometrium

Carcinogenesis in many tissues is a multistep process accompanied by a variety of morphologic, biochemical, and genetic changes in each step. It is well known that endometrial cancers arise through a series of precursor lesions, simple, complex, and atypical hyperplasia, by unopposed and prolonged estrogen stimulation. It is also accepted that there is an estrogen-independent type in which the precursor lesions are not identified. Recent molecular-based evidence has revealed three possible pathways for endometrial carcinogenesis, namely hyperplasia, metaplasia, and de novo pathways. The pathways each have their own features in both histopathology and molecular biology. Such understanding of the molecular profile of endometrial carcinoma prompted us to revise the classic criteria in histopathology regarding endometrial carcinogenesis. The recent molecular-based studies have provided a concept of endometrial intraepithelial lesions: endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) as the precursor lesions of endometrial carcinomas. The new terminology might improve cancer screening protocols and treatment modalities.
Impact of CO2 emission, per capita income and HDI on Environmental Performance Index: empirical evidence from Bangladesh

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is a wide ranging dimension of environmental parameters, which need to be assessed with different socioeconomic indicators with a view to inspect environmental sustainability of a growing economy like Bangladesh. The endeavour is given in this study to examine the short run and long run relationship between CO2 emission, Per Capita Income, HDI and EPI. Besides, the influence of selected variables on EPI has been ascertained by systematic econometric exercise. It is appeared in the estimation that, there is a cointegrating relationship between CO2 emission, Per Capita Income, HDI and EPI of Bangladesh. A long term associationship emerged among the cointegrated variables in further statistical sophistication and found causality is running form the explanatory variables to EPI; meaning that Per Capita Income, Human Development Index and CO2 emission has influence on Environmental Performance Index in the long run. Transitory effect analysis revealed no short run relationship between HDI, CO2 emission and EPI. Furthermore, multiple regression model signifies the negative association between EPI and Per Capita Income, marginal relationship between CO2 emission and EPI, and considerable impact on EPI by Human Development Index.
Utility of the Analysis of Intracranial Venous Sinuses Using Preoperative Computed Tomography Venography for Safe Occipital Screw Insertion

Study Design. Prospective descriptive study. Objective. To verify the feasibility and utility of evaluating venous sinuses (VSs) using computed tomography venography (CTV) concomitant with preoperative CT angiography (CTA) for safe occipital screw fixation. Summary of Background Data. Preoperative evaluation of the vertebral artery by CTA is indispensable in occipitocervical spinal instrumentation surgery. Despite accumulating evidence showing the potential of CTV, no studies have reported the usefulness of concomitant use of CTV and CTA before placement of occipital plate-screw constructs. Methods. We analyzed 30 consecutive patients who underwent CTV simultaneously with CTA. First, we investigated VS anatomy in individual cases and classified the continuity patterns of relevant VSs. Subsequently, we evaluated the probable risk zones for VS injury, from the viewpoint of occipital screw insertion. Results. VSs can be clearly visualized using CTV simultaneously with CTA examination without significant increase of radiation exposure or extra workload for radiographical technicians. VS continuity was classified into 4 categories: the confluence type (n = 9), bifurcation type (n = 8), transverse type (n = 11), and others (n = 2). The confluence of sinuses and their relevant VSs were greatly variable between individuals, and occasionally, some cases with high-risk morphology for VS injury in occipital screw placement were observed. Conclusion. Our findings indicate that there is no universal position for safe insertion of occipital screws that is applicable to all individuals. It is risky to determine optimal screw placement, only on the basis of traditional cadaveric information such as occipital bone thickness and several external bony landmarks. Spine surgeons must recognize that VS injury may occasionally lead to life-threatening complications. The detailed information on VSs obtained by preoperative CTV examination combined with CTA in individual cases can be useful in preoperative planning and can contribute greatly to the improvement of surgical safety. Level of Evidence: 2