Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperconnectivity and High Temporal Variability of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex in Low-Back-Related Leg Pain: An fMRI Study of Static and Dynamic Functional Connectivity

Objective To investigate the functional connectivity (FC) and its variability in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of patients with low-back-related leg pain (LBLP) in the context of the persistent stimuli of pain and numbness. Patients and Methods We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging on LBLP patients (n = 26) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 34) at rest. We quantified and compared static FC (sFC) using a seed-based analysis strategy, with 6 predefined bilateral paired spherical regions of interest (ROIs) in the S1 cortex. Then, we captured the dynamic FC using sliding window correlation of ROIs in both the LBLP patients and HCs. Furthermore, we performed a correlational analysis between altered static and dynamic FC and clinical measures in LBLP patients. Results Compared with controls, the LBLP patients had 1) significantly increased static FC between the left S1back (the representation of the back in the S1) and right superior and middle frontal gyrus (SFG/MFG), between the left S1chest and right SFG/MFG, between right S1chest and right SFG/MFG, between the left S1face and right MFG, and between the right S1face and right inferior parietal lobule (P < 0.001, Gaussian random field theory correction); 2) increased dynamic FC only between the right S1finger and the left precentral and postcentral gyrus and between the right S1hand and the right precentral and postcentral gyrus (P < 0.01, Gaussian random field theory correction); and 3) a negative correlation between the Barthel index and the increased static FC between the left S1face and right inferior parietal lobule (P = 0.048). Conclusion The present study demonstrated the hyperconnectivity of the S1 cortex to the default mode and executive control network in a spatial pattern and an increase in the tendency for signal variability in the internal network connections of the S1 cortex in patients with LBLP.
Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii – The Modern Menace: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Mangalore

Background Multidrug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is constantly on the rise. There has also been an increase in the morbidity and mortality of patients with infection by the same pathogen. Aim This study aimed to assess the patterns of antibiotic resistance exhibited by various clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, examine the risk factors associated, and investigate the prevalence of co-infecting pathogens and the clinical outcomes of the patients. Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients and Methods Reports of 100 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii obtained from patients admitted in two tertiary hospitals were used for the study. Identification and determination of antibiotic resistance patterns were done using Vitek2. The presence of probable risk factors was noted. The pattern of clinical outcomes of the patients and the prevalence of co-infecting pathogens were analyzed. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results More than 50% of isolates showed resistance independently to imipenem and meropenem. Higher rates of susceptibility were observed with tigecycline (55%). Isolates obtained from patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) showed resistance to a more number of antibiotics than those in the wards and operation theatre. Seventeen percent of the isolates were associated with a co-infecting pathogen such as Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, 87% of the patients were discharged, 12% expired, and 1% were shifted. A positive correlation was found between the duration of hospital stay and number of antibiotics to which the isolate was resistant. Conclusion Multidrug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii continues to be a menace. In this study, a large number of isolates exhibited resistance to carbapenems such as imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem, thereby signifying the need for further research and the use of other antibiotics such as tigecycline, to which higher susceptibility was observed.
Preparedness of primary health care workers and audit of primary health centres for newborn resuscitation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

Introduction: Nigeria still has high newborn deaths and birth asphyxia remains a major cause. Birth attendants´ readiness to perform newborn resuscitation depends largely on their competence in basic resuscitation and availability of newborn resuscitation equipment to enable the various steps outlined in resuscitation guidelines to be applied quickly and appropriately. This study aimed to assess primary health care workers´ experience of neonatal resuscitation and audit primary health centres for availability of neonatal resuscitation equipment. Methods: this descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed 106 primary health care workers (22 doctors, 84 nurses) randomly selected from 28 Primary Health Centres to document their experiences in newborn resuscitation and appraise the centres for availability of newborn resuscitation equipment. Experience in newborn resuscitation was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire and audit was with a Proforma following on-site facility visits. Data was analysed using SPSS v20 and displayed in tables and graphs. Results: all health care workers had resuscitated newborns but only 58(57.4%) had ever used a bag and mask, 53(50%) used stethoscopes and 19(17.9%) had resuscitation protocol in their facilities. Fifteen (53.6%) health centres had functional newborn-specific bag and masks, 11(39.3%) had suction machines and 5(25%) had empty oxygen cylinders. Conclusion: primary health care workers´ experience of newborn resuscitation is very limited and some primary health centres were grossly unequipped. Neonatal resuscitation training interventions and supplies of neonatal resuscitation equipment are urgently needed.
Letter to the Editor regarding “Can early cranioplasty reduce the incidence of hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy? A meta-analysis”

is is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms. ©2020 Published by Scientific Scholar on behalf of Surgical Neurology International Letter to the Editor
Diagnostic Value of Cytokeratin 34 beta E12 (Ck34βE12) and α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) Immunohistochemical Expression in Prostatic Lesions

Background & Objective: Some prostatic lesions contain small suspicious foci for prostatic carcinoma in which the morphological features are equivocal. Two immunohistochemical markers namely, cytokeratin 34 beta E12 (Ck34βE12) and α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), were evaluated in these lesions for a definitive diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of prostatic carcinoma. Methods: A total of 90 paraffin embedded blocks of prostatic tissue were selected and categorized into three groups as follows: 50 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 20 cases of prostatic carcinoma, and 20 cases of benign prostatic lesions with suspicious foci labeled as ASAP (atypical small acinar proliferation) that occupy not more than 5% of the lesion. These cases were revised for histopathological diagnosis and stained with two immunohistochemical markers: Ck34βE12 and AMACR. Results: While 92.9% of BPH were positive for Ck34βE12, 96% of prostatic carcinoma were negative for this marker (P=0.0001). Regarding AMACR, 92.9% of BPH cases were negative, but 92% of prostatic carcinoma cases were positive for this marker (P=0.0001). Out of 20 cases of BPH, 15 cases containing suspicious foci showed Ck34βE12+/AMACR- (diagnosis: benign), but 5 cases were Ck34βE12-/AMACR+, for which the diagnosis changed to prostatic carcinoma (P=0.04). Conclusion: Immunohistochemical staining with Ck34βE12 and AMACR improved the diagnostic performance and increased confidence level for establishing definite diagnosis in cases with suspicious foci, in which the morphological features were equivocal. This could help to avoid misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis of prostatic carcinoma that would eventually improve the management of the patient and subsequently the prognosis.
Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Panther Symposium ACL Injury Clinical Outcomes Consensus Group

A stringent outcome assessment is a key aspect of establishing evidence-based clinical guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment. To establish a standardized assessment of clinical outcome after ACL treatment, a consensus meeting including a multidisciplinary group of ACL experts was held at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in June 2019. The aim was to establish a consensus on what data should be reported when conducting an ACL outcome study, what specific outcome measurements should be used, and at what follow-up time those outcomes should be assessed. The group reached consensus on 9 statements by using a modified Delphi method. In general, outcomes after ACL treatment can be divided into 4 robust categories: early adverse events, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), ACL graft failure/recurrent ligament disruption, and clinical measures of knee function and structure. A comprehensive assessment after ACL treatment should aim to provide a complete overview of the treatment result, optimally including the various aspects of outcome categories. For most research questions, a minimum follow-up of 2 years with an optimal follow-up rate of 80% is necessary to achieve a comprehensive assessment. This should include clinical examination, any sustained reinjuries, validated knee-specific PROs, and health-related quality of life questionnaires. In the midterm to long-term follow-up, the presence of osteoarthritis should be evaluated. This consensus paper provides practical guidelines for how the aforementioned entities of outcomes should be reported and suggests the preferred tools for a reliable and valid assessment of outcome after ACL treatment.
Contribution of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation, ankle muscle activities, and coactivation during dual-tasks to postural steadiness: a pilot study

[Purpose] To examine the influence of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activation, ankle muscle activities, and coactivation on postural steadiness during dual-tasks. [Participants and Methods] A total of 14 participants (8 males, 6 females) were included. The participants stood straight on the force plate, and performed 3 different tasks: 1) a quiet standing (single-task), 2) a repetition of a number (dual-task 1: DT1), and 3) a serial subtraction (dual-task 2: DT2). We divided the participants into 2 groups (S and L group) according to whether their center of pressure paths in the dual-tasks were shorter or longer than those in the single-task. The EMG activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis and tibialis anterior were measured; the oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) level in the DLPFC were measured using fNIRS. [Results] The results revealed that oxy-Hb in the left DLPFC increased significantly in all participants during DT2 compared to a single-task. Further, we found that the S group exhibited a higher rate of tibialis anterior activity and ankle muscle coactivation than the L group during DT2. [Conclusion] We concluded that the increase of the DLPFC activation varied with the dual-tasks; moreover, younger individuals modulate their standing posture using different strategies for posture steadiness during posture-calculating task.
Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Performance and Pain of Individuals Affected by Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose To investigate the effects of trigger point dry needling (TrP-DN) on exercise-induced patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Patients and Methods In this randomized, single-blind, parallel-group trial, 50 patients with PFPS were randomly allocated to the following two groups: the TrP-DN group (n = 25) and the Sham needling group (n = 25). Patients in both groups were asked to perform a stretching exercise of the quadriceps daily after needling. The needling group received a single session of TrP-DN to trigger points (TrPs) in the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris muscles (once a week for 6 weeks), and the Sham group received placebo needling. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity and Kujala questionnaire for the functional status were assessed before treatment, 3 and 6 weeks after treatment, and at the 3-month follow-up. The ratio of the myoelectric amplitude of the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis muscles (VMO/VL) was assessed before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. Results There was no significant difference in the general data between the two groups. The VAS scores and Kujala scores in the TrP-DN group were significantly improved and increased at the 3-week treatment visit, 6-week treatment visit, and 3-month follow-up compared to the scores before treatment; and the scores in the Sham group were only significantly improved at the 3-week treatment visit, and 6-week treatment visit. VAS scores in the TrP-DN group were significantly lower and Kujala scores were significantly higher at the 6-week treatment visit and the 3-month follow-up compared to those in the Sham group. The VMO/VL ratio in the TrP-DN group was significantly increased at the 6-week treatment visit compared to that before treatment. Conclusion TrP-DN at the quadriceps combined with stretch can reduce the pain, and improves the clinical symptoms and function, the VMO/VL ratio, and the coordination of VMO and VL in patients with PFPS.
Purification and properties of a ribosomal protein methylase from Escherichia coli Q13

: Ribosomal protein methylase has been purified from Escherichia coli strain Q13 using methyl-deficient 50S subunits as substrates. The purified enzyme (or enzyme complex) which is devoid of rRNA methylating activity is quite stable and has a pH optimum around 8.0. The Km for S-adenosyl-L-methionine is 3.2 muM. The molecular weight of the enzyme is 3.1 X 10(4); minor methylating activity was also detected for protein peaks with molecular weights of 1.7 X 10(4) and 5.6 X 10(4). Protein L11 is the major protein methylated by the purified enzyme. Product analysis revealed the presence of N epislon-trimethyllysine, a methylated neutral amino acid(s) previously observed in protein L11 and N epislon-monomethyllysine. Free ribosomal proteins were much better substrates for the methylation, indicating that methylation of 50S ribosomal proteins can occur before the complete assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Designing for Comfort: A Footwear Application

Custom products are becoming the trend, possibly, as a result of the vast number of selections available when buying products. It has become an impossible task to select the right product that will have the right appeal and the right fit even though fit itself is somewhat nebulous. So it appears that customized products may be able to furnish the necessary "comfort" that one may require. But, how does a manufacturer make a product more comfortable not knowing the standards for comfort or even discomfort? In this paper, we present some directions based on sensation and pain to achieve the desirable fit between people's feet and footwear.
Convergence Criterion of the Family of Euler-Halley Type Methods for Sections on Riemannian Manifolds

The family of Euler-Halley type methods is extended for sections on Riemannian manifolds. Its convergence criterion is established under the assumption that the sections’ covariant derivatives satisfy a kind of Lipschitz condition. Applications to special cases such as the classical Kantorovich’s type condition, the γ-condition, Smale’s analysis condition are provided.
Fossil evidence for spin alignment of SDSS galaxies in filaments

We search for and find fossil evidence that the distribution of the spin axes of galaxies in cosmic web filaments relative to their host filaments are not randomly distributed. This would indicate that the action of large scale tidal torques eected the alignments of galaxies located in cosmic filaments. To this end, we constructed a catalogue of clean filaments containing edge-on galaxies. We started by applying the Multiscale Morphology Filter (MMF) technique to the galaxies in a redshift-distortion corrected version of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR5. From that sample we extracted those 426 filaments that contained edge-on galaxies (b/a < 0.2). These filaments were then visually classified relative to a variety of quality criteria. These selected filaments contained 70 edge-on galaxies. Statistical analysis using “feature measures” indicates that the distribution of orientations of these edge-on galaxies relative to their parent filament deviate significantly from what would be expected on the basis of a random distribution of orientations. Fewer than 1% of orientation histograms generated from simulated random distributions show the same features as observed in the data histogram. The interpretation of this result may not be immediately apparent, but it is easy to identify a population of 14 objects whose spin axes are aligned perpendicular to the spine of the parent filament (cosµ < 0.2). The candidate objects are found in relatively less dense filaments. This might be expected since galaxies in such locations suer less interaction with surrounding galaxies, and consequently better preserve their tidally induced orientations relative to the parent filament. These objects are also less intrinsically bright and smaller than their counterparts elsewhere in the filaments. The technique of searching for fossil evidence of alignment yields relatively few candidate objects, but it does not suer from the dilution eects inherent in correlation analysis of large samples. The candidate objects could be the subjects of a program of observations aimed at understanding in what way they might dier from their non-aligned counterparts.
Manipulación del metabolismo energético de los rumiantes enlos trópicos: opciones para mejorar la producción y la calidad dela carne y leche

La alimentacion de los rumiantes en las regiones tropicales se caracteriza por el pastoreo de gramineas. Durante el ano, las gramineas presentan variaciones en su disponibilidad y calidad, por lo que los sistemas modernos de alimentacion deben considerar los requerimientos de energia del animal y el grado en que un alimento o una combinacion de varios pueden cubrir las necesidades nutricionales de las diferentes especies y estados fisiologicos. La reaccion central para la obtencion de la energia se lleva a cabo en el rumen por medio de la fermentacion anaerobica de los carbohidratos presentes en el alimento. Este proceso se desarrolla por parte de microorganismos ruminales, con el proposito de generar energia para el crecimiento microbiano y la produccion concomitante de acidos grasos volatiles, metano, dioxido de carbono y calor de la fermentacion. Con el proposito de mejorar la produccion y calidad de la carne y la leche, en las zonas tropicales se han creado diversas opciones para manipular el metabolismo energetico de los rumiantes. Los sistemas silvopastoriles, basados en asociacion Leucaena leucocephala y Panicum maximum, permiten obtener ganancias de peso de 770 g/d en bovinos en crecimiento. Es preciso identificar las razas o cruces de ganado Bos indicus con menores requerimientos de energia metabolizable (EM) para el mantenimiento, de modo que se pueda incrementar la eficiencia energetica de la produccion de carne. En leche, es posible incrementar la concentracion de acidos grasos insaturados (CLA s) por la presencia de taninos en los follajes que, por lo beneficioso de su efecto en la salud humana, podrian proporcionar valor agregado a la leche de vaca. Son necesarias practicas de alimentacion que reduzcan el incremento calorico de la alimentacion y disminuyan las emisiones de metano del rumen mediante el efecto de algunos follajes y frutos que poseen metabolitos secundarios, capaces de afectar la fermentacion ruminal.
AN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE SWEET CORN SEED GERMINATION UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS BY USING SEED PRIMING

This study was conducted during the years of 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismalia, Egypt. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of seed priming under low temperature on seed germination, seedling growth and chemical constituents of sweet corn. Seed priming of sweet corn seeds in mannitol or PEG at 25 o C recorded maximum values of germination percentage, fresh and dry weight/seedling and gave the tallest seedling, whereas seed priming in KNO 3 at 25 o C gave the earliest germination and more uniformity of germination in both seasons. Seed priming in KNO3 at 10 o C increased contents of total carbohydrate, total phenol and amylase enzyme in seedling, whereas seed priming in mannitol at 10 o C increased peroxidase enzyme.
An investigation of conflict resolution in educational organizations

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Conflict Resolution Education (Peer Mediation) in schools on the behaviours of students. The study utilized semi-experimental design. The sample of this study consists of 203 eight grade secondary school students in one Primary Education School in Bolu province in Turkey. Voluntary students were chosen according to sociometric technique and given 30 hours peer mediation education. Two kinds of evaluation questionnaires developed by TaylA± (2006) were utilized. The findings of the survey showed that peer mediation provider students found the process and effects of the process highly satisfying whereas the peer mediation receiver group found the process moderately satisfying experience in all assessed dimensions. Key words: Organizational conflict, conflict resolution, conflict management, school.