Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
μ Opioid receptors and analgesia at the site of a peripheral nerve injury

Opioid ligands may exert antinociception through receptors expressed on peripheral afferent axons. Whether local opioid receptors might attenuate neuropathic pain is uncertain. In this work, we examined the function and expression of local μ opioid receptors (MORs) associated with the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of sciatic neuropathic pain in rats. Low‐dose morphine or its carrier were percutaneously superfused over the CCI site with the injector blinded to the identity of the injectate. Morphine, but not its carrier, and not equimolar systemic doses of morphine reversed thermal hyperalgesia in a dose‐related, naloxone‐sensitive fashion. Moreover, analgesia was conferred at both 48 hours and 14 days after CCI, times associated with very different stages of nerve repair. Equimolar local DAGO ([D‐Ala2, N‐Me‐Phe4, Gly5‐(ol)] enkephalin), a selective MOR ligand, provided similar analgesia. Local morphine also attenuated mechanical allodynia. MOR protein was expressed in axonal endbulbs of Cajal just proximal to the injury site, in aberrantly regenerating small axons in the epineurial sheath around the CCI site and in residual small axons distal to the CCI lesion. Sensory neurons ipsilateral to CCI had an increase in the proportion of neurons expressing MOR. We suggest that local MOR expressed in axons may be exploited to modulate some forms of neuropathic pain. Ann Neurol 2003
The Role of Mechanotransduction on Vascular Smooth Muscle Myocytes Cytoskeleton and Contractile Function

Smooth muscle (SM) exhibits a highly organized structural hierarchy that extends over multiple spatial scales to perform a wide range of functions at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Early efforts primarily focused on understanding vascular SM (VSM) function through biochemical signaling. However, accumulating evidence suggests that mechanotransduction, the process through which cells convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical cues, is requisite for regulating contractility. Cytoskeletal proteins that comprise the extracellular, intercellular, and intracellular domains are mechanosensitive and can remodel their structure and function in response to external mechanical cues. Pathological stimuli such as malignant hypertension can act through the same mechanotransductive pathways to induce maladaptive remodeling, leading to changes in cellular shape and loss of contractile function. In both health and disease, the cytoskeletal architecture integrates the mechanical stimuli and mediates structural and functional remodeling in the VSM. Anat Rec, 297:1758–1769, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ontogeny of the Early Triassic Cynodont Thrinaxodon liorhinus (Therapsida): Cranial Morphology

The cranial morphology of 68 Thrinaxodon liorhinus specimens, ranging in size from 30 to 96 mm in basal skull length, is investigated using both qualitative and quantitative analyses. From this comprehensive survey, we determined that nine cranial features, including five in the temporal region, separated the sample into four ontogenetic stages. A bivariate analysis of 60 specimens indicated that the skull generally increased in size isometrically, with the exception of four regions. The orbit had negative allometry, a result consistent with other ontogenetic studies of tetrapods, whereas the length of the snout, palate, and temporal region showed positive allometry. The last trend had strong positive allometry indicating that during ontogeny the length of the sagittal crest increased at a much faster rate than the rest of the skull. The large number of changes in the temporal region of the skull of Thrinaxodon may indicate a greater development of the posterior fibres of the temporalis musculature from an early ontogenetic stage. For example, the posterior sagittal crest developed much earlier in ontogeny than the anterior crest that formed in adults, and bone was deposited dorsally creating a unified posterior sagittal crest rather than having a suture that spanned the entire depth of the skull roof. In combination with the isometric height of the zygomatic arch and the almost complete absence of the zygomatic arch angulation, these ontogenetic changes suggest that there was greater development of the temporalis relative to the masseter muscles, indicating a strong posterodorsal movement of the mandible in Thrinaxodon. Anat Rec, 298:1440–1464, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apoptotic Mediators are Upregulated in the Skeletal Muscle of Chronic/Progressive Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Apoptosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). Parkinson disease is characterized by skeletal muscle abnormalities. The aim of this study is to illustrate the impact of PD induction on the expression of apoptotic mediators. Twenty normal albino mice were randomly selected and equally divided in control and PD groups. Chronic Parkinsonism was induced in the PD group using 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine and probenecid (MPTP/p). After that, samples from gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated by immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of p53 and active caspase‐3 in the two groups of animals. P53 and active caspase‐3 expression was significantly higher in gastrocnemius skeletal muscle in PD mice compared with that in the control mice (P value <0.01). Furthermore, we show PD gastrocnemius muscle atrophy measured by significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the muscle fiber cross‐sectional area. Thus, our present data suggest that PD induction increased the expression of the apoptotic mediators p53 and active caspase‐3 in gastrocnemius muscle, indicating the induction of apoptosis, which was correlative with gastrocnemius muscle atrophy subsequent to the induction of PD. Anat Rec, 298:1472–1478, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyoid Bone Development: An Assessment Of Optimal CT Scanner Parameters and Three‐Dimensional Volume Rendering Techniques

The hyoid bone anchors and supports the vocal tract. Its complex shape is best studied in three dimensions, but it is difficult to capture on computed tomography (CT) images and three‐dimensional volume renderings. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal CT scanning and rendering parameters to accurately measure the growth and developmental anatomy of the hyoid and to determine whether it is feasible and necessary to use these parameters in the measurement of hyoids from in vivo CT scans. Direct linear and volumetric measurements of skeletonized hyoid bone specimens were compared with corresponding CT images to determine the most accurate scanning parameters and three‐dimensional rendering techniques. A pilot study was undertaken using in vivo scans from a retrospective CT database to determine feasibility of quantifying hyoid growth. Scanning parameters and rendering technique affected accuracy of measurements. Most linear CT measurements were within 10% of direct measurements; however, volume was overestimated when CT scans were acquired with a slice thickness greater than 1.25 mm. Slice‐by‐slice thresholding of hyoid images decreased volume overestimation. The pilot study revealed that the linear measurements tested correlate with age. A fine‐tuned rendering approach applied to small slice thickness CT scans produces the most accurate measurements of hyoid bones. However, linear measurements can be accurately assessed from in vivo CT scans at a larger slice thickness. Such findings imply that investigation into the growth and development of the hyoid bone, and the vocal tract as a whole, can now be performed using these techniques. Anat Rec, 298:1408–1415, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nurse Staffing and Patient Mortality in Intensive Care Units

Background: Research evidence suggests that nurse staffing influences patient outcomes. Objectives: To examine the relationship between nurse staffing and patient mortality in Korean intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Using survey and administrative databases, this study included 27,372 ICU patients discharged from 42 tertiary and 194 secondary hospitals. Ownership (public vs. private), location (metropolitan city vs. province), size, specialization of ICUs (specialized vs. mixed), physician staffing and nurse staffing, and years of nurse experience were included as hospital and ICU characteristics. Nurse staffing was measured as the ratio of average daily census to the total number of full-time equivalent registered nurses in ICUs. Age, gender, 26 categories of primary diagnoses, 16 groups of comorbid conditions, and source of payment were used for risk adjustment. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred in the hospital or on the date of hospital discharge. Using SAS GLIMMIX procedures, multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed separately for tertiary and secondary hospitals. Results: In tertiary hospitals, a greater likelihood of dying was found among patients who were admitted to a mixed ICU (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-2.26) and where there was no board-certified physician present for 4 or more hours per day (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.20-2.01). In secondary hospitals, every additional patient per RN was associated with a 9% increase in the odds of dying (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04-1.14). Nurse experience had no significant relationship with mortality. Discussion: Nurse and physician staffing and specialization of ICUs impacted patient mortality. Associations differed in tertiary and secondary hospitals. Further investigation of the impact of organizational environments in ICUs is needed.
Limiares de reconhecimento de sentenças no ruído, em campo livre: valores de referência para adultos normo-ouvintes

Nas clinicas de audiologia, as queixas de dificuldade de compreensao da fala em ambientes ruidosos sao frequentes, mesmo para individuos normo-ouvintes. Assim, o audiologista deve nao so identificar uma perda auditiva, mas tambem analisar a compreensao da fala, em condicoes de comunicacao proximas as encontradas no cotidiano. OBJETIVO: Determinar o valor de referencia para os limiares de reconhecimento de sentencas no ruido, em campo livre, para individuos adultos normo-ouvintes. MATERIAL E METODO: O experimento foi realizado nos anos de 2005 e 2006. Participaram da pesquisa 150 individuos adultos normo-ouvintes, com idade entre 18 e 64 anos, avaliados em cabine acusticamente tratada. Realizou-se a avaliacao a partir da aplicacao do teste Listas de Sentencas em Portugues. As listas de sentencas foram apresentadas em campo livre, na presenca de um ruido competitivo, na intensidade fixa de 65 dB A. O ângulo de incidencia de ambos os estimulos foi de 0o- 0o azimute. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSAO: Os limiares de reconhecimento de sentencas em campo-livre foram obtidos na relacao sinal-ruido de -8,14 dB A, sendo este o valor de referencia para individuos normo-ouvintes.
Tissue Levels of Stefin A and Stefin B in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Stefins have been reported to be associated with the progression and metastasis of various malignant tumors. However, the expressions of stefins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well‐defined. In this study, the protein levels of stefin A and stefin B were assessed by immunohistochemical staining, and the mRNA levels were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in 85 primary HCC tissues, 85 surrounding non‐cancerous tissues, and 9 normal hepatic tissues. The immunohistochemical staining of cathepsin B and cathepsin D, and the ratio of cathepsins to stefins were assessed. The mRNA expressions of stefin A and stefin B in HCC tissues were significantly higher than surrounding noncancerous tissues and normal hepatic tissues, respectively. A significant positive relationship of stefin A and stefin B was found with node metastasis, tumor size, and Edmondson grade for HCC. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that Edmondson grade and stefin B expression were independent factors associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis in HCC. The ratios of cathepsin B to stefin A, cathepsin D to stefin A, cathepsin B to stefin B and cathepsin D to stefin B of the HCC group were significantly higher than that of the surrounding noncancerous group. A significant positive correlation between the ratio of cathepsins to stefins (cathepsin B/stefin A, cathepsin B/stefin B and cathepsin D/stefin B) and node metastasis was demonstrated. We concluded that high expressions of stefin A and stefin B may be an important factor contributing to the development and metastasis of HCC. Anat Rec, 299:428–438, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuronal differentiation in the developing human spinal ganglia

The spatiotemporal developmental pattern of the neural crest cells differentiation toward the first appearance of the neuronal subtypes was investigated in developing human spinal ganglia (SG) between the fifth and tenth developmental week using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods. First neurofilament‐200‐ (NF200, likely myelinated mechanoreceptors) and isolectin‐B4‐positive neurons (likely unmyelinated nociceptors) appeared already in the 5/6th developmental week and their number subsequently increased during the progression of development. Proportion of NF200‐positive cells was higher in the ventral parts of the SG than in the dorsal parts, particularly during the 5/6th and 9/10th developmental weeks (Mann–Whitney, P = 0.040 and P = 0.003). NF200 and IB4 colocalized during the whole investigated period. calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP; nociceptive responses), vanilloid receptor‐1 (VR1; polymodal nociceptors), and calretinin (calcium signaling) cell immunoreactivity first appeared in the sixth week and eighth week, respectively, especially in the dorsal parts of the SG. VR1 and CGRP colocalized with NF00 during the whole investigated period. Our results indicate the high potential of early differentiated neuronal cells, which slightly decreased with the progression of SG differentiation. On the contrary, the number of neuronal subtypes displayed increasing differentiation at later developmental stage. The great diversity of phenotypic expression found in the SG neurons is the result of a wide variety of influences, occurring at different stages of development in a large potential repertory of these neurons. Understanding the pathway of neural differentiation in the human, SG could be important for the studies dealing with the process of regeneration of damaged spinal nerves or during the repair of pathological changes within the affected ganglia. Anat Rec, 299:1060–1072, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vivo 3D Analysis of Thoracic Kinematics: Changes in Size and Shape During Breathing and Their Implications for Respiratory Function in Recent Humans and Fossil Hominins

The human ribcage expands and contracts during respiration as a result of the interaction between the morphology of the ribs, the costo‐vertebral articulations and respiratory muscles. Variations in these factors are said to produce differences in the kinematics of the upper thorax and the lower thorax, but the extent and nature of any such differences and their functional implications have not yet been quantified. Applying geometric morphometrics we measured 402 three‐dimensional (3D) landmarks and semilandmarks of 3D models built from computed tomographic scans of thoraces of 20 healthy adult subjects in maximal forced inspiration (FI) and expiration (FE). We addressed the hypothesis that upper and lower parts of the ribcage differ in kinematics and compared different models of functional compartmentalization. During inspiration the thorax superior to the level of the sixth ribs undergoes antero‐posterior expansion that differs significantly from the medio‐lateral expansion characteristic of the thorax below this level. This supports previous suggestions for dividing the thorax into a pulmonary and diaphragmatic part. While both compartments differed significantly in mean size and shape during FE and FI the size changes in the lower compartment were significantly larger. Additionally, for the same degree of kinematic shape change, the pulmonary thorax changes less in size than the diaphragmatic thorax. Therefore, variations in the form and function of the diaphragmatic thorax will have a strong impact on respiratory function. This has important implications for interpreting differences in thorax shape in terms of respiratory functional differences within and among recent humans and fossil hominins. Anat Rec, 300:255–264, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unique Turbinal Morphology in Horseshoe Bats (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae)

The mammalian nasal fossa contains a set of delicate and often structurally complex bones called turbinals. Turbinals and associated mucosae function in regulating respiratory heat and water loss, increasing surface area for olfactory tissue, and directing airflow within the nasal fossa. We used high‐resolution micro‐CT scanning to investigate a unique maxilloturbinal morphology in 37 species from the bat family Rhinolophidae, which we compared with those of families Hipposideridae, Megadermatidae, and Pteropodidae. Rhinolophids exhibit numerous structural modifications along the nasopharyngeal tract associated with emission of high duty cycle echolocation calls via the nostrils. In rhinolophids, we found that the maxilloturbinals and a portion of ethmoturbinal I form a pair of strand‐like bony structures on each side of the nasal chamber. These structures project anteriorly from the transverse lamina and complete a hairpin turn to project posteriorly down the nasopharyngeal duct, and vary in length among species. The strand‐like maxilloturbinals in Rhinolophidae were not observed in our outgroups and represent a synapomorphy for this family, and are unique in form among mammals. Within Rhinolophidae, maxilloturbinal size and cross‐sectional shape were correlated with phylogeny. We hypothesize that strand‐shaped maxilloturbinals may function to reduce respiratory heat and water loss without greatly impacting echolocation call transmission since they provide increased mucosal surface area for heat and moisture exchange but occupy minimal space. Alternatively, they may play a role in transmission of echolocation calls since they are located directly along the path sound travels between the larynx and nostrils during call emission. Anat Rec, 300:309–325, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coverage of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine by US and Canadian Medical Schools

Objective. This study evaluates the degree to which medical school health insurance covers the costs of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for medical students in the United States and in Canada. Methods. A telephone survey was conducted in November 2007 of every accredited medical school in the United States and in Canada. Results. Thirty-one percent of schools fully covered the vaccine, 18% partially covered it, and the majority, 51%, provided no coverage. In the United States, the Northeast had the highest level of full coverage (61%). In the adjusted model, regional differences were no longer significant. However, private schools (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-15.3)] and those that covered the hepatitis B vaccine (OR = 19.4; 95% CI = 5.5-68.6) remained more likely to cover the HPV vaccine. For medical schools that provided no HPV vaccine coverage, the average out-of-pocket cost for students was $434. Conclusions. This study shows that most medical students are not being offered health insurance coverage for the HPV vaccine, but that the vaccine was adopted relatively quickly into the armamentarium of medical student health centers.
Towards a model for collaborative practice in community mental health care

Collaborative practice in health care is hailed by Zwarenstein, Goldman, and Reeves (2009), and Hopkin (2010), as an approach that can produce improved health outcomes by preventing fragmentation in healthcare and strengthening healthcare systems. A great deal of efforts is being extended by international organizations such as WHO and national health directorates to improve collaboration in healthcare provision. As a key approach to enhance collaborative practice at the service level, a model of collaborative practice focusing on collaborative processes is proposed in this paper. A model of collaborative practice in community mental health care is based on the results of two case studies and supported by relevant literature. The model has four components – (a) the frameworks for practice consisting of person-centered practice and recovery orientation; (b) the structure of collaborative practice that includes intra-system collaboration and collaboration in service processes; (c) three principles for collaboration as self-understanding, mutual understanding, and shared decision-making; and (d) the key processes in collaboration identified as open dialogue and participatory engagement. Collaborative practice in community mental health care depicted in this model puts service users at the center of service provision and processes with the goal of addressing service users' needs from their perspectives. The model provides a framework to develop and test practice guidelines for community mental health care.
A Multifaceted Approach to Safety: The Synergistic Detection of Adverse Drug Events in Adult Inpatients

Objectives: Adverse drug event (ADE) detection is a national priority. This study compares results from 2 ADE detection systems, voluntary reporting and computerized surveillance, at a large academic medical center. We analyze the medications most likely to cause harm, evaluate each systems' strengths, and propose a synergistic strategy for medication safety. Methods: Adult, inpatient ADEs from a 7-month period were evaluated and scored using a standardized methodology. ADEs per 1,000 patient days were calculated. Results: Surveillance detected 710 ADEs (6.93/1000 patient days), whereas voluntary reporting identified 205 ADEs (1.96/1000 patient days). For each major drug category (anticoagulants, hypoglycemia, narcotics and benzodiazepines, and miscellaneous), surveillance and voluntary reporting detected significantly different event rates (P < 0.001). Most surveillance events were hypoglycemia-related (68.2%, 4.72/1000 patient days), whereas most voluntarily-reported events were in the miscellaneous category (49.8%, 0.98/1000 patient days). The 2 systems detected statistically different ADE rates when stratified by nursing station. Of all unique ADEs (875), only 40 (5.6%) were common between the systems. Conclusions: This study analyzes the results of 2 ADE detection systems used in daily hospital operations as well as a health system scorecard. Our aggregate analysis underscores the synergistic nature of these approaches. Although surveillance provides quantitative data to estimate the actual rate of ADEs, voluntary reporting contributes qualitative evidence to prompt future surveillance rule development and identify areas of emerging risk. In isolation, each system paints a partial picture, but together, they amplify our understanding of patient safety.
Maxillary immediate implant loading: A comprehensive review

The tremendous success of osseointegration and predictability of implant treatment modality in the mandible prompted its investigations in the maxillary segment too for verifying whether similar success rates can be achieved. This review of literature gives us an idea about the various treatment modalities and investigations carried out by various researchers as an attempt to find out the predictability and longevity of immediate implant loading in the maxilla. The basic nomenclature, advantages and disadvantages of immediate loading, immediate loading and its relationship to osseointegration, its influence on primary stability, and micro-motion are considered and discussed. Over-emphasis has been placed on prosthodontically driven implant modality keeping the end-result and final outcome in mind. Few guidelines have been proposed that would help in the successful implementation of implant restorations.