Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Approach Towards Quality and Safety in Diagnostic Imaging Services: Our Experience at a Rural Tertiary Health Care Center.

INTRODUCTION An organization's transformation from imple-mentation of small, distinct Quality Improvement (QI) efforts to complete incorporation of Quality Improvement Program (QIP) into its culture occurs through a process of churning the foundational elements over time. AIM To develop a quality culture across the employees, identify measurable indicators and various tools to impart effective quality care and develop a learning culture for continuous quality improvement in the field of imaging services. MATERIALS AND METHODS To establish a QIP, the bare minimum requirement started with forming a quality committee. The committee identified the areas of improvement and ascertaining the core principle of Quality Management System (QMS) by having a Quality Manual, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), work-instructions, identification and monitoring of quality indicators and a training calendar. Appropriate tools like formatted daily registers, periodic check lists, run charts etc., were developed to collect the data followed by multiple PDSA cycles (Plan, Do, Study and Act) which helped identify the process bottlenecks, followed by implementing solutions and reanalysis. RESULTS A total of 17 measurable key performance indicators were identified from the four major quality tasks namely Safety, Process Improvement, Professional Outcome and Satisfaction, to assess the performance measures and targets of QIP. CONCLUSION Diagnostic services should evaluate how to choose the most appropriate method and develop a comprehensive QIP to meet the needs of the staff and the end users, thus, creating a working environment, where people constitutes the intrinsic value in attaining the ultimate quality and safety.
Actions of agonists of metabotropic glutamate receptors on synaptic transmission and transmitter release in the olfactory cortex

1 The effects of agonists of metabotropic glutamate receptors on the evoked N‐wave complex in slices of mouse olfactory cortex have been studied: most experiments were carried out using slices perfused with Mg2+‐free solution to which 10 μm of either 6,7‐dinitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione or 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione was applied. 2 Following agonist washout, a slowly developing, long lasting potentiation of the complex occurred which was confined to the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated component of the potential. The relative agonist potencies were 1S,3R‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R‐ACPD, 5–250 μm) = quisqualate (5–50 μm) > 1RS,3RS‐cis‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (ACPD, 25–1000 μm) > l‐glutamate (0.25–2.5 mm); NMDA, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate (AMPA) and l‐aspartate were inactive. 3 Potentiation of the NMDA receptor‐mediated component by 1S,3R‐ACPD (0.1 mm) was non‐competitively antagonised by S‐(+)‐ but not R‐(−)‐2‐amino‐3‐phosphonopropionate (AP3, 0.125 mm), equally by d‐(−) and l‐(+)‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyrate (0.25 mm) and also by the protein kinase C inhibitors sphingosine, (25 μm), sangivamycin (25 μm) and 5‐(isoquinolinylsulphonyl)‐3‐methylpiperazine (50 μm). 4 In a series of input‐output experiments, 1S,3R‐ACPD (0.1 mm) reversibly reduced the latency to peak of the NMDA receptor‐mediated component at submaximal stimulus intensities, an effect blocked by S‐(+)‐AP3 (0.125 mm). On agonist washout, there was an increase in the area of the NMDA receptor‐mediated component over all stimulus intensities, an effect blocked by the inhibitors of protein kinase C and by S‐(+)‐AP3 (0.125 mm). 4‐β‐Phorbol‐12,13‐diacetate (2.5 μm) also potentiated the component, an action inhibited by protein kinase C inhibitors but not by S‐(+)‐AP3. 5 1S,3R‐ACPD (0.1 mm) had no significant effect on postsynaptic responses evoked by NMDA, AMPA and kainate, but significantly reversed a partial antagonism of NMDA responses produced by 7‐chlorokynurenate (2.5 μm). 6 The K+‐evoked release of glycine was selectively and significantly increased in the presence of 0.1 mm 1S,3R‐ACPD (antagonized by 0.125 mm S‐(+)‐AP3) whereas following agonist washout, release of glycine fell to control levels but there was a significant increase in release of aspartate (antagonized by 25 μm sangivamycin and 0.125 mm S‐(+)‐AP3). 7 It is concluded that metabotropic glutamate receptors mediate (i) a reduction in the latency of the NMDA receptor‐mediated component of potentials by a mechanism that is independent of protein kinase C but which may depend on increased glycine release and (ii) a long lasting increase in the total area of the potential by increasing transmitter (possibly aspartate) release by a mechanism that is protein kinase C‐dependent.
A Comprehensive Safety Evaluation of 68Ga-Labeled Ligand Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen 11 PET/CT in Prostate Cancer: The Results of 2 Prospective, Multicenter Trials

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical safety profile of the 68Ga-PSMA-11 ligand for PET/CT imaging in prospective clinical trials. Methods Eighty-eight patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent prostate cancer participated in 2 prospective trials. Safety reporting was identical in the 2 trials. The 68Ga-PSMA-11 ligand was administered as 2 MBq/kg body weight (mean, 9.2 &mgr;g, 9.7 nmol). The reporting of clinical adverse events (AEs) and the measurement of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were performed prior to injection (baseline); immediately after injection of 68Ga-PSMA-11 (postinjection); at 1, 10, and 60 minutes after injection; and after acquisition of the PET/CT scan (postscan). All hemodynamic assessments were performed in the supine position, except for the postscan measurement (sitting). The patients were interviewed regarding any AEs at baseline, postinjection, or postscan. In addition, the patients were instructed to report any AEs during the investigation and to contact the investigator if AEs occurred during the rest of the day. Adverse events were classified as mild, moderate, or severe by the patients and categorized by the investigator using the CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version 4.0. Results There were no reported clinical AEs. There were significant decreases in systolic BP (P < 0.001) and HR (P < 0.001) over time. In comparison, the diastolic BP increased significantly (P < 0.001). After removal of the last observation (supine position), there was no time-dependent change in systolic or diastolic BP, but the significant change in HR remained. The mean changes over the entire observation period were minimal (systolic BP, −6 to 5 mm Hg; diastolic BP, −2 to 3 mm Hg; HR, decrease of 5 beats/min). No patients developed hypotension. Fifty-five patients presented with hypertension at baseline, which increased by 1 CTCAE grade in 15 patients and by 2 grades in 2 patients. A large number of cases of asymptomatic (grade 1) bradycardia were observed, primarily in patients with preexisting bradycardia. One patient developed transient grade 1 tachycardia. No patients required medical intervention for cardiovascular perturbations. Conclusions 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was very well tolerated. We consider 68Ga-PSMA-11 to be safe for human application.
Epithelial Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Is Expressed and Produced in Human Secretory Endometrium During the Normal Menstrual Cycle1

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (CGB) subunits and alpha hCG (CGA) subunits are expressed and the hCG dimer is produced in normal human cyclic endometrium. Endometrial specimens were collected for histological dating from women undergoing treatment in our division of human reproduction. RNA from normal secretory endometrium was extracted, and CGB and CGA gene expression was assessed by semiquantitative PCR. Adequate secretory endometrial specimens were homogenized using protease inhibitors. Proteins present in the supernatant were separated electrophoretically, and molecular hCG isoforms were detected by Western blot. The supernatant hCG concentrations were measured by ELISA. We characterized hCG and leukocytes in endometrial specimens by immunohistochemistry. Uterine flushing was performed to confirm endometrial hCG secretion into the uterine fluid. A full-length CGB mRNA encompassing the exon 1 promoter region and the structure exons 2 and 3 (including the C-terminal peptide) was expressed in normal secretory endometrial specimens (similar to CGA) during the early secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, up to an optimum at the midsecretory to late secretory phases. In homogenate supernatants obtained from normal secretory endometrium, hormone concentrations of dimeric hCG were approximately 5 mU per 10 mg of tissue, compared with considerably smaller concentrations of corresponding single free CGB subunit. Single chains of CGB, CGA, and dimeric molecular hCG isoforms were found in endometrial specimens by Western blot. Glandular endometrial hCG production is demonstrated immunohistochemically, with an increase toward the late secretory phase vs. the early secretory phase of the normal secretory menstrual cycle. However, glandular hCG release is diminished or absent in the dyssynchronous or missing endometrial secretory transformation. Endogenous endometrial hCG may be important for implantation and maintenance of pregnancy.
Single‐channel study of the cyclic AMP‐regulated chloride current in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes.

1. Properties of the cyclic AMP‐regulated Cl‐ channel were studied in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes with the patch clamp technique. Cell‐attached patch recordings were performed, while the cell was dialysed with a cyclic AMP (0.2‐0.5 mM)‐containing internal solution through a second patch pipette. The latter pipette was also used to monitor the whole‐cell Cl‐ conductance. 2. The whole cell showed a large Cl‐ conductance for 10‐15 min after the beginning of cell dialysis. The activity of single Cl‐ channels began to appear in some of the cell‐attached patches during this time. 3. The channels showed a high open probability (0.69 +/‐ 0.14, mean +/‐ S.D., n = 12) at the time of their appearance, and the open probability did not appreciably increase thereafter, even when the whole‐cell Cl‐ conductance increased further with time. 4. An increase in the number of active channels was observed in some patches with progression of the cell dialysis. In such cases, the newly activated channels also showed a high open probability. 5. The above results are consistent with the hypothesis that the cyclic AMP system makes the ‘latent’ Cl‐ channels available without influencing their own kinetic behaviour. The available channels may intrinsically exhibit a high open probability. 6. Chloride channel currents could also be recorded in the outside‐out patches excised from the cyclic AMP‐loaded cells. The I‐V relation of these currents showed outward rectification under the condition of symmetrical Cl‐ gradients, suggesting that the channel itself or a related structure has the property of rectifying current flow. 7. The channel seemed to have at least one open state and two closed states; the open‐time histograms showed one exponential component with the values of time constant scattering around 1 s, while the closed‐time histograms showed two exponential components with the values of time constant scattering around 0.2 and 1 s. These time constants showed no clear voltage dependence.
–308G>A and –1031T>C tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms in Tunisian patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract Background: Recent research has shown that inflammation plays a key role in coronary artery disease (CAD) and other manifestations of atherosclerosis. Several lines of evidence support a key role for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a potent immunomodulator and pro-inflammatory cytokine, in the development of atherosclerosis and in complications of CAD. Methods: We investigated the possible association between CAD and the TNF gene promoter polymorphisms –308G>A and –1031T>C in a Tunisian population. We compared the distribution of these polymorphisms between 418 patients with CAD and 406 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length-polymorphism analysis. Results: The frequency of the TNF-α –308A allele in the control group was similar to that observed in CAD patients [p=0.78; odds ratio (OR)=1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.86–1.55], but higher than those described in other Europeans, such as in the French, Finnish and Spanish. Concerning the TNF-α –1031T/C polymorphism, the same distribution was observed between patients with CAD and controls (p=0.12; OR=1.27; 95% CI=0.94–1.72). In addition, the genotype and allele frequencies of control individuals were comparable to those previously reported in healthy Tunisian controls and other ethnic groups. Haplotype analysis (TNF-α –308G>A and –1031T>C) demonstrated no significant association between TNF haplotypes and CAD. Conclusions: We conclude that TNF promoter gene polymorphisms at position –308G>A and –1031T>C do not play a major role in the pathogenesis of CAD in the Tunisian population. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:1247–51.
Insights into the quantitative relationship between sensitization and challenge for allergic contact dermatitis reactions.

The ability of chemical or pharmaceutical agents to induce allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is of major health and regulatory concern. As such, tests to identify their sensitizing capacity, such as the guinea pig maximization test and the more recently developed local lymph node assay, are broadly used. Ideally, for risk assessment it is useful to translate results from animal data into establishing safe or no-effect levels for occupational or environmental agents. This, of course, would require consideration of the quantitative relationships between sensitizing and challenge doses as well as other exposure conditions. In the present studies, we modeled two sensitizers, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene and squaric acid dibutyl ester, over a large range of concentrations using the LLNA and more traditional tests that measure both sensitization and elicitation responses. Both the sensitization and challenge phases provided similar dose-response curves, demonstrating a threshold followed by a shallow linear increase and eventual plateau at increasing doses. Extending earlier studies by P. S. Friedmann (1994, Immunotoxicology and Immunopharmacology, pp. 589-616, Raven Press, New York) in humans, we observed that the minimum dose required to elicit sensitization or challenge was not static, but rather reflected a "sliding-scale. " That is, as the sensitization dose was increased, the concentration required to elicit a challenge response was decreased. Correspondingly, as the challenge dose was increased, the dose required for sensitization was lessened. Taken together, these findings indicate that there is a need to consider dose-response relationships for sensitization and challenge in establishing minimum exposure levels for chemicals that cause ACD.
Evaluation of DC Links on Dense-Load Urban Distribution Networks

This paper presents an investigation of utilizing dc links to merge heavily meshed urban distribution networks in dense-load areas to increase reliability and expand operational flexibility. It provides a cost-benefit evaluation of utilizing dc-link technology to interconnect three segments of New York City electric distribution networks with complex grid configurations. The outcome of this work highlights the advantages provided by dc links, such as increased reliability and power quality, improved voltage support, and demand relief for feeders at or above capacity limitations. Furthermore, the study shows that dc links may provide a better alternative to transformer installations, feeder upgrades, and/or capacitor additions, and offer the opportunity to postpone large capital investments for system upgrades (such as building a new substation) due to demand increase. The study was carried out with power-flow simulations using field-validated power-flow data.
Gender differences in suicide attempters in Hungary: retrospective epidemiological study.

AIM To determine gender differences in suicidal behavior and investigate the factors associated with suicide attempts. METHODS In the framework of the WHO/Euro Multicenter Study on Suicidal Behavior, 1,158 suicide attempts have been registered and analyzed retrospectively in Pecs center, Hungary. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed to compare the characteristics of male and female suicide attempters. RESULTS A "typical" female suicide attempter could be characterized as follows: retired or economically inactive (OR=2.38), widowed (OR=6.55), divorced (OR=1.64), or with depression in her personal history (OR=1.27). Female attempters were mainly repeaters, using the method of self-poisoning, mostly with benzodiazepines. Among men, unemployment, living alone, never having been married, and problems with addiction were the main risk factors, while violent methods characterized the typical attempt In the cases of self-poisoning, men were more likely to take meprobamate or carbamazepine. CONCLUSION Significant differences were found in the risk factors for suicide attempts between men and women. Since suicide is a multi-causal phenomenon, its therapy and prevention should be complex and gender differences should be taken into consideration while building up our helping strategies.
Performance Evaluation of IEEE 802.11p-Enabled Vehicular Video Surveillance System

Prospective IEEE 802.11p-based vehicular surveillance system, where video from the vehicle on-board camera is transmitted to the management center, is considered. Multi-hop transmission from the vehicle to the nearest roadside unit and then - via other roadside units - to the gateway is addressed. In this letter we assess the feasibility of such system by analyzing the video end-to-end distortion for a target vehicle, located several hops away from the gateway, when it is alone or there are also other vehicles transmitting video. We demonstrate the importance of dynamic adaptation of the video bit rate of each vehicle depending on the number and positions of the participating vehicles.
Minimally Invasive Decompression Versus X-Stop in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Study

Study Design. Prospective randomized controlled multicenter study. Objective. To compare the effect of X-Stop with minimally invasive decompression (MID) in patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis. Summary of Background Data. Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common indication for operative treatment in elderly. Laminectomy has been the “gold standard,” but MID is now widely used. Another minimally invasive surgery option is X-Stop showing good result compared with nonoperative treatment, but showing higher reoperation rate than laminectomy. Methods. We enrolled 96 patients aged 50 to 85 years, with symptoms of neurogenic intermittent claudication within 250-m walking distance and 1- or 2-level lumbar spinal stenosis, randomized to either MID or X-Stop. Primary outcome was Zurich Claudication Questionnaire in this intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcome was Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, numerical rating scale 11 for lower back pain and leg pain, and risk for secondary surgery and complications. Results. No significant differences were found in Zurich Claudication Questionnaire between the groups at any follow-ups. Both groups had a statistical and clinical significant improvement at 6 weeks and throughout the 2-year observation period. The number of patients having secondary surgery due to persistent or recurrent symptoms was significantly higher in the X-Stop group, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 6.5 (1.3–31.9). Complication rate was similar and low, but more severe for MID. Conclusion. Both MID and X-Stop led to significant symptom improvements. There were no significant clinical differences in effect between the methods at any of the follow-up time points. X-Stop had significant higher risk of secondary surgery. Complication was more severe for MID. Level of Evidence: 2
Ancient mitochondrial haplotypes and evidence for intragenic recombination in a gynodioecious plant

Because of their extremely low nucleotide mutation rates, plant mitochondrial genes are generally not expected to show variation within species. Remarkably, we found nine distinct cytochrome b sequence haplotypes in the gynodioecious alpine plant Silene acaulis, with two or more haplotypes coexisting locally in each of three sampled regions. Moreover, there is evidence for intragenic recombination in the history of the haplotype sample, implying at least transient heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Heteroplasmy might be achieved by one of two potential mechanisms, either continuous coexistence of subgenomic fragments in low stoichiometry, or occasional paternal leakage of mtDNA. On the basis of levels of synonymous nucleotide substitutions, the average divergence time between haplotypes is estimated to be at least 15 million years. Ancient coalescence of extant haplotypes is further indicated by the paucity of fixed differences in haplotypes obtained from related species, a pattern expected under trans-specific evolution. Our data are consistent with models of frequency-dependent selection on linked cytoplasmic male-sterility factors, the putative molecular basis of females in gynodioecious populations. However, associations between marker loci and the inferred male-sterility genes can be maintained only with very low rates of recombination. Heteroplasmy and recombination between divergent haplotypes imply unexplored consequences for the evolutionary dynamics of gynodioecy, a widespread plant breeding system.
Poxvirus DNA primase

Poxviruses are large enveloped viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of vertebrate or invertebrate cells. At least six virus-encoded proteins are required for synthesis and processing of the double-stranded DNA genome of vaccinia virus, the prototype member of the family. One of these proteins, D5, is an NTPase that contains an N-terminal archaeoeukaryotic primase domain and a C-terminal superfamily III helicase domain. Here we report that individual conserved aspartic acid residues in the predicted primase active site were required for in vivo complementation of infectious virus formation as well as genome and plasmid replication. Furthermore, purified recombinant D5 protein synthesized oligoribonucleotides in vitro. Incorporation of label from [α-32P]CTP or [α-32P]UTP into a RNase-sensitive and DNase-resistant product was demonstrated by using single-stranded circular bacteriophage DNA templates and depended on ATP or GTP and a divalent cation. Mutagenesis studies showed that the primase and NTPase activities of the recombinant D5 protein could be independently inactivated. Highly conserved orthologs of D5 are present in all poxviruses that have been sequenced, and more diverged orthologs are found in members of all other families of nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses. These viral primases may have roles in initiation of DNA replication or lagging-strand synthesis and represent potential therapeutic targets.