Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Third degree obstetric anal sphincter tears: risk factors and outcome of primary repair

Objectives To determine (i) risk factors in the development of third degree obstetric tears and (ii) the success of primary sphincter repair. Design (i) Retrospective analysis of obstetric variables in 50 women who had sustained a third degree tear, compared with the remaining 8553 vaginal deliveries during the same period. (ii) Women who had sustained a third degree tear and had primary sphincter repair and control subjects were interviewed and investigated with anal endosonography, anal manometry, and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency measurements Setting: Antenatal clinic in teaching hospital in inner London. Subjects (i) All women (n=8603) who delivered vaginally over a 31 month period. (ii) 34 women who sustained a third degree tear and 88 matched controls. Main outcome measures : Obstetric risk factors, defaecatory symptoms, sonographic sphincter defects, and pudendal nerve damage. Results - (i) Factors significantly associated with development of a third degree tear were: forceps delivery (50% v 7% in controls; P=0.00001), primiparous delivery (85% v 43%; P=0.00001), birth weight >4 kg (P=0.00002), and occipitoposterior position at delivery (P=0.003). No third degree tear occurred during 351 vacuum extractions. Eleven of 25 (44%) women who were delivered without instruments and had a third degree tear did so despite a posterolateral episiotomy. (ii) Anal incontinence or faecal urgency was present in 16 women with tears and 11 controls (47% v 13%;20P=0.00001). Sonographic sphincter defects were identified in 29 with tears and 29 controls (85% v 33%; P=0.00001). Every symptomatic patient had persistent combined internal and external sphincter defects, and these were associated with significantly lower anal pressures. Pudendal nerve terminal motor latency measurements were not significantly different. Conclusions Vacuum, extraction is associated with fewer third degree tears than forceps delivery. An episiotomy does not always prevent a third degree tear. Primary repair is inadequate in most women who sustain third degree tears, most having residual sphincter defects and about half experiencing anal incontinence, which is caused by persistent mechanical sphincter disruption rather than pudendal nerve damage. Attention should be directed towards preventive obstetric practice and surgical techniques of repair.
Measurement of Driver-Vehicle Multiloop Response Properties with a Single Disturbance Input

Multiloop response properties of controllers are, in general, very difficult to obtain because an independent forcing function is needed for each describing function to be measured, and interpolation procedures may be required to obtain intermediate describing functions at common frequencies. Even then, a certain amount of untangling is required before the final results are obtained. When the loops that are closed and the nature of the describing function forms adopted in each loop are known or hypothesized, matters can be made much simpler. Then, the quantitative values of the individual describing functions can be readily identified using appropriate closed-loop describing function measures and decomposition procedures. Two examples are provided for the measurement of driver-vehicle multiloop response properties using a single disturbance input. The validity of the procedure is based on current multiloop operator adjustment rules and is made plausible by comparison with experimental data.
Salivary biomarkers of existing periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND The authors conducted a study to determine if salivary biomarkers specific for three aspects of periodontitis--inflammation, collagen degradation and bone turnover--correlate with clinica features of periodontal disease. METHODS The relationship between periodontal disease and the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in whole saliva of 57 adults (28 "case" subjects with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease and 29 healthy control subjects) was examined in a case-control trial. RESULTS Mean levels of IL-1beta and MMP-8 in saliva were significantly higher in case subjects than in controls. Both analytes correlated with periodontal indexes, whereas, after adjustment for confounders, OPG did not. Elevated salivary levels of MMP-8 or IL-1beta (more than two standard deviations above the mean of the controls) significantly increased the risk of periodontal disease (odds ratios in the 11.3-15.4 range). Combined elevated salivary levels of MMP-8 and IL-1beta increased the risk of experiencing periodontal disease 45-fold, and elevations in all three biomarkers correlated with individual clinical parameters indicative of periodontal disease. CONCLUSION Salivary levels of MMP-8 and IL-1beta appear to serve as biomarkers of periodontitis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Qualitative changes in the composition of salivary biomarkers could have significance in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
Poor inhalation technique, even after inhalation instructions, in children with asthma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of instructions to children with asthma (given by general practitioners or by pharmacy assistants) on how to inhale from metered dose inhalers with spacers (MDI/s) or dry powder inhalers (DPI). We scored inhalation technique of asthmatic children according to criteria defined by the Netherlands Asthma Foundation, and related the performance to the inhalation instructions given. For each inhaler, a number of steps were considered essential for reliable drug delivery. Patients newly referred for asthma were asked to demonstrate their inhalation technique and to fill out a questionnaire on the inhalation instruction received prior to referral. Children participating in a clinical trial, who had received repeated comprehensive inhalation instructions, served as a control group.
Protein Kinase A Regulates Sexual Development and Gluconeogenesis through Phosphorylation of the Zn Finger Transcriptional Activator Rst2p in Fission Yeast

ABSTRACT Protein kinase A (PKAi a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase) negatively regulates sexual development and gluconeogenesis in fission yeast by suppressing the transcription of ste11 required for the former and the transcription of fbp1 required for the latter. Here we show that Rst2p, a zinc finger protein that can bind to the upstream region of ste11 and fbp1 via the STREP motif, mediates the activity of PKA to transcription of these genes. A simple reporter system confirmed that PKA could cause its negative effect on transcription through the combination of Rst2p and STREP. Rst2p was phosphorylated by PKA in vitro at two consensus sequences on it. Substitution of the target threonine residues by alanine made the protein active even in the presence of high PKA activity. Rst2p underwent hyperphosphorylation in the medium lacking glucose, and PKA inhibited this hyperphosphorylation. Rst2p was mainly cytoplasmic under high PKA activity but was concentrated in the nucleus when this activity was lowered, suggesting that PKA might regulate ste11 and fbp1 negatively by excluding Rst2p from the nucleus. However, the shift of Rst2p localization was not perfect under physiological conditions, leaving the possibility that PKA inhibits Rst2p function in another way as well. Although the PKA-Rst2p-STREP pathway is apparently central to the regulation of ste11 and fbp1 transcription in accordance with nutritional conditions, some additional paths are likely to connect nitrogen to repression of ste11 and glucose to repression of fbp1. These paths may ensure the specificity between the type of nutrients in shortage and the type of genes to be expressed.
Investigating the impact of stability constraints on the future GB transmission system

High penetration of wind power is anticipated in order to increase the share of renewable energy sources up to 20% in 2020. Therefore, in the future there will be major changes to the GB generation profile, both in terms of equipment type and geographical location, which will result in the need to transfer large amounts of renewable energy from the north of Scotland to the mainland demand centers in the GB south. Due to the fact that the existing network has insufficient transmission capacity to accommodate the increasing power transfer, the GB system operator and owners are required to introduce new reinforcements as well as maximizing the use of existing transmission lines to avoid constraining some generators and also at the same time improve the stability limits. In this paper the capability of several new transmission technologies such as Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC) and embedded High Voltage DC (HVDC) links are investigated with regard to increasing power transfer limits and their effect on dynamic stability control is also investigated. Initially, this study proposes a hierarchical Control Strategies for co-ordinated control of the TCSC and HVDC links for all operational point. Finally, the main objective of the study is to analyse and develop an operational stability control system (SCS) that will be able to provide fully co-ordinated control of TCSC and HVDC links in order to achieve best dynamic performance and make the stability limits less binding factor than the thermal limit under all operating conditions using a stabilising feedback control system. This implies that the intertrip actions will be reduced as well as maintaining and enhancing the stability for every dispatched operating point.
Interstitial telomeric repeats-associated DNA breaks

ABSTRACT During a cell's lifespan, DNA break formation is a common event, associated with many processes, from replication to apoptosis. Most of DNA breaks are readily repaired, but some are meant to persist in time, such as the chromosome ends, protected by telomeres. Besides them, eukaryotic genomes comprise shorter stretches of interstitial telomeric repeats. We assumed that the latter may also be associated with the formation of DNA breaks meant to persist in time. In zebrafish and mouse embryos, cells containing numerous breakage foci were identified. These breaks were not associated with apoptosis or replication, nor did they seem to activate DNA damage response machinery. Unlike short-living, accidental sparse breaks, the ones we found seem to be closely associated, forming discrete break foci. A PCR-based method was developed, allowing specific amplification of DNA regions located between inverted telomeric repeats associated with breaks. The cloning and sequencing of such DNA fragments were found to denote some specificity in their distribution for different tissue types and development stages.
HPV16 and HPV18 in genital tumors: Significantly different levels of viral integration and correlation to tumor invasiveness

The integration of the high‐risk HPV16 and HPV18 types into the cell genome is considered an important step in malignant transformation. The relationship between the physical status of the virus and clinical/pathological parameters was studied by type‐specific and multiplex PCR for E6, E2, and E1 sequences in 86 genital tumors from different sites, consisting of 69 invasive carcinomas (including 5 microinvasive carcinomas), 9 carcinomas in situ, 6 severe dysplasias, and 2 moderate dysplasias. Forty tumors contained HPV16 (46.6%), 7 HPV18 (8.1%), and 39 both viruses (45.3%). HPV16 DNA was found either as pure integrant (35.4%), or pure episome (36.7%), or a mixture of both (27.8%). Conversely, all 46 lesions containing HPV18 showed pure integrated forms. The physical status of both types was not related to the tumor site, the tumor/node/metastasis stage, or the histological differentiation grade of the invasive carcinomas. HPV16 integration was significantly associated with invasiveness. Interestingly, in double infections when HPV16 coexisted with HPV18, its genome was found more frequently in episomal form than in single infections where, conversely, it was mostly integrated (P < 0.0001), suggesting a sort of competition for cell integration sites. The complete HPV18 integration, even in pre‐neoplastic lesions, indicates a different behavior in genital transformation compared with HPV16 and may reflect a major aggressiveness of this viral type. In conclusion, virus typing in conjunction with the evaluation of the integration status may provide a better prognostic evaluation together with an improved diagnosis. J. Med. Virol. 67:574–582, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elemental Redistribution and Diffusion Path Configuration Near the Edge of Sn-95Pb Solder Bump/Ni-Cu UBM Joints after Aging in the Flip-Chip Technology

The formation and growth of intermetallic compounds (IMC) play a critical role in the solder joint reliability. In this study, joint assembly of high lead Sn-95Pb/Ni-Cu was employed to study the interfacial reaction and related IMC formation after aging at 150degC for 168, 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 hrs, respectively. Special effort was focused on the investigation near the edge of solder joints. Field-emission SEM and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) were used to evaluate the interfacial morphology and the compositions of IMC, respectively. For joints aged for 168 hrs, (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 and (Ni,Cu)3Sn4 IMCs were observed. However, another IMC (Cu,Ni)3Sn was revealed after more than 500 hrs aging. The elemental redistribution near the edge of the solder joint was further probed by the X-ray color mapping technique in EPMA. In combination of the quantitative analysis for IMC in various region of the joint, the measured compositions could be mapped onto the ternary isotherm of Sn-Ni-Cu to elucidate the phase transformation among various types of IMCs. On the basis of the elemental redistribution of Sn, Ni, and Cu under various periods of aging, the kinetics process of related IMC formation was formulated. Series of diffusion paths were then constructed, which, in turn, provided an effective approach in the interpretation of the phase transformation in related IMCs
The role of social capital in health promotion: Australian perspectives

Issue addressed: An assessment of the implication of theories of and empirical data about social capital on health promotion policy and practice. Methods: Examination of the literature on social capital and health, discussion of empirical data from the Adelaide Health Development and Social Capital project. Results: Participation in most social and civic activities is patterned by social, economic and demographic variables. These variables are similar to those that determine health status. Living in a higher income household, having higher educational levels and being female are all associated with higher levels of participation. Conclusions: Social capital undoubtedly has a crucial role in health promotion, but this role will only be effective if it is seen as part of a broader project to reduce inequities in society and promote material wellbeing. So what? Social capital is most useful to health promotion when it is seen as one of the forms of capital that shape our life chances and so our health. (author abstract)
The influence of system parameters on multibaseline InSAR for layover solution

The Multi-baseline synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) is capable of solving layover phenomena because of its resolving capability along the elevation dimension. Using baseline diversity of a multi-baseline InSAR system to overcome layover is essentially a matter of spectral estimation problem. The spectrum's period and the estimation resolution are influenced by the InSAR system parameters. This paper presents a thorough analysis of the influence of system parameters on the unambiguous height difference and the resolution of height retrieval of layover scenarios. The largest unambiguous height difference is derived and it is related to the baseline number and length. The resolution of height retrieval is determined by the signal-to-noise ratio, baseline number and multilook number. At the end, some useful advices on designing multi-baseline InSAR system parameters are presented.
Geographic Variation and Diversity of the Cytochrome b Gene in Japanese Wild Populations of Medaka, Oryzias latipes

Abstract We conducted a polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to elucidate the detailed genetic population structure of Japanese wild populations of medaka, Oryzias latipes. The analysis of 1,225 specimens collected from 303 sites identified 67 mitotypes. Subsequently we determined the nucleotide sequences of the complete cytochrome b gene (1141-bp) to clarify the phylogenetic relationships among mitotypes. The phylogenetic tree based on nucleotide sequences indicated three major clades (A, B and C) that differed by 11.3-11.8%, corresponding to three clusters previously identified by RFLP analysis of entire mitochondrial DNAs. The geographic distribution of mitotypes in clades A and B was fully concordant with the Northern and Southern Populations defined by allozymes. Clade A could be subdivided into three subclades and clade B into eleven, with sequence divergences among subclades of 1.3–5.8%. Each distribution of mitotypes in subclades roughly corresponded to that of mtDNA haplotypes in subclusters previously identified. Mitotypes in clade C were found only in the Kanto district. The phylogenetic relationships and the estimated divergence times suggest that three Japanese clades originated from a common ancestor and were separated during the Pliocene, and that the regional differentiation of subclades was closely connected with the geological history of the Quaternary. This study has also demonstrated the possibility of artificial disturbance of natural distribution especially in the Kanto district and the superior efficacy of PCRRFLP analysis as a simple method for detecting genetic variation and artificial gene flow of medaka.
Foliar micro-morphology of Gasteria bicolor haw. (Asphodelaceae) from South Africa.

BACKGROUND The succulent genus, Gasteria, which comprises 16 species, is endemic to South Africa and has its main centre of distribution in the Savanna Region of the Eastern Cape. Whereas G. bicolor has been investigated phyto-chemically and pharmacologically, not much data concerning the anatomical and micro-morphological features can be found in literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was undertaken, using light and scanning electron microscopy to obtain information on the micro-morphological features of this important medicinal plant to facilitate its identification and authentication. The elemental composition of the leaf was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). RESULTS The epidermal cells are either hexagonal or pentagonal in form, and are compactly arranged with undulate anti-clinal cell walls. The epidermal cell width was approximately 50 µm. Stomata apertures are elliptical and the upper epidermis of the leaf has paracytic stomata which are slightly raised above the epidermal surface with 4 to 5 subsidiary cells surrounding each stoma. Based on the EDXS microanalysis, the mineral crystals present at the level of the mesophyll of G. bicolor were probably mixtures of calcium oxalate, calcium sulphate and silica. CONCLUSION The co-occurrence of aluminum suggests the potential role of the crystals in detoxification of aluminum and heavy metals, as reported previously.
Imaging Requirements in the Practice of Pulmonary Metastasectomy

The primary imaging modality for the detection of pulmonary metastases is computed tomography (CT). Ideally, a helical CT scan with 3- to 5-mm reconstruction thickness or a volumetric thin section scanning should be performed within 4 weeks of pulmonary metastasectomy. A period of observation to see whether further metastases develop does not seem to allow better patient selection. If positron emission tomography is available, it may identify the extrathoracic metastatic sites in 10 to 15% of patients. Despite helical CT scan, palpation identifies the metastases not detected by imaging in 20 to 25% of patients and remains the standard. No data define the optimal interval for follow-up surveillance imaging.
Water Quality and River Plume Monitoring in the Great Barrier Reef: An Overview of Methods Based on Ocean Colour Satellite Data

A strong driver of water quality change in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the pulsed or intermittent nature of terrestrial inputs into the GBR lagoon, including delivery of increased loads of sediments, nutrients, and toxicants via flood river plumes (hereafter river plumes) during the wet season. Cumulative pressures from extreme weather with a high frequency of large scale flooding in recent years has been linked to the large scale reported decline in the health of inshore seagrass systems and coral reefs in the central areas of the GBR, with concerns for the recovery potential of these impacted ecosystems. Management authorities currently rely on remotely-sensed (RS) and in situ data for water quality monitoring to guide their assessment of water quality conditions in the GBR. The use of remotely-sensed satellite products provides a quantitative and accessible tool for scientists and managers. These products, coupled with in situ data, and more recently modelled data, are valuable for quantifying the influence of river plumes on seagrass and coral reef habitat in the GBR. This article reviews recent remote sensing techniques developed to monitor river plumes and water quality in the GBR. We also discuss emerging research that integrates hydrodynamic models with remote sensing and in situ data, enabling us to explore impacts of different catchment management strategies on GBR water quality.