Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A low postoperative nonstimulated serum thyroglobulin level does not exclude the presence of radioactive iodine avid metastatic foci in intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients.

BACKGROUND Postsurgical thyrotropin (TSH)-stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level can be used to predict the likelihood of finding radioactive iodine (RAI) avid metastatic foci on postablation scanning. However, there is little data regarding the predictive value of a nonstimulated postoperative Tg obtained on levothyroxine therapy in patients being considered for recombinant human TSH (rhTSH)-assisted remnant ablation. METHODS The study included 290 intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with a postsurgical nonstimulated Tg<10 ng/mL prior to rhTSH-assisted remnant ablation. Patients were stratified into four groups based on the postsurgical nonstimulated Tg value: Tg<0.6 ng/mL (n=146), Tg 0.6-0.9 ng/mL (n=76), Tg 1-5 ng/mL (n=51), and Tg>5-10 ng/mL (n=17). RAI avid metastatic foci were identified using post-therapy scanning with SPECT/CT (single photon emission computed tomography). RESULTS RAI avid metastases were identified in 16% (46/290) of patients, including 12% (17/146) with Tg<0.6 ng/mL, 14% (11/76) with Tg 0.6-0.9 ng/mL, 25% (13/51) with Tg 1-5 ng/mL, and 29% (5/17) with Tg>5-10 ng/mL (p=0.02). While 99% of the RAI avid foci were located in the neck, lung uptake was seen in one patient with Tg<0.6 ng/mL (0.7%, 1/146), one patient with Tg 0.6-0.9 ng/mL (1.3%, 1/76), and 2 patients with Tg>5-10 ng/mL (11%, 2/17 patients). CONCLUSIONS A postoperative nonstimulated Tg<0.6 ng/mL does not exclude identification of RAI avid metastatic foci on postablation SPECT/CT scanning in intermediate-risk DTC patients. Therefore, patient selection for RAI ablation in the intermediate-risk group must be based on an integration of multiple risk factors rather than any single clinicopathologic risk factor.
Utility of the Spanish Translation of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory–Revised in Spain

This study examined psychometric characteristics of the Spanish translation of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory–Revised (MSI-R) in a community sample of 205 couples from Spain. Overall, analyses of the scales’ internal consistency compared favorably with findings for both the English and Spanish versions of this instrument with U.S. samples. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed similar scale factor structures across the original measure and Spanish translation, lending further support to using the MSI-R with couples from diverse cultural backgrounds whose sole or preferred language is Spanish. Mean profile comparisons between the current Spanish sample and the original standardization sample revealed significant differences on several scales. Implications of findings for clinical applications and further research are discussed.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: clinical manifestations and management of autoimmune hepatitis in the elderly

Autoimmune hepatitis is an uncommon chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the liver, characterised by hypergammaglobulianemia, circulating autoantibodies, and interface hepatitis histologically. It is traditionally thought to be a disease of young women. However, recent epidemiological and retrospective studies suggest that it might be a disease predominantly of older women. Studies of AIH in elderly patients have been fairly limited.
Robust control of HIV-treatments using a polytopic model

A robust-control-based treatment designed for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients is studied. The dynamics of the immune system's response to infection is modeled, using a 5th order nonlinear model with separate efficacy coefficients for Protease Inhibitor (PIs) and Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTIs). Due to errors in parameter estimation and to the existence of unmodelled dynamics, the immune response is represented as an uncertain system: A polytopic system is constructed that incorporates all possible values of the system parameters. Using robust pole location techniques, a control system that stabilizes the polytopic system was designed. Numerical simulation results, including pharmacokinetical response of the organism to anti-retroviral drugs, show that the control law can lead to a long-term stable condition in even extreme cases.
A survey on network path identification using bio inspired algorithms

Network path identification is an important problem in networks. It is important to identify routing path for data transfer from a source to destination. Network path found should be feasible in overcoming congestion, real time data transfer. This paper reviews three different methods to find network path identification using biologically inspired algorithms in different scenarios. It will provide an overview of path identification in different networks.
Age-Dependent Poliovirus Replication in the Mouse Central Nervous System Is Determined by Internal Ribosome Entry Site-Mediated Translation

ABSTRACT Mouse cells are not permissive for the replication of human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV2). To determine the role of the HRV2 internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in determining species specificity, a recombinant poliovirus (P1/HRV2) was constructed by substituting the poliovirus IRES with the IRES from HRV2. This recombinant virus replicated in all human and murine cell lines examined, demonstrating that the HRV2 IRES does not limit viral replication in transformed murine cells. P1/HRV2 replicated in the brain and spinal cord in neonatal but not adult mice transgenic for the poliovirus receptor, CD155. Passage of P1/HRV2 in mice led to selection of a virus that caused paralysis in neonatal mice. To determine the relationship between HRV2 IRES-mediated translation and replication of P1/HRV2 in mice, recombinant human adenoviruses were used to express bicistronic mRNAs in murine organs. The results demonstrate that the HRV2 IRES mediates translation in organs of neonatal but not adult mice. These findings show that HRV2 IRES-mediated translation is a determinant of virus replication in the murine brain and spinal cord and suggest that the IRES determines the species specificity of HRV2 infection.
Sensory processing and corollary discharge effects in the mormyromast regions of the mormyrid electrosensory lobe. I. Field potentials, cellular activity in associated structures.

1. This is the first of a series of papers on the electrosensory lobe and closely associated structures in electric fish of the family Mormyridae. The study describes the neuronal responses to sensory stimuli and to corollary discharge signals associated with the motor command that drives the electric organ discharge (EOD). The study is focused on the regions of the electrosensory lobe where primary afferent fibers from mormyromast electroreceptors terminate. 2. This first paper of the series describes the field potentials in the caudal lobe of the cerebellum and in the electrosensory lobe. It also describes the different types of unit activity in the caudal lobe of the cerebellum. Granule cells of the caudal lobe of the cerebellum provide the parallel fibers for most of the molecular layer of the electrosensory lobe. Determination of the input and responses of these cells is therefore an important part of the effort to understand the electrosensory lobe. 3. Corollary discharge field potentials evoked by the EOD motor command are very prominent in the caudal lobe of the cerebellum and in the electrosensory lobe. The potentials indicate that corollary discharge excitation affects first the granule cells of the caudal lobe and then, a few milliseconds later, the deeper cellular layers of the electrosensory lobe. The prominence and complexity of the field potentials indicate that corollary discharge signals have an important and varied role in the processing of electrosensory information by the mormyrid electrosensory lobe. 4. The field potentials evoked by electrosensory stimuli suggest that direct primary afferent excitation is limited to the granule and intermediate layers of the electrosensory lobe, as is indicated also by anatomic studies. 5. Proprioceptive units are the most common type of unit recorded in the granule cell region of the caudal lobe of the cerebellum (eminentia granularis posterior). These units have a regular discharge rate that changes tonically in response to slight bending of the trunk, bending of the tail, or bending of individual fins. Proprioceptive input will have a strong effect on the molecular layer of the electrosensory lobe and will thus modulate the responses of electrosensory lobe cells to electrosensory stimuli. Such proprioceptive input to the electrosensory lobe would allow the expected effects of body position changes to be accounted for in the processing of electrosensory information. 6. Units with stereotyped, short-latency corollary discharge bursts to the EOD motor command were the next most common type of unit in the eminentia granularis posterior. These corollary discharge units were not affected by sensory stimuli. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Mucus transport mechanisms in relation to the effect of high frequency chest compression (HFCC) on mucus clearance

High frequency chest compression (HFCC) appears promising as a form of chest physiotherapy. Studies published by several clinical centers support its efficacy, and further clinical data are expected to become available. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1994; 17:113–118. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rotavirus and calicivirus infections of the gastrointestinal tract

Virus infections of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to gastroenteritis, are a common problem in both developed and developing countries. Rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses are the most common agents responsible for clinically severe disease in humans, and this paper focuses on new information about the mechanisms of pathogenesis and epidemiology of these two pathogens. Rotavirus-induced disease involves a viral enterotoxin and activation of the enteric nervous system, as well as malabsorption, suggesting that common mechanisms of pathogenesis may exist between viral and bacterial pathogens. Each gastrointestinal virus possesses unique molecular properties that can be exploited to discover new information about responses of cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Work continues toward making vaccines for rotavirus and Norwalk-like viruses.
A non-vacuum process for preparing nanocrystalline

A non-vacuum, two-step process has been used to prepare a series of nanocrystalline CuIn1−xGaxSe2 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) materials. An open-air solvothermal preparation in triethylenetetramine solvent was followed by annealing at 500 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere for 20 min. All materials have mixed clustered plate, spherical particle, and nanorod morphologies with the smallest particle diameters ranging between 20 and 40 nm. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm that indium/gallium ratio control is possible over a wide range. The solvothermal reaction step yields a mixture of chalcopyrite and Cu2−xSe. This is converted to pure chalcopyrite product by annealing at 500 °C.
Assessing technologies for teaching and learning: understanding the importance of technological pedagogical content knowledge

Past and present research has provided evidence to support the claim that technologies for teaching and learning must be pedagogically sound. However, educational technologies are also part of a complex process involving the people in the implementation of the innovation. In this paper, I review existing research and explain what both of those claims entail for educational technology. In the remainder of the paper, I discuss the research agenda related to the need to provide evidence that technology innovations are successful in the implementation process. Implications of this three-part model as well as a discussion of the importance of technological pedagogical content knowledge conclude the paper.
Permanent El Niño-Like Conditions During the Pliocene Warm Period

During the warm early Pliocene (∼4.5 to 3.0 million years ago), the most recent interval with a climate warmer than today, the eastern Pacific thermocline was deep and the average west-to-east sea surface temperature difference across the equatorial Pacific was only 1.5 ± 0.9°C, much like it is during a modern El Niño event. Thus, the modern strong sea surface temperature gradient across the equatorial Pacific is not a stable and permanent feature. Sustained El Niño-like conditions, including relatively weak zonal atmospheric (Walker) circulation, could be a consequence of, and play an important role in determining, global warmth.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis of Protein Translocase

SecY and SecE are the two principal translocase subunits that create a channel-like pathway for the transit of preprotein across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Here we report the cloning, expression, and purification of the SecYE complex (TSecYE) from a thermophilic bacterium, Thermus thermophilus HB8. Purified TSecYE can be reconstituted into proteoliposomes that function in T. thermophilus SecA (TSecA) dependent preprotein translocation. After the mixing of TSecYE derivatives labeled with either a donor or an acceptor fluorophore during reconstitution, fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments demonstrated that 2 or more units of TSecYE in the lipid bilayer associate to form a largely non-exchangeable oligomeric structure.
Fornix transection impairs exploration but not locomotion in ambulatory macaque monkeys

Prompted by the theoretical prediction that damage to the hippocampal system should abolish exploratory behavior, the present study examined exploratory movements in control monkeys (CON) and monkeys with transection of the fornix (FNX), a major input/output pathway of the hippocampus. CON and FNX monkeys were introduced to a novel octagonal chamber for six daily sessions, each lasting 20 min. Both groups visited, punctuated by stops, the majority of the floor space of the environment in each of the sessions. The exploratory movements of CON and FNX groups were not significantly different on most of the measures taken over six consecutive days. These measures included cumulative distance traveled, number and duration of stops, traveling patterns, and proportion of time spent in each of 12 designated zones of floor space. The high degree of similarity in behavior between CON and FNX groups suggests that an intact hippocampal system is not necessary for the display of normal exploratory movement per se. On the other hand, the CON and FNX groups did behave differently on two measures. First, the CON group exhibited a decrement in distance traversed over consecutive epochs within the first test session, whereas FNX animals did not. Second, on those days in which the chamber was made visually asymmetrical, the CON animals tended to show a predilection for spending proportionally more time within one particular quadrant of the chamber. These observations are consistent with the idea that interrupting normal hippocampal system function by means of fornix transection is detrimental to learning about the spatial layout of environments. We therefore suggest that while monkeys with fornix transection still display intact locomotor and exploratory behavior patterns, their new learning of visuospatial context is impaired. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HVDC application for enhancing power system stability

In this paper, the benefit of power system stability that occurs when applying the voltage source converter based high voltage direct current (VSC HVDC) is discussed. Due to the advantages of fast and decoupled active and reactive power control, VSC HVDC can be used to dampen the oscillation of the load angle of the generator after disturbance. This feature of VSC HVDC should be useful for the Vietnamese power system, which has many problems in operation, maintenance and protection due to the fast rate of its development. Firstly, a review of VSC HVDC technology is introduced. Secondly, the problems which Vietnam has to face will be discussed. And lastly, the improvement of power system stability by applying the VSC HVDC is illustrated with a simulated model in Matlab/Simulink. The results reveal that the use of VSC HVDC greatly improves the stability of the power system as compared to HVAC.
Object recognition using App Android

In this article, the implementation of a machine vision algorithm into a mobile navigation robot for object recognition is presented. By using its color and machine vision algorithms, such as Canny and the Hough transform as a complement in order, improves the recognition of the selected object. These algorithms is implemented in a device with Android Operating System as an application (Apps).
Cancer biomarker HER-2/neu in breast cancer in Indian women.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES In Indian women with breast cancer, the HER-2/neu gene is amplified in 30% of cases. Elevated serum HER-2/neu levels have been shown to be associated with a poor clinical prognosis and decreased survival in early stage breast cancer patients, and testing for this may help to manage the disease. The present study was therefore to estimate serum HER-2/neu levels in breast cancer patients and associate these with other prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum HER-2/neu levels were studied in 207 patients with breast cancer, 15 with benign breast diseases, (BBD) and 175 age-matched healthy controls. Patients' age, menopausal status, node, and estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) status were compared with serum HER-2/neu levels. RESULTS Serum HER-2/neu overexpression was associated with age, disease stage and positive nodal status but not with menopausal status. Serum HER-2/neu levels were negatively correlated with hormone receptor positivity. CONCLUSION HER-2/neu serum tests should be done more frequently in Indian women with breast cancer, irrespective of their ER and PgR hormone receptor status. ELISA is a reliable and economical tool to assess the HER-2/neu status in tumors, when breast tissue samples are not available.
Estudos fitoquímicos de espécies do gênero Bauhinia (Fabaceae) da região Amazônica

Especies do genero Bauhinia sao utilizadas em diversas partes do mundo para tratamento de diversas doencas, principalmente para o tratamento da diabetes, devido a atividade hipoglicemiante ja comprovada para a especie Bauhinia forficata, a qual e associada a presenca do flavonoide kaempferitrina. Entretanto, outras especies tambem apresentam o mesmo efeito e a este e associada a presenca de outros flavonoides glicosilados. Neste trabalho buscou-se elaborar o perfil fitoquimico de quatro especies de Bauhinia da Regiao Amazonica a partir de seus extratos brutos, fracoes flavonoidicas e alcaloidicas, a fim de promover uma varredura inicial para projetos biotecnologicos mais especificos. Alem disso, Bauhinia coronata (Manaus-AM), B. purpurea (Manaus-AM), B. acreana (Manacapuru- AM) e B. purpurea (S. Gabriel da Cachoeira) foram analisadas para determinacao do potencial antioxidante frente os radicais livres DPPH. , ABTS. + e O2-, assim como a inibicao de enzimas lipoxigenase, α-amilase, lipase, α-glicosidase e tirosinase. Dentre estes ensaios antioxidantes e biologicos como tirosinase e α-glicosidase, destacaram-se as especies B. coronata e B. purpurea com os valores mais baixos para CI50 (CI50 do extrato bruto de folha de B. coronata: 1,91±0,55 μg/mL) . A toxicidade dos extratos brutos tambem foi testada frente ao microcrustaceo Artemia salina, com valores de DL50 superiores a 250 μg/mL, indicando a baixa toxicidade dos mesmos. Entretanto, na analise do seu potencial citotoxico e antibacteriano nenhuma especie foi ativa, o que e contrario aos relatos da literatura em que a Bauhinia purpurea ja foi mencionada com estes potenciais. No perfil de flavonoides foram identificados, utilizando CCD, CLAE-DAD-UV e espectrometria de massas, os flavonoides rutina e isoquercitrina nas especies B. coronata e B. purpurea, sendo este ultimo flavonoide ja relacionado a atividade hipoglicemiante de outras especies de Bauhinia, alem de acao antiinflamatoria. O flavonoide kaempferitrina nao foi encontrado em nenhuma especie, como nenhuma substância relativa a classe alcaloidica. Os resultados obtidos a partir da atividade antioxidante, baixa toxicidade e a presenca de flavonoides com potencial fitoterapico estimulam futuras pesquisas especificas para fins biotecnologicos.
Caffeine-Induced Radiosensitization is Independent of Nonhomologous End Joining of DNA Double-Strand Breaks

Abstract Wang, X. , Wang, H. , Iliakis, G. and Wang, Y. Caffeine-Induced Radiosensitization is Independent of Nonhomologous End Joining of DNA Double-Strand Breaks. Radiat. Res. 159, 426–432 (2003). After exposure to ionizing radiation, proliferating cells actively slow down progression through the cell cycle through the activation of checkpoints to provide time for repair. Two major complementary DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways exist in mammalian cells, homologous recombination repair (HRR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). The relationship between checkpoint activation and these two types of DNA DSB repair pathways is not clear. Caffeine, as a nonspecific inhibitor of ATM and ATR, abolishes multi-checkpoint responses and sensitizes cells to radiation-induced killing. However, it remains unknown which DNA repair process, NHEJ or HRR, or both, is affected by caffeine-abolished checkpoint responses. We report here that caffeine abolishes the radiation-induced G2-phase checkpoint and efficiently sensitizes both NHEJ-proficient and NHEJ-deficient mammalian cells to radiation-induced killing without affecting NHEJ. Our results indicate that caffeine-induced radiosensitization occurs by affecting an NHEJ-independent process, possibly HRR.
Aporte metodológico a la gestión de mantenimiento de maquinaria vial

The purpose of this work is to apply maintenance tools commonly used in manufacturing equipment, for road construction machinery to make a contribution from the perspective of the methods to the central workshop of a construction company. The methodology consists of searching the machines maintenance data for an specified time and based on this data, maintenance indicators are obtained and and after identifying the critical machines, two approaches are proposed for selection. Having selected the critical equipment, a method to display the status of each machine is proposed and according to this situation the ones which will be analyzed in greater depth are chosen to identify the reasons that negatively affect their maintenance indicators. After this identification, it is proposed to provide contributions from the perspective of methods in order to optimize these indicators and improve the overall performance of the central workshop.
[Bacteremia and recurrent arthritis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in a heroin addict with AIDS].

BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacteria which, at present, is seldom isolated in blood and articular fluid. An intravenous drug addict with human immunodeficiency virus infection, with bacteremia and arthritis by S. pyogenes, associated with tuberculosis is presented. METHODS Blood and articular fluid cultures were collected in the usual and Löwenstein-Jensen media. RESULTS The patient improved with penicillin and tuberculostatic drugs. Nine months after this episode, the patient reinitiated intravenous drug addiction, and developed another presentation of bacteremia and arthritis by S. pyogenes. CONCLUSIONS Heroin addict patients constitute a risk group for bacteremias ans severe infections by S. pyogenes.