Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibronectin and Craniofacial Surgery

AbstractFibronectin is an essential component of the extracellular matrix. The role of fibronectin in craniofacial surgery has not been previously reviewed. Fibronectin mediates bone differentiation and development of the skull. Studies have shown that normal development of the skull requires a specific pattern of expression around the epithelial-mesenchymal interface of the neurocranium. Fibronectin is also essential in mediating the migration of neural crest cells to form the facial skeleton. The calvaria of patients with Apert and Crouzon syndromes have an abnormally elevated collagen level. However, fibronectin levels are elevated in the former syndrome and decreased in the latter syndrome. The significance of this requires further research. Fibronectin gene expression is increased in port wine–derived fibroblasts in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome. Normal palatogenesis also requires a specific pattern of expression of fibronectin around the maxillary process as well as the roof of the stomodeum, and several studies have linked the development of cleft lip/palate to an imbalance of fibronectin content of the extracellular matrix. Fibronectin mediates cell-to-cell attachment during repair of calvarial defects; hence, fibronectin has been used as a carrier for bone morphogenetic proteins to treat calvarial defects. Finally, fibronectin is now an essential component in stem cell technology related to craniofacial surgery.
An image processing algorithm for PPCR imaging

During 1990 The UK Department of Health installed two Photostimulable Phosphor Computed Radiography (PPCR) systems in the General Infirmary at Leeds with a view to evaluating the clinical and physical performance of the technology prior to its introduction into the NHS. An issue that came to light from the outset of the projects was the radiologists reservations about the influence of the standard PPCR computerized image processing on image quality and diagnostic performance. An investigation was set up by FAXIL to develop an algorithm to produce single format high quality PPCR images that would be easy to implement and allay the concerns of radiologists.
Elevated serum level and gene polymorphisms of TGF‐β1 in gastric cancer

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, as a candidate tumor marker, is currently of interest. In this study, serum TGF‐β1 levels in gastric cancer (GC) patients and healthy volunteers were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TGF‐β1 gene at codon 10 and codon 25 were identified by means of amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐PCR) and sequence analysis. Our results indicated that serum concentrations of TGF‐β1 in GC patients were significantly higher than those in the control, and positively correlated with tumor mass, invasion, metastasis, and clinical stage. The serum TGF‐β1 levels of patients recovering from radical resection were markedly lower than those before surgery. Meanwhile, no deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence variation at codon 25 of the TGF‐β1 gene was found and a TGF‐β1 gene polymorphism at codon 10 did not show obvious correlations with either TGF‐β1 expression or clinicopathological parameters of GC. Our evidence suggested that serum concentration of TGF‐β1 might be a novel tumor marker for GC and the polymorphisms of TGF‐β1 gene did not play a role as a determinant of serum TGF‐β1 concentration or as a genetic risk factor in the gastric carcinogenesis and progression. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:164–171, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Migration mechanisms of oxygen interstitial clusters in UO2

Understanding the migration kinetics of radiation-induced point defects and defect clusters is key to predicting the microstructural evolution and mass transport in nuclear fuels. Although the diffusion kinetics of point defects in UO2 is well explored both experimentally and theoretically, the kinetics of defect clusters is not well understood. In this work the migration mechanisms of oxygen interstitial clusters of size one to five atoms (1Oi–5Oi) in UO2 are investigated by temperature-accelerated dynamics simulations without any a priori assumptions of migration mechanisms. It is found that the migration paths of oxygen interstitial clusters are complex and non-intuitive, and that multiple migration paths and barriers exist for some clusters. It is also found that the cluster migration barrier does not increase with increasing cluster size and its magnitude has the following order: 2Oi < 3Oi < 1Oi < 5Oi < 4Oi. Possible finite-size effects are checked with three systems which are of different sizes. The results show good agreement with other available experimental and theoretical data. The cluster migration sequence might explain the interesting relationship measured experimentally between the oxygen diffusivity and stoichiometry in UO2+x.
Prevalence of IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

The association of celiac disease with type 1 diabetes mellitus is known, but the evolution of celiac disease is most frequently asymptomatic, without any clinical signs. Thus, diagnosis is impossible to make in the absence of serological tests. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and the efficiency of IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in the screening of celiac disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Method: During the course of 2008–2009, we performed an analytical clinical study that included the determination of IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibodies in a group of 119 children with type 1 diabetesmellitus. Fifty‐seven percent of the subjects were male and 43% were female, with a mean age of 11±4 years. Results: By evaluating IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibodies, we obtained a prevalence of 9.2% in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80 and 82.6%, respectively. Conclusions: There is an increased prevalence of IgA antitissue transglutaminase antibodies, which suggests the need to use this method as an effective first‐line test in the screening of celiac disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:156–161, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histopathologic approach to cutaneous vasculitis

Cutaneous vasculitis encompasses a varied clinicopathologic spectrum, some of them with grave systemic consequences. A skin biopsy is often part of the first-line investigations done in the workup of such patients. A pathologist confronted with a biopsy for vasculitis has to be cognisant of the variations in morphology of these lesions with the course of the disease, overlaps in clinical and histologic features, use of ancillary tests like direct immunofluorescence (DIF), and its limitations. This review outlines a practical histopathologic approach to cutaneous vasculitis and emphasizes features that help in differential diagnosis.
Effects of charging and perpendicular electric field on the properties of silicene and germanene

Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we showed that electronic and magnetic properties of bare and Ti adatom adsorbed single-layer silicene and germanene, which are charged or subjected to a perpendicular electric field, can be modified to attain new functionalities. In particular, when subjected to a perpendicular electric field, buckled atoms have the symmetry between their planes broken, opening a gap at the Dirac points. The occupation of 3d orbitals of the adsorbed Ti atom changes with charging or applied electric field, inducing significant changes in magnetic moment. We predict neutral silicene uniformly covered by Ti atoms to become a half-metal at a specific value of coverage and hence allow the transport of electrons in one spin direction, but block the opposite direction. These calculated properties, however, exhibit a dependence on the size of the vacuum spacing between periodically repeating silicene and germanene layers, if they are treated using a plane wave basis set within periodic boundary conditions. We clarified the cause of this spurious dependence and show that it can be eliminated by the use of a local orbital basis set.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Dysfunctions Among Newly Returned Veterans With and Without Military Sexual Trauma

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined the odds of being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a sexual dysfunction disorder (SDD) among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) American veterans receiving care in the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) in relation to whether or not they have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Among those veterans who experienced MST, the influence of a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, a depressive disorder, or a substance use disorder on the odds of being diagnosed with an STI or SDD was also examined. The study utilized nationwide VHA records of 420,725 OEF/OIF male and female veterans who used VHA services in fiscal years 2002 to 2010. Veterans who reported a history of MST were more likely to have a number of STIs and SDDs compared with veterans without a history of MST. Among veterans with MST, the risk for having an STI or SDD increased with the presence of certain mental health diagnoses. Implications for clinical practice and assessment with veterans are discussed.
Financial Literacy and Stock Market Participation

Individuals are increasingly put in charge of their financial security after retirement. Moreover, the supply of complex financial products has increased considerably over the years. However, we still have little or no information about whether individuals have the financial knowledge and skills to navigate this new financial environment. To better understand financial literacy and its relation to financial decision-making, we have devised two special modules for the DNB Household Survey. We have designed questions to measure numeracy and basic knowledge related to the working of inflation and interest rates, as well as questions to measure more advanced financial knowledge related to financial market instruments (stocks, bonds, and mutual funds). We evaluate the importance of financial literacy by studying its relation to the stock market: Are more financially knowledgeable individuals more likely to hold stocks? To assess the direction of causality, we make use of questions measuring financial knowledge before investing in the stock market. We find that, while the understanding of basic economic concepts related to inflation and interest rate compounding is far from perfect, it outperforms the limited knowledge of stocks and bonds, the concept of risk diversification, and the working of financial markets. We also find that the measurement of financial literacy is very sensitive to the wording of survey questions. This provides additional evidence for limited financial knowledge. Finally, we report evidence of an independent effect of financial literacy on stock market participation: Those who have low financial literacy are significantly less likely to invest in stocks.
Efficacy of ablative fractional laser‐assisted photodynamic therapy with short‐incubation time for the treatment of facial and scalp actinic keratosis: 12‐month follow‐up results of a randomized, prospective, comparative trial

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is an effective first‐line treatment for actinic keratosis (AK). Erbium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet (Er:YAG) ablative fractional laser‐assisted MAL‐PDT (AFL‐PDT) has shown significant benefit for the treatment of AK.
Between aspiration and reality

New guidance for medical schools has recently been issued by the General Medical Council. Polly Toynbee thinks the document has been written to refute the old complaints about arrogant, god-like consultants. She says that if new doctors come out of medical school imbued with the ethos of the guidance then we might expect a new generation of hypersensitive and thoughtful doctors, but she warns that human nature is bound to intervene
IS ER EEN RELATIE TUSSEN HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM EN HYPERTHYROIDIE?

Abstract This retrospective study evaluates the incidence and degree of thyroidal stimulation in patients with hyperemesis, and the correlation between thyroid function, the hCG level and the severity of the hyperemesis gravidarum. The role of antithyroidea is discussed in patients with a gestational hyperthyroidism. The degree of thyroid stimulation on the outcome of the pregnancy was studied. At admission hCG, TSH, FT4, FT3, TSI, anti-TPO and anti-Tg were determined. The severity of the hyperemesis gravidarum was evaluated by the degree of ketonuria, % weight loss, and the electrolytes and the liver function disorders. An ultrasound to confirm the gestational age and to exclude a multiple pregnancy or a trophoblastic disease was carried out. Results : In a period of 1 January ‘91 to 31 January ‘94, 48 hyperemesis gravidarumpatients were admitted at the maternity. 22.9% of the hyperemesispatients had thyroid stimulation; 4 patients had a decreased TSH and an increased FT4 (group 2) and 7 patients had a decreased TSH, an increased FT4 and FT3 (group 3). The age of the mother, the parity and the gestational age at admission are comparable, and do not differ from the patients without thyroid disorders (group 1). Parameters, determining the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum, are not significantly different in the 3 groups. Treatment with antithyroidea in the group with proven hyperthyroidism (decreased TSH, increased FT4 and FT3) does not only lead to normalisation of the thyroid tests, but also to an improvement of the symptomatology. The gestational age at delivery and the birthweight of the babies are comparable in the 3 groups. Conclusion : In patients admitted with hyperemesis gravidarum, we found 23% of the women to present a thyroid stimulation. This hyperthyroidism differs from the auto-immune hyperthyroidism, i.e. the patients have no thyroid antibodies, no classic clinical signs of thyrothoxicosis. Probably, the absolute hCG concentration and its biological activity plays a crucial role in the thyroid stimulation. This degree of thyroid stimulation has no influence on the severity of the hyperemesis gravidarum, neither on the outcome of the pregnancy.
Pink melanocytic and non‐melanocytic lesions: how reflectance confocal microscopy can help in differential diagnosis

uncommon in healthy individuals, typically following penetrating trauma by vegetation. As described in our case, the low virulence may lead to a delayed manifest infection after a long latency phase. Consequently, penetrating plant parts should be carefully located and surgically removed to prevent high-risk complications. In addition to localized infections immuno-suppressed patients and neonates may also develop primary bacteriemias and systemic infections. Outbreaks of nosocomial infection have been reported in connection with contaminated parenteral nutrient products, infusions, catheters or blood products. In addition to its importance in human medicine, Pantoea agglomerans is of great interest for agriculture. Certain strains produce a number of potent antimicrobial substances. Because of this, they are used commercially in the USA, Canada and New Zealand as biopesticides against fire blight in apple and pear trees. In Europe, this use is not possible, since the bacterium is rated biosafety level 2 due to its opportunistic, human-pathogenetic properties. Thus, in the future, increased attention and documentation of cases of Pantoea agglomerans-caused illness is required in Europe to maintain the most objective rating of biosafety possible, independent of socio-economic interests, so that a pathogen which has hardly been noticed and which only seems to have low virulence cannot spread unconditionally.
Optical and magneto-optical properties of metal phthalocyanine and metal porphyrin thin films

The optical constants together with the magneto-optical Voigt constants of several phthalocyanine (Pc) and methoxy functionalized tetraphenylporphyrin (TMPP) thin films prepared on silicon substrates are presented. The materials investigated are MePc with Me = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and MeTMPP with Me = Cu, Ni. We also compared our results to the metal-free H2Pc, H2TPP and H2TMPP. The experimental results will be supported by electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and interpreted using the perimeter model initially proposed by Platt. The model allows for qualitative understanding of the forbidden character of transitions in planar, aromatic molecules, and is able to qualify differences between Pc and TMPP type materials.
New-Variant Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease and Leucocyte Depletion of Blood Components

By the end of 1998, there had been 35 confirmed cases of new-variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (nvCJD) in the UK. Because there is no screening test, nor any suitable inactivation process, a theoretical possibility exists for transmission via blood components. Unlike classical CJD, nvCJD shows affinity for lymphoid tissue, with abnormal prion protein (PrP sc ) found in the tonsils of all cases examined so far. Infectivity studies with experimental forms of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy injected intra-cerebrally suggest concentration of infectivity in buffy coat. The B lymphocyte appears to play a key role in transferring the agent from the periphery to the brain, but may not necessarily have to carry PrP itself. In the UK, the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee advised that cellular blood components should be leucocyte depleted as a precaution against nvCJD transmission. This will be fully implemented by the end of 1999. The precise level of leuco-cyte removal required to prevent nvCJD transmission is unknown. A specification has been set requiring leucocyte depletion to <5 ×? 10 6 leucocytes in 99% of components with 95% statistical confidence. A formal process of assessment of different filter and apheresis systems is in place. Leucocyte depletion will be performed in blood centres within 2 days of collection using integral filter systems. Statistical process control will be used to provide assurance that processes remain in control, complimented by an external quality assurance scheme for low-level leucocyte counting. Additional benefits expected include removal of cell-associated viruses, reduced HLA alloimmunisation and perhaps less post-operative sepsis.
Evaluation of fetal status during KAATSU training® in the third trimester of pregnancy

Low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR), referred to as “KAATSU Training®”, that is a method created by the inventor, Dr. Yoshiaki Sato, through his more than 45 years of research, elicits muscle hypertrophy and strength gains similar to those elicited during traditional highintensity resistance training. Although several possibilities exist, the physiological mechanisms that promote muscle growth associated with “KAATSU Training” are poorly understood. (Yasuda et al., 2012,2013) Furthermore, until now, no study has been published on the influence of KAATSU training on pregnant women and fetuses. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has published new recommendations and guidelines for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period in 2002. (ACOG Committee, 2002) Pregnancy should not be a state of confinement, and pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be encouraged to continue and engage in physical activities. Despite the fact that pregnancy is associated with profound anatomical and physiological changes, exercise has minimal risks and confirmed benefits for most women. (Artal et al., 2003) However, specific methods of training,especially “KAATSU Training” are not mentioned in the guideline. Therefore, we investigated effects of KAATSU training on the fetal status and utero-placental circulation at the third trimester of pregnancy
Encounters With Aging: Mythologies of Menopause in Japan and North America

The author has done a Herculean job of interviewing more than 1000 Japanese women over 20 years. The inquiries were to establish what knowledge these women had about the menopause and the symptoms they experienced. Women from all walks of life were included. Each chapter has a theme, and narratives from selected women are included to describe and emphasize the point being made. Statistics are detailed in one chapter, and the rest of the book is devoted to narrative description. A detailed picture of life in Japan evolves from this. Changes in society are well outlined, allowing one to better understand how the nuclear family is evolving and the problems that have resulted. Information is given about the position of various members of the family and the extended family. Emphasis is placed in this narrative on the role of women—their work habits and daily living experiences, particularly during the midlife
A charge optimized many-body potential for titanium nitride (TiN)

This work presents a new empirical, variable charge potential for TiN systems in the charge-optimized many-body potential framework. The potential parameters were determined by fitting them to experimental data for the enthalpy of formation, lattice parameters, and elastic constants of rocksalt structured TiN. The potential does a good job of describing the fundamental physical properties (defect formation and surface energies) of TiN relative to the predictions of first-principles calculations. This potential is used in classical molecular dynamics simulations to examine the interface of fcc-Ti(0 0 1)/TiN(0 0 1) and to characterize the adsorption of oxygen atoms and molecules on the TiN(0 0 1) surface. The results indicate that the potential is well suited to model TiN thin films and to explore the chemistry associated with their oxidation.
ACUTE AND CHRONIC EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL: SOME INSIGHTS FROM COGNITIVE SCIENCES

Abstract Alcohol consumption may alter the behaviour of a drinker through several different mechanisms that lead to transient changes in the cognitive functioning of the drinker. In some cases, alcohol users and abusers begin to suffer from a disorder characterised by a certain “myopia” for future consequences, where the negative consequences associated with drinking (e.g., relationships, medical problems, etc.) do not lead to drinking moderation or cessation. Interestingly, this abnormal cognitive functioning is often seen in these individuals even when they are sober. This paper reviews evidence in support of the notion that the acute effects of alcohol disrupt primarily at least three key cognitive processes that are critical for flexible interaction with a changing environment: (1) the response to alcohol cues, which acquire new properties of quickly grasping attention and generating strong motivation to have a drink; (2) the individual’s ability to exert control over this tendency to seek reward, and to volitionally inhibit or suppress a prepotent responding to alcohol cues; and (3) the individual’s ability to detect an error when an incorrect response is initiated, or to detect action slips, so that for instance when driving a car is intended, the stopping of alcohol consumption becomes difficult. Finally, cognitive and brain electrophysiological aspects of binge drinking are discussed. In order to improve prevention, the identification of susceptibility factors to these alcohol effects should be challenged in further investigations.