Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significance of patient categorization for perioperative management of children with tetralogy of Fallot, with special regard to co-existing malformations.

BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to facilitate perioperative calculation of potential risk factors on the outcome of corrective surgery for children with tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS The medical records of 81 (44 female and 37 male) out of a total of 87 patients undergoing complete surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot between 1988 and 2004 at the Children's Hospital of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz were reviewed. PATIENTS were divided into four categories, depending on the severity of pulmonary stenosis and cyanosis, as well as on the type of pulmonary circulation. RESULTS Additional malformations did not affect mortality rates, but did directly affect the number of pleural effusions, time of epinephrine administration, duration of surgery, bypass, and ischemia, as well as length of hospitalization and intensive care unit treatment. In contrast to longer periods of extracorporeal circulation and ischemia during surgery, which are directly related not only to more complex anatomical situations but also to higher mortality and complication rates, the much-debated question of age at surgery had no influence either on the surgical approach itself or on the post-operative outcome. CONCLUSIONS Our patient categorization, and evaluation of potential pre-operative risk factors and intraoperative parameters, should prove useful for the future planning and execution of therapeutic procedures in institutions around the world.
p 53 suppresses the self-renewal of adult neural stem cells

INTRODUCTION A hallmark feature of stem cells in the adult is their capacity to selfrenew over the lifespan of the organism. The extensive self-renewal of tissue stem cells is in many ways similar to the expansion of cancer cells. Several studies indicate that the cell population in a tumor often is heterogeneous and that only a subset of the cells, which can be viewed as cancer stem cells, have the capacity to initiate new tumors and to form all other cells of the tumor (Pardal et al., 2003). Several proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors, such as Bmi1 (Molofsky et al., 2003), Gfi1 (Hock et al., 2004) and Pten (Groszer et al., 2001), control the self-renewal of normal untransformed tissue stem cells. This indicates that key components of the molecular regulation of tissue and cancer stem cell features may be shared, and that tumor formation, in at least some aspects, can be viewed as excessive stem cell expansion (Pardal et al., 2003). There is indeed evidence that some tumors may originate from tissue stem cells, whereas other may arise by the dedifferentiation of progenitor cells to a more stem cell like state (Daley, 2004). The self-renewal of tissue and cancer stem cells can be regulated by modulation of several distinct processes, including cell proliferation, cell death and differentiation (Molofsky et al., 2004). Understanding the molecular pathways controlling stem cell self-renewal may shed light on both tissue homeostasis and cancer development and progression. p53 (Trp53 – Mouse Genome Informatics; TP53 – Human Gene Nomenclature Database) is the prototypical tumor suppressor gene and this pathway is inactivated in most human cancers (Vogelstein et al., 2000). In spite of its key role in tumor development, a potential function for p53 in tissue stem cells has not been addressed. p53 mutations are common in brain tumors, and are implicated in both tumor initiation and growth (Sidransky et al., 1992). The identification of cancer stem cells in brain tumors suggests that molecular mechanisms controlling neural stem cell proliferation and brain tumor initiation and growth may be shared (Singh et al., 2004b). We have addressed the function of p53 in neural stem cells in the adult brain, and report that it acts as a negative regulator of neural stem cell self-renewal.
On the production of X-rays in thin metal foils

Abstract An effect is discussed whereby the production efficiency of x-rays in a thin metal foil bombarded by a beam of electrons is a function of the direction of the incident beam. The effect has an explanation similar to that of the ‘anomalous absorption’ effect observed on transmission electron micrographs of metal foils. The dark ‘absorption’ bands observed at low-order bend extinction contours in the transmission electron microscope image should be associated with regions of enhanced x-ray emission. The effect is important in the interpretation of scanning x-ray micrographs of metal foils, and may even be important for bulk specimens.
Prevention of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage: current controversies and clinical guidance

Acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common medical emergency and associated with significant morbidly and mortality. The risk of bleeding from peptic ulceration and oesophagogastric varices can be reduced by appropriate primary and secondary preventative strategies. Helicobacter pylori eradication and risk stratification with appropriate gastroprotection strategies when used with antiplatelet drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in preventing peptic ulcer bleeding, whilst endoscopic screening and either nonselective beta blockade or endoscopic variceal ligation are effective at reducing the risk of variceal haemorrhage. For secondary prevention of variceal haemorrhage, the combination of beta blockade and endoscopic variceal ligation is more effective. Recent data on the possible interactions of aspirin and NSAIDs, clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and the increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with all nonaspirin cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors have increased the complexity of choices for preventing peptic ulcer bleeding. Such choices should consider both the GI and cardiovascular risk profiles. In patients with a moderately increased risk of GI bleeding, a NSAID plus a PPI or a COX-2 selective agent alone appear equivalent but for those at highest risk of bleeding (especially those with previous ulcer or haemorrhage) the COX-2 inhibitor plus PPI combination is superior. However naproxen seems the safest NSAID for those at increased cardiovascular risk. Clopidogrel is associated with a significant risk of GI haemorrhage and the most recent data concerning the potential clinical interaction of clopidogrel and PPIs are reassuring. In clopidogrel-treated patients at highest risk of GI bleeding, some form of GI prevention is indicated.
Topiramate in Treatment of Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study

ObjectiveChronic low back pain (CLBP) is a widespread ailment. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of topiramate in the treatment of CLBP and the changes in anger status and processing, body weight, subjective pain-related disability and health-related quality of life during the course of treatment. MethodsWe conducted a 10-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of topiramate in 96 (36 women) patients with CLBP. The subjects were randomly assigned to topiramate (n=48) or placebo (n=48). Primary outcome measures were changes on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and SF-36 Health Survey scales, and in body weight. ResultsIn comparison with the placebo group (according to the intent-to-treat principle), significant changes on the pain rating index of McGill Pain Questionnaire (Ps<0.001), State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory Scales (all Ps<0.001), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (P<0.001), and SF-36 Health Survey scales (all P<0.001, except on the role-emotional scale) were observed after 10 weeks in the patients treated with topiramate. Weight loss was also observed and was significantly more pronounced in the group treated with topiramate than in those treated with placebo (P<0.001). Most patients tolerated topiramate relatively well but 2 patients dropped out because of side effects. DiscussionTopiramate seems to be a relatively safe and effective agent in the treatment of CLBP. Significantly positive changes in pain sensitivity, anger status and processing, subjective disability, health-related quality of life, and loss of weight were observed.
Estimates of subprimal yields from beef carcasses as affected by USDA grades, subcutaneous fat trim level, and carcass sex class and type.

One hundred beef carcasses were selected to represent the mix of cattle slaughtered across the United States. Selection criteria included breed type (60% British/continental European, 20% Bos indicus, and 20% dairy carcasses), sex class (beef and Bos indicus: 67% steers, 33% heifers; dairy: 100% steers), USDA quality grade (4% Prime, 53% Choice, and 43% Select), USDA yield grade (10% YG 1, 43% YG 2, 40% YG 3, and 7% YG 4), and carcass weight (steers: 272.2 to 385.6 kg, heifers: 226.8 to 340.2 kg). One side of each carcass was fabricated into boneless subprimals and minor cuts following Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications. After fabrication, subprimals were trimmed progressively of fat in . 64-cm increments beginning with a maximum of 2.54 cm and ending with . 64 cm. Linear regression models were developed for each individual cut, including fabrication byproduct items (bone, fat trim) to estimate the percentage yield of those cuts reported by USDA Market News. Strip loin, top sirloin butt, and gooseneck rounds from heifers tended to have a higher percentage yield at the same USDA yield grade than the same cuts from steers, possibly resulting from increased fat deposition on heifers. Percentage of fat trimmed from dairy steers was 2 to 3% lower than that from other sex-class/carcass types; however, due to increased percentage of bone and less muscle, dairy steers were lower-yielding. Fat trimmed from carcasses ranged from 7.9 to 15.6% as the maximum trim level decreased from 2.54 to . 64 cm.
Minerals and vitamins in bone health: the potential value of dietary enhancement

Nutrition is important to bone health, and a number of minerals and vitamins have been identified as playing a potential role in the prevention of bone diseases, particularly osteoporosis. Despite this, there is currently no consensus on maximum levels to allow in food or as dietary supplements. The benefits of supplementation of populations at risk of osteoporosis with Ca and vitamin D are well established. Prolonged supplementation of Ca and vitamin D in elderly has been shown to prevent bone loss, and in some intervention studies to prevent fragility fractures. Although P is essential to bone health, the average intake is considered to be more than sufficient and supplementation could raise intake to adverse levels. The role of vitamin K in bone health is less well defined, though it may enhance the actions of Ca and vitamin D. Sr administered in pharmacological doses as the ranelate salt was shown to prevent fragility fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, there is no hard evidence that supplementation with Sr salts would be beneficial in the general population. Mg is a nutrient implicated in bone quality, but the benefit of supplementation via foodstuffs remains to be established. A consensus on dietary supplementation for bone health should balance the risks, for example, exposure of vulnerable populations to values close to maximal tolerated doses, against evidence for benefits from randomised clinical trials, such as those for Ca and vitamin D. Feedback from community studies should direct further investigations and help formulate a consensus on dietary supplementation for bone health.
Simulations of polarized dust emission

Aims. The aim is to study the polarization of thermal dust emission to see if the alignment of the grain by radiative torques could explain the observed relation between the degree of polarization and intensity. Predictions are made for polarimetry observations with the Planck satellite. Methods. Our results are based on model clouds derived from MHD simulations of magnetized turbulent flows. The continuum radiative transfer problem is solved with Monte Carlo methods to estimate the three-dimensional distribution of dust emission and the radiation field strength affecting the grain alignment. The minimum grain size aligned by the radiative torques is calculated, and the Rayleigh polarization reduction factor, R , is derived for different grain size distributions. We show maps of polarized thermal dust emission that are predicted by the models. The relation between the intensity and polarization degree is examined in self-gravitating cores. Furthermore, we study the effects of wavelength, resolution, and observational noise. Results. We are able to reproduce the P/I-relation with the grain alignment by radiative torques. The decrease in intrinsic polarization and total emission means that sub-mm polarimetry carries only a little information about the magnetic fields in dense cores with high visual extinction. The interpretation of the observations will be further complicated by the unknown magnetic field geometry and the fact that what is observed as cores may, in fact, be a superposition of several density enhancements. According to our calculations, Planck will be able to map dust polarization reliably when A V exceeds ∼ 2 m at spatial resolution of ~$ 15'$.
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of baclofen for cocaine dependence: preliminary effects for individuals with chronic patterns of cocaine use.

BACKGROUND This screening trial evaluated whether the GABAB agonist baclofen demonstrated sufficient clinical efficacy to recommend an adequately powered trial of the medication as a pharmacotherapy for cocaine dependence. METHOD Participants with cocaine dependence verified by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV were randomly assigned to baclofen (N = 35; 20 mg t.i.d.) or placebo conditions (N = 35; identical in appearance and dosage rate) using a 2-group, experimental, 16-week double-blind design featuring thrice-weekly cognitive-behavioral drug counseling groups. Outcomes were retention, cocaine use, cocaine craving, and adverse events. RESULTS A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model showed that participants assigned to receive baclofen demonstrated statistically significant reductions in cocaine use over those assigned to receive placebo as indicated by urine drug screening results (chi(2) = 5.34, df = 1, p =. 021). Confirming the GEE model, longitudinal analyses showed that participants assigned to receive baclofen demonstrated significant and stepwise increases in the probability of providing benzoylecgonine-free urine samples throughout the trial as the number of benzoylecgonine-positive samples increased during baseline (chi(2) = 10.63, df = 1, p =. 001). Participants assigned to placebo demonstrated no such association. Univariate analyses of aggregates of urine drug screening showed generally favorable outcomes for baclofen, but not at statistically significant levels. There was no statistical significance observed for retention, cocaine craving, or incidence of reported adverse events by treatment condition. CONCLUSIONS Project findings demonstrated initial clinical efficacy of baclofen over placebo in reducing cocaine use when delivered concurrent with thrice-weekly drug abuse counseling sessions. The effects of baclofen were particularly apparent for those participants with chronic levels of cocaine use at baseline and provide support for a full-scale efficacy trial for baclofen, especially among this subgroup of patients.
In vitro biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from wounds of hospital-admitted patients and their association with antimicrobial resistance

Introduction Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has the propensity to form biofilms, and causes significant mortality and morbidity in the patients with wounds. Our aim was to study the in vitro biofilm-forming ability of S. aureus isolated from wounds of hospitalized patients and their association with antimicrobial resistance. Materials and methods Forty-three clinical isolates of S. aureus were obtained from 150 pus samples using standard microbiological techniques. Biofilm formation in these isolates was detected by tissue culture plate (TCP) method and tube adherence method (TM). Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. MRSA was detected using the cefoxitin disk test. Results Biofilm formation was observed in 30 (69.8%) and 28 (65.1%) isolates of S. aureus via TCP method and TM, respectively. Biofilm-producing S. aureus exhibited a higher incidence of antimicrobial resistance when compared with the biofilm nonproducers (P<0.05). Importantly, 86.7% of biofilm-producing S. aureus were multidrug resistant (MDR), whereas all the biofilm nonproducers were non-MDR (P<0.05). Large proportions (43.3%) of biofilm producers were identified as MRSA; however, none of the biofilm nonproducers were found to be MRSA (P<0.05). Conclusion Both the in vitro methods showed that S. aureus isolated from wound infection of hospitalized patients have high degree of biofilm-forming ability. Biofilm-producing strains have very high tendency to exhibit antimicrobial resistance, multidrug resistance and methicillin resistance. Regular surveillance of biofilm formation by S. aureus and their antimicrobial resistance profile may lead to the early treatment of the wound infection.
Influence of selected parameters of AISi/CrFeC composite castings manufacturing on the resulted structure

Purpose: The main aim of studies was to determine influence: size of reinforcing particles, frequency and the current intensity on the morphology of reinforcing phase precipitates in AlSi11/CrFe30C8 composites castings produced of rotating electromagnetic field. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper the technology of AlSi11/CrxCy composites produced with Cr30Fe8C ex situ particles is described. Technological conception of investigations was based on assumption that Cr-Fe matrix of particles dissolved in Al-Si composite matrix and carbide phases became actual reinforcement of the composite. Findings: The results of investigations and their analysis shown, that contribution of these variables parameters essentially influence on the morphology of reinforcing phase. On the basis of analysis results determined the most effective technological parameters to produced composite casting. Research limitations/implications: In the further research, authors of this paper are going to extend the scope of research about the another shape of the trial composite casting. Presented the technological process of composites producing created the possibility selection of different reinforcing particles depending on the technological and commercial properties. Practical implications: Determined possibility to control of volume fraction and distribution of reinforcing phase with used of the electromagnetic field, it can be used for example in the control of utility properties wearresistant materials with a high coefficient of friction such as brake discs. Originality/value: The work presents the use of the electromagnetic field to shaping the structure and distribution of reinforcing phase in composite matrix. Within the range of this investigation created the new experimental stand to production of composites under electromagnetic field.
Comparison of effective dose for imaging of mandible between multi-detector CT and cone-beam CT

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the effective dose for imaging of mandible between multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). An MDCT with low dose technique was also compared with them. Materials and Methods Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips were placed at 25 organ sites of an anthropomorphic phantom. The mandible of the phantom was exposed using 2 different types of MDCT units (Somatom Sensation 10 for standard-dose MDCT, Somatom Emotion 6 for low-dose MDCT) and 3 different CBCT units (AZ3000CT, Implagraphy, and Kavo 3D eXaM). The radiation absorbed dose was measured and the effective dose was calculated according to the ICRP 2007 report. Results The effective dose was the highest for Somatom Sensation 10 (425.84 µSv), followed by AZ3000CT (332.4 µSv), Somatom Emotion 6 (199.38 µSv), and 3D eXaM (111.6 µSv); it was the lowest for Implagraphy (83.09 µSv). The CBCT showed significant variation in dose level with different device. Conclusion The effective doses of MDCTs were not significantly different from those of CBCTs for imaging of mandible. The effective dose of MDCT could be markedly decreased by using the low-dose technique.
Liquid flow in a micro-channel

An experimental study with MPIV (micro particle image velocimetry) flow visualization of incompressible liquid flow in a microchannel is presented. Deionized water served as a working medium. The channel was microfabricated in a PMMA substrate using an excimer laser, and was 115 µm deep, 200 µm wide and 24 000 µm long with a hydraulic diameter of about 146 µm. The pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet of the duct as well as mass flow rates were measured and friction factors were calculated for different Reynolds numbers. Data were discussed and compared with those of previous investigations of similar studies. Moreover, time evolutions of the microflow at the middle of the microchannel at Re = 50, 100, 470 and 900 were photographed. Hydrodynamic entry length correlations were found for both laminar and turbulent flow in the present microchannel.
Inclusion of Enterococcus Faecalis and Enterococcus Faecium to UF White Cheese

Lighvan cheese is basically made from sheep milk in the area of Sahand mountainside which is located in the North West of Iran. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of enterococci isolated from traditional Lighvan cheese on the quality of Iranian UF white during ripening. The experimental design was split plot based on randomized complete blocks, main plots were four types of starters and subplots were different ripening durations. Addition of Enterococcus spp. did not significantly (P<0.01) affect the pH and gross composition of cheeses. In the cheeses produced with Ent. faecalis and Ent. faecium strains, lipolysis rates were higher and flavor were improved. Moreover, proteolysis assay by measuring percentage of soluble nitrogen at pH 4.6 and urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated the increase in proteolysis rate in the cheese containing Ent. faecalis and Ent. faecium strains compared to the control cheeses. Furthermore, the highest percentage of nonprotein nitrogen was observed in the cheese containing Ent. faecium. In conclusion, the results showed the positive effect of the Ent. faecalis and Ent. faecium on secondary proteolysis, lipolysis and sensorial characteristics development of UF white cheeses. Keywords—Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Lighvan cheese, Lipolysis, Proteolysis, UF cheese
Quantitative tissue sodium concentration mapping of normal rat brain

A quantitative in vivo method for obtaining maps of tissue sodium concentration (TSC) by MRI is compared to the invasive, global 22Na radionuclide dilutional technique in the normal rat brain. The MR method uses a three‐dimensional projectional acquisition scheme to minimize signal losses from transverse relaxation. Internal calibration standards are used to convert the signal intensity into TSC after correction for B1 inhomogeneities by using the ratio of 23Na and 1H images obtained with identical B1 distributions and sensitivities at the two frequencies. Over the biological range of concentrations, the TSC, measured as the ratio of MR signals of 23Na and 1H, gives a linear response with concentration. In the normal rat brain, the mean TSC measured using the MRI method (TSC = 45 ± 4 mM, animals = 5) is not significantly different from the global 22Na radionuclide method (TSC = 49 ± 6 mM, animals = 7).