Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitral Regurgitation after Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvotomy in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: A Single-Center Study

Abstract Background: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) is the gold standard treatment for rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) in that it causes significant changes in mitral valve area (MVA) and improves leaflet mobility. Development of or increase in mitral regurgitation (MR) is common after BMV. This study evaluated MR severity and its changes after BMV in Iranian patients. Methods: We prospectively evaluated consecutive patients with severe rheumatic MS undergoing BMV using the Inoue balloon technique between February 2010 and January 2013 in Madani Heart Center, Tabriz, Iran. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and echocardiographic and catheterization data, including MVA, mitral valve mean and peak gradient (MVPG and MVMG), left atrial (LA) pressure, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPs), and MR severity before and after BMV, were evaluated. Results: Totally, 105 patients (80% female) at a mean age of 45.81 ± 13.37 years were enrolled. NYHA class was significantly improved after BMV: 55.2% of the patients were in NYHA functional class III before BMV compared to 36.2% after the procedure (p value < 0.001). MVA significantly increased (mean area = 0.64 ± 0.29 cm2 before BMV vs. 1.90 ± 0.22 cm2 after BMV; p value < 0.001) and PAPs, LA pressure, MVPG, and MVMG significantly decreased. MR severity did not change in 82 (78.1%) patients, but it increased in 18 (17.1%) and decreased in 5 (4.8%) patients. Patients with increased MR had a significantly higher calcification score (2.03 ± 0.53 vs.1.50 ± 0.51; p value < 0.001) and lower MVA before BMV (0.81 ± 0.23 vs.0.94 ± 0.18; p value = 0.010). There were no major complications. Conclusion: In our study, BMV had excellent immediate hemodynamic and clinical results inasmuch as MR severity increased only in some patients and, interestingly, decreased in a few. Our results, underscore BMV efficacy in severe MS. The echocardiographic calcification score was useful for identifying patients likely to have MR development or MR increase after BMV.
Conventional and molecular characterization of coagulase-negative staphylococcus in hospital isolates.

BACKGROUND During the last decade, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections. They constitute a major component of the normal skin and mucosal microflora, and are particularly responsible for catheter- and medical device-related sepsis. They present unique problems in diagnosis and treatment of infections. PURPOSE The present study has been designed to evaluate phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of CoNS among nosocomial isolates. SETTING AND DESIGN This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Data from 150 samples collected from 73 hospitalized patients and 15 healthy volunteers between October 2003 and May 2005 were analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 100 CoNS strains responsible for sepsis or implant-associated infections and 50 saprophytic strains were studied. Invasive CoNS strains were selected on the basis of different colony morphologies, drug resistance patterns, and biofilm formation. The same criteria were used to select saprophytic isolates. Multiplex PCR was used to explore the ica, mecA, and atlE genes, which might contribute to the pathogenicity of CoNS and the formation of biofilms. RESULTS Most of the invasive strains that formed the biofilm were resistant to multiple antibiotics, with more than 80% resistant to methicillin. ica and mecA genes were detected significantly in pathogenic strains (chi-square test, P<0.0001) whereas atlE was ubiquitously amplified in all the strains. All those strains which had ica and mecA genes were resistant to multiple antibiotics and were positive for biofilm formation. CONCLUSION These genetic markers thus appear to discriminate between potential invasive virulent and saprophytic strains of CoNS.
Use of 99mTc-bicisate in activation studies by split-dose technique.

The properties of the brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracer 99mTc-bicisate (ethyl cysteinate dimer) were examined in regard to its use in test-retest studies with short-interval, split-dose studies. The stimulus applied in these tests was a visual activation by a "flickering chessboard" pattern. We used a fast dynamic SPECT (Tomomatic 232) recording eight slices. Twelve volunteers were assigned to two groups for reproducibility control and stimulation experiments, respectively. All were examined on 2 days. On the first day, only one injection was given in the resting state (t = 0), while two recordings were performed (t = 30 and t = 100), simulating the course and timing of a full split-dose study. The average washout of 8.3 +/- 1.0% was used as a correction on the second-day study. On that day the first injection was given during rest exactly as on day 1, allowing an estimate of day-to-day reproducibility. The second injection was made either in a resting state identical to the first or during visual stimulation. All images were normalized to mean brain count value. Results were analyzed in predefined anatomical regions of interest (ROIs). The day-to-day reproducibility was fair, with only one ROI (inferior frontal cortex) showing a significant 2% decrease. The studies of day 1 revealed a regional difference in observed washout ranging in the applied cortical ROIs from 7.9 to 11.5%. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Circadian Rhythm in the Frequency of Spontaneous Task-Unrelated Images and Thoughts

It was hypothesized that the frequency of task-unrelated images and thoughts (TUITs) would demonstrate a circadian periodicity as a result of circadian periodicity in activation level. Six subjects were monitored for frequency of deliberate and spontaneous TUITs during a twenty minute vigilance task. The vigilance task was repeated every two hours for twenty-four hours. Spontaneous TUIT frequency was found to demonstrate a sinusoidal periodicity of twenty-two hours. TUITs were more frequent from late morning to early afternoon and less frequent from late evening to early morning. Although the times of the minimum and maximum TUIT frequencies generally correspond with previously reported periods of low and high body temperatures, both body temperature and TUIT frequency must be measured simultaneously to demonstrate the relationship.
Dose-response effects of spinal neostigmine added to bupivacaine spinal anesthesia in volunteers.

BACKGROUND Intrathecal adjuncts often are used to enhance small-dose spinal bupivacaine for ambulatory anesthesia. Neostigmine is a novel spinal analgesic that could be a useful adjunct, but no data exist to assess the effects of neostigmine on small-dose bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. METHODS Eighteen volunteers received two bupivacaine spinal anesthetics (7.5 mg) in a randomized, double-blinded, crossover design. Dextrose, 5% (1 ml), was added to one spinal infusion and 6.25, 12.5, or 50 microg neostigmine in dextrose, 5%, was added to the other spinal. Sensory block was assessed with pinprick; by the duration of tolerance to electric stimulation equivalent to surgical incision at the pubis, knee, and ankle; and by the duration of tolerance to thigh tourniquet. Motor block at the quadriceps was assessed with surface electromyography. Side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and sedation) were noted. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded every 5 min. Dose-response relations were assessed with analysis of variance, paired t tests, or Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS The addition of 50 microg neostigmine significantly increased the duration of sensory and motor block and the time until discharge criteria were achieved. The addition of neostigmine produced dose-dependent nausea (33-67%) and vomiting (17-50%). Neostigmine at these doses had no effect on hemodynamic or respiratory parameters. CONCLUSIONS The addition of 50 microg neostigmine prolonged the duration of sensory and motor block. However, high incidences of side effects and delayed recovery from anesthesia with the addition of 6.25 to 50 microg neostigmine may limit the clinical use of these doses for outpatient spinal anesthesia.
“We do it for the team” – Student-athletes’ initiation practices and their impact on group cohesion

Hazing or inappropriate initiation activities are a well-documented occurrence within university sport team societies. This study examined the occurrence of initiation activities in relation to team cohesion. One hundred and fifty-four participants completed the Group Environment Questionnaire and the Team Cohesion Questionnaire in relation to initiation activities at their institution. Results revealed that athletes were more aware of appropriate than inappropriate initiation activities, with males being aware of a higher occurrence of inappropriate activities than females. Results were also analysed by sport type, revealing that interactive team sport players recorded higher hazing scores than co-acting players. With regard to cohesion, no significant relationship was found between hazing and cohesion suggesting the notion that initiations enhance cohesion in sport is untrue.
Separately or Combined, LukG/LukH Is Functionally Unique Compared to Other Staphylococcal Bicomponent Leukotoxins

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that elaborates several exotoxins. Among these are the bicomponent leukotoxins (BCLs), which include γ-hemolysin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), and LukDE. The toxin components are classified as either F or S proteins, which are secreted individually and assemble on cell surfaces to form hetero-oligomeric pores resulting in lysis of PMNs and/or erythrocytes. F and S proteins of γ-hemolysin, PVL and LukDE have ∼70% sequence homology within the same class and several heterologous combinations of F and S members from these three bicomponent toxin groups are functional. Recently, an additional BCL pair, LukGH (also called LukAB) that has only 30% homology to γ-hemolysin, PVL and LukDE, has been characterized from S. aureus. Our results showed that LukGH was more cytotoxic to human PMNs than PVL. However, LukGH-induced calcium ion influx in PMNs was markedly attenuated and slower than that induced by PVL and other staphylococcal BCLs. In contrast to other heterologous BCL combinations, LukG in combination with heterologous S components, and LukH in combination with heterologous F components did not induce calcium ion entry or cell lysis in human PMNs or rabbit erythrocytes. Like PVL, LukGH induced IL-8 production by PMNs. While individual components LukG and LukH had no cytolytic or calcium influx activity, they each induced high levels of IL-8 transcription and secretion. IL-8 production induced by LukG or LukH was dependent on NF-κB. Therefore, our results indicate LukGH differs functionally from other staphylococcal BCLs.
Molecular cloning and in silico analysis of novel oleate desaturase gene homologues from Brassica juncea through sub-genomic library approach

The oleate desaturase represents a diverse gene family in plants and is responsible for conversion of oleic acid (18:1) to linoleic acid (18:2). Using the sequence information of Bjfad2 (EF639848) gene that was isolated and characterized earlier from Brassica juncea, three additional novel fad2 gene homologues designated as Bjfad2a (FJ696650), Bjfad2b (FJ696651) and Bjfad2c (FJ696652) were isolated from sub-genomic library of B. juncea. Sequence analysis of these genes revealed the sequence size of 2526 bp (Bjfad2a), 2326 bp (Bjfad2b) & 2325 bp (Bjfad2c), an open reading frame of 1155 bp that encodes a single polypeptide of 384 amino acids. Sequence comparison of isolated Bjfad2 gene sequences shared 99% (Bjfad2a), 96% (Bjfad2b) and 95% (Bjfad2c) sequence similarity to reported B. juncea fad2 gene (EF639848). The deduced amino acids of the these gene homologues displayed the typical three histidine boxes, a characteristic of all membrane bound desaturases along with five membrane spanning domains that are different from known plant desaturases. The signature amino acid sequence ‘YNNKL’ was found to be present at the N terminus of the protein, which is necessary and sufficient for ER localization of enzyme. Neighbor-Joining tree generated from the genomic structures alignment grouped them within the cluster of fad2 gene(s) of Brassicacea and are distinct from fad2 gene sequences from sesame (42%), soybean (38%) and sunflower (19%). Comparison of the Bjfad2 genomic structures with other plant fad2 genes revealed the presence of single large intron in their 5’ UTR region which is evolutionarily conserved. However, the length of the intron varies across the plant species. Variation in the restriction sites of all three Bjfad2 genes and its further confirmation through restriction analysis showed that the isolated genes are different homologues but code for the same enzyme, oleate desaturase. These observations confirm that atleast four copies of fad2 gene exist which is consistent with the tetraploid nature of B. juncea genome.
Altitudinal and Seasonal Variation in Drosophila Species on Mount Japfu of Nagaland, a Sub-Himalayan Hilly State of India

Abstract Drosophila (L.) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) has richly contributed to the understanding of patterns of inheritance, variation, speciation, and evolution. Drosophila, with its cosmopolitan nature and complexities in species compositions, is an excellent model for studying the eco-distributional patterns of various species. This study analyzed the altitudinal and seasonal variation in Drosophila species of Mount Japfu in Nagaland, a sub-Himalayan hilly state of northeast India, over the course of one year. A total of 4,680 Drosophila flies belonging to 19 species of 4 subgenera were collected at altitudes of 1500, 1800, 2100, 2400, and 2700 m a.s. l. The subgenus Sophophora Sturtevant was predominant, with 10 species, followed by subgenus Drosophila, with 4 species. Subgenus Dorsilopha and subgenus Scaptodrosophila were represented by 1 species each. The remaining 3 species were not identified. Cluster analysis and constancy methods were used to analyze the species occurrence qualitatively. Altitudinal changes in the population densities and relative abundances of the different species at different seasons were also studied. The diversity of the Drosophila community was assessed by applying Simpson's diversity index. At 1800 m a.s. l. , the Simpson's index was low (0.09301), suggesting high Drosophila diversity at this altitude. The density of Drosophila changed significantly during different seasons (F = 26.72; df = 2; p < 0.0001). The results suggest the distributional pattern of a species or related group of species was uneven in space and time.
Ubiquitin‐Yop hybrids as probes for post‐translational transport by the Yersinia type III secretion pathway

Yersinia enterocolitica uses type III secretion to transport Yop proteins into the cytoplasm of host cells. Previous work generated hypotheses for both co‐ and post‐translational transport mechanisms in the Yersinia type III pathway. Here, we used ubiquitin (Ub) and UBP1, the Ub‐specific protease, to examine whether Yops can be secreted when synthesized prior to recognition by the type III machinery. Fusion of Ub to the N‐terminus of Yops blocked substrate recognition and secretion of hybrids generated with YopE, YopQ or YopR. UBP1 removed Ub from the N‐terminus of these hybrids and allowed YopE, YopQ or YopR cleavage products to enter the secretion pathway. Following the release of Ub, Yersinia type III machines also transported the YopE cleavage product into the cytosol of tissue culture cells. Minimal secretion signals were also examined with the Ub/UBP1 system and some, but not all, of these signals promoted type III secretion even after polypeptides had been freed from Ub. These results suggest that recognition and secretion of Yop substrates by the type III machinery can occur by a post‐translational mechanism.
Actions and Consequences in Bimanual Interaction Are Represented in Different Coordinate Systems

Moving one part of the body can generate interaction forces that tend to destabilize other parts of the body. However, stability is maintained by mechanisms that predict and actively oppose these interaction forces. When our body or environment changes, these anticipatory mechanisms adapt so as to continue to produce accurate predictions. In this study, we examine the acquisition of a novel predictive coordination between the arms, in a situation in which a force is produced on one hand as a consequence of the action of the other hand. Specifically, a force was applied to the left hand that depended on the velocity of the right hand. With practice, subjects learned to stabilize the perturbed left arm during right-arm movements by predicting and actively opposing the externally applied forces. After adaptation, we examined how learning generalized to a new joint configuration of the right or left arm to investigate the coordinate systems in which the internal transformation from movement to force is represented. This revealed a dissociation between the representation of the action of the right arm and the representation of its consequence, that is the force on the left arm. The movement is represented in extrinsic coordinates related to the velocity of the hand, whereas the force resulting from the movement is represented in a joint-based intrinsic coordinate system.
Evaluation of the in vitro activity of BMY-28142, a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin

The in vitro activity of BMY-28142, a new cephalosporin, was tested by a broth microdilution system and compared with those of cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefoperazone, moxalactam, and HR 810 against 747 bacterial isolates, one-third of which were resistant to one or more third-generation cephalosporins. BMY-28142 was the most active drug tested against 326 Enterobacteriaceae with an MIC for 90% of the organisms tested (MIC90) of 1.0 micrograms/ml. Against these Enterobacteriaceae the relative activities were: BMY-28142 greater than HR 810 greater than moxalactam and ceftazidime greater than cefotaxime greater than cefoperazone. For cefotaxime- and cefoperazone-resistant strains, the MIC90 of BMY-28142 was 4.0 micrograms/ml (compared with 0.13 micrograms/ml for susceptible strains). BMY-28142, with an MIC90 of 8.0 micrograms/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was about half as active as ceftazidime. The relative activities against P. aeruginosa were: ceftazidime greater than BMY-28142 greater than HR 810 greater than cefoperazone greater than moxalactam and cefotaxime. The MIC90 of BMY-28142 against staphylococci was 2.0 micrograms/ml, which was fourfold less active than HR 810, slightly less active than cefotaxime and cefoperazone, and fourfold more active than ceftazidime and moxalactam. BMY-28142 was very active against beta-lactamase-positive and -negative Haemophilus influenzae (MIC90, 0.06 micrograms/ml), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (MIC90, 0.015 micrograms/ml),aand nonenterococcal streptococci. Its activity against Streptococcus faecalis was poor (MIC90, 64 micrograms/ml). BMY-28142 was stable against the several beta-lactamases tested but exhibited little beta-lactamase inhibitory effect.
Attitudes toward shared decision-making and risk communication practices in residents and their teachers

Background: Health professionals’ attitudes toward shared decision-making (SDM) are an important facilitator of SDM, but information on these attitudes is limited. Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine attitudes, education and practices around SDM and risk communication in residents and their teachers. Method: A questionnaire was mailed to residents in Swiss hospitals in postgraduate medical training programs assessing risk communication education and SDM. In an Internet survey, teachers of the medical training programs answered questions on SDM and risk communication practices. Data were analyzed with ANOVAs and paired samples t-tests. Results: Significant differences in residents’ and teachers’ opinions regarding SDM were found between specialties and number of residents in a residency (1–3, 4–10, ≥11 residents). Teachers showed a high use of verbal risk communication. Neither residents nor teachers expressed a strong feeling that they lacked the time for decision-making. Residents were significantly more negative about the ability of patients to participate in decision-making compared to their teachers. Conclusions: As residents are more negative about SDM compared to teachers and teachers do not always use the preferred and best methods for risk communication, more education for teachers and residents is needed to improve communication practices in the future.
Comparison of Non-Invasive Individual Monitoring of the Training and Health of Athletes with Commercially Available Wearable Technologies

Athletes adapt their training daily to optimize performance, as well as avoid fatigue, overtraining and other undesirable effects on their health. To optimize training load, each athlete must take his/her own personal objective and subjective characteristics into consideration and an increasing number of wearable technologies (wearables) provide convenient monitoring of various parameters. Accordingly, it is important to help athletes decide which parameters are of primary interest and which wearables can monitor these parameters most effectively. Here, we discuss the wearable technologies available for non-invasive monitoring of various parameters concerning an athlete's training and health. On the basis of these considerations, we suggest directions for future development. Furthermore, we propose that a combination of several wearables is most effective for accessing all relevant parameters, disturbing the athlete as little as possible, and optimizing performance and promoting health.
Metabolic and endocrine changes associated with undernutrition in the peripubertal gilt.

The effect of feed restriction on circulating metabolites and metabolic and gonadotropic hormones was determined in Large White gilts. From 25 kg BW and 80 d of age, control gilts (CTRL, n = 10) were fed close to ad libitum intake, whereas restricted-fed gilts (REST, n = 10) were offered approximately 50% of the CTRL diet. Estrus was detected with a mature boar. Serial blood samples were collected at approximately 160 and 210 d of age from 0800 to 2000. A meal was supplied at 0900, and an i.v. injection of GnRH (80 ng/kg BW) was given at 1600. The gilts were slaughtered at 220 d of age. No REST and four CTRL gilts exhibited their first estrus between the two series of blood samplings. Feed intake, daily gain, and fat content of the carcass were reduced by 50% in REST gilts (P < .001). Preprandial concentrations of free fatty acids were significantly lower in CTRL gilts at 210 d of age than at 160 d and than in REST gilts at both ages. Within the CTRL group, concentrations were lower (P < .05) at both ages in gilts pubertal before 210 d than in others. After the meal, plasma insulin and urea increased in all gilts, whereas glucose increased and free fatty acids decreased in all except the 210-d CTRL gilts. The afternoon concentration of cortisol was slightly higher (P = .09) in REST than in CTRL gilts. The number of pulses and mean and interpulse concentrations of growth hormone did not show any clear variation with feed level and age. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The strategic bequest motive: evidence from SHARE

This paper examines whether the empirical evidence supports the strategic bequest motive, as opposed to pure altruism, using SHARE data on ten European countries. The availability of internationally comparable data, as in SHARE, allows exploiting the cross-country variability in inheritance laws and cultural backgrounds to identify the operation of a strategic bequest motive determining the attention that adult children provide to their elderly parents.