Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Repeated episodes of myocardial ischaemia during combined thoracic epidural – isoflurane anaesthesia

A patient with a history of coronary artery disease developed new ST segment depressions in the ECG registration during a low dose (0.7%) isoflurane anaesthesia that was combined with a continuous thoracic epidural analgesia. Simultaneously a small decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was noted. During the next 5 min these changes were followed by a severe drop in MAP (from 88 to 60 mmHg) and in cardiac output from 5.5 to 3.2 L/min. When isoflurane was discontinued both the ECG and the cardiovascular changes returned to the previous condition. Later, when 0.5% isoflurane was restarted, the ECG changes reappeared within ten min, but disappeared once again when isoflurane administration was discontinued. Thus, this patient had repeated episodes of myocardial ischaemia which were associated with the use of low dose isoflurane. Although isoflurane–induced “coronary steal” may appear as a likely cause of these ischaemic episodes, it is possible that the thoracic epidural had synergistic action and rendered the patient exceptionally sensitive to minor changes in perfusion pressure.
Seasonality of Post-capture Longevity in a Medically-Important Mosquito (Culex pipiens)

The epidemiological importance of the age structure and longevity potential of wild populations of mosquito disease vectors has been known for over 60 years. However, no routine method currently exists that provides reliable insights into the population age dynamics of this medically-important group of insects. In this paper we use a technique originally developed for studying wild fruit fly populations to study the post-capture longevity dynamics in populations of the West Nile virus mosquito Culex pipiens in Greece. This approach, referred to as the captive cohort method, analyzes and interprets the longevity trends in wild-caught Cx. pipiens to infer demographic changes in their field population. Approximately 10 adult females were captured each day from June through November, housed in individual cages in the laboratory, and their remaining longevity recorded. Strong differences were observed in the mean, variation, and extremes of post-capture longevity. Early season (June-July) mosquitoes lived the shortest and late-season the longest with a clear transition period in September. The mean levels of post-capture longevity were quite high at over two months in early season to over 85 days in late season when the vast majority of adults were nulliparous and likely preparing for hibernation. Implications for both basic and epidemiological research on the biodemography of aging in the wild are discussed.
Factor V Leiden Protects Against Blood Loss and Transfusion After Cardiac Surgery

Background—The outcome of cardiac surgery is influenced by several factors, but the impact of specific genetic variants has not been systematically explored. Because blood conservation is a pressing issue in cardiac surgery, we tested the hypothesis that factor V Leiden (FVL), a common coagulation factor polymorphism, may protect against blood loss and transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods and Results—We enrolled 517 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including 26 heterozygous FVL carriers, and evaluated the impact of FVL on chest tube output and transfusion by using univariate and multivariate techniques. For patients with FVL, blood loss at 6 (238±131 mL) and 24 hours (522±302 mL) was significantly lower than that for noncarriers (358±259 mL and 730±452 mL;P <0.001 and P =0.001, respectively). In a multivariate regression analysis, controlling for ethnicity and factors known to affect blood loss, FVL was a significant independent contributor at both time points. Using a similar regression approach, FVL did not have a significant effect on the number of units transfused. However, logistic regression of the risk of receiving any transfusion during hospitalization demonstrated a significant independent protective effect of FVL on overall transfusion risk. Conclusions—FVL represents a common genetic trait that may protect against blood loss and transfusion in this population. This study demonstrates that genetic variability can affect the outcome of cardiac surgery.
Serial and nonserial sign-and-rank statistics. Asymptotic representation and asymptotic normality

The classical theory of rank-based inference is entirely based either on ordinary ranks, which do not allow for considering location nor intercept parameters, or on signed ranks, which require an assumption of symmetry.If the median, in the absence of a symmetry assumption, is considered as a location parameter, the maximal invariance property of ordinary ranks is lost to the ranks and the signs.As shown in Hallin and Werker (2003), conditioning on a maximal invariant in such situations is essential if semiparametric efficiency is to be reached.This new maximal invariant thus suggests a new class of statistics, based on ordinary ranks and signs.An asymptotic representation theory a la H ajek is developed here for such statistics, both in the nonserial and in the serial case.The corresponding asymptotic normality results clearly show how the signs are adding a separate contribution to the asymptotic variance, hence, potentially, to asymptotic e ciency.Applications to semiparametric inference in regression and time series models with median restrictions are treated in detail in a companion paper (Hallin, Werker, and Vermandele 2003).
Remembering the Past and Imagining the Future in the Elderly

Recent research has demonstrated commonalities between remembering past events and imagining future events. Behavioral studies have revealed that remembering the past and imagining the future depend on shared cognitive processes, whereas neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have shown that many of the same brain regions are involved in both remembering the past and imagining the future. Here, we review recent cognitive and neuroimaging studies that examine remembering the past and imagining the future in elderly adults. These studies document significant changes in elderly adults' capacities to imagine future events that are correlated with their memory deficits; most strikingly, older adults tend to remember the past and imagine the future with less episodic detail than younger adults. These findings are in line with the constructive episodic simulation hypothesis [Schacter and Addis: Phil Trans R Soc B 2007;362:773-786], which holds that past and future events draw on similar information and rely on similar underlying processes, and that episodic memory supports the construction of future events by extracting and recombining stored information into a simulation of a novel event. At the same time, however, recent data indicate that non-episodic factors also contribute to age-related changes in remembering the past and imagining the future. We conclude by considering a number of questions and challenges concerning the interpretation of age-related changes in remembering and imagining, as well as functional implications of this research for everyday concerns of older adults.
Variable adhesion abilities and overlapping antigenic properties in placental Plasmodium falciparum isolates.

BACKGROUND Pregnancy-associated malaria is characterized by selection and multiplication, in the placenta, of a distinct population of Plasmodium falciparum expressing particular variant surface antigens (VSAs) that adhere to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). METHODS The adhesion of 40 freshly collected placental parasite isolates to bovine CSA and human placental low-sulfated chondroitin proteoglycans (CSPGs) was investigated. Plasma samples from 30 pregnant women were used to test, by flow cytometry, their recognition of and their adhesion-inhibition capacity toward 6 of these isolates. RESULTS Adhesion to CSA and CSPGs varied between isolates but was strongly correlated between receptors (P<.001). Adhesion of isolates to receptors strongly and negatively correlated with low birth weight (LBW) of the neonate (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 5.2 [1.1-25.1]). In plasma samples from pregnant women, the level of specific immunoglobulin G against each placental isolate (anti-VSA(PAP)) strongly correlated with the level of anti-VSA(PAP) antibodies against all other isolates (P<.05) and increased with parity in all isolates (P<.01). Conversely, adhesion-inhibitory antibodies did not correlate with isolates or with the level of anti-VSA(PAP) antibodies. CONCLUSION The level of adhesion of placental parasites to chondroitin sulfate receptors is an important risk factor for LBW. Parasite heterogeneity suggests that they are composed of mixed adhesion phenotypes capable of inducing immune responses to a range of different and overlapping targets.
Use of nutritional supplements to increase the efficacy of fluoxetine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication does not appear to be effective in ill, malnourished anorexia nervosa (AN) patients. However, it may be effective in preventing relapse after weight restoration. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nutritional supplements could potentiate the effects of fluoxetine in underweight AN subjects. METHOD Twenty-six subjects with AN participated in a trial of fluoxetine. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner, subjects received either nutritional supplements or a nutritional placebo. The nutritional supplement included tryptophan (the precursor of serotonin), vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids believed to influence serotonin pathway function. RESULTS There was no significant difference in weight gain between subjects treated with fluoxetine plus nutritional supplements versus fluoxetine plus a nutritional placebo. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups on mean changes in anxiety or obsessive and compulsive symptoms. DISCUSSION The results of this study suggest that supplement strategies are not a substitute for adequate nutrition and are ineffective in increasing the efficacy of fluoxetine in underweight AN subjects.
Modification of the Schwartz equations for children increases their accuracy at eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2

Abstract Aim: Estimation of eGFR in children with normal kidney function using the Schwartz equations results in underestimating real GFR. Materials and methods: We propose modification of three Schwartz equations – two based on creatinine concentration (eGFRScrBS bedside) and (eGFRScr) and one 3-marker based on creatinine, urea and cystatin C concentrations (eGFRS3M). The iohexol test (reference method) was performed 417 times in 353 children >2 years with mean GFR: 98 ± 31.6 ml/min/1.73m2. The assessment included also the Filler and Zappitelli equations. The modification was performed using methods: (1) based on equation, eGFRcor = a [eGFR − T] + T, where T = 50, if eGFR > T, and a equals for: eGFRScrBS 1.4043, for eGFRScr 2.0048, for eGFRS3M 1.2951, and (2) based on correction of all coefficients of the original equation. Results: For comparison of all the results and for children with GFR< 60, 60-90, 90-135 and > 135 ml/min/1.73m2 the correlation coefficient, relative error (RE) and root mean square relative error (RMSRE) was employed and revealed improvement of RE from 25.9 to 6.8 and 3.9% (depending on the correction method) for eGFRScr; from 19 to 8.1 and 3.9% for eGFRScrBS and: from 11.6% to 2.0 and 2.3% for eGFRS3M (respectively). The RMSRE values changed from 30 to 21.3 and 19.8% for eGFRScr, from 25.1 to 21.6 and 19.8% for eGFRScrBS and from 19.1 to 15.8 and 15.3 % for eGFRS3M. Conclusions: Modifications of Schwartz equations at GFR > 60 ml/min/1.73m2 significantly improves the accuracy of calculating eGFR. The 3-markers equation is more accurate and should be employed frequently.
Incidence, microbiology, and outcomes of endophthalmitis after 111,876 pars plana vitrectomies at a single, tertiary eye care hospital

Purpose To describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, causative organisms, and outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis following pars plana vitrectomy (20G and minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery (MIVS). Methods Of 111,876 vitrectomies (70,585 20-G 41,291 MIVS) performed, 45 cases developed acute-onset, postoperative endophthalmitis. Results The rate of culture positive and culture negative endophthalmitis was 0.021% (2.1/10,000 surgeries) and 0.019% (1.9/10,000 surgeries) overall, 0.031% (3.1/10,000 surgeries) and 0.025% (2.5/10,000 surgeries) in 20G, and 0.005% (0.5/10,000 surgeries) and 0.007% (0.7/10,000 surgeries) in the MIVS group respectively. Potential predisposing factors were as follows: diabetes, 46.7%; vitrectomy for vascular retinopathies, 44.4%; and vitrectomy combined with anterior segment surgeries, 35.5%. The culture proven rates were 53.3% overall, 55.0% for 20G and 40.0% for MIVS. The most common organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 20G. Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in the two culture positive cases in MIVS group. The follow-up period for the patients with endophthalmitis was 586.14 ± 825.15 days. Seven were lost to follow up beyond one week. Of the remaining 38, 13 (34.2%) cases had a favorable visual outcome (i.e., best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] > 5/200) and 24 (63.2%) had unfavorable visual outcome (BCVA < 5/200). Group with culture test results negative had significantly better outcomes (P < 0.05) as compared to those with positive. Conclusions MIVS does not increase the risk of endophthalmitis. Outcomes are poor despite appropriate treatment, particularly in cases with culture results positive.
Extended cubic B-spline method for linear two-point boundary value problems

Second order linear two-point boundary value problems were solved using extended cubic B-spline interpolation method. Extended cubic B-spline is an extension of cubic B-spline consisting of one shape parameter, called λ. The resulting approximated analytical solution for the problems would be a function of λ. Optimization of λ was carried out to find the best value of λ that generates the closest fit to the differential equations in the problems. This method approximated the solutions for the problems much more accurately compared to finite difference, finite element, finite volume and cubic B-spline interpolation methods.
Risk Factors for Food Residue after Distal Gastrectomy and a New Effective Preparation for Endoscopy: The Water-Intake Method

Background/Aims Food residue is frequently observed in the gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy, despite adequate preparation. We devised a water-intake method to reduce food residue in the gastric remnant by drinking large quantities of water in a short time. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for food residue and to study the effectiveness of this new method for endoscopy preparation. Methods A cohort of 708 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer was reviewed prospectively. Sixty patients with large amounts of food residue were randomly divided into two groups: a water-intake group (n=40) and a prolonged fasting group (n=20). Results The incidences of a large amount of food residue were 15.7%, 5.8%, 7.5%, and 2.8% at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, after distal gastrectomy. Independent risk factors for food residue were endoscopy at 3 months, diabetes mellitus, a body mass index of <19.5, and laparoscopic surgery. The proportion of successful preparations at follow-up endoscopy was higher for the water-intake group (70%) than for the prolonged fasting group (40%, p=0.025). Conclusions The water-intake method can be recommended as a preparation for endoscopy in patients who have had repetitive food residue or risk factors after distal gastrectomy.
AlGalnP multiquantum well light-emitting diodes

AlGaInP DH, DH + DBR and MQW LEDs were fabricated and their luminescence properties were compared. It was found that AlGaInP MQW LEDs are brighter than DH and DH + DBR LEDs, particularly under low current injection. For MQW LEDs, the EL intensity will increase as the number of wells increases. Furthermore, the output intensity is also a function of the barrier layer thickness lB. As lB increases, the EL intensity will become larger. Reliability tests under DC and pulse operation were measured and it was found that the AlGaInP MQW LEDs used in this study are more reliable than the DH + DBR LED. Under pulse operation it was found that, as the number of wells increases, the amount of decay will become smaller.
The Moderating Effect of Job Satisfaction on Physicians’ Motivation to Adhere to Financially Incentivized Clinical Practice Guidelines

We examined moderating effects of professional satisfaction on physicians’ motivation to adhere to diabetes guidelines associated with pay-for-performance incentives. We merged cross-sectional survey data on attitudes, from 156 primary physicians, with prospective medical record-sourced data on guideline adherence and census data on ambulatory-care population characteristics. We examined moderating effects by testing theory-driven models for satisfied versus discontented physicians, using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results show that attitudes motivated, while norms suppressed, adherence to guidelines among discontented physicians. Separate models for satisfied versus discontented physicians revealed motivational differences. Satisfied physicians disregarded intrinsic and extrinsic influences and biases. Discontented physicians, alienated by social pressure, favored personal inclinations. To improve adherence to guidelines among discontented physicians, incentives should align with personal attitudes and incorporate promotional campaigns countering resentment of peer and organizational pressure.
Functional Analysis of Centrosomal Kinase Substrates in Drosophila melanogaster Reveals a New Function of the Nuclear Envelope Component Otefin in Cell Cycle Progression

ABSTRACT Phosphorylation is one of the key mechanisms that regulate centrosome biogenesis, spindle assembly, and cell cycle progression. However, little is known about centrosome-specific phosphorylation sites and their functional relevance. Here, we identified phosphoproteins of intact Drosophila melanogaster centrosomes and found previously unknown phosphorylation sites in known and unexpected centrosomal components. We functionally characterized phosphoproteins and integrated them into regulatory signaling networks with the 3 important mitotic kinases, cdc2, polo, and aur, as well as the kinase CkIIβ. Using a combinatorial RNA interference (RNAi) strategy, we demonstrated novel functions for P granule, nuclear envelope (NE), and nuclear proteins in centrosome duplication, maturation, and separation. Peptide microarrays confirmed phosphorylation of identified residues by centrosome-associated kinases. For a subset of phosphoproteins, we identified previously unknown centrosome and/or spindle localization via expression of tagged fusion proteins in Drosophila SL2 cells. Among those was otefin (Ote), an NE protein that we found to localize to centrosomes. Furthermore, we provide evidence that it is phosphorylated in vitro at threonine 63 (T63) through Aurora-A kinase. We propose that phosphorylation of this site plays a dual role in controlling mitotic exit when phosphorylated while dephosphorylation promotes G2/M transition in Drosophila SL2 cells.
Sparks and Puffs in Oligodendrocyte Progenitors: Cross Talk between Ryanodine Receptors and Inositol Trisphosphate Receptors

Investigating how calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is triggered and coordinated is crucial to our understanding of how oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPs) develop into myelinating cells. Sparks and puffs represent highly localized Ca2+ release from the ER through ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), respectively. To study whether sparks or puffs trigger Ca2+ waves in OPs, we performed rapid high-resolution line scan recordings in fluo-4-loaded OP processes. We found spontaneous and evoked sparks and puffs, and we have identified functional cross talk between IP3Rs and RyRs. Local events evoked using the IP3-linked agonist methacholine (MeCh) showed significantly different morphology compared with events evoked using the caffeine analog 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX). Pretreatment with MeCh potentiated DMPX-evoked events, whereas inhibition of RyRs potentiated events evoked by low concentrations of MeCh. Furthermore, activation of IP3Rs but not RyRs was critical for Ca2+ wave initiation. Using immunocytochemistry, we show OPs express the specific Ca2+ release channel subtypes RyR3 and IP3R2 in patches along OP processes. RyRs are coexpressed with IP3Rs in some patches, but IP3Rs are also found alone. This differential distribution pattern may underlie the differences in local and global Ca2+ signals mediated by these two receptors. Thus, in OPs, interactions between IP3Rs and RyRs determine the spatial and temporal characteristics of calcium signaling, from microdomains to intracellular waves.
Isolation and Characterization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite from Salmon Fish Bone

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHA) was isolated from salmon bone by alkaline hydrolysis. The resulting nHA was characterized using several analytical tools, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to determine the purity of the nHA sample. The removal of organic matter from the raw fish was confirmed by TGA. FT-IR confirmed the presence of a carbonated group and the similarities to synthetic Sigma HA. XRD revealed that the isolated nHA was amorphous. Microscopy demonstrated that the isolated nHA possessed a nanostructure with a size range of 6–37 nm. The obtained nHA interacted with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and was non-toxic. Increased mineralization was observed for nHA treated MSCs compared to the control group. These results suggest that nHA derived from salmon is a promising biomaterial in the field of bone tissue engineering.
DELIVERING EDUCATIONAL MULTIMEDIA CONTENTS THROUGH AN AUGMENTED REALITY APPLICATION: A CASE STUDY ON ITS IMPACT ON KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION AND RETENTION

This paper presents a study to analyze the use of augmented reality (AR) for delivering multimedia content to support the teaching and learning process of the digestive and circulatory systems at the primary school level, and its impact on knowledge retention. Our AR application combines oral explanations and 3D models and animations of anatomical structures. A validation study was conducted with fourth grade students in order to evaluate the effect of our tool on knowledge retention. In this study, we attempt to verify whether students using the AR application retained more concepts that those learning the topic in a traditional setting. Results show an increased knowledge retention on students using AR multimedia contents as opposed to those following a traditional course, which validates AR technology as a promising tool to improve students’ motivation and interest, and to support the learning and teaching process in educational contexts.
Effectivity of fluoride treatment on hydrogen and corrosion product generation in temporal implants for different magnesium alloys

The increasing interest on magnesium alloys relies on their biocompatibility, bioabsorbility and especially on their mechanical properties. Due to these characteristics, magnesium alloys are becoming a promising solution to be used, as temporary implants. However, magnesium alloys must overcome their poor corrosion resistance. This article analyses the corrosion behaviour in phosphate-buffered saline solution of three commercial magnesium alloys (AZ31B, WE43 and ZM21) as well as the influence of fluoride treatment on their corrosion behaviour. It is shown that the corrosion rate of all the alloys is decreased by fluoride treatment. However, fluoride treatment affects each alloy differently.