Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative ventilator settings and acute lung injury after elective surgery: a nested case control study

Background: While acute lung injury (ALI) is among the most serious postoperative pulmonary complications, its incidence, risk factors and outcome have not been prospectively studied. Objective: To determine the incidence and survival of ALI associated postoperative respiratory failure and its association with intraoperative ventilator settings, specifically tidal volume. Design: Prospective, nested, case control study. Setting: Single tertiary referral centre. Patients: 4420 consecutive patients without ALI undergoing high risk elective surgeries for postoperative pulmonary complications. Measurements: Incidence of ALI, survival and 2:1 matched case control comparison of intraoperative exposures. Results: 238 (5.4%) patients developed postoperative respiratory failure. Causes included ALI in 83 (35%), hydrostatic pulmonary oedema in 74 (31%), shock in 27 (11.3%), pneumonia in nine (4%), carbon dioxide retention in eight (3.4%) and miscellaneous in 37 (15%). Compared with match controls (n = 166), ALI cases had lower 60 day and 1 year survival (99% vs 73% and 92% vs 56%; p<0.001). Cases were more likely to have a history of smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes, and to be exposed to longer duration of surgery, intraoperative hypotension and larger amount of fluid and transfusions. After adjustment for non-ventilator parameters, mean first hour peak airway pressure (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.15 cm H2O) but not tidal volume (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.26 ml/kg), positive end expiratory pressure (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.04 cm H2O) or fraction of inspired oxygen (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.03) were associated with ALI. Conclusion: ALI is the most common cause of postoperative respiratory failure and is associated with markedly lower postoperative survival. Intraoperative tidal volume was not associated with an increased risk for early postoperative ALI.
Case marking in the Parsing of Complement Sentences: Evidence from Eye Movements

An eye-tracking experiment investigated the role of case-marking in parsing. We manipulated the case of pronouns in reduced complement sentences like I recognized you and your family would be unhappy here and I recognized she and her family would be unhappy here, in which the nominative pronoun she immediately disambiguates the sentences, in contrast to the ambiguous you. The nominative pronoun she disambiguates the sentence because I recognised she is ungrammatical, and thus she and her family must be the subject of an embedded sentence and not the NP-object of the preceding verb. Subjects took longer to read she and her family than you and your family during initial processing. The pattern reversed at the disambiguating phrase would be. Unambiguous control sentences containing the complementizer that did not produce case-marking effects. These results demonstrate very rapid effects of case-marking on parsing. Either case information is used immediately, or it is employed after an extremely short delay. We discuss implications for current theories of parsing.
Evaluation of sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 diabetes

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes that adversely affects their quality of life. Its prevalence is known to be higher in diabetic men with and it is estimated to affect 20-85% of patients but the problem is probably less common in diabetic women. This study investigated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its risk factors among women with diabetes. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was performed during May 2012 to Feb 2013 at Diabetes clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital of Qom and The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used for evaluation of sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: In this study, 59 (53.6%) women had sexual dysfunction. The mean age of patients with sexual dysfunction and healthy people was 48.22 ± 6.61 and 48.14 ± 5.37 years respectively and it was not statistically different in both groups (P = 0.94). Also, there was no significant difference between two groups in average duration of diabetes, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, insulin resistance, abdominal circumference and body mass index BMI. Although the history of hypertension, coronary artery disease and exercise levels were not significantly associated with sexual dysfunction, but there was a significant association between albuminuria and sexual dysfunction (P = 0.001). Retinopathy and sexual dysfunction had statistically significant relationship (P = 0.007) while no association was found between diabetic neuropathy and sexual dysfunction (P = 0.79). Results: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication in diabetic patients which accompanies with some complications of diabetes and should be considered especially in patients with nephropathy or retinopathy.
A Fluid Limit for an Overloaded X Model Via an Averaging Principle

We prove a many-server heavy-traffic fluid limit for an overloaded Markovian queueing system having two customer classes and two service pools, known in the call-center literature as the X model. The system uses the fixed-queue-ratio-with-thresholds (FQR-T) control, which we proposed in a recent paper as a way for one service system to help another in face of an unexpected overload. Under FQR-T, customers are served by their own service pool until a threshold is exceeded. Then, one-way sharing is activated with customers from one class allowed to be served in both pools. After the control is activated, it aims to keep the two queues at a pre-specified fixed ratio. For large systems that fixed ratio is achieved approximately. For the fluid limit, or FWLLN, we consider a sequence of properly scaled X models in overload operating under FQR-T. Our proof of the FWLLN follows the compactness approach, i.e., we show that the sequence of scaled processes is tight, and then show that all converging subsequences have the specified limit. The characterization step is complicated because the queue-difference processes, which determine the customer-server assignments, remain stochastically bounded, and need to be considered without spatial scaling. Asymptotically, these queue-difference processes operate in a faster time scale than the fluid-scaled processes. In the limit, due to a separation of time scales, the driving processes converge to a time-dependent steady state (or local average) of a time-varying fast-time-scale process (FTSP). This averaging principle (AP) allows us to replace the driving processes with the long-run average behavior of the FTSP.
Enhancement of the Antibiotic Activity against a Multiresistant Escherichia coli by Mentha arvensis L. and Chlorpromazine

Background: This is the first report testing the antibiotic resistance-modifying activity of Mentha arvensis. Methods: In this study an ethanol extract of M. arvensis L. and chlorpromazine were tested for their antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics against strains of Escherichia coli. Results: The growth of two E. coli strains tested was not inhibited by the extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericide concentration values were ≧1 mg/ml for both strains of E. coli used. A potentiating effect of this extract on gentamicin was demonstrated. Similarly, there was a potentiating effect of chlorpromazine on kanamycin, amikacin and tobramycin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides. Conclusions: It is therefore suggested that extracts from M. arvensis could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with resistance-modifying activity, such as in the case of gentamicin, constituting a new weapon against bacterial resistance to antibiotics, as with chlorpromazine.
Well-Posedness and Qualitative Behaviour of Solutions for a Two-Phase Navier-Stokes-Mullins-Sekerka System

We consider a two-phase problem for two incompressible, viscous and immiscible fluids which are separated by a sharp interface. The problem arises as a sharp interface limit of a diffuse interface model. We present results on local existence of strong solutions and on the long-time behavior of solutions which start close to an equilibrium. To be precise, we show that as time tends to infinity, the velocity field converges to zero and the interface converges to a sphere at an exponential rate.
Novel Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Synthase with Anticancer Activity

Purpose: Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is overexpressed in human breast carcinoma. The natural polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate blocks in vitro FASN activity and leads to apoptosis in breast cancer cells without any effects on carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) activity, and in vivo, does not decrease body weight. We synthesized a panel of new polyphenolic compounds and tested their effects on breast cancer models. Experimental Design: We evaluated the in vitro effects of the compounds on breast cancer cell growth (SK-Br3, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231), apoptosis [as assessed by cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase], cell signaling (HER2, ERK1/2, and AKT), and fatty acid metabolism enzymes (FASN and CPT-1). In vivo, we have evaluated their antitumor activity and their effect on body weight in a mice model of BT474 breast cancer cells. Results: Two compounds potently inhibited FASN activity and showed high cytotoxicity. Moreover, the compounds induced apoptosis and caused a marked decrease in the active forms of HER2, AKT, and ERK1/2 proteins. Interestingly, the compounds did not stimulate CPT-1 activity in vitro. We show evidence that one of the FASN inhibitors blocked the growth of BT474 breast cancer xenografts and did not induce weight loss in vivo. Conclusions: The synthesized polyphenolic compounds represent a novel class of FASN inhibitors, with in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity, that do not exhibit cross-activation of β-oxidation and do not induce weight loss in animals. One of the compounds blocked the growth of breast cancer xenografts. These FASN inhibitors may represent new agents for breast cancer treatment. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7608–15)
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein as a biomarker of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract Atherosclerosis is a life-long illness that begins with risk factors, which in turn contribute to the development of subclinical disease, followed by the establishment of overt cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thrombotic-occlusive complications of atherosclerosis are among the most widespread and costly health problems. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) plays an important role in atherogenesis by promoting an inflammatory environment and lipid deposition in the arterial wall. As cardiovascular events occur in individuals without common risk factors, there is a need for additional tools that may help in CVD risk assessment and management. The use of biomarkers has improved diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic outcome in cardiovascular medicine. This review elaborates on the value of circulating OxLDL as a biomarker of CVD. Three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (4E6, DLH3 and E06) using murine monoclonal antibodies for determination of OxLDL blood levels have been developed. However, none of these assays are currently approved for routine clinical practice. We identified studies investigating OxLDL in CVD (measured by 4E6, DLH3 or E06 assay) by searching the PubMed database. Circulating OxLDL was found to be associated with all stages of atherosclerosis, from early atherogenesis to hypertension, coronary and peripheral arterial disease, acute coronary syndromes and ischemic cerebral infarction. The results of studies investigating the usefulness of OxLDL for CVD prediction were also summarized. Furthermore, OxLDL was found to be associated with pathologic conditions linked to CVD, including diabetes mellitus, obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, we have addressed the mechanisms by which OxLDL promotes atherogenesis, and the effects of antiatherogenic treatments on circulating OxLDL. Finally, we highlight the evidence suggesting that lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is the preferential carrier of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) in human plasma. A strong association between OxPL/apoB level (representing the content of OxPL on apolipoprotein B-100 particles, measured by E06 assay) and Lp(a) has been determined.
Highly activated RNA silencing via strong induction of dicer by one virus can interfere with the replication of an unrelated virus

Significance RNA silencing-mediated virus interference or cross-protection generally occurs between closely related strains of a single virus species. Here, we show strong virus interference between unrelated RNA viruses in the filamentous ascomycetous fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica. Lateral transmission and replication of a totivirus with an undivided dsRNA genome was severely inhibited by a silencing suppressor deletion mutant of the prototype hypovirus with a positive-strand RNA genome or the prototype mycoreovirus with an 11-segmented dsRNA genome, and even by transgenic expression of hairpin RNA of an endogenous fungal gene. This interference required high-level expression of the key RNA silencing gene, dicer-like 2 (dcl2), but not necessarily argonaute-like 2 (agl2). This study provides insight into broad-spectrum virus control. Viruses often coinfect single host organisms in nature. Depending on the combination of viruses in such coinfections, the interplay between them may be synergistic, apparently neutral with no effect on each other, or antagonistic. RNA silencing is responsible for many cases of interference or cross-protection between viruses, but such antagonistic interactions are usually restricted to closely related strains of the same viral species. In this study, we present an unprecedented example of RNA silencing-mediated one-way interference between unrelated viruses in a filamentous model fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica. The replication of Rosellinia necatrix victorivirus 1 (RnVV1; Totiviridae) was strongly impaired by coinfection with the prototypic member of the genus Mycoreovirus (MyRV1) or a mutant of the prototype hypovirus (Cryphonectria hypovirus 1, CHV1) lacking the RNA silencing suppressor (CHV1-Δp69). This interference was associated with marked transcriptional induction of key genes in antiviral RNA silencing, dicer-like 2 (dcl2) and argonaute-like 2 (agl2), following MyRV1 or CHV1-Δp69 infection. Interestingly, the inhibition of RnVV1 replication was reproduced when the levels of dcl2 and agl2 transcripts were elevated by transgenic expression of a hairpin construct of an endogenous C. parasitica gene. Disruption of dcl2 completely abolished the interference, whereas that of agl2 did not always lead to its abolishment, suggesting more crucial roles of dcl2 in antiviral defense. Taken altogether, these results demonstrated the susceptible nature of RnVV1 to the antiviral silencing in C. parasitica activated by distinct viruses or transgene-derived double-stranded RNAs and provide insight into the potential for broad-spectrum virus control mediated by RNA silencing.
Isolated pancreatic tuberculosis masquerading as pancreatic cancer

Isolated pancreatic tuberculosis (TB) remains a rarity despite the high incidence of tuberculosis in many of the African and Asian countries. Presentation as discrete pancreatic mass often masquerades as pancreatic neoplasm and diagnosis may require histology. Extra-hepatic portal hypertension due to splenic vein thrombosis complicating pancreatic TB has been reported in the literature. We report here a case of isolated pancreatic TB with pancreatic head mass mimicking neoplasm with extra-hepatic portal hypertension. The possibility of TB should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses of pancreatic mass and an endoscopic, ultrasound-guided biopsy might help to clinch the diagnosis of this potentially curable disease.
Reattack of a Certificateless Aggregate Signature Scheme with Constant Pairing Computations

A new attack against a novel certificateless aggregate signature scheme with constant pairing computations is presented. To enhance security, a new certificateless signature scheme is proposed first. Then a new certificateless aggregate signature scheme with constant pairing computations based on the new certificateless signature scheme is presented. Security analysis shows that the proposed certificateless aggregate signature scheme is provably secured in the random oracle.
Atypical histological features of ulcerative colitis.

INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is based on combination of clinical, endoscopic and pathological findings. However cases have been reported showing atypical endoscopic and histological features in ulcerative colitis. Hence the objective of this study was to determine the atypical features of new onset ulcerative colitis in adult population. METHODS A total 110 newly diagnosed cases of ulcerative colitis were enrolled in the study over a period of five years. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made by correlating clinical, endoscopic and histological features. Biopsies from representative areas were processed routinely. Endoscopic and histological evaluation was carried out for atypical features. RESULTS Majority of the patients (75.4%) were between 21-50 years of age with male to female ratio of 2.2:1. A significant number of patients showed atypical endoscopic findings in the form of rectal sparing in 12 (10.9%) and skip lesions in 24 (21.8%) patients. Atypical features noted on histology included normal surface epithelium in 8 (7.3%), predominant polymorphs in 42 (38%), predominant eosinophils in 7 (6.3%), normal crypt architecture in 1 (0.9%) and well preserved goblet cells in 30 (28%) cases. CONCLUSION A significant number of patients with new onset ulcerative colitis showed atypical pattern of disease endoscopically as well as histologically. Pathologists should be aware of these atypical findings in cases of ulcerative colitis so as to avoid misdiagnosis.
Emerging drugs for Cushing’s disease

Introduction: Considering the effects of uncontrolled hypercortisolism on morbidity and mortality, there is a clear need for effective medical therapy for patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). Therefore, the search for new medical effective tools remains active, and already promising results have been obtained. Areas covered: The importance of the design and conduct of trials to validate old drugs or to test new compounds is discussed. The results of the ongoing clinical trials, targeting the specific properties of drugs, such as ketoconazole, LCI699, mifepristone, etomidate and pasireotide, are also reported. The authors also emphasise the advantages and drawbacks of each particular drug, and the potential combined use of agents with complementary mechanisms of action. Expert opinion: CD is an excellent example of a situation where effective therapy is essential, but where the balance of risk and benefit must be carefully judged. Metyrapone is the drug of choice when rapid control of the hypercortisolaemia is required, ketoconazole represents a good second-line drug, although in the future LCI699 may be a better alternative. Mifepristone can also be used in the rare situation when previous drugs are inappropriate. Etomidate is useful where immediate parenteral action is required. For drugs working directly on the pituitary, cabergoline is occasionally effective and pasireotide can be attempted in patients with mild CD.
The superovulated environment, independent of embryo vitrification, results in low birthweight in a mouse model†

Abstract Epidemiological studies suggest that babies born following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fresh embryo transfer are of lower birthweight than babies born following frozen embryo transfer, although the mechanism responsible for this phenotype is not known.We developed a novel mouse model that isolates the independent effects of embryo freezing and the superovulated environment, which cannot be performed in humans. We transferred blastocysts that had been vitrified and warmed, mixed with with fresh blastocysts, into individual pseudopregnant recipients produced by either natural mating or mating following injection with equine chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin and hCG (superovulation). We found that superovulation of the recipient dams led to significantly lower fetal weight at term while blastocyst vitrification had no significant effect on fetal weight (1.43 ± 0.24 g fresh-natural, 1.30 ± 0.28 g vitrified-natural vs. 1.09 ± 0.20 fresh-superovulated, 0.93 ± 0.23 g vitrified-superovulated, P < 0.0001). Doppler ultrasound revealed increased median umbilical artery resistance in the placentae of near-term dams exposed to superovulation compared to naturally mated dams (0.927 vs 0.904, P = 0.02). Additionally, placental microvascular density was lower in superovulated compared to naturally mated dams (1.24 × 10-3 vessel/micron vs 1.46 × 10-3 vessels/micron, P = 0.046). Gene expression profiling suggested alterations in fetal genes involved in glucorticoid regulation. These results suggest a potential mechanism for altered birthweight following superovulation in our model and may have implications for human IVF. Summary Sentence Mouse pups born to recipients exposed to eCG and hCG prior to implantation are of a lower birthweight and have altered placenta vasculature, regardless of whether the pups arose from blastocysts that had been vitrified-warmed or transferred fresh.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose colistin in the treatment for infections caused by multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria

Infections due to multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria (MDR‐GNB) are a significant burden to the healthcare system globally. Colistin is the drug of choice for MDR‐GNB and recent studies recommend high doses. This study investigated the safety of low‐dose colistin and the relationship of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin with bacterial cure in the treatment for MDR‐GNB infections.
Immunotherapy of ovarian carcinoma. An experimental model

The specificity of a tumor antigen of an experimental ovarian carcinoma was determined by immunofluorescence, cytotoxicity, and immunoelectro‐phoresis using an absorbed heterologous tumor antiserum. Tumor controls and normal rabbit sera controls were compared to tumor antiserum‐treated recipients. Tumor control animals died by the 36th day after tumor transplantation. Normal rabbit serum was shown to contain a natural antibody which prolonged survival. Treatment with unabsorbed tumor antiserum in vitro led to 100% survival; 24 hours after tumor transplantation 30–40% survival; 48 hours after tumor transplantation 50%; and when animals with advanced disease were treated from the 4th‐8th day with daily injections this resulted in 30% long‐term survivors. The intraperitoneal administration of tumor antiserum allows for direct binding with tumor cells without dilution in the circulation and at a reduced risk of nonspecific binding in critical organs and demonstrates the efficacy of serologic immunotherapy.