Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discriminatory sonographic criteria for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Sonographic examination of the median nerve has been suggested as a useful alternative to electrophysiologic study in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. To determine its usefulness and the best diagnostic criterion, sonograms of patients with the disease were compared with sonograms of healthy subjects in a case-control study. METHODS Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and asymptomatic controls who were matched for age and sex were enrolled and underwent sonography of the wrists. Eight separate sonographic criteria were analyzed in each wrist. Data from the patient group and the control group were compared to establish optimal diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome, using receiver operating characteristic analytic techniques. RESULTS Thirty-five patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 35 asymptomatic controls were examined. Increased cross-sectional area of the median nerve was found to be the most predictive measure of carpal tunnel syndrome, proximal to the tunnel inlet, at the tunnel inlet, and at the tunnel outlet, with significant differences between patients and controls. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, a cut-off value >0.098 cm(2) at the tunnel inlet provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 83%. CONCLUSION Sonographic measurement of the median nerve cross-sectional area is both sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
AMSH‐mediated deubiquitination of Cx43 regulates internalization and degradation of gap junctions

Gap junctions (GJs) are specialized cell‐cell contacts formed by connexins (Cxs), which provide direct intercellular communication between eukaryotic cells. Although Cx43 has long been known to be a substrate for ubiquitination, the reversal of this modification by deubiquitylases (DUBs) has never been described. Here we report that the DUB‐associated molecule with the SH3 domain of STAM (AMSH) interacts with Cx43 and mediates its deubiquitination. In this study, we demonstrate that Cx43 is modified with lysine 63‐linked polyubiquitin chains and that these increase the interaction between Cx43 and AMSH. We also show that AMSH is recruited to GJ plaque sites at the plasma membrane, where it mediates the deubiquitination of Cx43. Using siRNA depletion or overexpression of a catalytically inactive mutant of AMSH, we show that by decreasing Cx43 deubiquitination, both the internalization and degradation rate of Cx43 are increased. Overall, these data strongly suggest that AMSH‐mediated deubiquitination of Cx43 protects GJs from degradation. —Ribeiro‐Rodrigues, T. M. , Catarino, S. , Marques, C. , Ferreira, J. V. , Martins‐Marques, T. , Pereira, P., Girão, H. , AMSH‐mediated deubiquitination of Cx43 regulates internalization and degradation of gap junctions. FASEB J. 28, 4629–4641 (2014). www.fasebj. org
The embodied rhetoric of consumerist activism through the lens of conceptual metaphor theory: An exploratory study and research perspectives

This article provides an analysis of the militant rhetoric used by consumer activist movements through the lens of conceptual metaphor theory (CMT). This theory, developed in the field of cognitive linguistics, highlights the fact that our metaphorical language is not only literal. It also orders our thoughts and actions. We begin by demonstrating the extent to which this theory is useful in developing a detailed understanding of consumer activist movements when compared to other conceptual approaches. Specifically, CMT makes it possible to better identify how actors experience their militant activities. We then conduct a virtual ethnographic study to examine the content of verbal and non-verbal communication produced and published online by activists. Various cases of real consumerist activism are studied through the metaphorical language used by these activists. The results of our observations enable us to identify those aspects of activism that are emphasised to consumers with a view to informing and persuading them. Finally, we discuss the conceptual and methodological perspectives stemming from this research.
Selective Retina Therapy in Patients With Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Pilot Study: Erratum

In the article ''Selective Retina Therapy in Patients With Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Pilot Study'', which appeared in Volume 95, Issue 3 of Medicine, Dr. Theisen-Kunde's and Dr. Brinkmann's names were originally presented incorrectly. The article has since been corrected online.
Cyanide Toxicity to Burkholderia cenocepacia Is Modulated by Polymicrobial Communities and Environmental Factors

Microbes within polymicrobial communities can establish positive and negative interactions that have the potential to influence the overall behavior of the community. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) can co-exist in the lower airways, however several studies have shown that P. aeruginosa can effectively kill the Bcc in vitro, for which hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was recently proposed to play a critical role. Here we show that modification of the environment (i.e., culture medium), long-term genetic adaptation of P. aeruginosa to the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung, or the addition of another bacterial species to the community can alter the sensitivity of Burkholderia cenocepacia to P. aeruginosa toxins. We specifically demonstrate that undefined rich media leads to higher susceptibility of B. cenocepacia to P. aeruginosa toxins like cyanide as compared to a synthetic medium (SCFM), that mimics the CF lung nutritional content. Overall, our study shows that the polymicrobial environment can have profound effects on negative interactions mediated by P. aeruginosa against B. cenocepacia. In fact, evolved P. aeruginosa or the presence of other species such as Staphylococcus aureus can directly abolish the direct competition mediated by cyanide and consequently maintaining a higher level of species diversity within the community.
Heparin and LMWH 809 Biochemistry and mechanism of action

Heparin is one of the oldest biological drugs in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis. Following its discovery in 1916 and early clinical trials in the 1930s and 1940s, it became the mainstay of prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the 1980s the development of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) extended and enhanced the usefulness of this class of drug, and for many indications LMWH has replaced its parent compound. In this review the chemical characteristics, mechanism of action, measurement of anticoagulant activities, and clinical status of heparin and LMWH will be described.
Mastitis Produced Experimentally In a Cow With An Agent Of The Psittacosis-Lymphogranuloma Group Of Viruses.

Th e psittacosis lymphogranuloma group of viruses has wide distribution, being implicated as the cause in various acute and chronic diseases in man, domestic animals and birds. These viruses are large, often classified with the Rickettsia, and are characterized by production of elementary bodies in infected tissues. The psittacosis virus, the first member of the psittacosis-lymphogranuloma group to be isolated, produces serious illness in psittacine birds and man. It may also be harboured by apparently-healthy psittacine and nonpsittacine birds. Psittacosis or ornithosis, as it is known in non-psittacine birds, has become an important hazard in turkeys and the infection may be contracted by persons through contact with aerosols from these birds or their tissues in packing plants. Viruses morphologically and immunologically related to the avian strains have been isolated from apparently healthy as well as from sick mice, hamsters, rats, opossums, cattle, sheep, pigs, ferrets and dogs. These viruses have this common characteristic that may persist for long periods in carrier animals producing no visible clinical symptom. Convalescent animals may also become carriers. When, however, the balance between the host and the parasite is altered under conditions of stress such as crowding, chilling, malnutrition, or intensive breeding, etc., then the acute disease may develop and the animal become clinically ill. The virus may be spread to other non-immune individuals particularly to young animals and birds, through droplet in-
Thrombotic Microangiopathy after Lung Transplantation

Background. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a well-recognized complication after transplantation. The purpose of this study was to describe our center’s experience with this complication after lung transplantation. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed cases of TMA among patients who underwent lung transplantation between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2003 (n=257). The cases were characterized and the outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were constructed to identify potential risk factors for TMA. Results. Twenty-four cases of TMA developed in 20 recipients. Thirteen cases occurred in the setting of another illness and 11 cases were isolated complications. Multivariate Cox regression models identified female gender, history of TMA, and the immunosuppressive regimen as independent predictors of TMA. Maintenance immunosuppression with the combination of a calcineurin inhibitor and sirolimus carried a significantly higher risk of TMA than a calcineurin inhibitor alone. After the diagnosis of TMA, calcineurin inhibitors were stopped in 18 cases; however, in 6 cases in which the onset of TMA coincided with the addition of sirolimus to a calcineurin inhibitor, only sirolimus was discontinued. Plasmapheresis was performed for severe cases (n=10). TMA remitted in all cases, and an alternate calcineurin inhibitor was introduced in 14 cases. TMA recurred in 4 recipients, a median 253 days after the initial episode. The median survival after the onset of TMA was 377 days. Conclusion. TMA is a serious complication after lung transplantation, and the risk is highest when sirolimus is used in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor.
Benefits of diversity, communication costs, and public opinion dynamics

We study the dynamics of public opinion in a model where agents change their opinions as a result of random binary encounters if the opinion difference is below their individual thresholds that evolve over time. We ground these thresholds in a simple individual cost-benefit analysis with linear benefits of diversity and quadratic communication costs. We clarify and deepen the results of earlier continuous-opinion dynamics models (Deffuant et al., Adv Complex Systems 2000, 3, 87–98; Weisbuch et al., Complexity 2002, 7, 55–63) and establish several new results regarding the patterns of opinions in the asymptotic state and the cluster formation time. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009
Expression and Composition of Design Patterns with AspectJ

Design patterns are well-known couples of problems-solutions for software engineer- ing. By nature, they often lack support from languages and this further complicates the study of their composition in the code. Aspect-oriented languages provide new mechanisms for modula- rization, which can help to improve design patterns implementation. (Hannemann et al., 2002) is the first extensive study of patterns aspectization with AspectJ. We notice some AspectJ idioms are needed in order to implement object relationships. We give a more reusable VISITOR pat- tern. We highlight a reusable composition of COMPOSITE and VISITOR patterns and expressive interactions of the OBSERVER pattern with a tree structure. We thus show that modularization by aspects helps composition of design patterns.
Life Satisfaction of Cross-Border Marriage Migrants in South Korea: Exploring the Social Network Effects

This study examines the recent phenomenon of “cross-border marriage” in South Korea: foreign brides migrating into Korea to get married to Korean bachelors. Using data from the National Survey of Multicultural Families 2009, one of the biggest data sets on marriage migrants, we analyze how the difference in migrants’ initial methods of entry affects the level of their life satisfaction. The findings show greater life satisfaction for those who used personal social networks, when compared with those who used commercial brokers as a method of entry. The analyses also reveal the importance of current social networks and their role in moderating the effect of the initial methods of entry after a prolonged period of residence.
Leptin receptor (Ob-R) mRNA expression and serum leptin concentration in patients with colorectal and metastatic colorectal cancer

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of leptin on the progression of colorectal carcinoma to metastatic disease by analyzing the serum leptin concentration and Ob-R gene expression in colon cancer tissues. Tissue samples were obtained from 31 patients who underwent surgical resection for colon (18 cases) and metastatic colon (13 cases) cancer. Serum leptin concentration was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Ob-R mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for both groups. ELISA data were analyzed by the Student t-test and RT-PCR data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test. RT-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA expression of Ob-R in human metastatic colorectal cancer was higher than in local colorectal cancer tissues. On the other hand, mean serum leptin concentration was significantly higher in local colorectal cancer patients compared to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The results of the present study suggest a role for leptin in the progression of colon cancer to metastatic disease without weight loss. In other words, significantly increased Ob-R mRNA expression and decreased serum leptin concentration in patients with metastatic colon cancer indicate that sensitization to leptin activity may be a major indicator of metastasis to the colon tissue and the determination of leptin concentration and leptin gene expression may be used to aid the diagnosis.
Decaying two-dimensional turbulence in square containers with no-slip or stress-free boundaries

We report results of direct numerical simulations of decaying two-dimensional (2D) turbulence inside a square container with rigid boundaries. It is shown that the type of boundary condition (no-slip or stress-free) determines the flow evolution essentially. During the initial (0⩽t⩽0.2Re) and intermediate (0.2Re⩽t⩽3Re) stages of decaying 2D turbulence (t≅1 is comparable with an eddy turnover time, Re is the Reynolds number of the flow), the decay scenario for simulations with no-slip boundary conditions can be understood from turbulent spectral transfer and selective decay. A third mechanism can be recognized for t⩾3Re: A decay stage where diffusion dominates over nonlinear advection, i.e., spectral transfer is then absent in favor of self-similar decay. The present results show that at presently accessible Reynolds numbers and computation times, laboratory experiments cannot be accurately compared with quasi-stationary states from ideal maximum-entropy theories or with computed solutions of flows in cont.
Explaining the Diversity Deficit: Value-Trait Consistency in News Exposure and Democratic Citizenship

Although scholars consider it important for citizens to seek diverse information to optimize citizenship, a growing body of research suggests that many people predominantly expose themselves to information that confirms their previous beliefs. Using four waves of survey data from an online panel of 2,450 Americans, this study explores a disconnect between information values and practices to identify (1) whether citizens exemplify the diversity-seeking values endorsed in communication scholarship, (2) whether individuals who hold diversity-seeking values enact these values, and (3) whether diversity-seeking values and traits are emblematic of good democratic citizenship. Results suggest that nearly half of respondents either did not hold diversity-seeking values or failed to actualize the values they expressed. Individuals who held diversity-seeking values were more politically knowledgeable and more likely to have voted in 2014, regardless of their diversity-seeking traits.
Increased generation of superoxide by angiotensin II in smooth muscle cells from resistance arteries of hypertensive patients: role of phospholipase D-dependent NAD(P)H oxidase-sensitive pathways

Objective We tested the hypothesis that increased responsiveness of phospholipase D (PLD) to angiotensin II (Ang II) is associated with increased oxidative stress and exaggerated growth responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from untreated essential hypertensive patients. Design VSMCs from peripheral resistance arteries of normotensive and hypertensive subjects were studied. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured with the fluoroprobe 5-(and 6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCFDA). PLD and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) oxidase were assessed with the inhibitors, dihydro-d-erythro-sphingosine (sphinganine) and diphenylene iodinium (DPI), respectively, and protein kinase C (PKC) effects were determined using chelerythrine chloride and calphostin C. PLD activity was measured by the transphosphatidylation assay. Results Ang II increased the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence signal, derived predominantly from H2O2. Ang II-induced generation of DPI-inhibitable ROS was significantly enhanced in cells from hypertensives compared with normotensives (Emax = 72 ± 2 versus 56.9 ± 1.8 fluorescence units, P < 0.01). PLD inhibition attenuated Ang II-induced ROS generation, with greater effects in the hypertensive group than the normotensive group (Δ = 42 ± 3.3 versus 21 ± 2 units). PKC inhibition partially decreased Ang II-elicited signals. Ang II-stimulated PLD activity and DNA and protein synthesis were significantly greater in cells from hypertensives than normotensives. These effects were normalized by DPI and sphinganine. Conclusions Our results suggest that in essential hypertension enhanced oxidative stress and augmented growth-promoting actions of Ang II are associated with increased activation of PLD-dependent pathways. These processes may contribute to vascular remodeling in hypertension.
NKG2D-Dependent IL-17 Production by Human T Cells in Response to an Intracellular Pathogen1

We studied the factors that control IL-17 production in human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. CD4+ cells from healthy tuberculin reactors produced IL-17 in response to autologous M. tuberculosis-stimulated monocytes, and most IL-17+ cells were Ag experienced, CD4+CD62L−. IL-17 production by CD4+ cells was inhibited by anti-IL-23, but not by Abs to IL-1, IL-6, or TGF-β. Anti-NKG2D reduced IL-17 production and the frequency of CD4+CD62− IL-17+ cells, suggesting that NKG2D stimulates IL-17 production. CD4+NKG2D+ cells did not produce IL-17. Monocytes and alveolar macrophages from healthy donors produced IL-23 in response to M. tuberculosis. Addition of CD4+ cells markedly enhanced IL-23 production by M. tuberculosis-stimulated monocytes, and this was inhibited by anti-NKG2D and by Abs to UL-16 binding protein (ULB)1, a ligand for NKG2D on APCs. We conclude that binding of NKG2D to UL-16 binding protein (ULB)1 contributes to IL-23-dependent IL-17 production by CD4+ cells in human M. tuberculosis infection.
Adverse Outcomes in Younger Rib Fracture Patients

Background: Recent studies on the impact of rib fractures after blunt trauma have shown a linear relationship between age, increasing number of rib fractures, and complications, including mortality. Others have documented that age-related morbidity increases before age 65 in trauma patients. We hypothesize that patients as young as age 45 demonstrate increased morbidity with injuries similar to older patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study involving all blunt trauma patients with rib fractures, excluding those with severe head and abdominal injuries and those dying within 24 hours, admitted between January 2001 and December 2004. Outcome parameters included pulmonary complications, ICU length of stay, hospital and ICU length of stay, Injury Severity Score (ISS), number of vent days, number of rib fractures, mechanism of injury, and discharge disposition. Results: Of the 3,094 patients admitted, 307 met the inclusion criteria (9.9%). Based on statistical analysis of age, number of rib fractures, and adverse outcome variables, patients were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: younger than 44 years old with 1 to 4 rib fractures, Group 2: younger than 44 years with greater than 4 rib fractures, Group 3: 45 years or older with 1 to 4 rib fractures, and Group 4: 45 years or older with more than 4 rib fractures. Age groups and outcome variables were compared with chi-square, analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. Respiratory failure, pneumonia, and associated thoracic injuries were increased in Group 4 patients compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Mortality and length of stay were not different between groups. Conclusions: Patients as young as 45 with more than 4 rib fractures are at increased risk for adverse outcomes. Efforts to improve outcomes in rib fracture patients should focus not only on elderly patients, but on those as young as 45 years. Based on these data, we established a rib fracture clinical pathway focusing on patients 45 years and older with more than 4 rib fractures.
Controversies in the determination of energy requirements

To avoid any negative outcomes associated with under- or overfeeding it is essential to estimate nutrient requirements before commencing nutrition support. The energy requirements of an individual vary with current and past nutritional status, clinical condition, physical activity and the goals and likely duration of treatment. The evidence-base for prediction methods in current use, however, is poor and the equations are thus open to misinterpretation. In addition, most methods require an accurate measurement of current weight, which is problematic in some clinical situations. The estimation of energy requirements is so challenging in some conditions, e.g. critical illness, obesity and liver disease, that it is recommended that expenditure be measured on an individual basis by indirect calorimetry. Not only is this technique relatively expensive, but in the clinical setting there are several obstacles that may complicate, and thus affect the accuracy of, any such measurements. A review of relevant disease-specific literature may assist in the determination of energy requirements for some patient groups, but the energy requirements for a number of clinical conditions have yet to be established. Regardless of the method used, estimated energy requirements should be interpreted with care and only used as a starting point. Practitioners should regularly review the patient and reassess requirements to take account of any major changes in clinical condition, nutritional status, activity level and goals of treatment. There is a need for large randomised controlled trials that compare the effects of different levels of feeding on clinical outcomes in different disease states and care settings.
The CHARGE Association in a Male Newborn Infant

a constellation of malformations with the mnemonic of CHARGE: C-coloboma, H-heart disease, Rretarded growth and/or development, G-genital hypoplasia, and E-ear anomalies and/or deafness. Gleft lip was subsequently added to this list. We report the case of a male infant with the CHARGE association diagnosed in the neonatal period to illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas posed by a newborn with this set of malformations.