Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissection with harmonic scalpel versus cold instruments in parotid surgery.

BACKGROUND The harmonic scalpel (HS) has been used successfully in several head and neck surgical procedures. Some authors highlighted its advantages in reducing operative time, blood loss, and damages to surrounding tissue. In our study, we compared the results obtained during parotidectomy using the HS with the traditional approach to determine the benefits of the HS. METHODS 130 patients with benign parotid tumors were enrolled and randomized into two groups for this prospective study. 63 patients underwent HS parotidectomy, and 67 patients received a parotidectomy using cold instruments and bipolar electrocautery hemostatic control (CI). 20 HS and 2 CI patients did not meet the inclusion criteria requirements, and were excluded. RESULTS The admission time was significantly shorter in the HS group than the CI group (3.9 ± 1.2 days and 4.7 ± 1.4 days, respectively, p < 0.01). In the early post-operative period, 84% of HS patients and 60% of CI cases showed no facial nerve impairment (p = 0.01). Significantly more CI patients than HS patients showed the onset of Frey's syndrome (29% and 9%, respectively, p = 0.01). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis confirmed the reduction in admission length (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.62; p = 0.02) and the lower risk of Frey's syndrome (OR: 0.29; p = 0.04) in HS compared to CI parotidectomies. CONCLUSIONS In parotid surgery, the HS is useful in preventing Frey's syndrome and reducing early transitory facial nerve dysfunction and admission times, and results in decreased medical costs and increased quality of life.
Genetic interactions of yeast NEP1 (EMG1), encoding an essential factor in ribosome biogenesis

Nep1 methylates the hypermodified ψ1191 base of 18S rRNA and has an additional essential function during ribosome biogenesis. It is strongly conserved in eukaryotes and a point mutation causes the human Bowen–Conradi syndrome. To identify Δnep1‐specific genetic interactions, viable deletions were screened genome‐wide (SGA). Due to its essential function, we used, for the first time, query strain (Δnep1) with two additive suppressor conditions (mcRPS19B, nop6‐1). Nep1 interacting genes correspond to ribosome biogenesis (RPS18A, RPS18B, RRP8, EFG1, UTP30), to ribosome quality control (UBP3, BRE5, UBP6) and to ribosome functional control (DOM34, no‐go decay). Deletions in ribosome quality and functional control genes were synthetically sick with Δnep1. They cope with malfunctions and the respective deletions strengthen the Δnep1 growth deficiency. Except for Δrps18b, deletions in the identified ribosome biogenesis genes were synthetically lethal with Δnep1. While the synthetic lethalities of Δrrp8 and Δefg1 may result from additive defects, the Δutp30 deletion seems to be in close functional relationship. The Δutp30 deletion itself has no phenotype but it enforced all nep1‐1ts mutant phenotypes. Furthermore, its overexpression partially restored the nep1‐1ts growth deficiency. Our genetic and biochemical data suggest that Utp30 and Nep1 act together during pre‐ribosomal complex formation and, along with Rps18, provide the surface for the Rps19 assembly to the 90S pre‐ribosome. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell binding function of E‐cadherin is regulated by the cytoplasmic domain.

Cadherins are a family of transmembrane glycoproteins responsible for Ca2+‐dependent cell‐cell adhesion. Their amino acid sequences are highly conserved in the cytoplasmic domain. To study the role of the cytoplasmic domain in the function of cadherins, we constructed expression vectors with cDNAs encoding the deletion mutants of E‐cadherin polypeptides, in which the carboxy terminus was truncated at various lengths. These vectors were introduced into L cells by transfection, and cell lines expressing the mutant E‐cadherin molecules were isolated. In all transfectants obtained, the extracellular domain of the mutant E‐cadherins was exposed on the cell surface, and had normal Ca2+‐sensitivity and molecular size. However, these cells did not show any Ca2+‐dependent aggregation, indicating that the mutant molecules cannot mediate cell‐cell binding. The mutant E‐cadherin molecules could be released from cells by nonionic detergents, whereas a fraction of normal E‐cadherin molecules could not be extracted with the detergent and appeared to be anchored to the cytoskeleton at cell‐cell junctions. These results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain regulates the cell‐cell binding function of the extracellular domain of E‐cadherin, possibly through interaction with some cytoskeletal components.
A Continuous Quality Improvement Program to Focus a College of Pharmacy on Programmatic Advancement

Objective. To enhance the achievement of a college of pharmacy’s goals for education, research, and service missions by implementing an excellence program based on the Studer Group model for continuous quality improvement. Methods. The Studer model was combined with university strategic planning for a comprehensive quality-improvement program that was implemented over 5 years. The program included identifying and measuring key performance indicators, establishing specific “pillar” goals, aligning behaviors with goals and values, and training leaders. Results. Assessment of key performance indicators over 5 years demonstrated progress toward achieving college goals for student and faculty satisfaction, research funding, numbers of students seeking formal postgraduate training, and private giving. Conclusions. Implementation of a continuous quality-improvement program based on the Studer program enabled the college to focus on and meet its yearly and strategic goals for all components of its mission.
Effectiveness of ofloxacin against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium, and rifampin against M. tuberculosis in cultured human macrophages.

Ofloxacin (OFL) is a new broad-spectrum drug with potentially valuable antimycobacterial activity. It was tested for ability to inhibit virulent tubercle bacilli (TB) and virulent Mycobacterium avium in cultured human macrophages (MP). The first-line antituberculosis drug rifampin (RMP) also was tested against TB in MP. The drugs were added to the MP cultures immediately after infection or 2 days later. Antimicrobial inhibition was measured by colony-forming-unit (cfu) counts of bacilli from lysed samples of the infected MP taken at zero, 4, and 7 days after infection. Drug inhibition of the bacteria in vitro in 7H9 broth also was measured. OFL showed the same minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.25 micrograms/ml against TB in vitro and in MP. At 2 micrograms/ml or more it killed TB in vitro and in MP. It was equally effective in MP against initially nonmultiplying TB and MP-established TB, which were multiplying exponentially in the MP. OFL had the same MIC in vitro against M. avium but was ineffective against both M. avium in MP and M. avium isolated directly from MP at as much as 8 micrograms/ml. The MIC for RMP against TB in MP was 0.1 microgram/ml, and TB in vitro 0.02 microgram/ml. At 0.5 microgram/ml or greater, it killed TB in MP. RMP killed TB in MP rapidly, whereas OFL killed them slowly. These results confirm initial clinical evidence, as published by others, that OFL should be a useful antituberculosis drug. However, they suggest that it may not be very effective against MA infections. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Design of integrated radial and dual axial-flux ferrite magnet synchronous machine

Recently, significant attention has been paid to the use of ferrite magnets in the main traction machines of electric vehicles/hybrid electric vehicles (EVs/HEVs). However, while ferrite magnets are advantageous in terms of cost, they provide poor magnetic performance in comparison to the neodymium (NdFeB) magnets used in high-performance, high-efficiency machines with high torque densities. To overcome this issue, the application of axial-flux structures (AFSs) to ferrite magnets has been proposed, and it is anticipated that the extended air gap area created when an AFS is used could compensate for their poor magnetic properties. As an additional countermeasure, we propose an integrated radial and dual axial-flux (IRDAF) structure that has one radial-flux gap and two axial-flux gaps. Evaluations performed using finite element analysis show that a machine designed with our proposed IRDAF structure would provide good performance in terms of output torque, efficiency, and irreversible demagnetization.
Scaling of adult regional body mass and body composition as a whole to height: Relevance to body shape and body mass index

Adult body mass (MB) empirically scales as height (Ht) squared (MB ∝ Ht2), but does regional body mass and body composition as a whole also scale as Ht2? This question is relevant to a wide range of biological topics, including interpretation of body mass index (BMI).
Upper extremities function in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of hemodialysis treatment on upper extremities functional ability. METHODS This study was carried out from June 2003 to March 2004 at Pamukkale University School of Physical Therapy, Denizli, Turkey. One hundred patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing hemodialysis treatment for at least 2 months participated in the study, and were compared with a control group (N=40 healthy subjects). The 100 patients were divided into 4 groups according to the length of hemodialysis duration: 19 patients dialyzing for less than one year (Group 1); 42 patients dialyzing for 1-4 years (Group 2); 21 patients dialyzing for 4.1-8 years (Group 3); 18 patients dialyzing for 8.1 or more years (Group 4). All participants were evaluated for range of motion by goniometry, muscle strength by manual muscle testing, sensation disturbances by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, static grip strength by hand dynamometer, and functional status of upper limbs by the Disabilities Arm Shoulder Hand Questionnaire (DASH-T). RESULTS The results showed that the patients with CRF had significantly more functional problems associated with CRF and hemodialysis treatment than the healthy controls. In addition to these results, the scores of the DASH-T also showed that the most independent group was the control group with a mean score of 0.72+/-0.86, whereas, the most dependent group was the 3rd group of the hemodialysis groups (mean score of 2.70+/-1.77). CONCLUSION Musculoskeletal or functional problems decreasing functional ability of the upper limbs are a common complaint in hemodialysis patients.
Racial Disparities in Living Kidney Donation: Is There a Lack of Willing Donors or an Excess of Medically Unsuitable Candidates?

Background. Live kidney donation is safe for healthy donors and an effective treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. Many potential donors are referred for live kidney donation, but only a small percentage donate. This study aims to determine reasons for nondonation and establish if racial differences exist. Methods. A retrospective database and chart review of all patients that were referred for potential live kidney donation from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004 was conducted. Results. In all, 30.3% of referred potential live kidney donors were lost to follow-up. Primary reasons for nondonation (n=1,050) included unsuitable donor health (43.1%) and recipient-based causes (41.3%). Immunologic incompatibility accounted for 9.7% of all nondonations. Racial differences indicated more African Americans had incompatible blood types (P=0.01) or ineligible recipients (26.7% vs. 14.4%, P<0.01). More non-African Americans donated (13.2% vs. 4.6%, P<0.01) or were halted because the potential recipient received another organ (living/cadaveric) (20.0% versus 7.9%), P<0.01). Nondonation due to overall donor health (including diabetes and hypertension) did not differ between races, but subanalysis indicated more African American nondonation was due to high body mass index (P=0.01). Conclusions. Determining the reason behind nondonation is a first step towards understanding low rates of live kidney donation. More African American donor referrals are lost to follow-up while rates of other reasons were similar among races. This may indicate that African Americans are not more frequently medically unsuitable, but that the divergence in rates of live kidney donation is caused by a disparity in willingness to donate among African Americans.
Parental Perspectives on a Pediatric Human Non-Subjects Biobank

Background: Genomic biorepositories will be important tools to help unravel the effect of common genetic variants on risk for common pediatric diseases. Our objective was to explore how parents would respond to the inclusion of children in an opt-out model biobank. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with parents in hospital-based pediatric clinics. Participants responded to a description of a biorepository already collecting samples from adults. Two coders independently analyzed and coded interviews using framework analysis. Opt-out forms were later piloted in a clinic area. Parental opt-out choices were recorded electronically, with opt-out rates reported here. Results: Parents strongly supported medical research in general and expressed a high level of trust that Vanderbilt University would keep their child's medical information private. Parents were more likely to allow their child's sample to be included in the biorepository than to allow their child to participate in a hypothetical study that would not help or harm their child but might help other children. Only a minority were able to volunteer a concern raised by the description of the biobank. The opt-out rate was initially high compared with the opt-out rate in the adult biorepository, but decreased after the first week to near the baseline in adult clinics. Conclusions: Parents in our study generally support an opt-out model biobank in children. Most would allow their own child's sample to be included. Institutions seeking to build pediatric biobanks may consider the human non-subjects model as a viable alternative to traditional human-subjects biobanks.
Mechanisms of cell death induced by suicide genes encoding purine nucleoside phosphorylase and thymidine kinase in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

For gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP)/fludarabine suicide gene system may be more useful than the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV‐tk/GCV) system as a result of a stronger bystander effect. To analyze the molecular mechanisms involved in PNP/fludarabine‐mediated cell death in human HCC cells in comparison with HSV‐tk/GCV, we transduced human HCC cells of the cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B, with PNP or HSV‐tk using adenoviral vectors, followed by prodrug incubation. Both systems predominantly induced apoptosis in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. PNP/fludarabine induced strong p53 accumulation and a more rapid onset of apoptosis in p53‐positive HepG2 cells as compared with p53‐negative Hep3B cells, but efficiency of tumor cell killing was similar in both cell lines. In contrast, HSV‐tk/GCV–induced apoptosis was reduced in p53‐negative Hep3B cells as compared with p53‐positive HepG2 cells. HSV‐tk/GCV, but not PNP/fludarabine, caused up‐regulation of Fas in p53‐positive HepG2 cells and of Fas ligand (FasL) in both HCC cell lines. These results demonstrate cell line–specific differences in response to treatment with PNP/fludarabine and HSV‐tk/GCV, respectively, and indicate that PNP/fludarabine may be superior to HSV‐tk/GCV for the treatment of human HCC because of its independence from p53 and the Fas/FasL system. (HEPATOLOGY 2001;34:511‐518.)
Less tachycardia in adults when using atropine 0.9 mg compared with 1.2 mg plus neostigmine 2.5 mg.

OBJECTIVE Compare the increase in heart rate in adults after 0.9 vs. 1.2 mg of atropine plus neostigmine 2.5 mg as the non-depolarizing muscle relaxant reversal agent. MATERIAL AND METHOD A randomized, double blind, controlled trial on 46 adults ASA I-II, undergoing elective gynecological or general surgery with balanced general anesthesia was performed. The subjects were randomized into two groups, After surgery, the study group received 0.9 mg of atropine, while the control group received 1.2 mg of atropine. Both groups received 2.5 mg of neostigmine simultaneously. RESULTS The heart rate and blood pressure were taken at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min after the injection. The increase in heart rate and blood pressure between the two groups were compared. The heart rate (at 3, 4, 5, and 6 min) of patients in the study group increased significantly less than that of patients in the control group. There was no significant difference in blood pressure between groups and no side effects occurred. CONCLUSION The authors conclude that 0.9 mg of atropine with 2.5 mg neostigmine can be safely used as the reversal agent for a non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, particularly in patients for whom any increase in heart rate would be harmful.
Ligand-dependent recruitment of the Arnt coregulator determines DNA recognition by the dioxin receptor

The intracellular basic region/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) dioxin receptor mediates signal transduction by dioxin (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) and functions as a ligand-activated DNA binding protein directly interacting with target genes by binding to dioxin response elements. Here we show that the partially purified, ligand-bound receptor alone could not bind target DNA. In contrast, DNA binding by the receptor could be induced by addition of a cytosolic auxiliary activity which functionally and biochemically corresponded to the bHLH factor Arnt. While Arnt exhibited no detectable affinity for the dioxin response element in the absence of the dioxin receptor, it strongly promoted the DNA binding function of the ligand-activated but not the ligand-free receptor forms. Arnt also functionally reconstituted in vitro the DNA binding activity of a mutant, nuclear translocation-deficient dioxin receptor phenotype in cytosolic extracts from a dioxin-resistant hepatoma cell line. Importantly, coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that Arnt physically interacted in solution with the ligand-activated dioxin receptor but failed to heterodimerize with the ligand-free, hsp90-associated receptor form. Mutational analysis suggested that the functional interaction between these two factors occurred via the bHLH motif of Arnt. These data suggest that dioxin receptor activity is governed by a complex pattern of combinatorial regulation involving repression by hsp90 and then by ligand-dependent recruitment of the positive coregulator Arnt. The dioxin receptor system also provides the first example of signal-controlled dimerization of bHLH factors.
Mechanisms of chlorophyllin anticarcinogenesis against aflatoxin B1: complex formation with the carcinogen.

Chlorophyllin (CHL), a food-grade derivative of the green plant pigment chlorophyll, has recently been shown in this laboratory to be a potent inhibitor in vivo of hepatic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-DNA adduction and hepatocarcinogenesis (Breinholt et al. (1995) Cancer Res. 55, 57-62). We report here that CHL forms a strong noncovalent complex with AFB1 in vitro (dissociation constant (Kd) by Scatchard analysis = 1.4 (+/- 0.4) microM based on copper chlorin content), which may contribute to its anticarcinogenic activity. Kd values for the related porphyrins chlorine e6, protoporphyrin IX, and zinc protoporphyrin IX were also of the same order of magnitude as that of the commercial CHL. Mole ratio analysis provided evidence that all porphyrins examined associate with AFB1 at an approximate one to one stoichiometric ratio. Energy minimization computer modeling of the complex indicates a favorable association energy of -20 kcal/mol, independent of oxidation state of the 8,9-double bond of AFB1. AFB1 incubated in vitro with liver microsomes in the presence of added CHL showed comparable levels of inhibition in the production of several phase 1 metabolites, including the postulated procarcinogenic metabolite AFB1 8,9-epoxide. Kinetic analysis of microsome-catalyzed AFB1-DNA adduction suggested a CHL inhibition constant near 10 microM chlorin. In vivo, addition of CHL to concentrated AFB1 solutions followed by gavage administration resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of hepatic AFB1-DNA adduction, whereas the same dosages of AFB1 and CHL incorporated into a single bolus of trout diet for gavage provided less protection at all CHL doses. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Effect of Forest Management Strategy on Carbon Storage and Revenue in Western Washington: A Probabilistic Simulation of Tradeoffs

The objectives of this study are to understand tradeoffs between forest carbon and timber values, and evaluate the impact of uncertainty in improved forest management (IFM) carbon offset projects to improve forest management decisions. The study uses probabilistic simulation of uncertainty in financial risk for three management scenarios (clearcutting in 45‐ and 65‐year rotations and no harvest) under three carbon price schemes (historic voluntary market prices, cap and trade, and carbon prices set to equal net present value (NPV) from timber‐oriented management). Uncertainty is modeled for value and amount of carbon credits and wood products, the accuracy of forest growth model forecasts, and four other variables relevant to American Carbon Registry methodology. Calculations use forest inventory data from a 1,740 ha forest in western Washington State, using the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS) growth model. Sensitivity analysis shows that FVS model uncertainty contributes more than 70% to overall NPV variance, followed in importance by variability in inventory sample (3–14%), and short‐term prices for timber products (8%), while variability in carbon credit price has little influence (1.1%). At regional average land‐holding costs, a no‐harvest management scenario would become revenue‐positive at a carbon credit break‐point price of $14.17/Mg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). IFM carbon projects are associated with a greater chance of both large payouts and large losses to landowners. These results inform policymakers and forest owners of the carbon credit price necessary for IFM approaches to equal or better the business‐as‐usual strategy, while highlighting the magnitude of financial risk and reward through probabilistic simulation.
Misinterpretation of facial expression: A cross‐cultural study

Accurately recognizing facial emotional expressions is important in psychiatrist‐versus‐patient interactions. This might be difficult when the physician and patients are from different cultures. More than two decades of research on facial expressions have documented the universality of the emotions of anger, contempt, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. In contrast, some research data supported the concept that there are significant cultural differences in the judgment of emotion. In this pilot study, the recognition of emotional facial expressions in 123 Japanese subjects was evaluated using the Japanese and Caucasian Facial Expression of Emotion (JACFEE) photos. The results indicated that Japanese subjects experienced difficulties in recognizing some emotional facial expressions and misunderstood others as depicted by the posers, when compared to previous studies using American subjects. Interestingly, the sex and cultural background of the poser did not appear to influence the accuracy of recognition. The data suggest that in this young Japanese sample, judgment of certain emotional facial expressions was significantly different from the Americans. Further exploration in this area is warranted due to its importance in cross‐cultural clinician–patient interactions.