Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Activated Factor VII (rFVIIa) Acutely Normalizes Prothrombin Time in Patients with Cirrhosis During Bleeding from Oesophageal Varices

Background: Patients with cirrhosis have low levels of coagulation factors, the most pronounced deficiency being that of FVII. This may compromise haemostasis during bleeding from ruptured oesophageal varices. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of rFVIIa on prothrombin time in cirrhosis patients with ongoing variceal bleeding. Safety, including signs of DIC, was monitored. Methods: The study is a single centre, open-label trial. Ten consecutive patients with known alcoholic cirrhosis and oesophageal variceal bleeding were included. The patients received routine treatment, including Terlipressin. Each patient received one i.v. injection of rFVIIa (80 µg/kg bw). The study observation time was 12 h per patient. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48 years (8 men and 2 women). The cirrhosis was classified as Child B in 5 patients and Child C in 5. At baseline, all patients had prothrombin time levels above the normal range, and all but one had FVII coagulation activity (FVII:C) levels below the normal range. rFVIIa normalized the prothrombin time in all patients within 30 min. The effect lasted for more than 4 h in 7 patients, and for about 2 h in the remaining 3 patients. Immediate bleeding control was obtained in all patients, and no patient died within the study time. There was no sign of DIC. Conclusions: rFVIIa is effective in transiently reversing the prolonged prothrombin time in cirrhosis patients with haematemesis from varices. This indicates a potential of improving haemostasis and survival in patients with compromised coagulation due to liver disease.
Does Imaging Technology Cause Cancer? Debunking the Linear No-Threshold Model of Radiation Carcinogenesis

In the past several years, there has been a great deal of attention from the popular media focusing on the alleged carcinogenicity of low-dose radiation exposures received by patients undergoing medical imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography scans, and nuclear medicine scintigraphy. The media has based its reporting on the plethora of articles published in the scientific literature that claim that there is “no safe dose” of ionizing radiation, while essentially ignoring all the literature demonstrating the opposite point of view. But this reported “scientific” literature in turn bases its estimates of cancer induction on the linear no-threshold hypothesis of radiation carcinogenesis. The use of the linear no-threshold model has yielded hundreds of articles, all of which predict a definite carcinogenic effect of any dose of radiation, regardless of how small. Therefore, hospitals and professional societies have begun campaigns and policies aiming to reduce the use of certain medical imaging studies based on perceived risk:benefit ratio assumptions. However, as they are essentially all based on the linear no-threshold model of radiation carcinogenesis, the risk:benefit ratio models used to calculate the hazards of radiological imaging studies may be grossly inaccurate if the linear no-threshold hypothesis is wrong. Here, we review the myriad inadequacies of the linear no-threshold model and cast doubt on the various studies based on this overly simplistic model.
Serum ionized calcium in acute pancreatitis

Measurement of serum ionized calcium was performed daily for 7 days after admission in 8 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis. The results support the findings of our previous study that the most common cause of the low serum calcium often found in patients with this disease is a low serum albumin; when correction of serum calcium is made for hypo‐albuminaemia, most patients are found to be normocalcaemic. The occasional hypocalcaemia as shown by the ‘corrected’ serum calcium or by serum ionized calcium measurement is usually mild and transient, indicating that the normal homoeostatic mechanisms of the body can efficiently maintain the physiologically active fraction of the serum calcium within, or close to, the normal range. These findings explain the rarity of overt and subclinical tetany in acute pancreatitis. This study has shown that correction of serum calcium for albumin provides similar information to the direct measurement of serum ionized calcium. The value of ‘apparent’ hypocalcaemia in assessing severity of acute pancreatitis requires reappraisal, while greater attention should be directed towards the investigation and management of hypoalbuminaemia in this disease.
Substance Use Among College Students: Correlations with Intent to Graduate, Academic Integration, and Social Integration

Substance use is one of the greatest concerns for adolescents and emerging adults. The consequences of prolonged substance use can lead to physical, psychological, and financial consequences for those suffering from use as well as their loved ones. One consequence that has not been researched thoroughly is the association between substance use and the decision to leave higher education, which is a decision that could have lasting effects on former students’ ability to obtain satisfactory employment in the future. This research looks at substance use and variables that are associated with the decision to leave college, which are derived from Tinto’s theory of student attrition. These variables are social and academic integration. Researchers used the Drug Use Screening Inventory and the Institutional Integration Scale to obtain data from 169 undergraduate college students from an introductory psychology course. Researchers hypothesized that there would be a negative relationship between substance use and academic integration. The results found were partially supportive of the hypotheses. The implications of these results as well as future directions for research are discussed. Substance Use Among College Students: Correlations with Intent to Graduate, Academic Integration, and Social Integration A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the Graduate School Abilene Christian University In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science Psychology By Cecilia Mignon Clowdus
Dust concentrations and respiratory risks in coalminers: key risk estimates from the British Pneumoconiosis Field Research

To help inform the setting of dust control standards in coalmines, this brief review summarises the most recent and reliable exposure-response relations, for damaging respiratory effects, derived from the Pneumoconiosis Field Research (PFR). Collecting data over 38 years in the British coal industry, this was a programme of prospective research on the respiratory health of coal miners, characterised by regular health surveys and detailed measurements of dust and silica concentrations in the workplace. Exposure-response relations are presented for coal workers’ simple pneumoconiosis category II, progressive massive fibrosis, defined deficits of lung function (FEV1), and category II silicosis. This simplified overview provides a guide to the most recent and most reliable estimates from the PFR of dust-related risks of substantial pulmonary disease, and to the magnitude of the effects. Control of dust sufficient to prevent category II simple pneumoconiosis should prevent most cases of progressive massive fibrosis and most dust related large lung function deficits. Where the dust contains high proportions of silica, control to low levels is essential, and even quite brief excursions of silica to high levels must be avoided.
Lessons Learned from Public and Private Contract Managers for Effective Local Government Contracting Out: The Case of New Jersey

ABSTRACT To date, very few studies have explored practical strategies for exercising effective financial management of local government contracts through two main stakeholders’ perspectives of the contracting system at the same time. Employing a series of semi-structured interviews with public officials and private contractors in New Jersey, this study attempts to fill this gap in the scholarship. The finding of this study suggests that government agencies should pay greater attention to competitive bids without favoritism, contract specificity, a statewide performance database, sufficient staffing with well-trained personnel, strong leadership, team-based structures, two-way communication, and evaluation based on both qualitative and quantitative values.
Chronic Small Bowel Diarrhea Due to Granulomatous Duodenitis by Leishmania in two Dogs

Canine gastrointestinal infection by Leishmania presenting large bowel involvement has been reported to date. This case series describes two dogs suffering from severe chronic small bowel diarrhea. Duodenal biopsies demonstrated granulomatous infiltration with intracytoplasmatic corpuscles of Leishmania amastigotes. Furthermore one of the dogs was diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) based on the presence of multifocal dilation of intestinal crypts and hypoalbuminemia. To the author’s knowledge, PLE associated to canine granulomatous duodenitis by Leishmania had not been previously reported. Dogs were successfully treated with meglumine antimoniate for at least one month and allopurinol as a long-term single agent. These findings suggest that leishmaniosis should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs presenting chronic small bowel diarrhea or PLE, especially in endemic areas. Close monitoring of the dogs affected is highly recommended.
Polymorphisms of some cytokines and chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection.

AIM To study the relationship between the polymorphisms in some cytokines and the outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS Samples were obtained from 203 patients infected with HBV and/or HCV while donating plasma in 1987, and 74 controls were obtained from a rural area of North China. Antibodies to HBV or HCV antigens were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The presence of viral particles in the serum was determined by nested reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hepatocellular injury, as revealed by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase level, was detected by a Beckman LX-20 analyzer. DNA was extracted from blood cells. Then, the single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-2-330, IFN-gamma+874, IL-10-1082/-592 and IL-4-589 were investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR or sequence specific primer-PCR. RESULTS Persistent infection with HBV, HCV, and HBV/HCV coinfection was associated with IL-2-330 TT genotype and T allele, IFN-gamma+874 AA genotype, and IL-10-1082 AA genotype. The clinical outcome of HBV and/or HCV infection was associated with IL-2-330 TT genotype and T allele, IFN-gamma+874 AA genotype, and IL-10-1082 AA genotype. IL-2-330 GG genotype frequency showed a negative correlation with clinical progression, IL-10-1082 AA genotype frequency showed a positive correlation and IL-10-1082 AG genotype frequency showed a negative correlation with clinical progression. HCV RNA positive expression was associated with IL-10-1082 AA genotype and the A allele frequency. Abnormal serum ALT level was associated with IL-10-592 AC genotype frequency and IL-4-589 CC genotype, CT genotype, and the C allele. CONCLUSION These results suggest that polymorphisms in some cytokine genes influence persistent HBV and HCV infection, clinical outcome, HCV replication, and liver damage.
The VgrG Proteins Are “à la Carte” Delivery Systems for Bacterial Type VI Effectors*

Background: The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is involved in bacterial warfare. Results: Novel H1-T6SS-dependent toxins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa are identified using an in vitro bacterial killing assay. Conclusion: The newly identified toxins showed a requirement for specific VgrG proteins. Significance: VgrG proteins may represent an independent form of T6SS-dependent secretion, resembling the contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) system. The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a supra-molecular complex akin to bacteriophage tails, with VgrG proteins acting as a puncturing device. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa H1-T6SS has been extensively characterized. It is involved in bacterial killing and in the delivery of three toxins, Tse1–3. Here, we demonstrate the independent contribution of the three H1-T6SS co-regulated vgrG genes, vgrG1abc, to bacterial killing. A putative toxin is encoded in the vicinity of each vgrG gene, supporting the concept of specific VgrG/toxin couples. In this respect, VgrG1c is involved in the delivery of an Rhs protein, RhsP1. The RhsP1 C terminus carries a toxic activity, from which the producing bacterium is protected by a cognate immunity. Similarly, VgrG1a-dependent toxicity is associated with the PA0093 gene encoding a two-domain protein with a putative toxin domain (Toxin_61) at the C terminus. Finally, VgrG1b-dependent killing is detectable upon complementation of a triple vgrG1abc mutant. The VgrG1b-dependent killing is mediated by PA0099, which presents the characteristics of the superfamily nuclease 2 toxin members. Overall, these data develop the concept that VgrGs are indispensable components for the specific delivery of effectors. Several additional vgrG genes are encoded on the P. aeruginosa genome and are not linked genetically to other T6SS genes. A closer inspection of these clusters reveals that they also encode putative toxins. Overall, these associations further support the notion of an original form of secretion system, in which VgrG acts as the carrier.
Cultura e identidad sobre el consumo de drogas en los habitantes de la calle del municipio de Medellín

One of the most pressing social problems facing the city of Medellin inhabitant is the phenomenon of "street" and consumers of all kinds of substances, both chemical and behavioral and / or psychological; biopsicosocial this situation alters its evolution, becoming an obstacle to the scope of achievement and family, social, economic and employment objectives. The phenomenon of inhabitant "street" is multicausal and its high vulnerability and complexity, urgently required proposals at local, regional and national level so that there is a social change and that they redound in favor of these people who have lost everything and They found inhabiting the street because they have no resources to survive. The research seeks understanding and interpretation of the motivations of the street dweller to be in those conditions in the city of Medellin, leading him to build his identity, taking into account the scenarios in which it develops. Also provide some answers to such a felt need to live the city by providing accurate and current information to enable government agencies to legislate on the matter, because the problem is exacerbated each day by social factors that cross the city and the country as They are: the armed conflict and therefore, forced displacement, unemployment, migration, exclusion and increased consumption and distribution of psychoactive substances (SPA) and micro-trafficking. The method used to respond to the research proposal was qualitative, with the support of the Center for Public Opinion at the University of Medellin, with design life stories, using methodology individual depth interview, based on the dialogue, understanding and interpretation of the exclusion violated environment in which these people are immersed. The interview was conducted to fifty (50) "street people" over 25s, men and women, with most of those interviewed comorbidity, by use of legal and illegal psychoactive substances chemical order; but some of them also addicted to the behavioral and / or psychological. The findings of research on the reasons for habitability in the street and psychoactive substances (SPA), according to that mentioned by respondents were: family problems, emotional deprivation, forced displacement and loss of family, encouraging subject to achieving a quick identity to alleviate its shortcomings (emotional, tenure, membership) of a particular social group and thus overcome feelings of loneliness, abandonment and esteem.
Comparing Malta and USA police officers’ individual and organizational support on outcomes

This paper investigates the quality of support for police officers in the USA and Malta to use as protection against stress. The authors found a significantly different organizational work context for police officers doing the same tasks. Police officers in both countries would benefit from upskilling in psychological capital and police managers require upskilling in management training as a means of increasing support for police to reduce the impact of stress.
Potential Pediatric Applications of PET/MR

Medical imaging with multimodality and whole-body technologies has continuously improved in recent years. The advent of combined modalities such as PET/CT and PET/MR offers new tools with an exact fusion of molecular imaging and high-resolution anatomic imaging. For noninvasive pediatric diagnostics, molecular imaging and whole-body MR have become important, especially in pediatric oncology. Because it has a lower radiation exposure than PET/CT, combined PET/MR is expected to be of special use in pediatric diagnostics. This review focuses on possible pediatric applications of PET/MR hybrid imaging, particularly pediatric oncology and neurology but also the diagnosis of infectious or inflammatory diseases.
Changes in Renin, Water Balance, and Sodium Balance During Development of High Blood Pressure in Genetically Hypertensive Rats

In genetically hypertensive rats of the Milan hypertensive strain (MHS) and normoten-sive rats (NR) developed from the same Wistar stock colony, blood pressure (BP), plasma renin activity (PRA), sodium balance, and water balance were measured from the time of weaning to the seventh week postweaning in three separate but essentially identical experiments. In a fourth experiment, total and extracellular water, total sodium, and exchangeable sodium were measured in MHS and NR at 24 and 130 days of age. Although the time course of changes varied slightly between experiments, BP of both NR and MHS rose until the second and third weeks postweaning, at which time BP in MHS was 40 to 50 mm Hg higher than in NR. PRA in MHS was one-half that of NR at weaning. Increasing BP was accompanied by falling PRA in both, and PRA was not significantly different when stable, adult blood pressure was reached. Urinary volume in MHS was 50% to 100% greater (P < 0.001) than in NR at weaning and for a few days after. Sodium was retained to a greater extent by MHS during the period when the blood pressure difference develops, from weaning to the fourth week postweaning. This sodium retention (MHS = 97.0 ± 10.3, NR = 65.2 ± 6.8 SEμEq Na retained/g body weight gain; P < 0.005) is the result of significantly lower urinary excretion of dietary sodium by MHS. A causative role for the kidney is suggested in the establishment of high blood pressure in MHS.
Treatment of pythiosis in equine limbs using intravenous regional perfusion of amphotericin B.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of intravenous regional limb perfusion (IRLP) administration of amphotericin B in horses to treat pythiosis after surgical excision and thermocautery. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Horses (n = 12) with Pythium insidiosum infection of the distal aspect of the thoracic or pelvic limbs. METHODS After surgical excision of granulation tissue and thermocautery, 50 mg amphotericin B was administered by IRLP through a catheter placed in a superficial vein of the affected limb next to the lesion after placing a tourniquet above the injection site. The lesions and locomotor system were evaluated before treatment and at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 60 days. RESULTS Ninety-two percent of horses treated with amphotericin B had complete lesion resolution 35 or 60 days after 1 or 2 IRLP treatments, respectively. IRLP induced limb edema and pain during regional palpation in 42%, and inflammation of the injection site in 33% of horses; however these signs resolved after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS IRLP administration of amphotericin B was effective for treating pythiosis in equine limbs, resolving infection with manageable side effects.
Phase III placebo-controlled trial of capsaicin cream in the management of surgical neuropathic pain in cancer patients.

PURPOSE A minority of cancer survivors develops long-term postsurgical neuropathic pain. Based on evidence that capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in hot chili peppers, might be useful for treating neuropathic pain, we developed the present clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-nine assessable patients with postsurgical neuropathic pain were entered onto this study. After stratification, patients were to receive 8 weeks of a 0.075% capsaicin cream followed by 8 weeks of an identical-appearing placebo cream, or vice versa. A capsaicin/placebo cream was to be applied to the painful site four times daily. Treatment evaluation was performed by patient-completed weekly questionnaires. RESULTS During the first 8-week study period, the capsaicin-cream arm was associated with substantially more skin burning, skin redness, and coughing (P < .0001 for each). Nonetheless, treatment was stopped for patient refusal or toxicity just as often while patients were receiving the placebo as compared with the capsaicin. The capsaicin cream arm had substantially more pain relief (P = .01) after the first 8 weeks, with an average pain reduction of 53% versus 17%. On completion of the 16-week study period, patients were asked which treatment period was most beneficial. Of the responding patients, 60% chose the capsaicin arm, 18% chose the placebo arm, and 22% chose neither (P = .001). CONCLUSION A topical capsaicin cream decreases postsurgical neuropathic pain and, despite some toxicities, is preferred by patients over a placebo by a three-to-one margin among those expressing a preference.
Serum antibody in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans-infected patients with periodontal disease

This study was designed to (i) delineate the characteristics of serum antibody responses to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in patients with periodontitis who are infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans; irrespective of disease classification; (ii) assess the relationship of the elevated antibody levels to colonization of the oral cavity by A. actinomycetemcomitans; and (iii) describe the serotype distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans and antibodies to the microorganism in infected patients with various clinical classifications. To compare the levels of various isotype-specific antibodies to the different antigens, studies were performed that allowed quantitation of each isotype-specific antibody in a human reference standard. By using this reference standard, it was shown that the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA responses to A. actinomycetemcomitans were similar among the infected patients, irrespective of disease classification. Also, we demonstrated that the serum antibody response to serotype b was quantitatively greater in all isotypes. Our findings indicate that b was the most frequent A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype detected in the patients and appears to be capable of initiating a substantial serum IgG antibody response that may contain cross-reactive antibodies to other serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Generally, in cases in which the response to a single serotype was elevated, only that type of A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in the plaque. Individuals exhibiting elevated antibodies to multiple serotypes were most consistently colonized by the serotype b microorganism. This study represents the first report detailing the distribution of IgG subclass antibodies to A. actinomycetemcomitans in periodontal disease. The results demonstrated that the primary responses of patients with periodontitis to A. actinomycetemcomitans were of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses, which is consistent with elicited responses to protein antigens. In contrast, the primary subclass response in normal subjects was limited to the IgG2 subclass and may represent broader cross-reactivity to polysaccharide antigens-lipopolysaccharide from the bacteria.