Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of catecholamines and diazepam in chloroquine poisoning in barbiturate anaesthetised rats

The recommended treatment of human chloroquine poisoning is diazepam and adrenaline but neither has been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. We investi gated whether diazepam provided any added benefit over barbiturate anaesthesia and whether the protective effect of catecholamines in chloroquine poisoning was mediated through alpha or beta receptor stimulation. Rats, anaesthetised with thiobutobarbitone had a continuous intravenous infusion of 3 mg/kg/min of chlor oquine. This caused a steady decline in pulse rate and blood pressure. When diazepam (3 mg/kg iv) was admi nistered 5 -10 min later, heart rates decreased at a faster rate (P=0.005), blood pressure was consistently lower (P=0.01) and there was a shorter time to arrhythmias and death (P < 0.05). Adrenergic agents were given by titration to attempt to maintain mean blood pressure > 75 mmHg. Compared with the phenylephrine (selective alpha agonist) group, the group treated with isoprenaline (selective beta agonist) had faster heart rates which decreased more slowly (P < 0.0001), higher blood pressure (P=0.005) and longer time to arrhythmias and death (P=0.005). Adrenaline and noradrenaline had intermedi ate effects. Thus beta agonist effect appears to explain the beneficial effects of adrenaline but alpha agonist activity may be harmful. This animal work suggests that a combination of barbiturate anaesthesia and isoprenaline may be better than the diazepam and adrenaline in combatting the effects of chloroquine.
Interaction of SNARE Complexes with P/Q-type Calcium Channels in Rat Cerebellar Synaptosomes (*)

P- and Q-type calcium channels, which trigger rapid neurotransmitter release at many mammalian synapses, are blocked by -conotoxin MVIIC. I--Conotoxin MVIIC binding to rat cerebellar synaptosomes was not displaced by -conotoxins GVIA or MVIIA (K > 1 μM), which are selective for N-type calcium channels. Solubilized I--conotoxin MVIIC receptors were specifically recognized by antibodies directed against αA calcium channel subunits, proteins known to constitute a pore with P/Q-like channel properties. Antibodies against syntaxin 1, SNAP 25, and VAMP 2 (synaptobrevin) each immunoprecipitated a similar fraction (20-40%) of -conotoxin MVIIC receptors. Immunoprecipitation was not additive, suggesting that heterotrimeric (SNARE) complexes containing these three proteins interact with P/Q-type calcium channels. Immobilized monoclonal anti-syntaxin antibodies retained αA calcium channel subunits of 220, 180 and 160 kDa monitored by immunoblotting with site directed antibodies. Synaptotagmin was detected in channel-associated complexes, but not synaptophysin, Rab 3A nor rat cysteine string protein. Trimeric SNARE complexes are implicated in calcium-dependent exocytosis, a process thought to be regulated by synaptotagmin. Our results indicate that these proteins interact with P/Q-type calcium channels, which may optimize their location within domains of calcium influx.
The impact of diabetes on patient outcomes after ankle fracture.

BACKGROUND Ankle fracture is one of the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons, and the presence of diabetes complicates treatment and recovery from this injury. Although a higher prevalence of adverse postoperative events has been found in small series of diabetic patients with an ankle fracture, we are not aware of any large national series with specific documentation of the outcomes following ankle fracture in patients with diabetes. METHODS We analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for the years 1988 through 2000. Information regarding the hospitalizations of 160,598 adult patients with an ankle fracture who underwent subsequent surgical procedures was extracted from the database. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to ascertain whether patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely than patients without diabetes mellitus to die while in the hospital, to have in-hospital postoperative complications, to stay longer in the hospital, to have a higher incidence of non-routine discharge, and to have a higher total cost associated with the hospital stay. RESULTS Significant increases in in-hospital mortality, the rate of in-hospital postoperative complications, the length of hospital stay, the rate of non-routine discharge, and the total charges were found in the diabetic patient group (p < 0.001). Specifically, we found that diabetic patients across all levels of fracture severity (closed unimalleolar, closed bimalleolar or trimalleolar, and dislocated or open fractures) stayed in the hospital for about one additional day (mean, 4.7 compared with 3.6 days) and incurred more than dollar 2000 in increased charges (mean, dollar 12,898 compared with dollar 10,794). CONCLUSIONS This nationally representative study of inpatients in the United States provides evidence that diabetic patients with an operatively treated ankle fracture are likely to have worse results than non-diabetic patients with regard to postoperative complications, mortality, rate of non-routine discharge, length of hospital stay, and total hospital charges.
Merced Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society Title Fostering the Understanding of Multi-Representational Examples by Self-Explanation

Multiple representations in learning materials are usually employed in order to foster understanding. However, they also impose high demands on the learners (e.g., need for integration). By embedding multi-representations in workedout examples, cognitive capacity is released that can be used for self-explanations on the integration and understanding of multiple representations. The effects of two types of selfexplanation prompts were investigated by conducting an experiment comprising three conditions (domain: mathematics). The learners (N = 62) received either (1) selfexplanation prompts, (2) self-explanation prompts in a scaffolding-fading procedure, or (3) no prompts. Both types of self-explanation prompts fostered procedural and conceptual knowledge. With respect to procedural knowledge, the different self-explanations prompts did not differ in their effectiveness. However, conceptual knowledge and especially knowledge indicating the integration of multiple representations was particularly fostered by scaffolded selfexplanation prompts. Thus, for enhancing conceptual understanding, such self-explanation prompts should be provided because they scaffold the learners to reach their zone of proximal development.
Strange axial-vector mesons.

The strange axial-vector mesons [ital K][sub 1] (1270) and [ital K][sub 1] (1400) are reanalyzed in the light of the updated experimental information and compared with the recent result on the [ital K][pi][pi] production in [tau] decay. The mixing angle between the strange mesons of [sup 3][ital P][sub 1] and [sup 1][ital P][sub 1] is determined by the partial decay rates, and, independently, by the masses. They lead to [theta][sub [ital K]][approx]33[degree] or 57[degree]. The observed [ital K][sub 1] (1400) production dominance in the [tau] decay favors [theta][sub [ital K]][approx]33[degree]. Flavor-SU(3) breaking of 20% or so in the production amplitudes can explain quantitatively the observed production ratio.
Block diagonalization and user selection for MIMO broadcast channels with limited feedback

We consider limited-feedback-based block diagonalization (BD) and user selection for multiple antenna broadcast channels. With limited feedback, the conventional channel norm can not be a good estimate for channel quality of each user, because multiuser interference is not completely eliminated by using BD under limited channel direction information. Therefore, we need an appropriate channel quality indicator (CQI) to increase the diversity gain achieved by multiuser scheduling. To this end, we consider a determinant-based instantaneous channel capacity and propose a new CQI by taking an expectation over precoding matrices that can not be known at the feedback stage. Simulation results show that the sum rate with the proposed CQI is much higher than the sum rate with conventional CQIs.
Knowledge-sharing determinants, behaviors, and innovative work behaviors: An integrated theoretical view and empirical examination

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of socio-psychological factors from different theoretical perspectives, as well as the roles of technological and cultural facilitators on knowledge sharing (KS) behaviors and whether it leads to superior employees’ innovative work behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – Partial least squares analysis was used to investigate the research model based on a survey of 257 employees from 22 high-tech companies (including companies in pharmaceutical, nano technological, biotechnological, aviation, and aerospace industries) in Iran. Findings – The results supported the effects of three motivational factors, i.e. perceived loss of knowledge power, perceived reputation enhancement, and perceived enjoyment in helping others, and two social capital factors, i.e. social interaction ties and trust, on employees’ attitude toward KS. Findings also indicated that employees’ KS behaviors enhance their innovative work behaviors. Research limitations/implicati.
‘Incomplete’ Cold Antibodies: Role of Complement in Sensitization to Antiglobulin Serum by Potentially Haemolytic Antibodies

THE iiitroductioii of the antiglobulin (Coombs) test has provided a ncw tool in the invcstigation of anti-erythrocyte antibodies. By its use it has been clearly shown that certain warm antibodies, such as anti-&, commonly exist in an incomplete form, failing to agglutinate cells in saline, yet sensitizing them strongly to agglutination by antiglobulin serum. Under suitable conditions many types of specific and non-specific ‘cold’ aiitibodics which cause agglutination in saline and are potentially haemolytic also render cells susceptible to agglutination by antiglobulin serum. In order to demonstrate this, it is most convenient, after exposure of the cells to the serum containing the cold antibodies at an appropriate tcmperature, to wash them in several changes of saline warmed to 37’ C. The smooth suspension of cells thus obtained will then be found to bc agglutinablc by antiglobulin serum. The antiglobulin reaction with cold antibodies differs, however, in several substantial ways froin that with warm antibodies such as anti-Rh (see Dacie, 1954, pp. 259-64) : (I) sensitization fails to take place at all if the serum containing the cold antibodies is heated to 56’ C. , or if the C’4 fraction of coinplemciit is inactivated; (2) agglutination occurs best in strong concentrations of antiglobulin serum; (3) agglutination is not inhibited by the addition of sniall amounts of human y globulin to the antiglobulin serum whereas the agglutination of cells sensitized by anti-Rh is inhibited; (4) certain antiglobulin sera may only weakly agglutinate or even fail to agglutinate cells sensitized by cold aiitibodics, yet agglutinate strongly cells sensitized by warm antibodies, and less commonly, 1 )ice ‘ versa. In describing the differing effects produced by adding globulin fractions to antiglobulin serum, Dacie (1951) pointed out that the failure of small amounts o f y globulin to inhibit the agglutination by antiglobulin serum of cells sensitized by cold antibodies might be due to one of two mechanisms: (I) tE;e cold antibodies themselves niight not be y globulins; (2) thc antiglobulin serum niight react ‘with a component of fresh serum (not a y globulin) adsorbed with the antibody’. The purpose of this paper is to put forward evidclice in favour of the sccond hypothesis, and to show that the component of normal serum involved is probably serum complement.
Effects of Xylitol on Survival of Mutans Streptococci in Mixed-Six-Species in vitro Biofilms Modelling Supragingival Plaque

Xylitol has been claimed to reduce mutans streptococci (MS) in dental plaque by energy-consuming futile metabolic cycles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of xylitol on MS in an in vitro 6-species oral biofilm model. Each multispecies biofilm contained either a laboratory reference strain, a fresh isolate, a xylitol-sensitive or a xylitol-resistant strain of Streptococcus mutans or Streptococcus sobrinus. Biofilms, grown on pellicle-coated hydroxyapatite discs, were fed with a glucose/sucrose-supplemented medium 3 times daily for 45 min and incubated in saliva between feedings. Before or after feeding, biofilms were exposed to either 7.5% xylitol, 7.5% sorbitol or to saliva (control) for 20 min. After 64.5 h, biofilms were harvested and the microbial composition was analysed by non-selective and selective culturing. Strain variability in the ability to colonize biofilms was observed. However, the response patterns in the biofilms to the 4 polyol treatments were similar. None of the MS were inhibited by xylitol provided either before or after feeding. Sorbitol given before feeding did not affect microbial growth whereas sorbitol provided after feeding showed a slight, albeit statistically significant increase in MS counts for some of the tested strains. It did so at the expense of Streptococcus oralis, which decreased in numbers. The present findings do not support the contention that xylitol reduces MS in plaque by futile metabolic cycles.
Aromatase in the Cerebral Cortex, Hippocampus, and Mid-Brain: Ontogeny and Developmental Implications

Aromatase activity was measured in explant cultures from the newborn mouse and rat brain and in homogenates of regions of the rat brain sampled between birth and 51 days of age. Conversion of 19-[3H]hydroxy-androstenedione to estradiol and estrone was detected in explant cultures from the mouse preoptic/septal region, anterior cingulate cortex, and midbrain, as well as from the rat preoptic area, septum, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and midbrain central grey. No detectable estrogen biosynthesis was observed in explants from the cerebellum and spinal cord of either species. Measurements of aromatase in tissue homogenates using 1 beta[3H]androstenedione as substrate revealed detectable enzyme activity in the hypothalamus + preoptic area, amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and midbrain, from birth onward. Aromatase activity per milligram of tissue protein was highest in the hypothalamus-preoptic area and amygdala, followed by the hippocampus, midbrain, and cingulate cortex. In all brain regions, aromatase activity was markedly higher at Postnatal Days 1 and 7 than later in life. In both the cingulate cortex and the hippocampus, aromatase was barely detectable above the assay blank in adult (51 day) animals. These results demonstrate that regions of the developing rodent neo- and archicortex have the capacity to convert androgen to estrogen, consistent with a role for local estrogen biosynthesis in the sexual differentiation of higher brain functions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive degeneration of selective neural populations. The lack of effective treatment and the characteristic of their pathology make these diseases appropriate candidates for cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem-like cells that are capable of differentiating into mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal lineages. Their regenerative capacity after in vivo transplantation into animal models of neurodegenerative diseases has suggested that they could be useful against human diseases. Human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSCs) can be easily amplified in vitro and their transdifferentiation has been claimed in vitro and in vivo in neural cells. There are some doubts concerning the exact mechanisms responsible for the beneficial outcome observed after MSC transplantation into neurodegenerating tissues. Possible interpretations include cell replacement, trophic factor delivery, and immunomodulation. This review mainly concerns hMSCs transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases, because it has proven to be feasible, safe, and potentially effective. Although they have been used in hundreds of clinical trials, mixed results and no functional and long-lasting integration have so far been observed. hMSCs transplantations therefore still have their “dark side. ” However, the challenge in well-planned clinical trials merits discussion.
An embedded ultra low power nonvolatile memory in a standard CMOS logic process

This paper proposes an embedded ultra low power nonvolatile memory in a standard CMOS logic process. The memory adopts a bit cell based on the differential floating gate PMOS structure and a novel operating scheme. It can greatly improve the endurance and retention characteristic and make the area/bit smaller. A new high efficiency all-PMOS charge pump is designed to reduce the power consumption and to increase the power efficiency. It eliminates the body effect and can generate higher output voltage than conventional structures for a same stage number. A 32-bit prototype chip is fabricated in a 0.18 mum 1P4M standard CMOS logic process and the core area is 0.06 mm2. The measured results indicate that the typical write/erase time is 10 ms. With a 700 kHz clock frequency, power consumption of the whole memory is 2.3 muA for program and 1.2 muA for read at a 1.6 V power supply.
Fall prediction in thai elderly with timed up and go and tandem walk test: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE To examine the timed up and go (TUG) and tandem walk test (TWT) as fall prediction assessments in Thai elderly. MATERIAL AND METHOD Elderly subjects aged between 60 and 86 years and living in Nakhonpathom and Samutsakhon provinces were classified as fallers and non-fallers by self-report in the past six months. The TUG and TWT were used to predict falls. The optimal cutoff score and validity indexes were determined by plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and crosstabs analysis. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-one elderly subjects were classified as fallers (7 males and 43 females) and non-fallers (24 males and 87 females). The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC were 0.62 (95% CI = 0.59, 0.76; p = 0.0001) for TUG and 0.605 (95% CI = 0.514, 0.696; p = 0.033) for TWT error score. The cutoff scores were 10.5 seconds for TUG (74% sensitivity and 57.7% specificity) and five scores for TWT error (62% sensitivity and 55% specificity). CONCLUSION TUG and TWT error were useful tools to explain faller status in Thai community-dwelling for theelderly. TWT time was not sensitive enough to detect the elders who were at risk of falls.
Inappropriate prescribing in older residents of Australian care homes

What is known and objective: The incidence of inappropriate prescribing is higher amongst the older age group than the younger population. Inappropriate prescribing potentially leads to drug‐related problems such as adverse drug reactions. We aimed to determine the prevalence of inappropriate prescribing in residents of Tasmanian (Australia) residential care homes using Beers and McLeod criteria.
Changes in serum thyroid hormones levels and their mechanisms during long‐term growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in GH deficient children

The effects of GH therapy on thyroid function among previous reports have shown remarkable discrepancies, probably due to differences in hormone assay methods, degree of purification of former pituitary‐derived GH preparations, dosage schedules, diagnostic criteria, patient selection, duration of treatment and study design. These considerations motivated us to investigate whether and how GH replacement therapy changes serum thyroid hormone levels, including the much less studied rT3 levels, in a group of unequivocally GH‐deficient children receiving long‐term recombinant human GH therapy.
Musculoskeletal structure and function in response to the combined effect of an obesogenic diet and age in male C57BL/6J mice.

SCOPE The effects of a long-term high fat and sucrose diet (HFS) superimposed with aging on bone and muscle structure and/or function. METHODS AND RESULTS Male C57BL/6J mice (20 weeks of age) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: baseline (BSL, n = 12), or assigned to a control (AGE, n = 12) or HFS (HFS-AGE, n = 11) diet for 13 weeks. Trabecular bone structure, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and body composition, were measured longitudinally at 20, 24, and 32 weeks of age. In vitro contractile measures were performed on isolated soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles for each group. Both AGE and HFS-AGE had similar declines in trabecular bone structure, while HFS-AGE resulted in increased soleus cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to AGE, but this did not translate to greater twitch or tetanic peak force. The ratio of outcomes of bone to muscle declined in both AGE and HFS-AGE compared to BSL as a result of greater declines in trabecular bone structure than muscle function. CONCLUSION Consumption of a 13-week HFS diet at 20 weeks of age did not exacerbate age-related declines in bone or muscle, but these tissues do not decline in a coordinate manner with greater declines in bone than muscle.
Effects of antihypertensive treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers on lipid profile: an open multi-drug comparison trial.

INTRODUCTION Dyslipidaemia is associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease and lipid management is arguably necessary, especially in hypertensive subjects. There is an implication that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are characterised by a beneficial effect on lipid profile in addition to their blood pressure lowering properties. This study was conducted to evaluate blood pressure control and the plasma lipid profile in hypertensive patients after six months' treatment with ARB. METHODS We studied 2438 consecutive, untreated patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension (mean blood pressure [BP] 167/100 mmHg). All patients underwent full lab and echo examination at drug-free baseline, which was repeated after at least 6 months of ARB monotherapy. RESULTS Overall, ARB treatment reduced BP levels significantly (p<0.0001). Evaluating lipid profile changes, a significant (p<0.0001) reduction was noted in total cholesterol (TC: from 220 +/- 39 to 216 +/- 36 mg/dL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL: from 146 +/- 35 to 141 +/- 33 mg/dL), ratio of TC to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (from 4.80 +/- 1.35 to 4.64 +/- 1.25), apolipoprotein (Apo) B (from 129 +/- 32 to 124 +/- 28 mg/dL), and triglyceride levels (from 130 +/- 63 to 128 +/- 61 mg/dL, p=0.015), while ApoA1 and lipoprotein(a) levels were not significantly affected (149 +/- 23 vs. 149 +/- 22 and 24.9 +/- 26.3 vs. 24.7 +/- 26.4 mg/ dL, respectively, p=NS). Additionally, HDL levels increased from 48.2 +/- 12.2 to 48.8 +/- 11.9 mg/ dL, p<0.0001. According to the individual agent used, a different effect on lipid indices was observed. CONCLUSIONS ARB antihypertensive therapy may have a uniquely beneficial metabolic effect in addition to blood pressure lowering.