Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome with and without Dexmedetomidine.

CONTEXT Studies suggest that dexmedetomidine-an intravenous central-acting α2-adrenergic agonist that effectively reduces anxiety among critically ill patients-is being used in patients with severe alcohol withdrawal. However, evidence supporting its use is limited, and it is not approved for this indication. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and to compare its use with benzodiazepines alone. DESIGN A retrospective, cohort study of 77 patients admitted to the adult medical intensive care unit with severe alcohol withdrawal between January 1, 2009, and October 31, 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The difference in lorazepam equivalents and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scores in the 24 hours before and after initiation of dexmedetomidine therapy. RESULTS The frequency of dexmedetomidine use increased dramatically between 2009 and 2013 (16.7% vs 82.4%; p = 0.01). Initiation of dexmedetomidine therapy was associated with significant improvements in Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol scores over corresponding 24-hour intervals (14.5 vs 8.5; p < 0.01). Benzodiazepine use also decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant at 24 hours (p = 0.10). Dexmedetomidine was well tolerated, requiring discontinuation of therapy in only 4 patients (10.5%). Dexmedetomidine use was also associated with significantly longer hospitalizations (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Dexmedetomidine initiation was associated with a reduction in short-term alcohol withdrawal symptoms in patients in the intensive care unit, with only a few patients experiencing adverse events. However, its use was also associated with longer hospitalizations. Further research is necessary to evaluate whether dexmedetomidine is efficacious or cost-effective in severe alcohol withdrawal.
Paraoxonase 55 and 192 polymorphism and its relationship to serum paraoxonase activity and serum lipids in Turkish patients with non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

We investigated the effect of PON 55 and PON 192 polymorphisms on serum PON1 activity and lipid profiles in 213 non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) individuals and 116 non‐diabetic controls among Turkish subjects. The distribution of PON 55/192 gene polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction–based restriction fragment length polymorphism. Serum lipid levels were measured enzymically. PON activity was measured by spectrophotometric assay of p‐nitrophenol production following addition of paraoxon. We found that PON 55 and 192 genotype distribution was similar in patients and controls and paraoxonase activity was generally lower in diabetics than in control subjects. We showed that PON 55 and 192 genotypes have a major effect on serum PON activity. PON 192 BB homozygotes had significantly higher PON activity than AA and AB genotypes among the control and NIDDM populations (p<0.001). PON 55 MM homozygotes had significantly lower PON activity than did LL and LM genotypes in control and NIDDM populations (p<0.05). The PON1 55 and 192 polymorphisms did not consistently influence the serum lipid profiles in either population. In conclusion, our results suggest that the paraoxonase activities are affected by PON1 genetic variability in Turkish NIDDM patients and controls. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The initiator protein E1 binds to the bovine papillomavirus origin of replication as a trimeric ring‐like structure.

The replication initiator protein E1 binds to the origin of replication of bovine papillomavirus in several forms. E1 can bind to its recognition sequence as a monomer together with the viral transcription factor E2, or as a trimeric E1 complex. The trimerization of E1 is mediated by the sequence‐specific binding of E1 to DNA, and results in an E1 complex that is linked topologically to the DNA because the three molecules of E1 form a ring‐like structure that encircles the DNA. These results demonstrate that E1 utilizes unusual mechanisms for sequence‐specific binding to DNA and for the generation of a structure that encircles the DNA. We believe that these forms of E1 bound to the origin of replication represent intermediates in a transition in the function of E1, from a sequence‐specific origin of replication recognition protein to a form of E1 that is competent for the initiation of viral DNA replication.
The Human Oxidative DNA Glycosylase NEIL1 Excises Psoralen-induced Interstrand DNA Cross-links in a Three-stranded DNA Structure*S⃞

Previously, we have demonstrated that human oxidative DNA glycosylase NEIL1 excises photoactivated psoralen-induced monoadducts but not genuine interstrand cross-links (ICLs) in duplex DNA. It has been postulated that the repair of ICLs in mammalian cells is mainly linked to DNA replication and proceeds via dual incisions in one DNA strand that bracket the cross-linked site. This process, known as “unhooking,” enables strand separation and translesion DNA synthesis through the gap, yielding a three-stranded DNA repair intermediate composed of a short unhooked oligomer covalently bound to the duplex. At present, the detailed molecular mechanism of ICL repair in mammalian cells remains unclear. Here, we constructed and characterized three-stranded DNA structures containing a single ICL as substrates for the base excision repair proteins. We show that NEIL1 excises with high efficiency the unhooked ICL fragment within a three-stranded DNA structure. Complete reconstitution of the repair of unhooked ICL shows that it can be processed in a short patch base excision repair pathway. The new substrate specificity of NEIL1 points to a preferential involvement in the replication-associated repair of ICLs. Based on these data, we propose a model for the mechanism of ICL repair in mammalian cells that implicates the DNA glycosylase activity of NEIL1 downstream of Xeroderma Pigmentosum group F/Excision Repair Cross-Complementing 1 endonuclease complex (XPF/ERCC1) and translesion DNA synthesis repair steps. Finally, our data demonstrate that Nei-like proteins from Escherichia coli to human cells can excise bulky unhooked psoralen-induced ICLs via hydrolysis of glycosidic bond between cross-linked base and deoxyribose sugar, thus providing an alternative heuristic solution for the removal of complex DNA lesions.
A carrier-based PWM method for three-phase four-leg voltage source converters

In this paper a voltage modulation method based on a triangular carrier wave for the three-phase four-leg voltage source converter is described. The four-leg converter can produce three output voltages independently with one additional leg. The proposed modulation method for the four-leg converter can be implemented with a single carrier by a simple but useful "offset voltage" concept. The method is equivalent to the so called three-dimensional space vector PWM method, but its implementation is much easier. The maximum magnitude of the balanced three-phase voltage and the maximum magnitude of zero sequence voltage, which can be synthesized simultaneously, are derived. The feasibility of the proposed modulation technique is verified by computer simulation and experimental results. These results show that a proposed carrier-based pulsewidth modulation (PWM) technique can be easily implemented without conventional computational burden.
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) Polymorphism, Cancer, and Autoimmune Diseases

Immune system dysfunction is one of the key features in onset and development of cancer and autoimmunity. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-antigen-4 (CTLA-4), as a leader immune checkpoint plays a crucial effects in the regulation of immune suppression and tolerance. In this review, role of CTLA-4 and its three important polymorphisms (SNP), CTLA-4 +49A/G, CTLA-4 CT60 A/G and CTLA-4 −318C/T in development of cancer and autoimmune diseases have been discussed. The evidences revealed that CTLA-4 +49A/G, A allele increases the risk of cervical cancer and CTLA-4 +49A/G G allele decreases the risk of breast cancer in Asian population. The presence of G allele of CTLA-4 +49A/G SNP is strongly correlates with increased risk of Graves and systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), in Asian and European population. G allele of CTLA-4 +49A/G SNP may be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility (RA). Evidence suggests that the presence of CTLA-4 +49 G allele reduces the inhibitory function of CTLA-4 on T cells. Therefore, it is logical to propose that G allele of CTLA-4 +49 A/G increases the immune system activity and decreases the risk of cancer. The evidence on the effect of CTLA-4 CT60 A/G SNP on the risk of cancer development and autoimmune disorders is inconclusive. No association was found between the CTLA-4 −318C/T polymorphism with autoimmune diseases.
Influence maximization by probing partial communities in dynamic online social networks

With the rapid development of online social networks, exploring influence maximization for product publicity and advertisement marketing has attracted strong interests from both academia and industry. However, because of the continuous change of network topology, updating the variation of an entire network moment by moment is resource intensive and often insurmountable. On the other hand, the classical influence maximization models Independent Cascade and Linear Threshold together with their derived varieties are all computationally intensive. Thus, developing a solution for dynamic networks with lower cost and higher accuracy is in an urgent necessity. In this paper, a practical framework is proposed by only probing partial communities to explore the real changes of a network. Our framework minimizes the possible difference between the observed topology and the real network through several representative communities. Based on the framework, an algorithm that takes full advantage of our divide‐and‐conquer strategy, which reduces the computational overhead, is proposed. The systemically theoretical analysis shows that the proposed effective algorithm could achieve provable approximation guarantees. Empirical studies on synthetic and real large‐scale social networks demonstrate that our framework has better practicality compared with most existing works and provides a regulatory mechanism for enhancing influence maximization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery : A Review of its Application and Impact on Pelvic Colorectal Surgery

Laparoscopy was a major technical advance for colorectal surgery, with great clinical and financial benefits compared to open surgery for both benign and malignant colorectal diseases. Despite proven clinical advantages, the rate of laparoscopy for pelvic colorectal surgery remains low. The technical advantages of robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery may help overcome the limitations of other minimally invasive techniques in pelvic colorectal surgery. The safety, feasibility, and comparative effectiveness has been proven compared to open and laparoscopic approaches, and specific advantages and technical applications continue to evolve. The goal of this paper is to review the history, benefits, clinical outcomes, and future direction for RALS in pelvic colorectal surgery.
Control Configuration and Control Enactment in Information Systems Projects: Review and Expanded Theoretical Framework

The control of information systems (IS) projects is a key activity for deployment of information technology (IT) resources and ultimately for value creation through IT. For the last 20 years, research on IS project control has grown to cover a wide range of aspects and issues, including control modes, amounts, and portfolios, control in internal and outsourced settings, and control antecedents, consequences, and dynamics. There is an important theoretical and practical impetus for this research, since the nature of IS projects creates specific and challenging conditions for control, and since control research in neighboring disciplines often neglects temporary endeavors such as projects. In this study, we provide a systematic review and synthesis of the literature and develop an expanded theoretical framework for IS project control with supporting conjectures. Our review reveals that existing research primarily studies the contextual antecedents and performance consequences of control modes and amounts, and thus focuses on control portfolio configurations (what). In contrast, prior research largely neglects control enactment, that is, how the controller interacts with the controllee to put the portfolio of controls into practice. Our expanded framework points to the importance of studying control portfolio configurations and control enactment (in terms of control style and control congruence) in combination, in order to better understand IS project control effectiveness. Expanding the toolbox of concepts available to IS researchers, our framework helps resolve existing research gaps and inconsistencies, and opens up new avenues for future research on the control of IS projects.
Ecotoxicological Perspectives of Sex Determination

Sex determination or the commitment of the embryo to its sexual fate is a fundamental developmental process with paramount consequences in ecology and evolution. This process, whether triggered by environmental factors or genotypic constitution, can be derailed by environmental contaminants that alter the endocrine system, which is a key component of the regulatory network underlying vertebrate sex determination. Here, we review the molecular basis of sex determination, the endocrine components of its regulation, the maternal and endogenous sources of hormones to the developing embryo, and the routes through which endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect gonadal development in reptiles, especially turtles. Among EDCs, we focus on PCBs, BPA, pesticides like atrazine, nitrates, and heavy metals. We also consider whether adaptation might be possible in the face of persistent chemical insult and conclude that, while plausible, contemporary environmental change may outpace adaptive evolution, particularly for many species that are already endangered and suffer from small population sizes.
Implementation of thermo-optic waveguide photonics switch using polymer material

This paper describes thermo-optic waveguide photonics switch using all polymer material. The design is based on the theory of optical waveguide as the key element and the thermal analysis for heater electrodes and heater pads. The basic structure of 2×2 directional coupler based was chosen as a switching element since it comprises of straight and bend waveguides which are the key element in any development of waveguide based photonics switch. The temperature profiles of thermo-optic polymer waveguides are analyzed by inverse discrete Fourier transform method. The resulting phase shift due to the induced temperature as a function of the thin film heater and the applied power have been studied and determined for device implementation between two adjacent polymer waveguides. The coupling length variation as a function of waveguide dimension, waveguide gap and effective refractive index difference had been discussed thoroughly. The position of the heater electrode, which maximizes the effective refractive index difference between branches have been optimized based on the thermal analysis. The index contrast of the upper cladding layer and the waveguiding layer is 0.03. The index contrast of the lateral section of the waveguiding region and lower cladding layer is 0.005. The asymmetrical fabricated switch exhibits very low switching power of 12.26 mW. Crosstalk level of -40 dB and -37 dB for the cross state and the bar state have been achieved, respectively and the response time measured is 7 ms.
Re-examining Purchasing Power Parity for the Australian Real Exchange Rate

In this paper, we re-examine stationarity of the Australian real exchange rate (RER). For this purpose, we modify the test of Kapetanios et al. [Testing for a unit root in the nonlinear STAR framework. Journal of Econometrics 112 (2003), 359-379] to allow for a nonlinear trend function in the data generating process. Using bootstrap techniques, we show that the null hypothesis of unit root can be rejected, providing evidence in favour of PPP proposition for the Australian RER.
Targeted Delivery of siRNA to Transferrin Receptor Overexpressing Tumor Cells via Peptide Modified Polyethylenimine

The use of small interference RNA (siRNA) to target oncogenes is a promising treatment approach for cancer. However, siRNA cancer therapies are hindered by poor delivery of siRNA to cancer cells. Transferrin receptor (TfR) is overexpressed in many types of tumor cells and therefore is a potential target for the selective delivery of siRNA to cancer cells. Here, we used the TfR binding peptide HAIYPRH (HAI peptide) conjugated to cationic polymer branched polyethylenimine (bPEI), optimized the coupling strategy, and the TfR selective delivery of siRNA was evaluated in cells with high (H1299) and low TfR expression (A549 and H460). The HAI-bPEI conjugate exhibited chemico-physical properties in terms of size, zeta-potential, and siRNA condensation efficiency similar to unmodified bPEI. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry results revealed that HAI-bPEI selectively delivered siRNA to H1299 cells compared with A549 or H460 cells. Moreover, HAI-bPEI achieved more efficient glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene knockdown in H1299 cells compared with bPEI alone. However, despite optimization of the targeting peptide and coupling strategy, HAI-bPEI can only silence reporter gene enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) at the protein level when chloroquine is present, indicating that further optimization of the conjugate is required. In conclusion, the HAI peptide may be useful to target TfR overexpressing tumors in targeted gene and siRNA delivery approaches.
Aging dilates atrium and pulmonary veins: implications for the genesis of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND Aging plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). The left atrium (LA) and pulmonary veins (PVs) are essential components for the genesis and maintenance of AF. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aging on the AF substrate and the initiator (PVs). METHODS A total of 180 patients undergoing multidetector CT were enrolled and classified into six groups according to the decade of their age. LA, LA appendage (LAA), and orifice of the four PVs were measured. RESULTS The LA anterior-posterior diameter and wall thickness became increased with aging after the age of 50 years (p < 0.001). Similarly, the LAA and four PV trunks also became dilated after the patients were > 50 years old (p < 0.001). The anterior wall was consistently thicker than the posterior wall in each group. Aging also increased both anterior and posterior wall thickness after the patients became > 50 years old. However, LA diameter, PV diameter, and LA wall thickness in the patients aged 70 to 79 years and > 80 years did not significantly differ. Age correlated well with the four PVs, LA diameter, and wall thickness with linear regression. CONCLUSIONS Age significantly determines LA and PV structures. These findings show the important contributing effects involved in aging-induced AF in the general population.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Most Cited Documents in Business, Management and Accounting in Ibero-America

La investigacion en negocios, administracion y contabilidad (NAC) en el ultimo siglo ha sido considerable. En medio de este oceano intelectual, radicalmente perturbado por la tormenta digital, los metodos bibliometricos son cruciales para identificar autores lideres y temas de investigacion emergentes, y calcular el impacto de la investigacion. A pesar de su relevancia, regiones como Iberoamerica han sido pasadas por alto en estudios globales. En consecuencia, desarrollamos un analisis bibliometrico de los diez documentos mas citados en NAC en cada pais de Iberoamerica desde 1996 hasta 2017, haciendo uso de la base de datos de citaciones Scopus. Consideramos 19 variables para desarrollar el analisis bibliometrico. Los principales hallazgos fueron: 1) un rapido incremento en la produccion de documentos, 2) Espana y Portugal dominan ambos campos tanto de citaciones como de produccion de documentos, 3) el ingles es la lingua franca, 4) la mayoria de documentos mas citados tienen acceso restringido tras muros de pago (paywalls), 5) la revista mas deseada de la region es a su vez la mas sospechosa, 6) existe una distribucion de Pareto en terminos de documentos-citaciones y autores-citaciones, 7) la participacion de investigadoras es muy reducida, 8) las organizaciones privadas cumplen un papel relevante en las afiliaciones de los autores mas citados y 9) hay una ausencia de liderazgo por parte de los autores de la region en los estudios en que participan multiples autores.
Chemical pleurodesis for hepatic hydrothorax.

BACKGROUND Ascites can occur after hepatic diseases causing dyspnea, coughing and pain. When associated with pleural effusion it can also increase respiratory distress. In a bibliographic survey hydrothorax has been observed in up to 20% of the patients and the kind of treatment is still being discussed. OBJECTIVE This case report shows the occurrence of a large volume of ascites and pleural effusion in a cirrhotic patient and his treatment. METHODS Report the case of a patient with hepatic cirrhosis due to chronic alcoholism and massive pleural effusion and ascites. He was submitted to several pleural paracenteses without success. Scintigraphy showed the presence of ascites and confirmed a possible pleuroperitoneal communication. The thoracic surgery group was called and after evaluation it was decided to submit the patient to a pulmonary decortication and chemical pleurodesis. RESULTS These procedures were carried out with success. The pleural effusion was solved and the treatment of ascites was decided upon because the patient did not accept any surgical procedure. CONCLUSION This treatment could be applied to patients with hydrothorax who could not be submitted to a liver transplantation.
Role Of Nitric Oxide In Adrenocorticotrophin‐Induced Hypertension: L‐Arginine Effects Reversed By N‐Nitro‐
 L‐Arginine

1. L‐Arginine prevents adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)‐induced hypertension in the rat. To confirm that this effect is mediated through the nitric oxide (NO) system, we examined whether N‐nitro‐ L‐arginine (NOLA) could reverse the L‐arginine‐induced blockade of ACTH‐induced hypertension.
Comparison of gel‐based phosphoproteomic approaches to analyse scarce oviductal epithelial cell samples

The reversible change of the phosphorylation state of proteins regulates key cellular processes. In the present study, three different gel‐based approaches were compared with regard to their applicability to quantitatively analyse the phosphoproteome of scarce biological material obtained ex vivo. Our results show that the phosphoproteome characterisation of oviductal epithelial cells isolated from the female reproductive tract requires affinity enrichment and pre‐electrophoretic labelling using fluorescence dyes. Using this approach, 30 μg of enriched phosphoproteins proved to be sufficient for the phosphoproteome characterisation. In contrast, sequential fluorescence staining of 2D‐separated total cell lysates as well as sequential staining in conjunction with a pre‐enrichment step led to detection discrepancies and excluded further analysis steps. Information gained from this study provides a successful approach for the phosphoproteome analysis of scarce samples. In addition, the cellular processes taking place in the female reproductive tract can be monitored ex vivo.