Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are physicians required during winch rescue missions in an Australian helicopter emergency medical service?

Background A helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) capable of winching offers several advantages over standard rescue operations. Little is known about the benefit of physician winching in addition to a highly trained paramedic. Objective To analyse the mission profiles and interventions performed during rescues involving the winching of a physician in the Greater Sydney Area HEMS (GSA-HEMS). Methods All winch missions involving a physician from August 2009 to January 2012 were identified from the prospectively completed GSA-HEMS electronic database. A structured case sheet review for a predetermined list of demographic data and physician-only interventions (POIs) was conducted. Results We identified 130 missions involving the winching of a physician, of which 120 case sheets were available for analysis. The majority of patients were traumatically injured (90%) and male (85%) with a median age of 37 years. Seven patients were pronounced dead at the scene. A total of 63 POIs were performed on 48 patients. Administration of advanced analgesia was the most common POI making up 68.3% of interventions. Patients with abnormal RTSc2 scores were more likely to receive a POI than those with normal RTSc2 (84.8% vs 15.2%; p=0.03). The performance of a POI had no effect on median scene times (45 vs 43 min; p=0.51). Conclusions Our high POI rate of 40% (48/120) coupled with long rescue times and the occasional severe injuries support the argument for winching Physicians. Not doing so would deny a significant proportion of patients time-critical interventions, advanced analgesia and procedural sedation.
Abrogation of Fv-1b restriction with murine leukemia viruses inactivated by heat or by gamma irradiation

Fv-1b restriction in BALB/3T3 cells is temporarily abrogated following infection with N-tropic murine leukemia virus. The mechanism of this phenomenon was investigated by comparing the inactivation rates for viral infectivity and for the ability of the same virus to abrogate Fv-1 restriction. Inactivation of the abrogating ability of N-tropic murine leukemia virus following graduated doses of gamma radiation proceeded at half the rate of that for viral infectivity. This result indicates that viral RNA must function in abrogating Fv-1b restriction but that only a portion of the viral genome is required. The inactivation kinetics of N-tropic murine leukemia virus were also determined following incubation of virus at 43 degrees C. Abrogating ability of N-tropic murine leukemia virus was found to be about six times as stable under these conditions as was viral infectivity. Interestingly, virion-associated reverse transcriptase activity was inactivated at the same rate as was viral infectivity, indicating that this enzyme may not need to function during abrogation. Virus heated at 43 degrees C was used to study the kinetics of the abrogation phenomenon itself. Abrogation was shown to be transient, requiring 6 to 9 h after virus infection to become maximally effective and beginning to disappear after about 18 h. The data reported here confirm the idea that abrogation of Fv-1 restriction can be separated experimentally from virus replication, and they raise the possibility that a separate biochemical pathway exists for incoming viral RNA in Fv-1 restrictive cells.
Paradoxes, parallels and pedagogy: A case study of Ignatian pedagogy and of teachers' perceptions of its implementation in Australian Jesuit schools

In 1986 the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education (ICAJE) produced a document titled The Characteristics of Jesuit Education. This document was an attempt to define the distinctive nature of Jesuit Education. Seven years later, Ignatian Pedagogy: A Practical Approach (1993) was written by the same body in response to the following questions: • How can the principles and orientation of The Characteristics be made more useable for teachers? • How can Ignatian values be incorporated into a practical pedagogy for use in the daily interactions between teachers and students in the classroom? This study investigates the nature and origins of Ignatian Pedagogy, and its implementation in Jesuit schools in Australia. The first part of the dissertation is a documentary analysis and interpretation. It traces the historical development of Ignatian Pedagogy in the context of Jesuit history and spirituality, and clarifies its purposes in relation to the educational mission of the Jesuit order. The inspiration for Ignatian Pedagogy is based on the purpose and methodology of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola. The dissertation describes the implementation of the Pedagogy within the five Jesuit schools in Australia in the period 1994 to 2000. Ignatian Pedagogy is then located and evaluated within an educational framework. Its purposes are compared and contrasted with 5 different learning theories (Behaviourist; Cognitivist; Humanist; Social Learning and Constructivist), and comparisons are also made with approaches to ‘personal change’ education such as Groome’s Shared Christian Praxis, Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed and Critical Pedagogy. It is shown that Ignatian Pedagogy has many points of similarity with elements in these various theories; the pedagogy was somewhat eclectic in the ideas it incorporated in trying to be faithful to the original vision of Jesuit education, while seeking to provide a coherent across-the-curriculum strategy for promoting the spiritual and moral development of pupils.
Hypertrophic gastropathy in Helicobacter felis-infected wild-type C57BL/6 mice and p53 hemizygous transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastritis and peptic ulcers and is linked epidemiologically to gastric cancer. To analyze host genetic factors and the influence of Helicobacter on cell proliferation, we used an inbred and p53 hemizygous mouse model of Helicobacter felis-induced gastritis. METHODS H. felis was inoculated by gastric intubation into SPF C57BL/6 wild-type and p53 hemizygous mice that were followed up for 1 year and compared with uninfected controls of the same genotype using histology, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining, and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) analysis. RESULTS Infected animalls developed sustained anti-H. felis serum immunoglobulin G antibody responses. Six months after infection, both wild-type and p53 hemizygous mice showed active chronic inflammation and marked mucosal hyperplasia compared with uninfected controls. One year after infection with H. felis, the wild-type and p53 hemizygous mice showed severe adenomatous and cystic hyperplasia of the surface foveolar epithelium. BrdU uptake and PCNA staining were markedly increased in both sets of infected mice compared with controls. Infected p53 hemizygous mice had a higher proliferative index than the infected wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS H. felis can induce a hypertrophic gastropathy in the C57BL/6 genotype; loss of one p53 allele, although insufficient to initiate carcinogenesis at 1 year, enhances the proliferative index, which may lead to an increased risk of cancer induction.
Thromboembolic Disease in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review

Study Design. Systematic review of the literature and analysis of pooled data. Objectives. To better understand the incidence of thromboembolic disease in postoperative spinal patients, and to establish a starting point for defining appropriate postoperative prophylaxis protocols. Summary of Background Data. The risk of thromboembolic disease is well studied for some orthopedic procedures. However, the incidence of postoperative thromboembolic disease is less well-defined in patients who have had spinal surgery. Methods. The MEDLINE database was queried using the search terms deep venous thrombosis or DVT, pulmonary embolus, thromboembolic disease, and spinal or spine surgery. Abstracts of all identified articles were reviewed. Detailed information from eligible articles was extracted. Data were compiled and analyzed by simple summation methods when possible to stratify rates of DVT and/or pulmonary embolus for a given prophylaxis protocol, screening method, and type of spinal surgery. Results. Twenty-five articles were eligible for full review. DVT risk ranged from 0.3% to 31%, varying between patient populations and methods of surveillance. Pooling data from the 25 studies, the overall rate of DVT was 2.1%. DVT rate was influenced by prophylaxis method: no prophylaxis, 2.7%; compression stockings (CS), 2.7%; pneumatic sequential compression device (PSCD), 4.6%; PSCD and CS, 1.3%; chemical anticoagulants, 0.6%; and inferior vena cava filters with/without another method of prophylaxis, 22%. DVT rate was also influenced by the method of diagnosis, ranging from 1% to 12.3%. Conclusion. As risk of DVT after routine elective spinal surgery is fairly low, it seems reasonable to use CS with PSCD as a primary method of prophylaxis. There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of chemical anticoagulants in routine elective spinal surgery. In addition, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that screening patients undergoing elective spinal surgery with ultrasound or venogram is routinely warranted.
Prevention of Corneal Neovascularization: Evaluation of Various Commercially Available Compounds in an Experimental Rat Model

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of topically administered agents doxycycline, triamcinolone, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and flurbiprofen on experimental corneal neovascularization in rats. Methods: Chemical cauterization of cornea was performed in 36 eyes of 36 rats by using silver nitrate/potassium nitrate sticks. Topical instillation of doxycycline, triamcinolone, LMWH, flurbiprofen, and normal saline solution was continued for 7 days. Percent areas of cornea covered by neovascularization and covered by scar in each group were calculated by use of computer software on digital photographs. Groups were compared for any significant (P < 0.05) differences among them. Results: The means of percent area of corneal neovascularization in triamcinolone, doxycycline, flurbiprofen, LMWH, and control groups were 13.3%, 35.5%, 50.6%, 66.7%, and 74.9%, respectively. The triamcinolone and doxycycline groups were different from control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percent area of neovascularization between the LMWH and flurbiprofen groups compared with the controls. Although the effects of LMWH and flurbiprofen were not significant, there seemed to be a trend, and the lack of significance may be related to small sample size. Because the mechanisms of action of these agents are not identical to each other, performing other studies using combinations of them seems to be reasonable. There were no significant differences in percent area of corneal scar among groups. Conclusion: Topical instillation of commercially available triamcinolone and doxycycline seems to diminish corneal neovascularization caused by chemical cauterization of cornea in rats.
Voriconazole: a broad-spectrum triazole for the treatment of invasive fungal infections

Over the last 20 years, the frequency of life-threatening, invasive fungal infections has risen dramatically, corresponding to an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients. Thus, the development of newer, better tolerated, more effective antifungal drugs has become critically important. Voriconazole was the first second-generation triazole to be approved by the US FDA and the EMEA, both in 2002. Voriconazole is currently approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis, candidemia, candidal esophagitis and disseminated candidiasis in adults, and serious fungal infections due to Scedosporium apiospermum and Fusarium species. In addition to providing an alternative treatment option for Candida infections and many emerging and refractory invasive fungal infections, voriconazole is currently the treatment of choice for invasive aspergillosis. Voriconazole has excellent in vitro activity against a wide spectrum of yeasts and molds, with only a few notable exceptions. Although it has the potential for some unique and interesting side effects, as well as important drug–drug interactions, the use of therapeutic drug monitoring can be used to optimize its efficacy and safety.
Risk Disclosure Practices among Malaysian Listed Firms

This study discusses the development of risk disclosure policy in Malaysia after the 1997 financial crisis and provides evidence on the importance of risk disclosure over the recent years. Analysis on the trend of risk disclosure based on the new development was carried out through content analysis. The findings show positive trend of development in risk disclosure practices in Malaysia over the period of 2001-2011. In addition, risk disclosure sentences were found to be insufficient and should be rectified. There is a need to revisit the current regulations and standards to improve the risk disclosure practices and to follow internationally-based accounting policy.
The Effect of Hydroxyurea on the Coagulation System in Sickle Cell Anemia and β-Thalassemia Intermedia Patients: A Preliminary Study

Hydroxyurea (HU) has been shown to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive manifestations in both adults and children with sickle cell disease (SCD), and the induction of hemoglobin F (HbF) is thought to be the underlying mechanism responsible for clinical improvement in some patients. However, there exists no good correlation between the amount of HbF increase and clinical response. Recent studies suggest that increased activity of the coagulation system may be important in the pathogenesis of vascular occlusion in sickle cell disease. To analyze the effect of HU on the coagulation system in children, the authors studied the levels of some coagulation factors and natural inhibitors. Eleven children who had been treated with HU because of SCD (5 patients), sickle- g -thalassemia (3 patients), and g -thalassemia intermedia (3 patients) were enrolled in the study. Levels of the coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII, and of protein C and protein S, prothrombin times, activated partial thromboplastine times, thrombin times, and reptilase times were measured before the treatment and at the 5th or 6th months of HU therapy when the patients were in a steady-state condition. There was a decrease in all of the coagulation factors except for FIX and FXII and in inhibitors such as protein C and protein S. However, statistically significant decreases were observed only in factor VIII and protein C levels. The rates of decrease were 54.8 and 12.5% ( p = .015 and p = .018) in FVIII and protein C, respectively. This result shows that HU has significant effects on the coagulation and natural inhibitory systems.
Influence of Na+-Independent Cl−-HCO3− Exchange on the Slow Force Response to Myocardial Stretch

Abstract— Previous work demonstrated that the slow force response (SFR) to stretch is due to the increase in calcium transients (Ca2+T) produced by an autocrine-paracrine mechanism of locally produced angiotensin II/endothelin activating Na+-H+ exchange. Although a rise in pHi is presumed to follow stretch, it was observed only in the absence of extracellular bicarbonate, suggesting pHi compensation through the Na+-independent Cl−-HCO3− exchange (AE) mechanism. Because available AE inhibitors do not distinguish between different bicarbonate-dependent mechanisms or even between AE isoforms, we developed a functional inhibitory antibody against both the AE3c and AE3fl isoforms (anti-AE3Loop III) that was used to explore if pHi would rise in stretched cat papillary muscles superfused with bicarbonate after AE3 inhibition. In addition, the influence of this potential increase in pHi on the SFR was analyzed. In this study, we present evidence that cancellation of AE3 isoforms activity (either by superfusion with bicarbonate-free buffer or with anti-AE3Loop III) results in pHi increase after stretch and the magnitude of the SFR was larger than when AE was operative, despite of similar increases in [Na+]i and Ca2+T under both conditions. Inhibition of reverse mode Na+-Ca2+ exchange reduced the SFR to the half when the AE was inactive and totally suppressed it when AE3 was active. The difference in the SFR magnitude and response to inhibition of reverse mode Na+-Ca2+ exchange can be ascribed to a pHi-induced increase in myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness.
Pan-Cancer Immunogenomic Perspective on the Tumor Microenvironment Based on PD-L1 and CD8 T-Cell Infiltration

Purpose: There is currently no reliable biomarker to predict who would benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. We comprehensively analyzed the immunogenomic properties in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) according to the classification of tumor into four groups based on PD-L1 status and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte recruitment (TIL), a combination that has been suggested to be a theoretically reliable biomarker of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Experimental Design: The RNA expression levels of PD-L1 and CD8A in the samples in the pan-cancer database of TCGA (N = 9,677) were analyzed. Based on their median values, the samples were classified into four tumor microenvironment immune types (TMIT). The mutational profiles, PD-L1 amplification, and viral association of the samples were compared according to the four TMITs. Results: The proportions of TMIT I, defined by high PD-L1 and CD8A expression, were high in lung adenocarcinoma (67.1%) and kidney clear cell carcinoma (64.8%) among solid cancers. The number of somatic mutations and the proportion of microsatellite instable-high tumor in TMIT I were significantly higher than those in other TMITs, respectively (P < 0.001). PD-L1 amplification and oncogenic virus infection were significantly associated with TMIT I, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis confirmed that the number of somatic mutations, PD-L1 amplification, and Epstein–Barr virus/human papillomavirus infection were independently associated with TMIT I. Conclusions: TMIT I is associated with a high mutational burden, PD-L1 amplification, and oncogenic viral infection. This integrative analysis highlights the importance of the assessment of both PD-L1 expression and TIL recruitment to predict responders to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 22(9); 2261–70. ©2016 AACR. See related commentary by Schalper et al., p. 2102
β-Blockers in sepsis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials

Introduction Sepsis is a common and deadly complication of infection. As part of the host response, sympathetic stimulation can result in septic myocardial depression, and metabolic, haematological and immunological dysfunction. Administration of β-blockers may attenuate this pathophysiological response to infection, but the effects on clinical outcomes are unknown. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the efficacy and safety of β-blockers in adults with sepsis using data from randomised control trials. Methods and analysis We will identify randomised control trials comparing treatment with β-blockers, versus placebo or standard care in adults with sepsis. Data sources will include MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, clinical trial registries and conference proceedings. Two reviewers will independently determine trial eligibility. For each included trial, we will conduct duplicate independent data extraction, risk of bias assessment and evaluation of the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. Ethics and dissemination Our systematic review will evaluate the effects of β-blockers in adults with sepsis, comprehensively summarising and appraising the available evidence from randomised control trials. The results of this systematic review will help clinicians treating patients with sepsis to understand the potential role of β-blockade, and inform future research on this topic. Our findings will be disseminated through conference presentation and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Trial registration number CRD42016036933.
Misconceptions of Measurement Equivalence

Structural equation modelers judge multi-item constructs against three requirements: (a) multiple items converge in a single dimension; (b) individual-level patterns of item convergence are invariant across countries; (c) aggregate-level patterns of item convergence replicate those at the individual level. This approach involves two premises: Measurement validity hinges solely on a construct’s internal convergence, and convergence patterns at the individual level have priority over those at the aggregate level. We question both premises (a) because convergence patterns at the aggregate-level exist in their own right and (b) because only a construct’s external linkages reveal its reality outreach. In support of these claims, we use the example of “emancipative values” to show that constructs can entirely lack convergence at the individual level and nevertheless exhibit powerful and important linkages at the aggregate level. Consequently, we advocate a paradigm shift from internal convergence toward external linkage as the prime criterion of validity.
Effect of Vitamin E and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cryopreserved Sperm Quality in Bos taurus Bulls Under Testicular Heat Stress

ABSTRACT Taurine bulls are highly susceptible to heat stress, leading to increased oxidative stress (OS) and impaired sperm viability. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation can be an alternative to improve semen quality, which also results in more sperm susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Moreover, this deleterious effect can be exacerbated in animals affected by heat stress. Vitamin E is a key antioxidant that counteracts lipid peroxidation of sperm membrane caused by OS. Thus, combining PUFAs with vitamin E may improve sperm quality. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of interaction between PUFAs and vitamin E on sperm quality in Bos taurus bulls under testicular heat stress. Sixteen taurine bulls under testicular heat stress were randomly assigned in four groups: Control, Vitamin E, PUFA, and PUFA + Vitamin E. All groups lasted for 60 days. Samples were cryopreserved/thawed and analyzed for motility variables (CASA), membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, susceptibility to oxidative stress, DNA integrity, and sperm-binding capacity. Results showed that vitamin E had a beneficial effect on some sperm characteristics, whereas PUFA supplementation had an adverse effect when the two treatments were evaluated separately. Finally, the association between PUFAs and vitamin E did not improve sperm quality.