Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensive fragmentation of pheophytin-a by infrared multiphoton dissociation tandem mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE In a previous tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) study on chlorophyll-a, infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) was demonstrated as a more effective fragmentation method than collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron-induced dissociation (EID), where odd-electron product ions were observed ubiquitously in CID and IRMPD. To further understand the role of the macrocycle and the central Mg atom in the MS/MS process, the fragmentation behaviour of pheophytin-a, the Mg-free chlorophyll-a, was investigated. METHODS CID, IRMPD, and EID were applied to the singly protonated pheophytin-a using an ultra-high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. The result is compared with the MS/MS study of chlorophyll-a. RESULTS For pheophytin-a, some different fragmentation patterns from chlorophyll-a were obtained by all three MS/MS methods, but IRMPD still appears the most efficient method of generating product ions. The detection of odd-electron fragments in the CID and IRMPD spectra of protonated pheophytin-a suggests that the macrocyclic structure effectively stabilizes radicals, and these radical ions seem to have a relatively higher abundance in the presence of the central Mg atom. CONCLUSIONS The strong absorption in the infrared region of pheophytin-a and secondary free radical rearrangement are proposed to explain the extensive frgmentation in IRMPD spectra. In addition, a comparison of the IRMPD spectra of chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a shows that the macrocycle in the absence of the Mg atom is much more fragile.
Nocturnal glucose metabolism after bedtime injection of insulin glargine or neutral protamine hagedorn insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Insulin glargine is a long-acting human insulin analog often administered at bedtime to patients with type 2 diabetes. It reduces fasting blood glucose levels more efficiently and with less nocturnal hypoglycemic events compared with human neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. Therefore, bedtime injections of insulin glargine and NPH insulin were compared overnight and in the morning. METHODS In 10 type 2 diabetic patients, euglycemic clamps were performed, including [6,6'](2)H(2) glucose, to study the rate of disappearance (Rd) and endogenous production (EGP) of glucose during the night. On separate days at bedtime (2200 h), patients received a sc injection of insulin glargine, NPH insulin, or saline in a randomized, double-blind fashion. RESULTS Similar doses of both insulins had different metabolic profiles. NPH insulin had a greater effect on both Rd and EGP in the night compared with insulin glargine. By contrast, in the morning, insulin glargine was more effective, increasing Rd by 5.8 micromol/kg(-1). min(-1) (95% confidence interval 4.7-6.9) and reducing EGP -5.7 (-5.0 to -6.4) compared with NPH insulin. Nearly 80% of the glucose lowering effect in the morning was due to insulin glargine's reduction of EGP. Its injection was associated with one-third lower morning glucagon levels compared with NPH insulin (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION Nocturnal variations of EGP and Rd explain the reduced incidence of hypoglycemia and lower fasting glucose levels reported for insulin glargine compared with human NPH insulin.
EFFECTS OF CEPHENEMYIA SPP. (DIPTERA: OESTRIDAE) ON THE NASOPHARYNX OF BLACK-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS HEMIONUS COLUMBIANUS)

A study was conducted to determine gross and microscopic tissue changes in the nasopharynx of black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) infected with nasal bot fly larvae (Cephenemyia spp.). Paired retropharyngeal recesses were the preferred sites for the growing second and third stage larvae of two species of Cephenemyia (C. apicata and C. jellisoni). Retropharyngeal recesses distended into “pouches” that harbored up to 30 larvae. Pouches were oriented caudal laterally toward the basisphenoid bone of the cranium. Lateral support of the pouch mass was provided by the stylohyoid bone. The laryngeal orifice was never occluded by the enlarged recesses. The distal pouch wall was relatively thin and remained uniform in thickness as expansion progressed. Occasionally, aberrant larvae were found protruding through the distal wall of the pouch. Disruption of the epithelium and submucosa by larval mouth hooks and integumentary spines were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Histological examination of infected recesses revealed substantial loss of epithelium and mucous glands. Enlargement of recesses into pouches resulted from fibrosis. Healing occurred after larvae egressed from the pouches. Degenerating mucous glands, epithelial metaplasia, epithelial desquamation, and intense inflammation were found near larvae. An eosinophilic exudate with a mixture of macrophages and erythrocytes was present in the lumen of the pouch. The presence of larvae within the pouch inhibited secondary bacterial infection and suppuration. Infection by larvae caused severe local trauma and intense tissue response.
Internal fixation versus total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures: A prospective randomized study of 100 hips

100 patients 75 years or older, with displaced femoral neck fractures, were randomly assigned to osteosynthesis with two parallel and percutaneously inserted screws (Olmed) or total hip arthroplasty (Lubinus IP). Mean age was 84 (75-101) years, 74% were women and 45% had mental dysfunction. General complications were commoner in the arthroplasty group but the mortality rates did not differ. In the osteosynthesis group, fracture complications were seen in 27/50 hips. In the arthroplasty group, dislocation was the main complication and occurred in 11/50 cases. At 3 months and after 1 year, the Harris Hip Scores were significantly better in the arthroplasty group. When mental dysfunction was present, the dislocation rate after arthroplasty was 32%, whereas the reoperation rate after osteosynthesis was 5%. The opposite pattern of complications was found in patients with normal mental function, 12% versus 60%. The 2-year mortality rate among those with mental dysfunction was 26/45, compared to 7/55 of those with normal function (p < 0.001). We conclude that total hip arthroplasty should be considered for a displaced femoral neck fracture in old patients with normal mental function and high functional demands.
Partial discharge signal propagation characteristics inside the winding of oil-immersed power transformer - using the three-winding transformer model in air

The soundness of a power transformer under an operating voltage is evaluated in partial discharge (PD) test of long-duration ac withstand voltage test. To establish clear control criteria for this PD test, it is necessary to study PD propagation characteristics inside the transformer windings. In this paper, a study was conducted on PD signal propagation characteristics for an oil-immersed transformer. This involved a winding model of a three- winding transformer, or the structure of an actual transformer being produced to investigate the PD signal propagation characteristics relative to the occurrence position, measurement position, and front time of the PD as parameters. Subsequently, since a preceding study on a gas-filled transformer confirmed that an equivalent circuit of the winding could be used for analytical evaluation, an analysis model was also constructed for a three-winding model of the oil-immersed transformer in the present study to investigate the propagation characteristics. Consequently, it emerged that an analysis using an equivalent circuit could also effectively simulate the propagation characteristics, waveform shape, and transmission rate for an oil- immersed transformer. As for the transmission rate, it was found that the signal was detected as significantly damped to a level of several percent depending on the occurrence and measurement positions of the PD, as was also the case for a gas-filled transformer.
Longitudinal covariance of resting-state cardiac function and borderline personality disorder symptoms in adolescent non-suicidal self-injury

Abstract Objectives: Cardiac function is altered in borderline personality disorder (BPD). In adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) resting heart rate (HR) and vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) are associated with BPD symptoms. The study aimed to investigate longitudinal covariance of BPD symptoms and cardiac function in adolescent NSSI. Methods: HR and vmHRV were recorded in female adolescents with NSSI (n = 17) completing a baseline and 1-year follow-up assessment. Physiological data, structured clinical interviews and self-reports were obtained at both time points. Predictors of change in clinical outcomes and cardiac function were assessed. Results: Patients showed a reduction of NSSI (z(34;17) = –3.79, P < 0.0001), depressive symptoms (z(34;17) = –3.74, P < 0.0001), and increases in the level of functioning (z(34;17) = 2.87, P = 0.004). Symptoms of BPD and frequency of BPD diagnosis did not significantly change. No significant differences on HR or vmHRV were observed. Changes in BPD symptoms were associated with changes in HR (r(17)= 0.532, P = 0.028) and vmHRV (r(17) = –0.516, P = 0.033). Conclusions: Longitudinal changes in BPD symptomatology in adolescents engaging in NSSI are associated with changes in resting cardiac function. Clinical studies are needed to investigate the utility of cardiac markers to track treatment outcome in adolescents with BPD.
Comorbidity Burden, Healthcare Resource Utilization, and Costs in Chronic Gout Patients Refractory to Conventional Urate-Lowering Therapy

Patients with chronic gout refractory to conventional urate-lowering therapy have high rates of flares and incidence of tophi, which impose a significant disease and potentially economic burden. This study examined healthcare resource use and costs stratified by disease burden. Adult patients diagnosed with gout (ICD-9-CM:274.xx) and having had ≥3 flares defined by clinical surrogates within a 12-month period were selected for the case cohort from the Thomson MarketScan databases (2003/Q3-2008/Q3). Only patients who had received allopurinol treatment and a diagnosis of tophi (ICD-9-CM:274.8x) at any time before the first flare (index date) or within 12 months postindex were included and were matched in a 1:1 ratio with control gout-free subjects. The comorbidity burden, healthcare resource use, and annual healthcare costs (2008 US$) in the 12-month postindex period were compared between both cohorts using regression models adjusted for demographic characteristic and stratified for patients with ≥6 flares. A total of 679 gout patients met the inclusion criteria for the study and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities than their matched controls. Gout cohort had a significantly higher incidence of emergency room, hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and other medical services than did their matched controls (all comparisons, uncorrected P < 0.01). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the refractory gout cohort incurred an incremental total annual healthcare cost of $10,222 where 40% of the annual medical cost was for gout-related care compared with control cohort (P < 0.01). Patients with refractory gout have a significant economic burden compared with a gout-free population.
Behavioral and neural correlates of imagined walking and walking‐while‐talking in the elderly

Cognition is important for locomotion and gait decline increases the risk for morbidity, mortality, cognitive decline, and dementia. Yet, the neural correlates of gait are not well established, because most neuroimaging methods cannot image the brain during locomotion. Imagined gait protocols overcome this limitation. This study examined the behavioral and neural correlates of a new imagined gait protocol that involved imagined walking (iW), imagined talking (iT), and imagined walking‐while‐talking (iWWT). In Experiment 1, 82 cognitively‐healthy older adults (M = 80.45) walked (W), iW, walked while talking (WWT) and iWWT. Real and imagined walking task times were strongly correlated, particularly real and imagined dual‐task times (WWT and iWWT). In Experiment 2, 33 cognitively‐healthy older adults (M = 73.03) iW, iT, and iWWT during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A multivariate Ordinal Trend (OrT) Covariance analysis identified a pattern of brain regions that: (1) varied as a function of imagery task difficulty (iW, iT and iWWT), (2) involved cerebellar, precuneus, supplementary motor and other prefrontal regions, and (3) were associated with kinesthetic imagery ratings and behavioral performance during actual WWT. This is the first study to compare the behavioral and neural correlates of imagined gait in single and dual‐task situations, an issue that is particularly relevant to elderly populations. These initial findings encourage further research and development of this imagined gait protocol as a tool for improving gait and cognition among the elderly. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4090–4104, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum carotenoids and coronary heart disease. The Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial and Follow-up Study.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between total serum carotenoid levels and the risk of subsequent coronary heart disease (CHD) events. DESIGN New analysis of a cohort from the Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial and Follow-up Study (LRC-CPPT). The LRC-CPPT was a multicenter placebo-controlled trial of cholestyramine resin and CHD with a follow-up period of 13 years. Serum carotenoids were measured at baseline. PARTICIPANTS The placebo group of the LRC-CPPT, which consisted of 1899 men aged 40 to 59 years with type II-a hyperlipidemia and without known preexisting CHD, cancer, or other major illnesses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nonfatal myocardial infarctions and deaths attributable to CHD ascertained from hospital records, autopsy reports, and death certificates and reviewed by a panel of cardiologists. RESULTS After adjustment for known CHD risk factors including smoking, serum carotenoids were inversely related to CHD events. Men in the highest quartile of serum carotenoids had an adjusted relative risk (RR) of 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44 to 0.92) compared with the lowest quartile. For men who never smoked, this RR was 0.28 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.73). CONCLUSIONS The LRC-CPPT participants with higher serum carotenoid levels had a decreased risk of incident CHD. This finding was stronger among men who never smoked.
Quantifying the Movement and the Influence of Load in the Back Squat Exercise

McKean, MR, Dunn, PK, and Burkett, BJ. Quantifying the movement and the influence of load in the back squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res 24(6): 1671-1679, 2010-The squat is used extensively in strength and conditioning, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and fitness programs. However, the movement pattern of the hip and knee is still relatively unknown, in particular, the timing of when maximum angles is reached. The purpose of this study was to quantify the hip and knee movements of the squat and establish if load alters these movements. Twenty-eight subjects (16 men and 12 women) performed 2 sets of 8 squats. Load was applied in random order as no additional weight (body weight [BW]) or an additional load of 50% of the subject's weight (BW+50%). Joint angles and time for hip and knee, as well as forward knee, displacement in the descent and ascent phases were measured with significance at p < 0.05. Regardless of gender, phase, and load, all subjects achieved their maximum hip and knee angles within 2% of the deepest position. Load significantly increased the flexion angle at the hip and knee joints in men. The knees movement forward of the toes ranged from 63.8 to 64.7 mm in men and 93.2 to 96.6 mm in women. A significant difference in the timing of when the maximum forward knee movement occurred was observed because of gender. The overriding factor for the practical prescription of squat technique was regardless of load, gender, or phase; the maximum angles of the hip and knee are reached almost simultaneously at the bottom of the squat. Furthermore, for all subjects, the knee moved forward of the toes when squatting with men reaching their maximum forward knee position around 84% of the descent phase, whereas this occurred for women around 93%.
The Relationship between Convergence Insufficiency and ADHD

Background: Children being evaluated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often have an eye exam as part of their evaluation. The symptoms of convergence insufficiency (CI) can make it difficult for a student to concentrate on extended reading and overlap with those of ADHD. Methods: A retrospective review of 266 patients with CI presenting to an academic pediatric ophthalmology practice was performed. All patients included were diagnosed with CI by one author (DBG) and evaluated for the diagnosis of ADHD. A computerized review was also performed looking at the converse incidence of CI in patients carrying the diagnosis of ADHD. Results: We reviewed 266 charts of patients with CI. Twenty-six patients (9.8%) were diagnosed with ADHD at some time in their clinical course. Of the patients with ADHD and CI, 20 (76.9%) were on medication for ADHD at the time of diagnosis for CI while 6 (23.1%) were either not on medication or the medication was discontinued several months before the diagnosis of CI. The review of computer records showed a 15.9% incidence of CI in the ADHD population. Conclusion: We report an apparent three-fold greater incidence of ADHD among patients with CI when compared with the incidence of ADHD in the general US population (1.8–3.3%) (12). We also note a seeming three-fold greater incidence of CI in the ADHD population. This may simply represent an association and not be a causative relationship. Until further studies are performed, however, patients diagnosed with ADHD should be evaluated to identify the small subset that may have CI – a condition that responds well to treatment at home.
COMPLICATIONS OF HICKMAN-BROVIAC CATHETERS IN CHILDREN WITH MALIGNANCIES

The aim of this study was to explore the complications related to Hickman-Broviac central venous catheters (Hickman-Broviac CVCs) in children with cancer, their incidence, and possible associations of complications and premature removal of CVCs with a number of risk factors. During the study period (1 Jan 2000–31 Dec 2003), 223 CVCs were inserted in 198 children (117 boys, 81 girls) at a mean age of 5.73 years (95% CI 5.19–6.27, SE 0.275). In total, 76 (38.4%) children suffered from solid tumors and 122 (61.6%) from leukemia. The mean follow-up after CVC insertion was 232.5 days (95% CI 214.9–250.2, SE 8.94) for a total of 51,839 catheter-days. A complication occurred in 20.8% of them and in 9.6% the complication led to the removal of the catheter. The most frequent complications were infection (63.9%), obstruction (26.2%), accidental failure (8.2%), and rupture (1.6%). An overall incidence of 1.17 (0.38 and 0.79 for mechanical complication and infection, respectively) per 1000 catheter days for the development of a complication was recorded. Additionally, the study revealed more nonelective removals in cases of leukemia compared to those of solid tumors. Systemic use of CVC does not appear to increase significantly the number of complications, and thus CVC remains an effective and safe tool for the management of childhood malignancies.
Raman spectroscopy for optical diagnosis in the larynx: Preliminary findings

Raman spectroscopy (RS) provides information about molecular structure and is a potential tool for non‐invasive tissue diagnosis. To determine if Raman spectra could be obtained rapidly from laryngeal tissue in vitro, and compare Raman spectra from normal, benign, and cancerous laryngeal tissue.
Folstein vs modified Mini-Mental State Examination in geriatric stroke. Stability, validity, and screening utility.

OBJECTIVE Two studies were conducted with the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMS) and the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) to examine whether the expanded version is a more useful screening tool in stroke populations. DESIGN Clinical utility of screening tests (MMS and 3MS) was evaluated in reference to neuropsychological performance and functional outcome in rehabilitation. SETTING Medical rehabilitation unit of university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS Two groups (n = 77, and n = 70) of patients who were admitted consecutively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neuropsychological performance and functional outcome (functional independence measure). RESULTS The reliability, stability, and validity of the 3MS were established in the stroke population. Classification accuracy did not differ between the MMS and 3MS, although the 3MS had higher sensitivity. In detecting cognitive impairment when compared with the extended neuropsychological battery, both instruments were adequate in patients with left-sided cerebrovascular accidents and were ineffective in patients with right-sided cerebrovascular accidents. The 3MS correlated with some cognitive domains missed by the MMS, thus adding useful clinical information. Finally, the 3MS was a significantly better predictor of functional outcome than the MMS. CONCLUSIONS The 3MS was found to be a reliable, valid, and stable cognitive screening instrument in the stroke population. Classification accuracy indicates that both screening instruments are not strong in their ability to detect cognitive impairment in patients with stroke, especially in right-sided cerebrovascular accidents. The 3MS does have some advantages over the MMS; the expanded version of the screen not only provides additional cognitive information but also allows for better predicting of functional outcome.
Forward Head Posture and Activation of Rectus Capitis Posterior Muscles

Abstract Context: Rectus capitis posterior (RCP) muscles have physical attachments to the pain-sensitive spinal dura. Atrophy of these muscles is associated with chronic headache in some patients. The authors suspect that the significance of atrophy in the RCP muscles has been undervalued because the functional role of these muscles is not well defined. Objective: To determine whether a statistically significant change in normalized levels of electromyographic activity in RCP muscles occurs when the head is voluntarily moved from a self-selected neutral head position to a protruded head position. Methods: Fine wire, intramuscular electrodes were used to collect electromyographic data as asymptomatic participants moved their head from a neutral head position into a forward head position and back into the neutral head position. This sequence was repeated 4 times. Normalized levels of electromyographic activity were quantified using a 2-head position × 2 sides of the body repeated measures design that incorporated mixed-effects β regression models. Results: Twenty participants were studied. Electromyographic activity collected from RCP muscles was found to increase as the head was voluntarily moved from a self-selected neutral head position (11% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC] in RCP minor, 14% of MVIC in RCP major) into a protruded head position (35% of MVIC in RCP minor, 39% of MVIC in RCP major) (P<.001). Conclusion: Rectus capitis posterior muscles may contribute to segmental stabilization of the occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial joints by helping to maintain joint congruency during movement of the head.