Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of octreotide in the conservative treatment of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Octreotide as an adjunct treatment to total parenteral nutrition in the spontaneous closure of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas. METHODOLOGY Medical records of 39 patients with postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas treated in our Department between January 1988 and August 2000 were reviewed. Sixteen patients had duodenal fistulas and 23 had jejunal or ileal fistulas. According to the daily output, there were 20 low fistula output and 19 high fistula output. Conservative treatment consisted of nutritional support with total parenteral nutrition in all the patients. Administration of Octreotide (100 micrograms every 8 hours, subcutaneously) was done in 21 consecutive patients until spontaneous closure of the fistulas or their subsequent surgical closure. The occurrence of fistulas closure was compared using the Fisher's exact test. RESULTS A mean reduction of 50% of fistula output was noted in all the patients who received Octreotide, within 24 hours of its administration. Spontaneous closure was achieved in 13 patients of the Octreotide group (mean closure time: 15.3 days, range: 6-35) and in 12 patients treated only with total parenteral nutrition (mean closure time: 13.9 days, range: 7-25); this difference was not significant (P = 0.5). Also, the fistula closure rate was not influenced by the anatomic site, the high or low output, and the age of the patient. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that, as an adjunct treatment to total parenteral nutrition, Octreotide reduces rapidly the fistula output without significant influence in the spontaneous closure rate.
Primary posterior fusion C1/2 in odontoid fractures: indications, technique, and results of transarticular screw fixation.

Odontoid fractures, especially unstable type II fractures have a poor prognosis in respect to healing. Therefore, operative stabilization (posterior fusion C1/2 or anterior screw fixation) has been suggested for the treatment of unstable type II and for some unstable type III fractures. Compared to posterior fusion C1/2, anterior screw fixation has proven to be effective; it has the advantage of leaving the motion segment C1/2 intact, therefore preserving at least some C1/2 rotation. However, in some instances, this method of stabilization is not indicated. In these cases, posterior fusion C1/2 is the treatment of choice. Primary posterior fusion C1/2 is indicated in (a) odontoid fracture associated with comminution of one or both atlanto-axial joints; (b) fracture of the odontoid associated with an unstable Jefferson fracture; (c) unstable type III odontoid fracture, when immobilization in a halo jacket or plaster cast is not suitable, as in elderly people or polytraumatized patients; (d) atypical type II fractures (comminuted or with oblique fracture in the frontal plane); (e) irreducible fracture dislocation C1/2, e.g., several-weeks-old fracture; (f) unstable type II or shallow and unstable type III odontoid fracture, when marked thoracic kyphosis is associated with limited extension of the cervical spine; (g) unstable type II or shallow type III odontoid fracture in elderly people with degenerative narrow spinal canal; (h) pathologic fracture of the odontoid. In all these instances, posterior fusion C1/2 is the treatment of choice. We prefer the transarticular screw fixation technique. Compared to other posterior fusion techniques, it has the advantage of increased stability and allows effective stabilization of C1/2 in a reduced position as well as immediate ambulation with minimal head support. This technique can also be performed when the posterior arch of the atlas is fractured or absent. Our experience of 12 acute odontoid fractures, managed by this technique, is presented. At follow-up, all C1/2 fusions were united in reduced position.
Simulation model and road tests comparative results of a small urban electric vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs), due to its lack of local gas emissions, silent driving and much higher efficiency than internal combustion engine vehicles, are fundamental for the world's sustainable mobility. In EVs projects, computer modeling and simulation can be used to reduce the expense and length of their design cycle by testing configurations and energy management strategies before starting the prototype construction. Accordingly, this paper presents the modeling and simulation of a small urban EV based on the conversion of an internal combustion engine vehicle in a fully EV, called VEIL. The ISEC electric vehicle VEIL project is shortly presented, along with the VEIL dynamic model. A real test circuit at ISEC campus is modeled and the results of simulation are compared with experimental results in order to validate the simulation model.
Chemokine profiles in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the course of pyogenic and tuberculous meningitis

The concentrations of the chemokines IL‐8, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α) were measured in 120 CSF samples from 23 patients with pyogenic meningitis and from 11 patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and in 10 CSF from subjects with non‐infectious neurological diseases. The chemokine concentrations in patients with meningitis were significantly higher than in control subjects (P < 0.0001). The highest CSF levels were found for IL‐8 (median 2917 pg/ml) and MCP‐1 (median 2557 pg/ml), whereas those of MIP‐1α were less significantly elevated (median 24 pg/ml) (P < 0.0001). Patients with pyogenic meningitis had higher levels of IL‐8 and MCP‐1 than those with TBM (P < 0.0001). In serial samples from patients with pyogenic meningitis IL‐8 levels declined before MCP‐1 and MIP‐α. In the case of TBM, IL‐8, MCP‐1 and MIP‐1α decreased more gradually during treatment and were detectable in the CSF for several weeks, without any characteristic time course of elimination. These data indicate that patients with pyogenic meningitis and TBM show different chemokine profiles in CSF. The distinct chemokine pattern could be responsible for a differential attraction and activation of leucocytes in the CSF which is reflected in differences in the inflammatory response and clinical course of pyogenic meningitis and TBM.
The complete cDNA sequence of a type II Trichomonas vaginalis virus.

Trichomonas vaginalis viruses (TVV), which may regulate P270 gene expression in the protozoan pathogen T. vaginalis, are a group of divergent double-stranded (ds) RNA viruses. In the present study, the complete 4674-bp cDNA sequence of a 4.6-kb ds RNA from a newly identified TVV2-1 isolate was determined. The sequence of the plus-strand mRNA contains four open reading frames, which encode overlapping cap and pol genes in the reading frame 2 and reading frame 1, respectively, and two putative serine-threonine-rich basic proteins VP3 and VP4 in the third reading frame. An 85-kDa capsid protein and a 160-kDa CAP-POL fusion protein were identified in crude viruses by Western blotting experiments using antisera raised against gene-specific oligopeptides. In conjunction with the presence of a potential ribosomal slippery heptanucleotide G GGC CCC within the overlap of the cap and pol genes, these observations suggest that the pol gene of TVV2-1 is translated via a -1 ribosomal frameshifting event during translation of the cap gene. Our results also provide insight into the conservation among divergent dsRNA species from TVV and suggest that the genome of TVV2-1 may encode two extra genes in addition to the cap and pol genes.
Effect of Pedal Cadence on Parameters of the Hyperbolic Power - Time Relationship

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pedal cadence methodology on the relationship between power output and time to exhaustion. Twenty-four subjects each performed 12 all-out cycle ergometer tests (four at a constant 60 rpm, four at a constant 100 rpm, and four where they were allowed to select and, within each test, vary their cadence). The parameters of the hyperbolic power-time relationship, AWC (anaerobic work capacity) and CP (critical power), were estimated for each pedal cadence methodology using three regression models: nonlinear power-time, linear work-time, and linear power-time-1. In all cases, R2 was high and standard errors of the estimate of AWC and CP were low. With the two constant rpm methodologies, the estimates of AWC and CP were influenced by the choice of regression model. The estimates of AWC and CP were also influenced by the pedal cadence in the all-out tests. For example, the CP derived from the 100 rpm tests (mean +/- SD: 195 +/- 50 W) was lower (p < 0.05) than the CP from the other methodologies (207 +/- 50 W and 204 +/- 48 W), and the AWC from the variable cadence methodology (16.1 +/- 6.2 kJ) was greater than the AWC from constant rpm trials (14.5 +/- 5.9 kJ and 14.6 +/- 5.7 kJ). It is concluded that pedal cadence methodology influences the parameters of the power-time relationship.
THE MAGNITUDE AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF GALLSTONE DISEASE IN AYDER REFERRAL HOSPITAL, MEKELLE, ETHIOPIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Background: Gallstone disease constitutes a significant health problem in developed countries. While it was thought to be uncommon in Africa, it currently seems that the disease is more frequently seen than expected. The magnitude of gallstone disease is not well studied in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to determine the magnitude of the problem as seen in Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekelle. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during the period January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2013 at the Department of Surgery, Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Data was obtained from chart records using a pretested structured questionnaire developed for the purposes of the study. Results: A total of 225 patients were included in the study. The age group 30-49 years comprised one-half of the patients and over two-thirds (71.6%) of the patients were female. Abdominal pain was the predominant complaint, including right upper quadrant pain (74.7%), epigastric pain (20%), and left upper quadrant pain (4.9%). About one-third (34.7%) had radiation of the pain to the back and 15.6% to the shoulders. Fatty meal was identified as an exacerbating factor in 62.2% of the patients. One hundred and eighty-four patients were operated on; laparoscopy was done in 30.2%, and open cholecystectomy in 51.6%. Only two patients had a complicated immediate post-operative course. Conclusion: This hospital based study result suggests that gallstone disease is not uncommon in the northern part of Ethiopia. The pattern and clinical profile of the disease is not different from what has been reported from other parts of Ethiopia and the rest of Africa. Well-designed epidemiological studies are required to determine the risk factors, the types of stones, the diagnostic value of radiological examination and the efficacy of laparoscopic management of gallstone disease. Key words: Gallstone disease; Magnitude, Ethiopia
Zinc Supplementation Increases Procollagen Type 1 Amino-Terminal Propeptide in Premenarcheal Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Data have shown that healthy children and adolescents have an inadequate intake of zinc, an essential nutrient for growth. It is unclear whether zinc supplementation can enhance bone health during this rapid period of growth and development. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on biochemical markers of bone turnover and growth in girls entering the early stages of puberty. The secondary aim was to test moderation by race, body mass index (BMI) classification, and plasma zinc status at baseline. METHODS One hundred forty seven girls aged 9-11 y (46% black) were randomly assigned to a daily oral zinc tablet (9 mg elemental zinc; n = 75) or an identical placebo (n = 72) for 4 wk. Fasting plasma zinc, procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP; a bone formation marker), carboxy-terminal telopeptide region of type 1 collagen (ICTP; a bone resorption marker), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were assessed at baseline and post-test. Additional markers of bone formation (osteocalcin) and resorption (urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline) were also measured. RESULTS Four weeks of zinc supplementation increased plasma zinc concentrations compared with placebo [mean change, 1.8 μmol/L (95% CI: 1.0, 2.6) compared with 0.2 μmol/L (95% CI: -0.3, 0.7); P < 0.01]. Zinc supplementation also increased serum P1NP concentrations compared with placebo [mean change, 23.8 μmol/L (95% CI: -14.9, 62.5) compared with -31.0 μmol/L (95% CI: -66.4, 4.2); P = 0.04). There was no effect from zinc supplementation on osteocalcin, ICTP, pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, or IGF-I. There was no moderation by race, BMI classification, or plasma zinc status at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that 4 wk of zinc supplementation increases bone formation in premenarcheal girls. Further studies are needed to determine whether supplemental zinc can improve childhood bone strength. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01892098.
Long-Term Outcome from Intensive Care. A One Year Follow-Up of Acute Admissions at Hawke's Bay Hospital

Background: This study aimed to collect information about long-term survival and independence of patients requiring acute hospital admissions and care in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) in a non tertiary setting. Setting: An 11-bed multidisciplinary co-located ICU and HDU, a JFICM level 2 unit, providing all intensive care services for a non-tertiary (secondary) New Zealand District Health Board Hospital. Method: All acute adult admissions presenting to ICU/HDU between 1 Jan 2001 and 31 Dec 2001 were studied. Admission demographic and physiological data was collected. From a review of the hospital records, NZ death registry, and the ICU database of published obituary notices, dates of death were identifi ed. After the fi rst anniversary of their initial ICU admission, discharged patients in whom death had not been confi rmed, were contacted. Patients surviving ICU were surveyed to determine their independence. The age and gender adjusted annual survival for the general population was compared to observed survival following ICU/ HDU admission.
Acute and persistent varicella‐zoster virus infection of human and murine neuroblastoma cell lines

Human and murine neuroblastoma cell lines were infected in vitro with varicella‐zoster virus (VZV). Infected human neuroblastoma cells (IMR‐32) supported the synthesis of abundant viral antigens as detected by indirect immunoperoxidase labeling using human serum rich in anti‐VZV antibodies and did not survive the infection. In situ hybridization (ISH) with VZV‐cloned probes revealed a strong hybridization signal in these infected cells. During cultivation, the virus was released in the culture medium, and viral polypeptides were revealed by Western blotting of infected cells, using either a monoclonal anti‐gpI antibody or a rabbit antiserum. All these findings indicate that IMR‐32 cells support a productive and lytic infection by VZV, whether infected by cell‐free virus or by cocultivation with infected cells. Murine neuroblastoma cells (neuro‐2A) survived VZV infection and did not produce any infectious virus. No VZV‐specific proteins were detected in infected cells either by immunolabeling or by Western blotting. However, viral nucleic acids could be detected by ISH, indicating that mouse neuroblastoma cells displayed a nonproductive, nonlytic infection. Infected neuro‐2A cells have been examined by ISH using probes corresponding to immediate early (IE) genes 4, 62, and 63 and late (L) gene 31 encoding gpII. A strong hybridization signal was detected when infected cells were probed with a fragment containing the IE genes 62 and 63. Lower levels of hybridization were detected with the other probes, corresponding to IE or L genes. These systems allow comparative molecular analysis of persistent and acute infection of nerve cells by VZV.
Initial Contractile Response of Isolated Rat Heart Cells to Halothane, Enflurane, and Isoflurane

Background In several beating cardiac muscle preparations, a short‐lived increase in twitch tension or amplitude has been observed when they were exposed abruptly to solutions containing halothane or enflurane. As exposure to the anesthetics was continued, the expected negative inotropic effect became evident after the short‐lived increase in twitch. No such increase in twitch has been reported during exposure to isoflurane. It has been hypothesized that this short‐lived increase in twitch is caused by an enhancement of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but other mechanisms have not been excluded. Methods Freshly isolated, single rat ventricular cells were stimulated to beat at room temperature and abruptly exposed to solutions containing halothane (0.25–0.64 mM), enflurane (0.69–1 mM), or isoflurane (0.31–0.54 mM). During these exposures, twitch amplitude was measured and intracellular calcium concentration was followed using the calcium‐sensitive dye indo‐1. In some experiments, the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to measure membrane current. In addition, in several cells the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content was assessed through the response to brief pulses of caffeine. Results Both the twitch amplitude and the intracellular calcium transient were increased temporarily in cells abruptly exposed to halothane or enflurane. No such behavior was found with isoflurane. After continued exposure to all three agents, both the twitch amplitude and the calcium transient were less than control. During the beats exhibiting an increase in twitch, no alteration in the relation between cell length (twitch amplitude) and the intracellular calcium transient was found compared with control conditions. In addition, the temporary increase in twitch amplitude occurred in cells contracting under voltage‐clamp control when halothane was introduced, and it was not associated with any increase in the calcium current. The sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content at the time of the halothane‐induced increase in twitch also was not increased. Conclusions The short‐lived increase in twitch after abrupt exposure to halothane or enflurane is related to increased intracellular calcium during the beat and not to any changes in myofilament sensitivity to calcium. Because these results eliminate most alternative explanations for this phenomenon, the authors conclude that halothane, and probably also enflurane, increases the fraction of calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum with each heart beat. Isoflurane appears to lack this action.
EVOLUTION OF GYNODIOECY AND MAINTENANCE OF FEMALES: THE ROLE OF INBREEDING DEPRESSION, OUTCROSSING RATES, AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN SCHIEDEA ADAMANTIS (CARYOPHYLLACEAE)

Levels of inbreeding depression, outcrossing rates, and phenotypic patterns of resource allocation were studied to examine their relative importance in the maintenance of high numbers of females in gynodioecious Schiedea adamantis (Caryophyllaceae), an endemic Hawaiian shrub found in a single population on Diamond Head Crater, Oahu. In studies of inbreeding depression in two greenhouse environments, families of hermaphrodites exhibited significant inbreeding depression (δ = 0.60), based on a multiplicative fitness function using seeds per capsule, germination, survival, and the inflorescence biomass of progeny. Differences between inbred and outcrossed progeny were smallest at the early stage of seeds per capsule and more pronounced at the later stages of survival and inflorescence production. These results are consistent with inbreeding depression caused by many mutations of small effect. Using allozyme analyses, the inbreeding coefficient of adult plants in the field was not significantly different from zero, implying that δ in nature may be equal to one. The single locus estimate of the outcrossing rate for hermaphrodites was 0.50 based on progeny that survived to flowering; corrected for the disproportionate loss before flowering of progeny from selfing, the adjusted outcrossing rate at the zygote stage was 0.32, suggesting that considerable selfing occurs in hermaphrodites. Females were totally outcrossed. When females and hermaphrodites were compared for reproductive output in the field, females produced over twice as many seeds per plant as hermaphrodites, primarily because females had far more capsules per inflorescence than hermaphrodites. Females had greater mass per seed than hermaphrodites in the field, either because of greater provisioning or reduced inbreeding depression. There was no significant differential mortality with respect to sex over a seven year period. The higher number of seeds per plant of females, combined with substantial inbreeding depression and relatively high selfing rates for hermaphrodites, are probably responsible for the maintenance of females in this population. The predicted frequency of females based on data for seed production, the adjusted selfing rate, and inbreeding depression is 42%, remarkably close to the observed frequency of 39%. High levels of inbreeding depression suggest that considerable quantitative genetic variation is present for traits affecting fitness in this population, despite low allozyme variability and a presumed founder effect.
Hospitalization Rates for Ambulatory Care-Sensitive Conditions in California Medicare HMO's

• Objective: To examine annual hospitalization rates for ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions (ACSCs) among Medicare HMO beneficiaries. • Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. • Setting and participants: Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older continuously enrolled in 1 of 15 California Medicare HMOs from 1 January through 31 December 2001. • Measurements: Hospitalization rates overall and for each of 15 ACSCs (bacterial pneumonia, cellulitis, dehydration, gastric and duodenal ulcer, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, severe ear/nose/throat infections, urinary tract infections, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, seizure disorder, influenza, and malnutrition). The rate for the 15 ACSCs combined as well as acute, chronic, and preventable indices were also estimated. • Results: Of the 1.2 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in California HMOs during 2001, 24% were 80 years or older (range among plans, 15%‐34%), 5% were African American (range, 1%‐25%), and 6% were Medicaid-eligible (range, 3%‐16%). Enrollees experienced a total of 315,503 hospitalizations in 2001 (267 per 1000), 22% of which were for an ACSC. ACSC hospitalization rates varied widely by plan and were higher among older enrollees, males, and those eligible for Medicaid. • Conclusion: ACSC hospitalization rates are easy to calculate based on administrative data. These rates can be used by individual plans as a method to screen for possible access and quality of care problems.