Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detergents linked to polysaccharides: preparation and effects on membranes and cells.

Residues of Triton X-100 [C8H17-C6H4-(O-CH2-CH2)9-10-O-] were bound by ether bonds to inulin, dextran, amylose, and cellulose-yielding compounds containing 10–30, 5, 19 and 6% (w/w) of Triton X-100 residue respectively. The water-soluble inulin derivative was studied in detail. This compound was fractionated on the basis of molecular weight by gel chromatography and on the basis of degree of substitution by adsorption to polystyrene resin. Even the residues of Triton X-100 which were bound to a single inulin macromolecule were able to form a micelle; in addition to these monomolecular micelles the inulin derivative was able to form polymolecular micelles as well. The inulin derivative was effective in solubilizing proteins and phospholipids from membranes of human erythrocytes and liberated reverse transcriptase activity from the membrane-enveloped virions of murine leukemia. The Triton X-100 inulin derivative abolished binding of the 3H-labelled antagonist dihydroalprenolol to solubilized preparations of β-adrenergic receptors from frog erythrocytes in a dose-related manner similar to the inactivation produced by Triton X-100, while digitonin, a detergent containing a bulkier hydrophobic group, did not cause inactivation. On the basis of its Triton X-100 content, the inulin derivative was found to be less detrimental to the growth of murine erythroleukemic cells in vitro than Triton X-100 alone when short (2–4 h) exposures were used, but this difference disappeared at longer (1–3 day) exposures. Results thus suggest that the increase in size of the hydrophilic part of the detergent brings about moderation in those effects of the detergent which are dependent on the rate of diffusion, while the solubilizing and inactivating effects of the detergent were not changed. It is probably the size of the hydrophobic part which is important in protein-inactivating properties of the detergent.
Significant factors associated with fatal outcome in emergency open surgery for perforated peptic ulcer.

AIM To evaluate the main factors associated with mortality in patients undergoing surgery for perforated peptic ulcer referred to an academic department of general surgery in a large southern Italian city. METHODS One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients (M:F ratio=110:39, mean age 52 yrs, range 16-95) with peptic ulcer disease were investigated for clinical history (including age, sex, previous history of peptic ulcer, associated diseases, delayed abdominal surgery, ulcer site, operation type, shock on admission, postoperative general complications, and intra-abdominal and/or wound infections), serum analyses and radiological findings. RESULTS The overall mortality rate was 4.0%. Among all factors, an age above 65 years, one or more associated diseases, delayed abdominal surgery, shock on admission, postoperative abdominal complications and/or wound infections, were significantly associated (chi2) with increased mortality in patients undergoing surgery (0.0001<P<0.03). CONCLUSION Factors such as concomitant diseases, shock on admission, delayed surgery, and postoperative abdominal and wound infections are significantly associated with fatal outcomes and need careful evaluation within the general workup of patients admitted for perforated peptic ulcer.
Needs of Terminally ill Patients and their Families: An Experience with Fifty-three Patients Attending a Newly Organized Palliative Care Service in Bangladesh

Objective: To identify the needed care of the terminally ill patients and their families in Bangladesh Design: Retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study Setting: Out Patient Consultation, referred admitted patients and home care visits by the same palliative care team of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Participants: 53 terminally ill cancer patients registered with the palliative care service of BSMMU Results: Age range of 22 to 80 years, mostly from middle to poor class. Most of the patients needed relief from pain, anxiety, sleeplessness and constipation along with other symptom relief. Major concern of patients was financial whereas major concern of family members was not to inform the patient of the disease status. Preferred site of care was at home when uncertainty about the disease status was reduced. Conclusion: even if a ‘good life' is not possible for all the people of Bangladesh, ‘a good death for most of the patients suffering from incurable diseases can be an affordable reality. Key words: need, symptom assessment, palliative care, Bangladesh Journal of BSA, Vol. 19, No. 1 & 2, 2006 p.38-43
Heart Rate Variability in Passive Tilt Test: Comparative Evaluation of Autoregressive and FFT Spectral Analyses

The dynamic response of the autonomic nervous system during tilting is assessed by changes in the low (LF) and high frequency (HF) components of the RR series power spectral density (PSD). Although results of many studies are consistent, some doubts related to different methodologies remain. Specifically, the respective relevance of autoregressive (AR) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods is often questioned. Reat‐to‐beat RR series were recorded during 90° passive tilt in 18 healthy subfects (29 ± 5 years, eight females). FFT‐based (50% overlap, Manning window) and AR‐based (Levinson‐Durbin algorithm) PSDs were calculated on the same RR intervals. Powers in very low frequency (VLF: < 0.04 Hz), LF (0.04–0.15 Hz), and HF (0.15–0.40 Hz) bands were calculated either by spectrum integration (FFT and ARIN), by considering the highest AR component in each band (ARHP), or by summation of all AR components (ARAP). LF and HF raw powers (ms2) were normalized by total power (%P) and by total power after removal of the VLF component (nu). AR and FFT total powers were not different, regardless of body position. In supine condition, when compared to ARHP and ARAP. FFT underestimated VLF and overestimated LF, whereas in tilt position FFT overestimated HF and underestimated LF. However, supine/tilt trends were consistent in all methods showing a clear reduction of HF and a less marked increase of LF. Both normalization procedures provided a significant LF increase and further magnified the HF decrease. Results obtained with ARIN were remarkably close to those obtained with FFT. In conclusion, significant differences between AR and FFT spectral analyses do exist, particularly in supine position. Nevertheless, dynamic trends provided by the two approaches are consistent. Normalization is necessary to evidence the LF increase during tilt.
Titanium-Hydroxyapatite Composites Sintered at Low Temperature for Tissue Engineering: In vitro Cell Support and Biocompatibility

Background In clinical orthopedics, a critical problem is the bone tissue loss produced by a disease or injury. The use of composites from titanium and hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications has increased due to the resulting advantageous combination of hydroxyapatite bioactivity and favorable mechanical properties of titanium. Powder metallurgy is a simple and lower-cost method that uses powder from titanium and hydroxyapatite to obtain composites having hydroxyapatite phases in a metallic matrix. However, this method has certain limitations arising from thermal decomposition of hydroxyapatite in the titanium-hydroxyapatite system above 800°C. We obtained a composite from titanium and bovine hydroxyapatite powders sintered at 800°C and evaluated its bioactivity and cytocompatibility according to the ISO 10993 standard. Methods Surface analysis and bioactivity of the composite was evaluated by X-ray diffraction and SEM. MTT assay was carried out to assess cytotoxicity on Vero and NIH3T3 cells. Cell morphology and cell adhesion on the composite surface were analyzed using fluorescence and SEM. Results We obtained a porous composite with hydroxyapatite particles well integrated in titanium matrix which presented excellent bioactivity. Our data did not reveal any toxicity of titanium-hydroxyapatite composite on Vero or NIH3T3 cells. Moreover, extracts from composite did not affect cell morphology or density. Finally, NIH3T3 cells were capable of adhering to and proliferating on the composite surface. Conclusions The composite obtained displayed promising biomedical applications through the simple method of powder metallurgy. Additionally, these findings provide an in vitro proof for adequate biocompatibility of titanium-hydroxyapatite composite sintered at 800°C.
Involving the Health Care System in Domestic Violence: What Women Want

PURPOSE Domestic violence is prevalent among women using primary health care services in Lebanon and has a negative effect on their health, yet physicians are not inquiring about it. In this study, we explored the attitudes of these women regarding involving the health care system in domestic violence management. METHODS We undertook a qualitative focus group study. Health care professionals in 6 primary health care centers routinely screened women for domestic violence using the HITS (Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream) instrument. At each center, 12 women who were screened (regardless of the result) were recruited to participate in a focus group discussion. RESULTS Most of the 72 women encouraged involvement of the health care system in the management of domestic violence and considered it to be a “socially accepted way to break the silence. ” Women expected health care professionals to have an “active conscience”; to be open minded, ready to listen, and unhurried; and to respect confidentiality. Additionally, they recommended mass media and community awareness campaigns focusing on family relationships to address domestic violence. CONCLUSIONS Addressing domestic violence through the health care system, if done properly, may be socially acceptable and nonoffensive even to women living in conservative societies such as Lebanon. The women in this study described characteristics of health professionals that would be conducive to screening and that could be extrapolated to the health care of immigrant Arab women.
Is hyperlipidemia or its treatment associated with erectile dysfunction?: Results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey.

INTRODUCTION Studies and reports suggest that both hyperlipidemia and its pharmacologic treatment may lead to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). AIMS Our objectives were to examine the association between (i) treated hyperlipidemia and ED; and (ii) untreated hyperlipidemia and ED. METHODS Data from 1,899 men aged 30-79 were used from the Boston Area Community Health Survey of community-dwelling residents of Boston, MA, collected during 2002-2005 using an in-person interview, self-administered questionnaires, and a venous blood draw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ED was measured using the short form International Index of Erectile Function. A case of treated hyperlipidemia was defined by use of anti-lipemics in the past month, while untreated hyperlipidemia was serum total cholesterol > or =240 milligrams per deciliter with no anti-lipemic use. We estimated associations using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Men with treated hyperlipidemia were older, had more comorbidities, and used more medications compared with men with untreated hyperlipidemia or no hyperlipidemia. In multivariate models stratified by age and the presence of diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD), we saw no association between hyperlipidemia drug treatment and ED, except among younger men (<55) who had diabetes and/or CVD, where a strong association with an imprecise CI was observed (OR = 10.39, 95% CI: 3.25, 33.20). There was no significant positive association between untreated hyperlipidemia and ED in any multivariate model. CONCLUSION Lipid-lowering medications may be associated with ED among some men. The well-established benefits of lipid-lowering therapy should always be weighed against potential adverse effects.
Surface Susceptibility Bianisotropic Matrix Model for Periodic Metasurfaces of Uniaxially Mono-Anisotropic Scatterers Under Oblique TE-Wave Incidence

A bianisotropic matrix technique is presented for the development of a homogenized surface susceptibility model of metasurfaces with arbitrary uniaxially mono-anisotropic scatterers, illuminated by obliquely incident TE waves. Based on the sole assumption that the scatterers can be described by point-dipoles, the proposed formulation establishes a simple relation between the homogenized metasurface susceptibility matrix and the scatterer polarizability matrix. For this purpose, the exact interaction coefficients, associating the metasurface local field vectors with the dipole moment vectors, are extracted in terms of rapidly convergent series. The resulting analytical expressions for the interaction coefficients are applicable to both near- and far-field problems. Moreover, the derived formula for the surface susceptibility matrix reveals the existence of off-diagonal terms, corresponding to a magnetoelectric coupling effect at the lattice level. The accuracy of the method is verified via comparisons with full-wave-simulation results for several metasurfaces of planar resonators and magnetodielectric spheres. It is observed that the efficiency of the model is contingent upon the electrical size of the scatterers rather than the lattice periodicity, since the former determines the validity of the point-dipole approximation, which is the only assumption throughout the analysis.
Artefacts in Marine Digital Terrain Models: A Multiscale Analysis of Their Impact on the Derivation of Terrain Attributes

Data acquisition artefacts are commonly found in multibeam bathymetric data, but their effects on mapping methodologies using geographic information system techniques have not been widely explored. Artefacts have been extensively studied in terrestrial settings, but their study in a marine context has currently been limited to engineering and surveying technology development in order to reduce their amplitude during data collection and postprocessing. Knowledge on how they propagate to further analyses like environmental characterization or terrain analysis is scant. The goal of this paper is to describe the contribution of different types of artefacts to marine terrain attributes at multiple scales. Using multibeam bathymetric data from German Bank, off Nova Scotia (Canada), digital bathymetric models (DBMs) were computed at five different spatial resolutions. Ten different amplitudes of heave, pitch, roll, and time artefacts were artificially introduced to generate altered DBMs. Then, six terrain attributes were derived from each of the reference and altered DBMs. Relationships between the amplitude of artefacts and the statistical and spatial distributions of: 1) altered bathymetry and terrain attributes surfaces and 2) errors caused by the artefacts were modeled. Spatial similarity between altered and reference surfaces was also assessed. Results indicate that most artefacts impact spatial similarity and that pitch and roll significantly impact the statistical distribution of DBMs and terrain attributes while time and heave artefacts have a more subtle impact. Results also confirm the relationship between spatial data quality and spatial scale, as finer-scale data were impacted by artefacts to a greater degree than broader-scale data.
Diagnostic Differentiation of von Willebrand Disease Types 1 and 2 by von Willebrand Factor Multimer Analysis and DDAVP Challenge Test

The European Clinical Laboratory and Molecular (ECLM) classification of von Willebrand disease (vWD) is based on the splitting approach which uses sensitive and specific von Willebrand factor (vWF) assays with regard to the updated molecular data on structure and function of vWF gene and protein defects. A complete set of FVIII:C and vWF ristocetine cofactor, collagen binding, and antigen, vWF multimeric analysis in low- and medium-resolution gels, and responses to desmopressin (DDAVP) of FVIII:C and vWF parameters are mandatory. The ECLM classification distinguishes recessive types 1 and 3 vWD from recessive vWD 2C due to mutations in the D1 and D2 domains and vWD 2N due to mutations in the D′-FVIII-binding domain of vWF. The ECLM classification differentiates between mild vWD type 1 with variable penetrance of bleedings from symptomatic dominant type 1 vWD secretion defect and/or clearance defect with normal vWF multimers versus vWD 1M and 2M with normal or smeary vWF multimers in low- and medium-resolution gels. High-quality multimeric analysis of vWF in medium-resolution gels based on a DDAVP challenge test clearly delineates and distinguishes each of the dominant type 2 vWDs 1/2E, 2M, 2B, 2A, and 2D caused by vWF gene mutations in the D3 multimerization domain, loss or gain-of-function mutations in the glycoprotein Ib receptor A1 domain, gene mutations in the A2 proteolytic domain, and the C-terminal dimerization domain, respectively.
Accelerated ageing test to evaluate vigour in Jatropha curcas L. seeds

Atualmente, ha grande interesse pelo cultivo do pinhao manso para a producao de biodiesel, o que tem levado a um aumento na procura por sementes, exigindo informacoes precisas sobre a sua qualidade fisiologica, especialmente o vigor. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiencia do teste de envelhecimento acelerado, com variacoes, para a verificacao do vigor de sementes de pinhao manso. Sementes de quatro lotes foram incialmente caracterizadas quanto a qualidade fisiologica pelos testes de germinacao e de vigor. Para a realizacao do teste de envelhecimento acelerado, foram testadas as temperaturas de 42 e 45 oC, por 48; 72 e 96 horas. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e as medias dos tratamentos comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Foram calculados os coeficientes de correlacao de Pearson entre os resultados de envelhecimento acelerado e os dos demais testes. O teste de envelhecimento acelerado a 42 ou 45 oC por 48 horas, e eficiente para classificar lotes de sementes de pinhao manso em niveis de vigor.
Spatial Coordination of Spindle Assembly by Chromosome-Mediated Signaling Gradients

During cell division, chromosomes are distributed to daughter cells by the mitotic spindle. This system requires spatial cues to reproducibly self-organize. We report that such cues are provided by chromosome-mediated interaction gradients between the small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Ran and importin-β. This produces activity gradients that determine the spatial distribution of microtubule nucleation and stabilization around chromosomes and that are essential for the self-organization of microtubules into a bipolar spindle.
The Process of Disengagement From Personal Goals

To date, it is not well understood how individuals disengage from goals. A recent approach suggests that disengagement is often preceded by an action crisis, a motivational conflict in which the individual is torn between holding on to and letting go of a personal goal. We postulate that a dynamic interplay between the experience of action crisis and appraisals of goal desirability and attainability shapes the disengagement process from personal goals. In two longitudinal studies (N = 364), an action crisis in the goal to complete a university degree predicted devaluations of its desirability and attainability, and reversely, low goal attainability (but not desirability) predicted an increase in action crisis. Moreover, studies provided first evidence that devaluing goal desirability might be functional for well-being in an action crisis. Studies strengthen the view that disengagement is shaped by reciprocal processes between the experience of action crisis and changes in goal appraisal.
Reengagement in meaningful occupations during the transition from hospital to home for people with acquired brain injury and their family caregivers.

OBJECTIVE To explore people's lived experiences of reengagement in meaningful occupations during the hospital-to-home transition phase after acquired brain injury (ABI). METHOD Participants included 20 people with ABI and 18 family caregivers. On the basis of a phenomenological approach, data collection entailed in-depth semistructured interviews at predischarge and 1 and 3 months postdischarge. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts involved open, axial, and selective coding techniques. RESULTS Two primary themes emerged from the analysis: desired versus actual participation and struggle for independence. Theme 1 depicts the key occupations of importance to people and their caregivers during transition and explores desired and actual participation in occupations. Theme 2 highlights the struggle to regain independence and the differing perspectives of the 2 participant groups concerning this process. CONCLUSION Clinical practice implications relate to client-centered goal setting, contexts and environments in which therapy occurs, and provision of information to patients and families.
Alterations in the balance of protein kinase and phosphatase activities and age‐related impairments of synaptic transmission and long‐term potentiation

Aging is associated with an impaired ability to maintain long‐term potentiation (LTP), but the underlying cause of the impairment remains unclear. To gain a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for this impairment, the synaptic transmission and plasticity were studied in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices from adult (6–8 months) and poor‐memory (PM)‐aged (23–24 months) rats. The one‐way inhibitory avoidance learning task was used as the behavioral paradigm to screen PM‐aged rats. With intracellular recordings, CA1 neurons of PM‐aged rats exhibited a more hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, reduced input resistance, and increased amplitude of afterhyperpolarization and spike threshold, compared with those in adult rats. Although a reduction in the size of excitatory synaptic response was observed in PM‐aged rats, no obvious differences were found between adult and PM‐aged rats in the pharmacological properties of excitatory synaptic response, paired‐pulse facilitation, or frequency‐dependent facilitation, which was tested with trains of 10 pulses at 1, 5, and 10 Hz. Slices from the PM‐aged rats displayed significantly reduced early‐phase long‐term potentiation (E‐LTP) and late‐phase LTP (L‐LTP), and the entire frequency‐response curve of LTP and LTD is modified to favor LTD induction. The susceptibility of time‐dependent reversal of LTP by low‐frequency afferent stimulation was also facilitated in PM‐aged rats. Bath application of the protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A, enhanced synaptic response in slices from PM‐aged, but not adult, rats. In contrast, application of the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase inhibitors, Rp‐8‐CPT‐cAMPS and KT5720, induced a decrease in synaptic transmission only in slices from the adult rats. Furthermore, the selective β‐adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol, and pertussis toxin‐sensitive G‐protein inhibitor, N‐ethylmaleimide, effectively restored the deficit in E‐LTP and L‐LTP of PM‐aged rats. These results demonstrate that age‐related impairments of synaptic transmission and LTP may result from alterations in the balance of protein kinase/phosphatase activities. Hippocampus 2002;12:787–802. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial pseudohyperkalaemia Cardiff: a mild version of cryohydrocytosis

Summary. We have investigated a Welsh pedigree showing the ‘familial pseudohyperkalaemia’ phenotype of dominantly inherited, red‐cell‐based, temperature‐dependent pseudohyperkalaemia associated with normal haematology. The ‘passive leak’ to K across the membrane of these abnormal red cells showed a ‘U‐shaped’ temperature dependence, with a minimum at about 23°C, qualitatively similar to that seen in the frankly haemolytic ‘cryohydrocytosis’ variant of the hereditary stomatocytosis group. Like three previous pedigrees with cryohydrocytosis, these patients show an excess of ether lipids in the membrane. However, these patients differ from other ‘familial pseudohyperkalaemia’ pedigrees, in which the leak showed different temperature profiles.