Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endovascular intervention for acute thromboembolic stroke in young patients: an ideal population for aggressive intervention?

OBJECT Endovascular treatment of acute thromboembolic stroke is a rapidly developing field that appears to hold great promise. Young patients may be particularly suited to benefit from endovascular acute stroke therapy. The authors sought to identify outcomes in young patients with thromboembolic stroke who underwent endovascular intervention. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected endovascular intervention registry of patients with ischemic strokes treated at a single large-volume institution between December 2000 and June 2007 to identify patients 18-35 years of age who were treated for thromboembolic stroke. Data are presented as the mean +/- standard deviation unless otherwise noted. RESULTS Seven young patients underwent 8 consecutive endovascular interventions for thromboembolic stroke (mean age 26 +/- 6 years; 5 women). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at presentation was 13 +/- 4.3 (median 13). All patients presented within 6 hours of symptom onset. Revascularization was attempted with mechanical thrombectomy/disruption, intraarterial thrombolysis, and/or angioplasty, with or without stent placement. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge was 2.2 +/- 1.5 (median 1.5), with 5 patients (62.5%) achieving independence at discharge (mRS Score 0-2). There were no deaths. Hospital length of stay was 6.5 +/- 3.7 days (4.4 +/- 1.5 days for patients with an mRS score of 0-2; 10 +/- 3.6 days for patients with an mRS score of 4). All patients became independent and had reached an mRS score of < or = 2 at last follow-up evaluation (29 +/- 25 months). CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrate the relative safety of endovascular intervention in young patients with thromboembolic cerebral ischemia and may suggest a potential benefit in outcome. Further investigation is indicated with larger numbers of patients and an appropriate control population.
Cardiovascular adaptation during action pistol shooting.

BACKGROUND Action Pistol Shooting, implies high degree of physical and psychological stress, however cardiovascular adaptation during competition has not been studied so far. METHODS We studied six healthy males athletes, during the Italian National Dynamic Pistol Shooting Championship. ECG was monitored and blood pressure (BP) manually measured along the match. RESULTS Mean heart rate (HR) was close to 100 bpm per minute in all but one shooters. Marked tachycardia, above 180 beats per minute was recorded in four shooters, during "field course" stages. In two cases the heart rate under stress reached about 200 bpm, for the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias. BP behavior was different among the six shooters with mean systolic values ranging between 140 and 170 mmHg and maximal systolic values between 160 e 240 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS Action Pistol Shooting induces acute elevation of HR and BP, which may reach abnormal values and can be associated with impaired performance and score. Further study is warranted in shooters undergoing combat-like tournaments to evaluate unperceived cardiovascular stress and their coping capability.
The Consistency of the Axiom of Choice and of the Generalized Continuum-Hypothesis.

Kurt Godel, mathematician and logician, was one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century. Godel fled Nazi Germany, fearing for his Jewish wife and fed up with Nazi interference in the affairs of the mathematics institute at the University of Gottingen. In 1933 he settled at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where he joined the group of world-famous mathematicians who made up its original faculty. His 1940 book, better known by its short title, The Consistency of the Continuum Hypothesis, is a classic of modern mathematics. The continuum hypothesis, introduced by mathematician George Cantor in 1877, states that there is no set of numbers between the integers and real numbers. It was later included as the first of mathematician David Hilbert's twenty-three unsolved math problems, famously delivered as a manifesto to the field of mathematics at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Paris in 1900. In The Consistency of the Continuum Hypothesis Godel set forth his proof for this problem. In 1999, Time magazine ranked him higher than fellow scientists Edwin Hubble, Enrico Fermi, John Maynard Keynes, James Watson, Francis Crick, and Jonas Salk. He is most renowned for his proof in 1931 of the 'incompleteness theorem,' in which he demonstrated that there are problems that cannot be solved by any set of rules or procedures. His proof wrought fruitful havoc in mathematics, logic, and beyond.
Opportunities to Improve Fluoroquinolone Prescribing in the United States for Adult Ambulatory Care Visits

The Food and Drug Administration warned against fluoroquinolone use for conditions with effective alternative agents. An estimated 5.1% of adult ambulatory fluoroquinolone prescriptions were for conditions that did not require antibiotics, and 19.9% were for conditions where fluoroquinolones are not recommended first-line therapy. Unnecessary fluoroquinolone use should be reduced.
Overexpression of Caveolin-1 Inhibits Endothelial Cell Proliferation by Arresting the Cell Cycle at G0/G1 Phase

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing capillary, is required for tumor growth and metastasis. The process is not fully understood yet, but involves endothelial cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Recently, we have shown that over-expression of caveolin-1, a putative transformation suppressor gene, inhibits VEGFR-2 and MEK-1-mediated mitogenic signal to the nucleus. Conversely, angiogenic activators suppress caveolin-1 expression in endothelial cells. However, whether caveolin-1 expression affects endothelial cell proliferation is not clear. In the present study, we infect human endothelial cells with adenovirus expressing caveolin-1 and show that transient over-expression of caveolin-1 dramatically inhibits the proliferation of human endothelial cells. Consistent with caveolin-1 functioning as an inhibitor for protein kinases, over-expression of caveolin-1 inhibits the activity of VEGFR-2 (KDR) and down-stream p42/44 MAP kinase. Furthermore, over-expression of caveolin-1 prevents VEGF-induced down-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1and Rb phosphorylation, and subsequently arrests endothelial cells in the G0/G1 phase. Thus, our results suggest that caveolin-1, as a negative regulator of endothelial cell proliferation, may be a potential target for the control of angiogenesis.
Granulocyte elastase, matrix metalloproteinase-8 and prostaglandin E2 in gingival crevicular fluid in matched clinical sites in smokers and non-smokers with persistent periodontitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Smokers with persistent periodontitis may have granulocytes with impaired function. This study aimed to determine the levels of granulocyte elastase, matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in smokers and non-smokers with persistent periodontitis. METHODS We analyzed GCF from 70 matched sites in 29 periodontitis and 6 gingivitis sites in 34 subjects, 17 smokers, and 17 non-smokers. We also analyzed separately GCF from 28 of these subjects, 14 smokers and 14 non-smokers in 14 matched periodontitis sites. The following measurements were made: elastase complexed to alpha1-antitrypsin (EA-alpha1AT) and MMP-8 with ELISA, functional elastase with a chromogenic substrate, and PGE2 with radioimmunoassay (125I RIA). The significance of the findings was determined with Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS In the 29 matched periodontitis sites, smokers had significantly more functional elastase (p<0.005) and more EA-alpha1AT (p<0.05) than non-smokers. In the 14 matched periodontitis sites in 14 smokers and 14 non-smokers, the former had significantly more functional elastase than the latter (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between EA-alpha1AT and MMP-8 in smokers (p<0.05) and non-smokers (p<0.001) and a positive correlation between levels of functional elastase and MMP-8 in non-smokers (r2=0.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Granulocyte function seems to be impaired in smokers with persistent periodontitis. The cells react to the bacterial challenge by releasing serine proteases, which reflect the degradation of connective tissue. The risk of progression of the disease is therefore higher in smokers with persistent periodontitis than in non-smokers.
Antimicrobial activities of honey from different geographical locations on gram negative and positive organisms

Honey samples were obtained from the different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria including: the tropical rainforest, mangrove swamp, plateau grassland, guinea savannah and sudan savannah. The antimicrobial activities of these differently sourced honeys were assessed against six bacteria organisms (Staphylococcus aureaus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella aerogenes and Proteus mirabilis). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were studied using standard methods. Results obtained showed that geographical locations had effects on the antibacterial activities of the different honeys at different concentrations (6.25-100%). Honey originating from Vom, Plateau State showed the highest antimicrobial activity. All the honeys showed varied bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. None of the honeys produced any effect on Klebsiella aerogenes and Proteus mirabilis. Further work is encouraged.
Rapid reconstitution of humoral immunity against cytomegalovirus but not HIV following highly active antiretroviral therapy

Objective: To determine the kinetics of reduction in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) load and specific anti-glycoprotein B (gB) immune responses in patients with concurrent HCMV DNAaemia following the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Design: Sequential analysis of eleven patients with HCMV DNAaemia who received HAART and eleven control patients with HCMV DNAaemia. Methods: HCMV load was measured by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction and anti-gB, anti-HIV Env and Gag responses by an end-point dilution immunofluorescence assay using recombinant antigens expressed in insect cells. Estimates of the efficacy of the reconstituting immune system at controlling HCMV replication were based on previous dynamic models. Results: In patients initiating HAART, HCMV DNA levels in blood declined rapidly, with a median half-life of 5.2 days, consistent with an efficacy of the reconstituting immune system at inhibiting HCMV replication of 52.8–85% (median, 61%). Commensurate with this decrease, a significant increase in anti-gB titres was observed in the post-HAART period (corresponding to an average fourfold increase in titre by 1 month rising to an eightfold increase at month 3; P = 0.01). No changes in titre were observed in the control group or for anti-HIV Gag antibody levels, while anti-HIV Env antibody levels decreased after HAART. Conclusions: In patients with HCMV DNAaemia, reconstitution of humoral immunity to HCMV gB occurs rapidly following the initiation of HAART. These changes contrast with the patterns observed for anti-HIV humoral immune responses.
Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in neonates.

Only a few data have thus far been published on the pharmacokinetics of amikacin in neonates. To gain further information on this issue, we studied a series of 32 neonates who were treated with amikacin for suspected or documented bacterial infection. Nineteen neonates were preterm (mean gestational age = 32.0 +/- 3.6 weeks, mean body weight = 1.74 +/- 0.81 kg) while the remaining 13 were full-term (mean body weight = 3.19 +/- 0.82 kg). The 32 neonates were given amikacin by intramuscular route. A total of 121 concentrations were measured (average number of concentrations per patient = 3.8; range 3-6). To estimate amikacin pharmacokinetic parameters, the serum concentration values of the drug were fitted to the one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The calculated pharmacokinetic parameters were the following (mean +/- SD): clearance = 64.6 +/- 30.8 ml/h/kg; volume of distribution = 0.655 +/- 0.414 liters/kg; half-life = 7.6 +/- 4.4 h. These results are similar to the values reported previously, with the important exception of the volume of distribution, which was considerably higher in our study. The intraindividual variability of amikacin pharmacokinetics was evaluated by the standard two-stage method yielding an intraindividual variability coefficient of 28.9%. No previous estimate of this parameter has as yet been published. The population parameters of amikacin in neonates, derived from the present study (i.e. coefficient for intraindividual variability and means +/- SD for clearance and volume of distribution), can be applied to a further series of neonates to facilitate the prospective use of the bayesian method for individualizing amikacin dosage.
Exploration of rare earth materials for future interpoly dielectric replacement in Flash memory devices

Rare-earth lanthanates and scandates have been studied for possible use as future Flash interpoly dielectrics. It was shown that a post-deposition anneal in O2 at high temperature (∼1000°C or above) gives rise to silicate formation. This results in excellent memory retention and larger robustness of the layers as compared to anneal in N2.
Incidental Learning of Geospatial Concepts Across Grade Levels: Map Overlay

Abstract In this paper, we evaluate map overlay, a concept central to geospatial thinking, to determine how it is naively and technically understood, as well as to identify when it is learned innately. The evaluation is supported by results from studies at three grade levels to show the progression of incidentally learned geospatial knowledge as students mature and develop more complex thinking strategies. Our findings have been useful for understanding when and how geospatial concepts are learned innately. The results of the studies will be discussed in terms of creation of a hierarchy of concepts and use of a “minimal” GIS for geospatial education.
On the Forcing of ENSO Teleconnections by Anomalous Heating and Cooling

Abstract ENSO teleconnections were originally regarded as a single train of stationary Rossby waves generated by a compact region of enhanced (reduced for La Nina) equatorial convective heating. While more recent studies have greatly enhanced this dynamical picture, the dominant conceptual model of the teleconnections still identifies this monopolar convective heat source as the ultimate driver of the teleconnections. This note presents evidence that the surrounding regions of diabatic cooling are just as important as equatorial heating in producing the ENSO teleconnections. In simulations with a linear diagnostic model, heating and cooling anomalies derived from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) reanalysis make comparable contributions to the upper-level eddy height anomalies. In particular, remote cooling is just as important as local heating in determining the central longitude of the subtropical El Nino anticyclones. The same diagnos.
Electrical stresses on ultra-thin gate oxide SOI MOSFETs after irradiation

We present the first experimental data about the wear-out of a 0.1 /spl mu/m partially depleted SOI CMOS technology after heavy ion irradiation. We show that accelerated life tests based on high electric fields yield significant differences between irradiated and nonirradiated devices, even though no or only minor changes are visible in the characteristics of the devices after irradiation. First, the time to breakdown of the front gate oxide is significantly lower in the irradiated samples. The fresh devices experienced breakdown after 5-8/spl middot/10/sup 22/ electrons/cm/sup 2/ were injected across the oxide during high field electrical stress. In the irradiated oxide, the breakdown was reached at much lower injected charge values, between 0.5/spl middot/10/sup 22/ electrons/cm/sup 2/ and 1.5-1/spl middot/10/sup 22/ electrons/cm/sup 2/ depending on the ion fluences. This translates into a lifetime reduction of 10%-20% of its initial value. Furthermore, the degradation kinetics of the threshold voltage and transconductance peak are strongly affected by ion strikes. In particular, a sudden shift of the threshold voltage and an acceleration in the degradation of the transconductance peak were observed upon the application of an electrical stress, which have no correspondence in nonirradiated devices. An acceleration in the degradation of the parasitic back transistor was observed as well. These phenomena were interpreted in terms of latent damage left by the irradiation in the oxides that make up SOI devices.
5‐ALA‐mediated photodynamic therapy reduces the parasite load in mice infected with Leishmania braziliensis

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has proven to be an effective alternative for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Skin lesions consist of ulcers with well‐defined raised edges, and granular floor. Th1 immune response is the protective profile in patients infected with Leishmania. In this study, the photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolevulinic acid, the parasitic load, and the modulation of the immune response was evaluated in mice infected with Leishmania braziliensis. Balb/c mice were infected with L. braziliensis and subsequently treated with three sections of PDT. The parasite load and mRNA expression of cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐17, IL‐22, IL‐27, IL‐10) and transcription factors (GATA‐3, Foxp3 and T‐bet) were analysed by quantitative PCR. The parasite load in the treated group was significantly lower than in the untreated group (P<.0001); in PDT treated animals, we observed an increase in IFN‐γ and T‐bet mRNA (P=.012 and P=.0071). There was a significant reduction in mRNA expression of IL‐22 associated with an increased expression of IL‐27 mRNA in the animals treated with light only (P=.0001). 5‐ALA associated with photodynamic therapy promotes a reduction in parasite load and an increased expression of IFN‐γ and T‐bet mRNA.
The therapeutic potential of vasopressin in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Adrenaline has been the gold standard pressor agent used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Nonetheless, recent evidence suggests that there is no difference in survival rates between patients receiving adrenaline, and those receiving a placebo during resuscitation. Research and development of new pressor agents for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation has therefore been ongoing, in search of a better pressor than adrenaline. Initial data from multiple animal studies, in addition to two small studies in humans (comparing vasopressin with a control treatment, in the management of cardiac arrest in humans and animals), showed that vasopressin was superior to both adrenaline and placebo. Consequently, a recent multicentre trial evaluated the efficacy of vasopressin versus adrenaline on survival among adults who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This study demonstrated that the effects of vasopressin were similar to those of adrenaline in the management of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless electrical activity, but vasopressin was superior to adrenaline in patients with asystole. The use of vasopressin, followed by adrenaline, was more effective than the use of adrenaline alone in patients with refractory cardiac arrest. Further studies are needed in order to establish the definitive role of vasopressin in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines.
Application of the enabling occupation II guidelines in a non-Canadian context

Abstract Background. The Canadian Enabling Occupation II guidelines contain theory and examples of how to apply client-centredness in occupation-based practice. Little information is available about the feasibility of the guidelines in other contexts. For 18 months, nine Dutch occupational therapists participated in a community of practice to explore, together with three researchers, their experiences with the application of the Enabling Occupation II guidelines. Purpose. To understand the experiences of Dutch occupational therapists with the application of the Enabling Occupation II guidelines. Method. A qualitative study using four focus group discussions and content analysis. Findings. Four themes emerged: (1) an indication that the guidelines of Enabling Occupation II are in line with values and norms of Dutch occupational therapists, (2) the meaningfulness of an intensive process of studying, discussing, applying and reflecting, (3) the struggles faced by the occupational therapists with translating English and getting a grip on concepts and (4) the challenges to implementing the guidelines in practice. Implications. Findings indicate that Enabling Occupation II embody values and norms of Dutch occupational therapists. They experience many benefits in their doing, thinking and being when applying the guidelines in practice. Struggles with reading English, getting a grip on concepts and theories, and difficulties in handling obstacles indicate that the application of the guidelines takes effort. An understanding of the philosophy, application, and reflection on professional identity may be prerequisites for appraising the feasibility of adoption of client-centred guidelines cross-culturally.
Effects of simulated shoot and leaf herbivory on vegetative growth and plant defense in Acacia drepanolobium

Plants have considerable ability to respond to herbivory, both with (above-ground) regrowth and with increased defense. We simulated both leaf and shoot herbivory in controlled, replicated experiments on individuals of Acacia drepanolobium in Laikipia, Kenya. These experiments were carried out on individuals that had experienced different, experimentally controlled histories of large mammalian herbivory. Both forms of simulated herbivory were associated with compensatory regrowth. Branches whose shoots had been removed grew significantly more over the next year than paired control branches, fully compensating for the lost shoot length. Branches whose leaves were removed both grew faster and had more leaves one year later than did control branches. Shoot removal, but not leaf removal, increased the production of side shoots. However, because past herbivore pressure was negatively associated with net shoot growth, there may be a long-term cost of herbivory even when plants appear to fully compensate for herbivory in the short term. In contrast to the effects on growth, simulated herbivory did not significantly increase physical (spines) or chemical (tannins) defenses, and there were no significant negative correlations between compensatory growth and plant defense.