Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in congestive heart failure management in the intensive care unit: B-type natriuretic peptides in evaluation of acute heart failure

Background:Circulating concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment (NT-proBNP) of its prohormone (proBNP) are increased in congestive heart failure in proportion to the severity of symptoms, the degree of left ventricular dysfunction, and cardiac filling pressures. Following the introduction of rapid, automated assays for determination of BNP and NT-proBNP, these peptides are increasingly used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Objective:To review studies evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of BNP and NT-proBNP, with special emphasis on their performance as indicators of acute heart failure in the intensive care unit. Results:In patients presenting with acute dyspnea, both BNP and NT-proBNP are accurate indicators of acute heart failure and provide prognostic information above and beyond conventional risk markers. Increased plasma levels of BNP and NT-proBNP are not specific for heart failure and may be influenced by a variety of cardiac and noncardiac conditions commonly seen in the intensive care unit, including myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, sepsis, shock, anemia, renal failure, hypoxia, acute pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusions:The diagnostic performance of BNP and NT-proBNP as indicators of acute heart failure depends on the clinical setting. In the intensive care unit, particular caution should be used in the interpretation of elevated BNP and NT-proBNP levels.
Plasma Carotenoid and Vitamins A and E Concentrations in Older African American Women after Wheat Bran Supplementation: Effects of Age, Body Mass and Smoking History

Objective: This study investigated the relationships of plasma vitamins A, E, and carotenoids with age, BMI and former/non-smoking history after adjusting for wheat bran supplementation. Methods: All 39 African American women in the church-based, volunteer sample, 40–70 years old, supplemented their daily diets for 5–6 wks. with 1/2 cup of a riboflavin-spiked wheat bran cereal. Results: Urinary riboflavin concentrations increased from 0.8 ± 0.1 mg/day at baseline to 7.5 ± 0.5 mg/day after supplementation, confirming the 99.2 ± 10.5% self-reported adherence. Plasma nutrient concentrations did not change significantly with supplementation nor was never/former smoking history related to diet. Plasma retinol and serum cholesterol were significantly higher (p < 0.0002) in persons older than 55 years compared to younger adults. Plasma retinol (μg/dL) but not serum cholesterol was associated significantly with menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy (HRT; p = 0.05); progressive increases in retinol concentrations were found in the women after adjusting for pre/post supplementation: lowest in pre-menopause (47.7 ± 4.8); intermediate concentrations in post-menopause on HRT (54.6 ± 3.0); highest level in post-menopause without HRT (61.1 ± 3.0). Similarly, a progressive increase was found in lipid-unadjusted α-tocopherol concentrations and menopausal status with or without HRT. Vitamin A and cholesterol intakes were not significantly different by age group. Plasma carotenoids were not significantly different by age or fiber supplementation, but α- and β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were significantly lower with BMI ≥ 30. In contrast to carotenoids, both plasma levels of γ-tocopherol and lipid-adjusted γ-tocopherol were significantly higher with obesity compared to those with BMI < 30. Conclusion: Plasma α- and β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were negatively associated with obesity, whereas γ-tocopherol measures were consistently elevated with high BMI. The increase in age-associated plasma retinol in postmenopausal women was likely related to decreased estrogen concentrations in the African American women. Smoking history was not influential in this study.
Correlation between pH and surface structural changes on human enamel submitted to different tooth whitening agents

The intense valuation of an esthetic pleasant smile guided the dentistry to bleached tooth due the popularity of whitening treatments. The consequence of it is an increasing interest in searching the effect of peroxides in hard dental tissues. The aim of this work was to analyze qualitatively in vitro the human enamel after three different bleaching treatments: Opalescence PF 10%, White Class 7.5% and Opalescence Xtra Boost 38%, correlating the structural changes in the surface of the enamel with its respective pH. A total of 40 sound human pre-molars were randomly divided into four groups of 10 elements, which had been immersed in artificial saliva during all the experiment. Bleaching protocols followed the recommendations of the respective manufacturers. Each bleached sample and control group were submitted to a scanning electronic microscopy analysis and compared with one another. Bleaching agents used in this experiment had modified the morphologic aspect of the surface of the dental enamel; however, it did not have correlation between the degrees of severity of the alterations and pH. There is a correlation between hydrogen peroxide concentration and changes in the enamel, where G4 showed more severe alterations, followed for G3 and G2.
Symptomatic presentation of a sickle cell heterozygote: An evaluation of genetic factors

Letters and correspondence submitted for possible publication must be identified as such. Text length must not exceed 500 words and five bibliographic references. A single concise figure or table may be included if it is essential to support the communication. Letters not typed double-spaced will not be considered for publication. Letters not meeting these specifications will not be returned to authors. Letters to the Editor are utilized to communicate a single novel observation or finding. Correspondence is to be used to supplement or constructively comment on the contents of a publication in the journal and cannot exceed the restrictions for Letters to the Editor. The Editor reserves the right to shorten text, delete objectional comments, and make other changes to comply with the style of the journal. Permission for publication must be appended as a postscript. Submissions must be sent to Paul Chervenick, M.D., Editor of Brief Reports/Letters to Editors, American Journal of Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 to permit rapid consideration for publication.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide, Almitrine Infusion, or Their Coadministration as a Treatment of Severe Hypoxemic Focal Lung Lesions

Background The partition of pulmonary blood flow between normal and shunting zones is an important determinant of oxygen tension in arterial blood (PaO(2)). The authors hypothesized that the combination of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and almitrine infusion might have additional effects related to their pharmacologic properties to improve PaO(2). Such a combination was tested in patients with hypoxia caused by focal lung lesions, distinct from the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods Fifteen patients with hypoxic focal lung lesions despite optimal therapy were included and successively treated with (1) 5 ppm iNO, (2) low‐dose almitrine infusion (5.5 +/− 1.7 [micro sign]g [middle dot] kg (‐1) [middle dot] min‐1) during iNO, and (3) almitrine infusion alone (with NO turned off). Then iNO was reintroduced and we studied the effect of the coadministration in reducing the fractional concentration of oxygen in inspired gas (FIO(2)) and positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels. Changes in blood gases and pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics were measured. Results Systemic hemodynamic variables remained stable in all protocol conditions. Use of iNO improved arterial oxygenation and decreased intrapulmonary shunt. Almitrine similarly improved PaO(2) but increased pulmonary artery pressure and right atrial pressure. Coadministration of iNO and almitrine improved PaO(2) compared with each drug alone and with control. All patients responded (that is, they had at least a +30% increase in PaO(2)) to this coadministration. When the drug combination was continued, FIO(2) and PEEP could be reduced over 8 h. The hospital mortality rate was 33% and unrelated to hypoxia. Conclusions In hypoxemic focal lung lesions, iNO or low‐dose almitrine markedly improved PaO(2) to a similar extent. Furthermore, the coadministration amplified the PaO(2) increase at a level that allowed reductions in FIO(2) and PEEP levels.
Determinants of exercise intention and behaviour among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia

Abstract Objective: The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has been applied to understand exercise behaviour in the general population with little consideration to individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric disability, despite physical inactivity among them presenting a significant risk of cardiovascular disease and other physical and mental health problems. This study tested the applicability of the TPB in the prediction of exercise intention and behaviour among people with schizophrenia. Method: Using a cross-sectional research design, 214 participants (105 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 109 community controls) completed a questionnaire measuring TPB components, self-efficacy, health professional support and exercise behaviour. Results: Those with schizophrenia walked significantly more than the general population, but did significantly less moderate to strenuous exercise. Among those with schizophrenia, self-efficacy, perceived behavioural control and health professional support predicted 33.4% of the variance in intention to exercise. Exercise behaviour was predicted by self-efficacy and fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusion: It is hoped that these findings will prompt health practitioners to respond to these low levels of exercise among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia by providing support and exercise programmes that enhance self-efficacy.
THE SECONDARY EFFECTS OF LIGNOSULFONATE CEMENT RETARDER ON CEMENT SLURRY PROPERTIES

The primary function of retarders in cement slurry design is to increase the thickening time at higher temperature to allow time for placement of the liquid slurry. This has been the focus in the oil Industry on cement slurry design using retarders. However, test results from this research work using different retarder concentrations indicated that not only the thickening time was affected but the compressive strength, rheological as well as the free fluid properties. Increasing retarder concentration not only resulted to increase in thickening time, but a decrease in both rheological properties and early strength development as well as increase in free fluid results. It is therefore imperative that to optimize a cement slurry design to meet up with design objectives and all boundary conditions, the choice of optimum retarder concentration
A new paradigm for large earthquakes in stable continental plate interiors

Large earthquakes within stable continental regions (SCR) show that significant amounts of elastic strain can be released on geological structures far from plate boundary faults, where the vast majority of the Earth's seismic activity takes place. SCR earthquakes show spatial and temporal patterns that differ from those at plate boundaries and occur in regions where tectonic loading rates are negligible. However, in the absence of a more appropriate model, they are traditionally viewed as analogous to their plate boundary counterparts, occurring when the accrual of tectonic stress localized at long‐lived active faults reaches failure threshold. Here we argue that SCR earthquakes are better explained by transient perturbations of local stress or fault strength that release elastic energy from a prestressed lithosphere. As a result, SCR earthquakes can occur in regions with no previous seismicity and no surface evidence for strain accumulation. They need not repeat, since the tectonic loading rate is close to zero. Therefore, concepts of recurrence time or fault slip rate do not apply. As a consequence, seismic hazard in SCRs is likely more spatially distributed than indicated by paleoearthquakes, current seismicity, or geodetic strain rates.
Menopause: Developing a rational treatment plan

In recent years, growing importance has been afforded to assisting women in coping with the menopausal transition. Menopause is a normal stage of development and a woman's attitude toward this transition embodies biological, psychological and social influences. An enlarging body of conflicting data concerning menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) demands reassessment of established paradigms of disease prevention and menopausal health. Currently, a woman's decision to participate in or abstain from menopausal HT is personal. It involves not only consideration of risk stratification of potential harm and benefit, but also involves her expectations and attitudes toward perceived physical and emotional changes associated with this change. Through the use of extensive patient history, quality-of-life questionnaires and powerful biological profiling, we may be able to develop a rational approach to menopausal HT that safely guides our patients through this transition.
Optimization of the storage conditions for coagulation screening tests.

OBJECTIVE To determine the optimum storage temperature and time for prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time at various intervals at both room temperature and refrigerator. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Laboratory at University Sains Malaysia (USM), from August 2009 to June 2010. METHODOLOGY After obtaining the consent, 33 blood samples were collected from AMDI staffs and students. Prothrombin time (PT) was measured at 0, 4, 8 and 24 hours (h). Partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was measured at 0, 2, 6 and 8 h both at room temperature (RT) and refrigerator. RESULTS Thirty three subjects (14 males and 19 females, aged from 20 to 40 years) were involved. PT showed no significant differences at RT at 4 h, while significant differences after 8 h and 24 h at RT and after 4 h, 8 h and 24 h at refrigerator were observed. APTT showed no statistically significant differences at 2 h but showed significant differences at 6 h, 8 h at both RT and refrigerator. CONCLUSION Samples for PT testing can be accepted only up to 4 h when kept at RT while the samples cannot be accepted when kept at refrigerator for 4 h and above. APTT samples can be accepted up to 2 h only at RT or refrigerator.
Prevalence of undiagnosed pernicious anemia in the elderly.

BACKGROUND Existing information about the prevalence of pernicious anemia is largely based on older surveys that favored florid manifestations, tended to be retrospective analyses of previously diagnosed disease, and usually studied homogeneous European populations. The lack of current data in the United States has, among other things, hampered discussions of the proposal to increase folate intake by the general population. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated pernicious anemia among the elderly. METHODS A prospective survey of cobalamin levels and anti-intrinsic factor antibody was done in the elderly. Blood testing was done in 729 people aged 60 years or older and follow-up assessment with the Schilling test and other tests was offered when results were abnormal. RESULTS Seventeen subjects were found to have pernicious anemia, usually with only minimal clinical manifestations of cobalamin deficiency. Although cobalamin deficiency had been suspected by the physicians of three subjects, they had been treated inadequately and still had evidence of deficiency. Excluding these three partially treated subjects from the analysis, 1.9% of the survey population had unrecognized and untreated pernicious anemia. The prevalence was 2.7% in women and 1.4% in men; 4.3% of the black women and 4.0% of the white women had pernicious anemia. CONCLUSIONS Undiagnosed pernicious anemia is a common finding in the elderly, especially among black and white women. If these findings can be extrapolated, almost 800000 elderly people in the United States have undiagnosed and untreated pernicious anemia, and, thus, would be at possible risk for masked cobalamin deficiency if exposed to large amounts of folate. This number does not include those elderly with cobalamin deficiency caused by other disorders or the still unknown number of younger people with unrecognized pernicious anemia and other causes of deficiency.
Total Amylase and Pancreatic Isoamylase in Serum and Urine: Considerations from Data on Biological Variation

The analytical, within-subject and between-subject components of variation were estimated for amylase activity and pancreatic isoamylase activity in serum measured using newer analytical methods. Desirable analytical imprecisions based on within-subject variation were CV ≤ 4·4% and CV ≤ 7·0%, respectively. Conventional population-based reference intervals were not useful because of marked individuality; clinical decision-making points should be derived from the desired sensitivity and specificity. Serial results must change more than about 30% and 40% respectively before significance (P ≤ 0·05) can be claimed. Similar data on total amylase and pancreatic isoamylase activities in random and first morning urines showed that the use of conventional reference intervals was appropriate. Very large changes (> 100%) were required before a difference in serial results was significant. Calculation of the urine amylase/creatinine ratio appeared to confer no advantage. Derivation of the ratio of pancreatic isoamylase to total amylase activity in serum or urine was unlikely to provide additional information of value in either diagnosis or monitoring.
Inhibitors Block Skeletogenesis but not Patterning in Sea Urchin Embryos

Skeletogenesis in the sea urchin embryo is a simple model of biomineralization, pattern formation, and cell–cell communication during embryonic development. The calcium carbonate skeletal spicules are secreted by primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs), but the skeletal pattern is dictated by the embryonic ectoderm. Although the process of skeletogenesis is well characterized, there is little molecular understanding of the basis of patterning within this system. In this study, we examined the contribution of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-mediated signaling to the skeletogenic process in sea urchin embryos by using the well-established PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin. Our results show that PI3K inhibitors specifically and reversibly block skeletogenesis, and that this blockade occurs within the PMCs rather than in the ectoderm, because the inhibitors block spiculogenesis in cultured micromeres. Our results are consistent with a model in which PI3K signaling is required, not for pattern sensing or interpretation but rather for the biomineralization process itself in the sea urchin embryo. Developmental Dynamics 229:713–721, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The impact of open and closed mindsets on evaluative priming

In the present research, we argue that open versus closed mindsets, accompanying ongoing versus completed mental jobs on the prime, determine the size of congruity effects in the evaluative priming paradigm. More specifically, we hypothesised that disfluent primes that resist an easily completed encoding process should induce an open mindset and thereby result in stronger congruity effects than fluent primes that induce closed mindsets. Across two experiments, we applied two different manipulations of prime fluency: gradual demasking (Experiment 1) and colour contrast (Experiment 2). As expected, in both experiments we found robust congruity effects, but only on trials with disfluent (vs. fluent) primes. Results of a follow-up experiment suggest that these effects are not due to attentional processes. We conclude that the mindsets resulting from individuals' activities during encoding are crucial in determining the outcome of evaluative priming effects.
Languages and strategies: a study of regular infinite games

The theory of two-player infinite games provides a framework for studying the controller synthesis problem in reactive system. This problem was solved for regular winning conditions for the first time by the fundamental BüchiLandweber Theorem. The present work extends this result by investigating possibilities to measure the complexity of strategies in infinite games. In the first part of this work, we improve a 50 years old algorithm, the Ramsey-based Büchi automata complementation method, both on the practical as well as on the theoretical side. On the practical side, we present some heuristics for improving the Ramsey-based approach, which we also implemented in a Java program. We show that this algorithm in fact can compete with the more modern ones. On the theoretical side, we introduce a novel complementation construction, based on weak-orders, to which the improved Ramsey-based approach is tightly connected, and we prove a 2O(n logn) upper bound on the size of the complement automaton. In the second part, we embed the concept of games into the domain of formal languages. By doing this, we are able to give a qualitative measure of the complexity of a winning strategy, as well as of the complexity of the corresponding winning condition. In this way, we extend and refine the fundamental Büchi-Landweber Theorem to subclasses of the class of regular languages, in particular we consider hierarchies below the starfree languages. We distinguish between weak games and strong games. Strong games rely on infinite occurrence of patterns in a word, while weak games only rely on finite occurrences of patterns. We show that for solving weak games, winning strategies lie one level above winning conditions inside the hierarchy. For strong games on level i, we show that winning strategies on level i+ 2 suffice. In the third part, we introduce another measure for the complexity of strategies, but this time on graph-games with parity conditions. This measure is of quantitative nature and it determines the permissiveness of a given nondeterministic strategy. The permissiveness is measured by assigning to each strategy a penalty, namely the average sum (in the limit) of the weight of edges that are to be disallowed. We reduce the problem of determining the value of such a mean-penalty parity game to the value problem of a corresponding mean-payoff parity game, and we show that both problems are in NP∩coNP. We revisit the study of mean-payoff parity games and obtain a deterministic algorithm, which computes the value and which runs faster than all previously known algorithms. A similar algorithm for mean-penalty parity games is developed as well.
Polarimetrie RCS measurements of selected two-wheeled vehicles for automotive radar

In upcoming years, the task of autonomous driving and the associated classification of road users will become increasingly important. For a robust classification, vehicle signatures that provide a set of independent physical scatter information about the vehicles are needed. Polarimetric radar cross section (RCS) object signatures offer the possibility to decompose the measured scattering matrix (S-matrix) into canonical scattering mechanisms, such as even- and odd-bounce, as well as crosspolar scattering. Classical single-polarized signatures, however, only depend on the co-polarized magnitudes and thus contain less information. Therefore, polarimetric RCS signatures are promising candidates for classification purposes. In this paper, polarimetric signatures at 77 GHz of four selected two-wheeled vehicle classes are presented. The test vehicles are rotated around their yaw axis and for each rotation angle step the range dependent polarimetric signature is measured. The polarimetric data is then processed by the coherent Pauli decomposition and the resulting signatures are presented. Furthermore, the polarimetric signatures are compared to their single-polarized versions.