Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and a screening‐level risk assessment of human pharmaceuticals in the Pearl River system, South China

Ten nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), two blood lipid regulators (BLRs), and two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were analyzed in the Pearl River system in China (i.e., Liuxi, Zhujiang, and Shijing Rivers) and four sewage effluents during the dry and wet seasons, and the environmental risks they posed were assessed. Eight pharmaceuticals were detected in the rivers and effluents, including five NSAIDs (salicylic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, and naproxen), two BLRs (clofibric acid and gemfibrozil), and one AED (carbamazepine). The median concentrations for the eight pharmaceuticals ranged from 11.2 to 102 ng/L. Seasonal variations were not obvious for most pharmaceuticals in the three rivers, except for salicylic acid and clofibric acid in the Zhujiang River, and diclofenac in the Zhujiang and Shijing Rivers. However, spatially considerable variations in the concentrations were observed for the eight pharmaceuticals in all three rivers. For most of the pharmaceuticals, the effluents from the four wastewater treatment plants and Shijing River water were found to be the major discharge sources for the Zhujiang River, but with additional discharge sources from some small urban streams in the wet season. Diclofenac in the Shijing River was the only pharmaceutical that had a risk quotient (RQ) >1, indicating a high risk to aquatic organisms in the river. Although higher RQs were calculated for the mixture of the pharmaceuticals in each river, the risk rating remained the same for the three rivers with the RQ being >1 only in Shijing River. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1377–1384. © 2010 SETAC
Nonlinear Changes in Brain Activity During Continuous Word Repetition: An Event-Related Multiparametric Functional MR Imaging Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Changes in brain activation as a function of continuous multiparametric word recognition have not been studied before by using functional MR imaging (fMRI), to our knowledge. Our aim was to identify linear changes in brain activation and, what is more interesting, nonlinear changes in brain activation as a function of extended word repetition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy young right-handed individuals participated in this study. An event-related extended continuous word-recognition task with 30 target words was used to study the parametric effect of word recognition on brain activation. Word-recognition–related brain activation was studied as a function of 9 word repetitions. fMRI data were analyzed with a general linear model with regressors for linearly changing signal intensity and nonlinearly changing signal intensity, according to group average reaction time (RT) and individual RTs. RESULTS: A network generally associated with episodic memory recognition showed either constant or linearly decreasing brain activation as a function of word repetition. Furthermore, both anterior and posterior cingulate cortices and the left middle frontal gyrus followed the nonlinear curve of the group RT, whereas the anterior cingulate cortex was also associated with individual RT. CONCLUSION: Linear alteration in brain activation as a function of word repetition explained most changes in blood oxygen level–dependent signal intensity. Using a hierarchically orthogonalized model, we found evidence for nonlinear activation associated with both group and individual RTs.
Autoantibodies in the sera of Trypanosoma cruzi‐infected individuals with or without clinical Chagas disease

Variations in the levels and the specificities of autoantibodies directed against a panel of antigens (cytoskeleton proteins, DNA, laminin) were analyzed in the sera from two groups of humans infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. One group was constituted of apparently healthy blood donors (BD) and the other of patients with clinically confirmed Chagas disease (CCH). In both infected groups, a high proportion but not all sera exhibited dramatic enhancement of IgM and IgG autoantibodies directed against all antigens tested. Sera positive for IgG autoantibodies were generally found more frequently in the CCH than in the BD group, except for anti‐actin antibodies more often present in BD sera. Anti‐laminin IgG antibodies were present in a similar number of individuals in both groups. Although the titers of anti‐laminin IgG antibodies were in general higher in CCH, their dissociation constants were in the same range (7 × 10−8–10−7M) in both groups. IgG autoantibodies were demonstrated to be polyreactive with laminin and other self antigens as well. Circulating immune complexes were present in sera from both groups and the activity of the antibodies dissociated from these complexes was directed against all the antigens of the panel. Although the IgE concentration was significantly enhanced in several subjects from both groups, the incidence of positive sera was higher in the CCH (60%) than in the BD (39%) group. Our results demonstrate that autoantibodies with the characteristics of natural autoantibodies are found in both T. cruzi‐infected apparently healthy individuals and patients. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation and indications of ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted core needle breast biopsy

Background: The Mammotome is a diagnostic tool used under stereotactic or with ultrasound guidance. A clear indication for Mammotome use under stereotactic guidance is when a non-palpable microcalcification is a target. However, the indications for the use of the Mammotome under ultrasound guidance vary among institutions, and it is difficult to find a place for the Mammotome among conventional biopsy techniques. The Mammotome biopsy has been available in our hospital since July 1999. We assessed the effectiveness and indications of ultrasound-guided Mammotome biopsy.Methods: We performed Mammotome biopsies in 433 cases requiring histological diagnosis from July 1999 to September 2006, using an 11-gauge articulated arm-type Mammotome under ultrasound guidance. There were 377 mass lesions including 83 non-palpable cases and 56 hypoechoic lesions.Results: The indications for Mammotome biopsy were 162 cases with inconsistent fine needle aspiration (FNA) and imaging findings, 114 cases indeterminate by FNA, 68 cases of an identified pathological type before neoadjuvant chemotherapy and confirmation of hormone receptor status, 36 inadequate cases by FNA, 20 cases of confirmation of fibroadenoma and other benign tumors, 8 removal cases of fibroadenoma, 8 microcalcification cases, and 17 others. The target lesion was obtained in 99.5% of the cases.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided Mammotome biopsy is an accurate and useful diagnostic method that enables sufficient amounts of tissue to be obtained with minimal invasion and few complications. The Mammotome is the first choice for obtaining a definitive pathological diagnosis in breast lesions.
Increased prevalence of symptomatic macrovascular disease in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES--To determine the prevalence of symptomatic macrovascular disease, as defined by the World Health Organisation questionnaire for intermittent claudication, in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to compare the prevalence in this population with a cross sectional population study group reported in the Edinburgh Artery Study (EAS). METHODS--A group of 53 patients with a diagnosis of limited or diffuse systemic sclerosis were identified from our register. They were asked to complete the WHO questionnaire to establish the presence or absence of intermittent claudication. In addition, each patient's case notes were reviewed to establish the existence of definite peripheral vascular disease and to determine their risk factor profile. RESULTS--Forty six patients responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 87%. Intermittent claudication was found in 10 SSc patients (21.7%) according to the questionnaire (two with diffuse and eight with limited SSc), compared with a prevalence rate of 4.6% for claudication in the EAS. Three SSc patients experienced clinical events attributable to occlusion of a major artery proven on angiography. Four patients had hypertension, there were three current and four ex-smokers, and two had increased total cholesterol. None of these patients had diabetes. CONCLUSIONS--This study demonstrated a greater prevalence of macrovascular disease in patients with SSc than had been found in a neighbouring population.
Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus

Plaque-forming B particles of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) induce the synthesis of virus-specific ribonucleic acid (RNA) in Chinese hamster ovary cells, whereas defective T particles do not. Infection with low input multiplicities of B results in the formation of four species of RNA. During infection with high multiplicities, RNA synthesis begins with mainly these four species of RNA but gradually shifts to a new pattern of RNA synthesis involving five other species of RNA. The change can also be induced by superinfection with T at 2.5 hr after infection with a low multiplicity of B. T added at the same time as B prevents virtually all RNA synthesis. Synthesis of the first group of RNA species correlates with the formation of B particles, whereas synthesis of the second group correlates with the formation of T particles. The various species of RNA formed after infection with VSV particles include single-stranded RNA, a completely double-stranded RNA, and RNA with partially double-stranded regions. These observations begin to establish a molecular basis for understanding the ability of T particles to interfere with the growth of B particles.
Effect of adhesion barrier (interceed TC7) on two-stage orchidopexy operation

Objective: In two-stage orchidopexy, adhesions formed after the first stage usually cause difficulty during the second operation and may even lead to injury to the testis itself or to the spermatic cord. We investigated whether the use of adhesion-preventing barriers in the abdominal or pelvic region during surgery could lessen adhesions formed during two-stage orchidopexy and thus ease dissection. Material and Methods: The study subjects comprised 21 male, albino, 30-day-old Wistar rats that were divided into three equal groups. In Group 1, the right testes were enveloped in adhesion barriers after dissection and sutured to the inguinal canal. In Group 2, the right testes were sutured to the inguinal canal without the barriers. In Group 3 (sham-operated group), all testes were dissected but no suturing was performed. Rats were sacrificed after 21 days and the ipsilateral testes were harvested. Results: Dissection of barrier-enveloped testes was relatively easy; however, no significant (p < 0.535) difference was seen in adhesion scores between Groups 1 and 2. Total tissue collagen was estimated by means of the hydroxyproline content. Tissue hydroxyproline levels were 16.04 ± 8.58, 13.20 ± 6.34 and 14.71 ± 5.51 μg/mg wet tissue in Groups 1-3, respectively and these differences were not significant. The histopathologic evaluation revealed significant differences only in the thickness of the tunica albuginea in Groups 1 and 2 (110.0 ± 30.0 vs 77.1 ± 21.3 μm, respectively; p < 0.038). Conclusion: The adhesion scores and the biochemical and histopathological examinations showed that an adhesion barrier is not beneficial in two-stage orchidopexy.
Transient receptor potential channels in rat renal microcirculation: actions of angiotensin II.

BACKGROUND This study assessed the calcium-activating mechanisms mediating glomerular arteriolar constriction by angiotensin II (Ang II). METHODS Immunohistochemical and physiological studies were carried out, using antibody against transient receptor potential (TRP)-1 and an isolated perfused kidney model. RESULTS Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated that TRP-1 proteins were transcribed on both afferent and efferent arteriolar myocytes. In the first series of physiological experiments, Ang II (0.3 nmol/L) considerably constricted afferent (20.2 +/- 0.9 to 14.9 +/- 0.7 microm) and efferent arterioles (18.4 +/- 0.7 to 14.0 +/- 0.7 microm). The addition of nifedipine (1 micromol/L) restored decrements in afferent (to 20.0 +/- 0.8 microm) but not efferent arteriolar diameters. Further administration of SKF-96365 (100 micromol/L), a TRP channel blocker, reversed efferent arteriolar constriction (to 16.2 +/- 0.8 micromol/L). In the second group, although 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (100 micromol/L), an inhibitor of inositol trisphosphate-induced calcium release (IP3CR), did not alter glomerular arteriolar diameters, it prevented Ang II-induced afferent arteriolar constriction and attenuated efferent arteriolar constriction (18.8 +/- 0.8 to 16.9 +/- microm). Subsequent removal of extracellular calcium abolished residual efferent arteriolar constriction (to 19.1 +/- 0.8 microm). CONCLUSIONS Our data provide evidence that Ang II elicits IP3CR, possibly inducing a cellular response that activates voltage-dependent calcium channels on afferent arterioles. The present results suggest that Ang II-induced efferent arteriolar constriction involves IP3CR and calcium influx sensitive to SKF-96365.
Strain imaging – from Scandinavian research to global deployment

Abstract Knowledge about myocardial function is important for diagnosis, treatment and prediction of the majority of all cardiac diseases. Ejection fraction (EF) by echocardiography has been the preferred diagnostic tool for these purposes, but do have some important limitations. Strain imaging has emerged as a relatively new and important echocardiographic method that will give cardiologists incremental and additional information to EF in several important diseases affecting the myocardium. This paper will give the readers a brief overview on how and when the clinicians can use strain imaging by echocardiography in their daily practice.
Hydrodynamic coupling of two sharp-edged beams vibrating in a viscous fluid

In this paper, we study flexural vibrations of two thin beams that are coupled through an otherwise quiescent viscous fluid. While most of the research has focused on isolated beams immersed in placid fluids, inertial and viscous hydrodynamic coupling is ubiquitous across a multitude of engineering and natural systems comprising arrays of flexible structures. In these cases, the distributed hydrodynamic loading experienced by each oscillating structure is not only related to its absolute motion but is also influenced by its relative motion with respect to the neighbouring structures. Here, we focus on linear vibrations of two identical beams for low Knudsen, Keulegan–Carpenter and squeeze numbers. Thus, we describe the fluid flow using unsteady Stokes hydrodynamics and we propose a boundary integral formulation to compute pertinent hydrodynamic functions to study the fluid effect. We validate the proposed theoretical approach through experiments on centimetre-size compliant cantilevers that are subjected to underwater base-excitation. We consider different geometric arrangements, beam interdistances and excitation frequencies to ascertain the model accuracy in terms of the relevant non-dimensional parameters.
S-1 for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer

Introduction: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens are used worldwide as the standard treatment in chemotherapy for gastric cancer. S-1, a fourth-generation oral fluoropyrimidine that combines tegafur and two biochemical modulators: gimeracil and oteracil potassium, is now attracting considerable interest. Areas covered: This review addresses the clinical evidence of S-1 in gastrointestinal malignancies, such as gastric, colorectal, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. S-1 has demonstrated advantages over standard therapies, in both advanced and postoperative settings, in large Phase III studies. S-1 alone or S-1 plus cisplatin is recommended in the 2010 Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines, by the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association. Results from Phase III studies have demonstrated that S-1 in combination with chemotherapies, such as cisplatin in gastric cancer, and irinotecan and oxaliplatin in colorectal cancers, is non-inferior to conventional 5-FU-based standard regimens, with the benefit of convenience and reduced toxicity. Expert opinion: The excellent design of S-1 aimed to reduce toxicity by avoiding certain routes of degradation, and to enhance activity by reducing catabolism. This has provided not only a suitable alternative to 5-FU, but also higher efficacy.
Detection of hssS, hssR, hrtA, and hrtB genes and their expression by hemin in Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Staphylococcus aureus employs a heme sensing system (HssR-HssS) and a heme-regulated transporter efflux pump (HrtA-HrtB) to avoid the accumulation of heme, which is toxic at high concentrations. The detoxification system to heme has not been studied in Staphylococcus epidermidis . In this work, the hssR, hssS, hrtA, and hrtB genes were detected, and their expression when stimulated by hemin in S. epidermidis was explored. In silico genomic analyses exhibited that the genetic organization of the hssRS and hrtAB genes was identical in 11 Staphylococcus species analyzed, including S. epidermidis. Slight variations were found in their syntenic regions. The predicted secondary structure of HrtAB proteins from these species was almost identical to these of S. aureus. Additionally, hrtAB promoter sequences of some species were analyzed, and 1 or 2 different nucleotide substitutions were found in the downstream motif. Concentrations of hemin above 5 µmol/L inhibited S. epidermidis growth. However, S. epidermidis that was pre-exposed to a subinhibitory hemin concentration (1 µmol/L) was able to grow when inoculated into medium containing above 5 µmol/L hemin. The expression levels of hrtA and hrtB genes in S. epidermidis exhibited a significant difference when they were stimulated with hemin. Our results suggest that the HrtAB could be involved in hemin detoxification of S. epidermidis.
Improvement of the efficiency of voice control based on the complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition

Low accuracy of voice recognition is one of the main problems of practical implementation of voice control systems (VCS). It is associated with the use of inefficient and non-adaptive methods for complex non-stationary voice signals processing. An improved algorithm to recognize voice commands using the adaptive processing technology of the Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMD) is proposed. A block diagram and a detailed mathematical description of the algorithm basic blocks are given. The distinctive feature of the proposed algorithm is to extract only useful information on the unique properties of voice from the original speech signal. The experimental results of the proposed algorithm show the improving accuracy of voice commands recognition and efficiency of voice control as compared to the known RWTH ASR, Julius, and CMU Sphinx analogues.
Knowledge proximity and firm innovation: A microgeographic analysis for Berlin

We analyse the geographic proximity of innovative firms to different types of knowledge sources in an urban environment on a microgeographic scale. Based on a comprehensive panel data set of manufacturing and service firms in the German capital city Berlin, we investigate the characteristics of firms’ knowledge environment while differentiating by the type of innovation. Geocoded firm locations at the level of individual addresses allows us to describe the knowledge environment of firms on a very fine microgeographic scale. We find that innovative firms are located in places with higher numbers of same-sector firms, more start-ups and a higher inflow of other firms. They also locate in closer proximity to universities and research institutes. These differences decay rapidly within a few metres (50–250 m), indicating a truly microgeographic scope of knowledge sources in urban environments.
Abandonment of assistive products: assessing abandonment levels and factors that impact on it

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the levels and factors that influence the abandonment of assistive products by users of a local reference rehabilitation center. Methods: This observational study involved users who received services and assistive products provided by our center of rehabilitation. Users were identified using the records of the center and their responses about the abandonment were collected through face-to-face interviews. Results: The abandonment level of assistive products was 19.38%. 83.5% of the users use at least one of the assistive products they have received. Rigid and folding frame wheelchairs, with and without postural support devices, as well as shower wheelchairs, presented the lowest abandonment levels, followed by canes and lower limb orthoses. Upper limb orthoses, Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis(KAFO), walkers, crutches and lower and upper limb prostheses all presented higher abandonment levels. Conclusion: The simultaneous use of mutiple assistive products, users perception on the importance of using them, and completing the rehabilitation treatment were found to impact on the short and long-term use of products. The study offers inputs to decision making and planning for assistive technology provision in developing countries with regard to expected demand and service delivery. Implications for Rehabilitation Data about the abandonment of assistive products in Sao Paulo, Brazil, could assist informing decision making on provision and servicing of these products in similar settings. The strong correlation found between abandonment levels and the simultaneous use of multiple devices should be taken into account by health professionals when prescribing assistive products and providing guidance to users. The need for follow up on the use of assistive products after discharge from rehabilitation treatment becomes strikingly clear, as data show that completing treatment is significantly relevant when evaluating abandonment levels. As assistive products users’ perception about the importance of using these devices is shown to be significant in explaining abandonment, it is mandatory that health and rehabilitation professionals take it into account when providing guidance and training users.
Quantitative profiling of major neutral lipid classes in human meibum by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to better understand lipid composition in human meibum. METHODS Intact lipids in meibum samples were detected by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis in positive detection mode using sodium iodide (NaI) as an additive. The peak intensities of all major types of lipid species, that is, wax esters (WEs), cholesteryl esters (CEs), and diesters (DEs) were corrected for peak overlapping and isotopic distribution; an additional ionization efficiency correction was performed for WEs and CEs, which was simplified by the observation that the corresponding ionization efficiency was primarily dependent on the specific lipid class and saturation degree of the lipids while independent of the carbon chain length. A set of WE and CE standards was spiked in meibum samples for ionization efficiency determination and absolute quantitation. RESULTS The absolute amount (μmol/mg) for each of 51 WEs and 31 CEs in meibum samples was determined. The summed masses for 51 WEs and 31 CEs accounted for 48 ± 4% and 40 ± 2%, respectively, of the total meibum lipids. The mass percentages of saturated and unsaturated species were determined to be 75 ± 2% and 25 ± 1% for CEs and 14 ± 1% and 86 ± 1% for WEs. The profiles for two types of DEs were also obtained, which include 42 α,ω Type II DEs, and 21 ω Type I-St DEs. CONCLUSIONS Major neutral lipid classes in meibum samples were quantitatively profiled by ESI-MS analysis with NaI additive.