Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topical anaesthesia does not affect cutaneous vasomotor or sudomotor responses in human skin.

(1) The effects of local sensory blockade (topical anaesthesia) on eccrine sweat glands and cutaneous circulation are not well understood. This study aimed to determine whether topical lidocaine/prilocaine alters eccrine sweat gland and cutaneous blood vessel responses. (2) Sweating (capacitance hygrometry) was induced via forearm intradermal microdialysis of five acetylcholine (ACh) doses (1 × 10(-4) to 1 × 10(0) m, 10-fold increments) in control and treated forearm sites in six healthy subjects. Nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatory (sodium nitroprusside) and adrenergic vasoconstrictor (noradrenaline) agonists were iontophoresed in lidocaine/prilocaine-treated and control forearm skin in nine healthy subjects during blood flow assessment (laser Doppler flowmetry, expressed as% from baseline cutaneous vascular conductance; CVC; flux/mean arterial pressure). (3) Non-linear regression curve fitting identified no change in the ED50 of ACh-induced sweating after sensory blockade (-1.42 ± 0.23 logM) compared to control (-1.27 ± 0.23 logM; P > .05) or in Emax (0.43 ± 0.08 with, 0.53 ± 0.16 mg cm(-2) min(-1) without lidocaine/prilocaine; P > . 05). Sensory blockade did not alter the vasodilator response to sodium nitroprusside (1280 ± 548% change from baseline CVC with, 1204 ± 247% without lidocaine/prilocaine) or vasoconstrictor response to noradrenaline (-14 ± 4% change from baseline CVC with, -22 ± 14% without lidocaine/prilocaine; P > 0.05). (4) Cutaneous sensory blockade does not appear to alter nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, adrenergic vasoconstriction, or cholinergic eccrine sweating dose-response sensitivity or responsiveness to maximal dose. Thus, lidocaine/prilocaine treatment should not affect sweat gland function or have blood flow implications for subsequent research protocols or clinical procedures.
Evaluation of biological and enzymatic quorum quencher coating additives to reduce biocorrosion of steel

Microbial colonization can be detrimental to the integrity of metal surfaces and lead to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Biocorrosion is a serious problem for aquatic and marine industries in the world. In Minnesota (USA), where this study was conducted, biocorrosion severely affects the maritime transportation industry. The anticorrosion activity of a variety of compounds, including chemical (magnesium peroxide) and biological (surfactin, capsaicin, and gramicidin) molecules were investigated as coating additives. We also evaluated a previously engineered, extremely stable, non-biocidal enzyme known to interfere in bacterial signaling, SsoPox (a quorum quenching lactonase). Experimental steel coupons were submerged in water from the Duluth Superior Harbor (DSH) for 8 weeks in the laboratory. Biocorrosion was evaluated by counting the number and the coverage of corrosion tubercles on coupons and also by ESEM imaging of the coupon surface. Three experimental coating additives significantly reduced the formation of corrosion tubercles: surfactin, magnesium peroxide and the quorum quenching lactonase by 31%, 36% and 50%, respectively. DNA sequence analysis of the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that these decreases in corrosion were associated with significant changes in the composition of bacterial communities on the steel surfaces. These results demonstrate the potential of highly stable quorum quenching lactonases to provide a reliable, cost-effective method to treat steel structures and prevent biocorrosion.
Age Affects Clinical Management after Noncurative Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer

Background: Additional surgery is recommended after noncurative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer due to the risk of lymph node metastasis. However, age may affect the clinical management of these patients. Objectives: The aim of our retrospective multicenter study was to clarify whether age affects decision-making after noncurative ESD and if the decision affects long-term outcomes. Methods: Age was classified as follows: non-elderly, <70 years (n = 811); elderly, 70–79 years (n= 760); and super-elderly, ≥80 years (n = 398). Age associations with the selection for additional surgery were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Long-term outcomes were also evaluated in each age group. Results: Age was inversely related to the rate of additional surgery, which ranged from 70.0% in the non-elderly group to 20.1% in the super-elderly group (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age <70 years (versus age ≥80 years) was associated with the selection of additional surgery (OR 18.6). Overall survival (OS) in patients who underwent additional surgery was significantly higher in the non-elderly and elderly groups (p< 0.001), whereas the difference was not significant in the super-elderly group (p = 0.23). Conclusions: Despite the fact that almost 80% of super-elderly patients did not undergo additional surgery, the difference of OS between patients with and without additional surgery was not significant only in patients ≥80 years. Therefore, establishment of criteria for selecting treatment methods after noncurative ESD in elderly patients is required.
Anti-Synchronization in Fixed Time for Discontinuous Reaction–Diffusion Neural Networks With Time-Varying Coefficients and Time Delay

This paper studies the fixed-time anti-synchronization (FTAS) of discontinuous reaction–diffusion neural networks (DRDNNs) with both time-varying coefficients and time delay. First, differential inclusion theory is used to deal with the influence caused by discontinuous activations. In addition, a new fixed-time convergence theorem is used to handle the time-varying coefficients. Second, a novel state-feedback control algorithm and integral state-feedback control algorithm are proposed to realize FTAS of DRDNNs. During the generalized (adaptive) pinning control strategy, a guideline is proposed to select neurons to pin the designed controller. Furthermore, we present several criteria on FTAS by using the generalized Lyapunov function method. Different from the traditional Lyapunov function with negative definite derivative, the derivative of the Lyapunov function can be positive in this paper. Finally, we give two numerical simulations to substantiate the merits of the obtained results.
Temozolomide plus radiotherapy for glioblastoma in a Canadian province: Efficacy versus effectiveness and the impact of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase promoter methylation

Background: Radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide has been the standard of care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma in adults since the pivotal trial by Roger Stupp and colleagues. The effectiveness of this regimen has not been evaluated in Canada. Additionally, the impact of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on patient survival has not been confirmed. Hence, survival outcomes and MGMT predictive value were compared for the patients in Alberta versus the Stupp trial population. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 215 adult glioblastoma patients who started radiotherapy and temozolomide between January 2007 and December 2010 at the Cross Cancer Institute (Edmonton, Alberta) or the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (Calgary, Alberta). Results: In the Alberta population, median overall survival was 14.3 months (vs. 14.6 months in trial, p = NS) and median progression-free survival was 5.8 months (vs. 6.9 months in trial, p = NS). However, unlike the trial, the Alberta MGMT subgroup analysis for overall survival was not statistically significant, despite a hazard ratio of 0.65 in favor of the methylated group. More Alberta patients received corticosteroids (p < 0.0001) and fewer underwent complete resection (p = 0.0001) or a postprogression second surgery (p = 0.01) than the Stupp population, but characteristics were otherwise similar. Conclusion: Current practice in Alberta enables patients to achieve overall and progression-free survival similar to the clinical trial. Further follow-up is required to confirm the predictive value of the MGMT assay. Until that is clarified or better treatments are developed, it is reasonable to continue offering this treatment regimen to patients regardless of MGMT methylation status.
A game-theoretic analysis of demand response in electricity markets

This paper presents a game-theoretic approach to demand response in electricity markets. A Stackelberg game model is developed to capture the interplay between a Demand Response Aggregator (DRA) and electricity generators, where the DRA acts the leader of the game and makes demand reduction bids by taking into account their profitability. The classical generators respond by adjusting their electricity generation levels which leads to an equilibrium solution of the resulting strategic (non-cooperative) game in the competitive wholesale electricity market. A numerical analysis of the Stackelberg game shows that highly concentrated markets during the peak hours are the most profitable scenarios for the demand response from the DRA's perspective.
Sonographic assessment of normal spleen volume

Thirty‐two morphologically normal spleens from adult corpses were excised and immersed into a graduated water tank and the water volume displaced was considered as the actual spleen volume. after that, the splenic maximal height, width, and breadth were determined by a pachimeter. all the reference points were marked with a metal clip. utilizing the metal clip references ultrasound maximal height, width, and breadth were determined. it was assumed that the ultrasound spleen volume was the result of the multiplication of the three ultrasonographic measurements previously obtained.
Organisation of preventive child health services: Key to socio-economic equity in vaccine uptake?

Background: Measles has made a comeback in Western Europe, with more cases being reported each year. One factor behind this development is low vaccination coverage in socially disadvantaged segments of the population in many countries. This study investigates whether socioeconomic patterns of uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the Nordic countries differ by national organisation of preventive health services for children. Methods: MMR vaccine uptake before the age of two years was analysed in register data from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, linked to family indicators of socio-economic status (SES) from national registers. Results: Denmark, a country where child vaccinations are administered by general practitioners, presented the lowest overall coverage of MMR at 83%. It also had the greatest difference between subpopulations of low and high SES at 14 percentage points. Finland, Iceland and Sweden, countries where preschool children are vaccinated in ‘well-baby’ clinics, had a higher overall coverage at 91–94%, with a more equal distribution between SES groups at 1–4 percentage points. Conclusions: This study suggests that the organisation of preventive health care in special units, ‘well-baby’ clinics, facilitates vaccine uptake among children with low SES in a Nordic welfare context.
College women’s physical activity, health-related quality of life, and physical fitness: a self-determination perspective

ABSTRACT This study applied self-determination theory to examine Chinese college women motivational profiles and their association with physical activity involvement, health-related quality of life, and physical fitness. 292 Chinese college women completed questionnaires assessing relevant psychological constructs and physical activity involvement. Their physical fitness was measured based on the China National Fitness Test Program including body shape, pulmonary function, and body fitness. A two-step cluster analysis determined the profiles that resulted from the interactions among motivation variables reflecting the degree of self-determination. Four distinct clusters of college women were identified: low self-determination/high control, low combination, high combination, and high self-determination/low control. There were significant differences among the clusters in physical activity involvement (p < .01, η2 = .11), health-related quality of life (p < .01, η2 = .18), and physical fitness (p < .01, η2 = .04). Findings support the importance of developing self-determination in Chinese college women’ physical activity, fitness and health-related quality of life.
Predictors of Severity in Deformational Plagiocephaly

Multiple risk factors for deformational plagiocephaly (DP) have been reported. The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of these variables on the severity of this deformity. A prospective cohort study was performed. Parents completed a standardized questionnaire assessing potential risk factors for DP before assessment. Examination included measurement of transcranial difference (TCD; ie, difference in oblique cranial lengths), evaluation of head tilt, and rotational asymmetry. Pearson correlation coefficient, 1-way analysis of variance, and 2-sample t-test were used to quantify the relationship between identified risk factors and TCD. A total of 434 patients with DP were evaluated. Male-to-female ratio was 2:1; mean gestational age was 36.5 weeks. Deformational plagiocephaly was first appreciated at a mean infant age of 6 weeks. A preexisting diagnosis of torticollis was noted in fewer than 50%. Mean TCD was 11.2 mm. Head tilt was documented in 80% of infants, and mean head rotational asymmetry was 16.4 degrees. Deformational plagiocephaly was more severe in multiple birth pregnancies (P < 0.05), males (P < 0.05), infants with a favorite head position (P < 0.01), preexamination diagnosis of torticollis (P < 0.05), and infants with a head tilt (P < 0.05). Lower gestational age (P < 0.05) and greater head rotational asymmetry (P < 0.0001) were found to correlate with DP severity. This study suggests that the relationship between the severity of DP and certain risk factors can be quantified. The presence and degree of cervical imbalance correlate strongly with deformational cranial asymmetry.
Childhood Exposure to Partner Violence as a Moderator of Current Partner Violence and Negative Parenting

This study examined the interactive effect of mothers’ exposure to caregiver intimate partner violence (IPV) during childhood and the amount of violence experienced with a current partner on negative parenting practices. Mothers (N = 119) were recruited from community sites serving individuals experiencing IPV. Findings indicated that the following childhood IPV exposure variables moderated the association between current IPV severity and negative parenting practices: total types of IPV witnessed (B = 0.01, t = 2.65, p < .01), witnessing sexual IPV (B = 0.02, t = 2.16, p < .05), and witnessing psychological IPV (B = 0.03, t = 2.79, p < .01). Results highlight the intergenerational effect of violence and the importance of addressing trauma across the family system.
Everolimus With Very Low-Exposure Cyclosporine A in De Novo Kidney Transplantation: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background. In combination with everolimus (EVL), cyclosporine A (CsA) may be used at low exposure, so reducing the risk of renal dysfunction in renal transplant recipients (RTR). We evaluated whether higher exposure of EVL could allow a further reduction of CsA. Methods. De novo RTR were randomized to standard exposure EVL (C0 3–8 ng/mL) with low-concentration CsA (C2 maintenance levels 350–500 ng/mL, group A) or higher EVL exposure (C0 8–12 ng/mL) with very low-concentration CsA (C2 maintenance levels 150–300 ng/mL, group B). The primary endpoints were 6-month creatinine clearance (CrCl) and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) rate. After 6 months, patients were followed up (observational extension) to 12 months. Results. Two hundred eighty-five RTR (97% from deceased donors) were enrolled. Two patients per group died (1.4%). The 6-month death-censored graft survival was 90.2% in group A and 97.9% in group B and was unchanged at 12 months (P=0.007). There was no significant difference between groups at 6 months in CrCl (59.9 vs. 57.8 mL/min) and BPAR rates (14.7% vs. 11.9%) and also at 12 months (CrCl 62.5±20.7 vs. 61.3±22.0 mL/min, BPAR 14.7% vs. 14.1%). No significant differences were seen in treated acute rejections, steroid-resistant acute rejections, treatment failures, or delayed graft function, although there was a trend to better results in group B. Conclusions. EVL given at higher exposure for 6 months plus very low CsA concentration may obtain low acute rejection rate and good graft survival in De novo renal transplantation. However, there was no difference between groups in CrCl.
Light alters nociceptive effects of magnetic field shielding

Orientation and nociception (pain sensitivity) are affected by exposure to geomagnetic or low frequency (<1000 Hz) magnetic fields of approximately the earth's field strength, i.e., 50 µT. However, these effects are often dependent on the simultaneous presence of visible light. Recently, it was shown that nociception was affected in mice acutely exposed to an electromagnetic‐shielded environment in the dark (<0.05 W/m2) during the mid‐light phase of the diurnal cycle. Here, we report for the first time that if mice are exposed to magnetic shielding in the presence of visible light (0.6 W/m2, 400–750 nm) that most of the effects of shielding are eliminated. This simple experimental protocol may be useful in investigating the role that light plays in the detection of ambient electromagnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 27:10–15, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Medical handovers across shifts within a five-day-working model: results from an electronic handover system in an acute NHS trust

ABSTRACT Electronic handover tools have been advocated as a potential strategy to improve the quality of handover, especially during on-call periods at night and weekends. We aimed to quantify, categorise and explore the temporal relationship of handover tasks stored on an electronic handover system (eHandover) in an acute UK hospital trust in which the day-time primary team worked only weekdays, with only the day-time and night-time on-call teams being available at weekends. Second, we evaluated whether tasks that remained in the eHandover system throughout several shifts were likely to be completed. We defined the shift gap as the number of clinical shifts that passed between the creation of the handover task and its completion. 11,071 electronic handover parcels created on eHandover between March 2010 and January 2011 were analysed. More handovers were requested for completion on weekends (70 parcels a day) than on routine weekdays (22 parcels a day; p<0.001). The receiving teams reported that 89.4% (9,900) of the handover parcels were completed. Greater amounts of handover work was requested over weekends, when tasks were often transferred across many clinical shifts. Despite this, task-completion rates on eHandover remained consistently high. The use of a well-designed electronic handover system as part of a systematic intervention, in combination with organised verbal handover meetings, can help to reduce the risk of communication failure across shifts.
Towards Non-Invasive Methods to Assess Population Structure and Biomass in Vulnerable Sea Pen Fields †

Colonies of the endangered red sea pen Pennatula rubra (Cnidaria: Pennatulacea) sampled by trawling in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea were analyzed. Biometric parameters, such as total length, peduncle length, number of polyp leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight, were measured and related to each other by means of regression analysis. Ad hoc models for future inferencing of colonies size and biomass through visual techniques were individuated in order to allow a non-invasive study of the population structure and dynamics of P. rubra.
Plakoglobin interacts with the transcription factor p53 and regulates the expression of 14-3-3&sgr;

Summary Plakoglobin (&ggr;-catenin), a constituent of the adherens junction and desmosomes, has signaling capabilities typically associated with tumor/metastasis suppression through mechanisms that remain undefined. To determine the role of plakoglobin during tumorigenesis and metastasis, we expressed plakoglobin in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC9) cells and compared the mRNA profiles of parental SCC9 cells and their plakoglobin-expressing transfectants (SCC9-PG). We detected several p53-target genes whose levels were altered upon plakoglobin expression. In this study, we identified the p53 regulated tumor suppressor 14-3-3&sgr; as a direct plakoglobin-p53 target gene. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that plakoglobin and p53 interact, and chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that plakoglobin and p53 associate with the 14-3-3&sgr; promoter. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays showed that p53 transcriptional activity is increased in the presence of plakoglobin. Finally, knockdown of plakoglobin in MCF-7 cells followed by luciferase assays confirmed that p53 transcriptional activity is enhanced in the presence of plakoglobin. Our data suggest that plakoglobin regulates gene expression in conjunction with p53 and that plakoglobin may regulate p53 transcriptional activity, which may account, in part, for the tumor/metastasis suppressor activity of plakoglobin.
Plaque removal by worn toothbrush.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Assessment of the influence of toothbrush wear on plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indexes. METHOD 20 university students were recruited. PI and GI were recorded at the starting point (T0). Each subject received a toothbrush and toothpaste. 5 measurements of toothbrush were recorded to establish the initial size. The subjects were instructed to brush 3 x a day and to refrain from using other plaque removal aids. After 1 month (T1), the subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: group no. 1 substituted the toothbrush at each monthly visit; group no. 2 brushed only with the toothbrush provided at T0. Recalls were scheduled after 1 (T1), 2 (T2) and 3 months (T3). PI, GI and an index of wear (WI) were calculated using 5 measurements of the toothbrush head and were recorded at recalls. RESULTS From T0 to T3, a significant increase of PI was found within both groups. Non-significant differences, but very close to the significant level (p= 0.063), in group no. 1 and significant differences in group no. 2 of GI were found. No significant differences of PI and GI were found between groups. Increase of the WI was registered from T0 to T3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Each individual is capable of maintaining low PI, even if using a toothbrush that shows evidence of wear.