Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Swallowing in Alzheimer's Disease

SummaryUsing a prospective case series design, we examined the incidence of oropharyngeal swallowing abnormalities in 25 patients with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease by videofluoroscopy. Aspiration occurred in 6 of 25 (28.6%). Only four patients showed unequivocally normal performance. Exploratory statistical analyses showed that swallowing abnormalities associated significantly with duration of dementia, eating dependency, and abnormal oral praxis. We observed a trend toward a higher incidence of aspiration in patients with more severe dementia. We conclude that oropharyngeal swallowing abnormalities, including aspiration, are more prevalent in patients with Alzheimer's disease than in normal elderly individuals.
Drug Interaction between Clopidogrel and Proton Pump Inhibitors

Antiplatelet therapy using both clopidogrel and aspirin has been shown to reduce recurrent cardiac events in patients with acute coronary syndromes or in patients who have undergone coronary artery stent placement. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that is transformed in the liver to an active metabolite by cytochrome P450 enzyme. Due to the concern of bleeding in patients on both clopidogrel and aspirin therapy, concomitant prophylaxis of gastrointestinal ulcer with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is occasionally prescribed. Data from recent studies have shown that PPIs, which are extensively metabolized by the cytochrome system, may decrease the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. This article reviews the metabolism of various PPIs and existing data regarding the drug-drug interaction between PPIs and clopidogrel.
Specific flexion-related low back pain and sitting: comparison of seated discomfort on two different chairs

No study has examined the effectiveness of prescribing seating modifications according to the individual clinical presentation of people with low back pain (LBP). A dynamic, forward-inclined chair (‘Back App’) can reduce seated paraspinal muscle activation among pain-free participants. This study examined 21 participants whose LBP was specifically aggravated by prolonged sitting and was eased by standing. Low back discomfort (LBD) and overall body discomfort (OBD) were assessed every 15 min while participants sat for 1 h on both the dynamic, forward-inclined chair and a standard office chair. LBD increased significantly more (p = 0.005) on the standard office chair, with no significant difference (p = 0.178) in OBD between the chairs. The results demonstrate that, in a specific flexion-related subgroup of people with LBP, increased LBD during sitting can be minimised through modifying chair design. Mechanisms that minimise seated discomfort may be of relevance in LBP management, as part of a biopsychosocial management plan. Practitioner summary: This study examined low back discomfort (LBD) during a typing task among people with low back pain (LBP). Sitting on a dynamic, forward-inclined chair resulted in less seated LBD than sitting on a standard office chair. Further research is required to examine the long-term effectiveness of ergonomics interventions in LBP.
Efficient gap repair in Drosophila melanogaster requires a maximum of 31 nucleotides of homologous sequence at the searching ends

Double-strand breaks (DSB) were generated in the Drosophila melanogaster white gene by excision of the P-w(hd) element. An ectopic P-element vector carrying a modified white gene was used as a template for DSB repair. All template-dependent repair events were examined, and four different classes of events were recovered. The two most common products observed were gene conversions external to the P-w(hd) element and gene conversions (targeted transpositions) internal to the P-w(hd) element. These two events were equally frequent. Similar numbers for both orientations of internal conversion events were recovered. The results suggest that P-element excision occurs by a staggered cut that leaves behind at least 33 nucleotides of single-stranded sequence. Our results further demonstrate that an efficient homology search is conducted by the broken end with less than 31 nucleotides.
Incidence of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence of serious and fatal adverse drug reactions (ADR) in hospital patients. DATA SOURCES Four electronic databases were searched from 1966 to 1996. STUDY SELECTION Of 153, we selected 39 prospective studies from US hospitals. DATA EXTRACTION Data extracted independently by 2 investigators were analyzed by a random-effects model. To obtain the overall incidence of ADRs in hospitalized patients, we combined the incidence of ADRs occurring while in the hospital plus the incidence of ADRs causing admission to hospital. We excluded errors in drug administration, noncompliance, overdose, drug abuse, therapeutic failures, and possible ADRs. Serious ADRs were defined as those that required hospitalization, were permanently disabling, or resulted in death. DATA SYNTHESIS The overall incidence of serious ADRs was 6.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.2%-8.2%) and of fatal ADRs was 0.32% (95% CI, 0.23%-0.41%) of hospitalized patients. We estimated that in 1994 overall 2216000 (1721000-2711000) hospitalized patients had serious ADRs and 106000 (76000-137000) had fatal ADRs, making these reactions between the fourth and sixth leading cause of death. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of serious and fatal ADRs in US hospitals was found to be extremely high. While our results must be viewed with circumspection because of heterogeneity among studies and small biases in the samples, these data nevertheless suggest that ADRs represent an important clinical issue.
Prevalence, severity, and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in a representative sample of 3,548 portuguese men aged 40 to 69 years attending primary healthcare centers: results of the Portuguese erectile dysfunction study.

INTRODUCTION Many studies of the prevalence of erectile dysfunction have been conducted in several countries. This is the first Portuguese study that provides current and comparative data on the prevalence of erectile dysfunction. AIM The main objective was to estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men aged 40 to 69 years and correlate erectile dysfunction to certain risk factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Evaluation of erectile dysfunction was achieved using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a 15-item questionnaire that has been developed and validated as a brief and reliable self-administered scale for accessing erectile function. METHODS The Portuguese Erectile Dysfunction Study was based on a questionnaire that included socio-demographic variables, information on lifestyle and risk factors, and the IIEF. In total, 3,548 questionnaires were administered to men aged 40 to 69 years in 50 primary healthcare centers between July 2004 and January 2005 in a combination of both self-administration and interviews. Erectile dysfunction was defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. RESULTS The response rate was 81.3%. The total prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 48.1% (age-adjusted). Prevalence increases with age: 29%, 50%, and 74% in men aged 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, and 60 to 69 years, respectively. Severity of erectile dysfunction also increases with age: 1%, 2%, and 10% of complete erectile dysfunction in men aged 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, and 60 to 69 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is strongly related to age. There is also a correlation with the health status of participants.
Effects of in vitro exposure to butylparaben and di‐(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate, alone or in combination, on ovarian function

Parabens and phthalates are commercial chemicals widely used in the manufacture of industrial and consumer products frequently found as contaminants in biological fluids. We evaluated the effects of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (ranging from 10–9 to 10–7 m [1–100 nm; 0.39–39 ng ml–1]) and butylparaben (BP) (ranging from 10–8 to 10–5 m [10 nm–10 μm; 1.9 ng ml–1 to 1.9 μg ml–1]), alone and in combination, on isolated mouse preantral follicle and human granulosa cell (hGC) cultures to study direct effects on follicle growth and ovarian steroidogenesis. Our results revealed that, in follicle culture, DEHP and BP attenuate estradiol output but only when present together. DEHP decreases progesterone concentrations in the spent media of hGC cultures, an effect that was attenuated when BP was added together with DEHP. Although changes in steroidogenesis were observed, no effects on follicular development or survival were noted in the culture systems. We suggest that BP and DEHP act with additive effect to decrease estradiol production whereas at later stages of follicle development BP blocks the effect of DEHP in hGCs resulting in decreased progesterone output. Taken together our results suggest that DEHP and BP adversely affect steroidogenesis from the preantral stage onward and the effects of these chemicals are both stage‐dependent and modified by co‐exposure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infraclavicular brachial plexus block for regional anaesthesia of the lower arm.

Relevance to nursing care The use of regional anaesthesia reduces not only postoperative pain but also the risks of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative drowsiness, which are commonly associated with general anaesthesia. There are several commonly used techniques of blocking the brachial plexus, but it is not clear which, if any, is the best. This updated systematic review compared the effects of blocking the brachial plexus by injecting local anaesthetic in the area below the collar bone (the ICB) with other techniques.
High‐Resolution Multiparameter DNA Flow Cytometry for the Detection and Sorting of Tumor and Stromal Subpopulations from Paraffin‐Embedded Tissues

This unit contains a detailed protocol for the simultaneous flow cytometric measurement of tumor cells, stromal cells, and DNA content of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues. The vimentin‐positive stromal cell fraction can be used as an internal reference for DNA content assessments. This allows clear detection of keratin‐positive tumor cells with a DNA index lower than 1.0 and of keratin‐positive tumor cells with a DNA close to 1.0 in overall DNA aneuploid samples, thus improved DNA ploidy assessment in FFPE carcinomas. Furthermore, the protocol is useful for studying molecular genetic alterations and intratumor heterogeneity in archival FFPE samples. Keratin‐positive tumor cell fractions can be flow‐sorted for further molecular genetic analysis, while DNA from the sorted vimentin‐positive stromal cells can serve as a reference when normal tissue of the patient is not available. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 55:7.37. 1‐7.37. 21. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structural organization of Weibel-Palade bodies revealed by cryo-EM of vitrified endothelial cells

In endothelial cells, the multifunctional blood glycoprotein von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is stored for rapid exocytic release in specialized secretory granules called Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs). Electron cryomicroscopy at the thin periphery of whole, vitrified human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is used to directly image WPBs and their interaction with a 3D network of closely apposed membranous organelles, membrane tubules, and filaments. Fourier analysis of images and tomographic reconstruction show that VWF is packaged as a helix in WPBs. The helical signature of VWF tubules is used to identify VWF-containing organelles and characterize their paracrystalline order in low dose images. We build a 3D model of a WPB in which individual VWF helices can bend, but in which the paracrystalline packing of VWF tubules, closely wrapped by the WPB membrane, is associated with the rod-like morphology of the granules.
Diurnal systolic blood pressure variability is the strongest predictor of early carotid atherosclerosis

We studied the relationship between circadian blood pressure changes and development of early carotid atherosclerosis in 208 hypertensive and 216 normotensive patients older than age 55 years.Blood pressure patterns were evaluated noninvasively with a long-term blood pressure monitor, and extent of atherosclerosis was measured as the intima to media wall thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery. No significant differences regarding age, sex, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, and triglycerides were found between both patient groups. The age-adjusted IMT was significantly larger in the hypertensive patients (1.34 mm [95% confidence interval 1.24, 1.44] versus 1.18 mm [1.14, 1.22]; p < 0.05). However, after adjustment for diurnal systolic blood pressure variability, which was significantly increased in the hypertensive group, the significant IMT difference between both patient groups was no longer observed (1.32 mm [1.27, 1.37] versus 1.29 mm [1.25, 1.33]). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the diurnal systolic blood pressure variability as the strongest predictor for IMT. The IMT was most increased in hypertensive patients with increased diurnal systolic blood pressure variability and additional nocturnal blood pressure increase (1.64 mm [1.45, 1.83]. The odds ratio of having early atherosclerosis (age-adjusted IMT >1.5 mm) increased with raised diurnal systolic blood pressure variability (>15 mm Hg) in both groups (normotensive: 8.5 [2, 30]; hypertensive: 12.6 [4, 43]). The diurnal systolic blood pressure variability is the strongest predictor of early carotid atherosclerosis measured with B-mode ultrasonography and is useful to define the risk-benefit ratio of therapeutic approaches, particularly in patients with only slightly elevated blood pressure levels. NEUROLOGY 1996;47: 500-507
Whole Plant Photosynthesis, Development, and Carbon Partitioning in Potato as a Function of Temperature

Knowledge of temperature effects on whole canopy photosynthesis, growth, and development of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is important for crop model development and evaluation. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of temperature on canopy photosynthesis, development, growth, and partitioning of potato cv. Atlantic under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (700 m LL 21 CO2). Potato plants were grown in day-lit plant growth chambers at six constant day/night temperatures, (12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32C) during a 52-d experimental period in 1999 in Beltsville, MD. Main stem length and main stem expanded leaf number were measured nondestructively at 4 d intervals while leaf, stem, root, and tuber weights were obtained by destructive harvesting at biweekly time intervals. Canopy level net photosynthesis (PN) was obtained from gas exchange measurements. The optimum temperature for canopy photosynthesis was 24C early in the growth period and shifted to lower temperatures as the plants aged. Total end-of-season biomass was highest in the 20C treatment. End-of-season tuber mass and the ratio of tuber to total biomass decreased with increasing temperature above 24C. Accumulated biomass was a linear function of total C gain with a common slope for all treatments. However, the proportion of C allocated to tubers decreased with increasing temperatures. High respiration losses decreased total C gain at higher temperatures. When simulating photosynthesis and C assimilation in crop models, source–sink relationships with temperature and photosynthesis need to be accounted for.
High-frequency model and simulation for the investigation of bearing current in inverter-driven induction machines

Inverter-generated high-frequency common-mode voltage and resultant common-mode current cause premature motor bearing failure; hence, high-frequency simulations of induction motors exposed to common-mode voltage are presented to gain insights into the motors' common-mode behavior. In addition, electrical discharge machining, one of the mechanisms responsible for bearing degradation, is modeled by combining a voltage-controlled switch with stray motor capacitances. The variation of bearing (shaft) voltage and the magnitude of electrical discharge machining current are shown to be consistent with experimental data reported in literature.
DNA Polymerases and Human Diseases

Abstract Sweasy, J. B. , Lauper, J. M. and Eckert, K. A. DNA Polymerases and Human Diseases. Radiat. Res. 166, 693–714 (2006). DNA polymerases function in DNA replication, repair, recombination and translesion synthesis. Currently, 15 DNA polymerase genes have been identified in human cells, belonging to four distinct families. In this review, we briefly describe the biochemical activities and known cellular roles of each DNA polymerase. Our major focus is on the phenotypic consequences of mutation or ablation of individual DNA polymerase genes. We discuss phenotypes of current mouse models and altered polymerase functions and the relationship of DNA polymerase gene mutations to human cell phenotypes. Interestingly, over 120 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in human populations that are predicted to result in nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions of DNA polymerases. We discuss the putative functional consequences of these SNPs in relation to human disease.
Location of the apical foramen and its relationship with foraminal file size

Aim: This article analyzed the location of the apical foramen and its relationship with foraminal file size in maxillary central incisors. Methods: Eighty four human maxillary central incisors were used in this study. K-files of progressively increasing diameters were inserted into the root canal until it got snugly fit and the tip was visible at the apical foramen. The files were removed and teeth were crosssectioned 10 mm from the root apex. The files were then reinserted, fixed with a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, and sectioned at the same level as the root. The root apices were examined using a scanning electron microscope set at 140x magnification, the images were captured digitally and the results were subjected to Chi-square test. Results: It was observed that 63 (75%) of the apical foramen emerged laterally to the root apex and 21 (25%) coincided with the apex. The results presented statistically significant differences (ג=22.1; p=0.00). Conclusions: Lateral emergence of the apical foramen is more common than coincidence of the foramen with the apex in maxillary central incisors. This anatomical characteristic may have influence on determination of the foraminal file size.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Little is known about the risk of severe illness from respiratory syncytial virus infection in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A prospective study was done of the natural history of respiratory syncytial virus infection in 30 children less than 2 years of age with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who were in a home oxygen program. Surveillance to identify children with acute respiratory symptoms was done by weekly telephone interview. Symptomatic children were examined, oxygen saturation was determined by oximetry, and nasopharyngeal lavage fluid was collected for virus cultures and rapid respiratory syncytial virus antigen tests. During the 4-month study period (December to April), 27 children had one or more acute respiratory illnesses, and respiratory syncytial virus developed in 16/27 (59%). Passive smoking and greater than or equal to four members in the home increased the risk of symptomatic respiratory syncytial virus (P less than .01 and P less than .03, respectively). Of 16 children, 11 (69%) required hospitalization. Of the 11 hospitalized children with respiratory syncytial virus, nine were either still receiving oxygen at home or required oxygen therapy within the previous 3 months v none of five nonhospitalized children (P less than .005). Five of the hospitalized children were greater than 12 months of age and five had respiratory syncytial virus infection previously that had been confirmed by culture results. Hospitalizations were prolonged and complicated. Seven of 11 children were hospitalized for greater than 1 week; four were admitted to the intensive care unit; four were treated with ribavirin aerosol, and two needed mechanical ventilation. There were no deaths. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Multi-Hop Aggregate Information Efficiency in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

We introduce multi-hop aggregate information efficiency (MIEA), a comprehensive metric that captures several performance-affecting factors of wireless ad hoc networks in a unified formulation. This metric is then employed to analyze such networks with respect to their spectral efficiencies, network loads, and hopping strategies. The analysis reveals that the hopping strategy that achieves maximum information efficiency is that of multiple short hops with no more than a single packet retransmission allowed at each hop, as opposed to the alternative of fewer long-haul hops with multiple packet retransmissions. The implementation of that preferred strategy withstanding, it is found furthermore that the most efficient networks typically exhibit about 65% of link outage probability, which corroborates similar findings obtained in different network settings and using different metrics. Bearing in mind that link outage is a function not only of deterministic parameters such as node density, but also of design parameters such as modulation, our analysis also shows that the modulation scheme that optimizes the aggregate information efficiency is in fact a function of node density. In that respect, our metric and method is shown to be useful to determining the modulation scheme that optimizes the performance of a network with a certain node density.
Cost-oriented virtual resource allocation for device-to-device communications underlaying LTE networks

Wireless virtualization is an emerging solution for future wireless networks. Besides, device-to-device (D2D) communications has also gathered significant attention as another promising technology to meet the increasing demand. To merge the merits of the both, this paper addresses the virtual resource allocation with D2D communications underlaying LTE networks. By considering the cost of all the service providers (SP), the problem is formulated as a binary integer programming. On the basis of that, the cost-oriented virtual resource allocation is proposed. Simulation results shows that the proposed scheme outperforms the benchmark in terms of the total utility and cost for all the SPs.