Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Akademia Medycyny Clinical experience with the SensaScope ® , a hybrid video intubation stylet for the difficult intubation

Introduction. The existing video-assisted endoscopic instruments to facilitate difficult intubation are either rigid or flexible and have therefore specific limitations due to their basic characteristics. The SensaScope® is a hybrid video intubation stylet containing rigid and flexible parts, which has been designed to overcome these limitations. We evaluated this instrument for its suitability to manage normal and difficult airway situations in a routine clinical setting. Material and methods. From a growing number of continuously performed elective uses of the SensaScope®, we subjected the first 200 cases to an evaluation of success rate, intubation time, characteristics of use and side effects. Results. Tracheal intubation with the SensaScope® was considered easy and expedient in 94% of patients with various difficulty degrees of direct laryngoscopy. The remainder of 6% posed minor problems due to fogging and blurring of the optic, which could be easily overcome. In rare cases (1%) of a posteriorly adherent epiglottis, a special retreating manoeuvre with the SensaScope® was necessary to successfully perform video assisted intubation. Conclusion. The SensaScope® demonstrates high efficacy in overcoming difficult intubation scenarios of various kinds, which might be a consequence of the hybrid nature of this instrument unifying the advantages of rigid and flexible instruments in one device. Anestezjologia i Ratownictwo 2010; 4: 281-287
Real-time simulation of IK1 in cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) are widely used in studying basic mechanisms of ventricular arrhythmias. However, their action potential profile-and thereby the profile of individual ionic currents active during that action potential-difers substantially from that of native human cardiomyocytes, which is largely due to an almost negligible expression of the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1). We attempted to 'normalize' the action potential profile of our hiPSC-CMs through real-time simulation of the lacking hi in the dynamic clamp configuration of the perforated patch clamp technique, which allows the injection of a voltage-dependent in silico IK1. Without injection of IK1, our hiPSC-CMs showed nodal-like spontaneous beating, but injection of an in silico IK1 unmasked their ventricular-like nature. Proarrhythmic action potential changes were observed upon real-time simulation of both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations in IKl, as associated with Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1 and short QT syndrome type 3, respectively. We conclude that injection of in silico hi makes the hiPSC-CM a more reliable model for investigating mechanisms underlying ventricular arrhythmias.
The Waikato Medical Care (WaiMedCa) Survey 1991-1992.

Objective. The main objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of general practice in the Waikato, an area which represents many aspects of New Zealand. Accurate, detailed and up to date information in this area is needed for future planning of medical education and the provision of health services. Survey method. The survey was conducted over one year, from September 1991 to August 1992. Participating general practitioners and practice nurses recorded details of a sample of patient encounters in the surgery or on home visits. Each participant was assigned four single weeks for data gathering over the course of the year. A one in five sub-sample of patients was also given questionnaires to complete immediately and two weeks after the consultations. This component of the study was reported elsewhere. Participants. A list of all active general practitioners working within the area covered by the Waikato Area Health board was constructed. All were contacted during May and June 1991 and asked to contribute to the study. During this initial, recruiting stage the practitioners and their practice nurses were asked to provide details of their professional background and to outline the structure, functions and size of their practices. Data collection. The variables studied included: provider characteristics (age, gender, qualifications, type of practice and services offered); patient attributes (age, gender, ethnicity, benefit category and occupation); patient reasons for encounter (up to four per encounter); doctor diagnoses (again up to four per encounter); drugs prescribed and or other treatments provided; tests and investigations ordered and referrals made; planned follow up and subjective view on the encounter. Data were centrally coded by trained staff. Patient reasons for encounter were coded according to NAMCS, practitioner diagnoses were classified into OXMIS, and drugs prescribed were allocated into the ATC classification system. Participation rate. 87% of practitioners (182/209), 89% of practices (95/107), and 80% of practice nurses (150/189) completed the initial recruitment survey. The participation rate at the first phase of the encounter survey was 80.5% (169/210), but this had dropped to 65.7% (136/207) by the fourth collection week. An overall response rate of 68.6% was achieved, representing successful collection of encounter data in 562 of 819 potential doctor recording weeks. On average, general practitioners recorded 109 encounters per week, from which they selected on average a sample of 23 patients for the survey. They described 141 problems per 100 encounters, of which 49 were new. On average general practitioners made less than three home visits per 100 encounters. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Diffusion- andT
 2-Weighted Increases in Magnetic Resonance Images of Immature Brain during Hypoxia–Ischemia: Transient Reversal Posthypoxia

Hypoxic-ischemic changes in brain are detected earlier with diffusion-weighted (DW) than with T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques in adults, whereas the response in immature brain is not known. We investigated MR imaging changes prior to, during, and/or after 2 h of hypoxia-ischemia (right carotid artery occlusion + 2 h of hypoxia) in 7-day-old rats anesthetized with isoflurane. In general, within the first 45 min of hypoxia-ischemia there were no changes in the DW or T2-weighted images. By the second hour of hypoxia-ischemia there were marked areas of increased intensity in both the T2 and the DW images, with cortex and striatum being affected prior to thalamus and hippocampus. The area of DW exceeded that of T2 hyperintensities. In the first hour after hypoxia-ischemia there was a transient recovery of hyperintensities on both T2 and DW images. Between 24 and 72 h the hyperintense area on DW images decreased, whereas that on T2-weighted images increased. The distribution of pathological damage assessed histologically correlated with the areas of hyperintensity on the MR images. In contrast to adult brain, early hypoxic-ischemic injury in immature brain is detected as an increase in intensity in both diffusion- and T2-weighted images, indicating a unique alteration in brain water dynamics in this neonatal model of hypoxia-ischemia. These imaging changes and alterations in brain water can rapidly but transiently reverse upon the start of normoxia and reperfusion, suggestive of secondary energy failure or delayed neuronal death.
Combined therapy consisting of intraarterial cisplatin infusion and systemic interferon‐α for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with major portal vein thrombosis or distant metastasis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with major vascular involvement or extrahepatic metastasis are not good candidates for surgery or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy of combined therapy with intraarterial cisplatin infusion and systemic administration of interferon‐α (IFN‐α) as a palliative treatment for these patients.
Anti-Intellectualism and Political Ideology in a Sample of Undergraduate and Graduate Students

To estimate correlations for scores on a student anti-intellectualism scale with scores on a measure of political conservatism, 235 students were given a survey containing a student anti-intellectualism scale, a political conservatism scale, and a demographics questionnaire identifying the participants' sex, college classification, ethnicity, political party affiliation, and self-described political ideology. The political conservatism scale contained two factors, Religiosity and Economic Conservatism, both of which were scored separately in addition to an overall Conservatism score. Students' Anti-intellectualism scores were correlated with Political Conservatism scores (r = .37, p<.01), with Religiosity scores (r = .42, p<.01), and with Economic Conservatism scores (r = .17, p<.05). An analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in students' Anti-intellectualism scores based on college classification (F4,233 = 2.27, p<.04). Specifically, freshman had significantly higher scores than graduate students.
Substrate utilization during the first weeks of life

It is assumed that substrate utilization changes markedly around birth, from mainly glucose utilization before, to glucose/fat utilization after birth. We studied substrate oxidation and turnover in preterm infants on the first day and during the first weeks of life. We found that only part of the glucose that is infused on the first day of life is oxidized, while glucose is also converted into fat at the same time. Almost half of the energy expenditure is provided by fat oxidation on day 7 and 28 of life. Fat oxidation is dependent on the type of fat oxidized; the rate of oxidation of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) is higher than that of long chain fatty acids. MCT can replace glucose as an energy source. Proteins contribute only to a small extent (approximately 7%) to the energy expenditure at all ages.
Comparative study on dry etching of alpha-and beta-SiC nano-pillars

Different polytypes (α-SiC and β-SiC) and crystallographic orientations ((0001) and (11-20) of 6H-SiC) have been used in order to elaborate Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanopillars using inductively coupled plasma etching method. The cross section of the SiC pillars shows a rhombus, pentagon, or hexagonal morphology depending on polytypes and crystallographic orientations. The favored morphologies of SiC nanopillars are originated from a complex interplay between their polytypes and crystal orientations, which reflects the so-called Wulff's rule.
Isolated tuberculous liver abscesses with multiple hyperechoic masses on ultrasound: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract: Cases of isolated tuberculous liver abscess are rare. The diagnosis is often delayed or missed because of nonspecific symptoms and the disease's rare occurrence. Less than 25 cases have been documented in the imaging literature to date. This report demonstrates the difficulty in correctly diagnosing local hepatic tuberculosis. We report the case of a 56‐year‐old male with hepatitis C‐related liver cirrhosis and end‐stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, who developed intermittent fever and hepatomegaly with unusual multiple hyperechoic hepatic lesions on ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of hyperechoic mass‐like hepatic lesions on ultrasound and the only case without pulmonary involvement. A greater awareness of this rare clinical entity may prevent needless surgical interventions, because the prognosis of hepatic tuberculous abscess is good for the majority of patients if diagnosed early and prompt, effective treatment is administered.
Benign tracheobronchial strictures: long-term results and factors affecting airway patency after temporary stent placement.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to evaluate long-term results and identify factors affecting airway patency after temporary placement of a covered, retrievable nitinol stent for benign tracheobronchial strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Polyurethane or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered retrievable expandable nitinol stents were placed fluoroscopically in 24 patients with benign tracheobronchial strictures. Improvement in respiratory status and complications were evaluated. Maintained patency of airway after temporary stenting was calculated and compared between the 2- and 6-month stenting groups. Factors for maintained patency after temporary stenting were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 30 stents were successfully placed and well tolerated in 24 patients. Tissue hyperplasia, stent migration, and bronchial obstruction of the left upper lobe occurred in 36.7%, 13.3%, and 3.3% of patients, respectively. All stents were successfully removed electively either 2 (n = 12) or 6 (n = 12) months after placement or when complications occurred (n = 6). During the follow-up period (mean, 24 months), dyspnea recurred in 15 of the 24 patients. The 6-month stenting group showed a lower recurrence rate (41.7% vs 83.3%, p = 0.045) and a better mean maintained patency (39.7 +/- 7.8 vs 9.4 +/- 5.4 months, p = 0.001) than the 2-month stenting group. Multivariate analysis showed that duration of stent placement (p = 0.002) and the occurrence of tissue hyperplasia (p = 0.026) were associated with maintained patency after temporary stenting. CONCLUSION Temporary placement of a covered, retrievable, expandable nitinol stent may be a safe and effective treatment for benign tracheobronchial strictures during the period the stent is in place. A high symptomatic recurrence rate of 62.5% was found after stent removal. Shortterm placement of the stent and tissue hyperplasia were associated with decreased airway patency.
The effects of two single doses of tramadol on sleep: a randomized, cross-over trial in healthy volunteers

Background and aim The effects of analgesic drugs on sleep are poorly understood. We investigated short- and medium-term effects of tramadol on sleep structure. Methods Eight healthy volunteers received a placebo (predrug placebo-night), then, in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over fashion a single oral dose of tramadol 50 mg or 100 mg (drug-night), and finally, again a placebo (postdrug placebo-night). Standardized polysomnography (electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, submental electromyogram) was continuously recorded during placebo- and drug-nights. Results During drug-nights both doses of tramadol significantly increased the duration of stage 2 sleep, and significantly decreased the duration of slow-wave sleep (stage 4). Tramadol 100 mg but not 50 mg significantly decreased the duration of paradoxical (rapid eye movement) sleep. In the placebo-night after tramadol 100 mg (but not after 50 mg) duration of stage 2 sleep was significantly shorter, and duration of stage 4 sleep was significantly longer compared with the predrug placebo-night. Conclusion In healthy volunteers, a single dose of tramadol 50 mg disturbs sleep in the night of drug application. With 100 mg, sleep is disturbed in both the night of drug application and in the subsequent night.
The theory of planned behavior and environmental quality for estimating wildlife-watching demand in Banderas Bay

The main objective of this article is to show that wildlife-watching demand depends not only on economic variables such as prices and income, but also on attitudes and on the quality of environmental assets. The Theory of Planned Behavior is used to incorporate attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control in the demand model. We show empirical evidence in this direction by looking for the determinants of the demand for birdwatching trips to Banderas Bay in Mexico, and by making use of an on-site survey and count data econometric techniques. Our empirical results indicate that the demand for trips is more sensitive to variables associated with attitudes toward a conservation action and to deforestation effects on bird populations. We also provide an estimate of the expected demand and consumer surplus. Our findings have important implications for the design of policies for improving ecotourism demand in the area.
Dissection of immediate-early gene promoters from herpes simplex virus: sequences that respond to the virus transcriptional activators

The immediate-early promoters of herpes simplex virus give rise to the first series of transcripts after infection. These promoters are composed of compound sequence elements that govern basal level and regulated transcription. The response of three core (truncated) promoters from the herpes simplex virus type 1 IE-4, IE-0, and IE-27 genes to a battery of virus-encoded trans-acting proteins was examined in a short-term transient expression assay system. The results of this study reveal (i) a role for a sequence, 5'---GGGGG---3', flanked by 3 to 5 base pairs of symmetry (the G box), which is present in the upstream region of all immediate-early gene promoters, (ii) a requirement for the consensus sequence protected by ICP4 for autoregulation by this immediate-early gene product, and (iii) an alternative, sequence-independent mechanism for the augmentation of alpha gene expression by the virion-associated transcriptional activator Vmw65, now designated as TIF.
Prospective Comparison Between Total Sternotomy and Ministernotomy for Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract Ministernotomy (MS) is an alternative for total sternotomy (TS) in aortic valve replacement. We compared these two approaches for results and adverse effects in a prospective study. From January to December 2000, 100 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement were included in two groups of 50 according to the surgical approach that used MS or TS; one senior surgeon performed all cases in each group. Valvular pathologies were either stenosis or insufficiency. Mean age was 63 ± 14 years in MS, 67 ± 12 in TS (p = ns). NYHA class was 2.7 ± 0.5 in MS, 2.8 ± 0.6 in TS (p = ns). Left ventricular ejection fraction was 58 ± 12% in MS, 57 ± 12% in TS (p = ns). There was a significant difference between MS and TS in aortic cross‐clamping (66 ± 14 min vs 48 ± 9 min) and cardiopulmonary bypass (88 ± 18 min vs 69 ± 10 min, p < 0.01), but not in intervention times (2.8 ± 0.4 hours vs 2.7 ± 0.4 hours). Mean intensive care stay was reduced in MS (1.7 ± 1.6 days vs 2.6 ± 6 days, p < 0.05). Intubation times (12 ± 7 hours vs 14 ± 9 hours), 24 hours bleeding (394 ± 219 mL vs 465 ± 318), reintervention for hemostasis (4% vs 2%), rhythmic complications (14% vs 14%), and mortality at 1 month (2% vs 2%) were comparable in MS and TS. In aortic valve surgery, ministernotomy is technically more demanding and needs more time. It is as safe and as effective as conventional sternotomy but its eventual benefits, excepting upon cosmesis, are still to be defined.
From Atomism to Holism The Primacy of Non-Supervenient Relations

The pros and cons of various forms of atomism and holism that are applicable both in physical science and today’s philosophy of nature are evaluated. To this end, Lewis’ thesis of Humean supervenience is presented as an important case study of an atomistic doctrine in philosophical thought. It is shown that Lewis’ ontological doctrine of Humean supervenience incorporates at its foundation the so-called separability principle of classical physics. In view of the systematic violation of the latter within quantum mechanics, it is argued that contemporary physical science posits non-supervenient relations over and above the spatiotemporal ones. Depending on the mode of assignment of states to physical systems — unit state vectors versus statistical density operators — we distinguish between strongly and weakly non-supervenient relations. It is demonstrated that in either case the relations of quantum entanglement constitute prototypical examples of irreducible physical relations that do not supervene upon a spatiotemporal arrangement of Humean qualities, weakening, thereby, the thesis of Humean supervenience. It is examined, in this respect, the status of Lewis’ recombination principle, whereas his conception of lawhood is critically investigated. It is concluded that the assumption of ontological reductionism, as expressed in Lewis’ Humean doctrine, cannot be regarded as a reliable code of the nature of the physical world and its contents. It is proposed instead that due to the undeniable existence of non-supervenient relations a metaphysic of relations of a moderate kind ought to be acknowledged as an indispensable part of our understanding of the natural world at a fundamental level.
The Cost of Capital of the Financial Sector

Standard factor pricing models do not capture well the common time-series or cross-sectional variation in average returns of financial stocks. We propose a five-factor asset pricing model that complements the standard Fama and French (1993) three-factor model with a financial sector ROE factor (FROE) and the spread between the financial sector and the market return (SPREAD). This five-factor model helps to alleviate the pricing anomalies for financial sector stocks and also performs well for nonfinancial sector stocks compared with the Fama and French (2014) five-factor model or the Hou, Xue, and Zhang (2014) four-factor models. We find that the aggregate expected return to financial sector equities correlates negatively with aggregate financial sector ROE, which is puzzling, as ROE is commonly used as a measure of the cost of capital in the financial sector.
Variability in the management and outcomes of extremely preterm births across five European countries: a population-based cohort study

Objective To explore international variations in the management and survival of extremely low gestational age and birthweight births. Design Area-based prospective cohort of births Setting 12 regions across Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and the UK Participants 1449 live births and fetal deaths between 22+0 and 25+6 weeks gestation born in 2011–2012. Main outcome measures Percentage of births; recorded live born; provided antenatal steroids or respiratory support; surviving to discharge (with/without severe morbidities). Results The percentage of births recorded as live born was consistently low at 22 weeks and consistently high at 25 weeks but varied internationally at 23 weeks for those weighing 500 g and over (range 33%–70%) and at 24 weeks for those under 500 g (range 5%–71%). Antenatal steroids and provision of respiratory support at 22–24 weeks gestation varied between countries, but were consistently high for babies born at 25 weeks. Survival to discharge was universally poor at 22 weeks gestation (0%) and at any gestation with birth weight <500 g, irrespective of treatment provision. In contrast, births at 23 and 24 weeks weighing 500 g and over showed significant international variation in survival (23 weeks: range: 0%–25%; 24 weeks range: 21%–50%), reflecting levels of treatment provision. Conclusions Wide international variation exists in the management and survival of extremely preterm births at 22–24 weeks gestation. Universally poor outcomes for babies at 22 weeks and for those weighing under 500 g suggest little impact of intervention and support the inclusion of birth weight along with gestational age in ethical decision-making guidelines.