Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Needle thoracostomy in the treatment of a tension pneumothorax in trauma patients: what size needle?

BACKGROUND A tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression using a needle thoracostomy. According to advanced trauma life support guidelines this procedure is performed in the second intercostal space (ICS) in the midclavicular line (MCL), using a 4.5-cm (2-inch) catheter (5-cm needle). Previous studies have shown a failure rate of up to 40% using this technique. Case reports have suggested that this high failure rate could be because of insufficient length of the needle. OBJECTIVES To analyze the average chest wall thickness (CWT) at the second ICS in the MCL in a trauma population and to evaluate the length of the needle used in needle thoracostomy for emergency decompression of tension pneumothoraces. METHODS Retrospective review of major trauma admissions (Injury Severity Score >12) at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Canada, who underwent a computed tomography chest scan admitted in the period from October 2001 until March 2004. Subgroup analysis on men and women, <40 years of age and >/=40 years of age was defined a priori. CWT was measured to the nearest 0.01 cm at the second ICS in the MCL. RESULTS The mean CWT in the 604 male patients and 170 female patients studied averaged 3.50 cm at the left second ICS MCL and 3.51 cm on the right. The mean CWT was significantly higher for women than men (p < 0.0001). About 9.9% to 19.3% of the men had a CWT >4.5 cm and 24.1% to 35.4% of the women studied. CONCLUSIONS A catheter length of 4.5 cm may not penetrate the chest wall of a substantial amount (9.9%-35.4%) of the population, depending on age and gender. This study demonstrates the need for a variable needle length for relief of a tension pneumothorax in certain population groups to improve effectiveness of needle thoracostomy.
Quantitative genetics of sexually dimorphic traits and capture of genetic variance by a sexually‐selected condition‐dependent ornament in red junglefowl (Gallus gallus)

We studied the quantitative genetics of sexually selected traits in a captive population of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus L.) using a multi‐generational ‘animal model’ approach. We found significant heritability of mass, tarsus length (both strongly sexually dimorphic), residual mass, and male comb (a fleshy head ornament) length. Residual mass has a genetic correlation between the sexes smaller than unity and so could show partially independent responses to selection in the two sexes. In males, tarsus length and mass were not genetically correlated, and this produced a negative genetic correlation between tarsus length and residual mass. The male red junglefowl's comb, an ornament influencing female choice, is highly condition dependent. We show that expression of this ornament is heritable, however, and shows strong genetic correlation with a condition index, residual mass. Because residual mass is partly influenced by various aspects of condition, it appears that comb size has ‘captured’ genetic variability in condition.
Prognostic value of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters including visual evaluation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment quantitative and visual parameters seen on PET/CT using (18)F-FDG add prognostic information for clinical staging in patients with head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 108 patients with histologically proven oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas who underwent FDG PET/CT before treatment and, later, definitive therapy in our study. PET/CT parameters-maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and uptake pattern (sphere-shaped or ring-shaped)-were recorded. The prognostic value of these parameters was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS In the univariate analysis, all of the FDG PET/CT parameters--SUVmax (> 10 g/mL) of the primary tumor, MTV (> 20 cm(3)), TLG (> 70 g), and uptake pattern (ring-shaped)--were significantly associated with negative effects on disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). In the multivariate analysis, the MTV and uptake pattern remained associated with DSS after corrections for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage and definitive therapy (p = 0.023 and < 0.001, respectively). Another multivariate model that included MTV as a continuous variable, uptake pattern, and UICC stage showed that the uptake pattern remained significantly associated with DSS, whereas the association between DSS and MTV was not significant (p < 0.001 and = 0.332, respectively). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that the pretreatment PET/CT parameters had prognostic value. In particular, a qualitative factor, uptake pattern, provided better prognostic information to the clinical staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas than the other PET/CT parameters.
Association Between Daily Time Spent in Sedentary Behavior and Duration of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes

Exercise and sedentary behavior have different physiologic effects, which have yet to be fully explained. Time spent in sedentary behavior has been associated with glucose intolerance in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, but these data have come largely from cross-sectional studies that have not explored this relationship in adults with diabetes. The specific aim of this study was to examine the relationship between time spent in sedentary behavior and glucose levels in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over 3–5 days. Methods: Using continuous and concurrent data gathered from wrist accelerometry and a Continuous Glucose-Monitoring Sensor (CGMS), we conducted a longitudinal, descriptive study involving 86 patients with type 2 diabetes. Results: More time spent in sedentary behavior was predictive of significant increases in time spent in hyperglycemia (B = 0.12, p < .05). Conclusions: These findings highlight the relationship between time spent sedentary and time spent in hyperglycemia, as identified through our use of objective, continuous data collection methods for both sedentary behavior and glucose levels across multiple days (Actiwatch, CGMS). For patients with type 2 diabetes, these findings emphasize the need for the development of individualized interventions aimed at decreasing the amount of time spent in hyperglycemia by reducing sedentary time.
Quantal release of ATP from clusters of PC12 cells

Although ATP is important for intercellular communication, little is known about the mechanism of endogenous ATP release due to a dearth of suitable models. Using PC12 cells known to express the P2X2 subtype of ATP receptors and to store ATP with catecholamines inside dense‐core vesicles, we found that clusters of PC12 cells cultured for 3–7 days generated small transient inward currents (STICs) after an inward current elicited by exogenous ATP. The amplitude of STICs in individual cells correlated with the peak amplitude of ATP‐induced currents. STICs appeared as asynchronous responses (approximately 20 pA average amplitude) for 1–20 s and were investigated with a combination of patch clamping, Ca2+ imaging, biochemistry and electron microscopy. Comparable STICs were produced by focal KCl pulses and were dependent on extracellular Ca2+. STICs were abolished by the P2X antagonist PPADS and potentiated by Zn2+, suggesting they were mediated by P2X2 receptor activation. The highest probability of observing STICs was after the peak of intracellular Ca2+ increase caused by KCl. Biochemical measurements indicated that KCl application induced a significant release of ATP from PC12 cells. Electron microscopy studies showed narrow clefts without ‘synaptic‐like’ densities between clustered cells. Our data suggest that STICs were caused by quantal release of endogenous ATP by depolarized PC12 cells in close juxtaposition to the recorded cell. Thus, STICs may be a new experimental model to characterize the physiology of vesicular release of ATP and to study the kinetics and pharmacology of P2X2 receptor‐mediated quantal currents.
Science and philosophy

Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914) is best known as the founder of pragmatism - the philosophy that assesses the meaning of what we say by its practical consequences. His writings cover a wide range of subjects and his influence can be seen in ethics, aesthetics, symbolic logic, religion, epistemology and metaphysics, and also scientific topics. The greater part of Peirce's papers were unpublished during his lifetime and upon his death several hundred manuscripts were left to Harvard University. This eight-volume collection also includes Peirce's writings on general philosophy, logic, pragmatism, metaphysics, experimental science, scientific method and philosophy of mind, as well as reviews and correspondence. Paragraphs are numbered for easy reference and contents arranged by subject.
Death in the intensive care nursery: physician practice of withdrawing and withholding life support.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of selective nontreatment of extremely premature, critically ill, or malformed infants among all infant deaths in a level III intensive care nursery (ICN) and to determine the reasons documented by neonatologists for their decisions to withdraw or withhold life support. METHODS This was a descriptive study based on review of the medical records of all 165 infants who died at a university-based level III ICN during 3 years. We determined whether each death had occurred despite the use of all available technologies to keep the infant alive or whether these were withheld or withdrawn, thereby leading to the infant's death. We also determined whether neonatologists documented either "futility" or "quality of life" as a reason to limit medical interventions. RESULTS One hundred sixty-five infants died among the 1609 infants admitted during the study period. One hundred eight infant deaths followed the withdrawal of life support, 13 deaths followed the withholding of treatment, and 44 deaths occurred while infants continued to receive maximal life-sustaining treatment. For 90 (74%) of the 121 deaths attributable to withholding of withdrawal of treatment, physicians cited that death was imminent and treatment was futile. Quality-of-life concerns were cited by the neonatologists as reasons to limit treatment in 62 (51%). Quality of life was the only reason cited for limiting treatment for 28 (23%) of the 121 deaths attributable to withholding or withdrawal of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The majority of deaths in the ICN occurred as a result of selective nontreatment by neonatologists, with few infants receiving maximal support until the actual time of death. Neonatologists often documented that quality-of-life concerns were considered in decisions to limit treatment; however, the majority of these decisions were based on their belief that treatment was futile. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the determinants of neonatologists' practice decisions of selective nontreatment for marginally viable or damaged infants.
Sonochemical Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity of Perovskite ZnTiO3 Nanopowders

Perovskite zinc titanate (ZnTiO<sub>3</sub>) nanopowders were synthesized using the sonochemical method combined with calcinations at 500 °C and 900 °C for 2 h to improve their crystallinity. The effect of calcination temperature on their structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties has been studied. The cubic phase and the mixing phase of cubic and hexagonal were observed in sample calcined at 600 °C and 700 °C, respectively, while the spinel ZnTiO<sub>3</sub> and rutile TiO<sub>2</sub> phase arises in sample calcined over 700 °C. The valence state was investigated by the X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy technique, and the corresponding results indicate the existence of Zn<sup>2+</sup> and Ti<sup>4+</sup> in the powders. The chemical states of the samples were scrutinized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The average particle size is approximately 20-240 nm. The excellent photocatalytic performance of ZnTiO<sub>3</sub> nanoparticle calcined at 700 °C gave complete degradation Rhodamine B (RhB) in 75 min under ultraviolet light exposure with the k rate of 0.033 min<sup>-1</sup> and 55% of decolorization RhB in 210 min under visible irradiation. The sample calcined at 700 °C ensures a good dielectric permittivity with a value 20 and the loss tangent of about 10<sup>-2</sup>.
EXPRESION OF P53 IN OVARAN EPITHELIAL TUMOURS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS.

BACKGROUND Ovarian cancers are the leading cause of death among gynaecologic neoplasms. The most common form of ovarian tumours is surface epithelial tumours divided as benign, borderline and malignant. Of particular interest are borderline tumours, because the pathologist may rely on some what vague morphologic criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of tumour suppressor protein P53 with macroscopic and microscopic criteria of ovarian surface epithelial tumours and distinction of borderline from malignant tumours. METHODS We studied 109 ovarian neoplasms including 74 benign, 8 borderline and 27 malignant ovarian epithelial tumours during March 2006-March 2011 in Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Immuno-histochemical staining for P53 performed on paraffin blocks and quantified with 12- point weighted score proposed by W.Y chan. RESULTS Mean P53 weighted scores in benign, borderline and malignant tumours were 0.20 ± 0.63, 0.76 ± 0.89 and 3.79 ± 4.20, respectively. There was significant difference between malignant and borderline tumours (p = 0.002) and between malignant and benign ones (p = 0.000). None of 11 immuno-reactive benign and 4 borderline tumours showed P53 expression in > 50% of tumour cells, but 11 out of 15 immuno-reactive malignant tumours (73.3%) expressed p53 in > 50% of tumour cells. P53 score significantly increases with mitotic count (p = 0.000) and solidification of the tumour (p = 0.001). There was no significant correlation with size (p = 0.277), papillary structures (p = 0.062) and grade (p = 0.578). CONCLUSION According to our results, P53 staining can be used as a helpful method in distinction of borderline from malignant ovarian epithelial tumours, especially in the manner that expression in > 50% of cells favouring malignancy.
Vigilant against Manipulation: The Effect of Regulatory Focus on the Use of Persuasion Knowledge

This article proposes that compared with a promotion regulatory focus, a prevention focus increases sensitivity to the advertiser's manipulative intent. Specifically, when message cues make manipulative intent moderately salient, prevention-focused people are more likely to activate persuasion knowledge and give less favorable brand evaluations than promotion-focused people. When message cues make manipulative intent highly salient or when manipulative intent is not salient, brand evaluations do not differ across regulatory foci. In addition, externally priming suspicion of manipulative intent makes promotion-focused people react similarly to prevention-focused people, suggesting that regulatory focus affects vigilance against persuasion.
Increases in intracellular calcium dephosphorylate histone H3 at serine 10 in human hepatoma cells: Potential role of protein phosphatase 2A–protein kinase CβII complex

We present evidence that increases in intracellular calcium, induced by treatment with calcium ionophore A23187 or the endoplasmic reticulum calcium‐ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, dephosphorylated histone H3 at serine10 (histone H3‐Ser10) in a dose‐dependent manner in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Inhibition of p42/44MAPK, pp90RSK, or p38MAPK did not affect the ability of A23187 to dephosphorylate histone H3‐Ser10. This response is significantly blocked by okadaic acid, indicating a requirement for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). A23187 increased the activity of PP2A towards phosphorylated histone H3‐Ser10. Furthermore, pretreatment with calphostin C, a selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, blocked A23187‐dependent dephosphorylation of histone H3‐Ser10, and coimmunoprecipitation analysis showed PP2A association with the PKCβII isoform. Unlike untreated cells, coimmunoprecipitated complex from A23187‐treated cells showed greater dephosphorylation of histone H3‐Ser10 in a PP2A‐dependent manner. Inhibition of PP2A increased phosphorylation at Ser660 that determines calcium sensitivity and activity of PKCβII isoform, thus supporting a role for intracomplex regulation. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays following exposure to A23187 and okadaic acid revealed regulatory role of histone H3‐Ser10 phosphorylation in selective gene induction. Altogether, our findings suggest a novel role for calcium in modulating histone H3‐Ser10 phosphorylation level and led us to propose a model emphasizing PP2A activation, occurring downstream following perturbations in calcium homeostasis, as key event in dephosphorylating histone H3‐Ser10 in mammalian cells. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and Correlates of Poor Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness in Belgian Truck Drivers

Sleepiness and sleep complaints are common among professional drivers. Sleepiness is a considerable problem not only because it affects the drivers' well-being, but also because of the consequences for performance and safety. Assessment of the (self-reported) prevalence and research into the risk factors are thus an important health issue and are also indispensable to prevent productivity loss and work-related accidents and injuries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe sleeping, driving, and health characteristics of Belgian truck drivers and to determine occupational and individual factors associated with poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. Cross-sectional data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Berlin Questionnaire (BQ). The mean (SD) age of the 476 studied truck drivers was 42.7 (10.2) yrs and the mean (SD) body mass index was 27.3 (5.1) kg/m2. Approximately 47% declared that they drove >50 h/wk and found their work schedule unrealistic. The mean (SD) PSQI score was 4.45 (2.7); poor quality of sleep (PSQI >5) was found in 27.2%. The mean (SD) ESS score was 6.79 (4.17); 18% had a score >10. The BQ indicated that 21.5% had a higher risk on obstructive sleep apnea. In multiple logistic regression analysis, low educational level (odds ratio [OR] 1.86), current smoking (OR 1.75), unrealistic work schedule (OR 1.75), and risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OR 2.97) were found to be independent correlates of daytime sleepiness. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with poor self-perceived health (OR 1.95), unrealistic work schedule (OR 2.85), low job satisfaction (OR 1.91), and less driving experience (OR 1.73). These results show that poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were prevalent in Belgian truck drivers. Taking into account that several significant correlates with respect to these sleep problems were identified both at the individual and the occupational level, comprehensive countermeasures to improve working conditions and organization are needed, as well as health promotion interventions, to ensure the safety and well-being of truck drivers. (Author correspondence: lutgart.braeckman@ugent.be)
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A DISCRETE GLOBAL GRID SYSTEM FOR SOIL MOISTURE RETRIEVAL USING THE METOP ASCAT SCATTEROMETER

RESUME Over the last years, the Institute of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (I.P.F., Vienna University of Technology) has been putting in practice the retrieval of soil moisture from ERS scatterometer data. Antici- pating the operational and partly near-real time creation of soil moisture products based on the existent ERS methods applied to the upcoming ASCAT scatterome- ter data, we evaluate the appropriateness of four candi- date discrete global grids systems (DGG) for process- ing soil moisture data based on the 25 km ASCAT data. The candidate grids represent the current state of the art both within I.P.F. 's operational processing envi- ronments and within the larger scientific community. A simple compliance matrix determines that the grid most suited for our purposes is our own in-house so-called QSCAT grid, a variant of a Sinusoidal Global Grid. Besides the increase of resolution, we implement im- provements of the resampling procedures used to trans- fer scatterometer data from orbit geometry to the global grid. The present study was funded by the Numerical Weather Prediction Satellite Application Facility (NWP SAF, http://www.metoffice.com/research/ interproj/nwpsaf).
Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on adiponectin levels and lipid profile in the ovariectomized-aged rats

Objective: To investigate the relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and adiponectin and lipid profile in the ovariectomized-aged rats. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats were first divided into two groups; control (C) and ovariectomized (OVX). Bilateral ovariectomy were carried out on rats (n = 30) except control group (n = 10). After 6 weeks from ovariectomy, ovariectomized rats were subdivided into three groups; one group received no treatment (OVX), two groups received low dose (OVX + Cap5; 5 mg/kg/day) and high dose (OVX + Cap20; 20 mg/kg/day) captopril (Cap). Body weights were monitored weekly. Adiponectin, triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels were measured at the end of the 6 weeks. Results: In the OVX group, body weights increased (P < 0.001). In the OVX + Cap20 group, body weights significantly decreased compared with the OVX group during weeks 5 and 6 (P < 0.05). While adiponectin levels increased in the OVX + Cap5 group (P = 0.014), triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased in the OVX + Cap20 group (P = 0.016 and P < 0.001, respectively) compared to the OVX group. HDL-C and VLDL-C levels decreased only in OVX + Cap20 group (P < 0.005). Conclusions: ACE inhibitors may be decreasing the ovariectomy-induced weight gain by increasing adiponectin levels, and by affecting lipid profiles. The adipose tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be playing an important role in the development of adiposity.
The effect of long-term antiepileptic treatment on serum cholesterol (TC, HDL, LDL) and triglyceride levels in adult epileptic patients on monotherapy.

BACKGROUND Antiepileptic drugs influence, among others, cholesterol and lipoprotein serum levels. MATERIAL/METHODS Serum cholesterol (TC, HDL-c, and LDL-c) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured in 103 epileptic patients receiving chronic antiepileptic monotherapy and in 103 age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS Compared with controls, patients on carbamazepine showed significant higher TC, HDL-c, and LDL-c and non significantly higher TG values. Patients on phenobarbital showed no statistically significant differences in TC, HDL-c, LDL-c and TG values. Patients on phenytoin showed significantly higher LDL-c values and non-significant differences in TC, HDL-c and TG values. Patients on valproate showed significantly lower TC, LDL-c and TG values and non-significant differences in HDL-c values. Changes in serum lipid profiles did not correlate with drug plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a need for monitoring serum TC, HDL-c, LDL-c and TG levels and, perhaps, prescribing a low-cholesterol diet in patients receiving carbamazepine and phenytoin, but not phenobarbital.