Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation between skin-epidural space diatance with weight, age, and height in paediatric patients

143 Indian Journal of Anaesthesia | Volume 63 | Issue 2 | February 2019 than 50 contractions) occurred after discussions with the obstetric team. No significant changes in MEP amplitude were observed intraoperatively. At the end of the procedure, trachea was extubated without any new onset motor or sensory deficits. Normal foetal heart rate and viability was confirmed with continuous CTG and foetal ECHO during and after the completion of the surgical procedure.
Effect of Betaine Supplementation on Serum Metabolite Profile in Gestating Sows

Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of betaine supplementation on serum metabolite profile in gestating sows. For the study, eighteen crossbred (Landrace X Desi) inseminated sows were randomly distributed into three treatment groups with six sows per treatment in completely randomized design. Animals in T0 (control) group were fed basal diet, whereas, T1 and T2 treatment groups were fed basal diet supplemented with betaine @ 3g/kg dry matter either during late gestation (76 days before to farrowing) or throughout the length of gestation, respectively. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in serum glucose, albumin, globulin, total protein, albumin/globulin ratio and creatinine levels among the groups. whereas, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly(P<0.05) lower in T2 group as compared to T0 and T1groups. Thus, it can be concluded that, dietary betaine supplementation @ 3 g/kg throughout the length of gestation was helpful in decreasing the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in sows.
Improving perioperative pain management: a preintervention and postintervention study in 7 developing countries

Introduction: The burden of untreated postoperative pain is high. Objective: This study assessed feasibility of using quality improvement (QI) tools to improve management of perioperative pain in hospitals in multiple developing countries. Methods: The International Pain Registry and Developing Countries working groups, from the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), sponsored the project and PAIN OUT, a QI and research network, coordinated it, and provided the research tools. The IASP published a call about the project on its website. Principal investigators (PIs) were responsible for implementing a preintervention and postintervention study in 1 to 2 surgical wards in their hospitals, and they were free to choose the QI intervention. Trained surveyors used standardized and validated web-based tools for collecting findings about perioperative pain management and patient reported outcomes (PROs). Four processes and PROs, independent of surgery type, assessed effectiveness of the interventions. Results: Forty-three providers responded to the call; 13 applications were selected; and PIs from 8 hospitals, in 14 wards, in 7 countries, completed the study. Interventions focused on teaching providers about pain management. Processes improved in 35% and PROs in 37.5% of wards. Conclusions: The project proved useful on multiple levels. It offered PIs a framework and tools to perform QI work and findings to present to colleagues and administration. Management practices and PROs improved on some wards. Interpretation of change proved complex, site-dependent, and related to multiple factors. PAIN OUT gained experience coordinating a multicentre, international QI project. The IASP promoted research, education, and QI work.
Weighted-Ball Velocity Enhancement Programs for Baseball Pitchers: A Systematic Review

Background: Weighted-implement training utilizing over- or underweight baseballs has increased in popularity at all levels in competitive baseball. However, there is no consensus on the efficacy or safety of these training methods. Hypothesis: This systematic review was intended to answer the following questions: Does weighted-ball training improve pitching velocity? Does weighted-ball training increase the risk of injury? Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Searches were conducted with MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ProQuest Physical Education Index. Articles were included if the study population consisted of adult, adolescent, or youth baseball pitchers training with under- or overweight baseballs, with velocity as a measured outcome. Articles were excluded if they were review articles, examined sports other than baseball, utilized weighted implements other than baseballs, or were not published in peer-reviewed journals. Included articles were at least level 4 evidence. Data extracted for qualitative analysis included training protocol parameters (such as ball weight, number of pitches, duration of training), velocity change, and injuries or complications reported. Results: A total of 4119 article titles were retrieved, of which 156 were selected for abstract review. After manual removal of duplicates, 128 abstracts were reviewed. Of these, 17 met the inclusion criteria, and the full text was obtained. After full-text review, 7 additional articles were excluded, leaving 10 articles that met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Conclusion: Weighted-implement training increased pitching velocity in the majority of the included studies. However, the quality of available evidence was determined to be very poor, and there was marked heterogeneity in training protocols, ball weights, and study populations. There was inadequate evidence reported to determine the risk of injury with this type of training.
Free-radical mechanism of the sonochemical reaction of fullerenes C60 and C70 with ethylene glycol in the presence of NaOH

Abstract The mechanism of the heterogeneous sonochemical reaction of fullerenes C60 and C70 with ethylene glycol in the presence of NaOH was studied using EPR and UV spectroscopies. As found, the reaction occur via a free-radical mechanism. For the first time in sonochemistry, the signal of the radical NaOCH2CH2O• (a(Na) = a(4H) = 0.061 mT, g = 1.9802; the lifetime in air is 0.5 hours) was registered by the direct EPR method. The kinetics of the NaOCH2CH2O• decay was studied using acceptors of radicals of different nature: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), galvinoxyl and CCl4. The EPR method revealed that 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) does not react with NaOCH2CH2O•. At the sonolysis of the C60 and C70 solutions in CCl4 with ethylene glycol in the presence of NaOH, only the spin adduct DMPO/˙CCl3 was registered. The effect of NaOH, nature of the solvent and dissolved gases, reaction temperature and intensity of ultrasonic radiation on the synthesis of dioxane monoadducts C60 and C70 are discussed.
Reinforcement of PMMA Denture Base Material with a Mixture of ZrO2 Nanoparticles and Glass Fibers

This study is aimed at evaluating the hybrid reinforcement effects of zirconium oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZrO2) and glass fibers (GFs) at different ratios on the flexural and impact strengths of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base. A total of 160 specimens were fabricated from heat-polymerized acrylic resins using the water bath technique. For the control group, the specimens did not receive any additions; for the test group, different concentrations of nano-ZrO2/GFs at 5% of the PMMA polymer were added. The concentrations of nano-ZrO2/GFs were as follows: 5%–0%, 4%–1%, 3%–2%, 2.5%–2.5%, 2%–3%, 1%–4%, and 0%–5%. The flexural strength was measured using the three-point bending test. The impact strength was measured using the Charpy impact test. Results were tabulated and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test (p ≤ 0.05). The flexural and impact strengths of PMMA-nano-ZrO2 + GF composites were significantly improved when compared with those of pure PMMA (p < 0.05). The maximum flexural strength (94.05 ± 6.95 MPa) and impact strength (3.89 ± 0.46 kJ/m2) were obtained with PMMA (2.5%)/nano-ZrO2 + 2.5% GF mixtures and could be used for removable prosthesis fabrication.
Effect of Lower Limb Alignment in Medial Meniscus–Deficient Knees on Tibiofemoral Contact Pressure

Background: Degenerative medial meniscal tears and subsequent partial meniscal resection compromise meniscal function and lead to an overload of the medial compartment. In addition, lower limb alignment plays a key role in load distribution between the medial and lateral knee compartments, and varus alignment is a potential risk factor for medial osteoarthritis. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this biomechanical study was to investigate the effect of valgus and varus alignment on peak pressure and contact area in knees with concomitant horizontal medial meniscal tears and subsequent leaflet resection. It was hypothesized that varus alignment in combination with meniscal loss leads to the highest peak pressure within the medial compartment. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Six fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were axially loaded using a 1000-N compressive load in full extension with the mechanical axis rotated to intersect the tibial plateau at 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60% of its width (TPW) to simulate varus and valgus alignment. Tibiofemoral peak contact pressure and contact area of the medial and lateral compartments were determined using pressure-sensitive foils in each of 4 different meniscal conditions: intact, 15-mm horizontal tear of the posterior horn, inferior leaflet resection, and resection of both leaflets. Results: The effect of alignment on peak pressure (normalized to the neutral axis) within the medial compartment in cases of an intact meniscus was measured as follows: varus shift resulted in a mean increase in peak pressure of 18.5% at 45% of the TPW and 37.4% at 40% of the TPW, whereas valgus shift led to a mean decrease in peak pressure of 8.7% at 55% of the TPW and 23.1% at 60% of the TPW. Peak pressure changes between the intact meniscus and resection within the medial compartment was less in valgus-aligned knees (0.21 MPa at 60% TPW, 0.59 MPa at 50% TPW, and 0.76 MPa at 40% TPW). Contact area was significantly reduced after partial meniscal resection in the neutral axis (intact, 553.5 ± 87.6 mm2; resection of both leaflets, 323.3 ± 84.2 mm2; P < .001). This finding was consistent in any alignment. Conclusion: Both partial medial meniscal resection and varus alignment led to an increase in medial compartment peak pressure. Valgus alignment prevented medial overloading by decreasing contact pressure even after partial meniscal resection. A horizontal meniscal tear did not influence peak pressure and contact area even in varus alignment. Clinical Relevance: As a clinical consequence, partial meniscal resection should be avoided to maintain the original biomechanical behavior, and the mechanical axis should be taken into account if partial meniscectomy is necessary.
Upconversion-Magnetic Carbon Sphere for Near Infrared Light-Triggered Bioimaging and Photothermal Therapy

Nanoparticle-based theranostics combines tumor imaging and cancer therapy in one platform, but the synthesis of theranostic agents is impeded by chemical groups on the surface and the size and morphology of the components. Strategies to construct a multifunctional platform for bioimaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) are urgently needed. A new upconversion-magnetic agent (FeCUPs) based on hollow carbon spheres, which is both a photothermal agent and a dual carrier of luminescent and magnetic nanoparticles, provides an effective approach for tumor elimination. Methods: The morphology of FeCUPs was characterized for the construction and size adjustment of the theranostic agent using transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The distribution of FeCUPs was tracked under in-situ upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo. Photothermal therapy was carried out on tumor-bearing mice, after which the toxicity of PTT was evaluated by a blood biochemistry test and histological section analysis. Results: Stable and uniform loading of luminescent nanocomposites on three-dimensional carbon materials is reported for the first time. Based on the mechanism of synthesis, the size of the hybrid particles was adjusted from micrometers to nanometers. External magnetic field-enhanced photothermal therapy with multi-model imaging was accomplished using FeCUPs. Moreover, no cancer recurrence was found during 14 days of recovery without PTT. Conclusions: Hollow carbon spheres, photothermal agents loaded with upconversion nanoparticles inside and magnetic nanoparticles outside were prepared for photothermal therapy. The aggregation of FeCUPs in tumors by the local magnetic field was verified by MRI and UCL imaging, and PTT was enhanced.
Benefits of the Paris Agreement to ocean life, economies, and people

The Paris Agreement is good for fish, fishers, seafood workers, and consumers. The Paris Agreement aims to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change on ecological and social systems. Using an ensemble of climate-marine ecosystem and economic models, we explore the effects of implementing the Agreement on fish, fishers, and seafood consumers worldwide. We find that implementing the Agreement could protect millions of metric tons in annual worldwide catch of top revenue-generating fish species, as well as billions of dollars annually of fishers’ revenues, seafood workers’ income, and household seafood expenditure. Further, our analysis predicts that 75% of maritime countries would benefit from this protection, and that ~90% of this protected catch would occur within the territorial waters of developing countries. Thus, implementing the Paris Agreement could prove to be crucial for the future of the world’s ocean ecosystems and economies.
Access to Palliative Care for Cancer Patients Living in a Northern and Rural Environment in Ontario, Canada: The Effects of Geographic Region and Rurality on End-of-Life Care in a Population-Based Decedent Cancer Cohort

Background: Access to palliative care has been associated with improving quality of life and reducing the use of potentially aggressive end-of-life care. However, many challenges and barriers exist in providing palliative care to residents in northern and rural settings in Ontario, Canada. Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine access to palliative care and associations with the use of end-of-life care in a decedent cohort of northern and southern, rural and urban, residents. Design: Using linked administrative databases, residents were classified into geographic and rural categories. Regression methods were used to define use and associations of palliative and end-of-life care and death in acute care hospital. Setting/Participants: A decedent cancer cohort of Ontario residents (2007-2012). Results: Northern rural residents were less likely to receive palliative care (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.97). Those not receiving palliative care were more likely to receive potentially aggressive end-of-life care and die in an acute care hospital (adjusted OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.41). Conclusions: Palliative care was significantly associated with reduced use of aggressive end-of-life care; however, disparities exist in rural locations, especially those in the north. Higher usage of emergency department (ED) and hospital resources at end of life in rural locations also reflects differing roles of rural community hospitals compared with urban hospitals. Improving access to palliative care in rural and northern locations is an important care issue and may reduce use of potentially aggressive end-of-life care.
Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant use in the elderly: a prospective real-world study – data from the REGIstry of patients on Non-vitamin K oral Anticoagulants (REGINA)

Purpose Numerous studies on thromboembolic prevention for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) have shown either equal or better efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared to warfarin, even for patients aged ≥75 years. Data on elderly patients, in particular, octogenarians, are lacking. Paradoxically, this population is the one with the highest risk of bleeding and stroke with a worse prognosis. This study aims to describe safety and effectiveness of NOACs in an elderly comorbid population. Patients and methods REGIstry of patients on Non-vitamin K oral Anticoagulants (REGINA) is a prospective observational study enrolling consecutive NVAF patients started on NOACs and followed up to 1 year (at 1, 6, 12 months). The primary endpoint was the incidence rate of major bleeding (MB) and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of 1) stroke or systemic embolism, 2) hospitalization, 3) death, and 4) drug-related adverse events. Results We enrolled 227 patients aged 81.6±6.1 years (range 67–95 years; ≥80 years in 59.4%). The median CHA2DS2-VASc was 5 (IQR 4–5) and HAS-BLED was 4 (IQR 3–5). The estimated glomerular filtration rate was 59.27±24.12 mL/min. During follow-up, only 10 MB and 23 CRNMB occurred, with a total incidence of 4.4% (95% CI: 1.7%–7.17%) and 5.7% (95% CI: 2.68%–8.72%), respectively. There were 2 cerebral ischemic events, with a total incidence of 0.88% (95% CI: 0.84%–0.92%), 23 NOAC-related hospitalizations, no NOAC-related deaths, and 4 minor drug-related adverse effects. Conclusion In a population of aged and clinically complex patients, mainly octogenarians, NOACs were safe and effective.
Misleading Westerns: Common Quantification Mistakes in Western Blot Densitometry and Proposed Corrective Measures

Densitometry data generated for Western blots are commonly used to compare protein abundance between samples. In the last decade, it has become apparent that assumptions underpinning these comparisons are often violated in studies reporting Western blot data in the literature. These violations can lead to erroneous interpretations of data and may contribute to poor reproducibility of research. We assessed the reliability of Western blot data obtained to study human myometrial tissue proteins. We ran dilution series of protein lysates to explore the linearity of densitometry data. Proteins analysed included αSMA, HSP27, ERK1/2, and GAPDH. While ideal densitometry data are directly proportional to protein abundance, our data confirm that densitometry data often deviate from this ideal, in which case they can fit nonproportional linear or hyperbolic mathematical models and can reach saturation. Nonlinear densitometry data were observed when Western blots were detected using infrared fluorescence or chemiluminescence, and under different SDS-PAGE conditions. We confirm that ghosting artefacts associated with overabundance of proteins of interest in Western blots can skew findings. We also confirm that when data to be normalised are not directly proportional to protein abundance, it is a mistake to use the normalisation technique of dividing densitometry data from the protein-of-interest with densitometry data from loading control protein(s), as this can cause the normalised data to be unusable for making comparisons. Using spiked proteins in a way that allowed us to control the total protein amount per lane, while only changing the amount of spiked proteins, we confirm that nonlinearity and saturation of densitometry data, and errors introduced from normalisation processes, can occur in routine assays that compare equal amounts of lysate. These findings apply to all Western blot studies, and we highlight quality control checks that should be performed to make Western blot data more quantitative.
MWCNT interactions with protein: surface-induced changes in protein adsorption and the impact of protein corona on cellular uptake and cytotoxicity

Purpose Protein adsorption onto nanoparticles in the form of protein corona, affects properties of nanomaterials and their behavior in the biological milieu. This study aims at exploring the effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) surface chemistry on bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), including their adsorption behavior and spatial configurations, as well as the impact on cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and cellular responses. Methods Three types of MWCNTs (pristine MWCNTs, MWCNTs-COOH, and MWCNTs-PEG) were synthesized by classical chemical reduction. The size, morphology, hydrodynamic size, and zeta potential were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. MWCNTs were exposed to BSA and IgG solutions, then the amount of MWCNT absorption was performed by bicinchoninic acid assay, and the effects were assessed by utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Quantitative measurement of MWCNTs uptake with or without protein corona was performed as turbidity method. CCK assay and a microdilution method were performed to evaluate the effects of protein corona on cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory cytokines release. Results The BSA and IgG adsorption capacities of MWCNTs followed the order pristine MWCNTs>MWCNTs-COOH and MWCNTs-PEG. MWCNT binding can cause fluorescence quenching and conformational changes in BSA and IgG, indicating that both the physicochemical properties of MWCNTs and protein properties play critical roles in determining their adsorption behavior. Further study showed time-dependent increases in MWCNT cellular uptake and internalization. Hydrophobicity is the major factor increasing cellular uptake of pristine MWCNTs, but a protein corona enriched with dysoposnins is the main factor reducing uptake of MWCNT-COOH by RAW264.7 cells. The cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory response related to physicochemical properties of MWCNTs, and frustrated phagocytosis is a key initiating event in the pro-inflammatory response of MWCNT-exposed macrophages. Conclusion These findings shed light on how functionalized MWCNTs interact with protein coronas and provide useful insight into the dramatic effect of protein coronas on different functionalized MWCNTs. These events affect cellular uptake and cytotoxicity, which could inform how to enhance MWCNT biocompatibility and develop approaches for managing MWCNT hazards.
Therapeutic compounds targeting Lipid II for antibacterial purposes

Abstract Resistance against commonly used antibiotics has emerged in all bacterial pathogens. In fact, there is no antibiotic currently in clinical use against which resistance has not been reported. In particular, rapidly increasing urbanization in developing nations are sites of major concern. Additionally, the widespread practice by physicians to prescribe antibiotics in cases of viral infections puts selective pressure on antibiotics that still remain effective and it will only be a matter of time before resistance develops on a large scale. The biosynthesis pathway of the bacterial cell wall is well studied and a validated target for the development of antibacterial agents. Cell wall biosynthesis involves two major processes; 1) the biosynthesis of cell wall teichoic acids and 2) the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan. Key molecules in these pathways, including enzymes and precursor molecules are attractive targets for the development of novel antibacterial agents. In this review, we will focus on the major class of natural antibacterial compounds that target the peptidoglycan precursor molecule Lipid II; namely the glycopeptides, including the novel generation of lipoglycopeptides. We will discuss their mechanism-of-action and clinical applications. Further, we will briefly discuss additional peptides that target Lipid II such as the lantibiotic nisin and defensins. We will highlight recent developments and future perspectives.