Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical evaluation of storage lesion in canine packed erythrocytes

OBJECTIVES To describe the biochemical changes - also known as the storage lesion - that occur in canine packed red blood cells during ex vivo storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten 125-mL units of non-leuco-reduced packed red blood cells in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine were obtained from a commercial blood bank within 24 hours of donation. Samples were aseptically collected on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 42 for measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, glucose, pH and ammonia concentrations. All units were cultured on day 42. Friedman's repeated measures test with Dunn's multiple comparison test was used for non-parametric data. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with Tukey's multiple comparison test was used for parametric data. Alpha was set to 0·05. RESULTS All analytes changed significantly during storage. The mean ammonia on day 1 (58·14 g/dL) was significantly lower (P<0·05) than those on days 28 (1266 g/dL), 35 (1668 g/dL) and 42 (1860 g/dL). A significant increase in median lactate concentration over time was also observed, with day 1 (4·385 mmol/L) being significantly less (P<0·05) than days 14 (19·82 mmol/L), 21 (22·81 mmol/L), 35 (20·31 mmol/L) and 42 (20·81 mmol/L). Median pH was significantly decreased after day 7. All bacterial cultures were negative. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Many biochemical alterations occur in stored canine packed red blood cells, although further studies are required to determine their clinical importance.
Comparison between open and laparoscopic elective cholecystectomy in elderly, in a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE to analyze the differences in mortality rates, length of hospital stay, time of surgery and the conversion rate between elective open cholecystectomies (OC) and laparoscopic ones (LC) in elderly patients. METHODS we evaluated medical records of patients 65 years of age or older undergoing open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Hospital Regional de Mato Grosso do Sul between January 2008 and December 2011. We excluded individuals operated in non-elective scenarios or who underwent intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS we studied 113 patients, of whom 38.1% were submitted to the OC and 61.9%, to LC. Women accounted for 69% of patients and men, for 31%. The conversion rate was 2.9%. The mean age and duration of the procudure was 70.1 and 84 minutes, respectively, with no significant difference between OC and LC. Patients undergoing LC had shorter hospital stays (2.01 versus 2.95 days, p=0.0001). We identified operative complications in sixpatients (14%) after OC and in nine (12%) after LC, with no statistical difference. CONCLUSION there was no difference in morbidity and mortality when comparing OC with LC. The laparoscopic approach led to shorter hospital stay. Operative time did not differ between the two access routes. The conversion rate was similar to other studies.
An Adaptive (Tracking) Procedure for Measuring Visual Search

PEST, an adaptive (tracking) procedure originally developed for sensory research, was modified for cognitive studies with the multiple sequential frames paradigm and a letter-search task. The program which controlled stimulus presentation was designed to track the frame duration required for successful search on 75% of trials (the duration threshold). For each of the three subjects used, the threshold increased as a linear function of the number of sequentially presented frames, which varied between 1 and 10. Each tracking run was immediately followed by 40 trials with frame-exposure time fixed at the computer-selected threshold. Performance on these fixed level trials was close to the expected 75% correct. The Discussion addresses issues related to the use of the threshold measure in basic and applied cognitive research, explores the present findings about performance on fixed level trials at the computer-selected threshold, and examines the increase in duration threshold with the number of sequentially presented frames.
Temporal Lobectomy for the Treatment of Intractable Complex Partial Seizures of Temporal Lobe Origin in Early Childhood

Eleven patients with intractable complex partial seizures underwent temporal lobectomy during their first decade. The mean age at onset of epilepsy was two years and at surgery was 5‐5 years. On the basis of data from clinical evaluation, CT, MRI in six patients, and pathological examination of excised tissue, the aetiology of the epilepsy was thought to be mesial temporal sclerosis in four children, glioma in five, dysplasia in one and chronic progressive encephalitis in another. At follow‐up eight children were seizure‐free, two had reduced seizure frequency and only the child with chronic progressive encephalitis had not benefitted from surgery.
Space re-exploration in hemispatial neglect

Exploration of the space around us is a fundamental part of human behaviour. When it breaks down there is an important opportunity to understand its underlying mechanisms. Here we show that many right-hemisphere patients with left neglect re-explore rightward locations, failing to keep track of them during search. Importantly, such re-exploration occurred despite leftward stimuli being indistinguishable in peripheral vision, so it is unlikely to result from implicit processing of neglected targets. Revisits generally occurred after visits to other targets and are therefore not immediate perseverations. Finally, manipulating the visual salience of found targets altered the degree of neglect, but not revisit rates. Space exploration appears to be modulated both by the ability to keep track of spatial locations and by stimulus salience.
High-frequency flyback transformer linked utility-connected sinewave soft-switching power conditioner using a switched capacitor snubber

In this paper, the high-frequency switching pulse modulation utility-interfaced power conditioner with a flyback high-frequency transformer link has been proposed. With the aid of the switched-capacitor resonant snubber cell, the high-frequency switching devices in the primary side of the proposed DC-to-AC power inverter can be turned-off with zero voltage soft-switching (ZVS). Moreover, the proposed power conditioner operates the currents in the discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and takes the advantages of zero current soft switching turn-on. Its output port is connected directly to the utility grid AC power source. At the end, the prototype of the proposed HF-UPC is built and tested in the experiments. Its power conversion processing is verified and the output current is qualified in accordance with the guidelines of the power systems.
The impact of medical school assessment on preparedness for practice

Abstract Purpose: As assessment is known to drive learning, this paper looks at the relationship between assessment practice across UK medical schools and graduates preparedness for practice. Materials and methods: It uses data on written and practical assessment at each medical school and the association with students’ self-reported preparedness for working as a foundation doctor on graduation, and in particular the preparation related to clinical skills. Results and conclusions: A negative correlation (β= −0.003, p < 0.001) was observed between total duration of written assessment and preparedness, while a positive relationship (β = 0.461, p < 0.001) was seen between “adequately prepared” and the proportion of all assessment time focusing on practical skills. This suggests that graduates from medical schools with a greater emphasis on practical skills in their assessment plan are better prepared to practice as a junior doctor on gradation; something that may be of relevance when designing a national licensing examination.
EFFECT OF THE PARTICLE SIZE OF COAST CROSS HAY ( Cynodon dactylon ) ON PERFORMANCE AND DIET DIGESTIBILITY IN GROWING RABBITS

Four diets containing 32% Coast cross hay were fed ad libitum to 64 rabbits in order to study the effect of particle size on performance (32 – 72 days) and digestibility in growing rabbits. Diets differed only in particle size of Coast cross hay; average particle size was 0.461; 0.635; 0.969 and 1.273mm, respectively. A linear significative effect (P<0.01) was observed for total weight gain (1,330; 1,182; 1.150 and 1,083g) and daily weight gain (33.3; 29.6; 28.8 and 27.1g) with increasing particle size, while feed conversion (3.40; 3.44; 3.79 and 3.80) was significatively affected at P<0.05. Digestibility coefficients were not influenced except for acid detergent fiber (P<0.05). The average particle size of 0.461mm resulted in a better weight gain and feed conversion.
Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection with Peginterferons Plus Ribavirin

Interferon monotherapy provided the first hope for patients with chronic hepatitis C that the virus could be permanently eradicated. An important development in treating this disease was the recognition that the effects of interferon could be greatly enhanced by combining it with ribavirin, a nucleoside analogue. This combination regimen essentially doubled the sustained virological response rates seen with interferon alone. Recently, modified forms of interferon have been developed that-when used in combination with ribavirin-demonstrate even better efficacy. Thus, peginterferon alfa-2a (Hoffman La-Roche, Nutley, NJ) and peginterferon alfa-2b (Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) are the latest innovations for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The addition of a polyethylene glycol molecule to the native interferon protein favorably alters the pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for once-weekly administration, and leads to superior efficacy compared to standard interferon preparations. This article reviews the data from clinical trials of peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b.
Nitric Oxide Production and Perivascular Tyrosine Nitration Following Focal Ischemia in Neonatal Rat

Abstract: Oxygen free radicals and nitric oxide (NO•) have been proposed to be involved in acute CNS injury produced by cerebral ischemia; however, controversy remains regarding how they cause injury. Because superoxide generation is triggered during reperfusion, the cytotoxic oxidant peroxynitrite could be formed, but it is not known if this occurs. Dot blot and immunohistochemistry studies were performed on the magnitude and time course of tyrosine nitration and inducible NO synthase (NOS2) in the postischemic rat pup brain. Neonatal ischemia was induced by permanent left middle cerebral artery occlusion in association with 1‐h occlusion of the left common carotid artery in 7‐day‐old Wistar pups. Nitrotyrosine (NT) immunoreactivity was evident in the blood vessels close to the cortical infarct at 48–72 h of recovery, and T lymphocytes were involved with this production. NOS2 immunoreactivity was seen in neutrophils in the same vessels and in the parenchyma at 72 h of recirculation. Whereas NT staining decreased with time, NOS2‐positive neutrophils could be still detected in arachnoid vessels at 14 days of recirculation. We conclude that perivascular reactions mediated by peroxynitrite are important in the cascade of events that lead to brain oxidative stress in neonatal ischemia. Moreover, NO‐related species may serve as a signaling function instead of directly mediating toxicity.
The evaluation of apomorphine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting men. Apomorphine is one of the oral medications that has been used in the management of ED, though over recent years, its use in the management of ED has dwindled. Areas covered: The authors review the evidence available for the use of apomorphine in the management of ED. A Medline search was performed searching for the articles related to the use of apomorphine in the treatment of ED from 2000 to present. The article reviews the erectogenic properties of apomorphine and evaluates its efficacy, suitability and tolerability in management of patients with ED. Expert opinion: Apomorphine SL is more effective than placebos in treating ED and is generally well tolerated in the sublingual formulation, causing tolerable side effects. Newer nasal-spray formulations provide faster efficacy. Its efficacy in patients with multiple co-morbidities is more limited. However, it is not as effective as PDE5-I in the treatment of ED. Its most significant strength is its safety profile. It may have a niche in the treatment ED in patients who have failed treatment with, or are intolerant to other well-established pharmacological treatment for ED (e.g., PDE5-Is). Apomorphine is not a first-line treatment option for patients with ED, especially as it is no more widely available in the western world.
Women's experiences of dating after breast cancer

ABSTRACT This study examined women's experiences of romantically dating after breast cancer. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 22 female breast cancer survivors who attempted to form new relationships post-breast cancer. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. We identified an overarching theme of “navigating the breast cancer dating journey,” comprising seven themes including women's decision to consider dating; ability/desire to commence a new relationship; cancer-related disclosure; changes to intimacy and sexuality; body image difficulties; changing values; and trusting a new partner. Future research should empirically determine factors predicting a woman's ability to form a romantic relationship after breast cancer.
Geographic heterogeneity of neoplasia‐associated chromosome aberrations

Using a database comprising 13,266 cytogenetically abnormal neoplasms, the geographic heterogeneity of neoplasia associated chromosomal abnormalities was investigated by comparing the frequencies of characteristic aberrations in consec utive series of patients with the same diagnosis. Significant frequency differences between geographic areas were found for the aberrations +8, i(17q), +19, and an additional Ph1 chromosome in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); ‐5, 5q‐, and +8 in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL); t(8;21) in ANLL‐M2; t(15;17) in ANLL‐M3; 5q‐ and ‐7 in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); t(9;22) and +21 in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); t(14;18) in follicular lymphoma; ‐8 and ‐22/22q‐ in menin gioma; and structural abnormalities of 12q in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands (PAS). No geographic incidence variation was detected for ‐7 and +21 in ANLL; +8 in MDS; 6q‐ and +8 in ALL; + 12 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia; 6q‐in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); t(8; 14) in Burkitt's lymphoma; t( 11;22) in Swing's sarcoma; i( 12p) in germ cell tumors; I p‐in neuroblastoma; structural abnormalities of 3q, 8q, and 9p in PAS; or 3p‐ in renal cell carcinoma. Intraregional frequency similarities between cytogenetically identical abnormalities in related tumor types were also analyzed. No significant correla tions were found regarding the incidence of 5q‐ in ANLL and MDS, 6q‐ in ALL and NHL, ‐7 in ANLL and MDS, +8 in ANLL and CML, +8 in ANLL and MDS, +8 in ALL and ANLL, or +21 in ALL and ANLL. The findings indicate that some geographic heterogeneity of tumor‐associated aberrations exists both in hematologic neoplasms and in solid tumors. This could be due to genetic factors, although at present no evidence supports this explanation, or to environmental factors, which have been shown to influence the chromosome pattern in some tumor types. It is also possible that both factors are of importance but in different stages of tumorigenesis. Primary and secondary abnormalities may originate through different mechanisms; e.g., environmental factors might be mainly involved in the genesis of primary anomalies, whereas constitutional factors might be more important for the secondary.
Penile malformation and mental health

Aspects of mental health were investigated by means of interviews and register data in 34 men operated on for hypospadias in childhood and in 36 matched control subjects. Most hypospadiacs adjust well both in childhood and adult age. However, they reported more neurotic disturbances in their childhood than the controls. Shyness and enuresis were common troubles among the probands, and they had been more timid, isolated and mobbed. Similar although less striking differences in mental health were reported also in adult age. Depression and anxiety were dominating symptoms. The interviewer assessed the hypospadiacs to show more anxiety and to use more immature defence mechanisms and consequently to have less stress tolerance. The probands were further judged to have less capacity for social relations and their over‐all capacity to utilize existent psychological resources was small as compared to the controls. The findings indicate that hypospadiacs are more prone to neurotic (but not psychotic) disturbances than other young men and have more disturbed social relations. The need for psychological guidance for the boys and their parents is stressed.
Phenotypic Switching in Pseudomonas brassicacearum Involves GacS- and GacA-Dependent Rsm Small RNAs

ABSTRACT The plant-beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas brassicacearum forms phenotypic variants in vitro as well as in planta during root colonization under natural conditions. Transcriptome analysis of typical phenotypic variants using microarrays containing coding as well as noncoding DNA fragments showed differential expression of several genes relevant to secondary metabolism and of the small RNA (sRNA) genes rsmX, rsmY, and rsmZ. Naturally occurring mutations in the gacS-gacA system accounted for phenotypic switching, which was characterized by downregulation of antifungal secondary metabolites (2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and cyanide), indoleacetate, exoenzymes (lipase and protease), and three different N-acyl-homoserine lactone molecules. Moreover, in addition to abrogating these biocontrol traits, gacS and gacA mutations resulted in reduced expression of the type VI secretion machinery, alginate biosynthesis, and biofilm formation. In a gacA mutant, the expression of rsmX was completely abolished, unlike that of rsmY and rsmZ. Overexpression of any of the three sRNAs in the gacA mutant overruled the pleiotropic changes and restored the wild-type phenotypes, suggesting functional redundancy of these sRNAs. In conclusion, our data show that phenotypic switching in P. brassicacearum results from mutations in the gacS-gacA system.
ClassiMap: A New Dimension Reduction Technique for Exploratory Data Analysis of Labeled Data

Multidimensional scaling techniques are unsupervised Dimension Reduction (DR) techniques which use multidimensional data pairwise similarities to represent data into a plane enabling their visual exploratory analysis. Considering labeled data, the DR techniques face two objectives with potentially different priorities: one is to account for the data points' similarities, the other for the data classes' structures. Unsupervised DR techniques attempt to preserve original data similarities, but they do not consider their class label hence they can map originally separated classes as overlapping ones. Conversely, the state-of-the-art so-called supervised DR techniques naturally handle labeled data, but they do so in a predictive modeling framework where they attempt to separate the classes in order to improve a classification accuracy measure in the low-dimensional space, hence they can map as separated even originally overlapping classes. We propose ClassiMap, a DR technique which optimizes a new objective function enabling Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) of labeled data. Mapping distortions known as tears and false neighborhoods cannot be avoided in general due to the reduction of the data dimension. ClassiMap intends primarily to preserve data similarities but tends to distribute preferentially unavoidable tears among the different-label data and unavoidable false neighbors among the same-label data. Standard quality measures to evaluate the quality of unsupervised mappings cannot tell about the preservation of within-class or between-class structures, while classification accuracy used to evaluate supervised mappings is only relevant to the framework of predictive modeling. We propose two measures better suited to the evaluation of DR of labeled data in an EDA framework. We use these two label-aware indices and four other standard unsupervised indices to compare ClassiMap to other state-of-the-art supervised and unsupervised DR techniques on synthetic and real datasets. ClassiMap appears to provide a better tradeoff between pairwise similarities and class structure preservation according to these new measures.
Insights into the immunopathogenesis of malaria using mouse models

Malaria kills approximately 1–2 million people every year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia. These deaths are at the most severe end of a scale of pathologies affecting approximately 500 million people per year. Much of the pathogenesis of malaria is caused by inappropriate or excessive immune responses mounted by the body to eliminate malaria parasites. In this review, we examine the evidence that immunopathology is responsible for malaria disease in the context of what we have learnt from animal models of malaria. In particular, we look in detail at the processes involved in endothelial cell damage leading to syndromes such as cerebral malaria, as well as generalised systemic manifestations such as anaemia, cachexia and problems with thermoregulation of the body. We also consider malaria in light of the variation of the severity of disease observed among people, and discuss the contribution from animal models to our understanding of this variation. Finally, we discuss some of the implications of immunopathology, and of host and parasite genetic variation, for the design and implementation of anti-malarial vaccines.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract: More than 30 years have passed since the first clinical application of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation to treat hematological diseases. In recent years, the availability of peripheral blood and cord blood as additional sources of stem cells other than bone marrow has expanded the applicability of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition to differences in stem cell content, immune cells in the grafts from the three sources are different in quality and quantity. As a consequence, transplants from different sources have different kinetics of hematological recovery. Stem cell sources also influence risks for developing graft‐versus‐host disease. In this paper, we review recently reported results of thus diversified allogeneic hematopoietic, stem cell transplantation.