Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medieninhaltsanalyse zu anthropogenen Spurenstoffen im Wasser : Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt TransRisk

Im Projekt TransRisk erstellt das ISOE in Zusammenarbeit mit der Deutschen Vereinigung fur Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall (DWA) und der TU-Dresden ein Kommunikationskonzept zur Reduzierung von anthropogenen Spurenstoffen im Wasserkreislauf fur die allgemeine Bevolkerung. Hierfur hat das ISOE als Vorarbeit eine Medieninhaltsanalyse von Zeitungsartikeln durchgefuhrt. Es ging dabei um die Frage, wie das Thema anthropogene Spurenstoffe bisher in der Presse behandelt worden ist. In diesem Studientext werden die Ergebnisse der Medienanalyse vorgestellt. Sie zeigen, dass die Berichterstattung zu anthropogenen Spurenstoffen im Wasserkreislauf in der Regel sachlich ist und nur selten reiserisch oder verharmlosend. Von der Vielzahl an Spurenstoffen stehen Medikamentenreste und Hormone im Mittelpunkt. Konkretes Handlungswissen fur Verbraucher wird eher selten vermittelt. Eine zukunftige Kommunikationsstrategie zu anthropogenen Spurenstoffen im Wasserkreislauf sollte daher auf die Vermittlung von solidem Handlungswissen zielen. Weiter lasst sich aus den Ergebnissen ableiten, dass insbesondere bei Spurenstoffen, die nicht aus Medikamenten stammen, zunachst einmal Problembewusstsein geschaffen werden muss.
Intracellular free calcium in the neutrophils of maintenance haemodialysis patients

Chronic renal failure has on occasion been referred to as a state of calcium toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of intracellular free Ca2+ in the neutrophils of chronic renal failure patients on maintenance haemodialysis treatment. Factors previously suggested to influence intracellular free Ca2+ were investigated including PTH levels, oxidative stress and recombinant human erythropoietin administration. The study involved 14 chronic renal failure patients on the haemodialysis programme of the Pretoria Academic hospital. Intracellular free Ca2+ and transmembrane Ca2+ fluxes were investigated by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Increases above control values were found in intracellular free Ca2+ (P‐value 0·0242) and in the transmembrane Ca2+ flux upon fMLP stimulation (P‐value 0·0002). The results showed significant differences in intracellular free Ca2+ between patients on rHuEPO and patients not on rHuEPO. The apparently rHuEPO‐induced increase in intracellular free Ca2+ persisted in the presence of calcium channel blockers. No overt indications of oxidative stress could be detected by the antioxidant vitamin levels. It is concluded that factors other than those associated with uraemia, such as rHuEPO administration, might contribute to the often reported increase in intracellular free Ca2+ in these patients. Further studies to investigate the relationship between intracellular free Ca2+, rHuEPO and calcium channel blockers are suggested.
Suspected uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis diagnosed by imaging: initial antibiotics vs laparoscopic treatment.

AIM To compare the recurrence rate following initial antibiotic management to that following laparoscopic treatment for suspected uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis. METHODS We examined the records of 132 patients who were diagnosed with uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis and a first attack during an 8-year period. The diagnosis of uncomplicated diverticulitis was made based on imaging findings, such as inflamed diverticulum or a phlegmon with cecal wall thickening. Concurrent appendiceal dilatation from 8 to 12 mm was observed in 36 patients (27%). One hundred and two patients were treated initially with antibiotics only, whereas 30 underwent laparoscopic treatment, including partial cecectomy (n = 8) or appendectomy with diverticulectomy (n = 9) or appendectomy alone (n = 13). We compared clinical outcomes in both groups over a median follow-up period of 46 mo. RESULTS All patients were successfully treated with initial therapy. Of the 102 patients who initially received only antibiotic treatment, 6 (6%) had a recurrence (3 in the cecum and 3 in the ascending colon or transverse colon) during the follow-up period. Five of these patients were managed with repeated antibiotic treatment and 1 underwent ileocolic resection for perforation. Of the 30 patients treated by the laparoscopic approach, 2 (7%) had a recurrence (ascending colon) which was treated with antibiotics. CONCLUSION Initial antibiotic management for suspected uncomplicated cecal diverticulitis showed comparable efficacy to laparoscopic treatment in the prevention of recurrence.
Resistance of Permafrost and Modern Acinetobacter lwoffii Strains to Heavy Metals and Arsenic Revealed by Genome Analysis

We performed whole-genome sequencing of five permafrost strains of Acinetobacter lwoffii (frozen for 15–3000 thousand years) and analyzed their resistance genes found in plasmids and chromosomes. Four strains contained multiple plasmids (8–12), which varied significantly in size (from 4,135 to 287,630 bp) and genetic structure; the fifth strain contained only two plasmids. All large plasmids and some medium-size and small plasmids contained genes encoding resistance to various heavy metals, including mercury, cobalt, zinc, cadmium, copper, chromium, and arsenic compounds. Most resistance genes found in the ancient strains of A. lwoffii had their closely related counterparts in modern clinical A. lwoffii strains that were also located on plasmids. The vast majority of the chromosomal resistance determinants did not possess complete sets of the resistance genes or contained truncated genes. Comparative analysis of various A. lwoffii and of A. baumannii strains discovered a number of differences between them: (i) chromosome sizes in A. baumannii exceeded those in A. lwoffii by about 20%; (ii) on the contrary, the number of plasmids in A. lwoffii and their total size were much higher than those in A. baumannii; (iii) heavy metal resistance genes in the environmental A. lwoffii strains surpassed those in A. baumannii strains in the number and diversity and were predominantly located on plasmids. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.
The Effects on Cognitive Performance of Tailored Resection in Surgery for Nonlesional Mesiotemporal Lobe Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Mesiotemporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) can be treated with different surgical approaches. In tailored resections, neocortex is removed beyond “standard” margins when spikes are present in the electrocorticogram. We hypothesized that these larger resections are justified because spiking neocortex is dysfunctional. This would imply that in patients with spikes (a) postoperative cognitive performance is not affected, and (b) preoperative performance is worse than without spikes.
An evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate for the treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder

Introduction: Methylphenidate (MPH) plays a principal role in the multimodal treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Controlled studies have demonstrated an effective reduction in the core symptoms of the disorder following MPH therapy, although long-term studies also demonstrate that the therapeutic benefits dissipate in the absence of combined psychosocial interventions. Areas covered: This review article focuses on the pharmacological characteristics of MPH, examining its effects on brain metabolism and the neurotransmitter system. Neuropsychological and clinical effects of different immediate and extended release MPH formulations are discussed to aid clinicians in choosing the appropriate formulation. The drug’s addictive potency and abuse potential is also discussed. Data came from a literature search of relevant studies performed using the PubMed database up to June 2013. Expert opinion: MPH is effective in the treatment of the core symptoms of ADHD. Considerable clinical expertise is required to identify an individually well-adapted dosage which will produce the optimal clinical effects with potential side effects minimized. Due to low adherence to medication, especially in adolescents, motivation to treatment and attentive clinical monitoring is mandatory, as is the consideration of risks of abuse or the presence of a comorbid addictive disorder.
Effets des nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane sur les bactéries : de la cellule à la communauté

Les nanoparticules ont soit une origine naturelle soit une origine anthropique. De par l’evolution technologique, l’homme produit des quantites croissantes de nanoparticules susceptibles de se retrouver dans l’environnement. Afin de prevenir les risques inherents a ces rejets, pour la sante humaine ou l’environnement, il est necessaire de caracteriser au mieux les effets potentiels des nanoparticules et d’identifier les mecanismes qui regissent leurs interactions avec les organismes exposes. Dans ce contexte, le premier objectif de ces travaux etait de mettre en evidence les mecanismes gouvernant les interactions entre bacteries et nanoparticules et de documenter l'influence de ces interactions sur la toxicite et genotoxicite des NPs pour les bacteries. Le second objectif etait de determiner en quoi cette toxicite et cette genotoxicite pouvait impacter les organismes bacteriens au niveau communautaire. Les resultats ont montre que les interactions electrostatiques attractives entre les bacteries et les TiO2-NPs conditionnaient l’adsorption des nanoparticules a la surface des bacteries et conduisaient a la detection d’une toxicite modulees par les electrolytes presents dans la solution. De plus, les determinants biophysiques de l’interphase bacterienne, et particulierement la longueur des LPS et le type de proteines affleurant a la surface de la membrane externe, sont des parametres de premier ordre dans l'apparition d'un potentiel nefaste pour les microorganismes. En prenant en compte ces interactions, nous avons mis en evidence le potentiel mutagene des TiO2-NPs. Un effet toxique et genotoxique ayant ete constate, les communautes bacteriennes ont ensuite ete etudiees. Il a ete mis en evidence que les TiO2-NPs modifiaient la composition, la structure et la prevalence des communautes bacteriennes libres et fixees sous forme de biofilms precoces d’une communaute aquatique naturelle d’eau douce. Ces travaux mettent en evidence l’impact potentiel des TiO2-NPs sur les organismes bacteriens dans un contexte d’evaluation des risques et indiquent que les nanoparticules pourraient impacter les communautes microbiennes et pourraient presenter un risque pour le bon fonctionnement de l’ecosysteme
Physical Demands, Injuries, and Conditioning Practices of Stock Car Drivers

Abstract Ebben, WP, and Suchomel, TJ. Physical demands, injuries, and conditioning practices of stock car drivers. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1188–1198, 2012–The purpose of this study was to assess the physical demands, injuries, and conditioning practices of stock car drivers. Forty stock car drivers from 27 states in the United States participated in the interviews for 43.9 ± 13.9 minutes. The interviews examined background information, the physical demands of racing, injuries associated with racing, and the athletic and fitness background and practices of the subjects. Numerical data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results revealed significant correlation between track points standings and the length of the resistance training sessions (R = −0.71, p = 0.002) and subject self-assessment of their fitness (R = −0.53, p = 0.045). Results also revealed that “upper-body strength” was identified as the most important physical demand. Extreme fatigue was the most common feeling after a demanding race. Subjects reported that shoulder fatigue was the most common form of muscle soreness experienced after a race. Back and torso injuries were the most common injury, although head injuries most frequently required medical attention. The subjects' biggest fear was fire, followed closely by head and neck injury. The bench press and running were the most commonly performed resistance training and cardiovascular exercises, respectively. Subjects reported that their highest motivation for training was to improve their racing performance. Many subjects had athletic backgrounds with football identified as the sport they had most commonly participated in. This study provides additional detailed information. Results of this study can assist strength and conditioning professionals in the development of strength and conditioning programs for performance enhancement and injury prevention that are specific to the needs of this population of athletes.
Susceptibility of linear and nonlinear otoacoustic emission components to low-dose styrene exposure

Abstract Objective: To investigate potential susceptibility of active cochlear mechanisms to low-level styrene exposure by comparing TEOAEs in workers and controls. Design: Two advanced analysis techniques were applied to detect sub-clinical changes in linear and nonlinear cochlear mechanisms of OAE generation: the wavelet transform to decompose TEOAEs into time-frequency components and extract signal-to-noise ratio and latency of each component, and the bispectrum to detect and extract nonlinear TEOAE contributions as quadratic frequency couplings (QFCs). Study sample: Two cohorts of workers were examined: subjects exposed exclusively to styrene (N = 9), and subjects exposed to styrene and noise (N = 6). The control group was perfectly matched by age and sex to the exposed group. Results: Exposed subjects showed significantly lowered SNR in TEOAE components at mid-to-high frequencies (above 1.6 kHz) and a shift of QFC distribution towards lower frequencies than controls. No systematic differences were observed in latency. Conclusion: Low-level styrene exposure may have induced a modification of cochlear functionality as concerns linear and nonlinear OAE generation mechanisms. The lack of change in latency seems to suggest that the OAE components, where generation region and latency are tightly coupled, may not have been affected by styrene and noise exposure levels considered here.
Properties of an Escherichia coli mutant deficient in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase catalytic activity

A mutant Escherichia coli (Ppcc-) which was unable to grow on glucose as a sole carbon source was isolated. This mutant had very low levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity (approximately 5% of the wild type). Goat immunoglobulin G prepared against wild-type phosphoenolypyruvate carboxylase cross-reacted with the Ppcc- enzyme. The amount of enzyme protein in the mutant cells was similar to that found in wild-type cells, but it had greatly diminished specific activity. The catalytically less active mutant enzyme retained the ability to interact with fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, but did not exhibit stabilization of the tetrameric form by aspartate. The pI of the mutant protein was lower (4.9) than that of the wild-type protein (5.1). After electrophoresis and immunoblotting of the partially purified protein, several immunostaining bands were seen in addition to the main enzyme band. A novel method for showing that these bands represented proteolytic fragments of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase was developed.
[Acupuncture combined with massage for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with massage on irritable bowel syndrome. METHODS Ninety-three cases of irritable bowel syndrome were randomly divided into three groups: group of acupuncture combined with massage (group A), simple acupuncture control group (group B), simple massage control group (group C), 31 cases in each group. Their therapeutic effects were compared. RESULTS The cured rate and the effective rate in the group A were significantly higher than those in both group B and group C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with massage therapy shows a better therapeutic effect on irritable bowel syndrome, and they should be jointly used in clinical treatment.
A retrospective review of snake bite victims admitted in a tertiary level teaching institute.

OBJECTIVE Snake bite remains major public health problem worldwide. We present our experience with cases of snake bites managed in our tertiary care teaching center of South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The details of all patients with snake bite admitted to a tertiary teaching care hospital from 2010 to 2012 were retrospectively retrieved and reviewed. The details regarding age, gender, first aid received or not, time elapsed between the bite, emergency care management and ASV (Anti Snake Venom) administration, site of snake bite, clinical features at the time of presentation, local examination findings at the site of bite, duration of hospital stay, need for elective ventilation, details of investigations and outcome were reviewed. The data were analyzed in PSPP software (Free Software Foundation, Inc.) for window for statistical analysis, while standard deviation (SD) was applied for the continuous variables, and proportions were applied for the categorical variables. RESULTS Mean age was 38.4 ± 14.8 years (range 4-70 years). Majority [72 (82.8%)] were farmers. In 86.2% patients, the site of bite was in lower limbs. Snake could be identified in only 20 cases [Cobra-12 (60%), Krait-2 (10%), and Viper-6 (30%)]. Mean time to reach to hospital was 12.1 ± 21.4 hours (range 1-120 hours). Mean anti-venom therapy duration was 3.2 ± 2.0 days (range 1-14 days). Mean hospital stay was 4.7 ± 3.1 days (range 1-15 days). Majority (72.4%) made good recovery; mortality was in 4.6% cases, and 20 (23%) patients left against medical advice. CONCLUSIONS This study identified major epidemiological and management variables related to snake bite. There is a need for a well-planned data collection and information dissemination system to avoid this potentially preventable disease.
Clinical Experience with α-Particle–Emitting 211At: Treatment of Recurrent Brain Tumor Patients with 211At-Labeled Chimeric Antitenascin Monoclonal Antibody 81C6

α-Particle–emitting radionuclides, such as 211At, with a 7.2-h half-life, may be optimally suited for the molecularly targeted radiotherapy of strategically sensitive tumor sites, such as those in the central nervous system. Because of the much shorter range and more potent cytotoxicity of α-particles than of β-particles, 211At-labeled agents may be ideal for the eradication of tumor cells remaining after surgical debulking of malignant brain tumors. The main goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of this approach in patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors. Methods: Chimeric antitenascin monoclonal antibody 81C6 (ch81C6) (10 mg) was labeled with 71–347 MBq of 211At by use of N-succinimidyl 3-[211At]astatobenzoate. Eighteen patients were treated with 211At-labeled ch81C6 (211At-ch81C6) administered into a surgically created resection cavity (SCRC) and then with salvage chemotherapy. Serial γ-camera imaging and blood sampling over 24 h were performed. Results: A total of 96.7% ± 3.6% (mean ± SD) of 211At decays occurred in the SCRC, and the mean blood-pool percentage injected dose was ≤0.3. No patient experienced dose-limiting toxicity, and the maximum tolerated dose was not identified. Six patients experienced grade 2 neurotoxicity within 6 wk of 211At-ch81C6 administration; this neurotoxicity resolved fully in all but 1 patient. No toxicities of grade 3 or higher were attributable to the treatment. No patient required repeat surgery for radionecrosis. The median survival times for all patients, those with glioblastoma multiforme, and those with anaplastic astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma were 54, 52, and 116 wk, respectively. Conclusion: This study provides proof of concept for regional targeted radiotherapy with 211At-labeled molecules in oncology. Specifically, the regional administration of 211At-ch81C6 is feasible, safe, and associated with a promising antitumor benefit in patients with malignant central nervous system tumors.
Early Weaning Might Reduce the Psychological Strain of Boston Bracing: a Study of 136 Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis at 3.5 Years after Termination of Brace Treatment

From 1983 to 1990 a total of 136 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were treated with the Boston brace. With the aim of examining the social and psychological impact of the brace treatment all patients received a questionnaire at an average of 3.5 years after termination of the treatment. Ninety-three percent responded to the questionnaire. The overall picture was that the patient's daily activities and social contacts, not least with the opposite sex, were affected both during the bracing period and at follow-up. It is important that the indications for the treatment are assured, and weaning should be initiated at the latest 3 years after menarche.
Corneal Astigmatism Stability in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy

Purpose: To calculate the magnitude and angle of the shift in corneal astigmatism associated with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery to determine the feasibility of concurrent astigmatism correction at the time of DMEK triple procedures. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Forty-seven eyes that previously underwent the DMEK procedure for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and that had more than 1.0 diopter (D) of front corneal astigmatism preoperatively were identified. All DMEK surgeries used a clear corneal temporal incision of 3.2 mm. Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was evaluated 6 months postsurgery with vector analysis using Scheimpflug image reading. Results: We did not find a difference between pre- and postoperative magnitude of front astigmatism (P = 0.88; paired t test). The magnitude of the SIA front surface was 0.77 ± 0.63 D (range, 0.10–3.14 D). The centroid vector of the SIA front surface was 0.14 at 89.3°. A hyperopic corneal power shift was noted in both the front surface by 0.26 ± 0.74 D (range, 0.45–3.05 D) (P = 0.018; paired t test) and back surface by 0.56 ± 0.55 D (range, 0.25–2.40 D) (P < 0.01; paired t test). Conclusions: DMEK surgery induces minimal amounts of corneal astigmatism that is a with-the-rule shift associated with a temporal clear corneal incision. The stability of these data from preop to postop supports the plausibility of incorporating astigmatism correction with the cautious use of toric intraocular lenses for patients with Fuchs corneal dystrophy and cataract.
Comparison of vagal baroreflex function in nonpregnant women and in women with normal pregnancy, preeclampsia, or gestational hypertension.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to compare baroreflex function among nonpregnant women and among women with normal pregnancy, preeclampsia, or gestational hypertension. STUDY DESIGN Baroreflex function was tested in 20 women with preeclampsia, in 20 age- and gestational age-matched normotensive gravid women, in 20 age-matched nonpregnant women, and in 20 nonmatched women with gestational hypertension. The baroreflex was measured by several modalities. RESULTS Vagal baroreflex gain measured by cross-spectral analysis of parallel spontaneous heart rate and blood pressure changes is significantly decreased in normal pregnancy (15.8 +/- 7.2 vs 10.8 +/- 4.1 ms/mm Hg; P = 0.001), in comparison with vagal baroreflex gain in nonpregnant women. Baroreflex gain is further reduced in preeclamptic pregnancy (10.8 +/- 4.1 vs 7.2 +/- 2.6 ms/mm Hg; P = 0.003) and in gestational hypertension (10.8 +/- 4.1 vs 6.5 +/- 2.7 ms/mm Hg; P = 0.001), compared with that in normal pregnancy. Similar differences were seen with other baroreflex testing modalities. CONCLUSIONS The normal reduction of baroreflex gain in pregnancy is further depressed in subjects with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.