Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the ABCB1 gene in phenobarbital responsive and resistant idiopathic epileptic Border Collies.

BACKGROUND Variation in the ABCB1 gene is believed to play a role in drug resistance in epilepsy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Variation in the ABCB1 gene encoding the permeability-glycoprotein could have an influence on phenobarbital (PB) resistance, which occurs with high frequency in idiopathic epileptic Border Collies (BCs). ANIMALS Two hundred and thirty-six client-owned BCs from Switzerland and Germany including 25 with idiopathic epilepsy, of which 13 were resistant to PB treatment. METHODS Prospective and retrospective case-control study. Data were collected retrospectively regarding disease status, antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy, and drug responsiveness. The frequency of a known mutation in the ABCB1 gene (4 base-pair deletion in the ABCB1 gene [c.296_299del]) was determined in all BCs. Additionally, the ABCB1 coding exons and flanking sequences were completely sequenced to search for additional variation in 41 BCs. Association analyses were performed in 2 case-control studies: idiopathic epileptic and control BCs and PB-responsive and resistant idiopathic epileptic BCs. RESULTS One of 236 BCs (0.4%) was heterozygous for the mutation in the ABCB1 gene (c.296_299del). A total of 23 variations were identified in the ABCB1 gene: 4 in exons and 19 in introns. The G-allele of the c. -6-180T > G variation in intron 1 was significantly more frequent in epileptic BCs resistant to PB treatment than in epileptic BCs responsive to PB treatment (P(raw) = . 0025). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE A variation in intron 1 of the ABCB1 gene is associated with drug responsiveness in BCs. This might indicate that regulatory mutations affecting the expression level of ABCB1 could exist, which may influence the reaction of a dog to AEDs.
Partner notification in pregnant women with HIV: findings from three inner‐city clinics

British HIV Association guidelines recommend that all HIV‐positive pregnant women should be encouraged to disclose their HIV infection to their partner and that this should be viewed as a process rather than an event. The aim of this study was to describe local practice of partner notification (PN) and patterns of disclosure in a group of HIV‐positive women in an antenatal setting. A retrospective case note and local pregnancy database review was undertaken. Women who had accessed specialist HIV antenatal care at one of three east London hospitals with an expected delivery date between 1 March 2004 and 30 June 2006 were identified. In total, 145 women were identified. HIV status had not been disclosed to a partner in 19% (n=27) of case notes reviewed. There was no documented discussion about PN in 18% (n=26) of case notes. Forty‐three per cent (n=62) of case notes documented that the male partner had accessed HIV testing after PN was discussed. All HIV‐positive pregnant women should have a documented discussion about PN. Concurrent HIV testing offered to both partners may improve HIV testing uptake in male partners and should be explored further. Care plans should include screening for intimate partner violence and housing problems; referral pathways should be established clearly when involving other agencies.
Formaldehyde-induced cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic response in human lymphocytes and Salmonella typhimurium.

The incidences of chromatid-type aberrations and sister-chromatid exchanges were significantly increased in human lymphocytes treated with formaldehyde (FA) in vitro. In the presence of the mammalian metabolic activation system, i.e. S9 mix, the yields were reduced, although not to control levels. With S9 mix the structural chromosome damage induced by exposure to 1.0 mM FA was qualitatively and quantitatively identical to that induced by 0.05 mM cyclophosphamide (used as positive control for metabolic activation). Cell proliferation was clearly reduced with or without the presence of S9 mix. In a plate assay with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 in the absence and presence of S9 mix, a weak mutagenic response was observed. Using the pre-incubation method, FA induced without S9 mix a 1.6-fold and with S9 mix a 2.7-fold increase of revertant numbers over controls.
Hemostatic factors as predictors of ischemic heart disease and stroke in the Edinburgh Artery Study.

Plasma fibrinogen is a consistent predictor of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in prospective studies, but there are fewer data relating other hemostatic variables to IHD and also to stroke. We therefore studied the relationships of plasma fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) antigen, factor VII, and fibrin D-dimer to incidence of IHD and stroke and determined whether any associations could be explained by conventional risk factors and baseline heart disease. In the Edinburgh Artery study, 1592 men and women aged 55 to 74 years, randomly sampled from the general population, were followed prospectively over 5 years to detect fatal and nonfatal IHD and stroke events. During the 5 years, 268 new vascular events were identified. Baseline plasma fibrinogen was independently related to risk of stroke in multivariate analysis that adjusted for cigarette smoking, LDL-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and preexisting IHD (relative risk [RR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17, 1.98). TPA antigen, and fibrin D-dimer were also independently associated with risk of stroke (RR 1.69,95% CI 1.22,2.35 and RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.12,3.41, respectively). Significant relationships were found between TPA antigen and myocardial infarction (P < or = .05). In older men and women, increased coagulation activity and disturbed fibrinolysis are predictors of future vascular events (both IHD and stroke).
On optimum MIMO with antenna selection

Wireless communication systems with transmit and receive antenna arrays are studied when antenna selection is used. A case with very limited feedback of information from the receiver to the transmitter is considered, where the only information fed back is the selected subset of transmit antennas to be employed. It is shown that the optimum signaling, for the largest ergodic capacity of a single isolated link with given interference and antenna selection, is generally different from that which is optimum without antenna selection for some range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). In cases with interference, the improvement obtained from using the true optimum signaling approach tends to increase for this range of SNRs. Further, the optimum approach for cases without antenna selection tends to be optimum in fewer cases as interference power is increased.
Genetic Approach To Study the Relationship between Penicillin-Binding Protein 3 Mutations and Haemophilus influenzae β-Lactam Resistance by Using Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Gene Recombinants

ABSTRACT To clarify the relationship between mutations commonly found for penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP 3) of β-lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) Haemophilus influenzae isolates and β-lactam resistance, single and multiple amino acid mutations at positions 377, 385, 389, 517, and 526 were introduced into PBP 3 of a β-lactam-susceptible Rd strain by site-directed mutagenesis. Twelve isogenic recombinant strains were challenged with nine β-lactam antibiotics. Replacement of the asparagine at position 526 with lysine (N526K) increased the resistance to imipenem eightfold and increased the resistance to various cephalosporins two- to eightfold. Substitution of threonine for serine at position 385 (S385T) and/or substitution of phenylalanine for leucine at position 389 (L389F), in addition to the N526K mutation, led to two- to fourfold additional increases in cephalosporin resistance. An isoleucine-to-methionine substitution at position 377 did not change the antibiotic sensitivity of any of the recombinant strains also carrying other PBP 3 mutations tested. Thirty-six clinical isolates carrying a PBP 3 gene (ftsI) with the S385T, L389F, R517H, and/or N526K mutation were chosen from among 279 clinical isolates collected in Japan, and the isolates were grouped into six classes on the basis of the patterns of the four mutations in PBP 3. Rd recombinants were made with each of the ftsI genes. The levels of resistance to β-lactams varied between recombinants of different classes but were comparable for those of the same class. The levels of resistance to cephalosporins of these recombinants were similar to those of the parent clinical isolates, while those to ampicillin and carbapenems were lower. These results indicate that resistance to β-lactams, at least to cephalosporins, depends in large part on the PBP 3 mutations R517H, N526K, S385T, and L389F.
Achievement-Based Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation: A Test of Cognitive Mediators

This study assessed how rewards impacted intrinsic motivation when students were rewarded for achievement while learning an activity, for performing at a specific level on a test, or for both. Undergraduate university students engaged in a problem-solving activity. The design was a 2 2 factorial with 2 levels of reward in a learning phase (reward for achievement, no reward) and 2 levels of reward in a test phase (reward for achievement, no reward). Intrinsic motivation was measured as time spent on the experimental task and ratings of task interest during a free-choice period. A major finding was that achievement-based rewards during learning or testing increased participants’ intrinsic motivation. A path analysis indicated that 2 processes (perceived competence and interest–internal attribution) mediated the positive effects of achievement-based rewards in learning and testing on intrinsic motivation. Findings are discussed in terms of the cognitive evaluation, attribution, and social–cognitive theories.
Exercise Training Lowers the Enhanced Tonically Active Glutamatergic Input to the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla in Hypertensive Rats

It is well known that low‐intensity exercise training (ExT) is beneficial to cardiovascular dysfunction in hypertension. The tonically active glutamatergic input to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key region for control of blood pressure and sympathetic tone, has been demonstrated to be increased in hypertensive rats. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ExT on the increased glutamatergic input to the RVLM in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).
The role of CBP/p300 interactions and Pit-1 dimerization in the pathophysiological mechanism of combined pituitary hormone deficiency.

CONTEXT Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) in humans is caused by mutations of pituitary-specific transcription factors such as Pit-1. Although many patients with CPHD have an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a Pit-1 DNA-binding mutation, there are a number of reports of mutant Pit-1 molecules that either by prediction or through experimentation bind normally to DNA. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of mutant Pit-1 molecules with intact DNA binding. DESIGN DNA-binding and functional studies were used to assess five Pit-1 mutations: F135C, R143Q, A158P, K216E, and R271W. RESULTS In gel-shift studies using well-characterized DNA-binding elements from the GH and prolactin genes, the K126E mutant displayed markedly enhanced Pit-1 dimer binding to either element, whereas the R271W mutant bound with high avidity, but only as a monomer. In contrast, the R143Q mutant was unable to bind these elements, and the F135C and A158P mutants displayed near-normal DNA-binding characteristics. We observed that CBP/p300 bound poorly to the A158P and K216E mutant Pit-1 molecules, but bound normally to the F135C, R143Q, and R271W mutants. In functional assays, CBP/p300 cotransfection with mutant Pit-1 expression vectors resulted in less transactivation of either the GH or prolactin reporter genes. CONCLUSIONS From these studies, we suggest that CBP/p300 recruitment and Pit-1 dimerization are necessary for Pit-1 target gene activation and are important in the pathogenesis of CPHD.
Effects of adverse events in health care on acute care nurses in an Australian context: A qualitative study

Adverse events in health care significantly impact health professionals who become the second victims of medical error. The aim of the present study was to understand the effects of adverse events in health care on nurses in acute health-care settings in an Australian context. In this qualitative, descriptive study, we used purposeful sampling and recruited 10 acute care nurses. Interviews were conducted from 2011 to 2012 and were recorded, transcribed, and returned to participants to verify their accuracy. Data were categorized and analyzed to determine four emergent themes and subthemes. The four themes were: rescuing patients, effects on nurses, professional responsibility, and needs of nurses. Our analysis indicated that nurses need organizational responses to adverse events, including the provision of information and collegial support after adverse events occur. This will minimize the psychological trauma associated with these events for second victims and support effective communication and collegial working relationships.
Morphology of congenital intrahepatic portacaval shunts in dogs and cats

The preoperative ultrasound images and biplanar operative mesenteric portograms of 28 dogs and six cats with congenital intrahepatic portacaval shunts were reviewed retrospectively. On the basis of the combined surgical, postmortem and imaging data, the shunts were classified according to their location within the liver and their shape. Thirteen dogs and four cats had a left-divisional shunt with a relatively consistent bent tubular shape that drained into the left hepatic vein. Another 13 dogs had a central-divisional shunt that took the form of a foramen between dilated portions of the intrahepatic portal vein and caudal vena cava. One cat with a central-divisional shunt had a tortuous vessel. The remaining two dogs and one cat had right-divisional shunts that were large, tortuous vessels. The morphology of a left-divisional shunt is compatible with patent ductus venosus, but the pathogenesis of central and right-divisional shunts is unknown. It is concluded that intrahepatic portacaval shunts in dogs and cats may be classified as left, central or right divisional. Ultrasound enables a preoperative morphological assessment that correlates well with the results of portography and may aid surgical planning.
Orbital myositis associated with Lyme disease in a dog

LYME disease is a tick-transmitted zoonotic disease caused by the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi . In dogs, the primary clinical sign of B burgdorferi infection is lameness secondary to arthritis ([Lissman and others 1984][1], [Appel and others 1993][2]), plus high body temperature, loss of
EFFECT OF ADDED MASS ON SUBMERGED VIBRATED PLATES

ABSTRACT Vibration of solid-fluid interaction systems requires a deterministic knowledge of vibration analysis and structures coupling. It is evident that a structure vibrating in a fluid has to support an interactive inertial effect caused by the fluid which changes the dynamic behavior of the solid itself. This paper presents an experimental study on the effect of added mass on submerged plate structures which are subjected to vibration. Different plates vibrating in water at different depths with various geometry ratios are studied using a number of boundary conditions. Dynamic testing is conducted in time domains to identify the modal parameters of the structures. The modal added mass value and added mass coefficient are then derived from the change of modal frequencies from air to water. This is followed by a comparison of experimental results with several numerical analyses found in the literature.
The effect of Q-switched ruby laser radiation on dermal tattoo pigment in man.

SURGICAL tattoo removal is generally unsatisfactory. 1 Total excision or partial excision in stages usually leaves a noticeable, wide scar. Complete excision and skin grafting not only scar the site of the tattoo but the skin graft donor site as well. Many patients accept the surgical treatment for tattoos only because the social stigma of the tattoo is of greater hindrance than the scarring. The laser is uniquely adapted for this surgical problem. Emitting a brief (8 to 10 nanosecond (nsec) Q-pulsed; 1.8 msec long pulse) narrow band (6,943 Angstroms) of high energy light (100 megawatt), the ruby laser beam, as any light, is absorbed more by dark substances than by light substances. A large amount of laser energy is delivered accurately to the target area and one is able to capitalize on the differential uptake of light energy by dark versus light materials. It can be done without
Fibrin Deimination in Synovial Tissue Is Not Specific for Rheumatoid Arthritis but Commonly Occurs during Synovitides1

Autoantibodies to deiminated (citrullinated) proteins are the most specific serological markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Deimination is critical in generating the peptidic epitopes they recognize. In the synovial tissue (ST), deiminated forms of the α- and β-chains of fibrin are their major autoantigenic targets (anti-human fibrin(ogen) autoantibodies (AhFibA)). We investigated whether the presence of deiminated fibrin in the ST was specific for RA, because this could explain why AhFibA are RA specific. In 13 patients with RA and 19 patients with various other rheumatological disorders, knee ST biopsies were collected in macroscopically inflamed areas identified under arthroscopy. Synovitis was histopathologically confirmed in all of the biopsies. By immunoblotting, using antisera to fibrin, Abs to citrullyl residues, and AhFibA purified from RA sera, deiminated fibrin was evidenced in ST extracts from all of the patients. Moreover, variations in the degree of fibrin deimination were observed that were not related to the disease. Immunohistochemical analysis, using Abs to citrullyl residues and an antiserum to fibrin on adjacent serial sections of ST, confirmed the results because deiminated proteins colocalized with fibrin in RA as well as in control patients. Therefore, fibrin deimination in the ST is a general phenomenon associated to any synovitis, which does not necessarily induce a B autoimmune response with production of AhFibA.
Contamination of Sinus Irrigation Devices: A Review of the Evidence and Clinical Relevance

Background The use of saline and topical medications in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is now common practice among otolaryngologists. Although high-level studies have consistently shown the benefit of saline in symptom improvement of CRS patients, to date, only lower-level evidence exists advocating a benefit of other topical medications. Methods Recently, increased interest has emerged surrounding the devices used to deliver such therapies with mounting evidence consistently showing contamination with pathogenic organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results In addition, the potential for such contamination to cross-infect sinus cavities and lead to postoperative infections is also of concern. Conclusion This review examines the current evidence available concerning the issue of contamination and its clinical relevance and offers the otolaryngologist advice on patient education when dispensing such devices.
Evaluation of the HeartWare ventricular assist device Lavare cycle in a particle image velocimetry model and in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES Ventricular blood stasis is a concern for continuous flow mechanical support devices and might contribute to the formation of thromboembolic events. The HeartWare® Ventricular Assist System (HVAD®) is equipped with the Lavare™ cycle that is a periodic speed modulation feature designed to alter flow patterns within the left ventricle and reduce areas of potential blood stasis. Here, we report in vitro and clinical findings on the effects of the Lavare cycle. METHODS The effect of pump speed changes on the intraventricular flow field was examined with an in vitro particle image velocimetry model. The clinical impact of the Lavare cycle was evaluated through a retrospective review of the ReVOLVE study which includes 248 patients implanted with the HVAD following Conformité Européenne Mark in nine centres in Europe and Australia. Baseline characteristics, adverse event profiles and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were stratified by patients using/not using the Lavare cycle. RESULTS Particle image velocimetry showed increased ventricular washout with an active Lavare cycle as measured by the fluid velocities and angular dispersion parameters. With the Lavare cycle on, there was also a 22% decrease in the stagnation index compared with when the Lavare cycle was off. In the ReVOLVE registry, patients with the Lavare cycle turned on (n = 215) were supported for 497 patient-years, whereas patients who did not use the speed modulation (n = 33) were supported for 39.3 patient-years. The Lavare cycle did not significantly affect patient survival as both groups had approximately an 80% survival after 1 year. Patients using the Lavare cycle had significantly fewer rates of stroke [0.06 vs 0.20 events per patient-year (EPPY), P = 0.0008], sepsis (0.03 vs 0.15 EPPY, P = 0.0003) and right heart failure (0.03 vs 0.18 EPPY, P < 0.0001) with no difference in the transplant or recovery rates among the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS The Lavare cycle effectively generates ventricular washout and the adverse event profiles of ReVOLVE patients with the Lavare cycle on were better than those with the Lavare cycle off. Larger studies are warranted to verify the positive effect of the Lavare cycle and to optimize speed modulation settings, so additional clinically relevant improvements can be realized.
DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPRESSOR T CELLS BY ANTILYMPHOCYTE SERUM TREATMENT IN MICE

Administration of rabbit anti-mouse lymphocyte serum (ALS) in mice results in the development of suppressor cells which can be detected by coculture mixed lymphocyte culture experiments. The putative suppressor cells inhibit nonspecifically the proliferative response as well as generation of cytotoxicity of normal responder cells. Suppressor activity is dose dependent and is not attributable to cell crowding, shifting of peak activity, or release of cell-bound ALS. Additional antigenic stimulation by skin allografting in ALS-treated mice shifts the specificity of suppressor cells from nonspecific to specific for skin donor alloantigen. ALS-induced suppressor cells are Lyt-1+2- T cells while suppressor cells present in ALS-treated, skin allograft-bearing mice are Lyt-1-2+ T cells. Both types of suppressor cells appear to bear I-J determinants. The possible mechanisms of suppressor cell induction by ALS and skin allografting are discussed.