Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bleeding manifestations in heterozygotes with prothrombin deficiency or abnormalities vs. unaffected family members as observed during a long follow-up study

&NA; To investigate the prevalence of bleeding in heterozygotes for prothrombin deficiencies. Homozygotes or compound heterozygotes with Factor II (FII) levels of less than 10% of normal are always severely symptomatic. On the contrary little is known about the heterozygous population who have FII levels around 40–50% of normal. Forty-four patients heterozygous for this defect, in comparison with age and sex matched 44 unaffected family members, have been followed during a mean observational period of 22.5 years (range 4–35 years). The study was carried out in Padua between the years 1971 and 2010. The mean prothrombin activity was 0.49 IU/dl (range 0.38–0.62) and 0.91 IU/dl (range 0.81–1.10) in the heterozygotes and in the normal counterparts, respectively. In total, 14 patients showed bleeding manifestations vs. only three among the controls. Bleeding was sometimes spontaneous but more frequently occurred after tooth extractions, surgery, or delivery. Some heterozygous patients had also to be given replacement therapy to control the bleeding. No substitution therapy was ever needed for the normal counterparts. The prothrombin activity levels in the patients who were symptomatic tended to be lower than in those who remained asymptomatic. The difference in the frequency of bleeding and in the bleeding score between patients and unaffected family members was statistically significant (P = 0.007 and 0.0007). Prothrombin levels of about 40–50% of normal may not represent well tolerated hemostatic levels in case of surgical procedures, tooth extraction, or delivery. These data may have general clinical significance even for patients who have acquired defects.
Utilization of waste tyres pyrolysis oil vapour in the synthesis of Zeolite Templated Carbons (ZTCs) for hydrogen storage application

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the potential for use of waste tyre pyrolysis oil vapour as a carbon precursor in the synthesis of zeolite templated carbons (ZTC). With Zeolite 13X as the template, the ZTCs were synthesised using two methods namely: 1-step process which involved the carbonization of gaseous carbon precursor in the zeolite template (in this case, ethylene and pyrolysis oil vapour) and the 2-step synthesis method involved the impregnation of zeolite pores with furfural alcohol prior to carbonization of the gaseous carbon precursor. The replication of the zeolite 13X structural ordering was successful using both methods. The 2-step synthesized ZTCs were found to possess the highest specific surface area (3341 m2 g−1) and also had the highest H2 storage capacity (2.5 wt.%). The study therefore confirmed an additional novel strategy for value-addition of waste tyre pyrolysis by-products.
Early intervention with antithrombin III therapy to prevent progression of hepatic venoocclusive disease

Venoocclusive disease (VOD) is the most frequent cause of early nonrelapse mortality among patients receiving high-dose chemoradiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Endothelial injury of sinusoids and hepatic veins following chemotherapy is considered the initial event in the development of VOD. Activation of the coagulation cascade and inflammatory processes following endothelial injury results in a hypercoagulable state and a localized consumption of the natural anticoagulants, antithrombin III, protein C and protein S. The resultant coagulopathy can lead to multiorgan dysfunction and death. The objective was to retrospectively study the largest series of patients that has received antithrombin III for the treatment of VOD following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A total of 48 patients were diagnosed with VOD post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (median age, 39 years; range, 1–69 years); 38 of the 48 received a nonradiation-based conditioning regimen and 21 of 48 received a transplant from an unrelated donor. Treatment was primarily directed at early intervention rather than prophylactic therapy to correct the antithrombin III deficiency associated with VOD. We attempted to achieve antithrombin III levels greater than 120%. There was no significant treatment-related morbidity. The overall 100-day mortality for the treatment cohort was 17%, with 10% for the mild/moderate group and 39% for the severe group, respectively. In conclusion, the encouraging results of this study suggest that this antithrombin III treatment should be further considered in patients with severe VOD.
Maxillary ameloblastoma extending into the maxillary sinus

Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor. Worldwide, maxillary ameloblastoma is rare, but its late detection renders adequate treatment difficult. Majority occur in the mandible with about 5-20% occurring in the maxillary bone. Here we report a case of plexiform ameloblastoma of the left maxilla in a 30-year-old male. The tumor was presented as a radiographically solid mass filling the left maxillary sinus and clinically as a maxillary swelling. The radio-pathological features of this tumor and the possibility of its sinonasal epithelium origin are discussed.
Mortality from Coronary Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease and Associated Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 15-year Follow-up Study in Osaka

An analysis was made of factors related to death from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients. The study included 1, 939 patients (the mean age at entry was 52.8±11.1 years), 1, 200 males and 739 females, with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These patients entered the study between 1960 and 1979 and were followed until the end of 1993. The mean observation perrrriod was 14.9±6.6 years. At the end of the follow-up, 1, 000 patients (51.6%) were alive, 880 (45.4%) had died and 59 (3.0%) had been lost to follow-up. Among the deceased patients, 111 had died of CHD and 128 of CVD. The relationship of risk factors to death from CHD or CVD was analyzed in terms of the mortality rate per 1, 000 person-year and odds ratios (relative risks), as well as multiple logistic regression method. In our univariate analysis, we found that deaths from CHD were related to fasting plasma glucose level, blood pressure, ischemic ECG changes, serum cholesterol level, retinopathy, proteinuria and therapeutic regimen. Deaths from CVD were related to hypertension, proteinuria and therapeutic regimen. However, in subsequent multiple logistic analysis, only systolic blood pressure, ischemic changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, serum cholesterol level and retinopathy remained significant with respect to mortality from CHD, while hypertension and fasting plasma glucose level were significant with respect to CVD, in addition to age. We found a much lower mortality from CHD, even in our diabetic subjects, than has been found in Western countries. Moreover, there seemed to be a substantial difference in terms of risk factors between mortality from CHD and from CVD.
Evaluation and application of site-specific data to revise the first-order decay model for estimating landfill gas generation and emissions at Danish landfills

Methane (CH4) generated from low-organic waste degradation at four Danish landfills was estimated by three first-order decay (FOD) landfill gas (LFG) generation models (LandGEM, IPCC, and Afvalzorg). Actual waste data from Danish landfills were applied to fit model (IPCC and Afvalzorg) required categories. In general, the single-phase model, LandGEM, significantly overestimated CH4 generation, because it applied too high default values for key parameters to handle low-organic waste scenarios. The key parameters were biochemical CH4 potential (BMP) and CH4 generation rate constant (k-value). In comparison to the IPCC model, the Afvalzorg model was more suitable for estimating CH4 generation at Danish landfills, because it defined more proper waste categories rather than traditional municipal solid waste (MSW) fractions. Moreover, the Afvalzorg model could better show the influence of not only the total disposed waste amount, but also various waste categories. By using laboratory-determined BMPs and k-values for shredder, sludge, mixed bulky waste, and street-cleaning waste, the Afvalzorg model was revised. The revised model estimated smaller cumulative CH4 generation results at the four Danish landfills (from the start of disposal until 2020 and until 2100). Through a CH4 mass balance approach, fugitive CH4 emissions from whole sites and a specific cell for shredder waste were aggregated based on the revised Afvalzorg model outcomes. Aggregated results were in good agreement with field measurements, indicating that the revised Afvalzorg model could provide practical and accurate estimation for Danish LFG emissions. This study is valuable for both researchers and engineers aiming to predict, control, and mitigate fugitive CH4 emissions from landfills receiving low-organic waste. Implications: Landfill operators use the first-order decay (FOD) models to estimate methane (CH4) generation. A single-phase model (LandGEM) and a traditional model (IPCC) could result in overestimation when handling a low-organic waste scenario. Site-specific data were important and capable of calibrating key parameter values in FOD models. The comparison study of the revised Afvalzorg model outcomes and field measurements at four Danish landfills provided a guideline for revising the Pollutants Release and Transfer Registers (PRTR) model, as well as indicating noteworthy waste fractions that could emit CH4 at modern landfills.
Influence of environmental factors on removal of oxides of nitrogen by a photocatalytic coating

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from combustion processes have elevated concentrations in large urban areas. They cause a range of adverse health effects, acid rain, and are precursors to formation of other atmospheric pollutants, such as ozone, peroxyacetyl nitrate, and inorganic aerosols. Photocatalytic materials containing a semi-conductor that can be activated by sunlight, such as titanium dioxide, have been studied for their ability to remove NOx. The study presented herein aims to elucidate the environmental parameters that most influence the NOx removal efficiency of photocatalytic coatings in hot and humid climate conditions. Concrete samples coated with a commercially available photocatalytic coating (a stucco) and an uncoated sample have been tested in a reactor simulating reasonable summertime outdoor sunlight, relative humidity and temperature conditions in southeast Texas. Two-level full factorial experiments were completed on each sample for five parameters. It was found that contact time, relative humidity and temperature significantly influenced both NO and NO2 removal. Elevated concentrations of organic pollutants reduced NO removal by the coating. Ultra-violet light intensity did not significantly influence removal of NO or NO2, however, ultra-violet light intensity was involved in a two-factor interaction that significantly influenced removal of both NO and NO2. Implications: The potential for removal of oxides of NOx in realistic outdoor conditions by a photocatalytic coating (a stucco) applied on concrete was studied through full factorial experimentation. Results suggest that locations offering longer contact time between the pollutant and the reactive surface would lead to greater removal. The presence of elevated relative humidity reduces the NOx removal effectiveness of the coating. Concentrations of organic pollutants in the vicinity of the material did not significantly influence its removal effectiveness, making it potentially suitable as a control strategy for NO2 near roadways, where elevated NO2 levels are observed in combination with volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Headaches among residents within the Selebi Phikwe Nickel-Copper mining environment, Botswana

Headache occurrences among different classes of residents within a nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) mining and smelting environment in Botswana are investigated using questionnaires and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Interpreted results from respondents indicated that all of the health service providers, 80% of educational institutions, and 70 % of businesses enterprises had patients, learners and workers respectively, and 77 % of individuals, complained of one form of headache or the other. Similar high values were obtained when responses were considered according to study sites, especially for frontal and temple headaches. Females suffered slightly more often from headaches than males. Values for sites close to smelter/concentrator plant and mine were in general higher. Mining activities especially the release of sulphur gases and fumes into the atmosphere, and other climatic factors could possibly be contributory to the rampant occurrence of headaches at Selebi Phikwe. African Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 13 (3-4) 2006: pp. 43-52
Removal characteristics of sulfuric acid aerosols from coal-fired power plants

ABSTRACT With increasing attention on sulfuric acid emission, investigations on the removal characteristics of sulfuric acid aerosols by the limestone gypsum wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system and the wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) were carried out in two coal-fired power plants, and the effects of the WFGD scrubber type and the flue gas characteristics were discussed. The results showed that it was necessary to install the WESP device after desulfurization, as the WFGD system was inefficient to remove sulfuric acid aerosols from the flue gas. The removal efficiency of sulfuric acid aerosols in the WFGD system with double scrubbers ranged from 50% to 65%, which was higher than that with a single scrubber, ranging from 30% to 40%. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of WESP on the sulfuric acid aerosols was from 47.9% to 52.4%. With increased concentrations of SO3 and particles in the flue gas, the removal efficiencies of the WFGD and the WESP on the sulfuric acid aerosols were increased. Implications: Investigations on removal of sulfuric acid aerosols by the WFGD and the WESP in the power plants were aimed at the control of sulfuric acid emission. The results showed that the improvement of the WFGD system was beneficial for the reduction of sulfuric acid emission, while the WESP system was essential to control the final sulfuric acid aerosol concentration.
Urban heat island (UHI) influence on secondary pollutant formation in a tropical humid environment

ABSTRACT The combined action of urbanization (change in land use) and increase in vehicular emissions intensifies the urban heat island (UHI) effect in many cities in the developed countries. The urban warming (UHI) enhances heat-stress-related diseases and ozone (O3) levels due to a photochemical reaction. Even though UHI intensity depends on wind speed, wind direction, and solar flux, the thermodynamic properties of surface materials can accelerate the temperature profiles at the local scale. This mechanism modifies the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) structure and mixing height in urban regions. These changes further deteriorate the local air quality. In this work, an attempt has been made to understand the interrelationship between air pollution and UHI intensity at selected urban areas located at tropical environment. The characteristics of ambient temperature profiles associated with land use changes in the different microenvironments of Chennai city were simulated using the Envi-Met model. The simulated surface 24-hr average air temperatures (11 m above the ground) for urban background and commercial and residential sites were found to be 30.81 ± 2.06, 31.51 ± 1.87, and 31.33 ± 2. 1ºC, respectively. The diurnal variation of UHI intensity was determined by comparing the daytime average air temperatures to the diurnal air temperature for different wind velocity conditions. From the model simulations, we found that wind speed of 0.2 to 5 m/sec aggravates the UHI intensity. Further, the diurnal variation of mixing height was also estimated at the study locations. The estimated lowest mixing height at the residential area was found to be 60 m in the middle of night. During the same period, highest ozone (O3) concentrations were also recorded at the continuous ambient air quality monitoring station (CAAQMS) located at the residential area. Implications: An attempt has made to study the diurnal variation of secondary pollution levels in different study regions. This paper focuses mainly on the UHI intensity variations with respect to percentage of land use pattern change in Chennai city, India. The study simulated the area-based land use pattern with local mixing height variations. The relationship between UHI intensity and mixing height provides variations on local air quality.
Injury Incidence, Body Site, and Severity in Soccer Players Aged 6–18 Years: Implications for Injury Prevention

INJURY INCIDENCE DATA FOR YOUTH PARTICIPANTS IN SOCCER HAVE BEEN COLLATED AND SUMMARIZED. SUCH INFORMATION SHOULD FORM A BASIS FOR INJURY PREVENTION PRACTICES. PLAYER CONTACT ACCOUNTS FOR MOST INJURIES (40–66%), WHEREAS THE LOWER EXTREMITIES ARE CONSIDERED THE MOST VULNERABLE INJURY SITE IN THE BODY (70%). STRAINS (24%), SPRAINS (31%), AND CONTUSIONS (20%) ACCOUNT FOR 75% OF ALL INJURIES REPORTED THROUGHOUT THE INCLUDED LITERATURE. THESE SOFT TISSUE INJURIES RESULT IN MINOR (1–3 DAYS, 18%), MILD (3–7 DAYS, 36%), AND MODERATE (>1 WEEK, 30%) RECOVERY DURATIONS. SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED.
Infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy for detecting drugs in human saliva.

The consumption of drugs is of great concern worldwide. Various drug tests for humans have been developed but there is no compact and easy-to-use test device available yet for direct semi-quantitative drug testing in the field. We suggest using attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectroscopy as a sensing method to analyze human saliva samples with respect to drugs. In this paper, we present ATR spectra in the infrared range between 2300 and 900 cm(-1) as a first step towards such a device. We emphasize the common drug cocaine and its metabolites and investigate the problems of spectral interferences of selected diluents, masking agents, common medication, and soft drinks. Furthermore, spectra of saliva samples are recorded and a time-dependent change of the spectral signatures after alcohol consumption is presented. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that not only spectra of the drug of interest (cocaine) dissolved in water and in saliva but also spectra of interfering compounds possibly present in the saliva sample of a tested subject are discussed. This paper presents the most appropriate spectral range for strong cocaine absorption (including its metabolites) and minimum interference by the investigated substances. This spectral window is found to be between 1800 and 1710 cm(-1). In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility to identify cocaine in saliva at a concentration of 0.020 mg/ml with IR-ATR-spectroscopy without any separation or extraction procedures. For example, this technique could also be applied for drug detection in waste water.
Tandem measurement of D-dimer and myeloperoxidase or C-reactive protein to effectively screen for pulmonary embolism in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES The hypothesis was that the tandem measurement of D-dimer and myeloperoxidase (MPO) or C-reactive protein (CRP) could significantly decrease unnecessary pulmonary vascular imaging in emergency department (ED) patients evaluated for pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to D-dimer alone. METHODS The authors measured the sequential combinations of D-dimer and MPO and D-dimer and CRP in a prospective sample of ED patients evaluated for PE at two centers. Patients were followed for 90 days for venous thromboembolism (VTE, either PE or deep venous thrombosis [DVT]), which required the consensus of two of three blinded physician reviewers. RESULTS The authors enrolled 304 patients, 22 with VTE (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5% to 10%). The sensitivity and specificity of a D-dimer alone (cutoff > or = 500 ng/mL) were 100% (95% CI = 85% to 100%) and 59% (95% CI = 53% to 65%), respectively, and was followed by pulmonary vascular imaging negative for PE in 38% (115/304; 95% CI = 32% to 44%). The combination of either a negative D-dimer, or MPO < 22 mg/dL, had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 73% (95% CI = 67% to 78%). Thus, tandem measurement of D-dimer and MPO would have decreased the frequency of subsequent negative pulmonary vascular imaging from 38% to 25% (95% CI of the difference of -13% = -5% to -20%). The combination of CRP and D-dimer would not have significantly improved the rate of negative imaging. CONCLUSIONS The tandem measurement of D-dimer and MPO would have significantly decreased negative pulmonary vascular imaging compared with D-dimer alone and should be validated prospectively.
A comparison of intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg totally) and single doses of anti-D immunoglobulin at 50 &mgr;g/kg, 75 &mgr;g/kg in newly diagnosed children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Ankara hospital experience

We conducted this prospective randomized trial of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to compare the efficacy of IVIG to standard and higher doses of anti-D IVIG. Seventy-eight patients who were previously untreated and between the age of 1 and 18 years with newly diagnosed acute ITP and a platelet concentration less than 20 × 109/l were eligible for enrollment. In this study IVIG treatment was compared with two different doses of anti-D. Study patients were randomized to receive treatment according to one of the two single anti-D IVIG doses [50 &mgr;g/kg (n = 19) or 75 &mgr;g/kg (n = 20)] or 2 g/kg (400 mg/kg per day, 5 day) total dose of IVIG (n = 39). There is a significant increase of 24th hour, 48th hour, 72nd hour, 7th day and 30th day platelet counts in IVIG (2 g/kg, total dose) group compared to anti-D IVIG 50 &mgr;g/kg and anti-D IVIG 75 &mgr;g/kg groups. However, there were no difference between 24th hour, 48th hour, 72nd hour, 7th day and 30th day platelet counts across anti-D IVIG 50 &mgr;g/kg and anti-D IVIG 75 &mgr;g/kg groups. In conclusion, this study suggests that IVIG is well tolerated and significantly more effective than standard and high-dose anti-D IVIG for the treatment of newly diagnosed ITP in children. Apart from this, we believe that IVIG might be the first-line treatment of these patients. Regarding this issue further prospective studies comparing different IVIG treatment regimens with anti-D IVIG treatment regimens are needed.
Proper expression of the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase is required for neural tube closure in mouse embryos

Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are important to gene activation, altering chromatin structures to facilitate association of transcription proteins with gene promoters. The functions of individual HATs in mammalian developmental are not well defined. Our previous studies demonstrated that Gcn5, a prototypical HAT, is required for mesodermal maintenance in early embryos. Homozygous Gcn5 null embryos die soon after gastrulation, preventing determination of Gcn5 functions later during development. We report here the creation of a Gcn5flox(neo) allele, which is only partially functional and gives rise to a hypomorphic phenotype. Mice homozygous for this allele had an increased risk of cranial neural tube closure defects (NTDs) and exencephaly. These defects were found at an even greater penetrance in Gcn5flox(neo)/Δ embryos. These results indicate that normal levels of Gcn5 expression are critical for neural tube closure in mice and predict that mutations in this HAT may be associated with increased risk of NTDs in humans. Developmental Dynamics 237:928–940, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.