Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modified rapid deployment hemostat bandage terminates bleeding in coagulopathic patients with severe visceral injuries.

BACKGROUND We recently reported that a new dressing, the Modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat (MRDH) controlled bleeding in hypothermic coagulopathic swine after traumatic liver avulsion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MRDH in coagulopathic trauma patients undergoing abbreviated laparotomy. METHODS A prospective, observational clinical trial of the MRDH dressing was performed at our Level One Trauma Center in patients with high-grade visceral injuries with coagulopathy who failed conventional therapy and required packing. Attending surgeons graded the injury and the adequacy of hemostasis following application of the dressing. Patients were followed until discharge or death. RESULTS Ten patients were enrolled: nine severe hepatic injuries, and one major abdominal vascular injury. All patients were hypothermic, acidotic, and clinically coagulopathic. Intraoperative hemostasis was immediately obtained after MRDH placement in all cases except one. There was one death. CONCLUSION The Modified Rapid Deployment Hemostat terminates bleeding from severe visceral injuries in coagulopathic patients undergoing abbreviated laparotomy.
Regulation of Neutrophil Elastase-Induced MUC5AC Expression by Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 Related Factor 2 in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) is one of the main airway mucins implicated in pulmonary diseases with mucous hypersecretion. Neutrophil elastase (NE), a serine protease released by neutrophils, is known to induce MUC5AC synthesis by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), a basic-region leucine-zipper transcription factor, is believed to protect against ROS damage by activating a series of antioxidant enzymes; Nrf2 is also reported to reduce NE activity. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between Nrf2 expression and NE-induced MUC5AC production. We used a small interfering RNA to inhibit Nrf2 expression. The Nrf2 gene and protein expressions were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting, respectively. The ROS generation was examined using a kit. The expression of MUC5AC was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that NCI-H292 epithelial cells, in which the Nrf2 gene expression repressed, were highly predisposed to NE stimulation, with marked exacerbation of ROS generation and reduced secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor production, resulting in high MUC5AC expression. Pretreatment with the potent Nrf2 activator sulforaphane had the reverse effect. These results demonstrate that Nrf2 is a novel nuclear factor involved in down-regulating MUC5AC synthesis by inhibiting ROS generation and augmenting proteinase inhibitor production.
Modeling Microarray Data Using a Threshold Mixture Model

Summary. An important goal of microarray studies is the detection of genes that show significant changes in expression when two classes of biological samples are being compared. We present an ANOVA‐style mixed model with parameters for array normalization, overall level of gene expression, and change of expression between the classes. For the latter we assume a mixing distribution with a probability mass concentrated at zero, representing genes with no changes, and a normal distribution representing the level of change for the other genes. We estimate the parameters by optimizing the marginal likelihood. To make this practical, Laplace approximations and a backfitting algorithm are used. The performance of the model is studied by simulation and by application to publicly available data sets.
Hospital Characteristics Affect Outcomes for Common Pediatric Surgical Conditions

Appendicitis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), and intussusception are common conditions treated in most hospitals. In which hospital settings are children with these conditions treated? Are there differences in outcomes based on hospital characteristics? Our purpose was to use a nationwide database to address these questions. Data were extracted from Kids’ Inpatient Database 2000. Data were queried by International Classification of Diseases procedure code for appendectomy and pyloromyotomy and by diagnosis code for intussusception. Length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges were analyzed based on hospital size, location, teaching status, and specialty designation. There were 73,618 appendectomies, with 5,910 (8%) in children's hospitals. Overall LOS was 3.1 days, and was the longest in children's hospitals (3.9). Overall charges were $10,562, with the highest in children's hospitals ($14,124). There were 11,070 pyloromyotomies, with 2,960 (27%) in children's hospitals. Overall LOS was 2.7 days, the shortest being in children's hospitals (2.5). Overall charges were $7,938, with the highest in children's hospitals ($8,676). There were 2,677 intussusceptions, with 921 (34%) in children's hospitals. Overall LOS was 3.0 days, the shortest being in children's hospitals (2.8). Overall charges were $9,558, with the highest in children's hospitals ($10,844). Most children with appendicitis, HPS, and intussusception are treated in nonspecialty hospitals. HPS (27%) and intussusception (34%) are more likely than appendicitis (8%) to be treated in children's hospitals. Children's hospitals have higher charges for all three conditions despite shorter LOS for HPS and intussusception.
Tubulin Anchoring to Glycolipid-enriched, Detergent-resistant Domains of the Neuronal Plasma Membrane*

After incubation of intact living cultured rat cerebellar granule cells at 37 °C with a new GM1 ganglioside analog, carrying a diazirine group and labeled with 125I in the ceramide moiety, followed by photoactivation, a relatively small number of radiolabeled proteins were detected in a membrane-enriched fraction. A protein of about 55 kDa with a pI of about 5 carried a large portion of the radioactivity even if incubation and cross-linking were performed at 4 °C and in the presence of inhibitors of endocytosis, suggesting that it is cross-linked at the plasma membrane. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting experiments showed the positivity of this protein for tubulin. Trypsin treatment of intact cells ruled out the involvement of a plasma membrane surface tubulin. Release of radioactivity from cross-linked tubulin after KOH treatment (but not hydroxylamine treatment) suggested that the photoactivated ganglioside reacts with an ester-linked fatty acid anchor of tubulin. Low buoyancy, detergent-resistant membrane fractions, isolated from cells after incubation with the GM1 analogue and photoactivation, proved their enrichment in endogenous and radioactive GM1 ganglioside, sphingomyelin, cholesterol, signal transduction proteins, and tubulin. It is noteworthy that radioactive tubulin was also detected in this fraction, indicating the presence of tubulin molecules carrying a fatty acid anchor in detergent-resistant, ganglioside-enriched domains of the plasma membrane. Parallel experiments carried out with a phosphatidylcholine analogue, also carrying a diazirine group and labeled with 125I in the fatty acid moiety, showed the specificity of tubulin interaction with GM1. Taken together, these results indicate that some tubulin molecules are associated with a lipid anchor to detergent-resistant glycolipid-enriched domains of the plasma membrane. This novel feature of membrane domains can provide a key for a better understanding of their biological role.
High‐resolution visualization of airspace structures in intact mice via synchrotron phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging (PCXI)

Anatomical visualization of airspace‐containing organs in intact small animals has been limited by the resolution and contrast available from current imaging methods such as X‐ray, micro‐computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Determining structural relationships and detailed anatomy has therefore relied on suitable fixation, sectioning and histological processing. More complex and informative analyses such as orthogonal views of an organ and three‐dimensional structure visualizations have required different animals and image sets, laboriously processed to gather this complementary structural information. Precise three‐dimensional anatomical views have always been difficult to achieve in small animals. Here we report the ability of phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging to provide detailed two‐ and three‐dimensional visualization of airspace organ structures in intact animals. Using sub‐micrometre square pixel charge‐coupled device array detectors, the structure and anatomy of hard and soft tissues, and of airspaces, is readily available using phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging. Moreover, software‐controlled volume‐reconstructions of tomographic images not only provide unsurpassed image clarity and detail, but also selectable anatomical views that cannot be obtained with established histological techniques. The morphology and structure of nasal and lung airways and the middle ear are illustrated in intact mice, using two‐ and three‐dimensional representations. The utility of phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging for non‐invasively localizing objects implanted within airspaces, and the detection of gas bubbles transiting live airways, are other novel features of this visualization methodology. The coupling of phase‐contrast synchrotron X‐ray imaging technology with software‐based reconstruction techniques holds promise for novel and high‐resolution non‐invasive examination of airspace anatomy in small animal models.
Body , heart , soleus , and seminal vesicular weights and plasma testosterone concentrations from sham control and ORX rats without and with testosterone supplementation

Witayavanitkul N, Woranush W, Bupha-Intr T, Wattanapermpool J. Testosterone regulates cardiac contractile activation by modulating SERCA but not NCX activity. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 304: H465–H472, 2013. First published November 30, 2012; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00555. 2012. —Alterations in intracellular Ca transients of cardiomyocytes in orchidectomized (ORX) rats could be a cause of cardiac dysfunction in the hypogonadal condition. To investigate the role of male sex hormones in intracellular Ca homeostasis during relaxation, Ca -handling activities by sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca -ATPase (SERCA) and the Na /Ca exchanger (NCX) were evaluated in the ventricular muscle of 10-wkold ORX rats with and without testosterone supplementation (2.5 mg/kg testosterone propionate, 2 times/wk). ORX induced a 50% decrease in contraction force accompanied by a prolonged time to achieve 50% relaxation (T50) in isolated intact ventricular trabeculae, which was partially corrected by testosterone administration. Maximum active tension was also suppressed in ORX rats without changes in myofilament Ca sensitivity and passive stiffness of the heart. Using a sarcoplasmic reticulum-enriched membrane preparation, the maximum thapsigargin-sensitive SERCA activity of the ORX rat was 27% lower with an increased Ca sensitivity, which was prevented by testosterone treatment. However, neither changes in SERCA content nor its modulating components, sarcolipin and heat shock protein 20, were detected in the ORX rat, but there was a significant decrease in the phosphorylated Thr form of phospholamban. Despite a lower level of NCX protein in the heart of ORX rats, prolonged T50 disappeared after an incubation with thapsigargin (10 M), implying a lack of effect of male sex hormone deficiency on NCX function. These findings indicate that male sex hormones can regulate cardiac relaxation by acting mainly through SERCA. However, a detailed mechanism of SERCA modulation under male sex hormone deficiency status remains to be explored.
The Neoechinorhynchus of Turtles: Specimen Base, Distribution, and Host Use

Abstract Distribution and host use of the 9 species of Neoechinorhynchus (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) described from turtles are summarized from a comprehensive evaluation of the specimen base in the major parasitology museums of the United States. Each specimen in each lot was examined and its identity verified, if possible. Verified specimens were used to construct a specimen-based known distribution and list of definitive hosts for each species. Five species (Neoechinorhynchus chrysemydis, Neoechinorhynchus emydis, Neoechinorhynchus emyditoides, Neoechinorhynchus pseudemydis, and Neoechinorhynchus stunkardi) have broad distributions in North America, whereas Neoechinorhynchus chelonos and Neoechinorhynchus lingulatus are currently known only from eastern states, and Neoechinorhynchus magnapapillatus is known from the eastern Atlantic seaboard, Florida, and the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Neoechinorhynchus schmidti is known only from Mexico. Host use is confined largely to emydid turtles; reports from turtles in other families are sporadic, and most of the turtle species of North America have not been surveyed adequately for acanthocephalans. The specimen base for the species of Neoechinorhynchus of turtles is unsuitable for most taxonomic purposes; it is composed of small lots of specimens with few identifiable worms that are, on average, in poor physical condition. Future biodiversity studies of this group will require significant new specimen collections to answer questions of host use, evolutionary relationships, and biogeography.
The primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute anterior myocardial infarction in a middle-aged male patient with bilateral coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulas

A 38-year-old man admitted to emergency department with 2 h of typical substernal chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea. The ECG revealed sinus rhythm with a 3 mm ST elevation in precordial leads V1–V6. The coronary angiography revealed acute total occlusion in left anterior descending artery (LAD) with normal circumflex and right coronary artery (RCA) along with bilateral fistulas arising from the proximal LAD and ostial RCA draining into the main pulmonary artery. Therefore, primary percutaneous coronary intervention and bare metal stent implantation was performed to culprit LAD lesion. The electrocardiographically gated 64-slice multidetector-row CT showed two large, tortuous abnormal vessels which arose from the both ostial part of the RCA and LAD draining into the main pulmonary artery. We report an unusual case of bilateral coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulas leading to acute anterior myocardial infarction in a middle-aged male patient.
The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail

A Wall Street Journal and Businessweek bestseller. Named by Fast Company as one of the most influential leadership books in its Leadership Hall of Fame. An innovation classic. From Steve Jobs to Jeff Bezos, Clay Christensens work continues to underpin todays most innovative leaders and organizations. The bestselling classic on disruptive innovation, by renowned author Clayton M. Christensen. His work is cited by the worlds best-known thought leaders, from Steve Jobs to Malcolm Gladwell. In this classic bestsellerone of the most influential business books of all timeinnovation expert Clayton Christensen shows how even the most outstanding companies can do everything rightyet still lose market leadership. Christensen explains why most companies miss out on new waves of innovation. No matter the industry, he says, a successful company with established products will get pushed aside unless managers know how and when to abandon traditional business practices. Offering both successes and failures from leading companies as a guide, The Innovators Dilemma gives you a set of rules for capitalizing on the phenomenon of disruptive innovation. Sharp, cogent, and provocativeand consistently noted as one of the most valuable business ideas of all time The Innovators Dilemma is the book no manager, leader, or entrepreneur should be without.
Mineral Products of Pyrrhotite Oxidation by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

The biological leaching of pyrrhotite (Fe1-xS) by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was studied to characterize the oxidation process and to identify the mineral weathering products. The process was biphasic in that an initial phase of acid consumption and decrease in redox potential was followed by an acid-producing phase and an increase in redox potential. Elemental S was one of the first products of pyrrhotite degradation detected by X-ray diffraction. Pyrrhotite oxidation also yielded K-jarosite [KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6], goethite (α-FeOOH), and schwertmannite [Fe8O8(OH)6SO4] as solid-phase products. Pyrrhotite was mostly depleted after 14 days, whereas impurities in the form of pyrite (cubic FeS2) and marcasite (orthorhombic FeS2) accumulated in the leach residue.
The Use of Silicone/Polyurethane Graft Polymers as a Means of Eliminating Surface Cracking of Polyurethane Prostheses

The long-term biodegradation of various polyurethanes with and without surface modifications was evaluated by implanting small porous filamentous patches of these materials subcutaneously in the backs of dogs for one month. Data were compared to those obtained with spun polyurethane vascular grafts of similar materials implanted in the aorto-iliac position in dogs. The extremely high surface area of approximately 7 m2/cm3 of these porous filamentous patches provided numerous sites for surface cracking and the very fine filaments (10 microns in diameter) provided an easily identifiable structure to study the cracking phenomenon. Results from numerous one month implants clearly demonstrated that the subcutaneous implant model effectively reproduced the biodegradation behavior observed in vascular graft implants. The degradation was most pronounced in the softer Shore 80A polyurethanes and less pronounced in the harder 55D and 75D polyurethanes. The degradation could not simply be stopped by stress annealing the polyurethane and the degradation did not require the presence of metallic ions. Antioxidants, surface adsorbed albumin, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) grafting, silicone copolymerization, tetrafluoroethylene plasma discharge and the addition of urea linkages to the polymer were also shown to be ineffective in stopping the biodegradation process. In contrast, covalent bonding or grafting of silicone polymer to the surface of the urethane successfully inhibited the biodegradation process.
Group refractive index measurement of dry and hydrated type I collagen films using optical low-coherence reflectometry.

The group refractive index and physical thickness of dry and hydrated type I collagen films are measured using optical low-coherence reflectometry. The average value for the group refractive index of dry and fully hydrated collagen films at lo = 850 nm is, respectively, 1.53 6 0.02, and 1.43 6 0.02. The physical thickness of type I collagen films nearly doubles when going from the dry (56 mm) to hydrated (118 mm) state.
Comparability of serum prostate-specific antigen measurement between the Roche Diagnostics Elecsys 2010 and the Abbott Architect i2000

Background: Most prostate cancers are characterized by a significant rise in the production of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is used widely in screening for prostate cancer. Within New Zealand, PSA is measured on automated immunoassay analysers, including models by Abbott Laboratories (Architect i2000) and Roche Diagnostics (Elecsys 2010). These assays produce similar, but not identical, results. Objective: To compare the measurement of PSA between the Elecsys 2010 and the Architect i2000 assay. Methods: We measured PSA concentrations in each of 194 serum samples using both the Roche Elecsys 2010 and the Abbott Architect i2000 and compared the results using various statistical methods. Results: PSA concentrations measured on the Architect i2000 system were less than those on the Elecsys 2010 system, by an average of 11%. Conclusion: Because the results from the two assays are different, reference intervals appropriate to the method of PSA measurement should be used.
Comparison of three models of alcohol craving in young adults: a cross-validation.

AIMS The aim of study 1 was to develop a three-factor Approach and Avoidance of Alcohol Questionnaire (AAAQ), designed to assess mild and intense inclinations to drink, as well as inclinations to avoid drinking. The aims of study 2 were to cross-validate the AAAQ with an independent sample and to test the goodness-of-fit of three models of craving for alcohol: (a) the traditional unidimensional model; (b) a two-dimensional, approach-avoidance ambivalence model; and (c) an expanded two-dimensional neuroanatomical model that retains avoidance, while positing a threshold that partitions approach into two distinct levels and relates all three factors involved in craving to brain pathways associated with inhibitory processes, reward and obsessive-compulsive behaviour, respectively. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The survey was administered to 589 Australian university students (69% women) in study 1 and to 523 American university students (64% women) in study 2. MEASUREMENTS Inclinations to drink and to not drink (AAAQ), drinking behaviour (quantity and frequency), drinking problems (Young Adult Alcohol Problems Screening Test; YAAPST) and readiness for change (Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale; SOCRATES). FINDINGS The expanded two-dimensional neuroanatomical model provided the best fit to the data. The AAAQ explained a substantial proportion of the variance in drinking frequency (41-53%), drinking quantity (49-60%) and drinking problems (43%). AAAQ profiles differed as a function of drinking-related risk, and the three AAAQ scales differentially predicted readiness for change. CONCLUSIONS Approach and avoidance inclinations toward alcohol are separable constructs, and their activation may not be invariably reciprocal. Craving can be defined as the relative activation of substance-related response inclinations along these two primary dimensions. There may be a threshold of intensity that separates mild from intense approach inclinations.
Bronchoprotection in conscious guinea pigs by budesonide and the NO‐donating analogue, TPI 1020, alone and combined with tiotropium or formoterol

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inhaled corticosteroids, anticholinergics and β2‐adrenoceptor agonists are frequently combined for treating chronic respiratory diseases. We examine the corticosteroid, budesonide, and novel NO‐donating derivative, TPI 1020, against histamine‐ and methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction and whether they enhance the β2‐adrenoceptor agonist formoterol or muscarinic antagonist tiotropium in conscious guinea pigs.