Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ascending Aorta to Right Pulmonary Artery Interposition Shunt in Critically III Infants

In spite of a trend toward earlier complete repair, some neonates and infants with complex cyanotic heart disease continue to require interim palliation with systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery shunts. A variety of shunt procedures have been proposed, each with inherent advantages and disadvantages. We have found a prosthetic interposition shunt between the ascending aorta and right pulmonary artery (AA‐RPA) to be effective in very young infants with small vessels. Over a 15‐year period, 51 patients, mean weight 3.33 kg and mean age 59 days, underwent this procedure with a 13% perioperative mortality and a 78% 2‐year overall shunt patency rate. We conclude that the AA‐RPA interposition shunt is a safe, effective procedure in these infants. (J Card Surg 1994;9:37–42)
1α,25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 Induction of ATP Secretion in Osteoblasts

In the absence of mechanical stimulation, brief exposure of osteoblasts to 1α,25(OH)2vitamin D3 (1,25D) triggers plasma membrane electrical responses that couple to exocytosis. Here we describe for the first time 1,25D induction of exocytotic ATP release in static ROS 17/2.8 and SAOS‐2 cells and primary calvarial osteoblasts expressing a vitamin D receptor (VDR). We found that 10 nM 1,25D optimally induced 45 ± 1% and 40 ± 1% of partial and complete exocytotic events, respectively, from a 1,25D‐sensitive pool of ATP‐containing secretory vesicles within 60 s. We measured a dose‐dependent 1,25D induction of ATP secretion, with maximal response of ∼6.2‐fold (16.93 ± 1.82 nM for SAOS‐2) and 3.1‐fold (18.89 ± 1.39 nM for ROS 17/2.8) obtained with 10 nM 1,25D compared with basal ATP levels (2.75 ± 0.39 nM, SAOS‐2; 6.09 ± 0.58 nM, ROS 17/2.8 cells). The natural metabolite 25(OH)vitamin D3 (25D, 10 nM) induced a significant 3.6‐fold increase of ATP release in ROS 17/2.8 cells, but there was no induction with the antagonist 1β,25(OH)2vitamin D3 (1β,25D, 10 nM) or the steroid 17β‐estradiol (10 nM). 1,25D‐induced ATP secretion was abolished when cells were preincubated with inhibitors of vesicular exocytosis. siRNA VDR silencing prevented 1,25D stimulation of ATP exocytosis in ROS 17/2.8 and SAOS‐2 cells. Similarly, 1,25D failed to stimulate ATP exocytosis in primary osteoblasts from a VDR knockout mouse. ATP secretion coupled to 1,25D induction of cytosolic calcium and chloride channel potentiation. Rapid 1,25D stimulation of ATP secretion involving nontranscriptional VDR functions in osteoblasts may help explain 1,25D bone anabolic properties.
Effects of canine fetal testes and testicular tumors on Müllerian ducts.

The effects of canine fetal and adult testes and testicular tumors on reproductive tracts from 14.5 day old rat fetuses cultured in vitro were investigated. M#{252}llerian inhibiting activity (MIA) was found in fetal caninetestes, confirming the lack of species specificity of the M#{252}llerian inhibiting substance. Adult testes and testicular tumors were unable to produce regression of M#{252}llerian ducts. The disappearance of the MIA in the adult testes in Vitro contrasted with an active secretion of testosterone. The absence of the MIA in the testicular tumors, including sertolinomas is discussed.
The relationship between isokinetic quadriceps strength test and hop tests for distance and one-legged vertical jump test following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Isokinetic measurements and functional tests are often used to assess function following knee ligament reconstruction using the opposite limb as a control. However, the question of whether the uninvolved leg may serve as a reference on functional tests has not been adequately answered. In particular, the one-legged rebound vertical jump has not been used to assess functional levels following surgery of the cruciate ligament. The purposes of this study were: 1) to determine whether the uninvolved leg is within normal range of an age- and weight-matched group, 2) to determine differences between the involved and uninvolved leg in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, 3) to examine the relationship between knee extensor strength and four functional performance tests, and 4) to determine if the one-legged rebound vertical jump yields more information in the assessment of knee function than the other functional tests with respect to two time-frames. Fifty healthy subjects (group A, mean age = 28.1 years) and 55 anterior cruciate ligament patients (groups B and C) participated in dynamometric measurement, one-legged and two-legged vertical jump, and the single- and the triple-hop test. Mean time for testing was 13 weeks following surgery for group B (N = 30, mean age = 27.8 years) and 54 weeks following surgery for group C (N = 25, mean age = 29.9 years). Pearson product moment correlation coefficients between peak torque and single and triple hop were r = . 45, r = . 48, r = . 51, and r = . 55 for groups B and C, respectively. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients between peak torque and the height of the vertical jump was r = . 51 for group C. Results for group A revealed limb symmetry indices of 95% or more on all functional performance and isokinetic tests. In group B, all patients showed a limb symmetry index of less than 85% on all tests. In group C, the index for the vertical jump was the only functional test that fell below the level of 85%. Regardless of whether the dominant or nondominant leg is involved, the uninvolved leg can be used adequately as a reference guide for outcome from rehabilitation using these measurements. The one-legged vertical jump test is capable of detecting functional limitations of the lower limb following knee ligament reconstruction up to 54 weeks postoperatively.
Long Allele Designations at D2S1338 and D19S433 Loci as Influenced by Various Multiplex STR Kits

European forensic laboratories are replacing the STR multiplex kits with the new generation 16/17 STR kits. This study examines the influence of the new generation kits and the new Applied Biosystems 3500xL Genetic Analyzer on the designation of long D2S1338 and D19S433 off‐ladder alleles. Different allele calls were obtained using the new NGM™ (Applied Biosystems) and PowerPlex® ESI™ (Promega) kits compared with AmpFℓSTR® SGM Plus™ kit (Applied Biosystems). Sequence analysis was used to determine accurate allele designation. The new multiplex kits and the 3500xL Genetic Analyzer improved accuracy of long allele designations. DNA databases worldwide include countless profiles obtained by previous kits. Discrepancies between the new and former technologies may cause failure to detect hits. Discordance is expected due to primer sequence differences between various kits. An additional discordance, occurring in long alleles, independent of primer sequence is reported in this study.
Mapping the Ischaemic Penumbra with PET: Implications for Acute Stroke Treatment

The ischaemic penumbra has been documented in the laboratory animal as a severely hypoperfused, non-functional, but still viable cortex surrounding the irreversibly damaged ischaemic core; with elapsing time, more penumbra gets recruited into the core, while tissue reperfusion is able to stop this deleterious process until a certain point in time. As saving the penumbra should improve clinical outcome, it should constitute the main target of acute stroke therapy. In a series of PET studies performed 5–18 h after stroke onset, we were able to (i) document, for the first time in man, the existence of tissue fulfilling operational criteria for penumbra in about one third of the cases; (ii) show that long-term neurological recovery is proportional to the volume of penumbra that eventually escapes infarction, and (iii) detect penumbral tissue as late as 16 h after symptom onset in occasional patients, suggesting the therapeutic window may be protracted in such cases. Mapping the penumbra in the individual patient with neuroimaging procedures should allow to formulate a pathophysiological diagnosis, and thus to design a rational management of the stroke patient and to improve the selection of candidates for therapeutic trials.
Measurements of the foreign-broadened continuum of water vapor in the 6.3 μm band at −30 °C

The foreign-broadened continuum of water vapor in the ν2 band (5-7.7 μm, -2000 cm-1) is important for satellite-based retrievals of water vapor in the upper troposphere, temperatures are below −25 °C. Continuum coefficients have previously been mostly at or above +23 °C. We present continuum coefficients in the ν2 band from measurements made in Antarctica at temperatures near −30 °C: atmospheric at South Pole Station and atmospheric emission at Dome C. The continuum derived from these measurements are generally in agreement with the widely Mlawer, Tobin-Clough, Kneizys, Davies continuum. Differences are at most %, corresponding to a % relative in retrieved upper-tropospheric humidity.
Decomposition of Typha angustifolia and Phragmites australis in the littoral zone of a shallow lake

Decomposition of air-dried live Typha angustifolia (L) stems and leaves and Phragmites australis (Cav. Trin ex Steud.) leaves and culms were studied in a shallow freshwater lake (Lake Fehér, Fertő-Hanság National Park, Hungary) using the litter bag technique. Samples were analyzed for dry mass, fiber (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin) and nutrient (C, N, P, S) contents, litter-associated fungal biomass (ergosterol concentration), potential microbial respiration (electron transport activity: ETS) and cellulolytic bacteria. In terms of mesh size, there were no significant differences in the examined parameters of P. australis leaves and culms and T. angustifolia stems with leaves. P. australis leaves had the highest rate of decomposition and P. australis culms the lowest. Hemicellulose degraded more rapidly than the other fibers, while the lignin had the slowest rate of decomposition.The ETS activity of the examined plant litter types increased from day 91st to 237th while decomposition processes were most active, ergosterol contents were high, and there were few cellulolytic bacteria. The counts of cellulolytic bacteria fluctuated during the decomposition period, they were high at the beginning then they decreased. In each case bacteria were found to be the first colonizers of plant detritus, and were followed by fungal growth.
NAD(P)H Oxidase—Derived Superoxide Mediates Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Leukocyte—Endothelial Cell Adhesion

Experimental animals placed on a high-cholesterol diet for 2 or more weeks exhibit an inflammatory response in postcapillary venules. The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether superoxide mediates the hypercholesterolemia-induced inflammatory response and (2) whether leukocyte and/or vessel wall NAD(P)H oxidase contributes to this response. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to quantify leukocyte–endothelial cell adhesion in cremasteric postcapillary venules of wild-type (WT) mice, CuZn-superoxide dismutase transgenic (SOD TgN) mice, and mice heterozygous (p47 phox +/−) or homozygous (p47 phox −/−) for NAD(P)H oxidase placed on either a normal diet or high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 2 weeks. The number of adherent and emigrated leukocytes in postcapillary venules of WT HCD mice was significantly higher than that detected in venules of their normal-diet counterparts. However, the HCD-induced recruitment of adherent and emigrated leukocytes was not observed in SOD TgN mice. Whereas hypercholesterolemic p47 phox +/− and WT mice exhibited similar inflammatory responses, p47 phox −/− mice did not. Bone marrow chimeras were developed to selectively delete p47 phox from either the vessel wall or circulating leukocytes. Whereas WT marrow transplanted into WT mice produced a normal inflammatory response of venules to HCD, chimeric mice with p47 phox deficiency in either the vessel wall or leukocytes exhibited an attenuated inflammatory response to HCD that was comparable with that observed in p47 phox −/− HCD mice. Our findings indicate that enhanced superoxide production is a critical event that initiates the leukocyte–endothelial cell adhesion in postcapillary venules of HCD mice. NAD(P)H oxidase appears to be an important source of this superoxide.
SH2 and PTB Domains in Tyrosine Kinase Signaling

Intracellular signaling pathways that involve protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are critical for the control of most cellular processes. Dysfunctions in PTKs, or in the signaling pathways that they regulate, result in a variety of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, immune deficiency, and many others. SH2 (Src homology region 2) and PTB (phosphotyrosine-binding) domains are small protein modules that mediate protein-protein interactions involved in many signal transduction pathways. Both domains were initially identified as modules that recognize phosphorylated tyrosines in receptor tyrosine kinases and other signaling proteins. Subsequent studies have shown that, while binding of SH2 domains to their target proteins is strictly regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, most PTB domains actually bind to their (nonphosphorylated) targets constitutively. The functions of SH2 and PTB domains include targeting of their host proteins to different cellular compartments, assembly of key components of signaling pathways in response to extracellular signals, and the control of autoinhibition, activation and dimerization of their host proteins. The information flow from the cell surface to different cellular compartments to regulate the cell cycle, cell shape and movement, cell proliferation, differentiation and cell survival are all controlled in part by SH2 and PTB domains that can recognize phosphotyrosine or particular amino acid sequence motifs in a wide variety of target molecules. With five figures and 122 citations, this STKE Review describes protein motifs that recognize amino acid sequences that contain phosphorylated tyrosines, the Src homology 2 (SH2) and phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domains. SH2 and PTB domains are small protein modules that function as key building blocks of the intracellular circuitry that is necessary for signal transmission from the cell surface to different parts of the living cell. Although initially identified as modules that recognize phosphorylated tyrosines, subsequent studies indicated that only binding of SH2 domains to their target proteins is strictly regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas most PTB domains actually bind to their (nonphosphorylated) targets constitutively. SH2 and PTB domains control proteins' cellular localization, protein assembly and dimerization, and protein activation. Proteins containing PTB or SH2 domains contribute to the regulation of cell cycle, cell shape and movement, cell differentiation, and cell survival.
Evaluation of the Iowa Medicaid pharmaceutical case management program.

OBJECTIVE To test the effect of pharmaceutical case management (PCM) on medication safety and health care utilization. DESIGN Prospective cohort design with 9-month follow-up period (enrollment from October 1, 2000, through July 1, 2001, with follow-up through July 1, 2002). SETTING Iowa Medicaid program. PARTICIPANTS 2,211 noninstitutionalized, continuously eligible Iowa Medicaid patients taking four or more chronic medications including at least one agent commonly used in at least 1 of 12 specific diseases who were cared for by pharmacists in 117 pharmacies. INTERVENTIONS Reimbursement for PCM services (initial patient assessment, written recommendations to physician, follow-up assessments and communication of progress and new problems to physician). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Use of high-risk medications, Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) score, health care utilization. RESULTS Pharmacists in 114 pharmacies had eligible patients during at least one quarter during the study period; 28 pharmacies were classified as high intensity based on the number of PCM patients they managed. A total of 524 of the eligible patients received 1,599 PCM services; 90% of claims were filed by pharmacists, and the remainder by physicians. Nearly one half (46.1%) of medications and 92.1% of patients had at least one medication problem before PCM. By closeout, the percentage of medications with problems decreased in 8 of 10 MAI domains for those who received PCM. Compared with baseline, mean MAI score improved significantly from 9.4 to 8.3 among PCM recipients (P < .001). Percentage of PCM recipients using high-risk medications decreased significantly compared with PCM eligibles who did not receive the service. In the 28 pharmacies that adopted the new service most intensely, patients had a significant decrease in high-risk medication use, compared with patients of low-intensity pharmacies (P < .001). No difference was observed between PCM recipients and PCM eligibles who did not receive PCM in health care utilization or charges, even after including reimbursements for PCM. CONCLUSION Medication safety problems were prevalent in this high-risk population. The PCM program improved medication safety during a 9-month follow-up period.
Content consumption and exchange among college students: a case study from India

This paper presents the results of our qualitative and exploratory study on content consumption and exchange among college students in the city of Bangalore in Karnataka, India. The purpose was to learn what specific content, like music or audio, video or movies, text, voice and pictures was consumed and exchanged among college students and also what influenced it. It was found that students' preference for content was determined by their affinity with person/s within their social network. People, who belonged to the same network had shared preferences and therefore consumed and exchanged similar content. Exchange of content was not only due to similar content preferences, but also mutual trust and reciprocity. Music consumption was common and was also the most preferred type of content among college students. Creation of content was not common and was undertaken only by so-called 'tech-savvy' students, who also disseminated content to others in the social circle. Maintaining an online presence was important, since they could consume content and also strengthen their social circle. The latter was through social networking sites and mobile phone communication. There were similarities in the way young users consumed media in emerging market like India and the western world. Some of these were preference for online privacy, usage of text messaging for coordinated meetings and predilection for content that was free of charge. Yet, there was a difference in the content that was created.
Prevalence and Cluster Typology of Maladaptive Behaviours in a Geographically Defined Population of Adults with Learning Disabilities

Background Maladaptive behaviours are frequently present in individuals with learning disabilities; however, their prevalence varies between studies and the aetiology, classification and most appropriate management of such behaviours remain unclear. The aims of the study were twofold: firstly to determine the prevalence of maladaptive behaviours, and secondly to develop a classification typology. Method A population of 2202 adults with learning disabilities was surveyed to determine the prevalence of maladaptive behaviours. These were subjected on the basis of 13 behavioural characteristics to cluster analysis. The clusters were further examined in respect of secondary variables. Results Over 60% of individuals demonstrated the presence of at least one maladaptive behaviour and in 40% this problem was of either severe degree or frequent occurrence. Men were more likely to demonstrate physical aggression, property destruction, tantrums and verbal abuse than women. Although some severe maladaptive behaviours diminished with age, many persisted through all age groups. Six behavioural clusters were devised which demonstrated face validity and which differed in respect of demographic and developmental variables, and the prevalence of maladaptive habits and autistic symptoms. Conclusions These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of maladaptive behaviours and ‘objectionable habits’ among people with learning disabilities. A classification of behavioural symptoms may be possible on the basis of symptom clusters.
Sustainable systems: strengthening knowledge management systems with deferred action

The Theory of Deferred Action (ToDA), postulates that the design of sustainable Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) needs to cater to both explicit and tacit knowledge. The embeddedness, the social and tacit attributes of knowledge work require KMS designers to move beyond systems design on the basis of planned action, which can only measure explicit, codifiable knowledge. Human action reflecting tacit knowledge is characterised here as deferred action. It is argued that deferred action needs to be reflected in KMS by designing systemic deferred action, and a model of KMS design that accounts for both planned and deferred action is proposed. Conversation Analysis was used in an insurer's company to demonstrate deferred action in knowledge work. It is extended into system analysis techniques to identify deferred action for KMS design. This approach is termed research design as an instrument of praxis. The data reveals that action categories, consisting of deferred action, can be determined to account for deferment in knowledge work. Systems analysis techniques that convert deferred action categories from conversation data into systemic deferment points and systemic deferred objects for sustainable KMS design are illustrated in the research data.
Effect of chemically modified tetracycline on transforming growth factor-β1 and caspase-3 activation in liver of septic rats*

Objectives:We have previously demonstrated that hepatic matrixmetalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and gelatinase activity increased significantly after sepsis, and pretreatment with chemically modified tetracycline (CMT-3) inhibited these expressions and improved survivability. It has been established that MMP-9 release from hepatic nonparenchymal cells activates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, which in turn catalyzes the conversion of procaspase-8 into active caspase-8. Caspase-8 activates caspase-3, which in turn degrades fibronectin and focal adhesion kinase and leads to disruption of hepatic architecture and integrity. We have been interested in investigating the role of posttreatment with CMT-3 on hepatic MMP-9, TGF-β1, and caspase-3 activity following sepsis. Design:Laboratory experiment. Setting:University laboratory. Subjects:Male Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions:In this study, sepsis was induced in rats by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and 2 hrs later, half of the rats received CMT-3 (25 mg/kg), whereas the other half received vehicle by gavage. Twenty-four and 48 hrs after sepsis induction, blood and liver samples were collected. Measurements and Main Results:Plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels were determined by enzymatic method, and the activation states of hepatic MMP-9, MMP-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TGF-β1, and caspase-3 were determined by Western immunoblotting. Plasma GOT, GPT, and hepatic MMP-9 activity increased 2.5-fold, and TFG-β1 and caspase-3 activity increased 1.5- to 2-fold at 24 hrs and 48 hrs post-CLP; CMT-3 treatment blocked these increases. Furthermore, CMT-3 treatment also led to increased TIMP-1 level, an in vivo inhibitor of MMP-9. MMP-2 level was unaffected by CLP. The 24-hr and 48-hr mortality rates for CLP rats were 29% and 50%, whereas posttreatment with CMT-3 resulted in 0% mortality. Conclusions:Our results are consistent with an MMP-9-induced caspase-3 activation in response to CLP. CMT-3 posttreatment increased TIMP-1 level and thereby inhibited MMP-9, which in turn decreased TGF-β1 and caspase-3 signaling pathways and improved survivability in septic rats.