Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute hypoxemia/ischemia on EEG and evoked responses at normothermia and hypothermia in humans.

BACKGROUND Hypothermia is used clinically to prevent neurologic injury but the degree of protection which it affords at various levels of the nervous system in humans is difficult to establish. MATERIAL/METHODS The temporal changes in EEG amplitude and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) amplitudes in a patient experiencing acute normothermic hypoxemia, a patient experiencing acute circulatory arrest at moderate hypothermia and a collection of patients undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest were analyzed to determine the rate at which changes occur during acute lack of oxygen delivery at various temperatures. RESULTS In each case, it was found that more rostrally generated potentials disappeared more quickly than more peripheral potentials. All potentials decayed more slowly during acute normothermic hypoxemia than during circulatory arrest. During circulatory arrest at 14.4 degrees C, the amplitude of the Erb's point, N13 and N18 potentials in the SEP took 5 times longer to drop to 50% of their value at the onset of ischemia than with circulatory arrest at 30.9 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS The longer times to disappearance of the SEP potentials during deep hypothermia compared to moderate hypothermia was consistent with the predicted 3.5-6.5 fold reduction in metabolic activity at deep hypothermia compared to moderate hypothermia. The prolonged time to disappearance of the SEP during normothermic hypoxemia demonstrates that even with reduced oxygen delivery the continued delivery of metabolic substrate can be critical to neural function.
Feed utilization of beef steers fed grass as hay or silage with or without nitrogen supplementation.

Six Hereford steers averaging 256 kg were used in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement within a 6 x 6 Latin square design to study the effect of forage conservation (silage vs hay) and N supplementation (0, 200 g of fish meal plus 43 g of urea, or 400 g of fish meal) on ruminal characteristics, digestibility, blood urea, and in situ degradability of DM, N, and ADF. Dry matter intake of forage and total DMI did not differ among treatments (P greater than .05) and averaged 5.3 and 5.5 kg, respectively. Steers fed silage had greater (P less than .05) pH and concentrations of ammonia N, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and valerate in the rumen than in the rumen of those fed hay. Nitrogen supplementation increased (P less than .05) concentrations of total VFA and valerate in the rumen. Digestibility of N and ADF was greater (P less than .05) for silage than for hay, and N supplementation increased digestibility of N. Plasma urea concentrations were greater (P less than .05) for steers fed silage than for those fed hay. These data suggest that feed utilization is better with silage than with hay and is increased by N supplementation.
Multiple RNA recognition patterns during microRNA biogenesis in plants

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) derive from longer precursors with fold-back structures. While animal miRNA precursors have homogenous structures, plant precursors comprise a collection of fold-backs with variable size and shape. Here, we design an approach to systematically analyze miRNA processing intermediates and characterize the biogenesis of most of the evolutionarily conserved miRNAs present in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that plant miRNAs are processed by four mechanisms, depending on the sequential direction of the processing machinery and the number of cuts required to release the miRNA. Classification of the precursors according to their processing mechanism revealed specific structural determinants for each group. We found that the complexity of the miRNA processing pathways occurs in both ancient and evolutionarily young sequences and that members of the same family can be processed in different ways. We observed that different structural determinants compete for the processing machinery and that alternative miRNAs can be generated from a single precursor. The results provide an explanation for the structural diversity of miRNA precursors in plants and new insights toward the understanding of the biogenesis of small RNAs.
A Two-Year Analysis of Students' Learning Experience Using Interactive SMS in the Classroom

The high penetration of mobile phones among university students provides an unprecedented opportunity for the use of SMS as a classroom interaction system. This paper presents a longitudinal analysis of the impact that a SMS-based classroom interaction system (TXT-2-LRN) can have on students' learning experience. The findings indicate that instructors and students perceive a number of benefits from the additional channel of communication in the classroom.
[Hemorheologic effects of ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761. Dose-dependent effect of EGb 761 on microcirculation and viscoelasticity of blood].

METHOD In a randomized open clinical trial involving 42 patients with pathological visco-elasticity values, the effect of a single intravenous injection of 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg of the Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, commercially available as Tebonin p.i. on the microcirculation of the skin (Doppler flowmetry) and the visco-elasticity of whole blood was investigated. RESULTS A dose-dependent significant increase in the microcirculation was found. In the case of visco-elasticity, this dose-dependence was less marked. The present study thus confirms the positive effect of EGb 761 on the microcirculation and whole-blood visco-elasticity in patients with pathological visco-elasticity values, already found in earlier studies, and shows it to be dependent on the dose employed.
CYP2B6*6 and CYP2B6*18 Predict Long-Term Efavirenz Exposure Measured in Hair Samples in HIV-Positive South African Women.

Long-term exposure to efavirenz (EFV) measured in hair samples may predict response to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Polymorphisms in CYP2B6 are known to alter EFV levels. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CYP2B6 genotype, EFV levels measured in hair, and virological outcomes on ART in a real-world setting. We measured EFV levels in hair from HIV-positive South African females who had been receiving EFV-based treatment for at least 3 months from the South African Black (SAB) (n = 81) and Cape Mixed Ancestry (CMA) (n = 53) populations. Common genetic variation in CYP2B6 was determined in 15 individuals from each population using bidirectional Sanger sequencing. Prioritized variants (n = 16) were subsequently genotyped in the entire patient cohort (n = 134). The predictive value of EFV levels in hair and selected variants in CYP2B6 on virological treatment outcomes was assessed. Previously described alleles (CYP2B6*2, CYP2B6*5, CYP2B6*6, CYP2B6*17, and CYP2B6*18), as well as two novel alleles (CYP2B6*31 and CYP2B6*32), were detected in this study. Compared to noncarriers, individuals homozygous for CYP2B6*6 had ∼109% increased EFV levels in hair (p = .016) and CYP2B6*18 heterozygotes demonstrated 82% higher EFV hair levels (p = .0006). This study confirmed that alleles affecting CYP2B6 metabolism and subsequent EFV exposure are present at significant frequencies in both the SAB and CMA populations. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the use of hair samples for testing EFV concentrations may be a useful tool in determining long-term drug exposure in resource-limited countries.
Evaluation of total grip strength and individual finger forces on opposing (A-type) handles among Koreans

The present study evaluated the effect of grip span on finger forces and defined the best grip span for maximising total grip strength based on the finger forces and subjective discomfort in a static exertion. Five grip spans (45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 mm) of the opposing (A-type) handle shape were tested in this study to measure total grip strength and individual finger force among Korean population. A total of 30 males who participated in this study were asked to exert a maximum grip force with two repetitions, and to report the subjective discomfort experienced between exertions using the Borg's CR-10 scale. The highest grip strength was obtained at 45 mm and 50 mm grip spans. Results also showed that forces of all fingers, except for the middle finger force, significantly differed over the grip spans. The lowest subjective discomfort was observed in the 50 mm grip span. The results might be used as development guidelines for ergonomic opposing (A-type) hand tools for Korean population. Practitioner Summary: This research evaluated the effects of opposing (A-type) handle grip spans on finger forces and subjective ratings. The findings of this study would be valuable and applicable information for designing handles in opposing (A-type) hand tools, which have relatively been less focused upon.
Perception and Practices of Nomadic Women in a Rural Community in Southwestern Nigeria to Their Children’s Oral Health

Introduction Nomads move from one settlement to another, thus it has been difficult to have adequate documentation about their oral health and that of their children. Aim To investigate the perception and practices of nomadic Fulani women toward their children’s oral health. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 Fulani women using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Results Perceived causes of tooth decay included tooth germs/worms (23.9%) and sugar (5.1%), and 32.0%, 15.2%, and 5.1%, respectively, self-medicated children with antibiotics, traditional concoctions/herbs, and analgesics for tooth decay. Two fifths (40.1%) attributed bleeding gums to tooth germs/worms. Polyurethane foam (46.7%), toothbrush (32.0%), finger (18.8%), and wooden twigs (2.5%) were aids used for cleaning children’s teeth. Conclusions These mothers have suboptimal oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward their children’s oral health. There is a need for urgent intervention among this group of people.
Investigating Potential Effects of the Contraceptive Implanon on the Behavior of Free-Ranging Adult Female Barbary Macaques

In recent years, the use of hormonal contraception in captive, free-ranging, and wild mammal populations has increased, but the effects on these nonhuman animals' behavior and the associated welfare impacts remain poorly understood. This study of free-ranging adult female Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) at Trentham Monkey Forest compared females implanted with the progestin-only contraceptive Implanon to those not receiving contraception. Females with contraceptive implants had higher rates of self-scratching and spent more time self-grooming (2 behavioral indexes of anxiety) than those without implants. They also directed more aggression at others, spent more time receiving grooming and traveling, and spent less time giving grooming and resting. No significant differences between the 2 groups of females were seen for time spent foraging. These results suggest that Implanon had a number of effects on Barbary macaques, although these need to be considered in light of the significant benefits afforded by the use of this contraceptive. The findings of this study provide important information to those evaluating the relative welfare costs and benefits of alternative methods of population control in this and other species.
Obstructive lung function decline and IPF

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation, scarring, thickening, and stiffening of the lung tissues. The disease is progressive, generally fatal, and causes an irreversible loss of the tissue’s ability to transport oxygen. However, the prognosis is variable and in some cases a great difficult task for pulmonologists. It is therefore important to determine appropriate determinant factors that may help in predicting the survival and rationale therapeutic interventions. In this line, we have read with great interest the study by Nishiyama et al. that confirms this poor outcome in IPF. In this original observation, Nishiyama et al. hypothesized that the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio has an impact on prognosis. The results reported have practical implications, however, there are some key aspects on how chronic airway obstruction could impact on IPF. From a methodology point of view, in order to answer to this question, authors examined retrospectively more than 100 patients and a correlation was found between FEV1/FVC and survival. Intriguingly, lower FEV1/FVC was associated with longer survival, making the patients with a lower FEV1/FVC ratio to have a more favorable prognosis as compared to the patients with higher FEV1/FVC ratio. In our opinion, it is difficult to find a clear explanation of this observation. The authors speculate that, somehow, smoke may be ‘‘good’’ for the IPF patients (i.e. smoke may inhibit fibroblast proliferation, or decrease the numbers of exacerbations, or determine a slower decrease in lung function). However, it is known that lung fibrosis increases lung elastic recoil. Lung elastic recoil affects the driving pressure that determines the velocity of lung emptying, and we may argue that as the disease progresses, because of the higher elastic recoil of the stiff lungs, the FEV1/FVC ratio may become higher or higher than normal. Ultimately, a lower FEV1/FVC ratio may be, somehow, a marker of a less advanced disease. We consider that to investigate these mechanisms, it would be interesting to measure in these patients transpulmonary pressure and therefore calculate real lung compliance. This approach could give us a more objective and appropriate interpretation of the FEV1/FVC ratio. There is a lack of information regarding lung function decline in respiratory symptomatic patients. The real impact of FEV1, 4 and other well-known key prognosis factors, as pulmonary artery hypertension should be investigated. We consider that it is necessary to know whether this variation in FEV1/FVC is related to the severity of IPF or to other variables. In conclusion, although Nishiyama et al. have made the interesting observation that FEV1/FVC ratio has an impact on survival in IPF patients, further studies are needed to understand the real physiological mechanisms involved.
Misuse of benzodiazepines Specify the formulation when prescribing

EDITOR, - John Strang and colleagues comment that doctors who prescribe benzodiazepines to injecting drug users should consider the likelihood of the drugs being injected, given the degree of misuse of benzodiazepines among this population.1 We agree that there is a considerable problem and estimate the prevalence of use of benzodiazepines by injecting drug users entering treatment at Liverpool Drug Dependency Clinic to be 44% based on a random sample of 100 (M Shaw et al, unpublished findings). We would go further and advocate care in prescribing benzodiazepines to all patients. A study in Liverpool of 23 people who misused temazepam intravenously showed that most obtained their supply from sources other than their general practitioner.2 They most commonly obtained temazepam off the street (18 users) or from friends (13) (there was some overlap in means of supply). To have maximal impact on reducing the prevalence of injection of temazepam and other benzodiazepines, we suggest a dual approach. We agree that a change in the regulations governing prescribing is needed to limit the general availability of temazepam capsules, the formulation most susceptible to intravenous misuse. Prescribers may not be aware that capsules may be routinely dispensed unless the prescription states the required formulation. Our clinical impression, based on experience of dealing with dispensaries in the Liverpool area, is that up to half may prescribe temazepam capsules …
Effects of Coexposure to Noise and Mixture of Organic Solvents on Hearing in Dockyard Workers

Questionnaire and audiometric data of 701 dockyard workers (517 noise and organic solvent mixture-exposed and 184 noise-only-exposed) were referred to 205 control subjects not exposed to either noise or solvents. The odds ratio (OR) of hearing loss was significantly increased by approximately 3 times in the noise-only group and by almost 5 times in the noise and solvent group. A moderate effect of solvent ototoxicity, in addition to noise, was observed on hearing threshold at a frequency 8 kHz. ORs for hearing loss were 1.12 for each increment of 1 year of age, 1.07 for every decibel of lifetime noise exposure (dB-A), and 1.004 for each increment of the index of lifetime exposure to solvents. The results suggest an additive damaging effect of coexposure to noise and organic solvents to the auditory organ.
Recovery of vancomycin-resistant gram-positive cocci from pediatric liver transplant recipients

Between November 1988 and October 1989, 49 first-time pediatric liver transplant recipients at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh were prospectively monitored for the presence of stool colonization and the development of disease caused by vancomycin-resistant gram-positive cocci (VRGPC). Quantitative stool culturing was done on a weekly basis, and cultures were planted onto a selective medium for VRGPC. Isolates for which the MIC was greater than or equal to 8 were considered resistant to vancomycin. Patients were monitored clinically for the development of infection, and their charts were systematically reviewed for the use of antibiotics. Eighty-six isolates were recovered from 36 of the 49 patients. Enterococcal species were isolated from 31 patients and included Enterococcus gallinarum (n = 28), E. casseliflavus (n = 14), E. faecium (n = 9), E. faecalis (n = 2), E. mundtii (n = 2), and E. durans (n = 1). Stool colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci was noted to increase steadily during the first month after transplantation. Only 9 of 31 patients demonstrated clearance of these organisms in serial repeat cultures. Additional isolates of VRGPC included Lactobacillus confusus (n = 13), Lactobacillus spp. (n = 12), and Pediococcus pentosaceus (n = 4). Infection due to VRGPC developed in three patients: a urinary tract infection in two and peritonitis in one. E. faecium was the pathogen in each of these cases. The ranges of MICs of vancomycin were 8 to 32 micrograms/ml for all enterococcal isolates and greater than 128 micrograms/ml for Lactobacillus and Pediococcus isolates. All Lactobacillus and Pediococcus isolates were resistant to teicoplanin, although they were susceptible to daptomycin. All other isolates were susceptible to both teicoplanin and daptomycin. This study demonstrates that stool colonization with VRGPC may be a common and early finding among pediatric liver transplant recipients. However, infection appears to be uncommon.
Hypertonic saline solution and decompressive craniectomy for treatment of intracranial hypertension in pediatric severe traumatic brain injury.

Experimental data 8 –11 and first clinical results in adults 12,13 suggest that hypertonic saline ( 1.0) may be highly effective in lowering ICP even when mannitol has lost its therapeutic potential after prolonged and repeated use. In children, only limited experience exists with the use of hypertonic saline solutions: a randomized prospective study in children with severe head injury compared the effects on ICP (increased to 15–20 mm Hg) of isotonic (0.9% NaCl) and hypertonic (3% NaCl) saline injections, demonstrating a beneficial effect of the hypertonic solution. 14 Another prospective randomized trial compared the effects of continuous infusion of either lactated Ringer’s solution (277 mOsm/L) or hypertonic saline solution (598 mOsm/L) in children with severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 8). 15 Patients receiving hypertonic saline were found to require fewer interventions, have fewer complications, and have shorter ICU stays. A higher serum sodium concentration was associated with a lower ICP and a higher CPP. 15,16 In a 14-year-old boy with trauma-related secondary ischemic injury of the brain stem, infusions of 2.7% and 5.4% NaCl were associated with improvement of somatosensory and brain stem auditory evoked potentials and of motor performance. 17 However, repetitive bolus infusions of highly concentrated (7–20% NaCl) hypertonic saline have not yet been used for reduction of increased ICP in pediatric head injury. Surgical treatment of severe head injury is not limited to the introduction of ventricular drainage and evacuation of mass lesions such as hematomas and large contusions. In addition, decompressive craniectomy may be performed to increase intracranial compliance considerably. This procedure may produce good results when performed early before the development of secondary brain damage occurs. 18,19 Conversely, poor results are seen when craniectomy is performed late as a last resort to prevent herniation in otherwise hopeless cases. 20 Few institutions perform decompressive craniectomy routinely in pediatric severe head injury. Results of a combination of early decompressive craniectomy and administration of hypertonic saline have not yet been reported. A new, aggressive treatment concept including such a combination was used in two children with severe head injury to reduce otherwise intractable ICP elevations.
Population-wide changes in reported lifestyle are associated with redistribution of adipose tissue

Aims: The Northern Sweden MONICA project 1986—2004 demonstrated a marked increase in average body mass, an unchanged prevalence of diabetes, and a decrease in myocardial infarctions and lately also in stroke. This study estimates the relative importance of time-trends in lifestyle on average waist and hip circumference on a population level. Methods: From a series of independent cross-sectional surveys, a study population of 2,831 men and 2,976 women was formed. Associations between lifestyle factors and waist and hip circumference were estimated. Partial regression coefficients for every level of the lifestyle factors were multiplied by the differences in the proportion of the population reporting the corresponding levels of the respective lifestyle factors in 1986 and 2004. The sum of the product terms for each item represents the respective estimated impact of change in waist and hip circumference. Results: Lifestyle trends associated with changes in hip circumference were (women/men): higher education level (+4.0 mm/+2.4 mm), fewer smokers (+0.4 mm/+0.9 mm), a slight increase in alcohol consumption (+0.4 mm/+0.3 mm), and more saturated fat from meat in women (-0.9 mm) and more fibre from grains in men (+0.6 mm). Average waist circumference was influenced by increased levels of physical activity (-2.2 mm/-4.6 mm), fewer female smokers (-0.3 mm), and a higher intake of saturated fatty acids from meat among men (+1.8 mm). Conclusions: We identified physical activity and the intake of meat and whole-grain products as prime candidates for lifestyle interventions in northern Sweden.
Adults With Cardiovascular Disease The Synergistic Effects of Anxiety and Cerebral Hypoperfusion on Cognitive Dysfunction in Older

Objectives: Anxiety is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is associated with neurocognitive outcomes. The effect of anxiety on brain perfusion in a CVD population has yet to be examined, and no study has investigated the interactive effects of anxiety and cerebral perfusion on cognition. Methods: A total of 55 older adults with CVD completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and underwent arterial spin labeling to quantify cortical perfusion and thickness. Participants were administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Results: Reduced perfusion predicted poorer cognition and decreased cortical thickness. Higher anxiety score predicted worse memory performance and decreased frontal perfusion. Frontal lobe hypoperfusion combined with increased BAI scores exacerbated poorer MMSE performance. Conclusions: Higher anxiety may exacerbate the effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on cognitive impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine whether anxiety treatment improves neurocognitive outcomes in CVD.