Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with Chagas disease.

AIMS Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are now a first-line option for prevention of sudden death in Chagas disease (ChD). However, efficacy and safety of ICD treatment in ChD remains controversial. The aim of our study was to compare clinical outcome after ICD implantation in ChD and non-ChD patients. METHODS AND RESULTS The study population consists of patients who received ICD implantation in a tertiary Reference Center for ChD in Brazil. The primary endpoint of the study was appropriate therapy (appropriate shocks or anti-tachycardia pacing); the secondary endpoint was the event-free survival defined as absence of death or appropriate therapy. One hundred and thirty-five [corrected] patients were followed for the median time of 266 days. Sixty-five patients had ChD. Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 32 (49.2%) ChD and in 19 (27.1%) non-ChD patients (P=0.005). Ventricular tachycardia occurred in 27 (42%) ChD and in 16 (23%) non-ChD (P = 0.01) patients. There was a statistically significant difference in event-free survival between the group of patients with and without ChD (P=0.004). The median event-free survival was 230 days (95% confidence interval, CI: 113-347) in patients with ChD and 549 days (95% CI: 412-687) in non-ChD patients. Chagas disease double the risk of the patient to have appropriate therapy (hazard ratio, HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2-4.3, P = 0.02) and appropriate therapy or death (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2-4.2, P = 0.01) in multivariate analysis. There were 16 deaths (11.8%) with 8 deaths in each group and five inappropriate shocks (3.7%) with one in ChD patients (1.6%). CONCLUSION The higher frequency of appropriate ICD therapy and the shorter event-free survival in ChD patients are consistent with the presence of an arrhythmogenic substrate that characterizes this cardiomyopathy.
A REVIEW ON VARIATION OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY ALONG THE SOUTHEAST COAST OF TAMIL NADU FOR THE PAST 4 DECADES (1974–2016)

This review deals with natural radioactivity variation along the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu for the past four decades (1974-2016). About 40 research works have been conducted along the coast since 1974 in various environmental matrices using a variety of experimental methods. For these measurements researchers are adopted different experimental methods. The measured gamma dose rate ranged from 30 to 8700 nGy/h. The mean specific activity of 238U, 232Th and 40K was found to be 58.8 ± 28.7, 465.2 ± 147.3 and 311.2 ± 27.8 Bq/kg, respectively. The calculated annual exposure rate ranged from 0.29 to 12.8 mSv/y with the mean value of 3.7 mSv/y which is above the global average of 2.4 mSv/y as reported by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) (Report to General Assembly, Annex B Exposures of the public and workers from various sources of radiation. United Nations, New York (2008)). Plant food items recorded low 210Po activities as compared to seafood organisms. Grain size, season and place of sampling have a decisive bearing on coastal radioactivity. Therefore, it is concluded from the review data that there is an appreciable elevation in background radiation level in the coastal region. This review suggests that new radiological surveys using improved methodology that cover the entire coastal stretch are needed.
HIPEC + EPIC versus HIPEC‐alone: Differences in major complications following cytoreduction surgery for peritoneal malignancy

Peritoneal metastases (PM) can be treated with cytoreduction surgery (CRS) with intraoperative heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus or minus early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC). HIPEC + EPIC may be associated with more complications than HIPEC alone.
The Effect of Creative Labor on Property-Ownership Transfer by Preschool Children and Adults

Recognizing property ownership is of critical importance in social interactions, but little is known about how and when this attribute emerges. We investigated whether preschool children and adults believe that ownership of one person’s property is transferred to a second person following the second person’s investment of creative labor in that property. In our study, an experimenter and a participant borrowed modeling-clay objects from each other to mold into new objects. Participants were more likely to transfer ownership to the second individual after he or she invested creative labor in the object than after any other manipulations (holding the object, making small changes to it). This effect was significantly stronger in preschool children than in adults. Duration of manipulation had no effect on property-ownership transfer. Changes in the object’s identity acted only as a secondary cue for children. We conclude that ownership is transferred after an investment of creative labor and that determining property ownership may be an intuitive process that emerges in early childhood.
New Functional Identity for the DNA Uptake Sequence in Transformation and Its Presence in Transcriptional Terminators

ABSTRACT The frequently occurring DNA uptake sequence (DUS), recognized as a 10-bp repeat, is required for efficient genetic transformation in the human pathogens Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Genome scanning for DUS occurrences in three different species of Neisseria demonstrated that 76% of the nearly 2,000 neisserial DUS were found to have two semiconserved base pairs extending from the 5′ end of DUS to constitute a 12-mer repeat. Plasmids containing sequential variants of the neisserial DUS were tested for their ability to transform N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae, and the 12-mer was found to outperform the 10-mer DUS in transformation efficiency. Assessment of meningococcal uptake of DNA confirmed the enhanced performance of the 12-mer compared to the 10-mer DUS. An inverted repeat DUS was not more efficient in transformation than DNA species containing a single or direct repeat DUS. Genome-wide analysis revealed that half of the nearly 1,500 12-mer DUS are arranged as inverted repeats predicted to be involved in rho-independent transcriptional termination or attenuation. The distribution of the uptake signal sequence required for transformation in the Pasteurellaceae was also biased towards transcriptional terminators, although to a lesser extent. In addition to assessing the intergenic location of DUS, we propose that the 10-mer identity of DUS should be extended and recognized as a 12-mer DUS. The dual role of DUS in transformation and as a structural component on RNA affecting transcription makes this a relevant model system for assessing significant roles of repeat sequences in biology.
Touch-perception thresholds in blind diabetic subjects in relation to the reading of Braille type.

Abstract Many diabetic blind persons experience difficulty in reading Braille. This contrasts with clinical experience that diabetic neuropathy does not affect the hands. Accordingly, touch-perception thresholds were measured in 10 healthy seeing, 10 nondiabetic blind and 10 diabetic blind subjects. There were no differences in the thresholds for light touch, light contact vibration and two-point discrimination between the seeing and the nondiabetic blind subjects. In all the diabetic blind subjects the perception threshold for each of these modalities was increased. In two the abnormalities reached the level of awareness. Since the distance between the points in English Braille type is 2.2 mm, the difficulty of the diabetic subjects in reading Braille is probably related to an inability to perceive the individual points clearly. In the nondiabetic subjects the mean threshold for two-point discrimination was 1.6 mm whereas in the diabetic blind subjects it was 2.5 mm.
Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Tuberculosis in New York City.

CONTEXT Treatment completion for tuberculosis (TB) is one of the essential components of TB prevention and control. Delays in treatment completion and incomplete treatment can result in increased transmission, development of drug resistance, and increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the reasons for poor treatment outcomes may help improve TB control efforts. OBJECTIVE To identify those at highest risk and determine the reasons for poor treatment outcomes among TB cases (January 2009-June 2010). DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS New York City TB patients eligible to complete treatment within 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Poisson regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with delayed completion and incomplete treatment compared with completion within 12 months of initiating treatment (timely completion). Reasons for delayed completion and incomplete treatment were summarized. RESULTS Of 1008 cases eligible to complete treatment within 12 months, 921 (91%) had timely completion, 48 (5%) had delayed completion, and 39 (4%) had incomplete treatment. Cases with delayed completion and incomplete treatment were more likely to have extrapulmonary TB (adjusted risk ratio = 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-6.14; and adjusted risk ratio = 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-6.44, respectively). Primary reasons for delayed completion were a physician's decision to extend treatment (35%) and interrupted treatment (31%), whereas those for incomplete treatment included lost to care (38%), moved (28%), and refusal to continue treatment (26%). CONCLUSION Overall, treatment completion in New York City was high. Patients with delayed completion and incomplete treatment had extrapulmonary disease in common. However, specific reasons suggest that delayed completion may be clinically motivated whereas incomplete treatment may result from social conditions.
Mortality and Cardiovascular Burden of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a US Population-based Cohort

Objective. To examine the mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden among a population-based cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with previously described late mean onset and low rates of organ-threatening disease. Methods. This retrospective population-based cohort study investigated incident cases of SLE diagnosed from 1991–2008 and followed through March 2009 to examine rates of death and CVD events: myocardial infarction, stroke, or congestive heart failure hospitalization. Cases were identified using the 1997 update of the 1982 American College of Rheumatology SLE criteria. Searches included electronic records, chart audits, and state death matches, with physician review. Age-matched and sex-matched population comparisons facilitated relative event rate calculations. Results. Seventy incident SLE cases had late mean onset (52 years), with an incidence of 5 cases per 100,000/year. Matched comparisons showed similar baseline rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. However, patients with SLE experienced more CVD in the 2 years preceding SLE diagnosis (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.8, 8.0). The estimated 10-year mortality rates were 26% for SLE subjects versus 19% for comparisons, hazard ratio (HR) 2.1, p < 0.01. Adjusted for prior CVD, SLE cases still demonstrated increased hazards of mortality (HR 1.9, p = 0.01) and CVD event or death (HR 1.8, p = 0.01). Conclusion. This incident SLE cohort demonstrated nearly doubled mortality and CVD event hazards compared to age-matched and sex-matched comparisons, even after accounting for higher CVD events in the 2 years preceding SLE diagnosis. This raises research questions regarding delayed SLE diagnosis versus accelerated CVD prior to SLE, particularly in older-onset SLE.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in the intensive care unit: an international survey of 97 units in 11 countries

Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) may decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), but the risk of infection may be increased. In this study, we aimed to describe SUP practices in adult ICUs. We hypothesised that patient selection for SUP varies both within and between countries.
Measurement of airborne nanoparticle surface area using a filter-based gas adsorption method for inhalation toxicology experiments

Abstract Measurement of the surface area of airborne nanoparticles as administered to an experimental subject is critical for characterizing exposures during inhalation experiments. A filter-based surface area measurement methodology is described herein that allows for such determinations. Krypton gas adsorption was used to determine total particle surface area. Track-etched polycarbonate 0.4 μm pore filters were chosen as the collection substrate for metal oxide particles due to their highly reproducible surface areas and low background weights. The subject nanomaterials included two different batches of ultrafine TiO2, TiO2 nanorods, and SiO2. The instrument detection limit for surface area was 200 cm2 (0.02 m2). Ninety percent confidence interval estimates of method accuracy were 17.7–23.5% with a point estimate of 20.8%. The filter-based surface area measurement strategy is demonstrated to be a viable sampling and analysis methodology that provides much needed physical characterization information of particles as administered in an animal inhalation chamber.
Endothelium‐independent relaxation of rabbit coronary artery by 17β‐oestradiol in vitro

1 We assessed the relaxant effect of 17β‐oestradiol (10−7, 10−6 and 10−5 m) on rabbit isolated coronary arteries precontracted with prostaglandin F2α (3 × 10−6 m), high extracellular potassium (30 mm) and Bay K 8644 (10−6 m) plus high extracellular potassium (15 mm) by measuring isometric tension. 17β‐Oestradiol (10−6 and 10−5 m) induced significant relaxation in coronary arteries from male and female rabbits. No differences were seen between arteries with or without endothelium. There were also no differences between coronary arteries isolated from male and female rabbits. 2 Inhibitors of endothelium‐derived relaxing factor and vasodilator prostanoids, namely, reduced haemoglobin, Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester and indomethacin, did not affect the relaxation induced by 17β‐oestradiol in endothelium‐intact coronary arteries. 3 Methylene blue, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, did not affect the coronary artery relaxation induced by 17β‐oestradiol. 4 The calcium concentration‐dependent contraction curve in potassium‐depolarization medium was shifted to the right by 17β‐oestradiol (10−6 and 10−5 m) in the rabbit coronary artery and rat aorta. The −log EC50 s of calcium in control and after incubation with 17β‐oestradiol (10−6 and 10−5 m) were 3.7 ± 0.09, 3.1 ± 0.10 and 2.8 ± 0.08 respectively in rabbit coronary arteries and 3.8 ± 0.11, 3.3 ± 0.14 and 2.9 ±0.15 in rat aorta. 5 The results indicate that 17β‐oestradiol induces rabbit coronary artery relaxation by an endothelium‐independent mechanism in vitro. A calcium antagonistic property may be involved in the mechanism of rabbit coronary arterial relaxation by 17β‐oestradiol. ;
Evidence for a Clinically Distinct New Subtype of Grade II Astrocytomas in Patients with Long-term Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE:The authors tested the hypothesis that among Grade II astrocytomas with a particularly long seizure history, a subgroup is hidden with a different prognosis and possibly histological characteristics. To do so, clinical and histological characteristics of two groups of World Health Organization Grade II astrocytoma patients were analyzed: the long-term epilepsy-associated tumor (LEAT) astrocytoma group, with a mean duration of 12.5 years of seizures (n = 19), and the ordinary astrocytomas (n = 87), with a mean length of seizure history of 1.5 years (Non-LEAT). METHODS:All astrocytomas operated on between 1988 and 1999 were collected and followed up for 2 to 13 years (median, 7.0 yr). The 19 LEAT astrocytomas belonged to a group of 207 long-term epilepsy-associated tumors from the epilepsy surgery program. The 87 Non-LEAT cases were 60 so-called ordinary or diffuse World Health Organization Grade II astrocytomas and 27 oligoastrocytomas without long-term epilepsy operated on during the same time period. All tumor cases have been reviewed and partly reclassified as a result of the use of modern immunohistochemical techniques. Statistical analyses for possible discriminating factors included χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test, Kaplan-Meier curves, and multifactorial analysis. RESULTS:Histological subtyping revealed a possible new isomorphic astrocytoma subtype in seven patients. By use of Kaplan-Meier curves, this isomorphic subtype had 50% fewer recurrences at 7.5 years and an estimated long-term survival of 80%. LEAT astrocytomas differed from ordinary Non-LEAT astrocytomas in overall length of history, younger age at first seizure, and higher percentage of 10-year survivors (80%). Temporal location did not influence outcome, and the presence of epilepsy per se was also not a prognostic factor. CONCLUSION:Differences between astrocytomas with a very long seizure history and those with a very short seizure history do exist. Significant factors for prognosis were age at surgery and presence of postoperative tumor residue but not the presence of epilepsy per se. A new subtype of astrocytomas, provisionally called isomorphic LEA astrocytoma, has putatively been identified with significantly better survival and lower recurrence rate. The negative prognostic factor of a gemistocytic differentiation pattern in diffuse astrocytomas was confirmed.
Identification of an HLA‐A24‐restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope from human papillomavirus type‐16 E6: The combined effects of bortezomib and interferon‐γ on the presentation of a cryptic epitope

About 50% of cervical cancers are associated with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV‐16), and since the HPV‐16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins are constitutively expressed in the tumor cells, they are attractive targets for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)‐mediated immunotherapy. Nevertheless, only a limited number of HPV‐16 E6 epitopes have been identified to date. Using reverse immunological methods, we have generated a CTL clone against the HPV‐16 E649–57 epitope restricted by HLA‐A*2402, which is the most common allele in Japan and relatively frequent worldwide, capable of lysing 293T cells transduced with HLA‐A*2402 and HPV‐16 E6. Although it was unable to recognize the SiHa cervical cancer cell line positive for HPV‐16 and HLA‐A*2402, the cells became susceptible to lysis when transduced with E6‐E7 genes, which was unexpectedly offset by pretreatment with interferon (IFN)‐γ alone. Interestingly, however, combined pretreatment with a proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib and IFN‐γ fully restored CTL‐mediated lysis of the original SiHa cells. Furthermore, such intervention of 2 of 4 other cervical cancer cell lines expressing HPV‐16 E6 and HLA‐A*2402 was found to induce IFN‐γ production by specific CTLs. Tetramer analysis further revealed that induction of E649–57‐specific T cells was possible in 5 of 7 patients with HPV‐16‐positive high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer by in vitro stimulation with E649–57 peptide. Thus, these findings together indicate that E649–57 is a candidate epitope for immunotherapy and immunological monitoring of such patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heritability and Correlation Structure of Nectar and Floral Morphology Traits in Nicotiana Alata

Abstract The heritability and genetic basis of nectar traits have been rarely studied in the field, where plants are exposed to environmental factors that could mask underlying genetic effects. Heritabilities and variance components were estimated for nectar and morphological traits of Nicotiana alata, using a partial diallel design. The main experiment was conducted in a Missouri experimental garden using a randomized block design with three plant density treatments, whereas a smaller experiment was conducted near native Brazil habitat to compare the environmental variance in traits between Missouri and Brazil. Significant heritability was detected for nectar volume and energy content, and for corolla tube length. Phenotypic correlations were significant between all traits investigated, whereas significant genetic correlations were only found between nectar volume and energy and between corolla limb width and mouth diameter. There were no significant family-by-density interactions detected in the Missouri field environment. All traits differed significantly between Missouri and Brazil environments, but significant genetic by environment (G × E) interactions between Missouri and Brazil were detected for only one trait. This study shows that nectar traits can be heritable despite considerable environmental variation.
The effects of anaemia and transfusion on patients with traumatic brain injury: A review

Abstract Background: Anaemia in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is frequently encountered. Neurosurgical texts continue to recommend transfusion for hematocrit below 30%, despite clear evidence to do so. Transfusion should increase oxygen delivery to the brain, but it may also increase morbidity and mortality. Methods: This study reviewed the relevant literature to better understand the risks of anaemia and benefits of correction of anaemia by transfusion. Results: Of the 21 studies reviewed, eight found that anaemia was harmful to patients with TBI; five found no significant outcome; seven found transfusion was associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality; two found that transfusion lowered mortality and increased brain tissue oxygen levels; and ten found no correlation between transfusion and outcome. However, the levels of anaemia severity and the outcome measurements varied widely and the majority of outcomes focused on crude measurements rather than detailed functional assessments. Conclusions: No division of response based on gender difference or impact of anaemia in the post-hospital treatment setting was observed. A randomized control trial is recommended to determine the impact of anaemia and transfusion on detailed outcome assessment in comparison of transfusion thresholds ranging from ≤ 7 g dL–1 to ≤ 9 g dL–1 in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.
Risks and Benefits of Using an Absorbable Mesh in One-Stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study

Background: Complete implant coverage by pectoralis major muscle in immediate breast reconstruction prevents implant exposure but restricts implant volume, increases the risk of a high-riding implant, and prevents natural ptosis. The authors hypothesized that extension of the subpectoral pocket with Vicryl mesh may produce more satisfactory results. The safety and efficiency of this technique were assessed by comparing complication rates and clinical results of the two reconstruction techniques: with and without mesh. Methods: The authors reviewed 161 immediate breast reconstructions in 139 patients from 2002 to 2010. A complete submuscular pocket was performed in 46 breasts and a partial submuscular pocket with Vicryl mesh extension was performed in 115 breasts. Complications, surgical revisions rates, implant size, and contralateral breast procedures were compared between the two groups. Results: Early and late surgical revisions were similar between the mesh and nonmesh groups (11.6 percent versus 4.3 percent at 90 days, p = 0.09; and 34.3 percent versus 41.4 percent at 5 years, p = 0.41). There were fewer revisions for implant malposition in the mesh group (8.9 percent versus 21.7 percent, p = 0.05). Patients with mesh could have a larger implant in comparison with those without mesh (329 g versus 284 g, p = 0.01) and had fewer contralateral mastopexies (12 percent versus 30 percent, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Larger implants and perhaps better control of implant position were possible using the Vicryl mesh extension without increasing complications. Because the mesh technique also recreates a slightly ptotic breast, fewer contralateral mastopexies were needed. The Vicryl mesh extension is a low-cost alternative to biological matrices or tissue expanders. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.