Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postoperative pain control after the use of dexmedetomidine and propofol to sedate patients undergoing ankle surgery under spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Dexmedetomidine is widely used for conscious sedation in patients undergoing lower-extremity surgery under regional anesthesia. We evaluated the postoperative analgesic effects of intravenous dexmedetomidine given during ankle surgery under spinal anesthesia. Methods: Forty-three participants underwent repair of lateral angle ligaments under spinal anesthesia. For sedation during surgery, participants were allocated to a dexmedetomidine group (n=22) that received a loading dose of 1 mcg.kg−1 over 10 min, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.2–0.7 μg. kg−1.h−1; and a propofol group (n=21) that received an effective site concentration of 0.5–2.0 μg. mL−1 via target-controlled infusion. The primary outcome was the postoperative, cumulative, intravenous (IV) morphine equivalent dose delivered via IV patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA) and rescue analgesic consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. We recorded sensory and motor block durations. Results: The postoperative IV morphine equivalent dose was 14.5 mg (0.75–31.75 mg) in the dexmedetomidine group compared to 48.0 mg (31.5–92.5 mg) in the propofol group (median difference, 33.2 mg; 95% confidence interval, 21.0–54.8 mg; P<0.001). The time to the first complaint of surgical site pain was significantly prolonged in the dexmedetomidine group (P<0.001), but the duration of motor block was comparable between the two groups (P=0.55). Conclusion: IV dexmedetomidine given as a sedative during ankle surgery under spinal anesthesia reduced postoperative opioid consumption in the first 24 h. Thus, intraoperative dexmedetomidine is a versatile sedative adjunct. Level of evidence: Level I, prospective randomized trial.
The Platelet Collagen Receptor Glycoprotein VI Is a Member of the Immunoglobulin Superfamily Closely Related to FcαR and the Natural Killer Receptors*

We have cloned the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein (GP) VI from a human bone marrow cDNA library using rapid amplification of cDNA ends with platelet mRNA to complete the 5′ end sequence. GPVI was isolated from platelets using affinity chromatography on the snake C-type lectin, convulxin, as a critical step. Internal peptide sequences were obtained, and degenerate primers were designed to amplify a fragment of the GPVI cDNA, which was then used as a probe to screen the library. Purified GPVI, as well as Fab fragments of polyclonal antibodies made against the receptor, inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The GPVI receptor cDNA has an open reading frame of 1017 base pairs coding for a protein of 339 amino acids including a putative 23-amino acid signal sequence and a 19-amino acid transmembrane domain between residues 247 and 265. GPVI belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, and its sequence is closely related to FcαR and to the natural killer receptors. Its extracellular chain has two Ig-C2-like domains formed by disulfide bridges. An arginine residue is found in position 3 of the transmembrane portion, which should permit association with Fcγ and its immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif via a salt bridge. With 51 amino acids, the cytoplasmic tail is relatively long and shows little homology to the C-terminal part of the other family members. The ability of the cloned GPVI cDNA to code for a functional platelet collagen receptor was demonstrated in the megakaryocytic cell line Dami. Dami cells transfected with GPVI cDNA mobilized intracellular Ca2+ in response to collagen, unlike the nontransfected or mock transfected Dami cells, which do not respond to collagen.
Bringing Space into the Equation : Modeling Social and Spatial Interdependence in Neighborhood Effect Studies

While there is an ever-growing body of research on neighborhood effects on life chances, the suggested social mechanisms still refer to rather ambiguous theoretical concepts. Furthermore, past research generally fails to adequately model the suggested social interdependence at the individual level and instead largely relies on contextual regression models. This paper contributes to both problems by using spatial econometrics to reconstruct neighborhood effects at the individual level. To this end, a rational action model of neighborhood effects is elaborated as a theoretical alternative. Furthermore, using data on the transition to secondary schooling in Switzerland, spatial probit models are used to empirically test different channels of neighborhood effects at the individual level. As expected, neighbors’ educational motivation and aspirations, namely the expected utility and the instrumentality of a given educational track, are crucial mediators that contribute to the reproduction of educational inequalities.
Increased prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux diseases in type 2 diabetics with neuropathy.

AIM To analyze the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) related symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to find out the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and the prevalence of GERD symptoms. METHODS In this prospective questionnaire study, 150 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending the endocrine clinic were enrolled. A junior physician helped the patients to understand the questions. Patients were asked about the presence of five most frequent symptoms of GERD that included heartburn (at least 1/wk), regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness of voice and chronic cough. Patients with past medical history of angina, COPD, asthma, cough due to ACEI or preexisting GERD prior to onset of diabetes and apparent psychiatric disorders were excluded from the survey. We further divided the patients into two groups based on presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy. Out of 150 patients, 46 had neuropathy, whereas 104 patients did not have neuropathy. Data are expressed as mean +/- SD, and number of patients in each category and percentage of total patients in that group. Normal distributions between groups were compared with Student t test and the prevalence rates between groups were compared with Chi-square tests for significance. RESULTS The average duration of diabetes were 12 +/- 9.2 years and the average HbA1c level of this group was 7.7% +/- 2.0%. The mean weight and BMI were 198 +/- 54 lbs. and 32 +/- 7.2 kg/m2. Forty percent (61/150) patients reported having at least one of the symptoms of GERD and thirty percent (45/150) reported having heartburn at least once a week. The prevalence of GERD symptoms is higher in patients with neuropathy than patients without neuropathy (58.7% vs 32.7%, P < 0.01). The prevalence of heartburn, chest pain and chronic cough are also higher in patients with neuropathy than in patients without neuropathy (43.5% vs 24%; 10.9% vs 4.8% and 17.8% vs 6.7% respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The prevalence of GERD symptoms in type 2 DM is higher than in the general population. Our data suggest that DM neuropathy may be an important associated factor for developing GERD symptoms.
807C/T polymorphism in the platelet glycoprotein Ia gene in young patients with ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology

Platelet membrane glycoprotein receptors mediate key reactions in arterial thrombosis. The relationship between glycoprotein Ia polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke, however, remains controversial. A matched case–control study was conducted to evaluate this question in young patients. Seventy patients with ischemic stroke of undetermined etiology, with ages ranging from 15 to 50 years, and 70 healthy control individuals, matched by age, gender and ethnicity, were tested for the 807C/T genotypes. Patients were excluded if they had systemic diseases known to predispose to thrombosis or any defined etiology of ischemic stroke. The frequencies of the 807T glycoprotein Ia variant and of conventional risk factors for arterial thrombosis (hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, use of oral contraceptives, levels of serum cholesterol and body mass index) were compared in stroke patients and control individuals. The 807T allele was found in 61% of patients and 53% of control individuals (matched-pair odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–2.74; P = 0.42). Arterial hypertension and smoking were more frequent in patients than control individuals (matched-pair odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–8.02; P = 0.04; and odds ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–9.97, P = 0.03, respectively). In conclusion, our results do not support an independent association between the 807C/T polymorphism and stroke of undetermined etiology. The interplay of this polymorphism with arterial hypertension in the causation of ischemic stroke requires further evaluation.
First Molecular Evidence of Zoonotic Bacteria in Ticks in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the tick fauna is very diverse, but data on the occurrence of zoonotic tick-borne bacteria are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis', spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae and Francisella tularensis in questing ticks. In 19 (21.8%) of 87 ticks (Ixodes ricinus, n = 30; Dermacentor reticulatus, n = 54; D. marginatus, n = 3) collected by flagging the vegetation at the collection site in the Glamoč Municipality (south-western Bosnia and Herzegovina), Rickettsia monacensis (1.1%), R. helvetica (5.7%), R. raoultii (5.7%), R. slovaca (8.0%), A. phagocytophilum (1.1%) and F. tularensis subsp. holartica (1.1%) were detected and identified by molecular methods. None of the tested ticks were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. and 'Candidatus N. mikurensis', and co-infection of R. slovaca and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was detected in only one D. marginatus (1.1%). This study reports the occurrence of emerging zoonotic bacteria in ticks from Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time, indicating a public health threat to humans. Therefore, physicians and practitioners should be aware of the presence of these tick-borne bacteria, especially when they are faced with acute febrile illnesses after tick exposure.
Assessing risk-taking: what to measure and how to measure it

Abstract Risk-taking has been a major field of interest for scientists and for applied purposes since decades. However, many researchers have noted that the current measurement instruments fail to show adequate validity and predictive power. Given the recent calls to develop new measures, this paper aims to highlight six key points that should be kept in mind when constructing or using measures of risk-taking concepts. Specifically, we encourage risk-taking scholars (a) to pay close attention to the terminology used in studies, (b) to distinguish measures of general and specific risk-taking, (c) to distinguish risk-taking from the appeal of risky activities, (d) to keep in mind the subjectivity of risk-taking, (e) to consider the measurement of passive risk-taking, and (f) to favour more realistic risk-taking tasks. Overall, these recommendations should help researchers to design and use more relevant risk-taking measures.
Seasonality of Formic Acid (HCOOH) in London during the ClearfLo Campaign

Following measurements in the winter of 2012, formic acid (HCOOH) and nitric acid (HNO3) were measured using a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS) during the Summer Clean Air for London (ClearfLo) campaign in London, 2012. Consequently, the seasonal dependence of formic acid sources could be better understood. A mean formic acid concentration of 1.3 ppb and a maximum of 12.7 ppb was measured which is significantly greater than that measured during the winter campaign (0.63 ppb and 6.7 ppb, respectively). Daily calibrations of formic acid during the summer campaign gave sensitivities of 1.2 ion counts s−1 parts per trillion (ppt) by volume−1 and a limit of detection of 34 ppt. During the summer campaign, there was no correlation between formic acid and anthropogenic emissions such as NOx and CO or peaks associated with the rush hour as was identified in the winter. Rather, peaks in formic acid were observed that correlated with solar irradiance. Analysis using a photochemical trajectory model has been conducted to determine the source of this formic acid. The contribution of formic acid formation through ozonolysis of alkenes is important but the secondary production from biogenic VOCs could be the most dominant source of formic acid at this measurement site during the summer.
Effect of Pasteurella multocida toxin on bone resorption in vitro

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT), which is the primary etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of progressive atrophic rhinitis in pigs, was found to stimulate bone resorption in vitro. This stimulation was observed both in cultures of murine calvaria by measuring the release of calcium and of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase and in murine long bone cultures by measuring the release of calcium. Both systems showed the same dose response curve, with the maximal effect at a concentration of 5 ng/ml. The effect on calvaria was studied in more detail. PMT increased bone resorption 24 h after its addition and always had to be present to express an effect. Calcitonin was able to inhibit this increase of resorption completely, and inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis suppressed it partially. Although the data show an effect of PMT on bone tissue, the results do not exclude an action on cells in the nasal cavity, which could indirectly stimulate bone resorption.
Blue Native PAGE and Biomolecular Complementation Reveal a Tetrameric or Higher-Order Oligomer Organization of the Physiological Measles Virus Attachment Protein H

ABSTRACT Members of the Paramyxovirinae subfamily rely on the concerted action of two envelope glycoprotein complexes, attachment protein H and the fusion (F) protein oligomer, to achieve membrane fusion for viral entry. Despite advances in X-ray information, the organization of the physiological attachment (H) oligomer in functional fusion complexes and the molecular mechanism linking H receptor binding with F triggering remain unknown. Here, we have applied an integrated approach based on biochemical and functional assays to the problem. Blue native PAGE analysis indicates that native H complexes extract predominantly in the form of loosely assembled tetramers from purified measles virus (MeV) particles and cells transiently expressing the viral envelope glycoproteins. To gain functional insight, we have established a bimolecular complementation (BiC) assay for MeV H, on the basis of the hypothesis that physical interaction of H with F complexes, F triggering, and receptor binding constitute distinct events. Having experimentally confirmed three distinct H complementation groups, implementation of H BiC (H-BiC) reveals that a high-affinity receptor-to-paramyxovirus H monomer stoichiometry below parity is sufficient for fusion initiation, that F binding and fusion initiation are separable in H oligomers, and that a higher relative amount of F binding-competent than F fusion initiation- or receptor binding-competent H monomers per oligomer is required for optimal fusion. By capitalizing on these findings, H-BiC activity profiles confirm the organization of H into tetramers or higher-order multimers in functional fusion complexes. Results are interpreted in light of a model in which receptor binding may affect the oligomeric organization of the attachment protein complex.
Thermally Reconfigurable Meta-Optics

Metasurfaces are two-dimensional nanostructures that allow unprecedented control of light through engineering the amplitude, phase, and polarization across meta-atom resonators. Adding tunability to metasurface components would boost their potential and unlock a vast array of new application possibilities such as dynamic beam steering, tunable metalenses, and reconfigurable meta-holograms, to name a few. We present here high-index meta-atoms, resonators, and metasurfaces reconfigured by thermal effects, across the near to mid-infrared spectral ranges. We study thermal tunability in group IV and group IV–VI semiconductors, as well as in phase-transition materials, and demonstrate large dynamic resonance frequency shifts accompanied by significant amplitude and phase modulation in metasurfaces and resonators. We highlight the importance of high-Q resonances along with peak performance of thermal and thermo-optic effects, for efficient and practical reconfigurable devices. This paper paves the way to efficient high-Q reconfigurable and active infrared metadevices.
Inhibition by phosphoramidon of the regional haemodynamic effects of proendothelin−2 and −3 in conscious rats

1 Regional haemodynamic studies were carried out in conscious, Long Evans rats, chronically‐instrumented with pulsed Doppler flow probes and intravascular catheters. 2 In the first experiment, proendothelin‐2 and −3 (0.1 and 1.0 nmol kg−1, i.v. boluses) were found to cause dose‐dependent pressor, bradycardic, and renal and, particularly, mesenteric vasoconstrictor effects. The hindquarters showed an initial vasodilatation (which was not dose‐dependent) followed by a vasoconstriction (which was dose‐related). The pressor and renal and mesenteric vasoconstrictor effects of proendothelin‐3 were greater than those of proendothelin‐2. 3 In the second experiment, it was demonstrated that phosphoramidon (10 μmol kg−1, i.v. bolus) abolished the pressor, bradycardic, and hindquarters vasoconstrictor effects of proendothelin‐2 (1.0 nmol kg−1), and inhibited significantly the renal and mesenteric vasoconstrictor actions of this peptide. Phosphoramidon had similar effects on the responses to proendothelin‐3 (1.0 nmol kg−1), although a slight pressor effect of this peptide remained in the presence of phosphoramidon. 4 In the third experiment, it was found that phosphoramidon had no significant effect on the pressor or vasoconstrictor responses to endothelin‐2 or −3 (0.1 nmol kg−1). 5 Collectively, the results indicate that the haemodynamic effects of proendothelin‐2 and −3 in vivo in conscious rats are probably due to their conversion to endothelin‐2 and −3, respectively, by an enzyme(s) that is inhibited by phosphoramidon. There appears to be no obvious difference between proendothelin‐2, proendothelin‐3 and proendothelin‐1 in this respect.
Cannabis in Movement Disorders

Central cannabinoid receptors are densely located in the output nuclei of the basal ganglia (globus pallidus, substantia nigra pars reticulata), suggesting their involvement in the regulation of motor activity. Furthermore, there is evidence that endogenous cannabinoid transmission plays a role in the manipulation of other transmitter systems within the basal ganglia by increasing GABAergic transmission, inhibiting glutamate release and affecting dopaminergic uptake. Most hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders are caused by a dysfunction of basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loops. It has been suggested that an endogenous cannabinoid tone participates in the control of movements and, therefore, the central cannabinoid system might play a role in the pathophysiology of these diseases. During the last years in humans a limited number of clinical trials demonstrated that cannabinoids might be useful in the treatment of movement disorders. Despite the lack of controlled studies there is evidence that cannabinoids are of therapeutic value in the treatment of tics in Tourette syndrome, the reduction of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson''s disease and some forms of tremor and dystonia. It can be speculated that cannabinoid antagonists might be useful in the treatment of chorea in Huntington''s disease and hypokinetic parkinsonian syndromes.
Speculation and Financial Wealth Distribution under Belief Heterogeneity ∗

Under limited commitment that prevents agents from pledging their future nonfinancial wealth, agents with incorrect beliefs always survive by holding on their nonfinancial wealth. Friedman (1953)’s market selection hypothesis suggests that their financial wealth trends towards zero in the long run. However, in this paper, I construct an example in dynamic general equilibrium in which over-optimistic agents not only survive but also prosper by holding an increasingly larger share of a real asset and driving up the price of the asset: they prosper by speculation. The endogenous price dynamics implied by different beliefs is an essential ingredient to the mechanism. ∗I am grateful to Daron Acemoglu and Ivan Werning for their infinite support and guidance during my time at MIT. I wish to thank Guido Lorenzoni and Robert Townsend for their advice since the beginning of this project, Ricardo Caballero and the MIT Macro seminar, Macro Lunch, Theory Lunch, International breakfast participants for helpful comments and discussions. I also thank Markus Brunnermeier, Jinhui Bai, Tim Cogley, Behzad Diba, John Geanakoplos, Mark Huggett, Felix Kubler, Dirk Krueger, Per Krusell, Viktor Tsyrennikov, and other participants at conferences and seminars at UCLA, Georgetown, Princeton, UCL, LSE, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Yale, Cowles Foundation, SED meeting in Montreal, Stanford Institute for Theoretical Economics, NYU-Columbia NBER mathematical economics meeting for comments and discussions on the later versions of the paper. †Email: dc448@georgetown.edu
Impact of the exon 3-deleted growth hormone (GH) receptor polymorphism on baseline height and the growth response to recombinant human GH therapy in GH-deficient (GHD) and non-GHD children with short stature: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT The exon-3 deleted GH receptor (GHR(d3)) polymorphism is associated with an increased growth response to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy in some, but not all, studies in GH-deficient (GHD) and non-GHD children with short stature. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the effects of GHR(d3) on baseline height and the first year's growth response to rhGH treatment in prepubertal GHD and non-GHD children with short stature. DESIGN We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Fifteen studies reporting the effect of GHR(d3) on growth parameters were included. Principal outcomes were baseline height sd score (SDS) and the weighted average of change in growth velocity (Delta cm/yr) and height gain (Delta height SDS) after 1 yr of rhGH. RESULTS In GHD, not in non-GHD, baseline height SDS was 0.159 sd higher [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.020, 0.298] in GHR(d3) compared with GHR(wt-wt). In GHR(d3), rhGH therapy resulted in a higher increase in growth velocity (0.521 cm/yr; 95% CI, 0.196, 1.015) and height gain (0.075 sd; 95% CI, 0.007, 0.143) compared with GHR(wt-wt). Meta-regression demonstrated a larger difference between GHR(d3) and GHR(wt-wt) in studies using lower rhGH doses and carried out at a higher age, independently of the cause of short stature. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis in prepubertal children with short stature indicates that GHR(d3) is associated with increased baseline height in GHD, but not in non-GHD. Furthermore, GHR(d3) stimulates growth velocity by an additional effect of approximately 0.5 cm during the first year of rhGH treatment, and this effect is more pronounced at lower doses of rhGH and higher age.