Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Titanium-encased Alumina Ceramic Bearing for Total Hip Arthroplasty: 3- to 5-Year Results

We examined whether encasing the alumina ceramic total hip arthroplasty insert in a thin titanium sleeve would reduce significantly or eliminate insert chipping on impaction of the insert into the shell. We also compared results, including observations of osteolysis, of the Trident® study group with those of the predecessor alumina bearing couple design to determine clinical improvement and radiographic stability. Beginning in October 1996, 328 alumina ceramic bearings were implanted by six surgeons in 316 patients as a part of a prospective, randomized United States Investigational Device Exemption three-arm study comparing an alumina ceramic bearing with a control bearing of cobalt-chromium on polyethylene. In September 1999, a fourth arm of the study (Trident®) was added. The Trident® insert was recessed within a thin titanium sleeve. At three to five years followup, osteolysis was found in 0% of the patients with the Trident® insert and in 0.5% of the patients with an alumina bearing couple. At a mean followup of 4.2 years (range, 3-5 years) no ceramic chips, fractures, or ceramic bearing failures have occurred. Encasing the alumina ceramic insert in a titanium sleeve seems to have resolved the issue of insert chipping on impaction and supports the continued use of Trident® bearings in relatively young patients. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II-1 (prospective comparative study-patients treated one way compared with a group of patients treated in another way at the same institution). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Loss of p21CDKN1A impairs entry to quiescence and activates a DNA damage response in normal fibroblasts induced to quiescence

The cell cycle inhibitor p21CDKN1A induces cell cycle arrest under different conditions, including senescence and terminal differentiation. Still debated is its involvement in the reversible transition from proliferation to a non-dividing quiescent state (G0), in which a significant role has been attributed to cell cycle inhibitor p27CDKN1B. Here we provide evidence showing that high p21 protein levels are necessary to enter and maintain the quiescence state following contact inhibition and growth factor withdrawal. In fact, entry into quiescence was impaired, both in human fibroblasts in which p21 gene has been deleted, or protein expression knocked-down by RNA interference. Importantly, in the absence of p21, human fibroblasts activate a DNA damage-like signalling pathway, as shown by phosphorylation of histone H2AX and Chk1 proteins. In addition, we show that in the absence of p21, checkpoint is activated by an unscheduled entry into S phase, with a reduced efficiency in DNA maturation, in the presence of high c-myc protein levels. These results highlight the role of p21 in counteracting inappropriate proliferation stimuli for genome stability maintenance.
When Action Turns into Words. Activation of Motor-Based Knowledge during Categorization of Manipulable Objects

Functional imaging studies have demonstrated that processing of man-made objects activate the left ventral premotor cortex, which is known to be concerned with motor function. This has led to the suggestion that the comprehension of man-made objects may rely on motor-based knowledge of object utilization (action knowledge). Here we show that the left ventral premotor cortex is activated during categorization of both fruit/vegetables and articles of clothing, relative to animals and nonmanipulable man-made objects. This observation suggests that action knowledge may not be important for the processing of man-made objects per se, but rather for the processing of manipulable objects in general, whether natural or man-made. These findings both support psycholinguistic theories suggesting that certain lexical categories may evolve from, and the act of categorization rely upon, motor-based knowledge of action equivalency, and have important implications for theories of category specificity. Thus, the finding that the processing of vegetables/fruit and articles of clothing give rise to similar activation is difficult to account for should knowledge representations in the brain be truly categorically organized. Instead, the data are compatible with the suggestion that categories differ in the weight they put on different types of knowledge.
Nasal aerodynamics protects brain and lung from inhaled dust in subterranean diggers, Ellobius talpinus

Inhalation of air-dispersed sub-micrometre and nano-sized particles presents a risk factor for animal and human health. Here, we show that nasal aerodynamics plays a pivotal role in the protection of the subterranean mole vole Ellobius talpinus from an increased exposure to nano-aerosols. Quantitative simulation of particle flow has shown that their deposition on the total surface of the nasal cavity is higher in the mole vole than in a terrestrial rodent Mus musculus (mouse), but lower on the olfactory epithelium. In agreement with simulation results, we found a reduced accumulation of manganese in olfactory bulbs of mole voles in comparison with mice after the inhalation of nano-sized MnCl2 aerosols. We ruled out the possibility that this reduction is owing to a lower transportation from epithelium to brain in the mole vole as intranasal instillations of MnCl2 solution and hydrated nanoparticles of manganese oxide MnO · (H2O)x revealed similar uptake rates for both species. Together, we conclude that nasal geometry contributes to the protection of brain and lung from accumulation of air-dispersed particles in mole voles.
Columnar activity regulates astrocytic β-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity in V1 of adult monkeys

Abstract Recent results indicate that astrocytic β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) participate in noradrenergic modulation of synaptic activity. In this study, we sought to examine whether neural activity can, in turn, regulate astrocytic βAR. To address this question, an antiserum that recognizes β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) specifically in astrocytes was used to assess the distribution of the receptors across ocular dominance columns in VI of two monocular and four visually intact adult monkeys. Cytochrome oxidase histochemistry (CO) was used to identify the position of the cortical laminae and of the ocular dominance columns receiving visual inputs from the intact and enucleated eyes. This stain revealed the expected pattern within V1 of monocular monkeys–i.e. darker and lighter bands of equal widths (ca. 500μm) spanning laminae 4–6, each associated with larger and smaller blobs, respectively, in lamina 2/3;. Alignment of CO sections with adjacent sections stained for astrocytic βAR by the immunoperoxidase method revealed intense βAR-like immunoreactivity (βAR-li) in the superficial laminae, a slightly weaker staining in the infragranular laminae and weakest staining in lamina 4C. Within lamina 4C. , a prominent striped pattern was evident. The darker bands of the stripe closely matched widths and positions of the lighter CO columns associated with the enucleated eye. On the other hand, immunocytochemical staining for the astrocytic intermediate filament protein, GFAP, within V1 of monocular monkeys revealed no inter-columnar difference in the density of astrocytic cell bodies or processes. Nissl stain also revealed no overt inter-columnar differences in cell density. V1 of visually intact monkeys exhibited a similar laminar distribution pattern of βAR-li and of CO. Within lamina 4C. , βAR-li was uniformly faint and CO staining was uniformly intense. This suggests that the striped pattern of βAR-li seen in lamina 4C of monocular monkeys results from elevation of the βAR-antigen within the inactive columns. The results indicate that astrocytic βAR density is regulated by local neural activity. The mechanisms regulating βAR density are likely to be independent of those regulating glial cell proliferation or GFAP synthesis. In vitro experimental results of others suggest that elevation of astrocytic βAR may be a mechanism compensating for chronic neural inactivity, since the coincident release of noradrenaline with visual stimulation would elevate neuropil excitability via the astrocytic mechanism of (1) decreasing the uptake of neuronally released L-glutamate; (2) increasing GABA uptake; and (3) stimulating glycogenolysis. Alternatively, the changes in βAR-li may reflect an up-regulation of the receptors within inactive columns due to reduced levels of noradrenaline release.
Oral contraceptive use and mammographic patterns

High-risk mammographic patterns represent an increased risk of contracting breast cancer and may be used as a surrogate endpoint for the disease. We examined the relationship between oral contraceptive (OC) use and mammographic patterns among 3218 Norwegian women, aged 40–56 years. Information on ever OC use, duration, and age of first OC use and other epidemiological data were obtained through questionnaires. The mammograms were categorized into five groups. Patterns I–III were combined into a low-risk group and patterns IV and V into a high-risk group. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression and adjusted for age, menopausal status, parity, age at first birth, and body mass index. Women who reported ever having used OCs were 20% more likely (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.0–1.6) to have high-risk mammographic patterns compared with those reporting never having used OCs. There was no dose response between different measures of OC use and high-risk patterns. Among nulliparous women, ever OC users were four times more likely (OR 4.65, 95% CI 2.1–10.3) to have high-risk patterns compared with never users. Our findings suggest that, especially among nulliparous women, ever OC use may exert its effect on breast cancer risk through changes in breast tissue, which can be observed on a mammogram.
Role of the Matrix Metalloproteinase and Plasminogen Activator-Plasmin Systems in Angiogenesis

Abstract—Extracellular proteolysis is an absolute requirement for new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). This review examines the role of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and plasminogen activator (PA)-plasmin systems during angiogenesis. Specifically, a role for gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), membrane-type 1 MMP (MMP-14), the urokinase-type PA receptor, and PA inhibitor 1 has been clearly defined in a number of model systems. The MMP and PA-plasmin systems have also been implicated in experimental vascular tumor formation, and their role during this process will be examined. Antiproteolysis, particularly in the context of angiogenesis, has become a key target in therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting tumor growth and other diseases associated with neovascularization.
Bioavailability of decabromodiphenyl ether to the marine polychaete Nereis virens

The flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 209) accumulates in humans and terrestrial food webs, but few studies have reported the accumulation of BDE 209 in aquatic biota. To investigate the mechanisms controlling the bioavailability of BDE 209, a 28‐d bioaccumulation experiment was conducted in which the marine polychaete worm Nereis virens was exposed to a decabromodiphenyl ether (deca‐BDE) commercial mixture (>85% BDE 209) in spiked sediments, in spiked food, or in field sediments. Bioaccumulation from spiked substrate with maximum bioavailability demonstrated that BDE 209 accumulates in this species. Bioavailability depends on the exposure conditions, however, because BDE 209 in field sediments did not accumulate (<0.3 ng/g wet weight; 28‐d biota‐sediment accumulation factors [BSAFs] <0.001). When exposed to deca‐BDE in spiked sediments also containing lower brominated congeners (a penta‐BDE mixture), bioaccumulation of BDE 209 was 30 times lower than when exposed to deca‐BDE alone. Selective accumulation of the lower brominated congeners supports their prevalence in higher trophic level species. The mechanisms responsible for limited accumulation of BDE 209 may involve characteristics of the sediment matrix and low transfer efficiency in the digestive fluid. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:860–868. © 2009 SETAC
Neorealism, Security Cooperation, and Europe's Relative Gains Dilemma

ABSTRACT Most neorealists argue that relative decline constitutes a systemic incentive for European security cooperation. Although this claim is broadly accepted, I argue that the relationship between relative decline and European security cooperation is complicated by a number of factors. First, European calculations about relative decline bear both a global and a regional (that is, intra-European) component. If a European country is to effectively mitigate relative decline, cooperation is not sufficient. It is just as important that cooperation develops in a way that underscores that country's comparative strengths and minimizes its weaknesses. In this regard, European countries are often in direct competition with each other. Secondly, when Europeans are thinking about their relative power position, some countries matter more than others: a given European country may accept to incur a relative loss vis-à-vis another country (European or otherwise) but not others. These calculations are further complicated by issue linkage. Some countries may accept relative losses on some issues (for example, security) in exchange for gains on others (economic). This article examines how intra-European considerations of relative gains affect the way in which Europe's main powers seek to cope with relative decline and assesses how those considerations affect security cooperation in a European Union (EU) framework. In doing so, it aims to unpack the otherwise vague notions of relative decline and European security cooperation.
What are the barriers to initiating end-of-life conversations with patients in the last year of life?

INTRODUCTION Improving end of life care is a national imperative. Unsatisfactory care persists particularly in acute hospitals, with shortcomings, variability in communication and advance care planning identified as fundamental issues. This review explored the literature to identify what is known about the barriers to initiating end-of-life conversations with patients from the perspective of doctors and nurses in the acute hospital setting. METHOD Six electronic databases were searched for potentially relevant records published between 2008 and 2015. Studies were included if the authors reported on barriers to discussing end of life with families or patients as described by doctors or nurses in hospital settings, excluding critical care. RESULTS Of 1267 potentially relevant records, 12 were included in the review. Although there is limited high-quality evidence available, several barriers were identified. Recurrent themes within the literature related to a lack of education and training, difficulty in prognostication, cultural differences and perceived reluctance of the patient or family. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrated that, in addressing barriers to communication, consideration needs to be extended to include how to embed good communication practice between patients and health professionals into the culture of this setting. Board level commitment is required to raise awareness of, and familiarity with, policies and protocols concerning communication and end-of-life care. Communication training should include practical skills and tools, opportunities to explore the personal beliefs of practitioners and managing their emotions, opportunities to analyse the local organisational (physical and social environment) and team barriers.
Recurrences of hepatocellular carcinoma following complete remission by transarterial chemoembolization or radiofrequency therapy: Focused on the recurrence patterns

In this study, we analyzed the rates and patterns of recurrences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who had achieved complete remission (CR) by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and also examined the differences of recurrence patterns between TACE‐treated and RFA‐treated groups.
Exposure to cannabinoids in the development of endogenous cannabinoid system

New data strengthen the idea of a prominent role for endocannabinoids in the modulation of a wide variety of neurobiological functions. Among these, two functions, control of movement and antinociception, have attracted the maximal interest because of the possibility that cannabinoids and related compounds might be used with a therapeutic purpose. However, the functions of endocannabinoids in the brain, and also in the periphery, are large and involve, not only the adulthood, but also the period of prenatal and postnatal development, when endocannabinoids have been reported to be significantly present and to play a role in processes of brain development as neuronal proliferation and migration, axonal elongation, synaptogenesis and/or myelinogenesis. The present review article will summarize the different studies carried out on this topic and will suggest futures lines of reseearch to clarify the role of endocannabinoids and their receptors in the development.
Quantitative Power Measurement of Extensor Hallucis Longus: A Simple Objective Test in Evaluation of Low‐Back Pain with Neurological Involvement

Clinical evaluation of a patient with low-back problem is based mainly upon the subjective impressions of the physician. Accuracy in neurologic evaluation and follow-up of these patients depends upon objective and quantitative procedures. A handy instrument, simple to use by the clinician in his office, was developed in our laboratory and tested on healthy volunteers and patients with low-back problems. The instrument measures or records the power of the extensor hallucis longus. Weakness of this muscle represents the vast majority of root involvement in discogenic lesions. The measurement is compared with the result obtained on the contralateral side. The instrument includes a mobile mechanical spring guage of 100–2000-gr range and a leg splint. A single channel polygraph can be connected to record the measurement. The technique was tested on healthy volunteers and good reproducibility and accuracy were found. Seventy-five patients were examined and the power of EHL measured. The patients were divided into three groups according to the nature of their back problems: 1) acute discogenic; 2) chronic low back problems with acute exacerbations; and 3) acute trauma. The quantitative measurements of EHL were of great help in evaluating and following treatment of patients with discogenic lesions and in deciding further surgical treatments. The test was valuable in evaluating malingeres and compensation cases. Eight of the patients with chronic, recurrent low-back problems were found to have weakness of EHL; further investigations showed root pressure mostly due to osteophytes pressing on the nerve roots. After acute trauma, the EHL power test also revealed weakness in patients with higher lumbar injuries, probably because of spreading.
Parental Perceptions of Infant Vulnerability in a Preterm Sample: Prediction from Maternal Adaptation to Parenthood During the Neonatal Period

ABSTRACT. The present longitudinal study of African-American mothers of preterm infants tested the hypothesis that the quality of maternal adaptation to parenthood before infant discharge from the hospital is predictive of maternal perceptions of infant vulnerability later in the infant's first year. As hypothesized, perceptions of infant vulnerability at 3 to 4 months of infant corrected age were predicted by two theoretically relevant measures of maternal adaptation in the neonatal period: mothers' perceptions of their neonates as lethargic and unresponsive to mothers' bids and by low maternal self-efficacy beliefs about feeding the infant. Neonatally obtained maternal self-inefficacy beliefs about their ability to feed the infant in particular proved to be quite robust in predicting mothers' later perceptions of infant vulnerability. Findings collectively suggest that careful attention to the manner in which mothers of preterm infants adapt to parenthood, even before infant hospital discharge, can help clinicians identify mothers at particularly high risk of developing perceptions of infant vulnerability later in the infant's first year. Implications for intervention are discussed.
The isocitrate dehydrogenase kinase/phosphatase from Escherichia coli is highly sensitive to in-vitro oxidative conditions role of cysteine67 and cysteine108 in the formation of a disulfide-bonded homodimer.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase kinase/phosphatase (IDHK/P) is a homodimeric enzyme which controls the oxidative metabolism of Escherichia coli, and exibits a high intrinsic ATPase activity. When subjected to electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions, the purified enzyme migrates partially as a dimer. The proportion of the dimer over the monomer is greatly increased by treatment with cupric 1,10 phenanthrolinate or 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), and fully reversed by dithiothreitol, indicating that covalent dimerization is produced by a disulfide bond. To identify the residue(s) involved in this intermolecular disulfide-bond, each of the eight cysteines of the enzyme was individually mutated into a serine. It was found that, under nonreducing conditions, the electrophoretic patterns of all corresponding mutants are identical to that of the wild-type, except for the Cys67-->Ser which migrates exclusively as a monomer and for the Cys108-->Ser which migrates preferentially as a dimer. Furthermore, in contrast to the wild-type enzyme and all the other mutants, the Cys67-->Ser mutant still migrates as a monomer after treatment with cupric 1,10 phenanthrolinate. This result indicates that the intermolecular disulfide bond involves only Cys67 in each IDHK/P wild-type monomer. This was further supported by mass spectrum analysis of the tryptic peptides derived from either the cupric 1,10 phenanthrolinate-treated wild-type enzyme or the native Cys108-->Ser mutant, which show that they both contain a Cys67-Cys67 disulfide bond. Moreover, both the cupric 1,10 phenanthrolinate-treated wild-type enzyme and the native Cys108-->Ser mutant contain another disulfide bond between Cys356 and Cys480. Previous results have shown that this additional Cys356-Cys480 disulfide bond is intramolecular [Oudot, C. , Jault, J.-M. , Jaquinod, M. , Negre, D. , Prost, J.-F. , Cozzone, A.J. & Cortay, J.-C. (1998) Eur. J. Biochem. 258, 579-585].
The effect of meditation on shooting performance.

OBJECTIVE: To study effects of meditation on the shooting performance. METHODS: 25 elite shooters were investigated in an independent groups design. The results in standardised test shootings indoors and in ordinary competitions outdoors were assessed before and after regular meditation training for the experimental group. The experience of tension during the test shootings was self recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The competition results in the outdoor season (1993), just after the meditation training period, compared with the results the previous season (1992), were better in the meditation group (P < 0.05). No significant difference between the groups was observed in the test shootings before and after the relaxation intervention. A significant association was shown between low tension and the results in the test shootings (correlation r = 0.42, P < 0.0001; Wilcoxon rank sum test, z = -3.36, P < 0.001); 18% (= r2) of the variance in performance was explained by tension. CONCLUSIONS: Meditation may enhance competitive shooting performance.