Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Segmental Anatomy of the Vastus Lateralis: Guidelines for Muscle-Sparing Flap Harvest

Background: The vastus lateralis muscle is a versatile donor site for pedicled and free flaps that, despite great potential, remains unpopular. Although the muscle is classically described as a single belly, evidence exists for a more complex morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the segmental anatomy of the vastus lateralis muscle and the feasibility of selective flap harvest. Methods: Ten cadaveric lower limbs were investigated. Muscular partitions were identified according to morphologic architecture, vascular supply, and nerve supply; guidelines for selective flap harvest were described. Twenty-three segmental vastus lateralis (n = 14) or chimeric anterolateral thigh–vastus lateralis flaps (n = 9) were raised based on neurovascular segmental supply, and used as noninnervated free flaps for reconstruction of moderate and large defects of the head and neck, trunk, or lower limbs. Intraoperative electrostimulation was used to confirm segmental innervation. Lower limb function was evaluated through the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Results: The authors clearly identified three anatomical partitions, which receive a constant segmental neurovascular supply, and two aponeuroses. The authors successfully applied the proposed guidelines for flap harvesting to all 23 patients. Intraoperative electrostimulation confirmed functional integrity of both the flap and the spared partitions. All muscle flaps survived. Donor-site morbidity was negligible, with comparable mean preoperative and postoperative Lower Extremity Functional Scale values (67.7 versus 67.4; p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides detailed knowledge on the morphologic and neurovascular anatomy of the vastus lateralis muscle, which supports the authors’ guidelines for selective flap harvesting. The technique described is safe and minimizes surgical damage.
Multiobjective Discrete Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Multiobjective Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling Problem With Sequence Dependent Setup Times

The multiobjective permutation flow shop scheduling problem with sequence dependent setup times has been an object of investigations for decades. This widely studied problem from the scheduling theory links the sophisticated solution algorithms with the moderate real world applications. This paper presents a novel multiobjective discrete artificial bee colony algorithm based decomposition, called MODABC/D, to solve the sequence dependent setup times multiobjective permutation flowshop scheduling problem with the objective to minimize makespan and total flowtime. First, in order to make the standard artificial bee colony algorithm to solve the scheduling problem, a discrete artificial bee colony algorithm is proposed to solve the problem based on the perturbation operation. Then, a problem-specific solution builder heuristic is used to initialize the population to enhance the quality of the initial solution. Finally, a further local search method are comprised of a single local search procedures based on the insertion neighborhood structures to find the better solution for the nonimproved individual. The performance of the proposed algorithms is tested on the well-known benchmark suite of Taillard. The highly effective performance of the multiobjective discrete artificial bee colony algorithm-based decomposition is compared against the state of art algorithms from the existing literature in terms of both coverage value and hypervolume indicator.
Headache: Prevalence and relationship with office or ambulatory blood pressure in a general population sample (the Vobarno Study)

The association of headache and arterial hypertension is still controversial, although headache is usually considered a symptom of hypertension. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of headache in a general population sample and the relationship with arterial hypertension, as diagnosed by office measurements and ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure (BP). Patients and methods. In the randomized sample of the Vobarno population, 301 subjects (126 males, 175 females, age range 35–50 years) underwent a structured standardized headache questionnaire, office and 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring. Results. Prevalence of lifetime headache and of migraine was greater in females than in males. Office and 24‐h BP values did not differ between subjects without headache and subjects with headache. No differences in headache prevalence (58% vs 55%), migraine prevalence (32% vs 28%) and use of analgesic drugs in the presence of headache (82% vs 78%) were observed between hypertensive patients (93.5% newly diagnosed, 6.5% treated) and normotensive subjects. Conclusions. In a general population sample, hypertension (diagnosed by office and/or 24‐h BP) is not associated with headache.
Regulation of sodium‐glutamine cotransport in villus and crypt cells by glucocorticoids during chronic enteritis

Background: Assimilation of the preferred nutrient of enterocytes is mediated primarily by sodium (Na)‐dependent cotransport (NGct) in the intestine. The predominant NGcT in villus cells, B0AT1, is inhibited secondary to a decrease in cotransporter numbers during chronic intestinal inflammation. In contrast, NGcT mediated by SN2 in crypt cells is stimulated secondary to increased affinity of the cotransporter for glutamine during chronic ileitis. Glucocorticoid is a mainstay of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. However, its effect on NGcT is not known. Methods: The inhibition of B0AT1 in villus cells during chronic intestinal inflammation was reversed back to normal by methylprednisolone (MP). This was secondary to the restoration of the cotransporter numbers in the brush border membrane rather than an alteration in the affinity. The stimulation of NGcT in crypt cells during chronic ileitis was also restored back to its normal levels by MP treatment. This reversal was secondary to the restoration of the altered affinity of the cotransporter SN2 for glutamine. Results: Kinetic studies and western blot analysis were consistent with functional studies for both cotransporters. Thus, glucocorticoids restore two uniquely altered Na‐glutamine cotransporters, B0AT1 in villus and SN2 in crypt cells during chronic enteritis. Conclusions: These data indicate that glucocorticoids function as an upstream broad spectrum immune modulator in the chronically inflamed intestine. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
Does Somatostatin Decrease Hemorrhage From Injured Liver in Rats

In portal hypertensive patients, somatostatin (SMT) and octreotide have been widely used to decrease variceal bleeding because of its splanchnic hypoperfusion effect. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of somatostatin treatment for decreasing blood loss of uncontrolled liver hemorrhage model in rats.Twenty-one male rats were divided into 3 groups including group 1; non-treatment, group 2; isotonic saline infusion and group 3; isotonic saline plus SMT infusion. Intra-abdominal bleeding was induced by transection of median lobe of liver. Mean arterial pressures (MAP), amount of intra-peritoneal blood collection and hematocrit (Hct) changes were evaluated for 60 minutes.There was no difference in the MAP changes between the groups until 25th minute. Thereafter, MAP remained similar in the group 1 while gradually increased (P< 0.05) in the group 2 and 3. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups 2 and 3. End of study, the highest Hct value was determined in the nontreatment group (41.0 ± 3.26 %) and it significantly different from other two groups. We found increase of Htc value in the group 3 (32.3 ± 2.75 %) when compared with group 2 (29.7 ± 4.19 %), but it was not statistically significant. The highest intra-peritoneal blood volume was determined in group 2. We found decrease of the hemorrhage in the group 3 when compared with the group 2, but it was not statistically significant. Somatostatin using has a tendency, although not statistically significant, to decrease of intraperitoneal hemorrhage from liver in the rat model.
Virulence factor profiles and phylogenetic background of Escherichia coli isolates from veterans with bacteremia and uninfected control subjects.

BACKGROUND Escherichia coli is the most common cause of gram-negative bloodstream infections, causing an estimated 40,000 deaths from sepsis each year in the United States. The present study sought to determine specifically which virulence factors (VFs) and phylogenetic groups of E. coli are epidemiologically associated with bacteremia. METHODS E. coli isolates from 63 veterans with bacteremia and rectal isolates from 71 matched uninfected control subjects were compared both for phylogenetic group and for the presence of VFs and O antigens. RESULTS Bacteremia isolates exhibited a significantly greater prevalence of most VFs studied. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ompT (outer membrane protein T) was the strongest VF predictor of bacteremia (P<.001). Despite the concentration of most individual VFs within group B2, bacteremia and rectal isolates differed little by phylogenetic distribution, a finding explained by the greater prevalence of VFs among bacteremia isolates than rectal isolates within groups B2 and D. CONCLUSIONS Although phylogenetic group partially corresponds with virulence potential in E. coli bacteremia, VFs are more-powerful predictors of pathogenic potential. Bacteremia isolates exhibit an arsenal of VFs that distinguishes them from rectal isolates from uninfected hosts, which makes these differences attractive potential targets in vaccine or drug development.
Detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma and regional lymph node metastases by magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting primary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and regional metastasis to the lymph nodes, and to correlate magnetic resonance signal intensity to pathologic changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Magnetic resonance images in 14 patients with MTC (9 with primary disease, 5 with recurrent disease) were reviewed for signal intensities, tumor morphologic characteristics, and tumor invasion with spin-echo T1-weighted images (T1WIs), T2-weighted images (T2WIs), and gadolinium-enhanced T1WIs. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between T2-weighted signal intensity and pathologic findings. Lymph nodes were evaluated based on signal and morphologic characteristics. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging detected tumors in 9 (90%) of the 10 patients who had MTC in the thyroid gland. Extrathyroidal spread of the tumors was correctly predicted using this procedure. Most tumors were hyperintense or markedly hyperintense on T2WI. T2-weighted signal intensity of the tumor was associated with increased amyloid deposition and high tumor cellularity and low level of fibrosis (r = 0.91, P = .01). Lymph node metastasis was present in 38 (23%) of 168 surgically dissected nodes. The combined use of 4 criteria (nodule size, a minimum-maximum diameter ratio of 0.80 or greater, marked hyperintensity on T2WI, and necrosis in the node) yielded a high detection accuracy (93%) for nodal metastasis, with 74% sensitivity and 98% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for detecting primary and recurrent MTC, and its signal intensity reflects the underlying pathologic changes.
Transforming learning into export performance by Chinese firms

Abstract Organisational learning plays a vital role in enhancing firm performance, particularly for companies operating in foreign markets. Knowledge gained from various markets needs to be integrated for it to have a significant impact on performance. This study seeks to demonstrate how organisational learning can transform knowledge into performance through an organization-wide commitment to learning, a knowledge integration system and an organisational capability to learn. A survey undertaken in South China would show that there is a sequential chain of effects among these constructs.
Corticosterone-induced attenuation of epididymal sperm fertility in rats

Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis which results in increased circulating glucocorticoids. Corticosterone is a major glucocorticoid in rats and its excess causes a significant increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of different doses of corticosterone on epididymal sperm fertilizing capacity in surgically manipulated rats. Epididymides of the fertile male rats were surgically separated at the testis-caput junction. Twenty-four hours post-surgery, animals were injected (s.c.) with corticosterone at a dose of 5, 10 or 25 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days. On day 8, experimental male rats were cohabitated with cyclic proestrus females. Sperm-positive vaginal smear was considered as day 1 of pregnancy (p.c.). Pregnant females were laparotomized on day 8 p.c. to determine the number of implantation sites and were left until term. At parturition, the number of pups delivered was counted and compared with the number of implantation sites to determine pregnancy outcome. Results showed that only corticosterone of 25mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days significantly decreased (p<0.05) the number of implantation sites as compared to controls. Moreover, the intrauterine embryonic loss was found to be significantly increased (p<0.01). It is concluded that corticosterone-induced attenuated fertilizing ability of the sperm and the embryonic viability that is fertilized by the damaged sperm could possibly result from an excess ROS which has yet to be verified.
Pharmacokinetics of fluvastatin and specific drug interactions.

Fluvastatin sodium (Lescol) is the first synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)-reductase inhibitor to be studied extensively in humans. Absorption of fluvastatin is complete and unaffected by the presence of food. Systemic exposure is limited because of extensive sequestration by the liver and/or first-pass metabolism, a plasma half-life of approximately 30 min, no circulating active metabolites, and no accumulation of drug during chronic dosing. Approximately 95% of a single dose of fluvastatin is excreted via the biliary route with less than 2% as the parent compound. Studies investigating the effect of food on fluvastatin pharmacokinetics have demonstrated marked reductions in the rate of bioavailability (Cmax) of 40% to 60%. A comparison of drug administration with the evening meal or at bedtime revealed no significant differences in either the extent of bioavailability (area under the curve; AUC) or pharmacodynamic effect [reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)]. Relative to the general population, plasma fluvastatin concentrations do not vary as a function of either age or gender. Administration of a single 40-mg dose to a patient population with hepatic insufficiency resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in both AUC and Cmax. Drug interaction studies with fluvastatin and cholestyramine (CME) demonstrated a lower rate and extent of fluvastatin bioavailability; no impact on efficacy was demonstrated when CME was given 4 h before fluvastatin dosing in clinical trials. Interaction studies with niacin and propranolol demonstrated no effects on fluvastatin plasma levels, and fluvastatin administered to a patient population chronically receiving digoxin had no effect on the AUC of digoxin compared with controls. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Factors related to the return to work potential in persons with severe mental illness

Abstract Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the relationship between the return to work potential, according to the Worker Role Interview (WRI) assessment, and clinical characteristics and level of empowerment and occupational engagement among persons with severe mental illness who express their own interest in working. Methods: 120 participants entered the study. The WRI, the Brief Psychiatric and Rating Scale, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Empowerment Scale, and the Profiles of Occupational Engagement in Severe mental illness were used for data collection. Correlation and regression analyses were used for statistics. Results: The return to work potential was significantly associated with having fewer symptoms, rehabilitation support or productive activities, and higher levels of engagement and empowerment. A younger age had an inverse relation to the lifestyle component in WRI. Depressive symptoms and occupational engagement explained 42% of the variance. Conclusions: The findings support the use of an empowerment approach, taking into account the clients’ symptoms, age, and time use. In addition, involvement in vocational support and productive activities may be advantageous early on in the recovery process.
Adaptation to acute coronary syndrome-induced stress with lowering of testosterone: a possible survival factor.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore whether circulating testosterone (T) concentration is associated with the occurrence and risk for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHOD This case-control study included male patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n=174) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP) (n=90) and healthy controls (n=238). Patients gave serum samples during the acute (n=264) and recovery (n=132) phases after a median of 10.5 months after the incident event. Secondary events (ACS or cardiovascular death) were registered during the following 6 years. RESULTS During the acute phase, AMI and UAP patients had similar significantly reduced concentrations of serum testosterone in comparison to controls. Testosterone associated inversely with weight, the degree of inflammation (i.e. C-reactive protein concentration) and signs of a chronic infection. In a multiadjusted Cox regression, when compared to testosterone concentrations considered high-normal (14.91-34.0 nmol/l), low-normal testosterone (9.26-14.90 nmol/l) in the acute phase predicted better prognosis for cardiovascular death rate with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.17 (0.04-0.68, P=0.012). The increased testosterone concentrations after the recovery period did not associate with future cardiovascular disease events. CONCLUSION Low-normal testosterone levels in the acute phase of ACS predicted better survival. The observation may indicate better adaptation to stress in survivors and warrants further study.
Environmental temperature and mortality

Abstract In Finland, mortality increases steeply in autumn, reaches a peak during the Christhmas holidays and declines slowly towards a trough in August. The relative excess in daily mortality (peak vs. trough) is 30% for coronary heart disease, 40% for cerebral vascular accidents and 90% for diseases of the respiratory organs. There is a secondary peak in Midsummer, especially in coronary deaths of working aged men. Mortality is lowest at mean daily temperature of +14°C, and it increases slowly with falling temperature and steeply with increasing temperature. An estimated 2000–3000 extra deaths occur in Finland during the cold season, most of which are people aged 65 years and over but 20% at working age. The number of people dying from high temperatures (over +14°C) in this country in a normal year is 100-200. Heat deaths are mostly certified as being due to cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Exposure to cold air causes a rise in blood pressure and haemoconcentration which lead to increased tendency to vascular thromboses. In hot weather, haemoconcentration due to sweating and perspiration increases blood viscosity and the risk of thrombosis. Both cold and heat are significant public health hazards which should be taken into account in health care and education of health professionals. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2005; 64(5):451-458)
Alternative Ways of Seeking Knowledge in Consumer Research

Two of the predominant approaches to gaining knowledge in the social sciences are the positivist and interpretive approaches. Different philosophical assumptions and goals underlie both. We are better able to see the strengths and weaknesses in the two approaches by comparing and contrasting different perspectives; this juxtaposition is essential if we are to improve the ways in which we study consumers. In this article, we demonstrate the influence of assumptions on different research processes, cite problems inherent in both perspectives, point out the range of positions within the interpretive approach, and discuss the ramifications of diverse ways of seeking knowledge for consumer research.
Invasive disease and paediatric carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Ghana

Abstract This study was carried out primarily to evaluate the public health burden related to Streptococcus pneumoniae in Ghana and to provide related preliminary molecular epidemiological data on the organism. Invasive and nasopharyngeal specimens were screened for S. pneumoniae, and isolates were subjected to serotyping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Overall, the prevalence of S. pneumoniae in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was 1.7%, in blood was 0.2%, and in nasopharyngeal specimens was 15.3%. The prevalence of multiple drug resistance among the isolates was 48.6%, while the percentage resistance to various drugs was in the range of 11.1–84.0%. Serotyping of the S. pneumoniae isolates showed 7 different serotypes (3, 6B, 9, 10, 14, 16 and 23F). The extent of coverage of serotypes by the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was 57.1%, for the 10-valent vaccine was 57.1%, and for the 13-valent vaccine was 71.4%. MLST of 7 housekeeping genes of the organism showed a high level of genetic diversity among the isolates. S. pneumoniae appears to be an important organism in invasive infections in Ghana, being the most prevalent organism in CSF in this study. The high multiple drug resistance of the organism observed heightens the public health burden, which may be controlled by pneumococcal conjugate vaccines to a large extent.