Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Doctors With a Special Interest in Back Pain Have Poorer Knowledge About How to Treat Back Pain

Study Design. We conducted an observational study using mailed questionnaires to 3 random samples of general practitioners from Victoria and New South Wales, Australia in 1997, 2000, and 2004. Objective. To determine whether general practitioners’ beliefs about low back pain (LBP) differ according to whether they have a special interest in back pain, musculoskeletal, or occupational medicine; and whether these beliefs are modified by having had continuing medical education (CME) about back pain in the previous 2 years. Summary of Background Data. Physician surveys continue to demonstrate that general practitioners only partially manage LBP in an evidence-based way. Identified barriers to changing physician behavior, in regard to management of back pain, have included patient factors such as their past back pain experiences and preferences for care as well as physician beliefs about the association of pain and activity; although the influence of physician special interests has not been studied. Methods. Back pain beliefs of different subsets (special interests vs. no special interests and CME vs. no CME) were compared using relative risks (RRs) adjusted for state and survey. The analysis was then repeated including all special interests and recent back pain CME in the model. Results. Responses were received from 3831 general practitioners (overall response rate [RR]: 38.2%). Physicians with a special interest in LBP were more likely to believe that complete bed rest and avoidance of work is appropriate for acute low back pain (RR: 1.89 [95% CI: 1.53–2.33] and 1.55 [95% CI: 1.31–1.83], respectively) and lumbar spine radiographs are useful (RR: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.21–1.51]). The disparity between those with and without a special interest in LBP was still evident after adjusting for the presence of other special interests and recent CME. After adjusting for the presence of other special interests and recent CME, therewere no important differences in back pain beliefs between those with and without a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine, while those with a special interest in occupational medicine and those who had received recent CME had better beliefs. Conclusion. A special interest in back pain is associated with back pain management beliefs contrary to the best available evidence. This has serious implications for management of back pain in the community.
A comparison of bimatoprost 0.03% versus the fixed-combination of latanoprost 0.005% and timolol 0.5% in adult patients with elevated intraocular pressure: an eight-week, randomized, open-label trial.

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE Bimatoprost and the fixed combination of latanoprost with timolol maleate are 2 medications widely used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT). The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of these 2 drugs in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) after 8 weeks of treatment in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or OHT. METHODS In this randomized, open-label trial, 44 patients with POAG or OHT were allocated to receive either bimatoprost (1 drop QD) or latanoprost/timolol (1 drop QD). Primary outcome was the mean diurnal IOP measurement at the 8th week, calculated as the mean IOP measurements taken at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 12:00 pm Secondary outcomes included the baseline change in IOP measured 3 times a day, after the water-drinking test (performed after the last IOP measurement), and the assessment of side effects of each therapy. RESULTS The mean IOP levels of latanoprost/timolol (13.83, SD = 2.54) was significantly lower than of bimatoprost (16.16, SD = 3.28; P < 0.0001) at week 8. Also, the change in mean IOP values was significantly higher in the latanoprost/timolol group at 10:00 am (P = 0.013) and 12:00 pm (P = 0.01), but not at 8:00 am (P = ns). During the water-drinking test, there was no significant difference in IOP increase (absolute and percentage) between groups; however, there was a significant decrease in mean heart rate in the latanoprost/timolol group. Finally, no significant changes in blood pressure and lung spirometry were observed in either groups. CONCLUSIONS The fixed combination of latanoprost/timolol was significantly superior to bimatoprost alone in reducing IOP in patients with POAG or OHT. Further studies with large sample sizes should be taken to support the superior efficacy of latanoprost/timolol, as well as to better assess its profile of side effects.
Intrapleural Corynebacterium parvum for recurrent malignant pleural effusions.

Twenty-two consecutive patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE) were treated with intrapleural Corynebacterium parvum (CBP) associated with parenteral methylprednisolone (MP) to determine its effectiveness and the frequency and nature of adverse reactions. After thoracentesis, 7 mg of CBP (Coparvax Wellcome) in 20 ml of saline were injected into the pleural cavity. On the day of treatment, the patients were given 1 mg/kg i.m. of MP 30 min before thoracentesis. The effectiveness of pleurodesis was assessed as follows: (1) complete response (CR; total resolution of pleural effusion after 3 injections of CBP at the most); (2) partial response (PR; formation of asymptomatic loculated effusion). In 5 patients leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes were determined in pleural fluid (PF) and in blood (B) collected before and 7 days after CBP treatment. Two patients were unevaluable. Of 20 evaluable patients, 18 (90%) had a CR and 2 patients (10%) had a PR. Eleven of 22 patients (50%) had a fever. Three patients had prolonged and/or high fever. Seven of 22 patients (32%) had mild chest pain. None of the patients presented other side effects. Twelve of 21 patients (57.1%) had a PF pH > or = 7.30; 2 of these died a few days after the treatment, and 10 had favorable responses. The other 9 patients had a PF pH < 7.30: all had favorable responses. The leukocytes, the lymphocyte subsets, the monocytes, the NK lymphocytes, and their PF/B ratios did not differ significantly before and after CBP treatment. Our study confirms that intrapleural CBP is an effective and simple method to control MPE. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Total and Segmental Colonic Transit Time and Anorectal Manometry in Children With Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Background Constipation is a frequent symptom in pediatric clinical practice, although the underlying pathogenesis is not fully understood. Estimating the colonic transit time may help identify subgroups of patients with different physiopathologic mechanisms. Methods Thirty children with normal bowel habits and 38 children with chronic idiopathic constipation, aged 2 to 14 years, were studied. The total and segmental colonic transit times were estimated by administering multiple radiopaque markers for 6 days and performing a single abdominal radiograph on day 7. Anorectal function was evaluated using manometry with an Arhan probe. Results The observed upper reference values were 19.02 hours for the right colon, 19 hours for the left colon, 32 hours for the rectosigmoid colon, and 45.7 hours for the total colon. Fifty percent of the children with chronic idiopathic constipation had colonic transit times within reference values, whereas 37% had left colonic and rectosigmoid delays and 13% had global delay in all colonic segments (colonic inertia). Paradoxic anal contraction was observed in 64% of the constipated children with distal delay but in none of the subjects with colonic inertia. Conclusions Estimating colonic transit time is a simple and noninvasive technique for classifying patients with constipation. Colonic inertia may be a manifestation of global motility dysfunction. Children with delayed distal colonic transits are more likely to have abnormal defecation dynamics.
Comparative anatomy of the superfamily Myliobatoidea (Chondrichthyes) with some comments on phylogeny

The anatomy of species belonging to the superfamily Myliobatoidea was examined with the aim of better determining their phylogenetic relationships. A wide variation among genera was observed in skeletal anatomy, despite the fact that they all share a common morphological pattern. However, variation among species of the same genus was low, excepting Mobula. Dorsal musculature showed a substantial consistency, except for the epiaxialis muscle, which was larger in rhinopterids and mobulids. Variation in the ventral muscles was low among species of the same genus, but considerable among different genera. Mobulids have a reduction in ventral muscles, while rhinopterids and myliobatoids show an increase in muscular mass. A consensus tree shows a basal split into two groups. The first includes the family Gymnuridae with the genera Gymnura and Aetoplatea; this group is supported by seven synapomorphies, including: 27(1) ceratobranchialis fused proximally, 36(1) anterior lateral processes present in the synarcual, 52(0) quadratomandibularis internal muscle present. The second group is composed of the family Myliobatidae (Myliobatis, Aetomylaeus, Aetobatus, Rhinoptera, Mobula, and Manta), this group is supported by 11 synapomorphies, including: 5(1) first postorbital process fused with the second, 21(1) fused mandibular symphysis, 24(1) first hypobranchial cartilage absent, 48(2) epiaxialis muscle inserted in the cranial orbital region, 73(1) pectoral fins joined behind the orbital region. This study concluded that myliobatoids (Myliobatis, Aetomylaeus, and Aetobatus) integrate a monophyletic group which, unlike other phylogenies previously obtained, is the sister group of rhinopterids (Rhinoptera). Mobulids (Mobula and Manta) are the sister group of myliobatoids‐rhinopterids. J. Morphol. 262:517–535, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prophylactic recombinant erythropoietin therapy and thalidomide are predictors of venous thromboembolism in patients with multiple myeloma: limited effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant but poorly understood complication in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). As a result, most patients receive thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors for VTE in NDMM and evaluate the effectiveness of LMWH.
Distinct interactions of cannabidiol and morphine in three nociceptive behavioral models in mice

Cannabinoid and opioid agonists can display overlapping behavioral effects and the combination of these agonists is known to produce enhanced antinociception in several rodent models of acute and chronic pain. The present study investigated the antinociceptive effects of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) and the µ-opioid agonist morphine, both alone and in combination, using three behavioral models in mice, to test the hypothesis that combinations of morphine and CBD would produce synergistic effects. The effects of morphine, CBD, and morphine/CBD combinations were assessed in the following assays: (a) acetic acid-stimulated stretching; (b) acetic acid-decreased operant responding for palatable food; and (c) hot plate thermal nociception. Morphine alone produced antinociceptive effects in all three models of acute nociception, whereas CBD alone produced antinociception only in the acetic acid-stimulated stretching assay. The nature of the interactions between morphine and CBD combinations were assessed quantitatively based on the principle of dose equivalence. Combinations of CBD and morphine produced synergistic effects in reversing acetic acid-stimulated stretching behavior, but subadditive effects in the hot plate thermal nociceptive assay and the acetic acid-decreased operant responding for palatable food assay. These results suggest that distinct mechanisms of action underlie the interactions between CBD and morphine in the three different behavioral assays and that the choice of appropriate combination therapies for the treatment of acute pain conditions may depend on the underlying pain type and stimulus modality.
Developmental patterns of cadherin expression and localization in relation to compartmentalized thalamocortical terminations in rat barrel cortex

The wiring of synaptic circuitry during development is remarkably precise, but the molecular interactions that enable such precision remain largely to be defined. Cadherins are cell adhesion molecules hypothesized to play roles in axon growth and synaptic targeting during development. We previously showed that N‐cadherin localizes to ventrobasal (VB) thalamocortical synapses in rat somatosensory (barrel) cortex during formation of the whisker‐map in layer IV (Huntley and Benson [1999] J. Comp. Neurol. 407:453–471). Such specific association of N‐cadherin with one identified afferent pathway raises the prediction that other cadherins are expressed in barrel cortex and that these are, in some combination, also differentially associated with distinct inputs. Here, we first show that N‐cadherin and three other classic cadherins (cadherin‐6, ‐8, and ‐10) are expressed contemporaneously in barrel cortex with relative levels of postnatal expression that are highest during the first 2 weeks, when afferent and intrinsic circuitries are forming and synaptogenesis is maximal. Each displayed distinct, but partly overlapping laminar patterns of expression that changed over time. Cadherin‐8 probe hybridization formed a particularly striking pattern of intermittent, columnar patches extending from layer V through layer III, which was first detectable at approximately postnatal day 3. The patches were centered precisely over regions of dysgranular layer IV and, in the whisker barrel field, over barrel septa. This pattern is similar to that formed by the terminal distribution of thalamocortical afferents arising from the posterior nucleus (POm), suggesting cadherin‐8 association with the POm thalamocortical synaptic circuit. Consistent with this, cadherin‐8 mRNAs were enriched in the POm nucleus, and cadherin‐8 immunolabeling in layer IV was enriched in barrel septa and codistributed with labeled POm thalamocortical synaptic‐like puncta. The striking molecular parcellation of at least two different cadherins to the two, converging thalamic pathways that terminated in non‐overlapping barrel center and septal compartments in layer IV strongly suggested that cadherins provide requisite molecular recognition and targeting that enable precise construction of thalamocortical and other synaptic circuitry. J. Comp. Neurol. 453:372–388, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrodynamic and Membrane Binding Properties of Purified Rous Sarcoma Virus Gag Protein

ABSTRACT Previously, no retroviral Gag protein has been highly purified in milligram quantities and in a biologically relevant and active form. We have purified Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein and in parallel several truncation mutants of Gag and have studied their biophysical properties and membrane interactions in vitro. RSV Gag is unusual in that it is not naturally myristoylated. From its ability to assemble into virus-like particles in vitro, we infer that RSV Gag is biologically active. By size exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering, Gag in solution appears extended and flexible, in contrast to previous reports on unmyristoylated HIV-1 Gag, which is compact. However, by neutron reflectometry measurements of RSV Gag bound to a supported bilayer, the protein appears to adopt a more compact, folded-over conformation. At physiological ionic strength, purified Gag binds strongly to liposomes containing acidic lipids. This interaction is stimulated by physiological levels of phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] and by cholesterol. However, unlike HIV-1 Gag, RSV Gag shows no sensitivity to acyl chain saturation. In contrast with full-length RSV Gag, the purified MA domain of Gag binds to liposomes only weakly. Similarly, both an N-terminally truncated version of Gag that is missing the MA domain and a C-terminally truncated version that is missing the NC domain bind only weakly. These results imply that NC contributes to membrane interaction in vitro, either by directly contacting acidic lipids or by promoting Gag multimerization. IMPORTANCE Retroviruses like HIV assemble at and bud from the plasma membrane of cells. Assembly requires the interaction between thousands of Gag molecules to form a lattice. Previous work indicated that lattice formation at the plasma membrane is influenced by the conformation of monomeric HIV. We have extended this work to the more tractable RSV Gag. Our results show that RSV Gag is highly flexible and can adopt a folded-over conformation on a lipid bilayer, implicating both the N and C termini in membrane binding. In addition, binding of Gag to membranes is diminished when either terminal domain is truncated. RSV Gag membrane association is significantly less sensitive than HIV Gag membrane association to lipid acyl chain saturation. These findings shed light on Gag assembly and membrane binding, critical steps in the viral life cycle and an untapped target for antiretroviral drugs.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein in chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in SJL/J mice

The gliotic scar in the demyelinated plaque is a prominent feature of the pathology of multiple sclerosis. Chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the SJL/J mouse has many characteristics in common with multiple sclerosis in the human, including the development of intense gliosis during the course of the demyelinating disease. With the use of antibody to the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) we have measured the increase of GFAP over an 11‐month course of chronic EAE. Intense staining of astrocyte fibers was seen around EAE lesions, which were most frequently observed in t he cerebellum, periventricular areas, and in the spinal cord, The relative amount of GFAP was estimated by preparation of cytoskeletal proteins from the affected CNS areas, separation of proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and quantitation of GFAP in relation to the 70‐kD neurofilament protein (NF) in gel scans. The ratio GFAP/70‐kD NF protein in control animals did not change significantly over 11 months, whereas this ratio gradually increased to 2.54 in animals with chronic relapsing EAE 6 months after immunization. Although some decrease of neural fibers may have contributed partially to this change in ratio, the amounts of GFAP were greatly increased.
Synthesis of 2‐Fluoro N10‐Substituted Acridones and Their Cytotoxicity Studies in Sensitive and Resistant Cancer Cell Lines and Their DNA Intercalation Studies

A series of 2‐fluoro N10‐substituted acridone derivatives with varying alkyl side chain length with propyl, butyl substitution, and a tertiary amine group at the terminal end of the alkyl side chain were synthesized and screened against cancer cell lines SW 1573, SW 1573 2R 160 (P‐gp substrate) which are non‐small lung cancer cell lines, MCF‐7, MCF‐7/MR (BCRP substrate) are breast cancer cell lines, 2008 WT, 2008MRP1, 2008MRP2, 2008MRP3 are ovarian cancer cell lines, and human embryo kidney cell lines like HEK293, HEK293 MRP4, and HEK293 MRP5i. The propyl‐series compounds showed lipophilicity in the range of 1.93 to 4.40 and the butyl series in the range of 2.37 to 4.78. The compounds 4, 7, and 8 showed good cytotoxicity against the 60 human cancer cell line panel of the National Cancer Institute, USA. The compounds 14 and 15 showed a better cytotoxicity in most of the cancer cell lines compared to other compounds tested. The DNA‐binding properties of the compounds were evaluated based on their affinity or intercalation with CT‐DNA measured with absorption titration. The compound 11 bearing planar tricyclic ring linked with a butyl methylpiperazino side chain showed the highest binding affinity with a binding constant (Ki) of 10.38×10 M–1. Evaluation of the compounds in cell lines with an overexpression of various multidrug resistance‐related protein (MRP), P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), or Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) showed that all compounds are not substrates for any of these transporters.
The Mobile Source Effect on Curbside 1,3-Butadiene, Benzene, and Particle-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Assessed at a Tollbooth

Abstract On-road mobile sources contribute substantially to ambient air concentrations of the carcinogens 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The current study measured benzene and 1,3-butadiene at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel tollbooth over 3-hr intervals on seven weekdays (n = 56). Particle-bound PAH was measured on a subset of three days. The 3-hr outdoor 1,3-butadiene levels varied according to time of day and traffic volume. The minimum occurred at night (12 a.m.–3 a.m.) with a mean of 2 µg/m3 (SD = 1.3, n = 7), while the maximum occurred during the morning rush hour (6 a.m.–9 a.m.) with a mean of 11.9 µg/m3 (SD = 4.6, n = 7). The corresponding traffic counts were 1413 (SD = 144) and 16,893 (SD = 692), respectively. During the same intervals, mean benzene concentration varied from 3 µg/m3 (SD = 3.1, n = 7) to 22.3 µg/m3 (SD = 7.6, n = 7). Median PAH concentrations ranged from 9 to 199 ng/m3. Using multivariate regression, a significant association (p < 0.001) between traffic and curbside concentration was observed. Much of the pollutant variability (1,3-butadiene 62%, benzene 77%, and PAH 85%) was explained by traffic volume, class, and meteorology. Results suggest >2-axle vehicles emit 60, 32, and 9 times more PAH, 1,3-butadiene, and benzene, respectively, than do 2-axle vehicles. This study provides a model for estimating curbside pollution levels associated with traffic that may be relevant to exposures in the urban environment.
Clinical Experience with the Thrombostat 4000

Abstract Bleeding times are presently widely used to screen patients with primary hemostasis defects although their accuracy and reliability has been questioned by many investigators. Platelet aggregation studies are not suited for routine use. We investigated the performance characteristics of the Thrombostat 4000, a device that assesses primary hemostasis. Tests can be performed by adding ADP, epinephrine, CaCl2 or NaCl to the collagen onto which platelets adhere. It was found, using normal volunteers and patients, that ADP and epinephrine had acceptable reference ranges with coefficients of variance between 9–12% for within run and between runs. However, major differences were seen when different filter badges were used–a reflection of differences in collagen. Regular citrated blood, routinely drawn for coagulation studies, can be used; test performance can be delayed for up to five hours when the blood is kept at room temperature. The effects of aspirin on volunteers could be detected when epinephrine was used, but not with ADP. ADP addition allowed the detection of more patients with primary hemostasis defects than bleeding times, and epinephrine was as useful as ADP in detecting these abnormalities. The data suggest that the broadest spectrum of platelet defects (ASA use and platelet dysfunction) can be detected with epinephrine. Inconsistencies in collagen used for coating of the filters is a major drawback for the routine use of this device in screening primary hemostasis defects.