Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cuff-Less Blood Pressure Estimation Using Pulse Waveform Analysis and Pulse Arrival Time

Using the massive MIMIC physiological database, we tried to validate pulse wave analysis (PWA) based on multiparameters model whether it can continuously estimate blood pressure (BP) values on single site of one hand. In addition, to consider the limitation of insufficient data acquirement for home user, we used pulse arrival time (PAT) driven BP information to determine the individual scale factors of the PWA-BP estimation model. Experimental results indicate that the accuracy of the average regression model has error standard deviations of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10.6\pm 3.3$</tex-math></inline-formula> mmHg (PAT), <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8.7\pm 3.2$</tex-math></inline-formula> mmHg (PWA) for SBP and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$6.0\pm 2.3$</tex-math></inline-formula> mmHg (PAT), <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.4\pm 1.6$</tex-math></inline-formula> mmHg (PWA) for DBP on 23 subjects over a 1 day period. We defined a local-model which is extracted regression model from sparsely selected small dataset, contrast to full dataset for 24h (average-model). The limit of BP estimation accuracy from the local-model of PWA is lower than that of PAT-BP average-model. Whereas the error of the BP estimation local-model was reduced using more data for scaling, it required more than four times the 1 min data extracted over the 12 h calibration period to predict BP for 1 day. This study shows that PWA has possibility to estimate BP value and PAT-driven BP information could be used to determine the individual scale factors of the PWA-BP estimation model for home users.
Correlations between the 44D7 antigenic complex and the plasma membrane Na+-Ca2+ exchanger.

The exchange of Na+ for Ca2+ across the plasma membrane is mediated by a carrier transport system known as the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. We have recently reported the specific inhibition of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity in cardiac and skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles by monoclonal antibody 44D7. In this review, we summarize the properties of the 44D7 monoclonal antibody and the antigenic complex reacting with this antibody. The 44D7 antibody was produced against human acute lymphocytic cells and recognizes a molecular complex composed of two subunits of the apparent molecular weights 95 000 and 38 000, linked by disulfide bonds. Two other monoclonal antibodies react with the same complex:4F2 which binds to the same epitope as 44D7 and specifically inhibits the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity, and 44H7 which reacts with a distinct epitope and does not inhibit exchanger activity. The 44D7 antibody reacts with nerve fibers in brain and proximal convoluted tubules of kidney, both known to possess Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity. Reactivity of 44D7 antibody with tonsil and thymus sections is restricted to certain subpopulations of cells. The reactivity of the antibody is very weak with resting lymphocytes in suspension; however, activated T lymphocytes and leukemic cells show increased binding to 44D7 antibody. Several malignant cell lines express high levels of the 44D7 antigen. The reactivity of a human hepatoma with 44D7 antibody is much greater than that observed with normal hepatocytes. The inhibition by monoclonal antibody 44D7 of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity and the similarity in tissue distribution of the 44D7 antigenic complex and the exchanger system suggests that these two molecules might be related. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Systematic review for the early prediction of motor and functional outcome after stroke by using motor-evoked potentials.

OBJECTIVE To clarify the prognostic value of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in predicting motor and functional outcomes after acute stroke. DATA SOURCES A computer-aided search to identify original prognostic studies published from 1988 through 2000; relevant references cited in the retrieved articles were also included. STUDY SELECTION A preliminary screening selected studies in which transcranial magnetic stimulation was assessed as a prognostic determinant for outcome at the level of impairments (motor recovery) and disabilities (functional recovery). The studies were then subjected to a critical review according to a priori methodologic criteria. DATA EXTRACTION Data from the studies were used to construct contingency tables with MEPs as a prognostic determinant. The distribution of cells was statistically assessed with the Fisher exact test. The prognostic test properties were expressed as sensitivity and specificity. The clinical significance was determined by odds ratios. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 85 potentially relevant studies, 20 met the criteria for the preliminary screening; after the critical review, 5 studies were included for analysis and discussion. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the data from the 5 studies indicated obvious evidence for the prognostic value of MEPs for both motor and functional recovery. The prognostic test properties for subgroups of patients could be established. In predicting motor recovery of the upper extremity, the specificity was consistently very high for subgroups of patients with paralysis or severe paresis; this test property might be used in clinical practice. We discuss the prognostic value of MEPs and offer suggestions for further research.
Role of the NMDA receptor NR2B subunit in the discriminative stimulus effects of ketamine

The noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, ketamine, is a dissociative anesthetic with antihyperalgesic properties. However, its clinical use is compromised by psychotomimetic side-effects. As ketamine and other noncompetitive NMDA antagonists, such as phencyclidine and dizocilpine, are not selective for the NR2A–2D subunits of the NMDA receptor, it is unclear which of these subunits is responsible for the psychotomimetic side-effects. This study investigated the role of the NR2B subunit in the ketamine drug discrimination model, a possible correlate for such side-effects. In a first experiment aimed at assessing general potency and time dependency, ketamine, dizocilpine, phencyclidine and the NR2B-selective antagonists ifenprodil and Ro 25-6981, dose-dependently suppressed fixed ratio 10 food-reinforced responding in rats, with peak efficacy obtained around 15–40 min. In rats trained to discriminate ketamine from vehicle in a two-lever fixed ratio 10 food-reinforced procedure, ketamine, dizocilpine, phencyclidine and Ro 25-6981 induced complete generalization (>80%); whereas ifenprodil induced partial generalization (33%). These findings suggest that the NR2B subunit is involved in the discriminative stimulus effects of noncompetitive NMDA antagonists, and that selective NR2B antagonists may also induce psychotomimetic side-effects.
Another Origin of Coloniality in Volvocaleans: The Phylogenetic Position of Pyrobotrys Arnoldi (Spondylomoraceae, Volvocales)

ABSTRACT. Colonial volvocaleans (Chlorophyceae) are used as a standard model of multicellular evolution. However, the phylogenetic position of the colonial volvocalean family Spondylomoraceae has yet to be resolved. To examine this, the molecular phylogenies of Pyrobotrys stellata and Pyrobotrys squarrosa were analyzed using combined 18S rRNA, RUBISCO large subunit, and P700 chl a‐apoprotein A2 gene sequences. In the phylogenetic trees, Pyrobotrys belonged to the clade Caudivolvoxa and was not closely related to other colonial volvocalean flagellates. The results indicate that colony formation of Spondylomoraceae independently evolved from unicellular volvocaleans. The phylogenetic position of problematic “Pascherina tetras” SAG 159‐1 was also analyzed.
Mycobacterial infections and AIDS.

In the West, 1 of the most common opportunistic bacterial infections in AIDS patients is Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). Physicians have diagnosed it in 15-20% of AIDS patients before they died, and it was identified in 50% of dead AIDS patients. Only 2 cases have been diagnosed in Africa. Before AIDS began afflicting the human population, dissemination of MAI was rare, but in AIDS patients the degree of dissemination is widespread and has been found, at least, in the spleen, lymph nodes, lung, liver, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The portal of entry in MAI infections has not been clearly identified, but some evidence suggests that in AIDS patients the disseminated infection enters through the GI tract. Response to antibiotic treatment for MAI in AIDS patients is poor. Other nontuberculous mycobacteria, such as M. kansasii and 1 case of M. leprae, have also been found in association with AIDS. In the United States, tuberculosis is often associated with AIDS, especially if the cases are black, of foreign origin (particularly from Haiti), or had a history of intravenous drug abuse. Tuberculosis in AIDS patients is more likely to be lymphatic and disseminated than pulmonary. 1 study revealed that 30% of AIDS cases with tuberculosis had pulmonary tuberculosis compared with 80% of those with only tuberculosis. Further, pericardial disease commonly accompanies tuberculosis in AIDS patients. The treatment for tuberculosis in AIDS patients is standard antituberculous drugs. It appears that, at least in the case of tuberculosis, HIV infection causes reactivation of latent infections 1st acquired in childhood. Further research on the association of mycobacterial infection and AIDS will lead to a greater understanding of the immune defense system in all types of patients.
Anterior Spinal Fusion for Thoracolumbar Scoliosis: Comprehensive Assessment of Radiographic, Clinical, and Pulmonary Outcomes on 2-years Follow-up

Background There is a continued role for anterior spinal fusion (ASF) in the treatment of thoracolumbar scoliosis. Despite numerous previous reports of ASF in the treatment of thoracolumbar scoliosis, no single study has simultaneously evaluated clinical, radiographic, and pulmonary function outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of 31 consecutive thoracolumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients (Lenke type 5) who underwent ASF by a single surgeon. Patient records were comprehensively assessed for Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 score, apical trunk rotation, radiographic changes, and pulmonary function before surgery and at 2-years follow-up. Results Thoracolumbar/lumbar curve correction averaged from 45 to 11 degrees (74%) and spontaneous correction of thoracic curves averaged from 26 to 15 degrees (42%). Instrumented segment lordosis increased by 11 degrees, whereas proximal junction kyphosis increased by 3 degrees. No significant changes were noted in T2-T12 kyphosis, distal junctional kyphosis, T12-S1 lumbar lordosis, or coronal balance. Thoracolumbar apical trunk rotation improved from 12 to 3 degrees. Average SRS scores significantly improved from 3.9 to 4.4. SRS assessments of self-image and pain also improved significantly from 3.6 to 4.5 and from 4.1 to 4.6, respectively. Absolute and percent predicted forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second were unchanged. Two patients suffered mild intercostal neuralgia postthoracotomy. There were no other complications. Conclusions The thoracoabdominal anterior approach for thoracolumbar scoliosis facilitates excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes, minimal blood loss, powerful apical trunk rotation correction, relative maintenance of lordosis, relatively short fusion constructs, and improved SRS-22 performance, without significant pulmonary function impairment at 2 years. It continues to be an efficacious treatment for thoracolumbar scoliosis. Level of Evidence Level IV.
Effects of ERCC1 expression in peripheral blood on the risk of head and neck cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) accounted for 3.5% of all cancers registered in Korea during 2001. Although tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are known risk factors of SCCHN, only a small fraction of the populations exposed to tobacco or alcohol develop SCCHN. Therefore, differences in the susceptibility of SCCHN with respect to DNA repair and xenobiotic metabolisms have focused upon attempts to determine the causes of SCCHN. Here, we investigated factors that affect ERCC1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood. The study subjects were all Koreans (67 patients and 73 control subjects); 72.9% of all subjects were male; 68.4% were current or former smokers; and 62.4% were current or former alcohol drinkers. We also studied the association between ERCC1 mRNA expression and the C8092A polymorphism of ERCC1, and found lower ERCC1 mRNA expression in SCCHN patients than in controls (P<0.01). In the present study, we found that ERCC1 C8092A polymorphism is not related to the risk of SCCHN or expression of ERCC1 mRNA. In addition, we found a positive association between ERCC1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood and tumour tissues and inverse associations between ERCC1 mRNA expression and age or the number of cigarettes smoked. Therefore, our study suggests that ERCC1 mRNA expression is reduced by age and smoking and has a weak effect on SCCHN risk as compared with the effects of age and tobacco-smoking expression.
Shell tension forces propel Dictyostelium slugs forward

The Dictyostelium slug is an excellent model system for studying collective movements, as it is comprised of about 105 cells all moving together in the same direction. It still remains unclear how this movement occurs and what the physical mechanisms behind it are. By applying our recently developed 3D traction force microscopy, we propose a simple explanation for slug propulsion. Most of the forces are exerted by the sheath surrounding the slug. This secreted shell is under a rather uniform tension (around 50 mN m−1) and will give rise to a tissue under pressure. Finally, we propose that this pressure will naturally push the slug tip forwards if a gradient of shell mechanical properties takes place in the very anterior part of the raised tip.
Reporting of symptoms associated with concussion by OEF/OIF/OND Veterans: Comparison between research and clinical contexts

ABSTRACT Objective: Veterans from recent military conflicts frequently report persisting symptoms associated with concussion well beyond the expected period of recovery following mild traumatic brain injury. This study examined differences in the reporting of symptoms associated with concussion between clinical and research contexts. Methods: This naturalistic comparison included 91 Veterans from Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and New Dawn (OND). All participants were enrolled in a longitudinal study focused on traumatic brain injury and stress-related disorders and had also completed a VHA Comprehensive TBI Evaluation. Individuals completed the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) during their research and clinical evaluations; additional measures of performance and symptom validity were also available for a subset of participants. Results: NSI mean total and subscale scores were significantly higher when assessed in the clinical compared to the research setting, irrespective of the order and duration of time between evaluations. Rates of over-reporting on the NSI and performance validity test failure were also higher during the clinical evaluation. Conclusion: Clinicians and researchers must appreciate the possible effects of context on the reporting of symptoms commonly associated with concussion. Future research identifying and mitigating factors influencing the effect of context on symptom reporting is needed.
Outcome of Spontaneous Pregnancy in Turner Syndrome

*Correspondence to: Florin Dumitru Petrariu MD, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași, Romania, Preventive Medicine, 16 Universitatii Street, Iasi, 700115, Romania, E-mail: fpetrariu@mail.com Abstract Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common form of chromosomal hypogonadism in women. Clinical features are correlated with the haploinsufficiency of X genes which produces a precocious ovarian degenerescence, sexual hormones secretion deficiency and primary sterility. The review of medical literature reported 87 patients with different cytogenetic form of TS that have 185 pregnancies. In 45,X/46,XX women were described 61 pregnancies in 32 patients. In X homogeneous monosomy were described 43 pregnancies in 21 patients followed by X trisomy mosaicism which was identified in 9 women with 45,X/47,XXX formula (20 pregnancies) and at 11 patients was described 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX formula (35 pregnancies). An increased risk for abnormal pregnancies was proved by frequent miscarriages: 30 cases in 45,X/46,XX, followed by 16 in 45,X/46,XX/47,XXX and 13 in X homogeneous monosomy. Other possible gestational complications in patients with TS could be: dissection of aorta, endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism), arterial hypertension and eclampsia, dystocia. The spontaneous menarche and pregnancy in TS patients are rare events, and usually the gestation is marked by obstetrical complications. The patients with 45,X/46,XX chromosomal formula have the highest risk for chromosomal abnormality in foetus and for miscarriage. The worst prognosis was cited for TS patients with partial X monosomy.
Long-term health outcomes associated with detectable troponin I concentrations.

BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that older men with detectable cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations that remain below the 99th percentile concentration cutoff are at increased risk for subsequent cardiovascular events. We designed this study to extend this observation by examining risk prediction in both men and women presenting to an emergency department with chest discomfort. METHODS We obtained data for all-cause mortality and hospital discharges associated with either acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or congestive heart failure (CHF) for up to 8 years after the initial presentation in 448 patients who originally presented in 1996 with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We performed retrospective analysis for cTnI (AccuTnI; Beckman Coulter) in frozen plasma samples based on the patients' reported time from onset of symptoms. Peak cTnI concentration was used for risk assessment. RESULTS Patients with cTnI concentrations > or =0.02 microg/L (i.e., limit of detection), including those whose peak values remained below the 99th percentile (0.04 microg/L), were at greater risk for death and AMI/CHF readmissions at 2, 5, and 8 years of follow-up compared with those with peak cTnI <0.02 microg/L. All results were statistically significant (P <0.05) except for death within 2 years among patients with normal but detectable cTnI (0.02 to 0.03 microg/L), relative to the group with values <0.02 microg/L. Kaplan-Meier analyses indicated that both men and women with cTnI > or =0.02 microg/L had worse outcomes (P <0.001). CONCLUSION Both men and women who present with possible ACS with detectable cTnI concentrations that remain below the 99th percentile are at a greater risk for future adverse events.
Ultraviolet Radiation as a Limiting Factor in Leaf Expansion and Development

Reductions in leaf growth are a commonly observed response to ultraviolet radiation, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. This study examined the response of leaves exposed to a UV environment across a range of organizational scales, including leaf expansion rate, epidermal cell size and number, biomechanical properties, leaf–water relations and activity of cell‐wall peroxidases. Two experimental approaches were used; Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants were propagated under (a) supplementary UV‐B (9 kJ m−2 day−1) in controlled environment (CE) conditions, and (b) field conditions, where plants were placed under three horticultural films with differing UV transmissions. In both experiments, UV‐B caused the greatest reductions in leaf expansion and final leaf size, with some reductions attributable to UV‐A wavelengths. In supplementary UV‐B conditions, adaxial cell size was reduced, while in field plants, both cell size and cell number were lower in an increased UV environment, as was the case with abaxial cells in CE plants. Although leaf turgor and leaf extensibility were not affected by UV wavelengths, breaking strain of leaf tissue was decreased under supplementary UV‐B. Cell‐wall peroxidase activity was increased in both supplementary UV conditions and in the field, where only a zero UV environment showed no upregulation of cell‐wall peroxidase.
Reducing errors with injectable medications: unlabeled syringes are surprisingly common.

428 P&T® • August 2010 • Vol. 35 No. 8 with epinephrine. The syringe actually contained 30 mL of epinephrine 1:1,000, which a nurse had drawn into a syringe. She had planned to add the drug to several bags of normal saline, but she was called away unexpectedly and left the unlabeled syringe on a tray near the patient. After a local injection of epinephrine into his limb, the patientʼs blood pressure increased, initially leading the staff to believe that he was experiencing malignant hyperthermia. However, the error was recognized after ventricular tachycardia and pulmonary edema developed. He was sent to the intensive-care unit and fortunately recovered without permanent harm.6
Activation of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Attenuates Both Stress and Cue-Induced Ethanol-Seeking and Modulates c-fos Expression in the Hippocampus and Amygdala

Major precipitating factors for relapse to drug use are stress and exposure to drug-related environmental stimuli. Group II (mGlu2/3) metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are densely expressed within circuitries mediating the motivating effects of stress and drug cues and, therefore, may participate in regulating drug-seeking linked to both of these risk factors. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological activation of group II mGluRs modifies both stress- and cue-induced ethanol-seeking, using reinstatement models of relapse. In parallel, brain c-fos expression was examined to identify neural substrates for the behavioral effects of group II mGluR activation. The selective mGlu2/3 agonist LY379268 (1R,4R,5S,6R-2-oxa-4-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylate) (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) dose dependently blocked the recovery of extinguished ethanol-seeking induced by either footshock stress or ethanol-associated discriminative stimuli. These effects were accompanied by modulation of c-fos expression in the hippocampus, central nucleus of the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and medial parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. The results implicate group II mGluRs as a shared neuropharmacological substrate for ethanol-seeking elicited by both drug cues and stress and identify group II mGluRs as promising treatment targets for relapse prevention.