Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of oral nizatidine and ranitidine on gastric volume and pH in patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopy

Ninety patients who presented for elective gynaecological laparoscopy as day cases were allocated at random to three groups and studied on a double blind basis to compare the effects of nizatidine, ranitidine or placebo on gastric secretion. All the patients received the active drugs or placebo orally at least 45 minutes before the induction of anaesthesia. After tracheal intubation gastric fluid was aspirated via an orogastric tube and the volume and pH of the aspirate were measured. Venous blood samples were obtained at the times of gastric sampling to determine the plasma levels of the drugs. The proportion of patients with both pH > 2.5 and volume < 25 ml were 100%, 90%, and 92.9% in the nizatidine, ranitidine and placebo groups respectively. There was no difference in volume between groups. Two patients in the nizatidine group without a measurable aspirate had blood levels less than the therapeutic range. The median pH values in both treated groups were significantly greater than in the placebo group, but there were no differences between the two treated groups. There were 19 (67.8%) patients in the placebo group with pH < 2.5. This was significantly higher than the 2 (7.4%) and 6 (20%) in the nizatidine and ranitidine groups respectively. When the time interval between drug administration and induction of anaesthesia was divided arbitrarily into 45‐90 minutes and > 90 minutes, all the patients in the nizatidine and ranitidine groups with pH < 2.5 were given the drugs in the 45–90 minute interval; this suggests a latent period is required before the gastric pH increases. Nizatidine may be an effective protective agent against acid aspiration syndrome.
Transient Chondrogenic Phase in the Intramembranous Pathway During Normal Skeletal Development

Calvarial and facial bones form by intramembranous ossification, in which bone cells arise directly from mesenchyme without an intermediate cartilage anlage. However, a number of studies have reported the emergence of chondrocytes from in vitro calvarial cell or organ cultures and the expression of type II collagen, a cartilage‐characteristic marker, in developing calvarial bones. Based on these findings we hypothesized that a covert chondrogenic phase may be an integral part of the normal intramembranous pathway. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the temporal and spatial expression patterns of cartilage characteristic genes in normal membranous bones from chick embryos at various developmental stages (days 12, 15 and 19). Northern and RNAse protection analyses revealed that embryonic frontal bones expressed not only the type I collagen gene but also a subset of cartilage characteristic genes, types IIA and XI collagen and aggrecan, thus resembling a phenotype of prechondrogenic‐condensing mesenchyme. The expression of cartilage‐characteristic genes decreased with the progression of bone maturation. Immunohistochemical analyses of developing embryonic chick heads indicated that type II collagen and aggrecan were produced by alkaline phosphatase activity positive cells engaged in early stages of osteogenic differentiation, such as cells in preosteogenic‐condensing mesenchyme, the cambium layer of periosteum, the advancing osteogenic front, and osteoid bone. Type IIB and X collagen messenger RNAs (mRNA), markers for mature chondrocytes, were also detected at low levels in calvarial bone but not until late embryonic stages (day 19), indicating that some calvarial cells may undergo overt chondrogenesis. On the basis of our findings, we propose that the normal intramembranous pathway in chicks includes a previously unrecognized transient chondrogenic phase similar to prechondrogenic mesenchyme, and that the cells in this phase retain chondrogenic potential that can be expressed in specific in vitro and in vivo microenvironments.
Maintenance of Increased Bone Mass After Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone (1‐84) With Sequential Zoledronate Treatment in Ovariectomized Rats

The concept of lose, restore, maintain (LRM) for reversing existing osteoporosis was tested in rats. The withdrawal of PTH results in the loss of the acquired bone mass, but sequential therapy with zoledronate quite effectively maintained the PTH(1‐84)‐acquired bone quantity and quality.
Child-Centered Play Therapy in Elementary Schools

This thesis presents a rationale for providing counseling, and more specifically childcentered play therapy, to elementary school children. The purpose of this study was to measure the outcomes and evaluate the results of a community-based early intervention program that provided child-centered play therapy to students in three schools in a rural county in Western New York State. Teacher assessments, therapist reports, and parent reports were used to measure change in the students involved in the study. The importance of early intervention and preventive services is discussed, as well as the tenets and benefits of child-centered play therapy. The results of the 14 students studied demonstrated that child-centered play therapy is an effective modality for working with children. The author advocates for the implementation of the Early Intervention Program in more schools.
Effect of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 in embryonic hippocampal cells

Although the role of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 in calcium homeostasis of bone tissue is clear, evidence of the involvement of vitamin D3 in the central nervous system functions is increasing. In fact, vitamin D3 regulates vitamin D receptor and nerve growth factor expression, modulates brain development, and reverses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Only few studies, however, address vitamin D3 effect on embryonic hippocampal cell differentiation. In this investigation, the HN9.10e cell line was used as experimental model; these cells, that are a somatic fusion product of hippocampal cells from embryonic day‐18 C57BL/6 mice and N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells, show morphological and cytoskeletal features similar to their neuronal precursors. By this model, we have studied the time course of vitamin D3 localization in the nucleus and its effect on proteins involved in proliferation and/or differentiation. We found that the translocation of vitamin D3 from cytoplasm to the nucleus is transient, as the maximal nuclear concentration is reached after 10 h of incubation with 3H‐vitamin D3 and decreases to control values by 12 h. The appearance of differentiation markers such as Bcl2, NGF, STAT3, and the decrease of proliferation markers such as cyclin‐1 and PCNA are late events. Moreover, physiological concentrations of vitamin D3 delay cell proliferation and induce cell differentiation of embryonic cells characterized by modification of soma lengthening and formation of axons and dendrites. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in patient sorting to nursing homes under public reporting: improved patient matching or provider gaming?

OBJECTIVE To test whether public reporting in the setting of postacute care in nursing homes results in changes in patient sorting. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING All postacute care admissions from 2001 to 2003 in the nursing home Minimum Data Set. STUDY DESIGN We test changes in patient sorting (or the changes in the illness severity of patients going to high- versus low-scoring facilities) when public reporting was initiated in nursing homes in 2002. We test for changes in sorting with respect to pain, delirium, and walking and then examine the potential roles of cream skimming and downcoding in changes in patient sorting. We use a difference-in-differences framework, taking advantage of the variation in the launch of public reporting in pilot and nonpilot states, to control for underlying trends in patient sorting. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS There was a significant change in patient sorting with respect to pain after public reporting was initiated, with high-risk patients being more likely to go to high-scoring facilities and low-risk patients more likely to go to low-scoring facilities. There was also an overall decrease in patient risk of pain with the launch of public reporting, which may be consistent with changes in documentation of pain levels (or downcoding). There was no significant change in sorting for delirium or walking. CONCLUSIONS Public reporting of nursing home quality improves matching of high-risk patients to high-quality facilities. However, efforts should be made to reduce the incentives for downcoding by nursing facilities.
Comparison of Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg Isolates from Human Patients with Those from Animal and Food Sources

ABSTRACT Seventy-eight Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg isolates from humans were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes, and plasmids and genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Most (88%) contained plasmids, and 47% were resistant to antimicrobials. The overall results were compared to those of previous S. Heidelberg studies of food- and animal-related sources, and multiple similarities were observed.
Increasing rates of vibriosis in the United States, 1996-2010: review of surveillance data from 2 systems.

BACKGROUND The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors vibriosis through 2 surveillance systems: the nationwide Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance (COVIS) system and the 10-state Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). COVIS conducts passive surveillance and FoodNet conducts active surveillance for laboratory-confirmed Vibrio infections. METHODS We summarized Vibrio infections (excluding toxigenic V. cholerae O1 and O139) reported to COVIS and FoodNet from 1996 through 2010. For each system, we calculated incidence rates using US Census Bureau population estimates for the surveillance area. RESULTS From 1996 to 2010, 7700 cases of vibriosis were reported to COVIS and 1519 to FoodNet. Annual incidence of reported vibriosis per 100,000 population increased from 1996 to 2010 in both systems, from 0.09 to 0.28 in COVIS and from 0.15 to 0.42 in FoodNet. The 3 commonly reported Vibrio species were V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus; both surveillance systems showed that the incidence of each increased. In both systems, most hospitalizations and deaths were caused by V. vulnificus infection, and most patients were white men. The number of cases peaked in the summer months. CONCLUSIONS Surveillance data from both COVIS and FoodNet indicate that the incidence of vibriosis increased from 1996 to 2010 overall and for each of the 3 most commonly reported species. Epidemiologic patterns were similar in both systems. Current prevention efforts have failed to prevent increasing rates of vibriosis; more effective efforts will be needed to decrease rates.
Global food insecurity. Treatment of major food crops with elevated carbon dioxide or ozone under large-scale fully open-air conditions suggests recent models may have overestimated future yields

Predictions of yield for the globe's major grain and legume arable crops suggest that, with a moderate temperature increase, production may increase in the temperate zone, but decline in the tropics. In total, global food supply may show little change. This security comes from inclusion of the direct effect of rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, [CO2], which significantly stimulates yield by decreasing photorespiration in C3 crops and transpiration in all crops. Evidence for a large response to [CO2] is largely based on studies made within chambers at small scales, which would be considered unacceptable for standard agronomic trials of new cultivars or agrochemicals. Yet, predictions of the globe's future food security are based on such inadequate information. Free-Air Concentration Enrichment (FACE) technology now allows investigation of the effects of rising [CO2] and ozone on field crops under fully open-air conditions at an agronomic scale. Experiments with rice, wheat, maize and soybean show smaller increases in yield than anticipated from studies in chambers. Experiments with increased ozone show large yield losses (20%), which are not accounted for in projections of global food security. These findings suggest that current projections of global food security are overoptimistic. The fertilization effect of CO2 is less than that used in many models, while rising ozone will cause large yield losses in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, FACE studies have been limited in geographical extent and interactive effects of CO2, ozone and temperature have yet to be studied. Without more extensive study of the effects of these changes at an agronomic scale in the open air, our ever-more sophisticated models will continue to have feet of clay.
Determination of human coronary artery composition by Raman spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND We present a method for in situ chemical analysis of human coronary artery using near-infrared Raman spectroscopy. It is rapid and accurate and does not require tissue removal; small volumes, approximately 1 mm3, can be sampled. This methodology is likely to be useful as a tool for intravascular diagnosis of artery disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Human coronary artery segments were obtained from nine explanted recipient hearts within 1 hour of heart transplantation. Minces from one or more segments were obtained through grinding in a mortar and pestle containing liquid nitrogen. Artery segments and minces were excited with 830 nm near-infrared light, and Raman spectra were collected with a specially designed spectrometer. A model was developed to analyze the spectra and quantify the amounts of cholesterol, cholesterol esters, triglycerides and phospholipids, and calcium salts present. The model provided excellent fits to spectra from the artery segments, indicating its applicability to intact tissue. In addition, the minces were assayed chemically for lipid and calcium salt content, and the results were compared. The relative weights obtained using the Raman technique agreed with those of the standard assays within a few percentage points. CONCLUSIONS The chemical composition of coronary artery can be quantified accurately with Raman spectroscopy. This opens the possibility of using histochemical analysis to predict acute events such as plaque rupture, to follow the progression of disease, and to select appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Extrinsic and intrinsic blood supply to the optic chiasm

Although there have been many studies of the arterial cerebral blood supply, only seven have described the optic chiasm (OC) blood supply and their results are contradictory. The aim of this study was to analyze the extrinsic and intrinsic OC blood supply on cadaveric specimens using dissections and microcomputer tomography (Micro‐CT). Thirteen human specimens were dissected and the internal or common carotid arteries were injected with red latex, China Ink with gelatin or barium sulfate. Three Micro‐CTs were obtained to reveal the intrinsic blood supply to the OC. The superior hypophyseal arteries (SupHypA) (13/13) and posterior communicating artery (PCoA) (12/13) supplied the pial network on the inferior side of the OC. The first segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) (10/10), SupHypA (7/10), the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) (9/10), and PComA (1/10) supplied the pial network of its superior side. The intrinsic OC blood supply was divided into three networks (two lateral and one central). Capillaries entering the OC originated principally from the inferior pial network. The lateral network capillaries had the same orientation as the visual lateral pathways, but the central network was not correlated with the nasal fibers crossing into the OC. There was no anastomosis in the pial or intrinsic networks. Only SupHypA, PCoA, ACoA, and ACA were involved in the OC blood supply. Because there was no extrinsic or intrinsic anastomosis, all arteries should be preserved. Tumor compression of the inferior intrinsic arterial network could contribute to visual defects. Clin. Anat. 31:432–440, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of reforestation on benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and assemblage in Costa Rican Headwaters

The effects of reforestation on benthic macroinvertebrate communities were studied at twelve headwater streams located in a mixture of primary forest, rehabilitated secondary forest and pastoral land in Southern Costa Rica. The study encompassed a six month period from the end of the dry season and through the wet and dry seasons. Comparisons between forested and deforested sites showed that deforestation altered benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage composition, reduced macroinvertebrate diversity and eliminated sensitive taxa. Rehabilitated secondary forested sites displayed the highest diversity of all three catchments as well as the greatest substrate and macroinvertebrate assemblage heterogeneity. Among environmental variables canopy cover was shown to have significant effects on several environmental variables including substrate and pH (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in macroinvertebrate assemblage structure between seasons nor were there any significant differences in environmental variables between catchments (P<0.05).
High levels of blood lead in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from Cazorla natural park (southern Spain)

The blood lead of 23 griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) trapped in 2003 was analyzed in order to evaluate exposure to lead in the vulture population of Cazorla Natural Park (in southern Spain). In 2001 the use of leaded gasoline in vehicles was banned in the European Union; however, lead ammunition is still used in Spain in big‐game hunting for red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, and wild boar, which are ingested by vultures from September to March. The mean concentration of lead in blood was 43.07 ± 31.96 μg/dL with a range of 17.39–144.80 μg/dL. Only two vultures had lead levels below 20 μg/dL, and two others had blood lead concentrations close to 150 μg/dL. In view of the results, we think the population of vultures from Cazorla Natural Park is suffering subclinical exposure to lead, with some individuals exposed to high toxicity risk. We concluded that ingestion of lead in the metallic form alone is sufficient to produce these blood lead concentrations, and we recommend the prohibition of lead ammunition for big‐game hunting in order to preserve the vulture population. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 459–463, 2005.
Transcriptional trans activation by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat requires specific coactivators that are not basal factors

Expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genes is regulated by the trans activator Tat. Tat exerts its effects by increasing the rate of transcription, but the mechanism by which it does so is still unknown. To study the cellular factors required for Tat trans activation, we have expressed functional Gst-Tat fusion protein and used it to construct affinity columns. Our findings are as follows. (i) A Gst-Tat affinity matrix depleted HeLa nuclear extracts of a factor(s) required for Tat function. A Tat mutant bearing the missense mutation lysine to alanine at position 41 was incapable of this depletion. (ii) Tat trans activation was recovered by addition of unfractionated nuclear extract, the 0.5 M KCl elution fraction from the Tat affinity column, or sedimentation gradient fractions of HeLa extracts. The activity from the gradients sedimented with an apparent molecular mass of 200 kDa. (iii) Tat trans activation could not be recovered by use of recombinant human TATA-binding protein or partially purified TFIID. (iv) trans activation by Tat was blocked by heating of the nuclear extract under conditions in which basal transcription was not decreased. Our data demonstrate for the first time the existence of unique Tat coactivators distinct from factors required for general basal transcription.
Preservation of hearing.

I N this age in which we live there is perhaps no faculty of greater importance than that of hearing of the spoken voice. It is surely therefore incumbent upon us that we do everything in our power to preserve this faculty. To do this, however, we are faced with a problem which embraces both genetics and sociology. In any problem of preventive medicine one must start at the earliest possible time. In the question of hearing we must start not at birth or neonatal life but before the union of the two parents in marriage. An analysis of the underlying causes of deafness in the young infant shows that there are two varieties: those with a predestined hereditary factor and those in which some chance factor occurred during pregnancy. Three possibilities, therefore, present themselves: (I) The deafness is congenital e.g, if the mother is infected with rubella during the first 3 months of pregnancy or if there is incompatibility ofthe Rh factor in the parent's blood leading to kernicterus. (2) The deafness is truly hereditary in nature, as is seen in otosclerosis and familial perceptive deafnesses. (3) These two processes may combine, as in sporadic recessive deafness. Erythroblastosis foetalis complicated by kernicterus may cause deafness by damage to the cochlear pathways from the deposition of pigment. Other neurological and developmental defects may also occur. These complications may be avoided by an early induction of labour, and, if the infant is born alive, immediate exchange transfusion may save both life and hearing. Another cause of congenital deafness is rubella contracted by the mother in the first
Temsirolimus: a safety and efficacy review

Introduction: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) represent the most frequently exploited targets in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Temsirolimus is an inhibitor of mTOR, and is a unique ester derivative of sirolimus, a macrocyclic lactone, with improved pharmaceutical properties, including stability and solubility. Temsirolimus binds to the cytoplasmic protein FKBP-12, and the complex binds and inhibits mTOR. Areas covered: This review summarizes the clinical findings and safety of temsirolimus in RCC patients. Expert opinion: A Phase III clinical trial has demonstrated that temsirolimus has statistically significant advantages over treatment with IFN-α in RCC patients with poor prognosis, in terms of OS (overall survival), PFS (progression-free survival), and tumor response. Median OS was improved 49% compared to IFN-α, and median PFS was approximately doubled. It is now considered the standard for RCC patients with poor prognostic features. The possibility that this agent is useful in metastatic non-clear cell carcinoma patients has also been suggested by a subset analysis of the pivotal Phase III trial. Studies in untreated favorable and intermediate risk clear cell and refractory mRCC patients are required.
Kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family mRNA variants and protein isoforms in hormone-related cancers: do they have a function?

Abstract The kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) gene family of 15 serine proteases encodes many proteins, including prostate specific antigen (PSA or KLK3), that are well described and/or are potential biomarkers for hormone-related cancers. Variant mRNA transcripts produced by alternative splicing, polyadenylation or AUG sites, or intron retention have been found for each of the KLK genes. The predicted protein for many of these alternative transcripts is different from that of the classical kallikrein-related peptidases and would not be an active serine protease. The majority of these novel protein isoforms have not been studied in vivo. The possible function(s) of the variant transcripts/protein isoforms and potential roles that they may play in hormone-related cancers are still unknown and are the focus of this short review.