Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pleural effusion after ventricular assist device placement: prevalence and pleural fluid characteristics.

BACKGROUND The occurrence of pleural effusion after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation has been described; however, little has been elucidated about the nature, prevalence, or characteristics of the effusions. Our study details the prevalence of pleural effusion and pleural fluid characteristics in VAD patients at our institution. METHODS We conducted a review of 22 consecutive patients undergoing VAD placement from August 2004 to January 2006. The clinical course of pleural effusions and their biochemical characteristics were studied by reviewing the patient charts and radiographs. RESULTS Six of the 22 patients (18%) had pleural effusion before VAD placement. All 22 patients had effusions after VAD placement, with the majority being left sided (23%) or bilateral with left-sided predominance (41%). Four patients had large effusion, nine patients had moderate-sized effusions, and nine patients had small effusions. Nine patients (41%) required thoracentesis to relieve dyspnea. All were noted to have blood-tinged pleural fluid, and removal resulted in relief of dyspnea and improvement of clinical status. Seven patients had their pleural fluid examined in detail, and all met criteria for an exudate. No complications were experienced from thoracentesis. CONCLUSIONS Although pleural effusion is commonly seen in patients after VAD placement, this is the first study to examine the effusions in detail. In our series, pleural effusions developed in all patients, and most were either on the left side or bilateral. Those sampled were exudative in nature, blood tinged, and lymphocyte predominant. Drainage resulted in improvement in symptoms and was accomplished without complications.
Differences in the response to methacholine between the tidal breathing and dosimeter methods: influence of the dose of bronchoconstrictor agent delivered to the mouth.

BACKGROUND It has been postulated that differences in provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) values between the dosimeter method and tidal breathing method might be due to differences in the dose of agonist delivered to the mouth. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the dose of aerosol delivered to the mouth on differences in the response obtained with each challenge method. METHODS This study measured airway responsiveness to methacholine by dosimeter method and tidal breathing method in 27 subjects with suspected asthma. The dosimeter was modified to deliver an identical volume to that obtained with the tidal breathing method. Concentration-response curves were characterized by the PC20. RESULTS The dosimeter method PC20 was significantly higher than the tidal breathing method PC20, with geometric mean values of 4.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86 to 8.78 mg/mL) and 2.19 (95% CI, 1.32 to 3.64 mg/mL; p = 0.04), respectively. The mean difference in the PC20 value detected with each method was similar in subjects with tidal breathing method PC20 values > or = 2 mg/mL (0.77 doubling concentrations) and in those with PC20 values < 2 mg/mL (0.96 doubling concentrations; p = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS The tidal breathing method produces PC20 values significantly lower than a modified dosimeter method, which delivers the same volume of aerosol. These results suggest that the discordant PC20 values obtained with the two methods are not due to differences in the dose of agonist delivered to the mouth.
Saudi women: Opportunities and challenges in science and technology

Women inequality is one of the issues used to criticize the policy in Islamic World. Social inequality fueled the outbreak of the Arab Spring. Ongoing plight across Arab counties had not achieved successful resolution. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz focused on modernizing the deeply conservative Saudi society, governed by Sharia'a law, through Science diplomacy. Under his leadership, the kingdom's diplomatic relation with the developed countries was empowered allowing transfer of modern scientific education equally for both men and women. This included the overhauled of the existing scientific educational & research institutions, introducing new institutions with state of the art scientific facilities, promoting technology exchange of various research programs with international scientific institutions, establishment of the first mixed-gender post graduate university , involving international faculties &students , scholarship program allowed male & female students to study at developed countries. The gender gap in university registration, Saudi Arabia ranks no. 25th. Saudi women are vigorously pursuing higher education especially in science at a rate greater than Saudi men & Western women. They are becoming pioneers in a variety of fields, most prominently in science and research, assigned in different types of posts which were not allowed, such as work in industry, leading decision making government, private sector posts & Shura cabinet members. They are receiving international awards, granted patents for their ideas and innovations. King Abdulaziz first class Saudi medal awarded to women scientists.
Pathogenicity of an emergent, ovine abortifacient Campylobacter jejuni clone orally inoculated into pregnant guinea pigs.

OBJECTIVE To compare pathogenicity of an emergent abortifacient Campylobacter jejuni (IA 3902) with that of reference strains after oral inoculation in pregnant guinea pigs. ANIMALS 58 pregnant guinea pigs. PROCEDURES 12 animals were challenged IP with C jejuni IA 3902 along with 5 sham-inoculated control animals to confirm abortifacient potential. Once pathogenicity was confirmed, challenge via oral inoculation was performed whereby 12 guinea pigs received IA 3902, 12 received C jejuni isolated from ovine feces (OF48), 12 received a fully sequenced human C jejuni isolate (NCTC 11168), and 5 were sham-inoculated control animals. After abortions, guinea pigs were euthanized; samples were collected for microbial culture, histologic examination, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS C jejuni IA 3902 induced abortion in all 12 animals following IP inoculation and 6 of 10 animals challenged orally. All 3 isolates colonized the intestines after oral inoculation, but only IA 3902 induced abortion. Evidence of infection existed for both IA 3902 and NCTC 11168; however, C jejuni was only recovered from fetoplacental units of animals inoculated with IA 3902. Immunohistochemical analysis localized C jejuni IA 3902 infection to subplacental trophoblasts, perivascular tissues, and phagocytes in the placental transitional zone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study revealed that C jejuni IA 3902 was a unique, highly abortifacient strain with the ability to colonize the intestines, induce systemic infection, and cause abortion because of its affinity for the fetoplacental unit. Guinea pigs could be effectively used in the study of septic abortion after oral inoculation with this Campylobacter strain.
Heart failure in the elderly: diastolic heart failure, medical therapy, women and end-of-life care

Heart failure is a leading source of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the world. The disease is particlularly prevalent among older patients. The elderly population suffers a high disease burden associated with the distinctive pathophysiology and associated symptoms. There are several challenges healthcare providers face in the management of older patients with heart failure. The present article provides some thoughts on issues in heart failure management in older patients with an emphasis on diastolic heart failure, concerns of polypharmacotherapy, undetected and untreated heart failure among women, and end-of-life care concerns that are relatively unique to an elderly heart failure population. With the expected increase in the number of patients with heart failure and the fact that they might live longer but may suffer more, further efforts are required to aid understanding of the specific needs and challenges for healthier aging, even with a chronic and incurable disease.
Silent Crisis: Epidemic Hypertension in Rural West Africa

Background: Hypertension is the commonest modifiable risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and a major preventable cause of premature mortality. The worldwide prevalence of hypertension will increase by more than half by 2025; almost three-quarters of people with hypertension will be living in developing countries by 2025. We set out to evaluate the burden and correlates of adult hypertension in a rural Ghanaian community. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 438 adults aged ≥35 in the Barekese sub-district (estimated population 18,510). Socio-demographic characteristics, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements were collected using standardized protocols. Results: The proportion of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension in the study population is 50.9% and 16.0% respectively. Only 21.2% were previously diagnosed as hypertensive; 25.8% of whom were not being treated. The proportion of the people with hypertension whose BPs were controlled ( 30 kg/m2) was found in 13.24% of the population, with 6.7% being extremely obese (BMI>40 kg/m2). Factors such as increasing age and BMI positively correlated with BP. Conclusion: There appears to be a high burden of hypertension in rural Ghana; the low detection, and poor management and control should make this a high priority. These findings indicate the need for urgent measures to promote health education that would facilitate prevention, early detection, and management of hypertension.
Disaster Health Management: Iran's Progress and Challenges

I.R. Iran is exposed to a wide variety of natural and man-made hazards. Human-related consequences of disasters and its impact on health service delivery bring the health to the top agenda of disaster management. This article presents the DHM’s progress in Iran and the related challenges. Iran has achieved considerable academic and administrative success in terms of emergency management and risk reduction in health sector, but many rooms for improvement are left. Earthquakes of Bam (2003), Zarand (2005) and Lorestan (2006), Golestan floods (2001 and 2005), Cyclone Gonu (2007) and re-current droughts were the largest disasters during last 10 years, which health system could learn from and apply the lessons learned. The challenges have been changed during last decade, as disaster health management upgraded from a unit under Center for Environmental Health to Emergency Management Center under deputy of minister directing national Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Heath system needs strengthening intra and inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination, information management system, community-based initiatives and integration of disaster health management in Primary Health Care (PHC) network. It also needs to focus on disaster risk reduction, while enhancing response capacity. Investing on research would lead to quality decision-making in disaster health management.
Effects of aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase, on nitric oxide production and its metabolites in healthy control subjects, healthy smokers, and COPD patients.

BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by resident and inflammatory cells in the respiratory tract by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), which exists in three isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS. NO production is increased in patients with COPD, and the production of NO under oxidative stress conditions generates reactive nitrogen species that may amplify the inflammatory response in COPD. METHODS To examine the role of increased NO in COPD, we administered a relatively selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine, by nebulization in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in COPD patients, healthy smokers, and healthy nonsmoking subjects. We investigated whether aminoguanidine had any effect on exhaled NO produced in the central lung (flux of NO from the airways [Jno] and peripheral lungs (concentration of NO in peripheral lung [Calv], on NO metabolites (nitrite [NO(2)(-)]/nitrate [NO(3)(-)], peroxinitrite [ONOO(-)], nitrotyrosine), and on a marker of oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in sputum. RESULTS Aminoguanidine administration resulted in a significant reduction in Jno compared with administration of the saline solution control in healthy subjects, smokers, and COPD patients. Calv in smokers and in COPD patients was not completely inhibited 1 h after aminoguanidine inhalation, in marked contrast to previous results in asthma. Moreover, ONOO(-) and NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-) levels were also increased in EBC and in sputum of smokers and COPD and were not completely inhibited following aminoguanidine inhalation. 8-Isoprostane levels were also increased in smokers and in COPD patients but were not reduced after aminoguanidine inhalation. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the constitutive NOS isoform as well as iNOS might be involved in NO release and contribute to the high Calv and ONOO(-) production in patients with COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00180635.
South African volunteers’ experiences of volunteering at the 2010 FIFA World CupTM South Africa

In 2010 the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM, which is commonly referred to as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. With such a mega-sport event the focus is usually on the football players and their teams. However, there are various other role-players (e.g., volunteers, journalists, spectators) that contribute to the success of such a mega-sport event. The purpose of this research was to study the phenomenon of volunteering through South African volunteers’ experiences of volunteering at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, specifically in the City of Tshwane (COT) in the Tshwane Metropolitan Area (TMA). A qualitative research design was employed, with specific reference to descriptive phenomenology. Five female volunteers voluntarily participated in the research project. Two data gathering methods were used in the research, being a written essay and a personal interview. The data were analysed by means of the Duquesne Phenomenological Research Method (DPRM). The findings indicated that polarization was the essence of the volunteers’ experiences with reference to the application process, the preparation phase and their participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, the polarization was absent in the volunteer’s personal reflections on the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Keywords : Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), 2010 FIFA World Cup TM, volunteers, descriptive phenomenology, Duquesne Phenomenological Research Method (DPRM), essence, experience.
Effects of perzinfotel, butorphanol tartrate, and a butorphanol-perzinfotel combination on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of perzinfotel, butorphanol, and their combination on the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in cats. ANIMALS 7 healthy sexually intact cats (4 males and 3 females), aged 12 to 17 months and weighing 2.8 to 4.6 kg. PROCEDURES In a crossover design, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, perzinfotel (2.5 to 15 mg/kg; IV, IM, and SC), butorphanol tartrate (0.2 mg/kg, IM), or a combination of 5 mg of perzinfotel/kg and 2 mg of butorphanol tartrate/kg (both IM) was administered to 6 cats before 7 separate episodes of anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, bispectral index (BIS), and inspiration and expiration concentrations of isoflurane were continuously monitored. The isoflurane MAC was determined twice during anesthesia. RESULTS IV, IM, and SC administration of perzinfotel at 2.5 to 15 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in mean isoflurane MAC by 43.3% to 68.0%. The BIS significantly increased after perzinfotel administration via the same routes at 2.5 to 15 mg/kg and after perzinfotel-butorphanol administration IM. Blood pressure was significantly higher after perzinfotel was administered at 5 mg/kg, IM; 10 mg/kg, IV; and 10 mg/kg, SC than after saline solution administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Perzinfotel administration decreased the isoflurane MAC and increased several BIS and blood pressure values in anesthetized cats. Administration of perzinfotel prior to isoflurane anesthesia may improve anesthetic safety by reducing inhalant anesthetic requirements and improving cardiovascular function during anesthesia.
Assessment of reproductive tract disease in cats at risk for Tritrichomonas foetus infection.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether Tritrichomonas foetus infection resides in reproductive tract tissues from cats housed for breeding and for which a high prevalence of colonic T foetus infection has been reported. ANIMALS 61 purebred cats in 36 catteries undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or castration and for which reproductive tract tissues, feces, and a reproductive history were obtained. PROCEDURES Reproductive tract tissues were examined for T foetus via light microscopy, immunohistochemical analysis, and PCR assay. History of reproductive tract disease was examined to detect statistical associations with identified or reported exposure to colonic T foetus infection. RESULTS 15 of 61 (25%) cats and 22 of 33 (67%) catteries were identified with active or reported T foetus infection. Light microscopic, immunohistochemical, or molecular evidence of T foetus infection of the reproductive tract was not detected in any cats, including 15 cats with colonic T foetus infection, 29 cats residing in a cattery in which T foetus-infected cats were identified, and 8 cats for which gross or light microscopic evidence of reproductive tract disease was identified. There were no differences in total number of litters, number of litters per breeding, kitten mortality rate, or birth defects between cats or catteries infected with T foetus and those for which T foetus infection was not identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE No evidence of reproductive tract colonization by T foetus was detected in this study. Accordingly, it is unlikely that reproductive tract infection with T foetus plays an important role in overall disease transmission.
Medicolegal Review of Deaths Related to Propofol Administration: Analysis of 36 Autopsied Cases

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic in anesthesia and sedation. Recent cases of propofol-induced death have been associated with adverse effects, abuse, or intoxication. However, there are few forensic reports of propofol-associated death. We reviewed and analyzed 36 cases of death related to propofol administration recorded by the National Forensic Service in 2000-2011. The number of women was 28 (77.8%). Subjects in their 20s and 30s accounted for 61.1% of cases. Cause included medical accidents, 16 (44.4%); suicides, 2 (5.6%); and undetermined, 18 (50%; suicide/accident). Of the 16 medical accidents, 8 were internal medicine cases (conscious sedation endoscopy), 3 surgical cases, 3 plastic surgery cases, 1 urology case, and 1 obstetrics and gynecology case. In 20 cases of suicide or undetermined (suicide/accident), the victims were nurses (9 cases), doctors (4 cases), hospital administrators (2 cases), homemakers (2 cases), bar hostesses (2 cases) and an office worker (1 case). The doctor included 2 plastic surgeons, an internist, and a resident anesthesiologist. The autopsy findings were nonspecific; congested parenchymal organs (34 cases), pulmonary edema (8 cases), cerebral edema (2 cases), pulmonary and cerebral edema (2 cases), putrefaction (2 cases), mucosal petechiae in the interior of the larynx (1 case), and cerebral ischemic necrosis and pneumonia (1 case). The blood propofol concentrations ranged between 0.007 mg/L (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or 0.23 mg/L (no cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and 4.38 mg/L in medical accident cases, and from 0.12 mg/L to 108.3 mg/L in suicide or undetermined (suicide/accident) cases. Other drugs were detected in 17 cases and alcohol was detected in only 2 cases. Blood concentrations in cases of medical accident were lower than in cases of undetermined cause.
Effect of age on relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have examined the relationship between the fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Our objective was to determine the effects of age on the relationship between Feno and AHR in asthmatic children. METHODS AHR was examined in 267 asthmatic patients (age range, 5 to 20 years). A challenge test was performed using acetylcholine chloride (Ach). We determined the provocative concentration of Ach producing a 20% decrease in FEV(1) from baseline (PC(20)). Feno was examined using the recommended online method before the Ach challenge test. RESULTS In children < 12 years of age (range, 5 to 11 years), decreasing AHR (PC(20)) was significantly related to higher Feno (r = -0.43; beta = -0.28; p < 0.001). In adolescents >or= 12 years of age (range, 12 to 20 years), decreasing PC(20) was associated with peripheral airway obstruction (FEV(1): r = 0.32; beta = 5.5; p = 0.002; forced expiratory flow at 50% of the FVC: r = 0.24; beta=8.4; p = 0.006; and forced expiratory flow at 25% of FVC: r = 0.28; beta=11.4; p = 0.002). AHR and Feno were weakly related (r = -0.18; beta = -0.14; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS In children with asthma, AHR is associated with airway inflammation. AHR in children with asthma may consist of variable components mainly reflecting airway inflammation. In contrast, in adolescents with asthma, AHR is associated with airway structural changes and weakly with airway inflammation. AHR in adolescents with asthma may consist of chronic components mainly reflecting airway remodeling.
Safety and efficacy of a xenogeneic DNA vaccine encoding for human tyrosinase as adjunctive treatment for oral malignant melanoma in dogs following surgical excision of the primary tumor.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a vaccine containing plasmid DNA with an insert encoding human tyrosinase (ie, huTyr vaccine) as adjunctive treatment for oral malignant melanoma (MM) in dogs. ANIMALS 111 dogs (58 prospectively enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial and 53 historical controls) with stage II or III oral MM (modified World Health Organization staging scale, I to IV) in which locoregional disease control was achieved. PROCEDURES 58 dogs received an initial series of 4 injections of huTyr vaccine (102 μg of DNA/injection) administered transdermally by use of a needle-free IM vaccination device. Dogs were monitored for adverse reactions. Surviving dogs received booster injections at 6-month intervals thereafter. Survival time for vaccinates was compared with that of historical control dogs via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the outcome of death. RESULTS Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival time until death attributable to MM was determined to be significantly improved for dogs that received the huTyr vaccine, compared with that of historical controls. However, median survival time could not be determined for vaccinates because < 50% died of MM before the end of the observation period. No systemic reactions requiring veterinary intervention were associated with vaccination. Local reactions were primarily limited to acute wheal or hematoma formation, mild signs of pain at the injection site, and postvaccination bruising. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results support the safety and efficacy of the huTyr DNA vaccine in dogs as adjunctive treatment for oral MM. IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE Response to DNA vaccination in dogs with oral MM may be useful in development of plasmid DNA vaccination protocols for human patients with similar disease.