Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Infections in BedRidden Elderly Individuals on Tube Feeding

ally painless unless it compresses adjacent structures. The site of this neurofibroma within the subungual region and it being unrelated to neurofibromatosis is rare, and few cases have been described. A search in the literature yielded six cases, with the first case being reported in 1991. All reports of solitary subungual neurofibromatosis except one occurred in women. Subungual neurofibromatosis associated with neurofibromatosis 1 is more common. When originating in the proximal nail bed, it may produce a longitudinal depression resembling chronic paronychia or Koenen’s tumor. When situated distally in the nail bed, the neurofibroma may present as onycholysis. Other skin conditions that may mimic subungual neurofibroma clinically include tumors such as glomus tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, fibrokeratoma, and epidermoid cyst, a subungual human papilloma virus infection. Hence, an excision biopsy is mandatory to establish a clinical diagnosis. Histologically, the features are the same as with neurofibromas found elsewhere on the body. It appears as a well-circumscribed, unencapsulated tumor consisting of spindle-shaped cells with elongated, wavy nuclei arranged loosely with a pale myxoid stroma in the dermis. Mast cells are usually present. S100 staining is positive in neurofibroma; this was not performed in our patient. Other histological differential diagnoses include schwannoma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Schwannomas are deep dermal or subcutaneous tumors with perineural capsules. They arise within a nerve, displacing axons to the periphery. They have Antoni A tissue, containing parallel rows of nuclei separated by acellular areas (Verocay bodies), and Antoni B tissue, representing a degenerative change, with few nuclei in an edematous stroma. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has a similar growth pattern and can be myxoid, resembling diffuse neurofibroma. S100 staining of the neurofibroma can help to distinguish the two. Treatment is surgical resection and is curative. Nail avulsion allows direct visualization of the tumor. Bone involvement is rare, and where suspicion exists, a radiograph should be done. In a review, it was noted that the typical patient with subungual neurofibroma is a middle-aged woman whose main concern is that of nail cosmesis, because these tumors are asymptomatic. There has been no reported recurrence after excision of the tumor. Hence, the presentation of such a condition in this elderly woman was unusual. In summary, solitary subungual neurofibroma is rare. It may mimic other subungual tumors and skin conditions including squamous cell carcinoma; nail avulsion with excision is diagnostic and curative.
Inflammation, CRP, calcium overload and a high calcium-phosphate product: a "liaison dangereuse".

Ectopic calcifications are defined as a process of inappropriate biomineralization occurring in soft tissues w1x. They are typically composed of calcium salts. In uraemic patients such a condition—referred to as metastatic calcification—is associated with systemic mineral imbalance (hyperphosphataemia and increased calcium–phosphate ion product), which is claimed to be responsible for progressive cardiac and vascular damage, leading to invalidating clinical complications and increased mortality risk. More specifically, Levin et al. w2x showed recently that the critical limit for plasma phosphate is 6.5 mgudl. Patients with plasma levels above that limit have a 52% higher risk of death from coronary artery disease, compared with the patients whose serum phosphate is below it. Block et al. w3x demonstrated that serum phosphate levels )6.5 mgudl and a calcium–phosphate ion product )72 mgudl are associated with an 18–39% higher risk of death, compared with normal reference groups (namely a serum phosphate of 4.4–5.5 mgudl and calcium–phosphate product of 43–52 mg2udl). Collectively, the data clearly indicate that cardiovascular calcifications of dialysis patients secondary to an increase in phosphate and calcium overload are an important contributor to excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Selection of physiological spermatozoa during intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Sperm genomic integrity has a significant effect on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes, especially post‐implantation. Spermatozoa selected based on motility and morphology do not guarantee the genomic integrity of spermatozoa. Nearly fifty percentage of spermatozoa in infertile men with normal morphology present different degrees of DNA fragmentation. However, capacitated or hyperactivated spermatozoa show lower degrees of DNA fragmentation. Therefore, selection of hyperactivated spermatozoa may improve ICSI outcome. Routinely, for ICSI, fast‐moving spermatozoa with A or B motility pattern are mainly selected for injection. The result of this study shows that in processed semen samples, hyperactivated spermatozoa are mainly observed in B motility pattern while, in viscous medium like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), hyperactivated spermatozoa are mainly present in spermatozoa with C pattern of motility (nonprogressive). Therefore, we propose spermatozoa with C motility pattern which contains the main population of physiological or hyperactivated spermatozoa should be selected for ICSI.
Differences in Growth and Calcification Rates in the Reef-Building Coral Porites lobata: The Implications of Morphotype and Gender on Coral Growth

Corals display different growth forms as an adaptive response to both local and global environmental conditions. Despite the importance of morphologic variability on corals, growth and calcification rates of different coral morphotypes have been poorly recorded in the Eastern Pacific. The purpose of this study was to compare annual extension rate (cm yr-1), skeletal density (g cm-3), calcification rate (g cm-2 yr-1) and tissue thickness (mm) of males and females colonies in three different morphotypes of the common reef-building coral Porites lobata; columnar, massive, and free-living (corallith) forms. The results show significant differences in all 4-growth parameters between morphotypes over a 6-year interval, and also differences between males and females in most morphotypes. Massive colonies presented 15-33% faster annual rates compared with columnar and free-living. Male colonies showed 30-40% faster annual rates than females for both columnar and corallith morphologies. These data exhibit the extensive plasticity of this species and highlight the fact that each morphotype x gender group produced a different physiological response to environmental conditions. Therefore, these information reveal that P. lobata from the Eastern Tropical Pacific develops different morphologies to allow it to maintain coral species population, characteristics that enhance the species possibility to further its distribution across the reef-framework
Pregnancy desires, and contraceptive knowledge and use among prevention of mother-to-child transmission clients in Rwanda

Objective:To understand pregnancy intentions and contraception knowledge and use among HIV-positive and negative women in the national prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program in Rwanda. Design:A cross-sectional survey of 236 HIV-positive and 162 HIV-negative postpartum women interviewed within 12 months of their expected delivery date in 12 randomly selected public-sector health facilities providing PMTCT services. Methods:Bivariate analyses explored fertility intentions, and family planning knowledge and use by HIV status. Multivariate analysis identified socio-demographic and service delivery-related predictors of reporting a desire for additional children and modern family planning use. Results:HIV-positive women were less likely to report wanting additional children than HIV-negative women (8 vs. 49%, P < 0.001), and although a majority of women reported discussing family planning with a health worker during their last pregnancy (HIV-positive 79% vs. HIV-negative 69%, P = 0.057), modern family planning use remained low in both groups (HIV-positive 43% vs. HIV-negative 12%, P < 0.001). Condoms were the most commonly used method among HIV-positive women (31%), whereas withdrawal was most frequently reported among HIV-negative women (19%). In multivariate analysis, HIV-negative women were 16 times more likely to report wanting additional children and nearly 85% less likely to use modern family planning. Women who reported making two or less antenatal care visits were 77% less likely to use modern family planning. Conclusion:Our results highlight success in provision of family planning counseling in PMTCT services in Rwanda. As family planning use was low among HIV-positive and negative women, further efforts are needed to improve uptake of modern methods, including dual protection, in Rwandan PMTCT settings.
Spatial frequency components influence cell activity in the inferotemporal cortex

Abstract We studied the correlation between the spatial frequency of complex stimuli and neuronal activity in the monkey inferotemporal (IT) cortex while performing a task that required visual recognition. Single-cell activity was recorded from the right IT cortex. The frequency components of the images used as stimuli were analyzed by using a fast Fourier transform, and a modulus was obtained for 40 spatial frequency ranges from 0.3 to 11.1 cycles/deg. We recorded 82 cells showing statistically significant responses (analysis of variance, P < 0.05) to at least one of the images used as a stimulus. Seventy-eight percent of these cells (n = 64) showed significant responses to at least three images, and in two thirds of them (n = 42), we found a statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) between cell response and the modulus amplitude of at least one frequency range present in the images. Our results suggest that information about spatial frequency of the visual images is present in the IT cortex.
Purification and regulatory properties of MarA protein, a transcriptional activator of Escherichia coli multiple antibiotic and superoxide resistance promoters

Expression of the marA or soxS genes is induced by exposure of Escherichia coli to salicylate or superoxides, respectively. This, in turn, enhances the expression of a common set of promoters (the mar/soxRS regulons), resulting in both multiple antibiotic and superoxide resistance. Since MarA protein is highly homologous to SoxS, and since a MalE-SoxS fusion protein has recently been shown to activate soxRS regulon transcription, the ability of MarA to activate transcription of these genes was tested. MarA was overexpressed as a histidine-tagged fusion protein, purified, cleaved with thrombin (leaving one N-terminal histidine residue), and renatured. Like MalE-SoxS, MarA (i) activated the transcription of zwf, fpr, fumC, micF, nfo, and sodA; (ii) required a 21-bp "soxbox" sequence to activate zwf transcription; and (iii) was "ambidextrous," i.e., required the C-terminal domain of the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase for activation of zwf but not fumC or micF. Thus, the mar and soxRS systems use activators with very similar specificities and mechanisms of action to respond to different environmental signals.
Parotid gland swelling following mouthrinse use.

BACKGROUND Unilateral or bilateral swelling of the parotid gland is a reported side effect of rinsing the mouth with chlorhexidine. Although the incidence rate is extremely low, there have been several case reports on this topic and the authors of these reports have suggested several explanations for the mechanism of this complication. METHODS In this report, two cases of parotid gland swelling are discussed. Both patients developed unilateral parotid swelling following the use of a mouthwash, case 1 after using a chlorhexidine mouthwash following flap surgery and case 2 after using a hexetidine mouthwash in an approved clinical trial that was testing different mouthwashes. RESULTS In both of the cases, differential diagnoses were made to explain the cause of the parotid swelling. However, discontinuing use of the product resulted in an eventual complete resolution of symptoms in both patients. CONCLUSIONS Swelling of the parotid gland following use of a mouthwash has previously been reported, although previous reports found this side effect only in patients who used chlorhexidine mouthwashes. This complication has therefore been informally linked to chlorhexidine. The present case report questions this hypothesis and suggests that parotid gland swelling may not be related to the type of mouthwash used, but may instead be a consequence of the rinsing action itself.
Alterations in hemostasis associated with hyperthermia in a canine model

Use of hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer and viral infection has received renewed interest. However, the in vivo relationship between hyperthermia and direct versus indirect effects upon hemostasis are incompletely defined, although we do know that disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a common sequel to heat stroke. The purpose of the present study was to more precisely define the relationship between hyperthermia and derangements of hemostasis, thereby providing a guideline for the development of safe hyperthermia treatment regimens. The present investigation examined the in vivo effects of high‐grade whole‐body hyperthermia (WBH) (42.5°C, 90 min) on hemostasis in a canine model. Induction of hyperthermia via extracorporeal circulation of heated blood (ECC‐WBH) caused thrombocytopenia, increased plasma fibrin degradation products (FDPs), prolonged clotting times, increased serum liver enzymes, and evidence of spontaneous bleeding. However, when WBH was induced by peritoneal lavage (PL‐WBH), transient thrombocytopenia was the only significant alteration. Temporal correlation between hemostatic alterations and elevations in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the ECC‐WBH treatment group suggested that liver injury is responsible, at least in part, for the coagulopathy associated with high‐grade hyperthermia and that in the absence of liver injury, identical degrees of hyperthermia cause only incidental decreases in platelet numbers. Am. J. Hematol. 64:262–270, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perceived Difficult Temperament, Hostile Maternal Child-Rearing Attitudes and Insulin Resistance Syndrome Precursors among Children: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: We prospectively examined the relationship between latent constructs of perceived difficult temperament and hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes on the one hand, and the cluster of multiple cardiovascular risk factors comprising the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) on the other. Methods: A 3-year follow-up study of 451 randomly selected healthy children was used. The temperament of the children and maternal child-rearing attitudes were self-rated by the mothers. The physiological parameters measured were serum insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, body-mass index and subscapular skinfold thickness. We analyzed the data using structural equation models that involved specific paths allowing separation, and tests of both unique and common (latent) aspects of measured variables. Results: Among boys we found a cross-lagged effect between the latent constructs of perceived difficult temperament and IRS, as well as 1 specific effect from hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes to HDL-C. Among girls there were 6 specific effects from specific measures of perceived temperamental difficultness or hostile maternal child-rearing attitudes that influenced the IRS or its components. Conclusions: The findings suggest that temperament and maternal child-rearing attitudes may contribute to the early development of the IRS in a gender-specific way among children, thereby potentially increasing the risk of coronary heart disease later in life.
Coping With the Subterranean Environment: A Thematic Content Analysis of the Narratives of Cave Explorers

In addition to various physical obstacles, the cave environment presents numerous psychological stressors that challenge human explorers. Sources of psychological stress include logistic issues (e.g., limitations to access, communication, and the availability of equipment), a lack of normal sensory stimuli, isolation and confinement, high performance demands, and social conflict associated with team coordination and requirements for cooperation. Thus, the success and safety of caving expeditions depend on the ability of explorers to effectively cope with highly stressful conditions and task demands. This was the first study to investigate coping within the context of caving and cave exploration. Utilizing scoring criteria from Suedfeld, Brcic, and Legkaia (2009), the narratives of 30 cave explorers were content analyzed for mentions of coping strategies across different expedition phases (pre-, during-, and postexpedition). Nationality and leadership status were also examined as potential moderators of coping. Narratives on the exploration of terrestrial, underwater, and terraqueous (i.e. sump-containing) caves were treated as unique conditions given marked differences in these forms of cave exploration. Consistent with previous research on groups performing in extreme and unusual environments, references to problem-focused coping strategies were, overall, more common than those to emotion-focused strategies. However, temporal analyses of coping across expedition phases showed that a more balanced coping orientation emerged post-expedition, with a significant difference in the use of problem-focused versus emotion-focused strategies no longer detectable. Significant effects of cave exploration type and nationality on the reference percentage of particular coping strategies were also detected. The relevance and implications of these findings are discussed, as well as limitations and directions for future research.
Measurement of left ventricular dimensions and function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Studies on medical therapy in heart failure are focused on changes of left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function. These changes may be small, requiring a large study group. We measured LV parameters (LV volumes, LV ejection fraction (LV‐EF), and left ventricular mass (LVM)) with two‐dimensional echocardiography (2D‐echo) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 50 patients. Based on the difference between the measurements, we determined the variance of the results and calculated the sample sizes needed to detect changes of baseline values. For the calculated and measured parameters we found significant differences between the two techniques: LV‐EF and LVM were higher in 2D‐echo, and LV dimensions were comparable. The sample size to detect relevant changes from baseline with MRI was significantly (P < 0.01) smaller than in 2D‐echo. We conclude that MRI is superior in clinical studies on left ventricular dimensional and functional changes, since measurements are more reproducible and the required sample size is substantially smaller, thereby reducing costs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:367–371. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular abnormalities of the B cell in systemic lupus erythematosus are candidates for functional inhibition treatments

Introduction: The B cell is a key player in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Loss of B cell tolerance resulting in autoantibody production and immune complex formation and deposition are central features of the disease. B cell overactivity is a hallmark of SLE and molecular abnormalities in B cell signaling cascade have been described. Areas covered: In this review, we will focus on the aberrant phenotype of B cell signaling in patients with lupus. We will also discuss data stemming from the use of small molecules that have recently been recognized to target important steps of the B cell signal transduction pathways with therapeutic implications for SLE. Expert opinion: Attempts to target the B cell in SLE have been made through depletion, blocking of survival factors and co-receptor inhibition. However, the still unmet need for effective therapy of refractory disease makes the necessity for new drugs impelling.
Apprentice and Wage Laborer Economies in the British Caribbean: An Examination of Post-Emancipation Material Culture and Housing on St. Kitts, West Indies

ABSTRACT In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, sugar plantations in the British Caribbean struggled with falling sugar prices and increasing debts. Enslaved Africans suffered the brunt of much of this financial hardship, but they created strong social and trade networks that helped alleviate some of these hardships. Emancipation in the British Caribbean brought many changes to the lives of the formerly enslaved, but estate owners and island governments sought to enact laws that forced people to stay in plantation villages. This study examines the pre- and post-emancipation housing and ceramic assemblages from two households in a plantation village on the British Caribbean island of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) to understand how people adapted to freedom in the post-emancipation period. We find that there are differences in housing and ceramic acquisition and discard between the two households that reflect different investment strategies and agency.
Upregulation of Renal Sodium Transporters in D5 Dopamine Receptor–Deficient Mice

D5 dopamine receptor (D5R)-deficient (D5−/−) mice have hypertension that is aggravated by an increase in sodium intake. The present experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that a dysregulation of renal sodium transporters is related to the salt sensitivity in D5−/− mice. D5R was expressed in the renal proximal tubule, thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule, and cortical and outer medullary collecting ducts in D5+/+ mice. On a control Na+ diet, renal protein expressions of NKCC2 (sodium-potassium-2 chloride cotransporter), sodium chloride cotransporter, and &agr; and &ggr; subunits of the epithelial sodium channel were greater in D5−/− than in D5+/+ mice. Renal renin abundance and urine aldosterone levels were similar but renal angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) protein expression was increased in D5−/− mice. An elevated Na+ diet increased further the elevated blood pressure of D5−/− mice but did not affect the normal blood pressure of D5+/+ mice. The increased levels of NKCC2, sodium chloride cotransporter, and &agr; and &ggr; subunits of the epithelial sodium channel persisted with the elevated Na+ diet and unaffected by chronic AT1R blockade (losartan) in D5−/− mice. The expressions of proximal sodium transporters NHE3 (sodium hydrogen exchanger type 3) and NaPi2 (sodium phosphate cotransporter type 2) were increased by the elevated Na+ diet in D5−/− mice; the increased expression of NHE3 but not NaPi2 was abolished by AT1R blockade. Our findings suggest that the increased protein expression of sodium transporters/channels in distal nephron segments may be the direct consequence of the disruption of D5R, independent of the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system.