Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roof Strength and Injury Risk in Rollover Crashes

Objective: Previous studies have reported that roof strength as measured in FMVSS 216 is unrelated to occupant injury risk in actual rollovers. However, those studies did not control for important confounding factors. The present study reevaluated roof strength and injury risk using a single class of vehicles with similar driver and vehicle usage characteristics in the expectation that some potential confounders will be controlled by this focused analysis. Alternative roof strength measures also were examined in case strength-to-weight ratio (SWR) at 5 inches, the measure in FMVSS 216, is not the best measure. Methods: Eleven midsize SUV roof designs were crushed according to FMVSS 216 protocol. Force was measured continuously, and the maximum force and the amount of energy used to achieve crush of 2, 5, and 10 inches were recorded; these six measures of roof strength were evaluated both directly and after normalization for vehicle weight. After controlling for other potentially confounding variables, logistic regression models estimated the effect of each of the twelve roof strength measures on risk of fatal or incapacitating injuries to drivers in single-vehicle rollover crashes. Crash data were obtained from fourteen states. Results: All roof strength measures correlated inversely, and similarly, with risk of fatal/incapacitating injury in single-vehicle rollovers. Across all states, 12 percent of drivers sustained fatal/incapacitating injuries, but individual state rates varied from 6 to 24 percent. Among available variables, only state substantially affected the estimated effect of roof strength; it was kept in the final models with roof strength, driver age, and static stability factor (SSF). Driver age was retained because it had a significant effect on injury outcome and SSF was retained for theoretical reasons. This model estimated that a one-unit increase in strength-to-weight ratio (SWR) within 5 inches of crush was associated with 24 percent lower risk of fatal/incapacitating injury (95% CI: 15–33). Ejection was lower by 41 percent (95% CI: 30–51), and injury risk among nonejected occupants was lower by 16 percent (95% CI: 3–29). Conclusions: The FMVSS 216 measure of roof strength related strongly to occupant protection in real-world rollover crashes in this study, which restricted analysis to vehicles with reasonably homogeneous driver and usage characteristics and accounted for state variation in injury rates. Further research should determine whether these results generalize to other vehicle types with different drivers and rollover risk. Research should also focus on factors other than roof strength, because even large increases in roof strength would leave many rollover crash deaths unaffected.
Infection with multiple strains of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in patients with Lyme disease.

OBJECTIVE To assess human skin biopsy specimens from erythema migrans lesions for the presence of infection with multiple strains of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. DESIGN Skin biopsy specimens were obtained prospectively from patients with erythema migrans. To determine allelic differences and strain identification of B burgdorferi, the biopsy specimens were analyzed by cold single-strand conformation polymorphism of an amplified fragment of the outer surface protein C (ospC) gene. Further single-strand conformation polymorphism patterns of amplified ospC genes from culture isolates were compared with polymerase chain reaction products obtained directly from erythema migrans biopsy specimens. SETTING A private dermatology office and a university medical center outpatient department. PATIENTS Sixteen patients presenting with erythema migrans. RESULTS Two of the 16 patients in this cohort were infected with 2 B burgdorferi sensu stricto strains, as evidenced by 2 ospC alleles in their skin biopsy results. CONCLUSION This is the first documented description of the existence of more than a single strain of B burgdorferi sensu stricto in a human specimen.
The effects of carbohydrate ingestion on the badminton serve after fatiguing exercise

Abstract The badminton serve requires great skill and may be affected by fatigue. The aim of the present study was to determine whether carbohydrate ingestion affects badminton performance. Nine male badminton players (age 25 ± 7 years, mass 80.6 ± 8.0 kg) attended the laboratory on three occasions. The first visit involved an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to determine peak heart rate. Participants were given 1 L of a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink or a matched placebo during the experimental trials. The accuracy of 10 long and 10 short serves was determined before and after exercise. The fatiguing exercise was 33 min in duration (83 ± 10% and 84 ± 8% peak heart rate for the placebo and carbohydrate trial respectively). Capillary blood samples (20 μL) were taken before and after exercise for determination of blood glucose and lactate. There was deterioration in long serve accuracy with fatigue (P = 0.002), which carbohydrate ingestion had a tendency to prevent (P = 0.077). There was no effect of fatigue (P = 0.402) or carbohydrate ingestion (P = 0.109) on short serve accuracy. There was no difference in blood glucose concentration between trials (P = 0.851). Blood lactate concentration was higher during the placebo trial (P = 0.016). These results suggest that only the long serve is influenced by fatigue and carbohydrate had a tendency to prevent the deterioration in performance.
The National Football League Scouting Combine From 1999 to 2014: Normative Reference Values and an Examination of Body Mass Normalization Techniques

Abstract Nuzzo, JL. The National Football League Scouting Combine from 1999 to 2014: normative reference values and an examination of body mass normalization techniques. J Strength Cond Res 29(2): 279–289, 2015—The primary purpose of this study was to identify the most appropriate method for normalizing physical performance measures to body mass in American football players. Data were obtained from the population of players (n = 4,603) that completed the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yd sprint, 20-yd shuttle, 3-cone drill, and bench press at the National Football League Scouting Combine from 1999 to 2014. Correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between body mass and physical performance measures. For the entire group and each playing position, absolute (i.e., non-normalized) performance measures were significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) correlated with body mass, indicating that normalization is warranted. Ratio scaling, however, was not appropriate for normalizing most performance measures because it merely reversed (and increased in magnitude) the significant correlations between body mass and performance. Allometric scaling with derived allometric parameters was appropriate for normalizing all performance measures because correlations between body mass and performance were near to zero and no longer statistically significant. However, the derived allometric parameters differed by playing position. Thus, when normalizing physical performance measures to body mass, strength and conditioning professionals should use allometric scaling with test- and position-specific allometric parameters. Additionally, in the current study, percentile rankings were generated to provide test- and position-specific normative reference values for the absolute measures. Until body mass normalization techniques are adopted more broadly, strength and conditioning professionals can use these normative references values to compare current players with those who have already participated in the Scouting Combine.
Effects of combinations of therapeutic agents on the proliferation of progenitor cells in chronic myeloid leukaemia

Summary. Combination of STI571, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with other drugs may be beneficial in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). We measured the effects of STI571, AG490, farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI), interferon alpha (IFN‐α), cytosine arabinoside (Ara‐C) and all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), singly and in combination, on clonogenic leukaemic cell proliferation. STI571, IFN‐α and ATRA each reduced proliferation by 50–60%; AG490, FTI and Ara‐C had less effect. Comparing the observed and expected (i.e. additive) effects of drug combinations showed STI571 + FTI, STI571 + AG490 and IFN‐α+ ATRA were additive; STI571 + IFN‐α, IFN‐α+ Ara‐C and STI571 + AG490 + FTI were less than additive. Thus, STI571 + FTI, STI571 + AG490 and IFN‐α+ ATRA may be better combination therapies for CML than STI571 + IFN‐α, IFN‐α+ Ara‐C or STI571 + AG490 + FTI.
Improving Immunization Rates at 18 Months of Age: Implications for Individual Practices

Objective. We sought to model the effect that a targeted immunization visit at 18 months of age could have on immunization rates of preschool-aged children in a sample of pediatric practices. Methods. We conducted retrospective chart reviews in six practices of all active patients aged 18–30 months. Up-to-date (UTD) status was defined as receipt of four diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis, three polio, one measles-mumps-rubella, three hepatitis B, and one varicella vaccines. Haemophilus influenza tybe b vaccine was not included due to a shortage in vaccine supply during the time of the study. Practice vaccination rates were determined at 17 months, 18 months, and the age at assessment. Of those not UTD at 17 months, the percentage of children who could be brought UTD with one visit was calculated for each practice. This calculated rate was compared with the measured rate at 18 months of age and at the age of assessment. Results. At each practice, we reviewed 183–616 charts (median = 382). Observed UTD immunization rates at 17 months ranged from 26% to 64% (median = 38%) and increased 3 to 27 percentage points (median = 6) from age 17 months to 18 months and 9 to 39 percentage points (median = 17) from age 17 months to the age at assessment. A simulated vaccination visit at 18 months of age could improve the UTD rates from 27 to 61 percentage points (median = 44). Conclusion. Practice-based interventions aimed at encouraging an 18-month well-child visit that emphasizes delivery of vaccines have the potential to substantially increase timely vaccination rates among individual practices.
Association between diverticulosis and colonic neoplastic lesions in individuals with a positive faecal immunochemical test

Background The association between diverticulosis and colonic neoplastic lesions has been suggested, but data in literature are conflicting. This study aimed to investigate such a relationship in patients participating in a colorectal cancer screening program who underwent high-quality colonoscopy. Methods Data from consecutive individuals 50–75 years of age with a positive faecal immunological test were considered. Diverticulosis was categorised as present or absent. The prevalence of neoplastic lesions (adenoma, advanced adenoma, and cancer) between individuals with and those without diverticula was compared. A multivariate analysis was performed. Results Overall, data from 970 consecutive individuals were evaluated, and diverticulosis was detected in 354 (36.5%) cases. At least one adenoma was detected in 490 (50.5%) people, at least one advanced adenoma in 264 (27.2%), multiple adenoma in 71 (7.3%), whilst a cancer was diagnosed in 48 (4.9%) cases. At univariate analysis, the adenoma detection rate in patients with diverticula was significantly higher than in controls (55.9% vs 47.4%; p = 0.011). At multivariate analysis, presence of diverticulosis was an independent risk factor for both adenoma detection rate (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.14–2.18; p = 0.006) and advanced adenoma (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.10–2.24; p = 0.013), but not for colorectal cancer. Conclusions In a colorectal screening setting, the adenoma detection rate was significantly higher in individuals with diverticulosis than in controls.
A Sequence-Specific Interaction between the Saccharomyces cerevisiae rRNA Gene Repeats and a Locus Encoding an RNA Polymerase I Subunit Affects Ribosomal DNA Stability

ABSTRACT The spatial organization of eukaryotic genomes is linked to their functions. However, how individual features of the global spatial structure contribute to nuclear function remains largely unknown. We previously identified a high-frequency interchromosomal interaction within the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome that occurs between the intergenic spacer of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats and the intergenic sequence between the locus encoding the second largest RNA polymerase I subunit and a lysine tRNA gene [i.e., RPA135-tK(CUU)P]. Here, we used quantitative chromosome conformation capture in combination with replacement mapping to identify a 75-bp sequence within the RPA135-tK(CUU)P intergenic region that is involved in the interaction. We demonstrate that the RPA135-IGS1 interaction is dependent on the rDNA copy number and the Msn2 protein. Surprisingly, we found that the interaction does not govern RPA135 transcription. Instead, replacement of a 605-bp region within the RPA135-tK(CUU)P intergenic region results in a reduction in the RPA135-IGS1 interaction level and fluctuations in rDNA copy number. We conclude that the chromosomal interaction that occurs between the RPA135-tK(CUU)P and rDNA IGS1 loci stabilizes rDNA repeat number and contributes to the maintenance of nucleolar stability. Our results provide evidence that the DNA loci involved in chromosomal interactions are composite elements, sections of which function in stabilizing the interaction or mediating a functional outcome.
Visual receptive field organization and cortico‐cortical connections of the lateral intraparietal area (area LIP) in the macaque

The visual receptive field physiology and anatomical connections of the lateral intraparietal area (area LIP), a visuomotor area in the lateral bank of the inferior parietal lobule, were investigated in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Afferent input and physiological properties of area 5 neurons in the medial bank of the intraparietal sulcus (i.e., area PEa) were also determined. Area LIP is composed of two myeloarchitectonic zones: a ventral zone (LIPv), which is densely myelinated, and a lightly myelinated dorsal zone (LIPd) adjacent to visual area 7a. Previous single‐unit recording studies in our laboratory have characterized visuomotor properties of area LIP neurons, including many neurons with powerful saccade‐related activity. In the first part of the present study, single‐unit recordings were used to map visual receptive fields from neurons in the two myeloarchitectonic zones of LIP. Receptive field size and eccentricity were compared to those in adjacent area 7a. The second part of the study investigated the cortico‐cortical connections of area LIP neurons using tritiated amino acid injections and fluorescent retrograde tracers placed directly into different rostrocaudal and dorsoventral parts of area LIP. The approach to area LIP was through somatosensory area 5, which eliminated the possibility of diffusion of tracers into area 7a.
Transmigration and phagocytosis of macrophages in an airway infection model using four-dimensional techniques.

During infection, recruited phagocytes transmigrate across the epithelium to remove the pathogens deposited on the airway surface. However, it is difficult to directly observe cellular behaviors (e.g., transmigration) in single-cell layer cultures or in live animals. Combining a three-dimensional (3D) cell coculture model mimicking airway infection with time-lapse confocal imaging as a four-dimensional technique allowed us to image the behaviors of macrophages in 3D over time. The airway infection model was moved to a glass-bottomed dish for live-cell imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Using time-lapse confocal imaging, we recorded macrophages transmigrating across the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membrane of the inserts through the 5-μm pores in the PET membrane. Macrophages on the apical side of the insert exhibited essentially three types of movements, one of which was transmigrating across the epithelial cell monolayer and arriving at the surface of monolayer. We found that adding Staphylococcus aureus to the model increased the transmigration index but not the transmigration time of the macrophages. Only in the presence of S. aureus were the macrophages able to transmigrate across the epithelial cell monolayer. Apical-to-basal transmigration of macrophages was visualized dynamically. We also imaged the macrophages phagocytizing S. aureus deposited on the surface of the monolayer in the airway infection model. This work provides a useful tool to study the cellular behaviors of immune cells spatially and temporally during infection.
La gestion des partenariats d'exploration : spécificités, crises et formes de rationalisation

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. La gestion des partenariats d’exploration : spécificités, crises et formes de rationalisation Blanche Segrestin
Assessment of the joint recesses and tendon sheaths in healthy children by high-resolution B-mode and power Doppler sonography.

OBJECTIVE To describe or determine reference values for the intracapsular cavity and its joint recess of the hip, knee and joints of the hand and for the tendon sheaths of fingers, examined with B-mode gray-scale ultrasonography (US) and power Doppler (PD) in healthy children. METHODS Sixty healthy children (31 boys and 29 girls; age range 2-16 years) were examined bilaterally with gray-scale and PD US (after obtaining the informed consent), using a standardized technique. The maximum distance from bone surface to the outer margin of the capsule (namely, intracapsular cavity) and its joint recess of hip, knee, wrist, non-thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the hand were measured with US. Mean values +/- 2 SD (standard deviation) were indicated as reference values. RESULTS None of the children showed joint hip fluid. In 5% of the children younger than 5 years an intra-capsular PD flow signal was detected in the posterior layer of the hip capsule. Fluid was detected in 60 % of the suprapatellar recesses. A small amount of fluid was detected within synovial recesses of the fingers, most commonly in the 2 MCP and PIP joints. Less frequently, a hypoechoic rim was detected around the finger flexor tendons on the palmar surface of the metacarpal bone. CONCLUSION High-resolution US evidences a normal small amount of fluid located at the MCP and IFP joint recesses and/or the flexor tendon sheaths without any PD flow signal in healthy children, that is relevant for interpreting ultrasonographic findings in children with inflammatory diseases.
Treatment of experimental periodontal disease by photodynamic therapy in immunosuppressed rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive treatment of induced periodontitis with scaling and root planing (SRP) in dexamethasone-inhibited rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS The animals were divided into two groups: ND (n=90), saline solution treatment; D (n=90), dexamethasone treatment. In the ND and D Groups, periodontal disease was ligature-induced at the first mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals received SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP, saline solution; Toluidine Blue-O (TBO), phenothiazinium dye; and PDT, TBO and laser irradiation. Ten animals in each treatment were killed at 7, 15 and 30 days. The radiographic and histometric values were statistically analysed. RESULTS In the ND and D Groups, radiographic analysis showed less bone loss in animals treated by PDT in all the experimental periods than SRP and TBO at 15 days (p<0.05). After a histometric analysis was carried out in the ND and D groups, the animals treated by PDT showed less bone loss in all periods than SRP and TBO after 15 days (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The PDT was an effective adjunctive treatment of induced periodontitis compared with SRP in dexamethasone-inhibited rats.
Ratio-driven resuscitation predicts early fascial closure in the combat wounded

BACKGROUND Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have seen the highest rates of combat casualties since Vietnam. These casualties often require massive transfusion (MT) and immediate surgical attention to control hemorrhage. Clinical practice guidelines dictate ratio-driven resuscitation (RDR) for patients requiring MT. With the transition from crystalloid to blood product resuscitation, we have seen fewer open abdomens in combat casualties. We sought to determine the effect RDR has on achieving early definitive abdominal fascial closure in combat casualties undergoing exploratory laparotomy. METHODS Records of 1,977 combat casualties admitted to a single US military hospital from April 2003 to December 2011 were reviewed. Patients receiving an MT and laparotomy in theater constituted the study cohort. The cohort was divided into RDR, defined as a ratio of 0.8-U to 1.2-U packed red blood cells to 1-U fresh frozen plasma, and No-RDR groups. Age, injury patterns, mechanism of injury, injury severity, blood products, number of laparotomies, and days to fascial closure were collected. Assessed outcomes were number of days (early ⩽ 2 days) and number of laparotomies to achieve fascial closure. RESULTS The mean age of the study cohort (n = 172) was 24.0 years, and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 24.8. Improvised explosive device blast was the most common mechanism of injury (74.4%). The cohort was divided into RDR patients (n = 73) and no RDR (n = 99). There was no difference in mean age, mean ISS, or rate of nontherapeutic exploratory laparotomies between the groups. RDR patients had a significantly lower abdominal injury rate (34.2% vs. 72.7%, p < 0.01), had fewer laparotomies (2.7 vs. 4.3, p = 0.003), and achieved primary fascial closure faster (2.4 days vs. 7.2 days, p = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, RDR (2.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–5.2) was an independent predictor for early fascial closure. CONCLUSION Adherence to RDR guidelines resulted in significantly decreased number of abdominal operations and was identified as an independent predictor for early fascial closure. Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level III.
Effects of Dietary Decosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) on eNOS in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

Endothelial dysfunction occurs in heart disease and may reduce functional capacity via attenuations in peripheral blood flow. Dietary decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve this dysfunction, but the mechanism is unknown. This study determined if DHA enhances expression and activity of eNOS in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). HCAEC from 4 donors were treated with 5 nM, 50 nM, or 1 μM DHA for 7 days to model chronic DHA exposure. A trend for increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS was observed with 5 and 50 nM DHA. DHA also enhanced expression of 2 proteins instrumental in activation of eNOS: phospho-Akt (5 and 50 nM) and HSP90 (50 nM and 1 μM). Vascular endothelial growth factor—induced activation of Akt increased NOx in treated (50 nM DHA) versus untreated HCAEC (9.2 ± 1.0 vs 3.3 ± 1.1 μmol/μg protein/μL). Findings suggest that DHA enhances eNOS and Akt activity, augments HSP90 expression, and increases NO bioavailability in response to Akt kinase activation.