Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxygen-wasting effect of inotropy in the ‘ ‘ virtual work model ’ ’

Korvald, Christian, Odd P. Elvenes, Lars M. Ytrebø, Dag G. Sørlie, and Truls Myrmel. Oxygen-wasting effect of inotropy in the ‘‘virtual work model. ’’ Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 45): H1339–H1345, 1999. —In the ‘‘virtual work model,’’ left ventricular total mechanical energy (TME) is linearly related to myocardial oxygen consumption (MV̇O2). This relationship (MV̇O2-TME) is supposedly independent of inotropic stimulation, vascular loading, and heart rate variations. We reexamined the effect of inotropic stimulation (dopamine) on the metabolic to mechanical energy transfer in nine open-chest anesthetized pigs. Left ventricular mechanical energy was calculated using TME (mean ejection pressure 3 end-diastolic volume 1 stroke work), TMEW (enddiastolic volume reduced by unstressed ventricular volume), and the pressure-volume area (PVA). A highly linear relationship between MV̇O2 and mechanical energy was found for all three indexes during control and dopamine runs (r 5 0.87– 0.99). The slopes were unaltered by dopamine. y-Axis intercepts were (control vs. dopamine) as follows (in J·beat21 ·100 mg21; means 6 SD): TME, 0.36 6 0.12 vs. 0.61 6 0.30 (P , 0.02); TMEW, 0.43 6 0.16 vs. 0.72 6 0.32 (P , 0.02); and PVA, 0.34 6 0.13 vs. 0.60 6 0.30 (P , 0.02). We conclude that the virtual work model is dependent on inotropic stimulation and that new insight into myocardial chemomechanical coupling is not added by this concept.
Increasing access to emergency contraception through community pharmacies: lessons from Washington State.

In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration endorsed the use of a combination estrogen and progestin oral contraceptive for emergency postcoital contraception. ' In 1998, the agency approved the first dedicated emergency contraceptive product for use in the United States, and in 1999 it approved the first progestin-only emergency contraceptive pill.2 Despite emergency contraception's safety, effectiveness and unique ability to reduce unintended pregnancy, it has been vastly underused. One study conducted in 1997 found that only one in 10 health professionals routinely discussed emergency contraception with their clients, and that 41% of Americans were completely unaware of its existence.3 The Institute of Medicine advocates an aggressive effort to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, by increasing access to contraceptive information and services and by broadening the range of health care professionals and institutions that promote and provide contraceptive services.4 In response to this mandate, five organizations in Washington State-the nonprofit organization Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), the Washington State Pharmacists Association, the University of Washington Department of Pharmacy, the Washington State Board of Pharmacy and the Seattle office of the advertising firm DDB World-
Thyroid autoimmunity in chronic urticaria

Background Chronic urticaria (CU) is an autoimmune process in some patients. An association between CU and autoimmune thyroid disease has also previously been proposed. Our group has identified functionally significant histamine‐releasing autoantibodies in one subset of CU patients (subset 1), predicted by positive autologous intradermal serum tests and positive histamine release from donor basophil leucocytes in vitro. Sera from a second subset of patients (subset 2), all of whom had positive autologous intradermal serum tests, failed to release histamine from donor basophils. A final disease subset (subset 3) has no identifiable skin reactivity (negative autologous serum skin test) or in vitro histamine releasing activity.
Differential Role of p38 and c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in NK Cell Cytotoxicity1

The serine-threonine mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family includes extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 kinases. In NK cells, spontaneous or Ab-mediated recognition of target cells leads to activation of an ERK-2 MAPK-dependent biochemical pathway(s) involved in the regulation of NK cell effector functions. Here we assessed the roles of p38 and JNK MAPK in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our data indicate that p38 is activated in primary human NK cells upon stimulation with immune complexes and interaction with NK-sensitive target cells. FcγRIIIA-induced granule exocytosis and both spontaneous and Ab-dependent cytotoxicity were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in cells pretreated with either of two specific inhibitors of this kinase. Target cell-induced IFN-γ and FcγRIIIA-induced TNF-α mRNA accumulation was similarly affected under the same conditions. Lack of inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity in cells overexpressing an inactive form of JNK1 indicates that this kinase, activated only upon FcγRIIIA ligation, does not play a significant role in cytotoxicity. These data underscore the involvement of p38, but not JNK1, in the molecular mechanisms regulating NK cell cytotoxicity.
Persistent elevation of plasma insulin levels is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in children and young adults. The Bogalusa Heart Study.

BACKGROUND Hyperinsulinemia has been considered to be a potent cardiovascular risk factor. The present investigation examines persistently elevated fasting insulin levels from childhood to young adulthood and its influence on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS A longitudinal cohort was constructed from two cross-sectional surveys in a community-based population over an 8-year period: 1606 individuals (39% were black) aged 5 to 23 years participated in the first survey. Stability in rankings (persistence) of insulin levels was shown by the presence of significant correlations between year 1 and year 8 values (r=.23 to .36, P<.0001), with a greater magnitude in older subjects. Compared with subjects with levels of insulin consistently in the lowest quartile, those with levels always in the highest quartile showed higher (P<.001) levels of body mass index (+9 kg/m2), triglycerides (+58 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (+11 mg/dL), VLDL cholesterol (+8 mg/dL), glucose (+9 mg/dL), systolic blood pressure (+7 mm Hg), and diastolic blood pressure (+3 mm Hg); lower (P<.001) levels of HDL cholesterol (-4 mg/dL): and higher (P<.05) prevalence of parental history of diabetes (3.3-fold) and hypertension (1.2-fold). There were 739 young adults aged 20 to 31 years at follow-up. As adults, individuals with consistently elevated insulin versus those with consistently decreased insulin had increased (P<.05) prevalence of obesity (36-fold), hypertension (2.5-fold), and dyslipidemia (3-fold), which was attributed to both baseline insulin and change of insulin from baseline to follow-up. In addition, clustering of these risk factors was stronger (P<.05) in adults with persistent insulin elevation. CONCLUSIONS Elevated insulin levels persist from childhood through young adulthood, resulting in a clinically relevant adverse cardiovascular risk profile in young adults.
An analysis of the influence of membrane potential and metabolic poisoning with azide on the sodium pump in skeletal muscle.

1. Activation of the Na pump in muscle by the external K concentration, [K]O, is independent of the membrane potential (Em) as shown by experiments in which Em was either stabilized during variation of [K]O or varied by application of azide at constant or zero [K]O. 2. Application of azide to Na‐enriched muscles causes a transient increase in 22Na efflux which occurs either in the presence or in the absence of external K. 3. The increased 22Na efflux induced by azide is abolished by addition of ouabain and is greatly reduced by removal of almost all of the external Na concentration, [Na]o. 4. Azide‐treated muscles show a rather normal K sensitivity of 22Na efflux and [K]O induces a net Na extrusion from Na‐enriched muscles in the presence of azide. 5. Azide reduces ouabain‐sensitive K influx to low values thus interfering with K pump but not with the ability of K to activate the Na pump. 6. The experiments provide evidence that azide promotes a ouabainsensitive Na‐Na exchange in Na‐enriched muscles and that it partially uncouples the Na‐K exchange normally observed.
The National Basketball Association eye injury study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiology of eye injuries sustained by professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). METHODS A prospective study involving all NBA athletes who sustained eye injuries between February 1, 1992, and June 20, 1993, was conducted. Twenty-seven NBA team athletic trainers, physicians, and ophthalmologists were provided data forms to complete for any player examined for an eye injury. Practice and game exposures during the preseason, regular season, playoffs, and championships were included. RESULTS Of the 1092 injuries sustained by NBA players during the 17-month period, 59 (5.4%) involved the eye and adnexa. Eighteen (30.5%) of the injuries occurred while the player was in the act of rebounding, and 16 (27.1%) while the player was on offense. The most common diagnoses included 30 abrasions or lacerations to the eyelid (50.9%), 17 contusions (edema and/or ecchymosis) to the eyelid or periorbital region (28.8%), and seven corneal abrasions (11.9%). There were three orbital fractures (5.1%). Most injuries were caused by fingers (35.6%) or elbows (28.8%). Nine players (15.3%) missed subsequent games because of their injury. Fifty-seven players (96.6%) were not wearing protective eyewear at the time of injury. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of eye injuries in NBA players during the 17-month period was 1.44 per 1000 game exposures. Frequent physical contact in professional basketball players leaves them at great risk for sustaining eye injuries. To prevent these injuries, protective eyewear is recommended.
Socioeconomic status and intelligence quotient as predictors of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and in their siblings

Previous studies have shown high rates of comorbid disorders in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, but failed to compare them with general population and few of them have identified predictors of comorbidity. This study compared the rates of psychiatric disorders in 50 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, 24 of their siblings, 32 controls from general population and 22 of their siblings. Children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorder and their siblings had higher rates of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder compared to controls. Lower socioeconomic status and intelligence quotient were the main risk factors. The contribution of socioeconomic status and intelligence quotient to increase the risk of developing comorbidity in autism spectrum disorder and psychopathology in their siblings deserves further study.
The Analysis of Longitudinal Data Using Mixed Model L‐Splines

Summary L‐splines are a large family of smoothing splines defined in terms of a linear differential operator. This article develops L‐splines within the context of linear mixed models and uses the resulting mixed model L‐spline to analyze longitudinal data from a grassland experiment. In the spirit of time‐series analysis, a periodic mixed model L‐spline is developed, which partitions data into a smooth periodic component plus smooth long‐term trend.
Thermoplastic Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Inorganic Fullerene-like Nanoparticles and Inorganic Nanotubes

Using inorganic fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles and inorganic nanotubes (INT) in organic-inorganic hybrid composite, materials provide the potential for improving thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of conventional composites. The processing of such high-performance hybrid thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites is achieved via melt-blending without the aid of any modifier or compatibilizing agent. The incorporation of small quantities (0.1-4 wt.%) of IF/INTs (tungsten disulfide, IF-WS2 or molybdenum disulfide, MoS2) generates notable performance enhancements through reinforcement effects and excellent lubricating ability in comparison with promising carbon nanotubes or other inorganic nanoscale fillers. It was shown that these IF/INT nanocomposites can provide an effective balance between performance, cost effectiveness, and processability, which is of significant importance for extending the practical applications of diverse hierarchical thermoplastic-based composites.
Coronary vascular anastomoses by internal mammary arter implantation.

TODAY coronary atherosclerosis which results in coronary artery heart disease is a most controversial subject in regard to etiology, prognosis and, in particular, treatment. However, there seems to be full agreement that narrowed or blocked coronary arteries may produce myocardial ischaemia. There is further agreement that anginal pain is a reflection of the inability of myocardial fibres to obtain sufficient oxygenated blood to meet energy demands. The end result of this complex biochemical problem is a mechanical obstruction to the free flow of oxygenated blood into the myocardium.
Dopamine transporter imaging does not predict the number of nigral neurons in Parkinson disease

Objective: To examine possible associations between in vivo brain dopamine transporter SPECT imaging and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) neuronal survival in Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: Nigral neuron numbers were calculated for 18 patients (11 patients with neuropathologically confirmed PD) who had been examined with dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT before death. Correlation analyses between SNc tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)–positive and neuromelanin-containing neuron counts and DAT striatal specific binding ratios (SBRs) were performed with semiquantitative region of interest–based and voxel-based analyses. Results: Mean putamen SBR did not correlate with the number of substantia nigra TH-positive (r = −0.11, p = 0.66) or neuromelanin-containing (r = −0.07, p = 0.78) neurons. Correlations remained clearly nonsignificant when the time interval between SPECT and death was used as a covariate, when the voxel-based analysis was used, and when only patients with PD were included. Conclusions: This cohort study demonstrates that postmortem SNc neuron counts are not associated with striatal DAT binding in PD. These results fit with the theory that there is no correlation between the number of substantia nigra neurons and striatal dopamine after a certain level of damage has occurred. Striatal DAT binding in PD may reflect axonal dysfunction or DAT expression rather than the number of viable neurons.
Optic Disc and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Changes in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract This study was conducted to assess optic nerve and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) changes in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its correlation with disease duration and severity. Optic nerve parameters and RNFL thickness were measured in 24 PD patients and 25 age–gender-matched controls by Heidelberg Retinal Tomography II (Heidelberg Engineering, Dossenheim, Germany). Patients with visual acuity below 20/25 were excluded. The mean RNFL in the temporal sector was significantly thinner in the study group than the control group (p = 0.020). Additionally, disease severity and duration negatively correlated with optic disc parameters in some sectors.
Neurotological Complications After Radiosurgery Versus Conservative Management in Acoustic Neuromas: A Systematic Review-based Study

Objective--Treatment modalities for acoustic neuroma (AN) include surgery, observation and gamma-knife surgery. The aim of this study was to compare neurotological complications resulting from two treatment alternatives to microsurgery: radiosurgery and observation. Material and methods--We conducted a systematic review of the literature dealing with radiosurgery for AN and compared the rate of neurotological complications in this population with that in a cohort of patients managed conservatively. Results--We found that neurotological complications, namely facial hypoesthesia (p=0.002), hearing loss (p<0.05) and hydrocephalus (p=0.02), were more frequently encountered after radiosurgery than with conservative management. In contrast, we found that the risk of growth of AN is significantly higher with conservative management and that the rate of stability of the tumor did not differ significantly between the two treatments. Conclusion--We prefer a conservative management regimen for patients who cannot be operated on for their AN. However, there are some difficulties inherent in this conservative management policy, namely non-compliance and difficulties in establishing the evolution of the tumor.
Left hemispheric lateral preference and high neuroticism predict disinhibition in two go/no-go experiments.

Although disinhibition is widely implicated in impulse-control-related psychopathologies, debate remains regarding the underlying approach and avoidance processes of this construct. In two studies, we simultaneously tested three competing models in which varying levels of extraversion, neuroticism, and hemispheric lateral preference are associated with disinhibition. In both studies (Study 1, N = 92; Study 2, N = 124), undergraduate students were randomly allocated to one of two versions of the go/no-go task: one where participants were primed through reward to make more "go" responses and another where no such priming occurred. Neuroticism, extraversion, and hemispheric lateral preference measures were also collected. Across both studies, disinhibition was greatest in individuals who reported both a left hemispheric lateral preference and high neuroticism. This pattern was only found for those who were primed through reward to make more "go" responses. There was no association with extraversion. Contrary to previous research, our results suggest that left hemispheric asymmetry and neuroticism and not extraversion drive disinhibited approach, following the establishment of a prepotent approach response set. This has salient implications for the theoretical understanding of disinhibited behavior, as well as for the study of continued maladaptive approach behavior.
Interrelationships between intellectual capital and performance: empirical examination

– The aim of this paper is to raise an awareness of intangible assets among large manufacturing firms in Thailand. As a result, the research is to examine empirically the effects of intellectual capital (IC), and its key components (e.g. human capital, structural capital, and innovation capital) on a manufacturing firm's industrial operations and performance. , – The required data for this research are collected from leading manufacturing firms' annual reports. These firms are listed in stock exchange of Thailand 100. The value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) is adapted to measure IC. Then, the co‐relation analysis and multi‐regression model are applied to learn more about the roles of VAIC and its impacts on a manufacturing firm's performance. , – IC positively and significantly affects a manufacturing firm's performance. It impacts all four performance indicators under study, i.e. return on equity, return on assets, revenue growth, and employee productivity. In addition, based on the relatively high adjusted R2, human capital exhibits the relationships with employee productivity. , – The findings highlight the role of IC in strengthening a manufacturing firm's long‐term competitiveness advantage. The results from the paper have helped develop policy initiatives for Department of Industrial Work in Thailand such as tax scheme and incentives for R&D spending, promotion of university partnerships for R&D, and training for more effective knowledge management practices.
Red blood cell transfusion–related necrotizing enterocolitis in very‐low‐birthweight infants: a near‐infrared spectroscopy investigation

Recent evidence suggests that antecedent red blood cell (RBC) transfusions increase the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common gastrointestinal emergency encountered by very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants. The underlying mechanism for this association is unknown. Altered oxygenation of the mesenteric vasculature during RBC transfusion has been hypothesized to contribute to NEC development and was investigated in this study.
Beneficial effects of Centella asiatica aqueous extract against arsenic‐induced oxidative stress and essential metal status in rats

The efficacy of an aqueous extract of Centella asiatica (100, 200 and 500 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days) was studied in the depletion of arsenic and in the recovery of a few altered biochemical variables in arsenic pre‐exposed rats (20 ppm in drinking water for 5 weeks). Exposure to arsenic significantly depleted δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activity in red blood cells. Significant depletion of ALAD activity, GSH level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), SOD and catalase (CAT) activities and an increase in TBARS levels in liver tissues was also noted. There was a significant depletion of SOD, CAT and GPx activities in kidneys and an increased TBARS levels in kidney and brain accompanied by increased arsenic concentration in blood and soft tissues. Treatment with aqueous extract of Centella asiatica provided significant protection against ALAD, GSH and TBARS levels, particularly at doses of 200 and 500 mg. Centella asiatica also provided significant recovery in the inhibited liver ALAD and G6PD activities. Arsenic concentration in blood and soft tissues remained uninfluenced after Centella asiatica administration. The present study thus suggests a beneficial effect of Centella asiatica against arsenic‐induced oxidative stress but possesses no chelating property. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression of protease-activated receptors in monocytes from patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of protease-activated receptors (PARs), their potential regulation by anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and their association with the expression of other molecules relevant to thrombosis in monocytes obtained from 62 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by magnetic depletion of nonmonocytes. Expression of tissue factor (TF) and PARs 1-4 genes was measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cell surface TF and PARs 1-4 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. For in vitro studies, purified normal monocytes were incubated with purified APS patient IgG, normal human serum IgG, or lipopolysaccharide, in the presence or absence of specific monoclonal antibodies anti-PAR-1 (ATAP2) or anti-PAR-2 (SAM11) to test the effect of blocking the active site of PAR-1 or PAR-2. RESULTS Analysis of both mRNA and protein for the 4 PARs revealed significantly increased expression of PAR-2 as compared with the control groups. PAR-1 was significantly overexpressed in APS patients with thrombosis and in the control patients with thrombosis but without APS. PAR-3 expression was not significantly altered. PAR-4 expression was absent in all groups analyzed. In addition, we demonstrated a correlation between the levels of PAR-2 and the titers of IgG aCL, as well as parallel behavior of TF and PAR-2 expression. In vitro, IgG from APS patients significantly increased monocyte expression of PAR-1 and PAR-2. Inhibition studies suggested that there was direct cross-talk between TF and PAR-2, such that inhibition of PAR-2 prevented the aCL-induced expression of TF. CONCLUSION These results provide the first demonstration of increased expression of PARs in monocytes from patients with APS. Thus, PAR antagonists might have therapeutic potential as antithrombotic agents in APS.