Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipids of Branhamella catarrhalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Three strains of Branhamella catarrhalis and three strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were analyzed with regard to their phospholipid and neutral lipid composition. B. catarrhalis (ATCC 23246) contained 5.12 +/- 0.34% lipid, determined gravimetrically, compared to 8.56 +/- 0.15% and 9.73 +/- 0.06% for two strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Cardiolipin, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine were identified in extracts of both species. In addition, B. catarrhalis contained small amounts of phosphatidylcholine, and N. gonorrhoeae contained small amounts of lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine, which accumulated with autolysis accompanying late cell culture growth. The kinetics of change of relative amounts of phospholipids in both species were measured and found to differ substantially. Neutral lipid accounted for 30.4% of the total lipid of B. catarrhalis (ATCC 23246) and 7.6% of the total lipid of N. gonorrhoeae NYH 002. Hydrocarbons, triglycerides, free fatty acids, coenzyme Q, diglycerides, and free hydroxy fatty acids were identified in the neutral lipid fraction of both species. The three strains of N. gonorrhoeae, sensitive, intermediate, and resistant to penicillin, exhibited no significant difference in the composition or metabolism of phospholipid.
Gamification in a real order picking environment of an online grocer

The online grocery retail industry is rapidly growing and has to improve order picking activities which is one of the most costly and labor-intensive activities of their supply chain. Gamification has been promised to increase the motivation and productivity of order pickers, but empirical findings in real world work environments are still missing. In this case study, a gamified design was tested during an intervention with professional order pickers. The design contained the following game elements: points, badges, leaderboards, performance graphs and avatars. The results show that the motivation of the order pickers are positively influenced by the intervention and that this led to a higher productivity. Besides, it was found that different game elements were differently appreciated depending on the level of experience of the order picker.
THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE BASE MATERIAL (BM) AND WELDED JOINT (WJ) MADE OF STEEL S690QL

V. Lazić, D. Arsić, S. Aleksandrović, A. Ilić, L. Ivanović, M. Djordjević, Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia A. Sedmak, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia This paper presents the analysis of the influence of temperature on mechanic properties of the base material and welded joints made of high strength steel. The joints were welded on S690QL high strength steel plates using the Metal Active Gas (MAG) Welding and two filler materials of different properties. Since the steel S690QL belongs to a group of steels with high strength, the aim of this paper is to determine the temperature at which strength starts to decrease. Experimental tensile testings of the welded joints were performed at five different temperatures in the range from 20 to 550 °C.
Side Effects of Antiepileptics— A Review

Abstract: Older generation antiepileptic drugs like Phenobarbital (Luminal), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote) have several shortcomings such as suboptimal response rates, significant adverse effects, several drug interactions, and a narrow therapeutic index. New antiepileptic drugs have been developed in the last decade to overcome some of these problems. These newer generation antiepileptics like felbamate (Felbatol), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), levetiracetam (Keppra), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), tiagabine (Gabitril), topiramate (Topamax), and zonisamide (Zonegran) have better tolerability profiles, low interaction potential, and significantly less enzyme inducing or inhibiting properties. As the use of antiepileptic drugs has expanded to include treatment of neuropathic pain, newer side effects have been reported. In addition to the common side effects of antiepileptic drugs, like dizziness, drowsiness, and mental slowing; other side effects like weight gain, metabolic acidosis, nephrolithiasis, angle closure glaucoma, skin rash, hepatotoxicity, colitis, and movement and behavioral disorders, to name a few, have been brought to our attention. This review is an attempt to highlight the features and incidences of some of these side effects.
Novel mode converter based on hollow optical fiber for Gigabit LAN communication

A novel mode converter based on a hollow optical fiber is proposed to reduce the differential modal delay penalty in optical transmission over multimode fibers (MMFs). The device adiabatically converts a fundamental mode in a single-mode fiber to a ring-shaped mode in order to excite selectively a set of higher order modes with a similar group velocity in MMF, maintaining center-launching configuration. The mode converter is composed of serially concatenated concentric segments of a single-mode, hollow, and multimode optical fiber. For 2.5-Gb/s transmission over 500-m-long MMF using a laser diode transmitter, the proposed mode converter shows improvement in bit-error-rate performance at both wavelengths of 1.31 and 1.55 /spl mu/m.
Formation of Ternary Complex of Human Biliverdin Reductase-Protein Kinase Cδ-ERK2 Protein Is Essential for ERK2-mediated Activation of Elk1 Protein, Nuclear Factor-κB, and Inducible Nitric-oxidase Synthase (iNOS)*

Background: ERK2 activation by PKCδ relays cell growth signals. hBVR is a bridge/scaffold protein and nuclear transporter of ERK. Results: hBVR forms a ternary complex with PKCδ and ERK2; this requires specific hBVR sequences. Corresponding peptides inhibit PKCδ/ERK2 interaction. PKCδ/ERK-mediated transcriptional activation is hBVR-dependent. Conclusion: hBVR is essential for ERK2 activation by PKCδ and MEK1/2. Significance: hBVR-based peptides are useful in regulating PKCδ/ERK signaling. Growth factors, insulin, oxidative stress, and cytokines activate ERK1/2 by PKCδ and MEK1/2. Human biliverdin reductase (hBVR), a Ser/Thr/Tyr kinase and intracellular scaffold/bridge/anchor, is a nuclear transporter of MEK1/2-stimulated ERK1/2 (Lerner-Marmarosh, N., Miralem, T., Gibbs, P. E., and Maines, M. D. (2008) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105, 6870–6875). hBVR, PKCδ, and MEK1/2 overlap in their tissue expression profile and type of activators. Presently, we report on formation of an hBVR-PKCδ-ERK2 ternary complex that is essential for ERK2 signal transduction and activation of genes linked to cell proliferation and cancer. MEK1/2 and the protein phosphatase PP2A were also present in the complex. When cells were stimulated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), an increased interaction between hBVR and PKCδ was detected by FRET-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. hBVR and ERK2 were phosphorylated by PKCδ; however, the PKC was not a substrate for either ERK2 or hBVR. IGF-1 and phorbol ester increased hBVR/PKCδ binding; hBVR was required for the activation of PKCδ and its interaction with ERK2. The C-terminal phenylalanine residues of PKCδ (Phe660, Phe663, and Phe665) were necessary for binding to ERK2 but not for hBVR binding. Formation of the hBVR-PKCδ-ERK2 complex required the hBVR docking site for ERK, FXFP (DEF, C-box) and D(δ)-box (ILXXLXL) motifs. The hBVR-based peptide KKRILHCLGLA inhibited PKC activation and PKCδ/ERK2 interaction. Phorbol ester- and TNF-α-dependent activation of the ERK-regulated transcription factors Elk1 and NF-κB and expression of the iNOS gene were suppressed by hBVR siRNA; those activities were rescued by hBVR. The findings reveal the direct input of hBVR in PKCδ/ERK signaling and identify hBVR-based peptide regulators of ERK-mediated gene activation.
Predictive factors for peripheral-blood progenitor-cell collections using a single large-volume leukapheresis after cyclophosphamide and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor mobilization.

PURPOSE (1) To study the ability of mobilized peripheral-blood progenitor cells (PBPC) collected in a single large-volume leukapheresis performed on a predetermined date to accelerate engraftment after high-dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa; (2) to establish the minimum dose of PBPC associated with early engraftment; and (3) to identify parameters predictive of collection of large numbers of PBPC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-three patients with breast cancer received cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor ([GM-CSF] 5 micrograms/kg/d x 15 days) for PBPC mobilization. A single leukapheresis was performed 15 days after cyclophosphamide administration. Then, patients received high-dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa followed by reinfusion of PBPC and 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4HC)-purged bone marrow. PBPC concentration was measured in serial peripheral-blood samples and in the leukapheresis product. Correlation analysis between PBPC dose and engraftment and between leukapheresis yield and patient characteristics was attempted. RESULTS A single leukapheresis processed a median 36 L (range, 24 to 46) blood and collected 5 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (< 0.3 to 24) and 6.2 x 10(5) colony-forming units granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM)/kg (< 0.001 to 29). All sixteen patients (70%) reinfused with > or = 2.9 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg reached a level of greater than 1,000 leukocytes/microL by day 13 and greater than 50,000 platelets/microL by day 15. All of these patients had a percentage of peripheral-blood CD34+ cells > or = 0.5%, and all but one, a level of greater than 100,000 platelets/microL, on the day of leukapheresis. The bone marrow CD34+ cell percentage at study entry predicted the number of CD34+ cells collected after PBPC mobilization (R2 = .42, P = .002). All patients with > or = 2.5% bone marrow CD34+ cells experienced early engraftment. CONCLUSION Reinfusion of PBPC collected in a single leukapheresis accelerates engraftment in the majority of patients. Pretreatment bone marrow CD34+ cell content determines PBPC mobilization capacity and may help select hematopoietic rescue strategies.
The Analgesic Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Continuous Epidural Sufentanil and Bupivacaine Infusion After Thoracotomy

We investigated analgesia and the adverse effects of epidural sufentanil infusion in a double-blind randomized study of 37 patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Sufentanil 1 micro gram/mL was administered at a thoracic (Ts, n = 12) or lumbar level (Ls, n = 11), or combined with bupivacaine 1 mg/mL at a thoracic level (Tsb, n = 14). Postoperatively, the epidural infusion rate was titrated (4-20 mL/h) according to the visual analog pain scale when assessed during function (VAS-F) or the occurrence of side effects. When epidural analgesia failed, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were given. VAS-F was lowest in the Tsb group (Tsb < Ts = Ls) despite its having both the lowest rate of epidural infusion (Tsb < Ts < Ls) and need of additional NSAIDs (Tsb < Ts = Ls). Sedation (Tsb < Ts < Ls) and hypercapnia (Tsb = Ts < Ls) occurred most frequently in the Ls group. Vital capacity (VC) was reduced in all groups by 43%-58% (Ls > Ts) and had recovered only partially at 24 h after discontinuation of the epidural infusion. The slopes of the ventilatory response (minute ventilation [VE], inspiratory flow, and mouth occlusion pressure at 0.1 s [P0.1]) to 7% CO2 decreased during treatment in Ls, Ts, and Tsb groups at the most by 73%, 55%, and 52% (not significant [NS] between groups), 59%, 45%, and 38% (NS between groups), and 81%, 43%, and 18% (Ls > Tsb), respectively. Twenty-four hours after discontinuation of the epidural infusion, there was a complete recovery of the VE, inspiratory flow, and P0.1 response to CO2 in the Tsb group only. The study shows that, after thoracotomy, epidural sufentanil analgesia is optimal when tailored to the site of nociceptive input and combined with bupivacaine. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:394-400)
MT3/QR2 melatonin binding site does not use melatonin as a substrate or a co‐substrate

Abstract: Quinone reductase 2 (QR2, E.C. 1.10.99.2) is implicated in cell reactive oxygen species production. The catalytic activity of this enzyme is inhibited by 1 μm of melatonin. QR2 was identified as the third melatonin binding site (MT3). It is of major importance to understand the exact roles of melatonin and QR2 in oxidative stress. A fascinating possibility that melatonin could serve as a co‐substrate or substrate of QR2 was hypothesized recently. In the current investigation, nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the QR2 catalytic reaction were performed, the results led us to conclude that, whatever the conditions, melatonin is not cleaved off to form N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynurenine by a catalytically active QR2, very strongly indicating that melatonin is neither a substrate nor a co‐substrate of this enzyme. Further studies are needed in order to better understand the relationship between MT3/QR2, melatonin and redox status of the cells, in order to better explain the anti‐oxidant activities of melatonin at pharmacological concentrations (>1 μm).
Making Self-Care a Priority for Women At Risk of Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema

Estimates suggest that between 41% and 94% of breast cancer survivors may develop the chronic condition of secondary lymphedema at some point during their lifetimes. Self-care is critical for effective lymphedema management and risk-reduction. At the same time, women in general have been characterized as engaging in self-sacrificing behaviors in which they choose other-care over self-care. This study explored the self-care experiences of women with breast cancer within the contexts of complex and demanding familial and work-related responsibilities. Participants (N = 14) were enrolled in a behavioral-educational intervention aimed at lymphedema risk-reduction. This feminist family theory-informed secondary analysis of qualitative data focused on women’s familial roles and the balance or lack of balance between self-sacrifice and self-care. Findings included participants’ struggles with time management and prioritizing self-care over care of others as well as making a commitment to self-care. Findings have implications for patient and family-level education and research with regard to gender role-based barriers to self-care and self-care within complex social contexts.
Efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of thoracic postherpetic neuralgia from the angulus costae: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is often refractory to existing treatments. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is known to be effective for treating neuropathic pain. In common, the targets of PRF treatment were the segmental dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons responsible for the pain. A potential complication that can occasionally occur with PRF treatment is damage to the adjacent tissue and organ. The effectiveness of the angulus costae as a puncture site for PRF has not been tested in thoracic PHN treatment. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of PRF for treating thoracic PHN through the puncture of the angulus costae. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. SETTING Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. METHODS Ninety-six patients with thoracic (T2-11) PHN were equally randomized assigned into 2 groups. The electrode needle punctured through the angulus costae of each patient guided by x-ray; PRF at 42° C for 120 seconds was applied after inducing paresthesia involving the affected dermatome area. PRF was applied in the PRF group (n = 48) twice. It was also applied in the sham group (n = 48) twice without radiofrequency energy output. The treatment was done once a week for 3 weeks. Tramadol was used for flare pain when the visual analog scale (VAS) ≥ 3. OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT The therapeutic effect was evaluated by VAS, SF-36 health survey questionnaire, side effects (type, frequency, and onset time) before treatment, at days 3, 7, and 14, and at months one, 2, 3 and 6 after PRF. The average of tramadol (mg/d) administered within the first month after treatment was also recorded. RESULTS The postprocedure VAS scores in the PRF group were significantly lower than those in the sham group and lasted for 6 months after treatment (P < 0.05). The SF-36 score, such as physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, general health perceptions, social function, emotional role, and mental health index were significantly improved until 6 months after treatment in the PRF group compared to the sham group (P < 0.01-0.05). The average dosage of tramadol administrated (mg/d) within the first month after treatment was also significantly reduced in the PRF group compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). There were no obvious signs of pneumothorax, bleeding, infection, or other severe side effects in either group (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS Single center study, relatively small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS The strategy that the angulus costae be used as the PRF puncture point of an electrode needle and the final localization of the needle tip as determined by sensory testing is an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for thoracic PHN treatment. Benefits include that the procedure is minimally invasive, provides short-term pain relief, and improves quality of life. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO ISRCTN25588650.
Analysis of Ecstasy Tablets Using Capillary Electrophoresis with Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection

A method for the identification of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and meta‐chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) was developed employing capillary electrophoresis (CE) with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). Sample extraction, separation, and detection of “Ecstasy” tablets were performed in <10 min without sample derivatization. The separation electrolyte was 20 mm TAPS/Lithium, pH 8.7. Average minimal detectable amounts for MDMA and mCPP were 0.04 mg/tablet, several orders of magnitude lower than the minimum amount encountered in a tablet. Seven different Ecstasy tablets seized in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were analyzed by CE‐C4D and compared against routine gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The CE method demonstrated sufficient selectivity to discriminate the two target drugs, MDMA and mCPP, from the other drugs present in seizures, namely amphepramone, fenproporex, caffeine, lidocaine, and cocaine. Separation was performed in <90 sec. The advantages of using C4D instead of traditional CE‐UV methods for in‐field analysis are also discussed.
Combined analyses and extended follow‐up of two randomized controlled homocysteine‐lowering B‐vitamin trials

Abstract. Ebbing M. , Bønaa K.H. , Arnesen E. , Ueland P.M. , Nordrehaug J.E. , Rasmussen K. , Njølstad I. , Nilsen D.W. , Refsum H. , Tverdal A. , Vollset S.E. , Schirmer H. , Bleie Ø. , Steigen T. , Midttun Ø. , Fredriksen Å. , Pedersen E.R. , Nygård O. (From the Departments of 1Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen; Heart Disease, University Hospital of North Norway; Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø; Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø; Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Division of Epidemiology, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo; Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen; Bevital AS, Bergen; Norway) Combined Analyses and Extended Follow‐Up of Two Randomized Controlled Homocysteine‐Lowering B‐Vitamin Trials. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 367–382.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the canine shoulder: an anatomic study.

OBJECTIVES To describe the normal anatomy of the soft tissue stabilizing components of the canine shoulder identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate specific acquisition sequences and planes for observing structures of diagnostic interest. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. ANIMAL Canine cadavers (n=3). METHODS T1-weighted, proton density fat saturation (PD), and T2(*)-weighted gradient echo (GE) MRI sequences were obtained in the sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes of the left shoulder of 3 canine cadavers. After imaging, each shoulder was embedded and thin sectioned. The corresponding right shoulder was frozen and thick sectioned. The anatomic structures on the histologic and frozen thick sections were visually correlated with the MR images. RESULTS The sagittal plane provided a longitudinal view of the bicep, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus tendons. The biceps, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons, and the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments were identified in the transverse and dorsal planes. The dorsal plane allowed for the bicep tendon to be evaluated transversely as it passed over the humeral head. The GE sequence was more useful in identifying tendons and ligaments. The PD sequence was more helpful in identifying fluid accumulations in the joint and around tendons. CONCLUSIONS The tendinous and ligamentous structures that stabilize the canine shoulder joint can be readily identified with MRI. CLINICAL RELEVANCE MRI has the potential to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of canine soft tissue shoulder injuries.
Airway Management following Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery

Objectives (1) Review airway management in pediatric patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery (CTS); (2) determine the incidence of airway-related complications of CTS in this population. Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care children’s hospital. Patients Children undergoing CTS over a 4-year period. Methods Patients who underwent CTS at a single, tertiary care, children’s hospital between June 1, 2007, and May 31, 2011, were retrospectively reviewed; those <18 years who had open CTS were included. Statistical analysis examined relationships of intubation duration, complications, and need for tracheotomy while comparing patient characteristics, comorbidities, and types of surgery. Results Eight hundred seventy-five primary surgeries in 745 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean postoperative intubation duration was 7.2 days and median 3 days. On univariate analysis, significantly longer postoperative intubation requirements were found in patients younger in age, with congenital comorbidities or prematurity, with preoperative ventilation requirements, and those with early postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis found younger age, presence of congenital comorbidities, preoperative intubation requirements, and early postoperative complications each lengthen ventilation requirements. Four patients developed vocal cord paralysis and 5 developed phrenic nerve palsy. Nineteen patients required tracheotomy. Conclusions In this large cohort, CTS in the pediatric population is associated with few long-term or permanent airway-related complications. Patients who are younger in age and those with congenital comorbidities, preoperative ventilation requirements, or early postoperative complications required longer periods of postoperative intubation.