Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Background: A significant proportion of heart failure (HF) patients have preserved ejection fraction (EF). Considering that inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in HF evolution, we investigated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), an enzyme involved in these pathophysiologic processes in relation to EF. Methods and results: The study included 208 HF patients and 20 healthy controls. HF patients with preserved EF (HFpEF) represented 42.31% of all HF patients. LpPLA2 activity was significantly increased in HF patients when compared with controls and was higher in HFpEF than in HF with reduced EF patients (HFrEF). The incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy was higher in HFpEF than in HFrEF (EF < 50). Conclusion: Confirming its role as a marker of vascular inflammation, LpPLA2 seems to be a biomarker constantly correlated with HF, regardless of etiology. Elevated plasma values of LpPLA2 in HFpEF are consistent with the exacerbated inflammatory status.
Oocyte normality after superovulation in immature rats.

The developmental ability of oocytes recovered from superovulated immature rats (40 i.u. PMSG) was compared with that of oocytes from control rats (4 i.u. PMSG). Oocytes were collected from the oviducts immediately after ovulation or from large follicles, and were transferred to one ovarian bursa of normal adult recipients. Fertilization and subsequent fetal development occurred in the recipients which were killed on Day 20. The proportions of oocytes surviving after transfer from the oviducts of donors which received 4 or 40 i.u. PMSG or from the follicles of those which received 40 i.u. PMSG were not significantly different. However, the proportion of oocytes surviving after recovery from the follicles of donors receiving 4 i.u. PMSG was significantly higher (P less than 0.05). These studies suggest that oocytes recovered from superovulated or control rats are equally able to develop, and the failure to maintain pregnancy that has been reported for superovulated rats in previous studies is not attributable to defects in the oocytes.
Early Aggressive Nutrition for the Premature Infant

Nutrition for sick newborn infants, both term and preterm, has been evolving since the first published report of use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in an infant. The more preterm infants have posed an even greater challenge, because optimal timing for use of enteral nutrition is an additional factor for completing their nutritional demands. Although benefiting the immune system among other physiological benefits, human milk has many nutritional gaps for the premature infant. The development of premature infant formulas and milk fortifiers has helped fill these gaps, but questions still exist about safety and efficacy of human milk versus formula. This article will focus on the use of TPN as well as early initiation of enteral feedings and the challenges this brings.
Comparative analysis of costs of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil vs. balanced anaesthesia with isoflurane and fentanyl

Background and aim We evaluated the costs and benefits of total intravenous anaesthesia compared with a balanced anaesthesia regimen. Methods One-hundred and twenty-four patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomized to either a propofol/remifentanil or an isoflurane/fentanyl group. In the propofol/remifentanil group, both drugs were used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia; in the isoflurane/fentanyl group, anaesthesia was induced with etomidate and fentanyl and maintained with isoflurane and fentanyl. All patients received mivacurium for muscle relaxation and the lungs were ventilated mechanically. The use of propofol and remifentanil resulted in a faster emergence and an overall savings per case of &U20AC; 12.25 due to a reduction in personnel costs which outweighs the higher drug acquisition costs. Results In the propofol and remifentanil group, more patients were satisfied and would accept the same anaesthetic again. Conclusion We conclude that propofol and remifentanil is more cost-effective than isoflurane/fentanyl due to its better recovery profile, reduced total direct costs and higher patient satisfaction.
A Biomechanical Analysis of Short Segment Spinal Fixation Using a Three-Dimensional Geometric and Mechanical Model

Vertebral stabilization using spinal fixation devices is a widely used technique. A three-dimensional geometric and mechanical finite element model has been used as a simulation tool for the evaluation of the mechanical behavior of spinal devices. The geometry of lumbar vertebrae was parameterized, which allows the construction of the geometric model for a given lumbar segment from the digitization of two roentgenographs. This procedure was used to construct a finite element model for a three-vertebra segment with simulation of fractures in the middle vertebra, and with simulation of a restoration using an osteosynthesis device, implemented in a frame fashion with four screws and two rods linked by two transverse rods, and/or an anterior bone graft. Compression force and torsion moment were considered, and different cases were investigated, by varying the severity of the fracture, the geometric characteristics of the device, and the mechanical characteristics of the material joining the two intact vertebral bodies. Results were analyzed considering the mobility of the vertebral segment, which indicates the ability of the restoration system to stabilize the vertebral segment, and considering the forces and moments distribution in the device, which gives information on part of the forces that pass through the device in each situation. Results show that maximum values of forces and moments in the device are more important in compression than in torsion. Adding an anterior bone graft has an effect mainly for compression, whereas in torsion its effects is negligible. For a rigid fixation device, no significant difference was found between different fracture models, indicating that the posterior arch does not play an important role for an instrumented segment. For compression, a rigid posterior wall, or the presence of a bone graft, reduces greatly the mobility of the instrumented segment. For torsion, suppressing the two transverse rods in the device greatly increases the mobility of the instrumented segment. Using a finite element model of lumbar vertebral segment appears to be an interesting tool to analyze the behavior of an instrumented spine and to compare between different stabilization systems.
Effects of Pre‐natal Glucocorticoids on Testicular Development in Sheep

We tested the hypothesis that acute pre‐natal exposure to high levels of synthetic glucocorticoid (betamethasone) would alter fetal testicular development through actions on gonadal glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). Pregnant Merino ewes bearing singleton male fetuses (n = 24) were allocated randomly among four equal groups to be injected intramuscularly with saline or betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg) either on day 109 of gestation or on both day 109 and day 116 of gestation. Fetal testes were collected at post‐mortem, 5 days after each treatment. The volume of interstitial tissue and the volume, length and diameter of the sex cords were measured, and Sertoli cells and gonocytes were counted. For cord volume and interstitial tissue volume, control testes demonstrated maturational changes as fetal age advanced from 109 to 116 days of gestation. For that period, the single injection of betamethasone significantly reduced Leydig cell proliferation (P < 0.05), but had no effect on Sertoli cell numbers. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize GR and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in testicular cells. GR immunoexpression in Leydig cells was higher in fetuses exposed to betamethasone at 109 days of gestation than in control fetuses. Sertoli cells showed low levels of GR. It was concluded that, during mid‐gestation, a brief period of glucocorticoid treatment could affect testicular development in male sheep fetuses. The mechanism probably involves direct effects on Leydig cells, as these cells express extra‐GR in response to the treatment. Sertoli cells seem to produce less GR than Leydig cells, perhaps explaining their lack of response to betamethasone. These outcomes may have important implications for future fertility in male offspring.
Older persons' evaluations of health care: the effects of medical skepticism and worry about health.

OBJECTIVE To describe how skepticism about medical care and other individual differences, including worry about health status, are associated with evaluations of health care among the noninstitutionalized elderly. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Data were collected through a survey of approximately 5,000 community-dwelling elders (aged 65 and older) in a southwestern region of the United States. STUDY DESIGN Global evaluations of health care were measured with two items from the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study (CAHPS) instrument, an overall care rating (OCR) and a personal doctor rating (PDR). Multivariate ordered logit regression models were tested to examine how medical skepticism and other factors were associated with ratings of 0-7, 8-9, and 10. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Consumers who were skeptical of prescription drugs relative to home remedies, who held attitudes that they understand their health better than most doctors, and who worried about their health had worse OCR and PDR. Those who held attitudes that individual behavior determines how soon one gets better when sick had better PDR and OCR. CONCLUSIONS Health policymakers, managers, and providers may need to consider the degree to which they should attempt to satisfy skeptical consumers, many of whom may never rate their care highly. Alternatively, they may need to target skeptical consumers with educational efforts explaining the benefits of medical care.
Fetal Descent in Labor

OBJECTIVE: Studies using contemporary populations and modern statistical methods have redefined our understanding of cervical dilation in labor. However, modern norms for fetal descent in labor have not been developed. We sought to estimate norms for fetal descent and estimate the expected fetal station for given cervical dilations. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive-term, vertex singletons who delivered vaginally. Detailed history, labor, and delivery information, including cervical examinations, were collected. A repeated-measures analysis was used to construct average descent curves. Interval-censored regression was used to estimate duration of labor between levels of station and to estimate the median station at a given dilation. Each analysis was stratified by parity and labor type (spontaneous compared with induced or augmented). RESULTS: Of 4,618 consecutive-term spontaneous vaginal deliveries, 1,526 (33%) were nulliparous. Sixty-one percent were augmented or induced. Multiparous women had faster fetal descent at all stations except from +2 to +3 station. The median time to descend from one station point to another ranged from 0.1 to 1.6 hours, but the 95th percentiles encompassed over 12 hours at the same high-station among nulliparous women who achieved vaginal delivery. Fetal descent was more rapid in women who labored spontaneously without augmentation. Multiparous women tended to have a higher station than nulliparous women until late in the first stage. CONCLUSION: Multiparous women and women who are not augmented or induced have faster fetal descent. There is wide variation in the expected station by increments of dilation. However, 95% of women have a fetal station of 0 or lower at complete cervical dilation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand as a therapeutic agent in autoimmunity and cancer

Recombinant, soluble TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is currently being developed as a promising natural immune molecule for trial in cancer patients because it selectively induces apoptosis in transformed or stressed cells but not in most normal cells. In cancer patients, phase 1 and 2 clinical trials using agonistic mAbs that engage the human TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5 have also provided encouraging results. It is now evident that TRAIL suppresses autoimmune disease in various experimental animal models, suggesting that the therapeutic value of recombinant TRAIL and agonistic DR4 and DR5 mAbs might also extend to the suppression of autoimmune disease. This review provides an insight into our current understanding of the role(s) of TRAIL in disease, with a specific focus on cancer and autoimmunity. We also emphasize biological agents and drugs that sensitize tumour cells to TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis and discuss the potential molecular basis for their sensitization.
Physical Exercise / Sports and Biopsychosocial Well-Being

Activities which have in the past been carried out by man are now done by electronic instruments and machines which decrease the muscular movement by the human body. The result is the decline of physical activities as a result of changing life-styles. However, all these technological developments have not helped with the present day stresses of living, and the diseases associated with them. These conditions include cardiovascular
[The effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in regulation matrix metalloproteinase and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors in human osteoblasts].

OBJECTIVE To characterize the effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3] on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, membrane-type MMP-1 (MT1-MMP), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in human osteoblast, and understand the mechanism by which 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 exert on bone. METHODS Osteoblasts were interfered by 1alpha,25(OH2D3. Western blot were used to show the action of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 on the expression of MT1-MMP protein in human osteoblasts. ELISA was done to examine the effect of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 on the activity of MMP-2. Northern blot analysis was performed to detect vitamin D receptor mRNA levels and to evaluate the effect of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 on MT1-MMP mRNA levels. RESULTS The results showed that 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 had no effect on the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in human osteoblasts; 10(-10) - 10(-8) mol/L 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 induced MT1-MMP expression in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), 10(-10) - 10(-8) mol/L 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 induced the activation of proMMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner in human osteoblasts[The activity of MMP-2 was (42.3 +/- 8.6), (64.4 +/- 11.4), (93.5 +/- 9.9) microg/L respectively, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 may stimulate bone resorption by inducing MT1-MMP production in osteoblasts.
Assessment of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness ( IMCI ) Approach in Alexandria , Egypt

The aim of this study is to assess the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) approach in Alexandria, Egypt. Study design was a cross sectional comparative study. The study was conducted in two settings related to Ministry of Health; primary care facilities applying IMCI and the other setting not applying IMCI the sample size amounted to 200 infant and children. Observation was used as a tool to assess performance of child health care providers during caring for sick children in the study setting, in addition to supervisory checklist, focus group discussions and also reviewing the child's medical records. The researcher interviewed mothers and caretakers using a structured interview method. Results revealed that classification score percentage was higher in units applying IMCI than units not applying IMCI. The difference between the units was statistically significant in relation to assessment, classification and counseling. Also, counseling was mainly done by physicians in both units applying and units not applying IMCI but it ranked higher in units applying IMCI. The ideal treatment cost was less in units applying IMCI. Performance was much better in units applying IMCI mother's satisfaction was significantly high among those enrolled to units applying IMCI. Also, majority of the trained health staff participating in the study strongly agreed that IMCI is better than the traditional system of sick child management.
Evolution of Herpes Simplex Cellular Lesions Observed in vitro by Phase Contrast Microcinematography

Summary Continuous phase contrast observation and microcinematographic recording of living rabbit kidney cell cultures infected with herpes simplex virus, established the following phenomena: 1. Progressive dissolution and dispersion of nucleoli, loss of nucleo-plasmic homogeneity, and appearance of intranuclear densification zone but not of a well delineated inclusion body. 2. Persistent activity of cytoplasmic organelles in cells with severe nuclear lesions. 3. Rapid (2-3 hours) formation of giant cells by cell confluence but not by cell division mechanism, accompanied by signs of cytoplasmic liquefaction. The significance of these data is discussed.
Methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis : suggested guidelines for monitoring liver toxicity

Methotrexate (MTX) has become an important drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The American College of Rheumatology convened a committee to assess the risks of development of clinically significant liver disease (CSLD) during MTX treatment, to evaluate the risk and role of surveillance liver biopsies, and to provide recommendations about monitoring patients for liver toxicity. The committee recommends obtaining liver blood tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, albumin, bilirubin), hepatitis B and C serologic studies, and other standard tests including complete blood cell count and serum creatinine tests prior to starting treatment with MTX
Listening to music during sprint interval exercise: The impact on exercise attitudes and intentions

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of listening to music during exercise on perceived enjoyment, attitudes and intentions towards sprint interval training (SIT). Twenty men (24.8 ± 4.5 years) and women (20.1 ± 2.6 years) unfamiliar with SIT exercise completed two acute sessions of SIT, one with and one without music. Perceived enjoyment, attitudes and intentions towards SIT were measured post-exercise for each condition. Attitudes and intentions to engage in SIT were also measured at baseline and follow-up. Post-exercise attitudes mediated the effects of enjoyment on intentions in the music condition (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.01, 0.07], κ2 = 0.36) and in the no music condition (95% CI: [0.01, 0.08], κ2 = 0.37). Attitudes towards SIT were significantly more positive following the music than no music condition (P = 0.004), while intentions towards SIT were not (P = 0.29). Further, attitudes and intentions towards SIT did not change from baseline to follow-up (Ps > 0.05). These findings revealed that participants had relatively positive attitudes and intentions towards SIT, which did not become more negative despite experiencing intense SIT protocols. This study highlights the importance of acute affective responses to SIT exercise for influencing one’s attitudes and intentions towards participating in SIT exercise. Such factors could ultimately play a key role in determining whether an individual engages in SIT exercise in the long term.
Smoking during pregnancy: a review of effects on growth and development of offspring.

Smoking during pregnancy is associated with preand postnatal growth retardation and increased risks of placental mortality, morbidity, and behavioral anomalies. The most likely explanation for these effects is that smoking causes fetal hypoxia resulting in interference with regulating state mechanisms and attenuation of cellular growth. In addition, smoking also increases the incidence of various complications of pregnancy which in turn compromises optimal development of the growing fetus. Suspicion that exposure to tobacco and cigarette smoke could be hazardous to both reproductive function and fetal development has been expressed for more than 100 years (Surgeon General, 1979) and has been the subject of experimental studies dating back to the turn of the century (e.g., Fleig, 1908; Guillain and Gy, 1907). During the 1930's and 1940's, additional studies demonstrated that cigarette smoke or nicotine could increase resorptions and stillbirths, and reduce birth weight in animals (Essenberg et al. 1940; Pechstein et al. 1937; Sodano, 1934; Schoeneck, 1941; Wilson, 1942). However, these studies were ignored as being irrelevant to the human condition. During the 1950 s, however, two epidemiological reports documented the detrimental effects of maternal smoking on fetal growth and showed that these effects were dose-related (Simpson, 1957) and were not due to indirect factors such as maternal age, parity, prepregnant weight, etc. (Lowe, 1959). Although there is no longer any doubt that maternal smoking is related to retarded and impaired fetal development, interpretation of these data as to causality is still controversial. In the present review, these data and the various hypotheses associated with their interpretation will be examined. Since a review of individual papers would be excessively tedious, this review will attempt to summarize general trends in the literature and will comment only on those individual papers which seem worthy of special attention. 1Research Institute on Alcoholism, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203. Human Biology, December 1980 , Vol. 52, No. 4, pp. 593-625. ® Wayne State University Press, 1980 This content downloaded from 157.55. 39.64 on Fri, 22 Jul 2016 05:40:55 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor. org/terms
PEKOPPA: a minimalistic toy robot to analyse a listener-speaker situation in neurotypical and autistic children aged 6 years

Using a "speaker-listener" situation, we have compared the verbal and the emotional expressions of neurotypical and autistic children aged 6 years. The speaker was always a child (neurotypical or autistic); the listener was a human or an InterActor robot named Pekoppa, i.e., a small toy robot which reacts to speech expression by nodding only. The results suggest that an InterActor robot characterized by small variance nonverbal behavior better facilitate verbal and nonverbal emotional expressions of autistic children than a human. This might be related to autistic children preferences: autistic children are rather interested in minimalist objects to which they can assign mental states of their own or of others. Everything happens as if the InterActor robot could allow autistic children to elaborate a multivariate equation encoding and conceptualizing within his/her brain, and externalizing into unconscious emotion (heart rate) and conscious verbal speech (words).
Limited Mycobacterial Infection of the Liver as a Consequence of Its Microanatomical Structure Causing Restriction of Mycobacterial Growth to Professional Phagocytes

ABSTRACT Among sites of extrapulmonary growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the liver is the least infected. Our data suggest that this is due to the complete restriction of mycobacterial growth to liver macrophages. Unlike in organs more persistently seeded byM. tuberculosis, in the liver the bacteria do not infect cell types other than professional phagocytes.