Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cluster Headache: Incorporation of (1–14C)oleic Acid into Phosphatidylserine in Polymorphonuclear Cells

As recently demonstrated by our group, polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) from cluster headache patients have an increased ability to incorporate arachidonic acid (AA) and L-serine into phosphatidylserine (PS). To evaluate whether there is an increased incorporation into PS also from fatty acids not involved in eicosanoid metabolism, PMNs from controls (n = 14) and cluster headache patients (n = 12) were incubated with (1– 14C)oleic acid. After 1 h 2.7% ± 1.1 (mean value ± SD) of the glycerophospholipid radioactivity was found in PS in controls, whereas 4.2% ± 1.2 was found in cluster headache patients (p < 0.005). For phosphatidylcholine (PC) the corresponding figures were 74.2 ± 5.4 in controls and 66.7 ± 7.6 in cluster headache patients (p < 0.01). The results suggest that the de novo biosynthesis of PS is increased and the biosynthesis of PC is decreased in cluster headache. The results may have an effect on the role of PS as an obligate protein kinase C activator.
Physical properties of stimulated and unstimulated tears.

It has long been assumed that unstimulated tears are more thoroughly equilibrated with epithelial secretions than stimulated tears, since they are in contact with tarsal, bulbar and corneal surfaces for longer. It was also believed from results with model solutions that soluble mucin is responsible for the observed surface tension and viscosity of tears. If longer contact means more mucin is dissolved in the aqueous tears, then the surface activity (surface tension lowered by mucin) and viscosity (raised by mucin) of tears should therefore be enhanced in unstimulated over stimulated tears. Pools of stimulated and minimally-stimulated tears were collected from a group of healthy adult volunteers by glass capillary. Viscosities were measured in the Contraves Low Shear 30 rheometer over the range of shear rates 0-130 sec-1. Surface tension was measured in the collection capillaries by a micro-technique, before and after refrigerated storage. Both surface tension and viscosity were determined for a variety of tear proteins and mucins. No significant difference was found between the viscosity/shear rate plots of stimulated and unstimulated tear samples. The viscosities of solutions of individual tear proteins were low, except for the combination of lysozyme and secretory IgA. Surface tensions were also similar in both cases, and unchanged by storage at room temperature or refrigeration, indicating no significant loss of surface-active material by adsorption on the capillary walls. Results with model mucin solutions gave a variety of results indicating either little surface activity or losses due to wall adsorption. Tear proteins, individually or in combination, did not lower surface tension to the level of tears. Tear viscosity seems not to depend on the level of dissolved mucins. This suggests either that a constant level of these is picked up even by short-term contact with ocular surfaces, or that viscosity arises from currently unknown materials which vary little with tear flow rate. This type of shear-dependent viscosity is most easily simulated in model solutions with polyionic linear macromolecules, including mucins. The contribution of individual proteins to overall viscosity is small, but combinations including lysozyme show tear-like characteristics, and may indicate that proteins whose concentration is relatively independent of tear flow rate combine with other tear components (possibly including mucins or lipids) to produce their full effect on tear viscosity. The surface tension results suggest that mucins are not of primary importance. Theories of tear film structure and performance need revision.
Lyme borreliosis in genetically resistant and susceptible mice with severe combined immunodeficiency.

The evolution of Lyme borreliosis was examined in genetically resistant C.B-17 and susceptible C3H/He(C3H) mice homozygous for the severe combined immune deficiency (scid) gene, or their immunocompetent counterparts. The C.B-17, C.B-17-scid, C3H, and C3H-scid mice were inoculated intradermally with 10(4) Borrelia burgdorferi and examined on days 14, 21, 30, 45, and 60 after inoculation. Spirochetemia was detected through 30 days, but was cleared in all groups by 45 days. Kidney and brain were inconsistently culture positive, but spleen and ear punch samples were positive in most mice. Immunocompetent C.B-17 and C3H mice seroconverted with equivalent IgG titers to B. burgdorferi, while C.B-17-scid and C3H-scid mice did not seroconvert. Arthritis occurred in nearly all joints examined in all genotypes on day 14, was of equal severity among C.B-17, C.B-17-scid, and C3H mice, but was more severe in C3H-scid mice. By days 30 and 45, arthritis began to resolve in immunocompetent mice, with C3H mice having more severe disease than C.B-17 mice. Arthritis persisted in C.B-17-scid and C3H-scid mice. Carditis occurred to an equal degree in all groups on day 14, remained active in scid mice, but regressed in immunocompetent mice at later intervals. Many spirochetes were visualized with silver stain in inflamed synovial tissues of scid mice, and were present in other tissues in smaller numbers. These studies show that specific immunity is not involved in arthritogenesis or genetically determined susceptibility to arthritis, but is involved in arthritis and carditis regression.
High power density interleaved DC/DC converter using a 3-phase integrated close-coupled inductor set aimed for electric vehicles

Among eco-friendly electric vehicles, some incorporate DC/DC converters in their electrical drive systems to make full use of their power sources. For increasing the power density of the converters, a 3-phase interleaved converter using an inductor set of inductors and close-coupled inductors is investigated. The inductor set of a 3-phase topology is shown to be smaller in size and lose less power in comparison to that of a 2-phase topology while meeting the required specifications for high powered electric vehicles having a 200∼400 volt battery. The 3-phase converter using the inductor set was designed on the condition of using IGBT with a switching frequency of 15 kHz. It achieved a high power density of 21.4 kW/liter at 120 kW output on a boost ratio of 1.38 with 98.0% efficiency and it achieved an efficiency of more than 97% in a frequent usage zone with low temperature rise.
Hearing Loss in Relation to Sound Exposure of Professional Symphony Orchestra Musicians

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: (1) estimate the hearing status of classical symphony orchestra musicians and (2) investigate the hypothesis that occupational sound exposure of symphony orchestra musicians leads to elevated hearing thresholds. Design: The study population comprised all the musicians from five symphony orchestras. Questionnaires were filled in by 337 subjects, and 212 subjects performed an audiometric test. For a group of 182 musicians (363 ears) the results of the audiometry was analyzed in relation to the individual exposure, which was estimated on the basis of sound measurements and questionnaire data regarding the exposure time. The mean hearing threshold at the frequencies 3, 4, and 6 kHz, corrected for age and sex, was used as outcome. Results: The musician ears with the highest exposure (29 of 363) had an additional threshold shift of 6.3 dB compared with the 238 ears with lowest exposure. The observed hearing loss of musicians was smaller compared with the noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) predicted from ISO1999. A remaining confounding effect of age after ISO7029 age corrections could be observed to explain the difference in observed and predicted NIPTS. However, the observed hearing loss difference between the left and the right ear of musicians was 2.5 dB (95% confidence interval 1.5–3.6), which was similar to the NIPTS predicted from ISO1999. Most of the musicians had better hearing at 3, 4, and 6 kHz for age than expected, however, 29 ears with the highest exposure above 90.4 dBA with a mean exposure time of 41.7 years had significantly elevated hearing thresholds. Trumpet players and the left ear of first violinists had significantly elevated hearing thresholds compared with other musicians. Conclusion: Most of the symphony orchestra musicians had better hearing than expected but they had a work-related risk of developing additional noise-induced hearing loss. The additional NITPS of the left ear compared with the right ear was at the expected level based on the cumulated sound exposure and ISO1999, indicating that performing music may induce hearing loss to the same extent as industrial noise.
Neonatal Nucleated Red Blood Cells and the Prediction of Cerebral White Matter Injury in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether neonates with cerebral white matter injury have significant elevations in nucleated red blood cell counts and to estimate their predictive ability in identifying injury. METHODS: This case–control study identified 176 infants born at 23–34 weeks of gestation between November 1994 and October 2004 at a single university hospital and with cerebral white matter injury characterized by periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) or ventriculomegaly due to white matter atrophy. A control was matched to each case using the subsequent delivery within 7 days of that gestational age without brain injury. RESULTS: The gestational age at birth was 27 weeks for both groups, but the cases had a significantly lower birth weight (mean ± standard deviation: 958 ± 306 g compared with 1,038 ± 381 g, P = .001). There was no difference in cesarean delivery (48% cases compared with 44% controls, P = .59). The cases had a significant increase in nucleated red blood cells per 100 white blood cells (WBC) (median, 5th percentile and 95th percentile: 22, 3 and 374 cases compared with 14, 1 and 312 controls; P = .02). Markers of chronic hypoxia, such as intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios, and markers of acute hypoxia, such as an umbilical arterial pH less than 7.0 or base excess less than −12 mM, were both associated with significantly elevated neonatal nucleated red blood cell counts. A neonatal nucleated red blood cell count of 18 per 100 WBCs had a sensitivity of 56.9%, specificity of 57.9%, positive predictive value of 57.9%, and negative predictive value of 56.9% in predicting the development of cerebral white matter injury in this matched case–control sample. CONCLUSION: Preterm neonates with cerebral white matter injury have significant increases in nucleated red blood cell counts. Both acute and chronic hypoxia–ischemia can increase these counts, which limits their usefulness in timing injury. The predictive value of nucleated red blood cell counts at birth in identifying injury is poor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2
Static and dynamic properties of McKibben pneumatic actuator for self-stability of legged-robot motion

Abstract A McKibben-type pneumatic actuator is widely used for utilization of its self-stabilization characteristics with a simple actuator model and a simple control method. However, how its characteristics act on the stability of robot motion have not been sufficiently discussed. The purpose of the paper is to analyze how various characteristics of McKibben pneumatic actuator (MPA) influence the stability of movements generated by MPA. In this paper, at first, we introduced two static models of the MPA which were proposed in the previous research and verified the models through validation experiments. The models of MPA form as simply as possible for a stability analysis. Next, we showed that the tension of MPA monotonically decreased according to the contraction velocity through validation experiments. Finally, the model was applied to a same simple robot model with the previous study and the stability of motions generated by the actuators was analyzed based on control theory. From the stability analysis, it was verified that the stability of the constant posture was achieved by the relatively simple static MPA model, the verified tension–velocity dependency of actuator, and the interaction with the properties of the actuator and the mechanical structure of the robot. This result suggests that the properties of MPA, particularly the verified velocity-dependent property, can contribute to the self-stability of a robot generated by the actuators, and it is important to consider the interaction between the mechanical structure and the actuator.
Synchronized Infection of Cell Cultures by Magnetically Controlled Virus

ABSTRACT To override the diffusion-limited adsorption step of viral infection, we magnetically synchronized cell attachment. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1-based lentivirus preparations were rendered magnetically reactive by association with magnetite nanoparticles, 50 nm in diameter. Application of a magnetic field resulted in immediate redistribution of the viral inoculum to the cell-associated state and completion of the productive adsorption process within 1 min. Independent of adsorption time, viral concentration, and diffusion rate, infection subsequently progressed by the receptor-mediated entry mechanism. Synchronization of this rate-limiting step of infection may now be applied to analyze isolated events in the viral replication sequence.
Health-seeking Behaviour of Women Reporting Symptoms of Reproductive Tract Infections

A woman’s access to health care, in physical, social, and psychological contexts, depends on her health beliefs and her socio-economic and demographic background. As in most developing countries, the health system in Pakistan is a combination of modern and traditional medicine, and the nature of care sought again depends on the individual’s health beliefs and background characteristics. This paper thus not only focuses on whether women seek help or not when sick, but also on the differentials that exist in the health-seeking behaviour among women with different backgrounds. It finds that less than half the women reporting any symptom related to reproductive tract infections seek help, while for some symptoms the proportion seeking help goes down to a mere one-fifth. The decision to seek help depends on a woman’s educational and economic status, the extent to which she is worried about the symptom, duration of experiencing the symptom, and inter-spousal communication about the symptom. Lack of finances to access any health service and considering the symptom as something common not needing attention are the two main reasons for not seeking help. The choice of the healthprovider consulted for a symptom is linked to the perceived cause of the symptom, but allopathic doctors are preferred by the majority of women seeking health care.
Increased number of deaths during a chikungunya epidemic in Pernambuco, Brazil

In early 2016, it was suspected that there were more deaths in Pernambuco than in previous years during an epidemic of chikungunya. This study tested whether there was an increased number of deaths and, if so, whether this increase could be related to a chikungunya epidemic. Indeed, there was an increase of 4235 deaths in 2016 compared to the average of the four previous years, and the highest differences were found during the peak period of the epidemic. It was evident that not all of these deaths could be attributed to complications of chikungunya. However, considering the temporal overlap, some of these deaths may have been caused by the aggravation of pre-existing comorbidities or complications caused directly by chikungunya virus infection.
Administration of recombinant human growth hormone on alternate days is sufficient to increase whole body protein synthesis and lipolysis in growth hormone deficient adults

At present, the duration of the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on the rates of protein synthesis and lipolysis in GH deficient (GHD) adults is unknown. This study was designed to establish the frequency of rhGH administration necessary to provide the beneficial metabolic effects of the hormone in GHD adults.
Mapping of global scientific research in comorbidity and multimorbidity: A cross-sectional analysis

Background The management of comorbidity and multimorbidity poses major challenges to health services around the world. Analysis of scientific research in comorbidity and multimorbidity is limited in the biomedical literature. This study aimed to map global scientific research in comorbidity and multimorbidity to understand the maturity and growth of the area during the past decades. Methods and findings This was a cross-sectional analysis of the Web of Science. Searches were run from inception until November 8, 2016. We included research articles or reviews with no restrictions by language or publication date. Data abstraction was done by one researcher. A process of standardization was conducted by two researchers to unify different terms and grammatical variants and to remove typographical, transcription, and/or indexing errors. All potential discrepancies were resolved via discussion. Descriptive analyses were conducted (including the number of papers, citations, signatures, most prolific authors, countries, journals and keywords). Network analyses of collaborations between countries and co-words were presented. During the period 1970–2016, 85994 papers (64.0% in 2010–2016) were published in 3500 journals. There was wide diversity in the specialty of the journals, with psychiatry (16558 papers; 19.3%), surgery (9570 papers; 11.1%), clinical neurology (9275 papers; 10.8%), and general and internal medicine (7622 papers; 8.9%) the most common. PLOS One (1223 papers; 1.4%), the Journal of Affective Disorders (1154 papers; 1.3%), the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (727 papers; 0.8%), the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (634 papers; 0.7%) and Obesity Surgery (588 papers; 0.7%) published the largest number of papers. 168 countries were involved in the production of papers. The global productivity ranking was headed by the United States (37624 papers), followed by the United Kingdom (7355 papers), Germany (6899 papers) and Canada (5706 papers). Twenty authors who published 100 or more papers were identified; the most prolific authors were affiliated with Harvard Medical School, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, National Taiwan Normal University and China Medical University. The 50 most cited papers (“citation classics” with at least 1000 citations) were published in 20 journals, led by JAMA Psychiatry (11 papers) and JAMA (10 papers). The most cited papers provided contributions focusing on methodological aspects (e.g. Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, APACHE prognostic system), but also important studies on chronic diseases (e.g. epidemiology of mental disorders and its correlates by the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey, Fried’s frailty phenotype or the management of obesity). Conclusions Ours is the first analysis of global scientific research in comorbidity and multimorbidity. Scientific production in the field is increasing worldwide with research leadership of Western countries, most notably, the United States.
Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents With IDDM

OBJECTIVE To investigate power spectral analysis (PSA) of heart rate variability (HRV) in children and adolescents with IDDM, its relationship with other measures of HRV and standard cardiovascular responses, and factors associated with reduced HVR. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 130 subjects with IDDM aged 12.8 ± 3.2 years and 108 healthy control subjects were studied. Power spectra were analyzed from supine electrocardiograph (ECG) recordings by processing into consecutive R-R intervals and analysis using fast Fourier transformation. Standard cardiovascular responses to deep breathing and standing were performed. RESULTS IDDM subjects had a reduction in total power including both low-frequency (0.05–0.14 Hz; P = 0.0001) and high-frequency (0.14–0.40 Hz; P = 0.0002) components. These changes were seen from diagnosis. Other measures of HRV, coefficient of variation (CV) and standard deviation (SD) of mean resting heart rate, were also significantly lower in IDDM. All 20 (15%) of the 130 IDDM subjects with total power < the 5th percentile in control subjects also had reduced HRV when measured by CV of heart rate. There was an independent relationship between age and the high-frequency component in IDDM subjects and control subjects. Total power correlated with mean heart rate (r = −0.56; P < 0.0001), CV of heart rate (r = 0.90; P < 0.00001), SD of heart rate (r = 0.91; P < 0.00001), heart rate response to deep breathing (r = 0.45; P < 0.0001), and duration in IDDM subjects. There was no correlation with short-term or long-term metabolic control. Retesting of 27 subjects showed a variability in total power and its components comparable to other measures of HRV and standard heart rate responses. CONCLUSIONS Changes in HRV are a sensitive and reproducible measure of early autonomic dysfunction in childhood. In this age-group, PSA appears no more sensitive a measure of reduced HRV than other closely correlated measures of HRV.
HPLC validation of a circadian melatonin rhythm in the pineal gland of inbred mice

Abstract: Production of melatonin in the pineal gland of inbred mice such as C57B1/6J, B ALB/c and AKR strains is still a matter of debate. In previous studies, we and other authors showed that these strains of inbred mice have a clear‐cut circadian rhythm of serum melatonin and urinary 6‐hydroxy‐melatonin‐sulphate. In contrast, other groups claimed these mice are unable to synthesize melatonin. These studies were based on RIA measurements and/or estimates of N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT) activities. In the present study we validate the presence of melatonin in the pineal gland of C57B1/6, BALB/c, and AKR mice by HPLC determinations. We found a short‐term melatonin peak in the middle of the dark period with a pattern which mirrors that found previously in the serum. The possibility remains, although it seems unlikely, that the pineal melatonin rhythm measured here represents melatonin produced elsewhere which then was subsequently taken up by the pineal gland.
Autopsy in children with cancer who die while in terminal care.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to find out whether autopsy of children with cancer should be recommended after terminal care, or whether in those circumstances it could be abandoned. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred pediatric patients with cancer treated at the Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland, died during 1987-92. Seventy children died while in organized terminal care. The underlying diagnoses were brain tumors (21), other solid tumors (24), and leukemias (25). The method was a retrospective analysis of patients' records and autopsy reports, in addition to a structured interview of the two parents separately. RESULTS Autopsy was performed in 40 (57%) of these 70 cases. It was more often performed on children dying in hospital (69%) than in those dying at home (39%). The autopsy rate also varied with the underlying disease: 68% of patients with leukemia, 50% of those with solid tumors, and 52% of those with brain tumors were autopsied. Autopsy afforded totally new medical information in 20% of cases, and important additional information in 55%. Nothing unexpected was found in 25%. Almost all the parents (94%) who agreed to autopsy felt that it was appropriate. Of both mothers and fathers, 50% felt that knowing the findings at autopsy was helpful for them, and all the parents except one mother thought that the autopsy of their child would at least be helpful to other patients. CONCLUSIONS Autopsy often provides important and even unexpected information in those dying after terminal care. The majority of our parents felt that autopsy was an acceptable and appropriate practice. We recommend that autopsies should be performed, with the parents' consent, even after terminal care.