Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-dose Intravenous Dalteparin Can be Monitored Effectively Using Standard Coagulation Times

The objective of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetics of intravenous dalteparin (Fragmin, Pharmacia-Upjohn, Peapack, NJ) and to assess the accuracy of standard coagulation-based monitoring techniques as an estimate of drug concentration with which to guide dosing. Knowledge of the kinetic behavior of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and the possible utility of coagulation times for monitoring may aid in the development of safe and effective dosing algorithms for percutaneous coronary interventions. Twenty normal volunteers were treated at 2-week intervals with each of three intravenous dalteparin doses. Measurement of anti-IIa, anti-Xa, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), activated clotting time (ACT), and low-range ACT was performed at baseline and at seven additional time points over 8 hours. The half-life of intravenous dalteparin is 77 minutes with slight dose-related variation. The aPTT, LR-ACT, and standard ACT are prolonged after dalteparin administration with the increase closely correlated to anti-Xa activity (aPTT, r = 0.85; LR-ACT, r = 0.79). Classification of anticoagulation intensity range using aPTT or LR-ACT in comparison to anti-Xa activity (0.5-0.99, 1.0-1.49, 1.5-2, >2) displays a level of agreement (kappa: aPTT = 0.69, LR-ACT = 0.59) that is comparable to values reported for coagulation time guidance of unfractionated heparin administration. Standard coagulation times are sensitive to the anticoagulant effect of dalteparin with a degree of correlation that suggests their utility for estimating drug concentration during high dose therapy. Trials establishing a relationship between monitoring and clinical efficacy, and the risk/reward of different treatment ranges alone or in combination with GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors and clopidogrel, are necessary.
Multiple Stenting in Takayasu Arteritis

Purpose: To illustrate the possible peri- and postprocedural complications of stent treatment for Takayasu arteritis and suggest ways of reducing these risks. Case Report: A 69-year-old woman with Takayasu arteritis had multiple stents implanted in the aortic arch (3 Memotherm) and main branches of the thoracic aorta (individual Corinthian stents in the subclavian and brachiocephalic arteries) following balloon dilation. She suffered reperfusion injury with cerebral hemorrhage following the procedure, preventing the use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Further cerebral infarctions/hemorrhages over the ensuing months led to her death. Conclusions: Severe vascular disease of any cause confers a poor prognosis. Endovascular stenting may seem an attractive option for management of these patients, but there is often significant morbidity and mortality associated with the underlying disease as well as the stent.
Mechanistic insights into acyclovir-polyethylene glycol 20000 binary dispersions

Objective: The objective of this study is to provide a mechanistic insight into solubility enhancement and dissolution of acyclovir (ACY) by polyethylene glycol20000 (PEG20000). Materials and Methods: Solid dispersions with differing ratios of drug (ACY) and carrier (PEG20000) were prepared and evaluated by phase solubility, in vitro release studies, kinetic analysis, in situ perfusion, and in vitro permeation studies. Solid state characterization was also done by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis and surface morphology was assessed by Polarizing Microscopic Image (PMI) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. Results: Thermodynamic parameters proved the solubilization effect of carrier. The aqueous solubility and dissolution of ACY were increased in all samples. Formation of solid solution, crystallinity reduction, and absence of interaction between drug and carrier was proved by XRD, DSC, and FTIR analysis. The particle size reduction and change in surface morphology were confirmed by SEM and AFM and analysis. The permeation coefficient and amount of drug diffused was higher in samples as compared to ACY. The stability was high in dispersions, and it was proved by NMR analysis. Conclusion: The mechanical insights into the enhancement of solubility and dissolution could be used as a platform to improve the aqueous solubility for other poor water soluble drugs.
Comparative sperm protein profiling in bulls differing in fertility and identification of phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4, a potential fertility marker

This study aimed to identify sperm proteomic signatures regulating sperm functions and fertility by: (i) comparing the sperm electrophoretic protein profiles and identifying the differentially abundant proteins among breeding bulls differing in fertility status and (ii) elucidating the possible role of one of the identified novel proteins, PEBP4 on sperm function and fertility. The grouping of bulls as fertile (n = 6) and low fertile (n = 6) was performed based on bull fertility index and infertile (n = 6) based on semen rejection rate (>33%). The sperm motility, fructolysis index, acrosomal reaction, intracellular calcium levels, and seminal plasma fructose and calcium levels were studied among fertility groups. The differentially expressed sperm proteins observed in single‐ and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) were identified using Nano‐LC‐MS/MS. In the fertile bulls, the expression levels of calmodulin (CALM1), spermadhesinZ13 (SPADH2), and phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4 (PEBP4) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in other fertility groups. In bovine, expression of PEBP4 a novel seminal protein was not observed in spermatozoa of infertile bulls. When the bulls were grouped based on the presence (n = 8) or absence (n = 10) of PEBP4 protein in spermatozoa, a positive significant (p < 0.05) association of this protein with the percentage of motile, type‐A spermatozoa, and sperm fructose uptake was observed. Further, PEBP4 was localized in elongated spermatids, Leydig cells, excurrent duct system, and principal piece of spermatozoa. These findings suggest a crucial role for the PEBP4 protein in spermiogenesis, epididymal sperm maturation, and sperm motility. This first study in bovine indicates the positive association of PEBP4 in regulating sperm maturation, functions, and fertility and could be a potential marker for predicting semen quality and fertility.
Robots in Therapy for Dementia Patients

This paper presents the application developed for humanoid robots which are used in therapy of dementia patients, as a cognitive stimulation tool. It has been created using BICA, a component oriented framework for programming robot applications, which is also described. The developed robotherapy application includes the control software onboard the robot and some tools like the visual script generator or several monitoring tools to supervise the robot behavior along the sessions. The behavior of the robot along the therapy sessions is visually programmed in a session script that allows music playing, physical movements (dancing, exercises.), speech synthesis and interaction with the human monitor. The monitoring tools allow the therapist interaction with the robot through its buttons, a tablet or a Wiimote device. Experiments with real dementia patients have been performed in collaboration with a research center in neurological diseases. Initial results show a slight (or mild) improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms over other traditional therapy methods.
[Audit of the quality of treatment of "near miss" patients in referral maternities in Southern Benin].

OBJECTIVES Maternal mortality is highly associated with the provision of obstetric care. The provision of safe and timely emergency obstetric care (EOC) for women with severe obstetric complications is one of the main components of safe motherhood programs. In this research the objective was to determine the quality of EOC by examining its availability and its provision in a timely fashion. DESIGN prospective observational study in qualified facilities providing EOC. SETTING two teaching, two regional and three district hospitals in the southern part of Benin, West Africa. METHOD The study was conducted from July to October 2003. Data collection tools used were based on the World Health organisation Guidelines for monitoring EOC. The midwives in charge of the survey started observation from the admission room and followed the provision of the care offered to the women admitted with near miss complications until they were discharged from hospital. The information about EOC, its availability, timeliness and patients' follow-up were recorded. RESULTS The study sample included 557 women; immediate emergency care was given within 30 minutes for 61% of the patients. Surgical care (caesarean section and ectopic pregnancies surgery) was started within 60 minutes for 42% and 45 % of the women. In the near miss cases suffering anaemia, blood was not available for 12% of patients and blood transfusions were started within 60 minutes in 10% of cases. In the case of uterine rupture or pre-rupture, the time for starting caesarean section was 60 minutes for 58% of women. As to haemorrhagic near-miss cases, blood was not available in 44% of cases and if caesarean section was indicated, it was done within 60 minutes in 47% of the cases. Half of the patients with hypertension received treatment within 60 minutes after the decision to do so was taken. In infection cases, 53% of the patients received antibiotics treatment within 60 minutes. Generally, the quality of providing EOC in the facilities of the study was good in only 16.4% of cases. The quality of care was good in 31.4% of the cases with dystocia, 19% of the cases with hypertension, in 18% of the cases with haemorrhage, in 13.4% of the cases with infection, and in 6.4% of the cases with anaemia. CONCLUSION Our study has shown that, often, EOC was not provided in a timely fashion. A reflection with all the health providers involved should lead to a better understanding of better ways to improve the quality of EOC.
Boundary behavior and Cesàro means of universal Taylor series

We study boundary properties of universal Taylor series. We prove that if f is a universal Taylor series on the open unit disk, then there exists a residual subset G of the unit circle such that f is unbounded on all radii with endpoints in G. We also study the effect of summability methods on universal Taylor series. In
β-Adrenergic signaling accelerates and synchronizes cardiac ryanodine receptor response to a single L-type Ca2+ channel

As the most prototypical G protein-coupled receptor, β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) regulates the pace and strength of heart beating by enhancing and synchronizing L-type channel (LCC) Ca2+ influx, which in turn elicits greater sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release flux via ryanodine receptors (RyRs). However, whether and how βAR-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling directly modulates RyR function remains elusive and highly controversial. By using unique single-channel Ca2+ imaging technology, we measured the response of a single RyR Ca2+ release unit, in the form of a Ca2+ spark, to its native trigger, the Ca2+ sparklet from a single LCC. We found that acute application of the selective βAR agonist isoproterenol (1 μM, ≤20 min) increased triggered spark amplitude in an LCC unitary current-independent manner. The increased ratio of Ca2+ release flux underlying a Ca2+ spark to SR Ca2+ content indicated that βAR stimulation helps to recruit additional RyRs in synchrony. Quantification of sparklet-spark kinetics showed that βAR stimulation synchronized the stochastic latency and increased the fidelity (i.e., chance of hit) of LCC-RyR intermolecular signaling. The RyR modulation was independent of the increased SR Ca2+ content. The PKA antagonists Rp-8-CPT-cAMP (100 μM) and H89 (10 μM) both eliminated these effects, indicating that βAR acutely modulates RyR activation via the PKA pathway. These results demonstrate unequivocally that RyR activation by a single LCC is accelerated and synchronized during βAR stimulation. This molecular mechanism of sympathetic regulation will permit more fundamental studies of altered βAR effects in cardiovascular diseases.
Recruter, être recrutable : L'insertion professionnelle des jeunes diplômés d'écoles d'ingénieurs et de commerce

Gilles Lazuech, Rekrutieren, rekrutierbar : Berufliche Eingliederung von Absolventen der Hochschulen fur Ingenieurwesen und Handel. ; Die Art und Weise, wie Absolventen der Hochschulen fur Handel und Ingenieurwesen ihre berufliche Eingliederung planen und vorbereiten, kann im Zusammenhang mit den Einstellungspratiken der Unternehmen gesehen werden. Innerhalb des Personalauswahlprozesses spielen die « Generalisten » - Personaldirektor, Firmenchef, Generaldirektor usw. - eine wesentliche Rolle bezuglich der definitiven Auswahl der Bewerber sowie der Bedeutung, die der « Personlichkeit » als letztem Selektionskriterium beigemessen wird. Fur einen jungen Hochschulabsolventen stellt die « Rekrutierbarkeit » das Ergebnis eines langen Prozesses dar, des Aufbaus eines Lebenslaufs, in dem ungleiche soziale Veranlagungen hinsichtlich der Fahigkeit vorausschauend zu planen und die eigenen Qualitaten bei den Arbeitgebern anzupreisen mitspielen. Die Orientierungen wahrend der Ausbildung (Teilnahme am Vereinsleben, Erhalt eines Praktikums mit Verantwortung in einem grossen Unternehmen oder im Ausland, Bevorzugung des Wahlfachs Management im letzten Studienjahr usw.) werden eher von den Jugendlichen angestrebt, die den Anwerbern sozial nahestehen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchung stammen aus eine Reihe von Fragebogen- und Tiefengesprachserhebungen.
In Vivo Measurement of Spinal Column Viscoelasticity—An Animal Model

The goal of this study was to measure the in vivo viscoelastic response of spinal motion segments loaded in compression using a porcine model. Nine pigs were used in the study. The animals were anaesthetized and, using surgical techniques, four intrapedicular screws were inserted into the vertebrae of the L2-L3 motion segment. A miniaturized servohydraulic exciter capable of compressing the motion segment was mounted on to the screws. In six animals, a loading scheme consisting of 50 N and 100 N of compression, each applied for 10 min, was used. Each loading period was followed by 10 min restitution with zero load. The loading scheme was repeated four times. Three animals were examined for stiffening effects by consecutively repeating eight times 50 N loading for 5 min followed by 5 min restitution with zero load. This loading scheme was repeated using a 100 N load level. The creep-recovery behaviour of the motion segment was recorded continuously. Using non-linear regression techniques, the experimental data were used for evaluating the parameters of a three-parameter standard linear solid model. Correlation coefficients of the order of 0.85 or higher were obtained for the three independent parameters of the model. A survey of the data shows that the viscous deformation rate was a function of the load level. Also, repeated loading at 100 N seemed to induce long-lasting changes in the viscoelastic properties of the porcine lumbar motion segment.
Characterization of Macrophage Polarization States Using Combined Measurement of 2-Deoxyglucose and Glutamine Accumulation: Implications for Imaging of Atherosclerosis

Objective— Despite the early promising results of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for assessment of vessel wall inflammation, its accuracy in prospective identification of vulnerable plaques has remained limited. Additionally, previous studies have indicated that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake alone may not allow for accurate identification of specific macrophage activation states. We aimed to determine whether combined measurement of glucose and glutamine accumulation—the 2 most important bioenergetic substrates for macrophages—improves the distinction of macrophage inflammatory states and can be utilized to image atherosclerosis. Approach and Results— Murine peritoneal macrophages (M&PHgr;) were activated ex vivo into proinflammatory states with either lipopolysaccharide (M&PHgr;LPS) or interferon-&ggr;+tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (M&PHgr;IFN-&ggr;+TNF-&agr;). An alternative polarization phenotype was induced with interleukin-4 (M&PHgr;IL-4). The pronounced increase in 2-deoxyglucose uptake distinguishes M&PHgr;LPS from M&PHgr;IFN-&ggr;+TNF-&agr;, M&PHgr;IL-4, and unstimulated macrophages (M&PHgr;0). Despite having comparable levels of 2-deoxyglucose accumulation, M&PHgr;IL-4 can be distinguished from both M&PHgr;IFN-&ggr;+TNF-&agr; and M&PHgr;0 based on the enhanced glutamine accumulation, which was associated with increased expression of a glutamine transporter, Slc1a5. Ex vivo autoradiography experiments demonstrated distinct and heterogenous patterns of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and 14C-glutamine accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions of low-density lipoprotein receptor-null mice fed a high-fat diet. Conclusions— Combined assessment of glutamine and 2-deoxyglucose accumulation improves the ex vivo identification of macrophage activation states. Combined ex vivo metabolic imaging demonstrates heterogenous and distinct patterns of substrate accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. Further studies are required to define the in vivo significance of glutamine uptake in atherosclerosis and its potential application in identification of vulnerable plaques.
The use of desflurane for neurosurgical procedures in rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)

Volatile agents are widely used to anaesthetise laboratory non-human primates as they allow a rapid induction and recovery as well as an easy adjustment of the anaesthesia plan. Desflurane is currently the volatile agent with the lowest solubility in blood, and hence enables the most rapid onset of anaesthesia and most rapid recovery. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of desflurane for maintenance of general anaesthesia in rhesus macaques undergoing elective experimental neurosurgery. Fourteen primates (five males and nine females) were sedated with ketamine (10 mg kg−1) and anaesthesia was induced with propofol (usually 8 mg kg−1 IV). Anaesthesia was maintained with desflurane (5.9 ± 0.8 %) and alfentanil (0.2–0.5 µg kg−1 min−1 IV). Animals were mechanically ventilated. Meloxicam (0.3 mg kg−1) and methylprednisolone infusion (5.4 mg kg−1 h−1) were also administered. All the primates were successfully anaesthetised and no severe complications related to the procedure or the anaesthesia regimen occurred. No major differences in physiological parameters and recovery times between the male and female groups were found. Emergence from anaesthesia was rapid (male 5.2 ± 2.4 min; female 4.1 ± 1.7 min) but its quality was assessed as equivalent to two other volatile anaesthetics, isoflurane and sevoflurane. These had previously been assessed for neuroanaesthesia in rhesus macaques. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that desflurane was suitable for maintenance of general anaesthesia for elective experimental neurosurgical procedures in rhesus macaque. However the vasodilatory action of the desflurane may limit its use in cases of severe intracranial hypertension or systemic hypotension.
Knowledge of nutrition and physical activity in apparently healthy Indian adults

Abstract Objective To assess knowledge of nutrition and physical activity; examine associations of knowledge with sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters; and evaluate the relationship between knowledge and practice in adults. Design In a cross-sectional design, 720 adults were selected using random sampling. Data on anthropometry, body fat, diet, physical activity, and nutrition and physical activity knowledge were collected using standardized questionnaires. Tertiles were used to categorize nutrition knowledge (NK) and physical activity knowledge (PK). Settings Subjects selected through routine health checks from hospitals, housing societies and residential areas. Subjects A total of 720 adults (361 men) aged 35–50 years participated. Results Mean age was 42·7 (sd 9·4) years and mean BMI was 25·8 (sd 5·0) kg/m2. Mean energy intake was 64 %, protein was 68 % and fat was 144 % of the RDA. Mean NK and PK scores were 10·2 (sd 2·9) and 6·5 (sd 1·7), respectively, and were similar across genders (P>0·05). Individuals with higher education exhibited significantly higher NK and PK. Individuals with high fat had significantly higher NK and PK (P<0·05) than participants with normal fat percentage. Overweight and obese individuals had significantly higher PK (P<0·05). Multivariate regression modelling indicated that NK was positively associated with dietary intakes of leafy vegetables, salads and sprouts but negatively associated with fruit intake. BMI, television and reading time were positively associated with PK, even after adjusting for sociodemographic status. Conclusions There is a need for increased efforts towards developing health education programmes focusing on transforming nutrition and physical activity knowledge into practice and adherence to guidelines.
Early, regular breast-milk pumping may lead to early breast-milk feeding cessation

Abstract Objective To estimate the effect of early, regular breast-milk pumping on time to breast-milk feeding (BMF) and exclusive BMF cessation, for working and non-working women. Design Using the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II (IFPS II), we estimated weighted hazard ratios (HR) for the effect of regular pumping (participant defined) compared with non-regular/not pumping, reported at month 2, on both time to BMF cessation (to 12 months) and time to exclusive BMF cessation (to 6 months), using inverse probability weights to control confounding. Setting USA, 2005–2007. Subjects BMF (n 1624) and exclusively BMF (n 971) IFPS II participants at month 2. Results The weighted HR for time to BMF cessation was 1·62 (95 % CI 1·47, 1·78) and for time to exclusive BMF cessation was 1·14 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·25). Among non-working women, the weighted HR for time to BMF cessation was 2·05 (95 % CI 1·84, 2·28) and for time to exclusive BMF cessation was 1·10 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·22). Among working women, the weighted HR for time to BMF cessation was 0·90 (95 % CI 0·75, 1·07) and for time to exclusive BMF cessation was 1·14 (95 % CI 0·96, 1·36). Conclusions Overall, regular pumpers were more likely to stop BMF and exclusive BMF than non-regular/non-pumpers. Non-working regular pumpers were more likely than non-regular/non-pumpers to stop BMF. There was no effect among working women. Early, regular pumpers may need specialized support to maintain BMF.