Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality-of-Life Assessment in Patients Treated with Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a novel therapy used in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. We administered a Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) questionnaire consisting of questions designed to assess the patients' rating of their memory, level of physical and mental well-being, energy, depression, worries about seizures and work, social limitations, and overall quality of life on VNS treatment. The questionnaire was administered before and at 1-3 weeks, 5-7 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9-12 months after the initiation of VNS in 17 patients. QOLIE-10 scores were significantly better after the initiation of the therapy as compared with baseline (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between the improvement in QOLIE-10 scores and the reduction in seizure frequency, decreased severity of seizures, or increased level of energy/alertness. We conclude that VNS therapy is associated with a significant improvement in subjective quality of life.
Social Well-Being of Siblings Living with a Child with Diabetes

Abstract Qualitative data were collected to determine the impact on children where the sibling have diabetes. This study represents an attempt to achieve a broad perspective and understanding of effects on the well child and family relations. In-depth interviews were conducted with siblings and their parents exploring the impact of diabetes on sibling's daily lives, sibling relationships and knowledge of diabetes. In this study we gained firsthand knowledge of the actions and reactions of children to their siblings in the context of their daily lives. A semi-structured interview guide was used to assist data collection. A sample of 32 participants was interviewed involving well children and their parents.
Sequence-specific fragmentation of matrix-assisted laser-desorbed protein/peptide ions.

By utilizing delayed pulsed ion extraction of ions generated via the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) technique, fast (< 320 ns) metastable ion fragmentation is observed for both peptide and protein analytes in the ion source of a linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Small peptides such as the oxidized B chain of bovine insulin exhibit fragmentation at the amide linking bond between peptide residues. Overlapping sequence information is provided by fragmentation from both the C- and N-terminal ends of the peptide (cn-, yn-, and z*n-type fragment ions). Larger proteins can also exhibit a wealth of sequence specific fragment ions in favorable cases. One example is cytochrome c, which undergoes substantial (approximately 80%) fast fragmentation at the amide bonds along the amino acid backbone of the protein. Only amide bond cleavages initiating from the C-terminal end (cn fragments) are observed. The observed fragmentation pattern provides a significant amount of potential sequence information for these molecules. External mass calibration of the intact protonated molecular ions is demonstrated with mass accuracies typically around 100 ppm. Mass accuracies for the observed fragment ions ranged from +/- 0.20 Da for the smaller peptides studied (i.e., oxidized B chain of bovine insulin) to +/- 0.38 Da for the largest protein studied (cytochrome c), based upon the known sequences.
Social Capital in Academic Engineers

This paper explores recent trends in the scientific collaboration of the most productive academic engineers in Mexico. First, an analysis of team size, institutional and international collaboration is explored. Then, the relationship between social capital and knowledge creation is examined. For this purpose, knowledge creation is measured by research papers in internationally peer-reviewed publications and social capital is measured through the pattern of connection between actors, where a connection between two researchers is established through co-authorship. The results suggest that the number of direct ties is the most important aspect of social capital. This characteristic enhances the quantity and quality of the productivity of academic engineers. The results also suggest that the strength of those ties affects negatively the productivity. Finally, evidence is found that actors embedded in sparsely connected networks (rich in structural holes) take advantage of the brokerage opportunities to enhance their productivity.
Mortality rate and length of stay of patients admitted to the intensive care unit in July*

Objective:At the beginning of each academic year in July, inexperienced residents and fellows begin to care for patients. This inexperience can lead to poor patient outcome, especially in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of July ICU admission on patient outcome. Design:Retrospective, cohort study. Setting:Academic, tertiary medical center. Patients:Patients admitted to the ICU from October 1994 through September 2002. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Demographics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III score and predicted mortality, admission source, admission date, intensity of treatment, ICU length of stay (LOS), and hospital mortality of 29,084 patients were obtained. The actual and predicted weighted ICU LOS and their ratio were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the hospital mortality rate of patients admitted to the ICU in July with those admitted during the rest of the year, with adjustment for potentially confounding variables. The patients’ mean age was 62.3 ± 17.6 yrs; 57.3% were male and 95.5% white. Both the customized predicted and observed hospital mortality rates of the entire cohort were 8.2%. The majority (76.7%) of the patients were discharged home, and 15.1% were discharged to other facilities. When adjusted for potentially confounding variables, ICU admission in July was not associated with higher hospital mortality rate compared with any other month. There were no significant differences in the discharge location of patients between July and any one of the other months. There were no statistically significant differences in the weighted ICU LOS ratio between July and any of the other months. Conclusions:ICU admission in July is not associated with increased hospital mortality rate or ICU length of stay.
A potential cause for kidney stone formation during space flights: enhanced growth of nanobacteria in microgravity.

BACKGROUND Although some information is available regarding the cellular/molecular changes in immune system exposed to microgravity, little is known about the reasons of the increase in the kidney stone formation in astronauts during and/or after long duration missions at zero gravity (0 g). In our earlier studies, we have assessed a unique agent, nanobacteria (NB), in kidney stones and hypothesized that NB have an active role in calcium phosphate-carbonate deposition in kidney. In this research we studied effect of microgravity on multiplication and calcification of NB in vitro. METHODS We examined NB cultures in High Aspect Rotating Vessels (HARVs) designed at the NASA's Johnson Space Center, which are designed to stimulate some aspects of microgravity. Multiplication rate and calcium phosphate composition of those NB were compared with NB cultured on stationary and shaker flasks. Collected aliquots of the cultures from different incubation periods were analyzed using spectrophotometer, SEM, TEM, EDX, and x-ray diffraction techniques. RESULTS The results showed that NB multiplied 4.6x faster in HARVs compared to stationary cultures, and 3.2x faster than shaker flask conditions. X-ray diffraction and EDX analysis showed that the degree of apatite crystal formation and the properties of the apatite depend on the specific culture conditions used. CONCLUSION We now report an increased multiplication rate of NB in microgravity-simulated conditions. Thus, NB infection may have a potential role in kidney stone formation in crew members during space flights. For further proof to this hypothesis, screening of the NB antigen and antibody level in flight crew before and after flight would be necessary.
Characterization of the porins of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli and implications for antibiotic susceptibility

The major outer membrane protein was extracted from Campylobacter coli by Triton X-100/EDTA fractionation of cell envelopes. This heat-modifiable protein was shown to have pore-forming activity in black lipid bilayers. The C. coli porin formed a relatively small cation-selective pore with a mean single-channel conductance of 0.53 +/- 0.16 nS in 1.0 M KCl. There was no evidence of oligomer formation, which suggested that each protein monomer formed a pore. Pore-forming activity of the C. coli porin and similarly prepared Campylobacter jejuni porin was also measured in liposome-swelling assays. These results confirmed the cation selectivity of both pores. The C. coli porin formed a small pore, which hindered the penetration of solutes with a molecular weight of 262, and a larger pore, which hindered the penetration of solutes with a molecular weight of 340, in a protein-concentration-dependent manner. C. jejuni formed one size of pore that was slightly larger than the C. coli pore and just permitted the passage of solutes, with a molecular weight of 340. A review of the literature concerning in vitro screening of antimicrobial agents tended to confirm the low permeability of the C. jejuni outer membrane to hydrophilic antimicrobial agents except when the molecules had molecular weights of less than 360. The porins of C. jejuni and C. coli may contribute to intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents, whereas alternative (nonporin) routes of antimicrobial agent uptake may be more important determinants of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
SERIES 0 NONINVASIVE VENTILATION IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE 0

Noninvasive ventilation in children. O. Nørregaard. #ERS Journals Ltd 2002. ABSTRACT: The use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV)/ventilatory assistance has in its modern form experienced a resurgence during the last two decades, primarily in the adult population. During the last few years, NIV, predominantly in the form of positive-pressure ventilation/ventilatory assistance, has also become an option in the paediatric population. Although the technique is increasingly being applied, data in this often very heterogeneous group of patients are still very limited, and are usually derived from case series and not randomised controlled studies. Available experience indicates that the technique is useful for children with a wide spectrum of hypercapnic and/or hypoxaemic respiratory disorders, in the acute as well as in the chronic setting. Results have shown improvements in survival and arterial blood gases, and have indicated better quality of life. Adverse effects are generally minor, although the impact on facial bony structures should be monitored closely during long-term ventilation. Considering the paucity of data, the area badly needs research, which preferentially should include: 1) shortand long-term effects and adverse effects in various conditions and age groups; 2) techniques, in particular interfaces and triggering mechanisms; 3) comprehensive plans for training of attendants, discharge and follow-up; and 4) quality of life measurements. As many of the conditions suited for noninvasive ventilation are very rare, much of the research would probably benefit from multicentre studies, or even studies on a European level. Eur Respir J 2002; 20: 1332–1342. Danish Respiratory Centre West, Århus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, Århus, Denmark.
Synthesis, transport and secretion of protein in the initial segment of the mouse epididymis as studied by electron microscope radioautography.

Adult male mice were administered l3Hl-leucine and samples of the initial segment of the epididymis were prepared for light and electron microscope radioautography after intervals ranging from 10 min-12 h. Light microscope radioautography revealed labeling of the principal cells of the epididymal epithelium and radioactivityappeared in the epididymal lumen 2 h afterinjectionof (3H1 -leucine.Luminal labelingwas not abolished by prior ligationof the ductuli efferentes. Analysisof electronmicroscope radioautographs of principalcellsdemonstrated successivepeaks in the percent of grainsand in relativegrain concentrations over the rough endoplasmic reticulum at 10 mm and the Golgi apparatus at 1 h after injection of precursor. A high proportion of grains was associated with the “smooth” endoplasmic reticulum at allintervals,but itsrelativegrain concentration did not reach the values attained by the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Luminal labeling was associated mainly with material lying between spermatozoa. The resultsindicatethat the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus of the principal cells were involved in synthesis and transport of protein. Approximately 2 h were requiredforintracellular events in epididymal protein secretion. Suggestions as to the role of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are presented. The mode of release of secretory protein remains uncertain.
ROLE OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR IN CHILD MORTALITY IN THE SLUMS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

The role of family health-seeking behaviour in under-five-year child mortality was explored through the combined approach of examining health-seeking behaviour regarding treatment generally, and in specific in relation to illness before death. A population-based case control study was carried out during the period 1993–1994 using 222 deaths from diarrhoea and acute respiratory illness (ARI) in children under five years of age in six slums of Karachi as cases, and 419 controls matched on age, disease (diarrhoea and ARI) and slum. Factors significantly associated (p<0·05) with child mortality in the multivariate analysis were: mothers changing healers quickly, using a traditional healer or an unqualified doctor and mothers to whom doctors did not explain the treatment, even when maternal education was controlled for. Seeking effective medical services is highly influential on whether the child survives or succumbs to ARI or diarrhoea. As mothers are the first providers of care, an attempt should be made to try and improve their skills through health education so that they can use simple and effective treatments for minor illnesses. They should also be taught to recognize potentially life-threatening conditions, to seek care early and to persist with treatment.
Integrin binding to fibronectin and vitronectin maintains the barrier function of isolated porcine coronary venules

1 Integrin‐mediated endothelial cell‐extracellular matrix adhesion plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of microvascular walls. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of specific integrin extracellular domain binding to matrix fibronectin and vitronectin on the barrier function of intact microvascular endothelium. 2 The apparent permeability coefficient of albumin was measured in isolated and perfused porcine coronary venules using a fluorescence ratioing technique with the aid of fluorescence microscopy. Inhibition of integrin binding to either fibronectin with GRGDdSP peptide or vitronectin with GPenGRGDSPCA peptide dose‐dependently increased venular permeability by 2‐ to 3‐fold. The effects were sustained for more than 60 min and were reversible upon clearance of the peptides. In contrast, the inactive control peptide GRADSP did not significantly affect venular permeability. Pretreatment of the venules with purified human fibronectin and vitronectin, respectively, prevented the hyperpermeability response to GRGDdSP and GPenGRGDSPCA. 3 GRGDSP, a peptide that inhibits integrin binding to both fibronectin and vitronectin, produced an even higher permeability (4.5‐fold) in venules than GRGDdSP or GPenGRGDSPCA alone, and the effect was blunted in vessels preincubated with both fibronectin and vitronectin. 4 The results indicate the importance of integrin‐matrix interaction in the physiological regulation of microvascular permeability. It is likely that both fibronectin and vitronectin binding to integrins contribute to the maintenance of endothelial barrier function in venules.
Buckling of a spherical shell under external pressure and inward concentrated load: Asymptotic solution

An asymptotic solution is suggested for a thin isotropic spherical shell subject to uniform external pressure and concentrated load. The pressure is the main load and a concentrated lateral load is considered as a perturbation that decreases buckling pressure. First, the post-buckling solution of the shell under uniform pressure is constructed. A known asymptotic result for large deflections is used for this purpose. In addition, an asymptotic approximation for small post-buckling deflections is obtained and matched with the solution for large deflections. The proposed solution is in good agreement with numerical results. An asymptotic formula is then derived, with the load-deflection diagrams analyzed for the case of combined load. Buckling load combinations are calculated as limiting points in the load-deflection diagrams. The sensitivity of the spherical shell to local perturbations under external pressure is analyzed. The suggested asymptotic result is validated by a finite element method using the ANSYS simulation software package.
The Fate Of Meniscus Tears Left in situ At The Time Of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Objectives: Meniscus tears frequently accompany acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. Management of meniscus tears is highly variable and includes repair, meniscectomy, and non-treatment of tears identified at the time of ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of subsequent reoperation and clinical outcome of meniscal tears left in situ without treatment at the time of ACL reconstruction with a minimum follow-up of 6 years. Methods: Patients with meniscus tears left untreated at the time of primary ACL reconstruction were identified from a multicenter study group between 2002 and 2004 with minimum 6-year follow-up. Patient demographic variables, comorbidities, meniscus tear characteristics, and information on subsequent surgery were obtained. The primary endpoint of the study was need for reoperation for meniscal pathology. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used in order to determine patient demographic variables and meniscus tear characteristics that served as risk factors for reoperation. Results: There were 1440 primary ACL reconstructions performed during the timeframe of the study. There were 955 patients (66.3%) with concomitant meniscal tears identified. Of these, 143 (15.3%) had meniscal tears left in situ at the time of surgery. There were 11 patients (7.9%) who underwent reoperation for meniscal pathology within the same compartment as the meniscal tear left in situ (Table 1). Reoperation was performed more frequently for medial meniscus tears as compared to lateral meniscus tears (17.6% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.048). Medial meniscus tears and tears ≥10 mm in length were identified as risk factors for reoperation. Conclusion: Lateral and medial meniscus tears left in situ at the time of ACL reconstruction did not require reoperation at minimum 6-year follow-up in 95.7% and 82.4% of patients, respectively. Our results suggest that surgeons should consider alternative treatment for medial meniscus tears and tears ≥ 10 mm in length at the time of ACL reconstruction.
High Rates of Metachronous Colon Cancer or Dysplasia After Segmental Resection or Subtotal Colectomy in Crohn's Colitis

Background:In ulcerative colitis, total proctocolectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with colonic dysplasia or cancer because of the high risk for metachronous neoplasia. It is unknown whether patients with Crohn's disease and colon cancer or dysplasia have a similar risk. Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 75 patients treated at our center from 2001 to 2011 with Crohn's disease and colon cancer who underwent segmental resection or subtotal colectomy (STC). We then identified the presence or absence of subsequent colon cancer or dysplasia in these patients during the follow-up (0–19 years). Results:Of the 64 patients with colon cancer, 25 had at least 1 metachronous cancer (39%). The mean time to a new cancer was 6.8 years. Eighty-five percent of patients (21/25) were undergoing annual screening colonoscopy. Of the 11 patients with dysplasia, 5 (46%) had a new dysplasia. Mean time to a new dysplastic lesion was 5.0 years. Nineteen of the 47 patients (40%) who had a segmental resection for colon cancer developed metachronous cancer and 6/17 patients (35%) with a STC had metachronous cancer. Two of the 4 patients (50%) with STC for dysplasia (50%) had a new dysplasia and 3/7 patients (43%) with segmental resection had a new dysplasia. There was no significant difference (P = 0.61) between recurrence rates in patients with segmental resection versus STC. Conclusions:The high rate of metachronous colon cancer after surgical resection suggests that total proctocolectomy should be considered. Larger studies are required to determine if the same is true for dysplasia.
CD8 and CD45RO T lymphocytes in bone marrow of gastric cancer patients: correlation with disseminated tumor cells and disease outcome.

AIM To evaluate the association between the presence of CD8 and CD45RO T lymphocytes in bone marrow (BM), disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), tumor hypoxia and their impact on disease outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS 91 naïve gastric cancer (GC) patients were enrolled into the study. DTCs, CD8- and CD45RO-positive T lymphocytes in BM were detected using immunocytochemistry. All patients were thoroughly informed about the study that was approved by the local ethics committee. Statistical analyses were done using NCSS2000/PASS2000 and Prism, version 4.03 software packages. RESULTS It was detected that 80.5 and 81.3% of patients had CD8- and CD45RO-positive T cells in BM, respectively. When DTCs were detected in BM, the number of patients with CD8-and CD45RO-positive T cells in BM were 86.1 and 84.4%, respectively. It was also determined that the number of patients with DTCs in BM with categories M0 and M1 and with CD8- and CD45RO-positive T cells in BM were 86.2 and 85.7%, 85.7 and 80.0%, respectively. The association between DTCs in BM and presence of CD8 and CD45RO T cells lymphocytes in BM was not found. At the same time it was shown the association between presence of CD8 and CD45RO T lymphocytes and survival. The presence of CD8- and CD45RO-positive T cells in BM were accompanied with significantly longer overall survival of patients compared to that of patients without CD8- and CD45RO-positive T cells in BM. CONCLUSION Patients with the presence of CD8- and CD45RO-positive T cells in BM demonstrated better survival of GC patients than those with the absence of these cells in BM. It may be suggested that tumor cells in BM are controlled in a dormant state by T cells in BM, in particular by CD8-positive T cells.