Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of M43B Lumbar puncture simulator‐II as a training tool for identification of the epidural space and lumbar puncture *

The identification of the epidural space, insertion of an epidural catheter and lumbar puncture are advanced technical skills that can be challenging to teach to novice anaesthetists. The M43B Lumbar puncture simulator‐II (Limbs & Things Ltd., Sussex Street, Bristol, UK) is a teaching aid designed for epidural and spinal insertion. The aim of this study was to determine if experienced anaesthetists thought this simulator may be a useful tool for training novice anaesthetists in these procedures. Experienced anaesthetists performed an epidural insertion followed by a lumbar puncture procedure on the simulator model. Various aspects of both epidural and lumbar puncture insertions were scored by the anaesthetists for likeness to a real patient using a Likert scale (0 ‐ strongly disagree; 1 ‐ disagree; 2 ‐ neither agree nor disagree; 3 ‐ agree; 4 ‐ strongly agree). The simulator was found to be life‐like for most aspects of epidural insertion. Median (IQR [range]) scores were: iliac crests 3.0 (3.0–3.2 [3–4]); spinous processes 3.0 (3.0–3.2 [2–4]); skin puncture 3.0 (3.0–3.0 [1–4]); subcutaneous tissues 3.0 (2.7–3.0 [1–4]); and loss of resistance 3.0 (3.0–4.0 [3–4]). The scores for supraspinous ligament 2.0 (1.0–3.0 [0–3]), interspinous ligament 2.5 (1.7–3.0 [0–3]) and ligamentum flavum 2.0 (1.0–3.0 [0–4]) were borderline for life‐likeness. The volunteers found threading of the epidural catheter difficult and rated it unlike a real patient (score 1.0 (0.2–2.0 [0–3])). During lumbar puncture, dural puncture scored 3.0 (3.0–4.0 [2–4]) and intrathecal injection scored 2.5 (1.0–3.0 [1–4]). However, the overall impression was that the simulator could be a useful tool for training of both epidurals (score 3.0 (3.0–4.0 [3–4])) and spinals (score 3.0 (3.0–3.5 [2–4])).
Triggered and automatic activity in the canine coronary sinus.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 33, edited by H Blaschko, E Muscholl. New York, Springer-Verlag, 1972, pp 336362 29. Kalsner S, Nickerson M: Mechanism of cocaine potentiation of responses to amines. Br J Pharmacol 35: 428-439, 1969 30. Reiffenstein RJ, Triggle CR: Cocaine-induced supersensitivity in the human umbilical artery. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 52: 687-698, 1974 31. de Lande IS, Cannell VA, Waterson JG: The interaction of serotonin and noradrenaline on the perfused artery. Br J Pharmacol Chemother 28: 255-272, 1966 32. Toda N, Fujita Y: Responsiveness of isolated cerebral and peripheral arteries to serotonin, norepinephrine and transmural electrical stimulation. Ore Res 33: 98-104, 1973. 33. Somlyo AV, Vinall P, Somlyo AP: Excitation-contraction coupling and electrical events in two types of vascular smooth muscle. Microvase Res 1: 354-373, 1969 34. Yashon D, Blocker D, Brown RJ, Hunt WE: Quantitative in vitro vasoactivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine on the human basilar artery. Surg Neurol 3: 295-300, 1975 35. Scroop GC, Walsh JA: Interactions between angiotensin, noradrenaline and serotonin on the peripheral blood vessels in man. Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci 46: 573-580, 1968 36. Jarrott B, McQueen A, Graf L, Louis WJ: Serotonin levels in vascular tissue and the effects of a serotonin synthesis inhibitor on blood pressure in hypertensive rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol (Suppl) 2: 201-205,1975
Words in discourse: a dialectical approach to the acquisition of meaning and use

ABSTRACT Word learning by young children is viewed as a problem of deriving meaning from the use of forms in discourse contexts. Uses of causal and temporal terms in private speech by a child studied longitudinally from 1;9 to 3;0 are analysed from this perspective. Evidence is presented that words are first constrained to uses in specific discourse contexts, and later used more flexibly and with greater control over the semantics of the terms. Derivation of meaning from discourse is described as a dialectical process, and as such it is claimed to be more consistent with the full range of observational data, and with theories of word learning applicable to older children and adults, than other current theories of lexical acquisition in early childhood.
Magnetism and Magnetocaloric Effect in EuAuZn

The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in the ternary intermetallic compound EuAuZn have been studied via magnetization and heat capacity measurements. The compound orders ferromagnetically below T<sub>C</sub> ~ 52 K with a spin reorientation transition at T<sub>SR</sub> ~ 19 K. A large reversible MCE has been observed in EuAuZn accompanied by a second-order magnetic phase transition from a paramagnetic to a ferromagnetic state. Under a field change of 5 T, the maximum values of magnetic entropy change (-ΔS<sub>M</sub><sup>max</sup>) and adiabatic temperature change (ΔT<sub>ad</sub><sup>max</sup>) are 9.1 J/kg·K and 3.8 K, respectively, the corresponding relative cooling power is 318 J/kg.
Trends in incidence of delivery of low birth weight infants in Benin City, southern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of low birth weight deliveries in a Nigerian mission hospital. METHODS A descriptive analysis of the records of 332 live, low birth weight babies delivered between 1st January, 1999 to 31st December, 2001 in a Nigerian mission hospital in Benin City was carried out. A standardised questionnaire was used and the mothers of low birth weight (LBW) babies were interviewed soon after delivery. RESULTS The overall incidence of LBW was 8.1% with a female preponderance. Of the 332 LBW babies, 3.9% were extremely LBW, 12.0% very LBW, 20.5% moderately LBW while 36.4% of the babies weighed less than 2000 g. Preterm babies were significantly more frequent than term small-for-gestational age babies. A lower incidence was found in the year 2001 compared with the immediate preceding two years. A significantly greater number of LBW babies were born during the dry season compared with the wet season. The leading maternal factor associated with delivery of LBW infants was absent or inadequate antenatal care. CONCLUSION Using the World Health Organisation definition of low birth weight of < 2500 g, a lower incidence of LBW was found compared with other studies that defined LBW as birth weight < 2500 g.
Self-Irrigating Piezoelectric Device in Orbital Surgery

Purpose: Orbital osteotomy risks injury to the eyeball and orbit soft tissues. Used extensively in oral and maxillofacial surgery, piezoelectric technology offers a greater margin of safety than traditional bone cutting instruments. The authors describe the novel use of this system in a variety of orbital surgeries. Methods: This interventional case series was performed in accordance with institutional review board regulations. The medical records of all patients who had undergone orbital surgery using the piezoelectric blade at 3 institutions were reviewed. Indication for surgery, gender, age, duration of follow up, intraoperative complications, surgical result, and postoperative course was recorded. Results: Sixteen patients underwent surgery on 18 orbits using the piezoelectric system between August 2011 and June 2012. Surgeries performed included orbital decompression (8), lateral orbitotomy (5), cranio-orbitotomy (4), and external dacryocystorhinostomy (1). Eight were female and 8 were male patients. Mean age was 55 years old (standard deviation 15 years). Mean follow up was 82 days. The osteotomy created by the blade was narrow and smooth in every case. The surgeons uniformly appreciated the precision and safety of the instrument compared with traditional electric saw blades. There were no soft tissue lacerations or intraoperative complications and reconstructions were uniformly uneventful. Postoperative healing was rapid with no unexpected inflammation, and no palpable bony defects were appreciated in the reconstructed cases. Conclusions: Because it does not cut soft tissue and cuts a narrow trough, the self-irrigating piezoelectric saw blade appears safer and more precise than traditional electric saw blades in and around the orbit.
The risk of infection related to radial vs femoral sites for arterial catheterization

To evaluate risk factors for infections associated with indwelling arterial catheters, 186 catheters were randomly allocated for either femoral or radial insertion in 155 critically ill patients. Femoral catheters were easier to insert and it was easier to obtain blood specimens from them. Rates of local infection at the insertion sites and rates of positive catheter-tip cultures were similar for femoral and radial catheters. Evidence of local infection was not predictive of a positive catheter-tip culture. Percutaneously inserted femoral and radial artery catheters had a similarly low incidence of catheter-associated infections. There was only one catheter-related infection, and no cultured catheter was judged the cause of bacteremia. Routine prophylactic replacement of arterial catheter systems may be unnecessary in critical care units where rates of arterial catheter-associated infections are low.
Transformation of Sulfur Compounds by an Abundant Lineage of Marine Bacteria in the α-Subclass of the ClassProteobacteria

ABSTRACT Members of a group of marine bacteria that is numerically important in coastal seawater and sediments were characterized with respect to their ability to transform organic and inorganic sulfur compounds. Fifteen strains representing the Roseobacter group (a phylogenetic cluster of marine bacteria in the α-subclass of the class Proteobacteria) were isolated from seawater, primarily from the southeastern United States. Although more than one-half of the isolates were obtained without any selection for sulfur metabolism, all of the isolates were able to degrade the sulfur-containing osmolyte dimethyl sulfoniopropionate (DMSP) with production of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Five isolates also degraded DMSP with production of methanethiol, indicating that both cleavage and demethylation pathways for DMSP occurred in the same organism, which is unusual. Five isolates were able to reduce dimethyl sulfoxide to DMS, and several isolates also degraded DMS and methanethiol. Sulfite oxygenase activity and methanesulfonic acid oxygenase activity were also present in some of the isolates. The ability to incorporate the reduced sulfur in DMSP and methanethiol into cellular material was studied with one of the isolates. A group-specific 16S rRNA probe indicated that the relative abundance of uncultured bacteria in theRoseobacter group increased in seawater enriched with DMSP or DMS. Because this group typically accounts for >10% of the 16S ribosomal DNA pool in coastal seawater and sediments of the southern United States, clues about its potential biogeochemical role are of particular interest. Studies of culturable representatives suggested that the group could mediate a number of steps in the cycling of both organic and inorganic forms of sulfur in marine environments.
Numerical evaluation of solute dispersion and dilution in unsaturated heterogeneous media

We investigate flow and solute transport in a heterogeneous unsaturated soil under gravity‐driven flow conditions using a direct simulation Monte Carlo method. We account for the cross correlation between the heterogeneous fields of unsaturated flow parameters representing a silty loam. We determine through particle tracking the statistical moments of the travel time distribution for nonpoint injection of a conservative tracer. The one‐particle mean and variance characterize the mean arrival time and spreading of solute integrated over an entire horizontal cross section of the domain, whereas the two‐particle semivariogram characterizes the spreading observed at individual points. From these quantities we derive macrodispersivities and effective dispersivities. The latter reflect solute dilution. Owing to the nonlinearity of unsaturated flow the dispersivity values at a given depth vary with the mean infiltration rate. The two‐particle semivariogram hardly differs from the one‐particle variance of travel time at low infiltration rates, whereas dilution and macrodispersion rates differ significantly at high infiltration rates. We compare the dispersivities determined through particle tracking with approximations from linear stochastic theories based on the covariance of the Eulerian velocity field [ Dagan, 1988 ; Fiori and Dagan, 2000 ]. These linear stochastic theories slightly underestimate both dispersivity types. We present parametric models for the two types of dispersivities as function of the infiltration rate and the depth.
Facilitating postural control: effects on the reaching behavior of 6-month-old infants.

In this study, 3-D kinematic as well as 2-D videorecordings were made of the reaching behavior of infants aged about 6 months who were not yet able to sit. Detailed analyses of these recordings were directed toward specifying the effects of providing additional postural support to the lower body on the spatial and temporal features of such behavior. To detect these effects, reaching and associated head movements in this modified condition were compared to those made while the infants sat in an age-appropriate and commercially available chair lacking the supplementation of support for the pelvic region and upper legs. Findings consistent with predictions included better head stabilization and smoother reaching movements when the infants were in the modified chair. In addition, these two achievements were negatively related to reaching experience. These, and other findings, underscore the infrequently investigated supposition that changes in postural control induce improvements in the control of reaching movements during infancy. Recommendations are made about how the procedure adopted in the present study could be used in subsequent research to give further insights into the codevelopment of posture and action.
Cross‐reactivity between IgE‐binding proteins from Anisakis German cockroach, and chironomids

Pascual CY, Crespo JF, San Martin S, Ornia N, Ortega N, Caballero T, Munoz‐Pereira M, Martin‐Estaban M. Cross‐reactivity between IgE‐binding proteins from Anisakis German cockroach, and chironomids.
Ventilator Strategy in Hematological Patients: When and How First Step Influences on Outcome.

e1018 www.ccmjournal. org October 2016 • Volume 44 • Number 10 rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia were associated with NIV failure. In addition, there were no data regarding other causes such as pulmonary leukostasis, hemorrhage, or embolism (4). These comorbidities need to be taken into account in main conclusions. In a study by Faucher et al (5) that evaluated the factors affecting the outcomes in group of patients with a hematology malignancy, NIV failure was found to increase mortality, a finding parallel to that reported in the study by Amado-Rodriguez et al (2). In their study, however, renal replacement treatment and invasive mechanical ventilation have been suggested to be independent predictors of mortality. Third, in the results, it was reported that no increase in the risk for mortality was found after NIV failure; however, in the discussion, it was cited that a significant increase in the relative risk for death after NIV failure was detected after compensation of the unpublished results by using trim-and-fill technique. In conclusion, irrespective of their etiology, respiratory events have major prognostic significance. There is a need for comprehensive studies assessing risk factors for NIV failure. The authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest.
Longitudinal studies of active and passive smoking.

From the public health perspective, epidemiologic research on smoking and respiratory health can be considered a success. In addition to the identification of smoking as a cause of lung cancer, which is not a focus of this review, sufficient evidence has been obtained to causally link active and passive smoking to adverse respiratory effects in children and adults (1-3). Initially, much of this evidence, both for active and passive smoking, was derived from cross-sectional studies. The findings of these studies, some undertaken more than 40 yr ago, were compelling in their demonstration that active smoking could substantially reduce lung function and cause respiratory symptoms. The adverse effects of passive smoking on the lung function of children, although far more subtle, were first shown in cross-sectional data as well. The cross-sectional data on active smoking provided evidence sufficient to stand up to the yardstick of the criteria for causality. Although temporality cannot be met in cross-sectional data, the age-pattern of effect was consistent with the proper sequence, with smoking preceding its adverse consequences. The effects on symptoms and lung function level were also consistent among studies, biologically plausible, and strong, doseresponse relationships wereevident. Conclusions of the U.S. Surgeon General's reports mirrored this evidence (1-3). To better characterize the longitudinal effect of cigarette smoking on lung function, cohort studies wereinitiated that provided data on active smoking and respiratory health. These early studies, the London transport workers study and the Dutch cohort study, were implemented to address the early natural history of chronic airflow obstruction (4, 5). Information on active smoking also came secondarily from other cohort studies, including studies of occupational groups and studies of cardiovascular disease. The data from the early cohort studies wereanalyzed primarily to characterize change in ventilatory function and not disease incidence. The analytic approaches were straightforward, estimating change as simple difference measures or regression slopes. The findings from these cohort studies confirmed the cross-sectional evidence; cigarette smokers had accelerated decline compared with nonsmokers, and the degree of acceleration increased with the amount smoked. The longitudinal data further showed that the rate of decline after stopping smoking returned to that of the never smoker. By the end of the 1970s, the findings of this literature were extensive, and the findings were consistent among the investigations. These studies, which focused on adult smokers, did not examine the age at which effects of active smoking are first manifest. In the 1960s, the first studies were published on active smok-
Activation of A1 adenosine or mGlu3 metabotropic glutamate receptors enhances the release of nerve growth factor and S‐100β protein from cultured astrocytes

Pharmacological activation of A1 adenosine receptor with 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) or mGlu3 metabotropic glutamate receptors with (2S,2′R,3′R)‐2‐(2′,3′‐dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG‐IV) or aminopyrrolidine‐2R,4R‐dicarboxylate (2R,4R‐APDC) enhanced the release of nerve growth factor (NGF) or S‐100β protein from rat cultured astrocytes. Stimulation of release by CCPA and DCG‐IV or 2R,4R‐APDC was inhibited by the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine and by the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist (2S,1′S,2′S,3′R)‐2‐(2′‐carboxy‐3′‐phenylcyclopropyl)glycine (PCCG‐4), respectively. Time‐course studies revealed a profound difference between the release of S‐100β protein and the release of NGF in response to extracellular signals. Stimulation of S‐100β protein exhibited rapid kinetics, peaking after 1 h of drug treatment, whereas the enhancement of NGF release was much slower, requiring at least 6 h of A1 adenosine or mGlu3 receptor activation. In addition, stimulation of NGF but not S‐100β release was substantially reduced in cultures treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. In addition, a 6–8 h treatment of cultured astrocytes with A1 or mGlu3 receptor agonists increased the levels of both NGF mRNA and NGF‐like immunoreactive proteins, including NGF prohormone. We conclude that activation of A1 adenosine or mGlu3 receptors produces pleiotropic effects in astrocytes, stimulating the synthesis and/or the release of protein factors. Astrocytes may therefore become targets for drugs that stimulate the local production of neurotrophic factors in the CNS, and this may provide the basis for a novel therapeutic strategy in chronic neurodegenerative disorders. GLIA 27:275–281, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards sustainable photovoltaics: the search for new materials

The opportunities for photovoltaic (PV) solar energy conversion are reviewed in the context of projected world energy demands for the twenty-first century. Conventional single-crystal silicon solar cells are facing increasingly strong competition from thin-film solar cells based primarily on polycrystalline absorber materials, such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). However, if PVs are to make a significant contribution to satisfy global energy requirements, issues of sustainability and cost will need to be addressed with increased urgency. There is a clear need to expand the range of materials and processes that is available for thin-film solar cell manufacture, placing particular emphasis on low-energy processing and sustainable non-toxic raw materials. The potential of new materials is exemplified by copper zinc tin sulphide, which is emerging as a viable alternative to the more toxic CdTe and the more expensive CIGS absorber materials.
A Conserved Serine Juxtaposed to the Pseudosubstrate Site of Type I cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase Contributes Strongly to Autoinhibition and Lower cGMP Affinity*

Serines 64 and 79 are homologous residues that are juxtaposed to the autoinhibitory pseudosubstrate site in cGMP-dependent protein kinase type Iα and type Iβ (PKG-Iα and PKG-Iβ), respectively. Autophosphorylation of this residue is associated with activation of type I PKGs. To determine the role of this conserved serine, point mutations have been made in PKG-Iα (S64A, S64T, S64D, and S64N) and PKG-Iβ (S79A). In wild-type PKG-Iα, basal kinase activity ratio (−cGMP/+cGMP) is 0.11, autophosphorylation increases this ratio 3-fold, and theK a and K D values for cGMP are 127 and 36 nm, respectively. S64A PKG-Iα basal kinase activity ratio increases 2-fold, cGMP binding affinity increases ∼10-fold in both K a and K D , and activation by autophosphorylation is slight. S64D and S64N mutants are nearly constitutively active in the absence of cGMP, cGMP binding affinity in each increases 18-fold, and autophosphorylation does not affect the kinase activity of these mutants. Mutation of the homologous site in PKG-Iβ (S79A) increases the basal kinase activity ratio 2-fold and cGMP binding affinity 5-fold over that of wild-type PKG-Iβ. The combined results demonstrate that a conserved serine juxtaposed to the pseudosubstrate site in type I PKGs contributes importantly to enzyme function by increasing autoinhibition and decreasing cGMP binding affinity.
Systemic and Placental Leptin and Its Receptors in Pregnancies Associated With Obesity

This study aimed to gain new insights into both systemic and placental leptin and its receptors, with reference to the maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). Thus, 84 women (29 lean, 24 overweight, and 31 obese) were recruited and maternal, cord blood, and placental tissues collected prior to term labor. Plasma levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for placenta, immunohistochemistry and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were quantitated. We confirmed that maternal leptin increased linearly as the soluble receptor decreased with BMI (P = .001). Fetal leptin increased with maternal BMI (P = .02) and birth weight (P = .006) and was higher in female infants (P < .001). Placental mRNA levels of leptin and its receptors showed no change in BMI. However, we show a significant (P = .043) linear increase in leptin in the placental vascular endothelial cells with maternal obesity, while leptin in syncytiotrophoblast showed no statistical change. Leptin receptors localized to syncytiotrophoblast and intravillous macrophages and were unchanged with BMI.