Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Neuroendoscopic Third Ventriculostomy on the Size of Ventricles in Chronic Hydrocephalus

Our intention was to compare the clinical outcome after surgical treatment of chronic hydrocephalus between patients who were subjected to neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy and patients who underwent shunt implantation. At the Department of Neurosurgery of the Research Institute of Polish Mothers' Memorial Hospital from 1999 to 2001, 29 children, of an average age of 7 years (±7.1 years SD), underwent successful neuroendoscopic procedures, and from 1992 to 1994, 59 children, of an average age of 2 months (±1.9 months SD), underwent shunt implantation. The size of the ventricular system was described by the Frontal Horn Index and its change after operative procedures by the ratio of the final to the primary Frontal Horn Index. Head circumference was measured in percentiles according to the Kurniewicz-Witczakowa chart for Polish children. The reduction in head circumference after a neuroendoscopic procedure was, on average, significantly less than after a shunt implantation (0.39 percentiles ± 29.6 SD vs 17.93 percentiles ± 19.93 SD). Concerning the change in ventricular size after a neuroendoscopic procedure, it was noticed that the average ratio of the final to the primary Frontal Horn Index was 0.9. Meanwhile, the same parameter after a shunt implantation was 0.55. Based on the values of the Frontal Horn Indexes, it was observed that the ventricular system in infants after neuroendoscopic procedures was significantly larger than in other age groups (0.7 vs 0.5). After successful neuroendoscopic operations in a group of children suffering from Chiari II malformation, ventricular systems were slightly enlarged. The ratio of the final Frontal Index to the primary Frontal Horn Index was 1.31. In children suffering from chronic hydrocephalus, the average reduction in the size of the ventricular system and the rate of head circumference growth are lower after neuroendoscopic operations than after shunt implantations. Successful neuroendoscopic procedures are characterized by, on average, a higher rate of head circumference growth in infants than in neonates. In addition, the rate of head circumference growth after successful neuroendoscopic procedures could be higher than before the operation, which is clearly visible in children suffering from Chiari II malformation, but it does not mean a constant increase of that parameter during the postoperative period. (J Child Neurol 2004;19:579-587).
A NEW FLUORESCENT PHOTOPRODUCT OF TRYPTOPHAN EVIDENCED BY LONG WAVELENGTH EXCITATION OF FLUORESCENCE

Abstract— Besides the normal tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence in aqueous solution (emission maximum at 350 nm), a new emission, peaking around 380 nm, appears by long wavelength excitation. Its fluorescence yield (φs 0.24) is higher than that of tryptophan (φTrp= 0.13). The growth of this emission is observed under different experimental conditions, mainly under UV anaerobic irradiation. To explain this observation, the formation of a C3‐hydroxylated derivative is tentatively suggested.
Improving condom self‐efficacy and use among individuals living with HIV: The positive choices mapping intervention

Few interventions have been designed to improve behavioural outcomes and reduce risk of HIV transmission of individuals living with HIV, most focusing on preventative efforts directed at individuals who are HIV‐negative. However, people living with HIV present individual and public health risks (infection with a different strain of HIV, health complications from contracting STD's, continued sexual activity with individuals with unknown HIV status) that have become the focus of intervention efforts. The current paper explores a promising new intervention, The Positive Choices Mapping (PCM) intervention, designed to increase condom self‐efficacy and use among African American crack cocaine smokers who are living with HIV. The intervention was grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and incorporated an empirically backed visual representation strategy (node‐link mapping). The focus of the current paper is on the main components of the intervention.
Plasma growth hormone and insulin responses in short children.

The DIAGNOSIS of dwarfism due to failure of the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone can now be firmly established on the basis of low plasma growth hormone (PGH) levels and a failure to increase PGH concentration following a variety of stimulants. Systematic study of large numbers of children with growth retardation suggests that failure of growth hormone production and release is the cause of the observed growth failure in less than 10%. Careful examination of the PGH response to stimulation has failed to indicate any abnormality of the pattern of response that is consistently associated with any of the other types of growth failure. This report presents the PGH responses of 112 short children to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and compares the responses produced by hypoglycemia to the responses observed following arginine hydrochloride and lypressin. The measurement of plasma insulin in addition to PGH during these standardized tests provides an integrated
Effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis

Even though repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used for a decade for the treatment of fibromyalgia, evidence of its effectiveness has not been definitely presented. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is evidence of rTMS being effective in decreasing the severity of pain among patients with fibromyalgia. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, and relevant references of the identified studies were searched. Randomized controlled studies on adults with fibromyalgia were included. The outcome studied was change in pain severity. Methodological quality was assessed using the scale introduced in the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews in the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out with a test for heterogeneity using the I2 and pooled estimate as a nonstandardized mean of difference in change in pain severity measures by a numeric rating scale. The search resulted in 791 records, eight relevant, and meta-analyses on seven trials. The risk of bias was considered low for seven studies. Pain severity before and after the last stimulation decreased by −1.2 points on 0–10 numeric rating scale (95% confidence interval: −1.7 to −0.8). Pain severity before and 1 week to 1 month after the last stimulation decreased by −0.7 points (95% confidence interval: −1.0 to −0.3). Both pooled results were below the minimal clinically important difference of 1.5 points. There is moderate evidence that rTMS is not more effective than sham in reducing the severity of pain in fibromyalgia patients, questioning the routine recommendation of this method for fibromyalgia treatment.
Long‐term population‐based risks of breast cancer after childhood cancer

Previous studies have reported substantially increased risks of breast cancer among survivors of childhood cancer at 10–20 years posttreatment. Whether these excess risks are sustained beyond 40 years of age when general population incidence of breast cancer begins its steep increase is largely unknown. We quantified the risk of breast cancer in adult female survivors with considerably more survivors followed‐up beyond 40 years of age than previously available. Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIR), Excess Absolute Risks (EAR), and cumulative incidence were calculated within a population‐based cohort of 8,093 female survivors of childhood cancer. Poisson regression models were used to model SIRs and EARs in a multivariable setting. Eighty‐one survivors developed a primary breast cancer, where 37.5 were expected (SIR= 2.2, 95% CI: 1.7–2.7). SIRs decreased significantly with increasing attained age (ptrend < 0.001) to an SIR of 0.9 (95% CI: 0.5–1.8) at ages beyond 50 years; EARs increased significantly to about 40 years of age (ptrend < 0.001) but then plateau. Between 30 and 49 years of age survivors experienced approximately 1 extra breast cancer per 1,000 survivors per year. Overall, 3% developed breast cancer by the age of 50. The substantially increased relative risks of breast cancer observed at 10–20 years postdiagnosis are not sustained into ages at which the risk of breast cancer in the general population becomes substantial. Among women who survived to an age of at least 50 years there is currently no evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apparent digestibility of nitrogen in rumen and whole tract of Friesian cattle fed direct-cut and wilted grass silages.

Spring grass consisting of Lolium perene L. (81%), Poa pratensis L. (9%), and annual weeds (5%) was stored as direct-cut or as wilted silage and used in feeding trials to determine the effects of wilting on N utilization. Six mature Friesian cattle, fitted with rumen and simple duodenal cannulae, were fed the silages for ad libitum intake in a crossover design consisting of two 49-d periods. Wilting increased intake of organic matter and decreased ruminal apparent digestibility or organic matter and whole tract apparent digestibilities of organic matter, NDF, and total N. Rumen degradability of silage N was increased by wilting (.7 vs. .67). Direct-cut silage, in comparison with wilted silage, provide (g/d) less N intake (232 vs. 286) and lower duodenal flows of total N (215 vs. 293), non-NH3 N (202 vs. 280), microbial N (111 vs. 177), and total amino acids (1056.8 vs. 1342.7). Duodenal flows of NH3 N and undegraded N were not different between silages. Efficiency of bacterial N synthesis in rumen was higher for wilted than for direct-cut silage (32.3 vs. 21.4 g N/kg organic matter apparently digested in rumen). It was concluded that wilting increase silage intake, rumen bacterial synthetic efficiency, and duodenal flow of non-NH3 N in cattle.
Glucagon Secretion Induced by Natural and Artificial Amino Acids in the Perfused Rat Pancreas

The glucagon-secreting potency of 22 amino acids was investigated in the rat isolated perfused pancreas. Arginine and the structurally related amino acids were the most potent A2-cell stimulators that induced a biphasic and sustained glucagon release. Dose-response curves were different for L(+) and D(+)arginine, and the suppressor effect of glucose on the response to L(+) arginine was not detected in the presence of D(+) arginine or homoarginine. Citrul-line was the only exception among the arginine-related amino acids; it displayed neither stimulatory nor inhibitory potency on glucagon release. The A2-cell response to D(+) amino acids and artificial analogues of arginine is a strong case for the theory of amino acid receptors' triggering the release of the hormone before (or in the absence of) further metabolism. The prominent rank of arginine and or ni thine among stimulatory amino acids and some other physiologic evidence suggest that A2-cell may play a regulatory role in the metabolism of ammonia by the liver.
Differential Regulation of Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses by IL-12p40 in a Dose-Dependent Manner1

IL-12p40 is a natural antagonist which inhibits IL-12- and IL-23-mediated biological activity by blocking the binding of IL-12/23 to their receptors. Recently, IL-12p40 was also shown to have immune-enhancing activity through the activation of macrophages or dendritic cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-12p40 as a genetic adjuvant on immune modulation using recombinant adenoviruses expressing IL-12p40 (rAd/IL-12p40) and OVA (rAd/OVA). Coimmunization of rAd/IL-12p40 at a low dose (1 × 104 PFU) with rAd/OVA resulted in OVA-specific immune enhancement, while a high dose of rAd/IL-12p40 (1 × 108 PFU) caused significant suppression of CD8+ T cell responses. In addition, the enhancement and suppression of OVA-specific CD8+ T cell responses correlated with antitumor activity against E.G7-OVA tumor challenge, which subsequently affected the survival rate. Moreover, the differential CD8+ T cell response by IL-12p40 was still observed in IL-12Rβ2 knockout (IL-12Rβ2KO), but not in IL-12Rβ1 knockout (IL-12Rβ1KO) mice, indicating that IL-12p40 is a cytokine which can modulate Ag-specific T cell responses depending on IL-12Rβ1. Our findings provide a novel insight on the physiological role of IL-12p40, which can be informative in the design of vaccine strategies and therapeutic regimens.
Multiinstitutional phase II trial of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent radiation therapy for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE Combined modality therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has produced promising results. A multiinstitutional phase II clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the activity and toxicity of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent radiation therapy on patients with locally advanced NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty previously untreated patients with inoperable locally advanced NSCLC entered onto a phase II study from March 1995 to December 1996. On an outpatient basis for 7 weeks, patients received paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 weekly over 1 hour; carboplatin at (area under the curve) AUC 2 weekly; and radiation therapy of 66 Gy in 33 fractions. After chemoradiation therapy, patients received an additional two cycles of paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 over 3 hours and carboplatin at AUC 6 every 3 weeks. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients were eligible for the study. The survival rates at 12 months were 56.3%, and at 24 months, 38.3%, with a median overall survival of 20.5 months. The progression-free survival rates at 12 months were 43.6%, and at 24 months, 34.7%, with a median progression-free survival of 9.0 months. Two patients did not receive more than 2 weeks of concurrent chemoradiotherapy and were not assessable for toxicity and response. The overall response rate (partial plus complete response) of 37 assessable patients was 75.7%. The major toxicity was esophagitis. Seventeen patients (46%) developed grade 3 or 4 esophagitis. However, only two patients developed late esophageal toxicity with stricture at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. CONCLUSION Combined modality therapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and radiation is a promising treatment for locally advanced NSCLC that has a high response rate and acceptable toxicity and survival rates. A randomized trial will be necessary to fully evaluate the usefulness of these findings.
Omega-3 Index and Cardiovascular Health

Recent large trials with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the cardiovascular field did not demonstrate a beneficial effect in terms of reductions of clinical endpoints like total mortality, sudden cardiac arrest or other major adverse cardiac events. Pertinent guidelines do not uniformly recommend EPA + DHA for cardiac patients. In contrast, in epidemiologic findings, higher blood levels of EPA + DHA were consistently associated with a lower risk for the endpoints mentioned. Because of low biological and analytical variability, a standardized analytical procedure, a large database and for other reasons, blood levels of EPA + DHA are frequently assessed in erythrocytes, using the HS-Omega-3 Index® methodology. A low Omega-3 Index fulfills the current criteria for a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Neutral results of intervention trials can be explained by issues of bioavailability and trial design that surfaced after the trials were initiated. In the future, incorporating the Omega-3 Index into trial designs by recruiting participants with a low Omega-3 Index and treating them within a pre-specified target range (e.g., 8%–11%), will make more efficient trials possible and provide clearer answers to the questions asked than previously possible.
Comparative effects of the ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives resolvins E1 and D1 and protectin DX in models of inflammation and pain

Purpose Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), also known as lipoxins, resolvins (Rvs), protectins and maresins, have been implicated in the resolution of the inflammatory process. However, a systematic comparison of their activity in the relief of inflammation and pain models is still lacking. Materials and methods The effects of Rvs E1 and D1 and protectin DX (PDX) were assessed in rat paws inflamed by the standard proinflammatory stimulus carrageenan or by histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P or prostaglandin E2. The experimental outcomes were the mechanical nociceptive threshold and increase in paw volume as a measure of pain and edema formation, respectively. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the indicated SPMs were also compared with nonsteroidal (indomethacin and celecoxib) and steroidal (dexamethasone) anti-inflammatory drugs. Results Only RvE1 and RvD1 presented analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in the carrageenan model, and RvE1 was twice as potent as RvD1. Both substances tended to be better analgesics than anti-inflammatory agents, with a modeling profile similar to steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, proinflammatory effects (edema formation) were also detected when the mediators histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine or substance P replaced carrageenan as the proinflammatory stimuli. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of resolvins were specifically prevented by an antagonist of the leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1). Conclusion Rvs, as analgesic agents, may be better therapeutic agents than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the current choice in the relief of pain of an inflammatory origin. However, the possibility of developing adverse effects cannot be overlooked.
Influência da Corrida como Exercício Aeróbio na Melhora do Condicionamento Cardiorespiratório

Para o aprimoramento fisiologico e para uma resposta ao treinamento e necessaria uma sobrecarga ao exercicio. Ao exercitar-se em intensidade elevada, o organismo passa por uma serie de adaptacoes, funcionando com maior eficiencia. Quanto maior a intensidade, maiores serao os aprimoramentos. Nosso estudo visa analisar, com base na bibliografia pesquisada, como o treinamento aerobio, em especifico a corrida, pode colaborar no condicionamento cardiorrespiratorio.
[Clinical evaluation of execution of early goal directed therapy in septic shock].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of early goal directed therapy (EGDT) in septic shock. METHODS Two hundred and three patients with septic shock were assigned into treatment group (n=98) and control group (n=105). According to the state of organ function at the beginning of treatment and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) evaluation scores, each group was categorized into three strata: stratum A (mild organ dysfunction), stratum B (medium organ dysfunction) and stratum C (severe organ dysfunction). Mortality and incidence of organ dysfunction in each group were analyzed. RESULTS At stratum A, the mortality and incidence of organ dysfunction in treatment group were significantly lower than those of control group [27.78% (15/54 cases) vs. 37.50% (18/48 cases), 31.48% (17/54 cases) vs. 43.75% (21/48 cases), both P<0.05]. There was no significant difference between treatment group and control group in patients of stratum B [75.86% (22/29 cases) vs. 76.92% (20/26 cases), 55.17% (16/29 cases) vs. 57.69% (15/26 cases)] and stratum C [93.33% (14/15 cases) vs. 96.77% (30/31 cases), 40.00 % (6/15 cases) vs. 41.93% (13/31 cases), all P>0.05]. CONCLUSION In the earlier period of septic shock, EGDT can remarkably decrease the patients'mortality and incidence of organ dysfunction, but can not improve survival rate and prognosis in patients in advanced stage of septic shock.
Soft tissue tumors of the penis. A clinicopathologic study of 46 cases

Primary mesenchymal tumors of the penis are among the least common tumors of the male genitourinary tract. The clinical and pathologic features of 46 such neoplasms were reviewed and, when possible, classified histologically as to tumor types. Three tumors remained unclassified. There were 24 benign and 22 malignant types. Thirty‐five of 46 (76%) were of vascular, peripheral nerve, or smooth muscle origin. Patients ranged in age from newborn to the eighties at the time of diagnosis. Most benign tumors were located on the glans penis, whereas the penile shaft was the most common site for malignant types. During the period of clinical follow‐up, only one benign mesenchymal tumor recurred, in contrast to the recurrence of a total of 15 malignant mesenchymal tumors. Two patients in the latter group died with metastatic sarcoma. Based on this limited series, malignant mesenchymal tumors in all categories manifest more indolent behavior than similar tumors encountered elsewhere on the body.
Dual-energy CT of the lung.

OBJECTIVE The introduction of dual-energy CT (DECT) has ushered in the ability of material differentiation and tissue characterization beyond the traditional CT attenuation scale. This quality has been exploited for visualizing and quantifying the specific tissue content using radiographic contrast agents, such as iodine-based contrast media or inhaled xenon gas. Applications of this paradigm in the thorax include characterization of the pulmonary blood pool in the setting of acute or chronic pulmonary embolism (PE) and characterization of diseases of the lung parenchyma. Selective xenon detection is being explored for imaging of lung ventilation. In addition, the usefulness of DECT-based selective iodine uptake measurements has been described for the diagnosis and surveillance of thoracic malignancies. This article reviews the current applications of DECT-based imaging techniques in the chest with an emphasis on the diagnosis and characterization of pulmonary thromboembolic disorders. CONCLUSION DECT can provide both anatomic and functional information about the lungs in a variety of pulmonary disease states based on a single contrast-enhanced CT examination. This quality has been shown to improve the diagnosis of acute and chronic PEs, other vascular disorders, lung malignancies, and parenchymal diseases. Further developments in DECT techniques and CT scanner technology will further foster and enhance the utility of this application and open new avenues in lung imaging.
Estimation of Torque Variation from Pedal Motion in Cycling

In cycling, the pedalling technique is determined mostly by variations in the torque applied to the pedals during crank rotation. We developed and validated a method to compute these variations from the pedalling motion using an ergometer. The torque at the pedal is the sum of the torques needed to overcome all resistive forces and the torque required for any changes of angular momentum of the ergometer flywheel. This last torque is proportional to the angular acceleration of the crank. For an ergometer with almost constant brake torque, we may assume that variations in the pedal force can be extracted from the pedal motion alone. The key problem is to reliably estimate the angular pedal acceleration from noisy 3D motion capture (MoCap) or 2D video data. We projected the positional data onto a least squares fitting circle, then filtered the resulting angular time sequence by local polynomial regression. Finally, we solved the torque equilibrium equation for the pedal torque. For validation of the method, we used direct pedal torque measurement. In our experiments, pedal brake forces ranged between 100 and 250 N, and cadences of 60, 80, and 100 rpm were used. The pedal torque results from MoCap were better than from video. The results from video were close to MoCap results when a correction of the marker position was applied.