Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pancreas Duct Abnormalities in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.: A Magnetic Resonance Pancreatography Study

Background: The presumed etiology and prevalence of pancreatic abnormalities in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have been controversial. We conducted a controlled (cross‐sectional) study of patients with UC compared with non‐UC controls to determine the prevalence of pancreatic duct abnormalities in patients with UC and to determine if these are specific to UC using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Methods: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed on 79 unselected patients with UC and 45 non‐UC controls, without a history of pancreatitis attack, between February 2000 and May 2003. Results: Among patients with UC, the prevalence of pancreatic duct abnormalities was 16.4% (95% confidence interval, 8.3%‐24.6%): coexisting dilatation and narrowing of the main pancreatic duct were found in 5; diffuse narrowing of pancreatic ducts in 5; and dilatation of pancreatic ductal branches in 3. These abnormalities were compatible with chronic pancreatitis. Among the controls, no pancreatic duct abnormality was found. Conclusions: Changes in the pancreatic duct were found in approximately one‐sixth of patients with UC, none of whom had a history of overt pancreatitis. These pancreatic duct abnormalities are likely to be specific to patients with UC.
Factors influencing intention to obtain a genetic test for colon cancer risk: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND The availability of genetic testing for cancer risk has prompted an examination of the intention of the general public to undergo testing. This study expands a previous psychosocial model of factors influencing intention to undergo genetic testing for cancer in general to the context of colon cancer. METHODS A sample of 1,836 adult residents of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine were interviewed via telephone. The survey instrument included measures derived from the Health Belief Model and additional psychosocial measures adapted from the literature. Structural Equation Modeling techniques were used to examine factors associated with the likelihood to undergo genetic testing. RESULTS Perceived barriers and benefits of testing, and perceived susceptibility to colon cancer had direct associations with likelihood. Optimism and pessimism had both direct and indirect effects. Age, socioeconomic status, family history, and awareness of genetic testing had indirect effects, and acted through the other factors. The model explained 22% of the variance in likelihood. CONCLUSIONS Perceived barriers, benefits, susceptibility, optimism, and pessimism directly influenced likelihood, and may also mediate the effect of background factors examined in this study. These findings suggest effective educational strategies to improve decision-making concerning genetic testing for colon cancer risk in the general population.
Optimal Layouts of Midimew Networks

Midimew networks are mesh-connected networks derived from a subset of degree-4 circulant graphs. They have minimum diameter and average distance among all degree-4 circulant graphs, and are better than some of the most common topologies for parallel computers in terms of various cost measures. Among the many midimew networks, the rectangular ones appear to be most suitable for practical implementation. Unfortunately, with the normal way of laying out these networks on a 2D plane, long cross wires that grow with the size of the network exist. In this paper, we propose ways to lay out rectangular midimew networks in a 2D grid so that the length of the longest wire is at most a small constant. We prove that these constants are optimal under the assumption that rows and columns are moved as a whole during the layout process.
Comparison of alternate mechanically adjusted variable flux switched flux permanent magnet machines

Novel topologies of switched flux permanent magnet (SFPM) machines with mechanically movable flux adjusters (FAs) for either all or alternative stator poles in order to extend the operation speed range are developed and analysed in this paper. Compared with the FAs which are located outside all of the stator poles of SFPM machines (all FAs), the alternative stator pole FA structure (alternative FAs) uses half of FAs. Flux-linkage, cogging torque, static torque waveforms, torque- and power speed curves in 12/10, 12/13 and 12/14 stator/rotor pole SFPM machines with all and alternative FAs are predicted and compared by 2D and 3D finite element analyses (FEA), and partially experimentally validated. Compared with 12/10 stator/rotor combination, the 12/13 and 12/14 SFPM machines have higher maximum speed with both alternative and all FAs.
Types, Forms and Major Product Categories of Product Placement in the Czech Republic

Product placement is defined as marketing integration of a product or a brand into a film or televised series in order to avoid conventional advertising. In this paper, there are different categories of products which are promoted by means of product placement. The main objective of product placement is to connect brands with the appropriate entertainment partners to maximize exposure and brand relevance. Product placement can occur in audio-visual works in several different forms. And finally, the last question in this paper is about describing product categories promotion by Product placement. According to the primary survey, the several groups of product categories (automotive industry and mobile phones and computers) are mostly promoted by product placement.
A comparison of rat hippocampal mossy cells and CA3c pyramidal cells.

1. There is a long-standing debate about whether the large spiny cells in the hilar region of the hippocampus should be classified as pyramidal cells of Ammon's horn or as a distinct cell type of the dentate gyrus. The rationale for grouping these hilar neurons (termed "mossy cells") with pyramidal cells of Ammon's horn is shared characteristics. In the present study we have compared the morphological and physiological characteristics of mossy cells and nearby CA3c pyramidal cells with the use of a rat hippocampal slice preparation. 2. Biocytin-labeled neurons were examined on the basis of soma area, location, shape, number of primary dendrites, extent of dendritic spines, dendritic location, and axon trajectories. Mossy cells had larger soma areas than CA3c pyramidal cells, and they had more large complex spines (thorny excrescences) on their proximal dendrites and somata than CA3c pyramidal cells. Mossy cell dendritic trees and axon collaterals ramified in different regions of the hippocampus than dendrites and axons of CA3c pyramidal cells. 3. Intrinsic physiological properties, and spontaneous and evoked synaptic properties, were measured and compared. Mossy cells had significantly higher input resistances, smaller amplitude burst afterhyperpolarizations, smaller amplitude action potentials, less spike-frequency adaptation, and more anomalous rectification than CA3c pyramidal cells. 4. Mossy cells had spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) that were significantly higher in frequency and larger in amplitude than CA3c pyramidal cells. A larger proportion of mossy cells than CA3c pyramidal cells responded to perforant path stimulation with depolarizing postsynaptic potentials without any apparent hyperpolarization. Conversely, a smaller proportion of mossy cells than CA3c pyramidal cells responded to perforant path stimulation with inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), and spontaneous IPSPs were more difficult to detect in mossy cells. 5. The intrinsic physiological properties of mossy cells endow these cells with potent excitatory mechanisms but relatively fewer inhibitory control processes than CA3c pyramidal cells. Recordings of spontaneous and evoked PSPs suggest that mossy cells receive more excitatory input and less inhibitory input than CA3c pyramidal cells. These intrinsic and synaptic properties of mossy cells may explain this cell type's exceptional vulnerability to excitotoxic damage by intense afferent stimulation. 6. In summary, mossy cells were significantly different from CA3c pyramidal cells in many of their morphological, intrinsic physiological, and synaptic properties. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Differential effects of central nervous system depressants in long-sleep and short-sleep mice.

The relative sleep time response of long-sleep (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice was determined after the i.p. injection of varying doses of several anesthetic agents that vary in lipid solubility. The LS and SS mice were bred selectively for differences in duration of ethanol-induced sleep time. The drugs tested included: several halogenated ethanol derivatives (trifluoro-, trichloro-, tribromo- and dichloroethanol), chloral hydrate, paraldehyde, urethane and the water soluble barbiturates, barbital and phenobarbital. The LS mice slept for a longer time after the i.p. injection of the majority of these drugs than did the SS. As the lipid solubility of the agents increased, the response differential decreased. These data indicate that the LS and SS mice do not differ only in response to alcohols. Rather, they differ in sensitivity to agents that have lipid solubilities which resemble that of ethanol. Furthermore, these data imply that anesthetic agents with low lipid solubility have different mechanisms of action than do anesthetic agents with high lipid solubility.
Experimental subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in the hamster: correlation of age with chronic inclusion-cell encephalitis.

A hamster-adapted viral agent of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis was inoculated intracerebrally into weanling and adult hamsters. Acute encephalitis was followed by chronic neurologic disease in some weanling animals. Infectious, cell-free virus was obtained from brains of weanling hamsters during the first eight days of infection; however, defective or cell-associated virus was demonstrated by cocultivation techniques for as long as 81 days after inoculation. Immunofluorescent studies showed specific measles antigen in focal areas of brain up to 55 days after inoculation. In brains collected from animals between the 21st and 120th days after inoculation, focal lesions containing perivascular inflammatory cells, plasma cells, increased astrocytes, and cells bearing eosinophilic nuclear inclusions were noted. The HAI-antibody response to measles virus, although variable, was often markedly elevated in the sera of animals with histologic lesions characteristic of chronic infection. Adult hamsters did not develop clinical disease; however, virus was recoverable through the 12th day after inoculation. Acute inflammatory reactions with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions developed early but disappeared by the 21st day after inoculation. The HAI-antibody response to measles virus in the sera of adult animals was moderate and decreased after the 30th day.
Effect of Tree Form on the Productivity of a Cut-to-Length Harvester in a Hardwood Dominated Stand

It is commonly accepted that tree form has an impact on the productivity of single-grip har- vesters. However, it remains unclear, which elements of tree form are significant and to what degree they impact harvesting productivity. This is of particular importance in hardwood dominated stands, where hardwood trees often exhibit complex and variable stem and crown architecture that can complicate and prolong the processing phase. With the development of specialized harvesting heads, hardwoods, which were mostly subject to motor-manual opera- tions, are now increasingly being cut and processed with fully mechanized harvesting systems. The goal of this pilot project was to determine the effect of tree form on the productivity of mechanized cut-to-length harvesting. A time and motion study of a single-grip harvester, operating in a hardwood dominated stand, suggests that the presence of a fork or a large branch on the main stem can reduce machine harvesting productivity by 15 to 20%.
Idiopathic venous thrombosis is related to systemic inflammatory response and to increased levels of circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction.

AIM During the past decade, the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of arterial thrombosis has been elucidated. However, little is known about the relationship between inflammation and venous thrombosis. Recently, inflammation has been accepted as a possible mechanism through which different risk factors trigger thrombus formation in veins. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inflammatory markers and their relationship to idiopathic venous thrombosis. METHODS Fourty-nine patients with first idiopathic venous thrombosis and 48 age matched control subjects were included in the study. Patients were studied 2-4 months after the acute event. Patients and control subjects did not differ in the classical risk factors of atherosclerosis, except in body mass index. In both groups, blood markers of inflammation, namely high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs CRP), interleukins (IL-6, IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), and circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction/damage namely von Willebrand factor (vWF), P-selectin and the vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) were measured. RESULTS In comparison to healthy subjects patients had significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers: hs CRP: 2.58 mg/L (1.37-6.61), vs. 1.67 mg/L (0.97-3.24) P=0.044, IL-6: 2.37 pg/mL (1.59-4.10), vs. 2.03 pg/mL (1.45-2.59), P=0.025, IL-8: 3.53 pg/mL (2.94-5.3), vs. 2.25 pg/mL (1.77-2.90) P < or = 0.0001. However, concentrations of TNF-a did not differ significantly between the groups. Also in patients higher levels of circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction: vWF 150.0 g/L (121.0-195.0) vs. 91.5 g/L (70.5-104.0), P < or = 0.0001, P-selectin 39.5 pg/L (34.0-40.6) vs. 34.8 pg/L (32.5-38.6) P=0.009. In contrast, levels of VCAM-1 were comparable between the groups. The levels of some inflammatory markers were related to the concentration of von Willebrand factor and P-selectin - IL-6: vWF (r=0.36, P=0.08), hs CRP: P-selectin (r=0.44, P=0.018), IL-6: P-selectin (r=0.51, P=0.0002), IL-8: P-selectin (r=0.38, P=0.043). CONCLUSION Patients with idiopathic venous thrombosis have increased levels of circulating markers of inflammation and blood markers of endothelial dysfunction. Higher levels of both groups of markers indicate that patients in the stable phase of the disease have an increased systemic inflammatory response. The interrelationship between inflammatory markers and markers of endothelial dysfunction favour the hypothesis that inflammation could be involved in the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic venous thrombosis.
Analysis of Grain-Scale Measurements of Sand using kinematical Complex Networks

Plastic deformation in a plane strain compression test of a dense sand specimen is studied using functional networks. Kinematical information for the deforming material is obtained using digital image correlation (DIC) and summarized by two types of complex network with different connectivity rules establishing links between the network nodes which represent the DIC observation sites. In the first, nodes are connected to a minimum fixed number of neighbors with similar kinematics such that the resulting network forms one connected component. In the second, nodes are connected to other nodes whose kinematical behavior lies within a fixed distance of each other in an observation space. The fixed radius is determined using optimization with a stopping criterion again with the resulting network forming one connected component. We find different network properties of each network provide useful information about plastic deformation and nonaffine kinematical processes emerging within the material. In particular, persistent shear bands and mesoscale structures within them (e.g. vortices) appear to be closely related to values of network properties including closeness centrality, clustering coefficients, k-cores and the boundaries of community structures determined using local modularity.
Hypertonic saline-dextran improves intestinal perfusion and survival in porcine endotoxin shock

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of hypertonic (7.5%) saline-6% dextran 70 (HSD) and isotonic (0.9%) saline-6% dextran 70 (ISD) on cardiovascular function and intestinal perfusion in experimental endotoxin shock. DesignExperimental, randomized, unblinded, interventional study. SettingUniversity experimental animal laboratory. SubjectsAnesthetized and mechanically ventilated landrace pigs (n = 24). InterventionsInduction of endotoxin (ET) shock by infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (serotype 0111: B4) followed by no fluid treatment (control; C) or small-volume (4 mL/kg) treatment with HSD or ISD. Measurements and Main ResultsMean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, cardiac output, portal vein blood flow, intestinal microcirculation, intramucosal (regional) Pco2, intestinal-arterial gap of CO2, and intramucosal pH were monitored, and blood gases were analyzed. Infusion of ET resulted in hypokinetic shock, which in untreated animals led to cardiovascular deterioration and a survival rate of only 33% at 300 mins after start of ET infusion. ISD treatment transiently improved hemodynamic variables and mucosal blood flow but did not affect the survival rate vs. C. Significant beneficial, long-lasting effects of HSD infusion on hemodynamics, especially on mucosal blood flow and intramucosal pH, were demonstrable, resulting in a survival rate of 86%. The relative risk of death at 300 mins was 1.20 for ISD vs. C and 0.17 for HSD vs. C. ConclusionSmall-volume HSD resuscitation is much more effective than ISD resuscitation. Variables that were improved include cardiac output, portal blood flow, and intestinal mucosal blood flow in ET shock, all of which improve survival. Such beneficial effects of HSD on splanchnic perfusion may be of value in treating critically ill septic patients in the intensive care unit.
Preliminary Study of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging in Kimura Disease

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) combined with computed tomography (CT) and conventional MR imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of Kimura disease (KD). The clinical data and CT and MRI findings of 5 patients with KD proven by histopathologic examination were retrospectively reviewed. Diffusion-weighted imaging and MRSI were performed at 1.5 T in 3 patients with KD. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and the choline/creatine ratio of the lesions were compared with those of the contralateral normal parotid glands. All imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings. The typical features of KD were subcutaneous lesions, continuously infiltrative parotid lesions with or without intraparotid lymphadenopathies, and reactive cervical lymphadenopathies on CT and conventional MRI. On DWI, the ADC values of all subcutaneous and infiltrative parotid lesions were higher compared to those of normal parotid glands, and the ADC values of reactive lymphadenopathies were lower compared to both. The choline/creatine levels of subcutaneous and infiltrative parotid lesions were slightly higher than those of normal parotid glands. In conclusion, DWI and MRSI offer valuable information that may be characteristic of KD, which can highly suggest the diagnosis of KD when combined with morphological imaging.
Lipid-modifying therapy and attainment of cholesterol goals in Europe: the Return on Expenditure Achieved for Lipid Therapy (REALITY) study

ABSTRACT Background: Few studies have been conducted in actual clinical practice settings to evaluate the ways in which dyslipidemia is managed using lipid-modifying therapies. Objective: To determine lipid-modifying therapy practices and their effects on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and/or total cholesterol (TC) goal attainment in Europeans based on prevailing guidelines at the time of therapy in each country. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis involving 58 223 patients initiated on lipid-modifying therapies in 10 European countries, with a median patient follow-up on lipid-modifying therapy of 15.3 months. Data on prescriptions of lipid-modifying therapies, laboratory data including LDL‐C and TC, achievement of cholesterol goals for LDL‐C and/or TC, and hospitalizations were obtained from healthcare administrative databases and/or patient chart reviews. Results: Across Europe, statin monotherapy was the initial lipid-modifying treatment in 51 786 (89.3%) of 58 009 patients with available data. In addition, 38 853 (89.5%) of 43 410 patients with available follow-up statin potency data were initiated on statin regimens of medium or lower equipotency. Low-equipotency regimens include atorvastatin 5 mg, simvastatin 10 mg, and pravastatin 20 mg, whereas medium-equipotency regimens include atorvastatin 10 mg, simvastatin 20 mg, and pravastatin 40 mg. Regimens were adjusted to higher equipotency via either up-titration or switches to combination regimens in 16.2% of patients. On average, 40.5% of patients across Europe who were not initially at guideline recommended cholesterol goals (either LDL‐C or TC) and had follow-up data attained recommended cholesterol levels, including < 30% of patients in Spain, Italy, or Hungary. In many countries, the likelihood of goal attainment was inversely associated with baseline cardiovascular risk and/or LDL‐C levels. Conclusions: Lipid management strategies in Europe during the study period were dominated by statin monotherapy. Even after prolonged follow-up on lipid-modifying therapy, approximately 60% of Europeans studied did not achieve guideline recommended cholesterol goals. Future emphasis must be placed on subsequent lipid panel monitoring, as well as the use of more efficacious, well-tolerated lipid-modifying therapies such as dual cholesterol inhibitors to enable more European patients to attain their recommended cholesterol goals.
Protective Effect of Punica granatum Peel Extract Against Pentachlorophenol-Induced Oxidative Stress, Cytogenetic Toxicity and Hepatic Damage in Rats

Pomegranate is an edible fruit rich source of polyphenolic compounds, which have the antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Punica granatum extract against pentachlorophenol-induced oxidative stress, cytogenetic and hepatic injury in rats. Male rats were divided into six groups, group I control, group II and III received low and high doses of P. granatum (200 & 400 mg/kg/day). Group IV received PCP; group V and VI received low and high doses of P. granatum then PCP for 30 days. The level of MDA was significantly elevated in PCP group, pre-treatment with extract caused reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) and brought them near to normal. Cytogenetic analyses results of pentachlorophenol (PCP) treated group recorded significant increase in the frequencies of total structural chromosomal aberrations, chromosomal deletions and centric fusions in somatic and germinal animal cells. Pretreated with the extract and PCP in a dose-dependent manner was showed significant decrease in different types of chromosomal aberrations. The histological examination of liver sections treated with PCP showed vacuolization, degeneration of the cytoplasm, necrosis, fatty degeneration and interstitial fibrosis which were ameliorative by extract. Also PCP treatment showed decreased in the DNA content, with increase in activation of caspase-3 and pretreatment with P. granatum extract showed increased in the DNA content and caspase-3. It could be concluded that P. granatum peels extract protect against PCP- induced oxidative stress, cytogenetic toxicity and hepatic injury.