Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prolonged stationary colonic motility recording in seven patients with severe constipation secondary to antidepressants

The aim of this study was to determine whether the colonic motor profile of seven patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants differed from the motility of seven patients with idiopathic constipation and seven healthy volunteers. All constipated patients had very severe constipation. Colonic manometric recordings were performed for 24 h. The number of high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) was lower in the two groups of constipated patients than in controls. No HAPC were observed in 5/7 patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants and in 1/7 patients with idiopathic constipation. The overall area under the curve (AUC) in the left colon was lower in the two constipated patient groups than in controls. AUC increased after a 1000‐kcal standard meal given at noon in controls but not in the two groups of constipated patients. In conclusion, in patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants, the overall AUC was as poor as in patients with idiopathic constipation, and no colonic response to eating was observed. Moreover, the number of HAPC was more markedly decreased in patients with constipation secondary to antidepressants than in patients with idiopathic constipation.
Handheld Computers as Cognitive Tools: Technology-Enhanced Environmental Learning

This design-based research uses handheld computers as cognitive tools to facilitate students' inquiry-based learning on environmental issues — 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) in a Singapore primary school. Using handheld computers throughout a field trip, 79 Primary grade 4 students investigated how wastes are produced and what impact 3Rs can have on protecting the environment. The handheld computers were used to support, guide, and extend student thinking process within and out of classroom. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to examine their awareness and knowledge on 3Rs. Pre and post-surveys were administrated to explore student attitudes and perceptions on the role of the handheld computers in learning. The research results indicated improvements in the students' understanding of the 3Rs and internalization of their understanding through application of the 3Rs concepts. In this study, it was not only the technology affordances but also the way the technologies were used in the context of the learning environment and the associated pedagogy that enabled the handheld computers to serve as cognitive tools.
In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to several antimicrobial combinations

Synergy between metronidazole and its hydroxymetabolite and between each compound and amoxicillin or tetracycline-HCl was determined against Helicobacter pylori. Metronidazole plus its hydroxymetabolite and either compound combined with amoxicillin showed synergism against all 10 strains of H. pylori tested. Metronidazole plus tetracycline-HCl or the hydroxymetabolite plus tetracycline-HCl acted synergistically against seven and six strains, respectively, acted additively against three strains, and had no additional effect against one strain. These results may help to explain the in vivo efficacies of metronidazole combinations in the treatment of H. pylori-associated gastritis.
Postoperative joint infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients on methotrexate therapy.

The effect of low dose methotrexate (MTX) on postoperative complications in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty was observed prospectively in 32 patients. Patients were assigned to discontinue MTX the week prior to and during the week of surgery (Group 1, n = 19) or to continue MTX throughout the perioperative period (Group 2, n = 13). Nineteen patients in Group 1 had 26 procedures, with no postoperative infections. Thirteen patients in Group 2 had 16 procedures, with 4 postoperative infections: 2 infected prostheses, 1 infected joint fusion, and 1 deep wound infection (P = .03). No patient had a postoperative flare of rheumatoid arthritis. Temporary discontinuation of MTX prior to joint arthroplasty appears to decrease the risk of postoperative infection.
NHCA: Developing New Hybrid Cryptography Algorithm for Cloud Computing Environment

The amount of transmitted data through the internet become larger and larger every day. The need of an encryption algorithm that guarantee transmitting data speedily and in a secure manner become a must. The aim of the research is to encrypt and decrypt data efficiently and effectively protect the transmitted data. This research paper presents a model for encrypting transmitted cloud data. This model uses the following encryption algorithms RSA, Triple DES, RC4, and Krishna to generate a new encryption algorithm that encrypt and decrypt transmitted data. The algorithm will help cloud agencies and users to secure their transmitted data and prevent it from being stolen.
Respiratory Virus Infections in Stockholm During Seven Seasons: A Retrospective Study of Laboratory Diagnosis

A retrospective analysis of the virological findings in all respiratory samples (7303) analysed at the laboratory of Karolinska Hospital between 1993 and 2000 was performed. The findings were studied according to age and seasonal variation, and the methods were evaluated. Most samples were from children. RSV was the dominant agent, found in 34% of all samples from children 0–1 y of age. Influenza A was found in 13% of samples from the age group 2–5 y. Influenza A dominated among adults and the elderly. RSV was found only in 2% of samples from patients 81 y or older. Adenovirus was found among children and adults, but not at all among the elderly. Both antigen detection and virus isolation were performed on 79% (5776) of the samples. For diagnosis of influenza A, virus isolation was more sensitive than immunofluorescence, but for diagnosis of RSV immunofluorescence was more sensitive than virus isolation. Thus, the analysis verified that influenza A is common not only among adults and the elderly, but also among small children. RSV was an uncommon finding among the elderly. Immunofluorescence is sensitive and rapid for the diagnosis of particularly RSV among small children and influenza in all age groups.
Trauma Nurses' Experience of Workplace Violence and Threats: Short- and Long-Term Consequences in a Swedish Setting

Violence in health care is increasing globally and Sweden is no exception. Still, this topic is sparsely studied in the Swedish trauma care setting. This focus group study examined nurses' experience of violence and threats, and their consequences. The content analysis revealed two main categories, threatening situations and consequences, which led to a change in priorities in nursing care in order to avoid a potential violent situation. Furthermore, negative stress among the staff and greater vigilance and unwillingness to be near the patient resulted in altered communication and, in the end, a decreased quality of nursing care.
Genetic polymorphisms in RAD23B and XPC modulate DNA repair capacity and breast cancer risk in Puerto Rican women

Studies have shown that DNA repair capacity (DRC) is significantly decreased in breast cancer patients, but the molecular causes of inter‐individual variation in DRC are unknown. We hypothesized that genetic variation in the nucleotide excision repair pathway genes can modulate DRC and breast cancer risk in Puerto Rican women. A total of 228 breast cancer cases and 418 controls were recruited throughout Puerto Rico. For all study participants, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes XPC, XPD, and RAD23B were genotyped using a TaqMan PCR, and the DRC levels of UV induced‐DNA damage was measured in peripheral lymphocytes using a host cell reactivation assay. After adjustment for confounders, RAD23B rs1805329 (Ala249Val) was found to be significantly associated with breast cancer risk under all models tested (P < 0.001). There was also a significant association between breast cancer risk and RAD23B rs10739234 (intronic) under the recessive model (P = 0.003, OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.40–5.30). In cases, there was a statistically significant difference in mean DRC per genotype for RAD23B rs1805329 (P < 0.001) and XPC rs2607775 (P = 0.002). When we modeled the combined effect of multiple SNPs that each independently affected DRC on cancer risk, we observed incremental augmentations in risk with increasing number of risk genotypes at those loci (P overall model <0.001). The increase in adverse genotypes was also correlated with a progressive decrease in DRC values. Our data indicate an additive effect of the NER SNPs on DRC and breast cancer risk in Puerto Rican women. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Acetabulum Fractures: Does Timing of Surgery Affect Blood Loss and OR Time?

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the timing of surgical intervention for fractures of the acetabulum and its influence on perioperative factors. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients: Two hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients who sustained either posterior wall (PW), associated both column (ABC), or anterior column posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) acetabulum fractures were included in the study. Intervention: One hundred seventy-six PW fractures were treated through a Kocher–Langenbeck approach, and 112 ABC/ACPHT fractures were treated through an anterior intrapelvic approach. Main Outcome Measurements: Estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time. Results: EBL (800 vs. 400 mL), operative time (270 vs.154 minutes), and hospital stay (11 vs. 7 days) were greater for the ABC/ACPHT fractures compared with the PW fractures. When comparing early (⩽48 hours) versus late (>48 hours) treatment of PW fractures, there was no difference in EBL (400 vs. 400 mL, P = 0.37) or operative time (150 vs. 156 minutes, P = 0.50). In comparison of early versus late treatment of ABC/ACPHT fractures, no significant difference was noted in EBL (725 vs. 800 mL, P = 0.30) or operative time (258.5 vs. 272 minutes, P = 0.21). Conclusions: We found no advantage or disadvantage in terms of EBL or operative time for early (⩽48 hours) versus late (>48 hours) fixation for either PW or ABC/ACPHT acetabular fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract: a retrospective study of 1294 cases

Abstract Objective: To report our endoscopic outcomes and explore the effects of duration of impaction and anesthetic methods on the endoscopic removal of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods: All consecutive patients with suspected foreign body (FB) ingestion between January 2013 and June 2016 were enrolled. Demographic, clinical and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 1294 patients aged seven months to 94 years were enrolled. Odynophagia (415 cases, 32.1%), FB sensation (340 cases, 26.3%) and sore throat (267 cases, 20.1%) were the most frequent complaints. The duration of FB impaction ranged from 4 h to over two years. Anatomically, foreign bodies were most commonly located in the esophagus (n = 1025, 86.9%). Bony foreign bodies comprised the majority of identified foreign bodies. The most common underlying pathology was esophageal stricture (38 cases, 53.5%). Nearly half of the patients (49.9%) developed complications. As the duration of impaction increased, the success rate by endoscopy decreased (p < .001), and the complication rate increased (p < .001). Endoscopic management under general anesthesia didn’t improve the success rate or lower the complication rate compared with topical pharyngeal anesthesia (p = .793 and p = .085). Age ≥60, duration of impaction longer than one day, impaction in the esophagus, and sharp foreign bodies were identified as risk factors for complications. Conclusions: Delayed flexible endoscopy in patients, especially elderly patients, with sharp FB impactions in the esophagus results in worse endoscopic outcomes. Endoscopic management under general anesthesia did not improve the therapeutic results compared with topical pharyngeal anesthesia.
Regulation of Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cell Function by Multiple Costimulatory Receptors during Chronic HIV Infection

Elevated expression of inhibitory receptors on virus-specific T cells has been implicated as a mechanism by which viruses evade host immune surveillance. Blockade of these pathways during chronic infection leads to increased T cell function and improved immune control of viral replication. To explore the association between costimulatory receptors and HIV replication, we examined the expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1), CTLA-4, T cell Ig domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), and CD28 on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells from HIV-infected subjects. Greater than 30% of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells from untreated subjects coexpressed PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, whereas <2% of CMV- or varicella-zoster virus-specific CD4+ T cells expressed all three receptors. Coexpression of all three inhibitory receptors on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells was more strongly correlated with viral load compared with the expression of each receptor individually. Suppression of HIV replication with antiretroviral therapy was associated with decreased expression of all three inhibitory receptors on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells. Surprisingly, a high percentage of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells that expressed inhibitory receptors also coexpressed CD28. In vitro blockade of PD-1 binding concurrent with stimulation through CD28 synergistically increased HIV-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation to a greater extent than did either alone. These findings indicate that HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses during chronic infection are regulated by complex patterns of coexpressed inhibitory receptors and that the synergistic effect of inhibitory receptor blockade and stimulation of costimulatory receptors could be used for therapeutic augmentation of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell function.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction with Sequence Specific Primers for the Detection of the Factor V Mutation Associated with Activated Protein C Resistance

Summary The prevalence of the Factor V (FV) mutation associated with activated protein C resistance (FV Leiden) and its significance as a genetic risk factor for venous thrombosis have necessitated the development of a simple, rapid, and accurate assay for its detection. The polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) provides a powerful technique for the discrimination of alleles resulting from single base substitutions. PCR amplification was performed using a sense primer complementary to both FV alleles coupled with either of two antisense allele specific primers, one complementary to the normal FV allele and one complementary to the FV Leiden allele. PCR conditions were developed that favored amplification only in the case of perfect complementation between template DNA and allele specific primer. The FV genotype was assigned based on whether or not each allele specific primer set produced an amplified product. Assignment of genotypes correlated 100% with those determined by the method of PCR amplification followed by MnII digestion. PCR-SSP allows the rapid and accurate identification of carriers of the Factor V Leiden mutation by a simple PCR reaction without the need for the usual post-amplification specificity step.
Transport of Technical Roundwood by Forwarder and Tractor Assembly from Poplar Plantations

Nacrtak This article presents the results of a research dealing with operating efficiency of articulated and tractor assemblies in the plots of poplar plantations in which different means of work were used for felling and cross-cutting. The aim was to study the effects of the arrangement of wood assortments on the driving speed of the vehicle, the time needed to load and manipulate the vehicle and the overall working efficiency of forwarders. The research was carried out in Vojvodina, in the area of PE »Vojvodina sume«. Altogether 170 transport cycles were recorded and 2166.73 m transported. The research results show that the forwarder moved faster on the felling site where the felling and cross-cutting operations were carried out by a harvester. The speed was 10% higher and it took 5% less time to load the forwarder. The differences were considerably greater concerning the manipulation time (maneuvering and positioning the vehicle during the loading). The driving speed decreased with an increase in the load volume. Fuel consumption was lower in the felling site where a harvester was used for felling. Under the same working conditions, the tractor assembly achieved better productivity because it drove at considerably higher speeds. The differences in the average load volume were not so great, which significantly affected the productivity of the tractor assembly. The initial hypothesis that a forwarder achieves better working efficiency in the felling site, where a harvester has been used in the operations of felling and cross-cutting, was confirmed.
Physiological and metabolic responses of wheelchair athletes in different racing classes to prolonged exercise

The aims of this study were to examine and compare selected physiological and metabolic responses of wheelchair athletes in two paraplegic racing classes [T3: n = 8 (lesion levels T1–T7; paraplegics); T4: n = 9 (lesion levels below T7; paraplegics)] to prolonged exercise. In addition, we describe the responses of three tetraplegic athletes [T2: n = 3 (lesion levels C6/C7: tetraplegics)]. Twenty athletes completed 90 min of exercise at 75% [Vdot]O2peak on a motorized treadmill adapted for wheelchairs. The mean (±s) heart rates of the T3 and T4 racing classes were 165±2 and 172±6 beats · min−1, respectively. For the T4 racing class, heart rate gradually increased during the test (P <0.05), whereas for the T3 racing class, heart rate reached a plateau after an initial increase. The mean heart rate of the tetraplegics was 114±3 beats · min−1. The T3 and T4 classes exhibited similar respiratory exchange ratios, plasma lactate and glucose concentrations throughout the test. For both the T3 and T4 racing class, free fatty acid, glycerol, ammonia, urea and potassium concentrations had increased from resting values by the end of the test (P <0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that endurance-trained wheelchair athletes are able to maintain velocities equivalent to the same relative exercise intensity (75% [Vdot]O2peak) for prolonged periods irrespective of lesion level.
Influence of Protein and Energy Intakes on Body Composition of Formula-fed Preterm Infants After Term

The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in body composition in 48 preterm infants in relation to protein and energy intakes from term up to 3 months of corrected age, using air displacement plethysmography. Protein intake (grams per kilogram per day) was negatively associated with percentage of fat mass at 1 month of corrected age. The high-protein-intake group showed greater gain in lean body mass gain than did the low-protein-intake group. This finding suggests that during the first month of corrected age, high protein intake results in a significantly different weight gain composition.
Differential Effects of Central and Peripheral Desipramine on Sympathoadrenal Function and Heart Rate in Conscious Rabbits

The effects of the tricyclic antidepressant, desipramine, on the baroreflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and heart rate (HR), the nasopharyngeal reflex, plasma epinephrine and blood pressure (BP) were studied in conscious rabbits. Renal SNA and HR were recorded during slow ramp changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and during inhalation of cigarette smoke. Intracisternal (i.e.) and intravenous (i.v.) drug administration were compared, using doses which produced similar total central nervous system (CNS) concentrations. After it brief sympathoexcitation. i.e. desipramine inhihited renal SNA and MAP and increased plasma adrenaline and HR. The renal sympathetic harorcflex was substantially attenuated, with reflex range and gain reduced by 46 and 31%, respectively, but the cardiac harorellex and nasopharyngeal reflex were affected minimally. Sixty-four percent of the desipramine remaining in the brain was concentrated in the medulla oblongata and spinalis: levels in cortex, thalamus, midbrain, lower spinal cord, and peripheral tissues were minimal. Treatment with i.v. desipramine decreased renal SNA and increased HR without altering MAP or epinephrine release. There was a slight attenuation of the nasopharyngeal reflex, a slight baroreceptor-independent reduction in renal SNA at most MAP levels, and an augmentation of the cardiac baroreflex. The drug was uniformly distributed throughout the CNS: only 20% of the centrally accumulated dose was in the medulla. Thus, i.e. desipramine produces a differentiated pattern of sympathoadrenal effects, prohahly by increasing norepinephrine (NE) concentrations at several sites within the medulla. The effects of i.v. desipramine were different, owing to poorer access to the medulla and the consequences of peripheral neuronal uptake blockade, which may include a modest inhibition at the sympathetic ganglia and an excitation at cardiac and vasoconstrictor neuroeffector junctions.
Dialysis Patients' Fluid Overload, Antihypertensive Medications, and Obesity

Overhydration (OH) is both a major etiology of hypertension in hemodialysis patients and a serious risk factor for mortality. We investigated the association of multiple variables and OH. This is a cross-sectional study of prevalent hemodialysis patients examining the predialysis hydrational status with a portable bioimpedance apparatus to measure the degree of hydration. We completed our study in 79 patients. Patients were overhydrated by 2.6 ± 2.4 L. The mean medication count was 2.4 ± 1.5, and 50.7% had diuretics. We found a significant correlation between OH and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.39; p = 0.0006), each liter of OH generating 3.6 mm Hg. We also found a positive correlation between the use of diuretics and OH (p = 0.003, two-tailed Student's t test) but no correlation between OH and body weight (r < 0.0001; p = 0.99), body mass index (r = −0.17), age (r = 0.089), and vintage (r = 0.05). For every 10% increase in body fat, OH decreased by 1.2 L; residual urine output gave no protection from OH (r = 0.077) and did not correlate with blood pressure (r = 0.01). Overhydration is strongly associated with the use of antihypertensive medications and the use of diuretics in this dialysis population. Obesity seems to afford some protection from OH.
Absence of population asymmetry in the American Quarter Horse (Equus ferus caballus) performing skilled left and right manoeuvres in reining competition

Use of the right hand by humans for speech-related hand gestures, writing and throwing exemplifies motoric asymmetry. There are reports of asymmetry in many other animal species, including reports of left preference in emotional responsivity, spontaneous behaviour and the trained performance of the horse, Equus ferus caballus. The present study used the novel approach of using judges' scores to examine asymmetry in an equestrian event. The study analysed the scores of five judges evaluating the reining performance of 482, three-year-old American Quarter Horses competing in a major competition. Reining requires that the horses perform the manoeuvres of spin, circle and stop directed to either the left or right and symmetrical performance is featured in the judging criteria. The scores were sensitive to performance level, sex and manoeuvre, but there was no evidence of a population asymmetry in the left vs. right direction of the manoeuvres. The results are discussed in relation to need of using a large number of subjects in measuring asymmetry, the expression of individual vs. population asymmetry as a function of morphological and behavioural measures, and the influence of behavioural training on asymmetry.