Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Additional minocycline pleurodesis after thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

RATIONALE Ipsilateral recurrence rates of spontaneous pneumothorax after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery are higher than rates after open thoracotomy. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to determine whether additional minocycline pleurodesis would be effective in diminishing recurrence after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS Between June 2001 and February 2004, 202 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax were treated by conventional or needlescopic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The procedures included resection of blebs and mechanical pleurodesis by scrubbing the parietal pleura. After the operation, patients were randomly assigned to additional minocycline pleurodesis (103 patients) or to observation (99 patients). MAIN RESULTS Patients in the minocycline group had higher intensity chest pain and required a higher accumulated dose of meperidine. Short-term results showed that the two groups had comparable chest drainage duration, postoperative hospital stay, and complication rates. Patients in the minocycline group demonstrated a trend of decreased rate of prolonged air leaks (1.9 vs. 6.1%, p = 0.100). After a mean follow-up of 29 mo (12-47 mo), recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax was noted in two patients in the minocycline group and eight patients in the observation group (p = 0.044 by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test). Postoperative long-term residual chest pain and pulmonary function were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Although associated with intense immediate chest pain, additional minocycline pleurodesis is a safe and convenient procedure that can reduce the rate of ipsilateral recurrence after thoracoscopic treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.
Making Generalizations about Seizure Propagation

The Source of Afterdischarge Activity in Neocortical Tonic–Clonic Epilepsy. Trevelyan AJ, Baldeweg T, van Drongelen W, Yuste R, Whittington M. J Neurosci 2007;27(49):13513–13519. Tonic–clonic seizures represent a common pattern of epileptic discharges, yet the relationship between the various phases of the seizure remains obscure. Here we contrast propagation of the ictal wavefront with the propagation of individual discharges in the clonic phase of the event. In an in vitro model of tonic–clonic epilepsy, the after discharges (clonic phase) propagate with relative uniform speed and are independent of the speed of the ictal wavefront (tonic phase). For slowly propagating ictal wave fronts, the source of the afterdischarges, relative to a given recording electrode, switched as the wavefront passed by, indicating that afterdischarges are seeded from wavefront itself. In tissue that has experienced repeated ictal events, the wavefront generalizes rapidly, and the afterdischarges in this case show a different “flip-flop” pattern, with frequent switches in their direction of propagation. This same flip-flop pattern is also seen in subdural EEG recordings in patients suffering intractable focal seizures caused by cortical dysplasias. Thus, in both slowly and rapidly generalizing ictal events, there is not a single source of afterdischarge activity: rather, the source is continuously changing. Our data suggest a complex view of seizures in which the ictal event and its constituent discharges originate from distinct locations.
Historias e leituras de almanaques no Brasil

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo estudar a mudanca de estatuto dos almanaques populares de farmacia e de seus leitores, recolocando-os enquanto leituras e leitores, no universo social das praticas de leituras. A busca desses suportes de leitura, as taticas e as estrategias de sua apropriacao por leitores e por leitores considerados nao-leitores, e revelada. O que e um almanaque? Como e a sua historia? Quem le os almanaques? Como? Por onde circulam? Que praticas de leitura constituem? O material estudado compoe-se de 4 exemplares do Almanaque Granado (RJ), 18 exemplares do Almanaque Biotonico Fontoura (SP), 44 exemplares do Almanaque IZA (RS) e a colecao completa do Almanaque Renascim Sadol (SC) somados as 246 cartas dos leitores do Almanaque Renascim Sadol para os editores, depoimentos, entrevistas e levantamentos em jornais e arquivo. O alcance e a importância dessa literatura traduz-se pela alta tiragem de exemplares, gratuidade, modelo tipografico e ampla rede de distribuicao. Abstract
Huh-7 or HepG2 cells: which is the better model for studying human apolipoprotein-B100 assembly and secretion?[S]

Apolipoprotein-B100 (apoB100) is the essential protein for the assembly and secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) from liver. The hepatoma HepG2 cell line has been the cell line of choice for the study of synthesis and secretion of human apoB-100. Despite the general use of HepG2 cells to study apoB100 metabolism, they secrete relatively dense, lipid-poor particles compared with VLDL secreted in vivo. Recently, Huh-7 cells were adopted as an alternative model to HepG2 cells, with the implicit assumption that Huh-7 cells were superior in some respects of lipoprotein metabolism, including VLDL secretion. In this study we addressed the hypothesis that the spectrum of apoB100 lipoprotein particles secreted by Huh-7 cells more closely resembles the native state in human liver. We find that Huh-7 cells resemble HepG2 cells in the effects of exogenous lipids, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP)-inhibition, and proteasome inhibitors of apoB100 secretion, recovery, and degradation. In contrast to HepG2 cells, however, MEK-ERK inhibition does not correct the defect in VLDL secretion. Huh-7 cells do not appear to offer any advantages over HepG2 cells as a general model of human apoB100-lipoprotein metabolism.
Cardiovascular complications of psoriasis: does obstructive sleep apnoea play a role?

Sir, There are considerable data to suggest that patients with psoriasis are at greater risk of developing diabetes, obesity, heart insu¤ciency and occlusive vascular disease than non-psoriatic dermatological patients (1 ^ 3). It has been hypothesized that clot formation following abnormal arachidonic acid and cyclic nucleotide metabolism or blood hyperviscosity in psoriasis might be responsible for the increase in susceptibility of the psoriatic population to occlusive vascular disease (2 ^ 4). Since occlusive vascular disease, heart insu¤ciency and obesity are also related to obstructive sleep apnoea (5), which is the most common organic sleep disorder, especially in middleaged obese men aged 35 years and over and women aged 50 years and over (6), we were interested in the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in patients with psoriasis.
Interaction of L. pneumophila and a free living amoeba (Acanthamoeba palestinensis)

SUMMARY Co-cultivation of Legionella pneumophila serogroup I and Acanthamoeba palestinensis in Neff's medium at 35 °C resulted in the intracellular multiplication of the bacteria as demonstrated by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. In the closed experimental system used, the number of legionellae rose from 107 colony forming units (c. f. u.)/ml initially to a maximum of 1010 c. f. u. /ml on day 5. Legionellae were seen in expelled phagosomes, in some amoebae filling the cytoplasm and in others in which the process of encystment appeared to have commenced.
Elastic stockings, hydroxyethylrutosides or both for the treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome

1. Glowacki R, Jakubowski H Cross-talk between CYS-34 and lysine residues in human serum albumin revealed by N-homocysteinylation. J Biol Chem 2004; 279: 10864–71. 2. Jakubowski H, Ambrosius WT, Pratt JH. Genetic determinants of homocysteine thiolactonase activity in humans: implications for atherosclerosis. FEBS Lett 2001; 491: 35–9. 3. Voetsch B, Loscalzo. Genetic determinants of the arterial thrombosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2004; 24: 216–29. pitalisation. Phenylacetate hydrolase activity was assayed on these blood samples using serum vacutainer tubes to avoid calcium chelation. The colorimetric assay was run as described (5) using phenylacetate as substrate. Phenylacetate degrading activity of PON1 is independent of the coding region polymorphisms (position 55 and 192) of this gene and thus is more reflective of the concentration of PON1 protein present (7). It is unclear whether this activity reflects the actual activity of the PON1 towards endogenous substrates such as HTL. Neither HTL degrading activity, nor HTL concentrations have been assayed in this study. The precise HTL level in human plasma has been reported for six persons (8). An inverse correlation was found between Hcy concentration and phenylacetate hydrolase activity (r = 0.36, y = –0.34x + 22,01, ddl = 110, t = 4,09, p <0.001 – Fig. 1). Thus, the level of Hcy appears to be one of the determinants of phenyl-acetate hydrolase activity in serum. While several mechanisms could account for such an effect, the observations made in hyperhomocysteinemic mice suggest that Hcy could negatively regulate PON1 gene expression in the liver which would result in decreased serum PON1 activity. It is unknown whether this Hcy effect is direct or not, however, the fact that Hcy is itself a product of PON1 activity suggests an autoregulatory mechanism whereby increased Hcy concentrations lead to the retroinhibition of the enzyme gene expression. The observations shown here could have implications for the delineation of the mechanism of Hcy action. Indeed, it is known that altered PON1 activity as observed in individuals carrying the polymorphisms at position 55 and 192 constitutes a susceptibility marker for cardiovascular disease.This is likely due to the lipoproteins-protective anti oxidant effect of PON1 and possibly to its ability to degrade HTL. The repression of serum PON1 activity could be one of the steps leading to Hcy toxicity. Alternatively, our data also suggest that PON1 level could be an additional determinant of the Hcy plasma concentration.
Identification of orcokinins in single neurons in the stomatogastric nervous system of the crayfish, Cherax destructor

The orcokinins are a highly conserved family of crustacean peptides that enhance hindgut contractions in the crayfish Orconectes limosus (Stangier et al. [ 1992 ] Peptides 13:859–864). By combining immunocytochemical and mass spectrometrical analysis of the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) in the crayfish Cherax destructor, we show that multiple orcokinins are synthesized in single neurons. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated orcokinin‐like immunoreactivity in all four ganglia of the STNS and in the pericardial organs, a major neurohaemal organ. Identified neurons in the STNS were stained, including a pair of modulatory interneurons (inferior ventricular nerve neuron, IVN), a neuron with its cell body in the stomatogastric ganglion that innervates cardiac muscle c6 via the anterior median nerves (AM‐c6), and a sensory neuron (anterior gastric receptor neuron). Five orcokinin‐related peptides were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) post source decay fragmentation in samples of either the stomatogastric ganglion or the pericardial organs. Four of these peptides are identical to peptides derived from the cloned Procambarus clarkii precursor (Yasuda‐Kamatani and Yasuda [ 2000 ] Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 118:161–172), including the original [Asn13]‐orcokinin (NFDEIDRSGFGFN, [M+H]+ = 1,517.7 Da), [Val13]‐orcokinin ([M+H]+ = 1,502.7 Da), [Thr8‐His13]‐orcokinin ([M+H]+ = 1,554.8 Da), and FDAFTTGFGHS ([M+H]+ = 1,186.5 Da). The fifth peptide is a hitherto unknown orcokinin variant: [Ala8‐Ala13]‐orcokinin ([M+H]+ = 1,458.7 Da). The masses of all five peptides were also detected in the inferior ventricular nerve of C. destructor, which contains the cell bodies and axons of the IVNs as well as the axons of two other orcokinin‐like immunoreactive neurons. In the oesophageal nerve, in which all the orcokinin‐like immunoreactivity derives from the IVNs, at least two of the orcokinins were detected, indicating that multiple orcokinins are synthesized in these neurons. Similarly, all four orcokinin masses were detected in the anterior median nerves, in which all the orcokinin‐like immunoreactivity derives from the AM‐c6 neuron. This study therefore lays the groundwork to investigate the function of the orcokinin peptide family using single identified neurons in a well‐studied system. J. Comp. Neurol. 444:245–259, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An examination of two-process theories of false recognition

Contemporary theories of false memory suggest there are two processes that combine to produce false memory: one that increases false memory (error-inflating processes) and one that counteracts false memory (error-editing processes). Two experiments using the DRM paradigm (Deese, 1959; Roediger & McDermott, 1995) explored the influence of manipulating the number of associates studied, study item presentation frequency, backward associative strength, and study time on error-inflating and error-editing processes separately by examining speeded and unspeeded recognition decisions. The results of these studies indicate that (1) increasing the number of associates studied primarily influenced error-inflating processes; (2) increasing backward associative strength increased error-inflating processes and impaired error-editing processes; (3) increasing study item presentation frequency increased both error-inflating and error-editing processes; and (4) increasing study time had a weak effect on error-editing processes. Further, the results of these studies suggest that comprehensive theories of false memory phenomena must propose the existence of two different factors: one that increases false memory and is available early in memory retrieval, and one that usually, but not always, decreases false memory and is available later in retrieval.
Detection of high-risk HPV DNA in semen and its association with the quality of semen

The effects of seminal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA were assessed on the quality of semen. Semen samples of 65 men participating in the ongoing Finnish HPV Family Study were collected. Semen analyses were done by the guidelines of the Nordic Association for Andrology. HPV DNA was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by Southern blot hybridization for high-risk types. Altogether, 10/65 men (15.4%) had high-risk HPV DNA positive semen sample. Seminal high-risk HPV DNA did not affect semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and vitality of spermatozoa. However, semen pH was borderline lower in HPV DNA positive than negative samples (7.4 vs 7.5). Neither oligo- nor asthenozoospermia was associated with seminal HPV DNA. In conclusion, seminal high-risk HPV DNA was detected in 15% of men. It did not affect the semen analysis, except semen pH by borderline significance. Sperm donors have not been tested for HPV infections, sperm washing does not seem to eliminate the risk of HPV transmission and the consequences of HPV in the semen are at present unknown.
Evaluating the Effect of Total Quality Management Practices on Business Performance: A Study of Manufacturing Firms of Pakistan

The present study has evaluated the effect of TQM practices on business performance of manufacturing firms in Pakistan. A sample of 65 managers working in the quality assurance department was taken from these manufacturing firms and their responses were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate the effect of different levels of TQM practices on business performance in terms of financial performance, product quality performance, customer satisfaction. The study had also considered organizational level variables like size of firm, year of existence, top management commitment as moderating variables, the results have shown that TQM was implemented only at the first three levels i.e. quality control ,quality assurance and continuous improvement in the selected firms and that top management commitment is the most important variable effecting on TQM implementation which then directly effect on business performance in these manufacturing firms.
Relationship Power As a Mediator of Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Issues Among Incarcerated, Substance-Using Women

The purpose of this study was to examine perceived relationship power as a mediator of the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health issues among incarcerated women with a history of substance use. Cross-sectional data from 304 women as part of the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies (CJ-DATS) were used to evaluate this hypothesis. Regression analyses examined the mediation relationship of perceived relationship power in the association between a history of IPV and mental health issues. Results supported the hypothesis, suggesting that perceived relationship power helps to explain the association between IPV and mental health issues. Implications of the findings for the provision of services to address the needs of these women are discussed, including assessment of perceived relationship power and focusing counseling interventions on women’s experiences with power in intimate relationships.
Proficiency evaluation of clinical chemistry laboratories.

The problem of proficiency evaluation of clinical chemistry laboratories is considered in terms of the accuracy, precision, and allowable limits of error of 10 common analytical procedures, and in terms of the proficiency of individual analysts and the occurrence of gross laboratory mistakes. The concept of the operational chart is developed, and its use is illustrated. Operational charts summarize basic quality-control information in a clear, concise, goal-oriented perspective which is useful for evaluating the performance of individual laboratories and for comparing groups of laboratories. The charts aid in identifying major problems relating to the reliability and clinical usefulness of laboratory results, and should facilitate managerial decision-making processes.
Long non-coding RNAs in heart failure: a promising future with much to learn.

El Azzouzi and colleagues (1) recently published a perspective describing our work, in which we characterised the murine long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcriptome post myocardial infarction (MI) (2). This perspective nicely summarised key aspects of our work. However, we would like to respond with some additional comments to clarify and expand important points resulting from their perspective and our work.
Cauda equina syndrome – What is the correlation between clinical assessment and MRI scanning?

The indications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in suspected cauda equina syndrome, and the urgency for this investigation are regularly disputed. In this study we assess the ability of neurosurgical residents to predict on clinical grounds in which patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) this was due to prolapsed intervertebral disc thereby justifying a request for urgent MR imaging. Design. Prospective cohort study of all adult patients with a suspected diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. Setting. A single tertiary referral neurosurgical centre. Participants. All patients referred over a four month period with a suspected diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. Results. MRI was normal in 10 (43%) patients. A disc prolapse causing cauda equina distortion was present in 5 (22%) patients. The diagnostic accuracy of urinary retention, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, altered urinary sensation and altered perineal sensation were 0.57, 0.65, 0.61, 0.65 and 0.60 respectively. Conclusions. Because it is impossible in a significant proportion of patients to exclude the diagnosis of prolapsed intervertebral disc in the context of referral with suspected cauda equina compromise the authors recommend urgent MRI assessment in all patients who present with new onset urinary symptoms in the context of lumbar back pain or sciatica.
What Have You Done for Me Lately? Friendship-Selection in the Shadow of the Dark Triad Traits

The current studies examined how the Dark Triad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) facilitate the strategic structuring of an individual's social environment in terms of same- and opposite-sex friends. In one study using normative questions (N = 267) and another using a budget-allocation task (N = 114), we found that the Dark Triad traits were associated with choosing friends for strategic purposes and to create a volatile environment. Narcissistic individuals reported relatively more reasons to form friendships, such as shared interests, makes me feel good, and intelligence. Women high in narcissism chose same-sex friends who were attractive and women high on Machiavellianism chose same-sex friends who have social status. Men high on psychopathy devalued traits associated with good social relationships in favor of friends who could facilitate their mating efforts and to offset risks incurred in their life history strategy. Results are discussed using the selection-manipulation-evocation framework for explaining how personality traits interact with social environments and integrated with findings from evolutionary biology.
Dual-functioning antimalarials that inhibit the chloroquine-resistance transporter

Malaria remains a major international health challenge. Resistance to a number of existing drugs and evidence of the emergence of artemisinin resistance has emphasized the need for new antimalarials. A new approach has been the preparation of dual-function compounds that include a chloroquine-like antimalarial group and a group that resembles a chloroquine chemosensitizer. This article reviews the recent discovery of such dual-function antimalarials that are proposed to target both hemozoin formation and the chloroquine resistance transporter, PfCRT. These are discussed in relation to the mechanism of action of 4-aminoquinolines, chloroquine resistance and resistance reversal.
Early ERCP and papillotomy compared with conservative treatment for acute biliary pancreatitis. The German Study Group on Acute Biliary Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND The role of early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and papillotomy in the treatment of patients who have acute biliary pancreatitis without obstructive jaundice is uncertain. METHODS We conducted a prospective, multicenter study in which 126 patients were randomly assigned to early ERCP (within 72 hours after the onset of symptoms) and endoscopic papillotomy for the removal of stones in the common bile duct, when appropriate, and 112 patients were assigned to conservative treatment. In the conservative-treatment group, ERCP was performed within three weeks if signs of biliary obstruction or sepsis developed. Overall mortality, mortality due to pancreatitis, and complications were compared in the two groups. RESULTS Early ERCP was successful in 121 of the 126 patients in the invasive-treatment group. Endoscopic papillotomy was performed to remove bile-duct stones in 58 patients; stones were successfully extracted in 57. ERCP was performed in 22 of the 112 patients in the conservative-treatment group; papillotomy for stone removal was successful in 13 patients. Fourteen patients in the invasive-treatment group and 7 in the conservative-treatment group died within three months (P=0.10); 10 patients in the invasive-treatment group and 4 in the conservative-treatment group died from acute biliary pancreatis (P=0.16). The overall rate of complications was similar in the two groups, but patients in the invasive-treatment group had more severe complications. Respiratory failure was more frequent in the invasive-treatment group, and jaundice was more frequent in the conservative-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS In patients with acute biliary pancreatis but without obstructive jaundice, early ERCP and sphincterotomy were not beneficial.