Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential role of Sox9 in patterning tracheal cartilage ring formation in an embryonic mouse model.

OBJECTIVE To identify genes expressed early in the formation of the mouse trachea that control patterning of tracheal cartilaginous rings. DESIGN The mouse larynx and trachea begin as an outpouching from the ventral foregut endoderm at embryonic day (E) 9. Digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes to putative tracheal patterning genes were generated by in vitro transcription. Embryos ranging in age from E9 to E16 were then subjected to whole-mount in situ hybridization using these labeled RNA probes. The RNA probes were then localized using antidigoxigenin antibodies tagged with a reporter molecule. In this manner, the 3-dimensional spatial and temporal expression of putative tracheal patterning genes was examined. Subjects F/VBN mice. RESULTS In the developing mouse trachea, the expression of Sox9 messenger RNA preceded cartilage ring formation. Sox9 was expressed as 2 distinct longitudinal stripes along the posterolateral aspect of the trachea as early as E9, when the developing trachea is first identified. Collagen 2A1, a cartilage-specific protein, was subsequently expressed in the same longitudinal pattern as Sox9, consistent with the early commitment of Sox9-expressing cells to the cartilage program. As cartilage rings formed, Sox9 and collagen 2A1 was expressed over the lateral and anterior aspects of the trachea. CONCLUSIONS We have developed a system to study the early expression of genes that may pattern the formation of the trachea. We have identified a gene (Sox9) with a known role in chondrocyte differentiation that is expressed in a highly specific temporal and spatial pattern in the developing upper respiratory tract.
A comparison of minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia and local anesthesia/propofol infusion for outpatient knee arthroscopy.

UNLABELLED Traditional methods of spinal anesthesia have proven problematic in the outpatient setting. Minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia (SAB(MLF)) may be the adaptation necessary to reestablish spinal anesthesia in this venue. One hundred patients scheduled for outpatient knee arthroscopy were randomized to receive either local anesthesia plus a titrated IV propofol infusion (LA/PI) or SAB(MLF) using 20 mg lidocaine 0.5% + 20 microg fentanyl. Patients received midazolam 0.02-0.03 mg/kg IV and fentanyl 0.75-1.0 microg/kg IV upon arrival in the operating room before lumbar puncture or propofol infusion. The propofol infusion was begun at 50-75 microg. kg(-)(1). min(-)(1) and titrated to maintain patient comfort. Boluses (200-400 microg/kg) were given as needed. Local anesthesia included 30 mL lidocaine 1% with epinephrine 1:200,000 intraarticularly plus 10 mL at the portal sites. Three patients (6%) in the LA/PI group versus none in the SAB(MLF) group required general anesthesia. Airway support was required in 54% of the LA/PI patients and in none of the SAB(MLF) patients. Total operating room time (43 vs 45 min), time to home readiness (43 vs 45 min), actual discharge times (73.5 min in both groups), and the incidence of discharge >90 min (22% vs 24%) were the same for both LA/PI and SAB(MLF) groups. LA/PI and SAB(MLF) groups differed in terms of postoperative pruritus (8% vs 68%), pain (44% vs 20%), nausea (8% vs 22%), and ability to void before discharge (56% vs 32%). One patient in each group had mild difficulty initiating voiding at home, but neither required medical attention. In both groups, 90% of patients were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their anesthetic. The two techniques provided comparable patient satisfaction and efficiencies both intraoperatively and in postoperative recovery and discharge. The efficiencies of these techniques were not dependent on special provisions of the physical plant or the practice model. IMPLICATIONS Both local anesthesia supplemented by a titrated IV propofol infusion and minidose lidocaine-fentanyl spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy provide high patient satisfaction with equally rapid recovery and discharge.
Steroids from the roots of Nerium oleander.

Two new cardenolides, 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-carda-14(15), 20(22)-dienolide (beta-anhydroepidigitoxigenin) (1) and 3beta-O-(D-digitalosyl)-21-hydroxy-5beta-carda-8,14,16 , 20(22)-tetraenolide (neriumogenin-A-3beta-D-digitaloside) (2), and two known compounds, proceragenin and neridienone A (3), have been isolated from the roots of Nerium oleander. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectral data interpretation.
Rhombohedral to simple-cubic phase transition in arsenic under pressure.

We have measured powder x-ray diffraction data and Raman spectra of arsenic at pressures up to 33 GPa. X-ray data show a rhombohedral (A7) to simple-cubic transition at 25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 GPa (relative volume V/${\mathit{V}}_{0}$=0.772). An upper limit for the volume change \ensuremath{\Delta}V/${\mathit{V}}_{0}$ at the transition is given by the experimental uncertainty of 0.5%. We propose an empirical relation between the structural u parameter and rhombohedral angle \ensuremath{\alpha} of the A7 structure, which is used to estimate the overall variation of first- and second-neighbor bond distances under pressure. The two Raman-active fundamentals of the rhombohedral phase shift to lower frequency for pressures up to 24 GPa, but remain at finite values. Near this pressure, the Raman intensity decreases drastically and the two modes are no longer observed at higher pressures. The Raman data are consistent with a phase transition to a monatomic phase near 25 GPa. Results are discussed in light of several recent first-principles calculations of the phase stability and mode softening of arsenic under pressure.
Study of Adiponectin and Lipid Profile Levels in Normotensive and Hypertensive Type 2 Diabetic Patients

nd November, 2016. Background: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are major health problems worldwide, associated with excess morbidity and mortality. Serum adiponectin is a biomarker that is associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, higher levels are protective while lower circulating levels are risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the adiponectin and lipid profile levels in normotensive and hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. Method: A case-control study of 510 participants included three groups: (150 type 2 diabetic patients without hypertension, 210 type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension and 150 healthy control). The patients were randomly selected based on World Health Organization (WHO) guideline. Results: The result revealed significant increased values of adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and decreased serum cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very lowdensity lipoprotein (VLDL) in control group when compared with diabetic normotensive and hypertensive patients groups (p 0.05). Hypertensive type 2 diabetic females and males had no significantly higher serum TC, TG, LDL and VLDL and decline in serum adiponectin and HDL when compared with non-hypertensive diabetic females and males, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that no significant differences of adiponectin and dyslipidemia in hypertensive type 2 diabetic compared with non-hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.
Latex Agglutination Text for O Serogrouping of Klebsiella Species

The importance of a number of Klebsiella species as a cause of nosocomial infec tionhas been stressed in a number of reports (6, 7). Various typing systems such as capsular serotyping (10, 11), biotyping (10), and klebocin typing (2) alone or in combination have been employed to trace the actual routes of Klebsiella infection. For epidemiological studies, the most useful method has been capsular serotyping
Effects of working memory training on children born preterm

ABSTRACT Researchers have reported benefits of working memory training in various populations, however, the training gains in preterm population is still inadequately studied. This study aimed to investigate the transfer and lasting effects of an online working memory training program on a group of preterm children aged between 4 and 6 years (mean gestational age = 28.3 weeks; mean birth weight = 1153 grams). Children were asked to perform the Cogmed JM at home for approximately 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Their nontrained working memory and attention were assessed pre-training, post-training, and at 5-week follow-up. Parent ratings on children's executive functions were obtained at the three time points. Results revealed that significant improvements in verbal working memory was emerging in preterm children at 5-week follow-up, while significant gains in visuospatial working memory was found post-training and at 5-week follow-up in age-matched term-born children. These results indicated that working memory training has benefits on preterm children; however, the gains are different from those observed in term-born children. No significant differences in attention and parent-rated EF were found in either group across time. The possible explanations for the training benefits observed in preterm children were discussed.
Melatonin protects from hepatic reperfusion injury through inhibition of IKK and JNK pathways and modification of cell proliferation

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Melatonin is a potent scavenger of ROS. Thus, this study was designed to elucidate its effects in a combined hepatic warm ischemia and resection model. The right lateral and caudate lobes (32% of liver volume) of Sprague–Dawley rats underwent warm ischemia for 30 min followed by reperfusion and subsequent resection of the nonischemic liver tissue. Some rats were gavaged with 50 mg/kg melatonin 2 hr before the onset of experiments. Controls received the same volume of microcrystalline cellulose. Survival, transaminases, histology, flow cytometry, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and activation of signal transduction pathways [c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), cJUN, IκB kinase α (IKKα), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki67] were assessed for hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation. Melatonin significantly improved animal survival and decreased transaminase levels, the indices for necrosis, liver damage, leukocyte infiltration, and iNOS expression. In parallel, the expression of IKKα, JNK1, and cJUN decreased by 35–50% after melatonin (P < 0.05). At the same time, melatonin reduced the expression of both PCNA and Ki67 in liver (P < 0.05). Melatonin is hepatoprotective most likely via mechanisms including inhibition of IKK and JNK pathways and regulation of cell proliferation.
Whole-body MRI versus whole-body MDCT for staging of multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to compare the detection rate of bone manifestations of multiple myeloma in whole-body MRI compared with MDCT and to assess accuracy in staging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-one patients with histologically confirmed myeloma were prospectively examined with a whole-body MDCT protocol and whole-body MRI on a 1.5-T system. The MRI protocol consisted of T1-weighted spin-echo and STIR sequences. For data analysis, the entire skeleton was divided into 61 regions per patient. Image evaluation was performed in a consensus reading by two radiologists blinded to the patients' history, with separate evaluation of each technique. The patients were staged by MRI and MDCT data separately according to the Durie and Salmon PLUS staging system. RESULTS On MRI, 15 patients showed no involvement. In 26 patients, 975 regions were affected: 21 patients were stage I, two were stage II, and 18 were stage III. On MDCT, 19 patients showed no involvement. In 22 patients, 462 regions were affected. For the detection rate, MRI was statistically superior to MDCT (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon's signed rank test). According to MDCT, 25 patients were stage I, seven were stage II, and nine were stage III. In 21 patients with involvement detected on both methods, MRI showed more extensive disease than MDCT. Eleven patients were understaged with MDCT compared with MRI, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001, chi-square test). CONCLUSION Whole-body MDCT leads to a significantly lower detection rate and staging in patients with multiple myeloma.
Protein phosphatase 2A on track for nutrient‐induced signalling in yeast

Early studies identified two bona fide protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)‐encoding genes in Saccharo‐myces cerevisiae, designated PPH21 and PPH22. In addition, three PP2A‐related phosphatases, encoded by PPH3, SIT4 and PPG1, have been identified. All share as much as 86% sequence similarity at the amino acid level. This review will focus primarily on Pph21 and Pph22, but some aspects of Sit4 regulation will also be discussed. Whereas a role for PP2A in yeast morphology and cell cycle has been readily recognized, uncovering its function in yeast signal transduction is a more recent breakthrough. Via their interaction with phosphorylated Tap42, PP2A and Sit4 play a pivotal role in target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling. PPH22 overexpression mimics overactive cAMP–PKA (protein kinase A) signalling and PP2A and Sit4 might represent ceramide signalling targets. The methylation of its catalytic subunit stabilizes the heterotrimeric form of PP2A and might counteract TOR signalling. We will show how these new elements could lead us to understand the role and regulation of PP2A in nutrient‐induced signalling in baker’s yeast.
Epidural Clonidine or Sufentanil for Intraoperative and Postoperative Analgesia

This study contrasts the efficacy and side effects of epidural clonidine and sufentanil in the perioperative period.Using a randomized, prospective, double-blind study design, 40 patients undergoing abdominal surgery under propofol/nitrous oxide anesthesia were enrolled. Before anesthesia, an epidural catheter was inserted at the L1-L2 interspace. At induction of anesthesia, the patients received epidurally either clonidine (4 micro gram/kg in 10 mL) infused in 20 min followed by a 2-micro gram centered dot kg-1 centered dot h-1 infusion (5 mL/h) during 12 h (Group 1) or sufentanil (0.5 micro gram/kg in 10 mL) in 20 min followed by a 0.25-micro gram centered dot kg-1 centered dot h-1 infusion (5 mL/h) during 12 h (Group 2). Intraoperatively, increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate not responding to propofol bolus (0.5 mg/kg) were treated with a bolus of intravenous (IV) sufentanil 0.035 micro gram/kg. Postoperatively, IV sufentanil boluses (5 micro gram) were given through a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. Postoperative analgesia was assessed by recording the IV PCA sufentanil requirements and the patients' visual analog scale (VAS) at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h. Sedation analog scales and side effects were also recorded. Plasma clonidine and sufentanil concentrations were measured after 20 min and 6, 12, and 24 h. The number of reinjections of propofol (n = 1.6 +/- 1.6 in Group 1 vs 6.5 +/- 4.0 in Group 2) and of IV sufentanil (n = 0.6 +/- 0.8 in Group 1 vs 3.8 +/- 3.7 in Group 2) was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in the epidural clonidine group. In the early post-operative period, pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements were very low in both groups. After discontinuation of the epidural infusions, reduced PCA requirements and the better VAS scores were still noted in Group 1 (80.5 +/- 55.7 micro gram IV sufentanil in Group 1 vs 142 +/- 87 micro gram in Group 2; P < 0.05). There was no difference in sedation scores. Epidural clonidine and sufentanil only moderately affected heart rate and blood pressure. Two instances of awareness in Group 1 and one episode of respiratory depression in Group 2 were reported. Epidural clonidine improved intraoperative hemodynamic stability when compared with epidural sufentanil. Both substances provided reliable postoperative analgesia. A longer lasting residual analgesic effect was demonstrated after the use of epidural clonidine. Both substances showed different but potentially worrying side effects. (Anesth Analg 1995;81:1154-62)
Cognitive Bias Via the Internet: A Comparison of Web‐Based and Standard Emotional Stroop Tasks in Social Phobia

There is accumulating evidence to suggest that social phobia is associated with attentional bias for words related to social threat. Information processing in individuals with social phobia (n = 87) was investigated in the present study using 2 versions of the emotional Stroop task. Results from a standard emotional Stroop task indicated delayed colour naming of socially threatening words relative to neutral words, in line with previous research, whereas results from a Web‐based emotional Stroop task indicated a facilitation effect, with faster manual indication of colour choice for socially threatening words than for neutral words. Possible explanations for these contrasting findings and issues for further research are discussed.
Inadequate Syphilis Screening Among Women With Prenatal Care in a Community With a High Syphilis Incidence

Objectives and Goal: This study was designed to evaluate the extent to which pregnant women in a community with a high syphilis incidence were screened for syphilis according to standard recommendations of twice during prenatal care and at labor and delivery. Study Design: Labor and delivery records from 4 hospitals in Miami–Dade County, Florida, were abstracted to obtain maternal and prenatal care characteristics and syphilis screening practices. Results: Of the 1991 women, records indicated that 1655 (83%) were screened at least once during prenatal care, 220 (11%) were screened twice during prenatal care before delivery, and 184 (9%) were screened twice during prenatal care and at delivery. Attending a private clinic, having more than adequate prenatal care and having private insurance were associated with not being screened at least twice before delivery. Conclusions: Few women were screened according to standard recommendations, and provider or institutional-related factors affected adequacy of screening.
Time-Domain Analysis of Third-Order Quantum-Dot-Based Laterally-Coupled Distributed Feedback Lasers Using Travelling-Wave Approach

In this paper, we present a time-domain (TD) coupled model suitable to investigate high-order λ/4 phase-shift grating quantum-dot (QD) based laterally-coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) laser. First, by integrating the Streifer's coefficients, we include the effects of radiation and evanescent modes into the TD coupled wave equations, and hence we investigate the effect of the radiation modes. Then, via a well-established set of rate equations coupled with the travelling field propagation equations, population dynamics in the QD region are modeled and the homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening of, respectively, the whole QD ensemble and each QD inter-band transition are properly taken into account in the model. Finally, we consider the coupling between forward and backward electric fields due to the grating via the travelling-wave approach. This approach advances the impact of radiating partial waves in high-order QD-LC-DFB lasers. It is shown that, in particular for third-order rectangular grating, longitudinal spatial hole-burning is highly reduced, high single mode suppression ration (60 dB) is obtained and larger frequency modulation is achieved thanks to the fine engineering of the grating features and the particular properties of QD. Eventually, such results highlight the beneficial effect of considering high-order grating QD-LC-DFB lasers for better longitudinal-mode discrimination and high device performances.
The effects of nitrate on the heterogeneous uptake of sulfur dioxide on hematite

Abstract. Nitrate is often found to be associated with atmospheric particles. Surface nitrate can change the hygroscopicity of these particles, and thus impact their chemical reactivity. However, the influence of nitrate on heterogeneous reactions of atmospheric trace gases is poorly understood. In this work, the effects of nitrate on heterogeneous conversion of SO2 with hematite at 298 K are investigated using an in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and a White cell coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (White cell-FTIR). It is found that nitrate participates in heterogeneous reactions of SO2, accelerates the formation rate of sulfate, and leads to the formation of surface-adsorbed HNO3 and gas-phase N2O and HONO. The results indicate that low to moderate amounts of nitrate significantly enhance the reactivity of hematite–nitrate mixtures, the uptake of SO2, and the formation of sulfate on hematite. For mixtures, the sample containing 24% nitrate exhibits the highest sulfate formation rate, and its corresponding uptake coefficient calculated by geometric surface area is about 5.5 times higher than that of hematite alone. The sample containing 48% nitrate presents the highest Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) uptake coefficient, and the value is about 8 times higher than that of pure hematite. No uptake of SO2 and formation of sulfate are observed on pure nitrate. Evidence presented herein implies a significant contribution of the unreleased HNO3 and HONO in the particles for the conversion of SO2 and the enhanced formation of sulfate in the atmosphere. A possible mechanism for the influence of nitrate on the heterogeneous conversion of SO2 on hematite is proposed, and atmospheric implications based on these results are discussed.
An Algorithm for Approximating Convex Pareto Surfaces Based on Dual Techniques

We consider the problem of approximating Pareto surfaces of convex multicriteria optimization problems by a discrete set of points and their convex combinations. Finding the scalarization parameters that optimally limit the approximation error when generating a single Pareto optimal solution is a nonconvex optimization problem. This problem can be solved by enumerative techniques but at a cost that increases exponentially with the number of objectives. We present an algorithm for solving the Pareto surface approximation problem that is practical with 10 or less conflicting objectives, motivated by an application to radiation therapy optimization. Our enumerative scheme is, in a sense, dual to a family of previous algorithms. The proposed technique retains the quality of the best previous algorithm in this class while solving fewer subproblems. A further improvement is provided by a procedure for discarding subproblems based on reusing information from previous solves. The combined effect of the enhancements is empirically demonstrated to reduce the computational expense of solving the Pareto surface approximation problem by orders of magnitude. For problems where the objectives have positive curvature, an improved bound on the approximation error is demonstrated using transformations of the initial objectives with strictly increasing and concave functions.