Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of A-esterase in the acute toxicity of paraoxon, TEPP, and parathion.

The liver and serum A-esterase activity was determined in normal rats and in rats which four days previously had been fed a massive sublethal dose of aldrin. Aldrin pretreatment doubled the A-esterase activity in the liver and halved it in the serum. The intravenous toxicity of paraoxon increased slightly following aldrin pretreatment, while the oral toxicity decreased threefold. These results indicated that the A-esterase activity of the liver mediates the oral toxicity, and that the serum activity influences the intravenous toxicity. The latter conclusion was verified by the preparation of a partially purified concentrate of rabbit serum A-esterase. The concentrate was intravenously injected into rats. The serum A-esterase activity increased three- to five-fold, and the acute toxicity of paraoxon decreased significantly. Following aldrin pretreatment the oral toxicity of TEPP decreased slightly, while the intravenous toxicity remained unaltered. This result is explained by the relative activity of A-est.
Caring for doctors.

M.G. , an orthopaedic surgeon, is stopped in the hallway of his hospital by one of his medical colleagues. The physician begins to ask several questions regarding a recent onset of shoulder pain. M.G. suggests that the colleague be seen in the office so that a complete evaluation of the shoulder can be performed. The colleague asks if he can try some home exercises and anti-inflammatory medications first. M.G. shows him some basic shoulder exercises. Several weeks later, the colleague meets M.G. again and is furious at him, stating that the problem was not his shoulder at all but rather a cervical disc herniation.
A Kalman Filter approach to PCB drill path optimization problem

Drill path optimization problem is an important problem in holes drilling with computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine. Due to the exponential increase in the number of possible solutions when the number of holes to be drilled increase, the metaheuristic optimization algorithm seems to be a good choice in solving this type of optimization problem. This paper presents a Kalman Filter approach in solving printed circuit board (PCB) routing problem by using the Simulated Kalman Filter (SKF) algorithm. The experimental results are compared with those obtained by swarm intelligence approach, which are the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) variants, Ant Colony System (ACS) and Cuckoo Search (CS). The implementation proves to be effortless with good global convergence capability.
Phase II study of docetaxel for recurrent or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE We conducted a phase II study to determine the response and toxicity of docetaxel (Taxotere; Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Collegeville, PA) in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We treated 41 chemotherapy-naive patients who had stage IIIb or IV non-small-cell lung cancer with 100 mg/m2 of docetaxel intravenously over 1 hour every 3 weeks. Responses were assessed after every one to two treatment courses. Responses of 39 of 41 patients were assessable. The patient's median age was 63 years; 90% of patients had a Zubrod performance status of 0 or 1. The predominant histology was adenocarcinoma (54%), and 90% of patients had stage IV disease. RESULTS Thirteen patients (33%) achieved a partial response to treatment, and the median response duration was 14 weeks. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 97% of patient; this was usually of brief duration and was associated with serious infection in 17% of patients. Other acute toxic effects included easily treated hypersensitivity reactions (36% of patients) and dermatitis (74%). We also observed fluid retention (with peripheral edema or pleural effusion or both) in 54% of patients. This was a cumulative side effect that generally occurred late in treatment. CONCLUSION Docetaxel administered at 100 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks has significant activity against non-small-cell lung cancer, with a 33% major response rate. Primary toxicities were neutropenia, hypersensitivity, and fluid retention.
Analysis of Human Rotavirus Mixed Electropherotypes

Mixed human rotavirus electropherotypes were detected in stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis in Santiago, Chile. These electropherotypes accounted for 10% of 149 samples studied. The finding of extra RNA fragments with respect to the regular 11 genome segments suggests the possibility of simultaneous or sequential infection by more than one electropherotype in a single diarrhea event or occurrence of modification in the length of the RNA segments during an infection. These possibilities arose from gel electrophoretic analysis of unique and sequential samples of human rotavirus genome RNA.
Fast-track elective colectomy: single-surgeon experience of 100 consecutive cases.

AIMS In 2005, the senior author (AGH) initiated an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) or 'fast-track' programme for elective colonic surgery at the Manukau Surgery Centre aimed at improving perioperative care. We reviewed the senior author's experience of elective colectomy conducted within the ERAS programme and evaluated clinical outcomes. METHODS Using a prospectively maintained database, consecutive patients who underwent elective colonic resection by the senior author within the ERAS programme at the Manukau Surgery Centre between December 2005 and March 2012 were reviewed. Demographic and operative data were recorded and clinical outcomes including complications, hospital stay and readmissions were evaluated for 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS 100 consecutive patients were reviewed. The median age of patients was 70 years (range: 16-92) and the most common indication for surgery was malignancy (81 cases). Right-sided colectomy was performed in 52 cases while 45 patients had a left-sided colectomy and 3 patients underwent subtotal colectomy. The median day to discharge was 3 days while total hospital stay was 4 days which incorporated 21 readmissions for mostly minor complications. Major complications occurred in only 8 patients and included 4 anastomotic leaks. CONCLUSION In one surgeon's experience, elective colectomy performed within an optimised perioperative care environment achieves shorter hospital stay with a low rate of major complications.
Host Responses to Borrelia burgdorferi in Dogs and Horses

By using paired sera the IgM and IgG host responses were analyzed in dogs with ELISA and Western blot techniques. Antibodies in clinical seropositive dogs bound to 4-25 IgM and up to 40 or more IgG antigenic determinants. Early IgM response to the 41-kDa flagellin persisted for at least 9 months and involved as many as seven other peptides. IgG response expanded later in the disease and involved more immunogens than are currently recognized in late human disease. A percentage of asymptomatic dogs that later developed clinical symptoms were seropositive. Immunoblot studies suggested that B. burgdorferi is persistent in both asymptomatic and weakly reactive animals and if untreated could lead to disease expression. Clinical seropositive, asymptomatic seronegative, and experimentally infected horses were similarly studied. In experimentally inoculated animals IgG antibodies were initially bound to flagellin and later to the 34- and 31-kDa polypeptides, even though ELISA values were considered only slightly reactive.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Neuropathy - and Foot Ulcer - Specific Quality of Life instrument (NeuroQol) for Brazilian Portuguese - Phase 1.

This methodological study aimed to adapt the Neuropathy - and Foot Ulcer - Specific Quality of Life instrument - NeuroQol to Brazilian Portuguese and to analyze its psychometric properties. Participants were 50 people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers. The floor and ceiling effects, the convergent and discriminant validity and the reliability were analyzed. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test the reliability and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient to estimate the convergent validity, the Student’s t test was used to evaluate the discriminant validity in the comparison of the NeuroQol scores between participants with and without ulcers. Floor and ceiling effects were found in some domains of the NeuroQol. The reliability was satisfactory. The correlations between the domains of the NeuroQol and the SF-36 were negative, significant and of moderate to strong magnitude. The findings show that the Brazilian version of the NeuroQol is reliable and valid and may be employed as a useful tool for improving nursing care for people with DM.
EFEITO AGUDO DOS EXERCÍCIOS DE ALONGAMENTO SOBRE O DESEMPENHO DE FORÇA MÁXIMA

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o efeito agudo dos exercicios de alongamento estatico no desempenho de forca maxima. Onze sujeitos do sexo masculino foram submetidos a um teste de uma repeticao maxima (1 RM) sob duas condicoes experimentais: 1) precedido de exer­ cicios de alongamento (CA) e 2) sem exercicios alonga­mento (SA). Na condicao CA, apos a realizacao de um aque­cimento, os sujeitos executaram uma sessao de exercicios de alongamento estatico para os membros inferiores com duracao aproximada de 20 minutos. Um total de seis exer­cicios foi executados com tres repeticoes de 30 segundos de duracao em cada exercicio. Ao termino da sessao de alongamento os sujeitos foram testados. Na condicao SA os sujeitos foram testados logo apos a sessao de aqueci­mento. O teste consistiu na execucao completa do exerci­cio de extensao/flexao de joelhos no aparelho "leg-press". As cargas para o teste sofreram incrementos de 4%, 3% e 3% da quantidade de peso levantada inicialmente a qual determinada durante um sessao de familiarizacao. Um in­tervalo de tres minutos foi dado para cada novo esforco. Na condicao CA a media obtida no teste 1 RM (391 .7 kg ± 86.5) foi significantemente menor (p Conclui-se que, independente do mecanismo envolvido, uma sessao de alongamento estatico executada imediatamente antes da atividade fisica pode provocar uma queda no rendimento de forca maxima.
Amplification mediated by polyomavirus large T antigen defective in replication

The polyomavirus large T antigen promotes homologous recombination at high rates when expressed in rat cells carrying the viral replication origin and two repeats of viral DNA sequences stably integrated into the cellular genome. Recombination consists of both reciprocal and nonreciprocal events and is promoted by mutants defective in the initiation of viral DNA synthesis (L. St-Onge, L. Bouchard, and M. Bastin, J. Virol. 67:1788-1795, 1993). We have extended our studies to a rat cell line undergoing amplification of the viral insert. We show that large T antigen promotes amplification independently of its replicative function but that its origin-specific DNA binding activity is not sufficient to promote homologous recombination.
Nitrate reductase in Escherichia coli K-12: involvement of chlC, chlE, and chlG loci

We examined the properties of mutants of E. coli which are defective with respect to nitrate reductase activity. chlE::Mu cts and chlG::Mu cts mutants were all chlorate resistant, and the strains that we examined all synthesized nitrate reductase apoenzyme. We concluded that the chlE and chlG loci, like the chlA, chlB, and chlD loci, are involved in the synthesis of insertion of molybdenum cofactor. We identified at least four distinct phenotypic classes of chlC::Tn10 mutants, all of which were fully or partially sensitive to chlorate. Two of these classes may represent lesions in the structural genes for nitrate reductase subunits A and C. Two other classes may be altered in the regulation of the expression of nitrate reductase or other anaerobic enzymes. We propose the mnemonic nar for naming individual genes within the chlC locus.
Characterization of a cDNA clone corresponding to a transcript from the Epstein-Barr virus BamHI M fragment: evidence for overlapping mRNAs

A 1.95-kilobase cDNA clone was isolated by screening a size-selected lambda gt10 cDNA library prepared from an Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line, IB4, with the Epstein-Barr virus BamHI M fragment. Sequence analysis revealed that this clone contains about 75% of the BMRF1 and the complete BMRF2 open reading frames. The transcript is not spliced, and the polyadenylation signal at base pair 2641 of the BamHI M fragment is used. Northern blots (RNA blots) indicate that this polyadenylation signal is used for three overlapping mRNAs. The sizes of these transcripts are 3.5, 2.6, and 1.5 kilobases.
Pancreatoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma: implications of positive margin on survival.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of R0 resection margin status and R0 en bloc resection in pancreatoduodenectomy outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review. SETTING Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. PATIENTS Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at our institution between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 2007, were identified and their medical records were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Median survival times. RESULTS A total of 617 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. Median survival times after R0 en bloc resection (n = 411), R0 non-en bloc resection (n = 57), R1 resection (n = 127), and R2 resection (n = 22) were 19, 18, 15, and 10 months, respectively (P < .001). A positive resection margin was associated with death (P = .01). No difference in survival time was found between patients undergoing R0 en bloc and R0 resections after reexcision of an initial positive margin (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.64; P = .28). CONCLUSIONS R0 resection remains an important prognostic factor. Achieving R0 status by initial en bloc resection or reexcision results in similar long-term survival.
Firm Level Implications of Early Stage Venture Capital Investment - an Empirical Investigation

The paper analyses the impact of venture capital finance on growth and innovation activities of young German firms. Among other variables, our panel of firm data includes data on venture capital funding and patent applications. With a statistical matching procedure we draw an adequate control group of non venture funded firms. The analysis gives evidence that innovative firms will be able to close a venture capital deal with higher probability. Once the firms are venture funded, they display higher growth rates but do not differ in their innovative output from otherwise comparable firms. We derive strategic implications.
Methods of fetal movement counting and the detection of fetal compromise

Summary Maternal perception of fetal movements is widely used as a marker of fetal viability and well-being. A reduction in fetal movements is associated with fetal hypoxia, increased incidence of stillbirth and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Therefore, a reduction in fetal movements has been proposed as a screening tool for FGR or fetal compromise. The problem of this approach is that there is no widely accepted definition of reduced fetal activity or ‘alarm limits’, and pregnant women are currently given a wide range of non-evidence-based advice. We have reviewed the background of published definitions and their potential usefulness in screening. A formal meta-analysis of these studies is not possible due to variation in methodology and definitions of reduced fetal movements. Assessment of fetal movements using formal fetal movement counting has shown equivocal results. Importantly, in all studies, there was a decrease in perinatal mortality suggesting a beneficial role for raising maternal awareness of fetal movements. Most studies implemented limits to define reduced fetal movements based on small groups of high risk pregnancies and obsolete counting methodology. A single case-control study developed ‘normal limits’ in a low risk population, and successfully implemented it prospectively for screening. At present, there is no evidence that any absolute definition of reduced fetal movements is of greater value than maternal subjective perception of reduced fetal movements in the detection of intrauterine fetal death or fetal compromise. Further investigation is required to determine an effective method of identifying patients with reduced fetal movements and to determine the best subsequent management.
Above-IC integration of capacitive pressure sensor fabricated with CMOS interconnect processes

A surface-micromachined capacitive pressure sensor fabricated with a standard CMOS back-end of line processes was integrated above a CMOS LSI with a sensor front end circuit, and the output signal was obtained via the integrated circuit. The sensor was fabricated using only low-temperature processes and conventional materials and equipment. The sensor measures capacitance and electrical output of the C-V converter integrated on the same substrate with no degradation in signal quality. The sensor was placed above the IC region and sub-half-micron CMOS processes were applied to the IC, so the effective chip size is smaller than 2 mm2. Basic reliability of the sensor was examined. A passivation layer thicker than 150 nm is necessary for suppressing sensitivity change below 1% for the pressure cooker test (120 deg, 100% relative humidity for 100 hr). Our process enables MEMS integrated on any generation CMOS-LSI, enhancing functionality of the sensor chip and minimizing chip size.
Pediatric pyoderma gangrenosum: a systematic review and update

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a sterile neutrophilic disorder that rarely affects children. Clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic data on pediatric PG is poor as there are many newly reported associated diseases and drugs. This paper aims to review all recent available data on pediatric PG. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases. A total of 132 articles were included in the review. The most commonly reported underlying diseases in pediatric PG are inflammatory bowel diseases followed by hematologic disorders, vasculitis, immune deficiencies and Pyogenic Arthritis, Pyoderma gangrenosum and Acne (PAPA) syndrome. More than half of the cases occur with no underlying disease. The most frequently reported clinical presentation is multiple disseminated ulcers. Treatment should be tailored according to the underlying etiology. It includes systemic steroids, corticosteroid sparing agents such as dapsone and cyclosporine, and TNF‐alpha inhibitors such as adalimumab and infliximab. Response to treatment is high with cure rates reaching 90%. A high index of suspicion and a thorough workup are mandatory in the management of pediatric PG.
Electrical Stimulation Improves Insulin Responses in a Human Skeletal Muscle Cell Model of Hyperglycemia

Abstract: Myoblasts from human skeletal muscle were isolated from needle biopsy samples of the vastus lateralis of young and healthy volunteers. Contaminating fibroblasts were removed, and myoblasts were fused into differentiated multinucleated myotubes. These myotubes manifested both basal and insulin‐stimulated (1‐100 nM) glucose transport and glycogen synthesis. Insulin increased 2‐deoxyglucose uptake by 1.4‐fold and glycogen synthesis by 2.1‐fold. Measurements of impedance of cell‐covered gold electrodes (ECIS system) showed increased micromotion of caffeine‐stimulated cells, showing their ability to contract. Acute electrical stimulation of the myotubes increased 2‐deoxyglucose uptake by about 30%. Treatment with high glucose concentrations (10‐20 mM) for 2‐8 days reduced both basal and insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake. Maximal effect was seen after 2 days of treatment with 20 mM glucose. Baseline glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis were reduced by 35%, insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake by 25%, and insulin‐stimulated glycogen synthesis by 39%. Total cell content of glycogen was not changed by hyperglycemia. The insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in hyperglycemia‐treated cells was improved by electrical stimulation of the cells. In conclusion, a model of hyperglycemia has been established, and electrical stimulation improved insulin responses.
The systematic importance of color and color pattern: evidence for complexes of sibling species of snapping shrimp (Caridea: Alpheidae: Alpheus) from the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama

4losely related species in the genus Afpheus Fabricius, 1798, are most easily distinguished by small but consistent differences in color and particularly color pattern. We made extensive collections of several nominal species from Panama, examining living material for evidence of discrete color morphs within described species. Alpheus furmosus Gibbes, 1850, has two Caribbean color morphs, both distinct from the morphologically similar eastern Pacific species A. panamensis Kingsley, 1878. Caribbean representatives of A. crisrulifrons Rathbun, 1900, consistently differ in color and color pattern from eastern Pacific representatives of the same species. AIpheusparacrinirus Miers, 1881, is found in the Caribbean in two color morphs, both of which are distinct from the eatern Pacific morph of the same species. All these morphs are also distinct in color pattern from the morphologically similar eastern Pacific species A. rustrutus Kim and Abele, 1988. The eastern Pacific species A . canalis Kim and Abele, 1988, has two color morphs, both of which can be distinguished from the morphologically similar Caribbean species A . nuttingi (Schmitt, 1924). Earlier work with Alpheus symbionts of sea anemones suggests that these color morphs are likely to be separate species. Analysis of color pattern holds enormous potential for defining species boundaries in this systematically difficult genus. RESUMEN. -En el genero Alpheus Fabricius, 1798, existen especies estrechamente relacionadas las cuales pueden ser distinguidas ficilmente, por pequeiias pero consistentes diferencias de color y particulmente en 10s patrones de coloraci6n. Hemos hecho grandes colecciones de varias especies de Panaml, examinando material vivo para determinar si existen “formas de color” dentro de las especies ya descritas. Alpheus forrnosus Gibbes, 1850, tiene dos “formas de color,” y ambas difieren de la especie m h similar del Pacifico-este, A. panamensis Kingsley, 1878. La forma del Caribe de A. cristultfrons Rathbun, 1900, es diferente de manera consistente en color y patrbn de coloracibn, de la forma del Pacifico-este de la misma especie. En A. purnrrinitus Miers, 188 1, del Caribe hay dos “formas de color” las cuales son distintas a la forma presente en el Pacffico-este de la misma especie. Todas estas formas son tambiin distintas en el patrbn de color de la especie morfolbgicamente similar del Pacificoeste, A. rostrutus Kim y Abele, 1988. La especie del Pacificoeste A. canalis Kim y Abele, 1988, tiene dos “formas de color”, y ambas se pueden distinguir de la especie mls similar del Caribe, A . nurtingi (Schmitt, 1924). En base a trabajos previos con Alpheus simbiontes de anhonas marinas, estas “formas de color” son probablemente especies distintas. Los anllises de patrones de coloracibn poseen un potencial enorme para la definici6n de especies en este gCnero de sistemitica dificil.