Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Right ventricular function during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the effect of mean airway pressure under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation on right ventricular function. Design: Prospective randomized study. Setting: Intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Patients: Sixteen consecutive patients within the first 48 hrs of mainly pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome. Interventions: After a 6-hr-period of protective conventional mechanical ventilation, patients were submitted to three 1-hr periods of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (+ 5, + 10, + 15) in a randomized order, with a mean airway pressure level determined by adding 5, 10, or 15 cm H2O to the mean airway pressure recorded during conventional mechanical ventilation. Measurements and Main Results: Mean airway pressure was 18 ± 3 cm H2O during conventional mechanical ventilation and was increased until 33 ± 3 cm H2O at high-frequency oscillatory ventilation + 15. Right ventricular function was assessed using transesophageal echocardiography. During conventional mechanical ventilation, nine patients presented a right ventricular dysfunction (right ventricular end-diastolic area/left ventricular end-diastolic area ratio >0.6) of whom four patients had a right ventricular failure (right ventricular end-diastolic area/left ventricular end-diastolic area ratio >0.9). High-frequency oscillatory ventilation + 10 and + 15 further worsened right ventricular function, resulting in about a 40% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic area/left ventricular end-diastolic area ratio and a 30% increase in end-diastolic eccentricity index when compared with conventional mechanical ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation + 5 periods. At high-frequency oscillatory ventilation + 15, 15 patients had right ventricular dysfunction and nine had right ventricular failure. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation did not improve oxygenation whatever the mean airway pressure level. A significant redistribution of tidal variation to the posterior parts of the lung was observed on electrical impedance tomography measurements when increasing mean airway pressure. However, this redistribution was not observed in patients who presented a worsening of right ventricular function (right ventricular end-diastolic area/left ventricular end-diastolic area increase >40%) at high-frequency oscillatory ventilation + 15. Conclusions: In patients with mainly pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome, using high mean airway pressure under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation can worsen right ventricular function when compared with protective conventional mechanical ventilation, notably in patients in whom high-frequency oscillatory ventilation produced less alveolar recruitment of the posterior parts of the lungs. This study highlights the interest of monitoring right ventricular function during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. (Crit Care Med 2012; 40:–6)
Detection of fibrin deposits in horse tissues by immunohistochemistry.

BACKGROUND Histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques have been used to detect fibrin deposits in different tissues in humans and experimental animal models with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Fibrin deposits also have been observed in horses with severe ischemic and inflammatory disorders by histochemical stainings (phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin [PTAH]). HYPOTHESIS Immunohistochemical (IHC) methods can be used to accurately detect fibrin deposits in horses at risk of DIC. ANIMALS Tissue-organ samples collected on postmortem examination from 87 horses with severe inflammatory and ischemic gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, tissue samples from 13 horses with colic and colonic obstructions or displacements and from 13 slaughter horses were used as controls. METHODS Tissue samples (kidney, lung, and liver) were stained with PTAH and IHC for blinded histologic examination and comparison. A fibrin score (grades 0 to 4) was established for each tissue sample and for each horse for both techniques. RESULTS When the IHC method was used, fibrin deposition was observed in 47.1% of the horses with colic with a poor prognosis, compared with 41.4% with PTAH. An agreement of 70% was achieved when both methods were compared, and the lung was confirmed as the most affected organ. Almost none of the colic and slaughter control horses had fibrin deposits in their tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE IHC technique for fibrin antigens was very effective in the detection and identification of fibrin deposits in equine tissues and may be a reliable technique for the postmortem diagnosis of DIC.
The Percolation of Knowledge across Space

We propose an explanation for the negative effect of distance on knowledge flows, based on the fact that firms use their network to acquire new knowledge, and that a firm's network expands over its life-cycle. We build contacts in the network with past patent citations. We then use subsequent citations added by office examiners to identify how existing links influence which inventions firms rely on. We start by showing that knowledge percolates: firms are more likely to rely on patents produced by their contacts, and even by contacts of their contacts, than on similar patents from outside their close network. Building on this fact, we study a dynamic network formation model: it predicts Pareto-distributed innovator sizes, as well as an increasing relationship between an innovator's size and the distance at which it cites. We find these two predictions to hold remarkably well in the data. This implies that small innovators are responsible for most of the effect of distance measured in aggregate.
From the Savannah to the Magistrate’s Court: The Roots of Criminal Justice in Evolved Human Psychology

: Recent research claims that criminal justice institutions have universal fea-tures that are rooted in psychological mechanisms shaped by human evolution. In this chapter, we review three core questions touching on this perspective: We exam-inethenotionthatourevolvedpsychologyhasledtocross-culturally sharedintuitions about what constitutes a crime; we assess the extent to which arguments based on behavioral game theory and evolutionary psychology can account for the emergence of centralized punishment in complex societies; and examine procedural fairness as a pivotal normative element of criminal justice across the world. We show substantial cross-cultural variability in what is considered a crime, and propose a theoretical perspective that recognizes change in the normative bases of cooperative behavior. Also, we argue that seeing criminal justice primarily as a system that imposes costs on freeriders may be incomplete. In particular, we highlight fair procedure and legitimacy as core characteristics that distinguish institutionally anchored justice from mere punishment.
An HLA-DRB1–Coded Signal Transduction Ligand Facilitates Inflammatory Arthritis: A New Mechanism of Autoimmunity

Particular alleles of HLA contribute to disease susceptibility and severity in many autoimmune conditions, but the mechanisms underlying these associations are often unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the shared epitope (SE), an HLA-DRB1–coded sequence motif that is the single most significant genetic risk factor for erosive rheumatoid arthritis, acts as a signal transduction ligand that potently activates osteoclastogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. The SE enhanced the production of several pro-osteoclastogenic factors and facilitated osteoclast (OC) differentiation in mouse and human cells in vitro. Transgenic mice expressing a human HLA-DRB1 allele that code the SE motif demonstrated markedly higher propensity for osteoclastogenesis and enhanced bone degradation capacity ex vivo. In addition, the SE enhanced the differentiation of Th17 cells expressing the receptor activator for NF-κB ligand. When the two agents were combined, IL-17 and the SE enhanced OC differentiation synergistically. When administered in vivo to mice with collagen-induced arthritis, the SE ligand significantly increased arthritis severity, synovial tissue OC abundance, and bone erosion. Thus, the SE contributes to arthritis severity by activating an OC-mediated bone-destructive pathway. These findings suggest that besides determining the target specificity of autoimmune responses, HLA molecules may influence disease outcomes by shaping the pathogenic consequences of such responses.
The Intrinsic Structure of Sagittarius A* at 1.3 cm and 7 mm

Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the Galactic Center supermassive black hole (SMBH), is one of the best targets in which to resolve the innermost region of an SMBH with very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). In this study, we have carried out observations toward Sgr A* at 1.349 cm (22.223 GHz) and 6.950 mm (43.135 GHz) with the East Asian VLBI Network, as a part of the multiwavelength campaign of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) in 2017 April. To mitigate scattering effects, the physically motivated scattering kernel model from Psaltis et al. (2018) and the scattering parameters from Johnson et al. (2018) have been applied. As a result, a single, symmetric Gaussian model well describes the intrinsic structure of Sgr A* at both wavelengths. From closure amplitudes, the major-axis sizes are ∼704 ± 102 μas (axial ratio ∼ 1.19 − 0.19 + 0.24 ) and ∼300 ± 25 μas (axial ratio ∼1.28 ± 0.2) at 1.349 cm and 6.95 mm, respectively. Together with a quasi-simultaneous observation at 3.5 mm (86 GHz) by Issaoun et al. (2019), we show that the intrinsic size scales with observing wavelength as a power law, with an index ∼1.2 ± 0.2. Our results also provide estimates of the size and compact flux density at 1.3 mm, which can be incorporated into the analysis of the EHT observations. In terms of the origin of radio emission, we have compared the intrinsic structures with the accretion flow scenario, especially the radiatively inefficient accretion flow based on the Keplerian shell model. With this, we show that a nonthermal electron population is necessary to reproduce the source sizes.
Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are a common cause of ankle pain and disability. Current clinical guidelines favor autogenous or allogenic osteochondral grafting procedures for lesions larger than 10 mm in diameter because of increased failure rates in these larger lesions with arthroscopic debridement, curettage, and microfracture. There are currently no biomechanical data nor level I clinical data supporting this size threshold. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of OLT defect size on stress concentration, rim stress, and location of peak stress and whether a threshold defect size exists. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Progressively larger medial OLTs were created (6, 8, 10, and 12 mm) in 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric ankle joints. With a calibrated Tekscan pressure sensor in the tibiotalar joint, an axial load of 686 N was applied, and pressure was recorded in neutral and 15° of plantar flexion with each defect size. Peak stress, contact area, peak and average rim stresses, and location of peak stress were determined. Results: The distance between peak stress and defect rim was significantly decreased with increasing defect size for lesions of 10 mm and larger. Total tibiotalar contact area was significantly decreased with increasing defect size and with ankle plantar flexion. While peak joint stress and peak rim stress were not affected by defect size or plantar flexion, average rim stress was significantly increased by plantar flexion. Conclusion: Reduction in contact area and shift in the location of peak stress with increasing defect size may contribute to articular cartilage degeneration, pain, and defect enlargement in patients with OLTs. There appears to be a threshold of 10 mm after which the distance between the rim of the defect and the peak stress decreases; however, there is no change in peak stress magnitude with increasing defect size. Clinical Relevance: The location of peak stress in the ankle joint becomes closer to the rim of the defect in OLTs at a threshold of 10 mm and greater in diameter. These data may have implications toward OLT size thresholds for surgical decision making in symptomatic lesions (ie, primary osteochondral transplantation procedure vs curettage and debridement). The ultimate goal is to determine whether there is a threshold defect size for primary osteoarticular graft techniques.
Frequency of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Complications in Children

This study examined the frequency and types of complications with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) placed in immunocompetent pediatric patients for parenteral antimicrobial therapy. It also sought to determine risk factors associated with those complications. Complications occurred at a frequency of 19.3/1000 PICC days, and greater than 30% of PICCs developed at least one complication. Risk factors for complication include double-lumen PICCs, PICCs placed in the femoral vein, younger age, and greater number of daily doses.
Competition, Banking Stability and Growth: Evidence from the dual banking system in OIC countries

This study tests the proposition that the Islamic banks are more stable and profitable, especially during the crisis period and tests the impact of competition on both the Islamic and conventional banks using array of measures including the recently developed Boone index in OIC countries. The results can be summarized as follows. First, increase in share of Islamic banks assets increases the overall stability of banking sector. Second, Islamic banks are more stable as compare to their conventional peers but the profitability measures shows that the both the banks are same. This finding is in sharp contradiction with the theoretical standing of Islamic banks being more profitable. This may be due to the significant divergence of Islamic banks from the theory as it is supposed to operate on the risk sharing arrangement. Third, competition has similar effects on stability and profitability on both the banks. Fourth, Islamic banks did better in terms of profitability during the crisis as compare to conventional banks. It also suggests that the Islamic banks were more stable during the crisis period. Finally, we provide evidence of complimentary effect of Islamic and conventional banks in influencing the income per capita suggesting that the co-existence of both the banking system is rewarding for the economies.
Does wage reflect labor productivity? A comparison between Brazil and the United States

ABSTRACT The study compares the relationship between wages and labor productivity for different categories of workers in Brazil and in the U.S. Analyses highlight to what extent the equilibrium between wages and productivity is related to the degree of economic development. Wages in the U.S. has shown to be more attached to labor productivity, while Brazil has experienced several economic cycles were average earnings grew initially much faster than labor productivity, suddenly falling down in the subsequent years. Analyses also stress how wage differentials, in fact, match productivity differentials for certain occupational groups, while for others they do not.
Creatine Supplementation

Creatine monohydrate is a dietary supplement that increases muscle performance in short-duration, high-intensity resistance exercises, which rely on the phosphocreatine shuttle for adenosine triphosphate. The effective dosing for creatine supplementation includes loading with 0.3 g I kg j 1 I d j 1 for 5 to 7 days, followed by maintenance dosing at 0.03 g I kg j 1 I d j 1 most commonly for 4 to 6 wk. However loading doses are not necessary to increase the intramuscular stores of creatine. Creatine monohydrate is the most studied; other forms such as creatine ethyl ester have not shown added benefits. Creatine is a relatively safe supplement with few adverse effects reported. The most common adverse effect is transient water retention in the early stages of supplementation. When combined with other supplements or taken at higher than recommended doses for several months, there have been cases of liver and renal complications with creatine. Further studies are needed to evaluate the remote and potential future adverse effects from prolonged creatine supplementation. creatine supplementation improving phosphocreatine resynthesis (24,68). Other mechanisms include aiding ATP production via glycolysis by increasing phosphofructo-kinase activity or by buffering hydrogen ions (42,81).
Prosocial effects of MDMA: A measure of generosity

Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces “prosocial” effects that contribute to its recreational use. Few studies have examined the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms by which MDMA produces these effects. Here we examined the effect of MDMA on a specific prosocial effect, i.e. generosity, using a task in which participants make decisions about whether they or another person will receive money (Welfare Trade-Off Task; WTT). Methods: The project included one study without drug administration and one with MDMA. In Study 1, we administered the WTT to healthy adults (N = 361) and examined their performance in relation to measures of personality and socioeconomic status. In Study 2, healthy volunteers with MDMA experience (N = 32) completed the WTT after MDMA administration (0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg). Results: As expected, in both studies participants were more generous with a close friend than an acquaintance or stranger. In Study 1, WTT generosity was related to household income and trait Agreeableness. In Study 2, MDMA (1.0 mg/kg) increased generosity toward a friend but not a stranger, whereas MDMA (0.5 mg/kg) slightly increased generosity toward a stranger, especially among female participants. Conclusions: These data indicate that the WTT is a valuable, novel tool to assess a component of prosocial behavior, i.e. generosity to others. The findings support growing evidence that MDMA produces prosocial effects, but, as with oxytocin, these appear to depend on the social proximity of the relationships. The brain mechanisms underlying the construct of generosity, or the effects of MDMA on this measure, remain to be determined.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Spontaneous Septostomy in Dichorionic Diamniotic Twins and Review of the Literature

Objective. We present 2 cases of spontaneous septostomy in dichorionic diamniotic twins and review the literature regarding the incidence, etiology, and complications of this condition. Methods. The following key words were used in the literature search: “rupture dividing membrane twin,” “disruption dividing membrane twin,” “pseudomonoamniotic twin,” “spontaneous septostomy twin,” “interfetal membrane disruption,” “intertwin membrane rupture,” and “intertwin membrane disruption. ” Results. We present 2 cases in which an intertwin membrane defect was found prenatally in dichorionic diamniotic twins. In both cases, a portion of one twin's body was found traversing the spontaneous septostomy and in the sac of its cotwin. Umbilical cord Doppler studies showed no abnormalities in either case as the cord crossed the membrane disruption. In both cases, the fetuses had no notable sequelae from the ruptured intertwin membrane. The literature review revealed no cases of spontaneous septostomy in dichorionic diamniotic twins but 15 cases in monochorionic diamniotic twins. Possible etiologies include chorioamnionitis, trauma or physical rupture by the fetuses, developmental disturbances represented by amniotic plica, and polyhydramnios. In cases of monozygotic twins, a vascular etiology could explain this rare defect with formation of anastomoses of the outer embryonic vasculature. Complications of the spontaneous septostomy cases identified in the literature included cord entanglement (8 cases), preterm delivery (9 cases), and death (8 cases), although our 2 cases had minimal complications. Conclusions. Spontaneous septostomy in dichorionic diamniotic twins has not previously been reported.
Complete Genome Sequence and Comparative Genome Analysis of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O127:H6 Strain E2348/69

ABSTRACT Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was the first pathovar of E. coli to be implicated in human disease; however, no EPEC strain has been fully sequenced until now. Strain E2348/69 (serotype O127:H6 belonging to E. coli phylogroup B2) has been used worldwide as a prototype strain to study EPEC biology, genetics, and virulence. Studies of E2348/69 led to the discovery of the locus of enterocyte effacement-encoded type III secretion system (T3SS) and its cognate effectors, which play a vital role in attaching and effacing lesion formation on gut epithelial cells. In this study, we determined the complete genomic sequence of E2348/69 and performed genomic comparisons with other important E. coli strains. We identified 424 E2348/69-specific genes, most of which are carried on mobile genetic elements, and a number of genetic traits specifically conserved in phylogroup B2 strains irrespective of their pathotypes, including the absence of the ETT2-related T3SS, which is present in E. coli strains belonging to all other phylogroups. The genome analysis revealed the entire gene repertoire related to E2348/69 virulence. Interestingly, E2348/69 contains only 21 intact T3SS effector genes, all of which are carried on prophages and integrative elements, compared to over 50 effector genes in enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157. As E2348/69 is the most-studied pathogenic E. coli strain, this study provides a genomic context for the vast amount of existing experimental data. The unexpected simplicity of the E2348/69 T3SS provides the first opportunity to fully dissect the entire virulence strategy of attaching and effacing pathogens in the genomic context.
Pretreatment hepatocyte growth factor and thrombospondin-1 levels predict response to high-dose chemotherapy for multiple myeloma.

UNLABELLED Our aim was to establish whether the pretreatment levels of angiogenesis activators and inhibitors can be used to predict clinical responses to treatment that included high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral stem cell support.We analyzed samples and treatment outcomes of 96 patients with MM enrolled in the CMG 2002 randomized clinical trial and treated with induction chemotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support. Concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocytar growth factor (HGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), endostatin, and angiostatin were measured in the peripheral blood plasma and in the bone marrow plasma at diagnosis. Pretreatment HGF concentrations in the peripheral blood plasma as well as in the bone marrow plasma of patients who achieved complete or very good partial response were significantly lower than those in patients who had partial or worse response. Patients with complete or very good partial response had higher TSP-1 levels in the bone marrow plasma than the partial or insufficient response subgroups. There were no correlations between the pretreatment levels of VEGF, bFGF, endostatin, or angiostatin and the treatment response. Pretreatment concentrations of HGF and TSP-1 were predictive factors for treatment response. Patients with low angiogenesis rate as determined by the relative HGF and TSP-1 concentrations were more likely to achieve complete or very good partial response after high-dose chemotherapy. KEYWORDS Angiogenesis, cytokines, high-dose chemotherapy, multiple myeloma, therapeutic response.