Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lower extremity injuries in drivers of airbag-equipped automobiles: clinical and crash reconstruction correlations.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN To determine the relationship between airbags and lower extremity injuries, 10 drivers admitted to a level-I trauma center with substantial lower extremity trauma incurred in crashes involving airbag-equipped vehicles were studied in depth with regard to their injuries, the circumstances of the crashes, and the medical charges for the acute management of those injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS During the clinical investigation portion of this study, we photographed lower extremity injuries, both soft tissue and radiographs, and performed a detailed surgical exploration during the debridement of open wounds or fracture fixation to treat them appropriately and to define the mechanism of injury, the fracture pattern, the pattern of soft-tissue insult, and the extent of periosteal stripping. We recorded the hospital and professional charges associated with the acute management not only of these injuries, but of the other injuries as well. The analysis performed for each case included a detailed crash reconstruction, including force, contact point, and vehicle intrusion data. Particular attention was paid to the dashboard and toe pan areas to determine deformation and intrusion and their association with thigh, leg, and foot injuries. Pertinent deformation and trajectory information was entered into the Calspan Reconstruction of Accident Speeds on the Highway (CRASH) computer program to generate a delta V or change in velocity measurement used as a measure of collision severity. When field data were incompatible with the limitations of the CRASH program, manual calculations such as "slide to stop" and conservation of momentum formulas were used. RESULTS The seven male and three female drivers had a mean age of 39.4 years. Only four used seatbelt restraints. The mean delta V was 28.3 mph and the mean maximum crush was 32.4 inches. The mean Injury Severity Score of 13.2. Musculoskeletal injuries included 11 foot/ankle fractures, 6 tibial fractures, 2 patellar fractures, 6 femoral fractures, and two acetabular/pelvic fractures. Other trauma included abdominal, thoracic, head and upper torso injuries, it seems that these safety devices do not prevent injuries to the lower extremity.
Síndrome neurótico general, pan-neurosis o síndrome de Tyrer: un diagnóstico a considerar

La psiquiatria ha dividido clasicamente a las neurosis en obsesiva, fobica, de angustia, hipocondriaca, histeria y neurastenia. El termino neurotico es utilizado para expresar sintomas predominantes de ansiedad y/o depresivos no melancolicos, afrontamiento ineficaz de los problemas de la vida cotidiana, perturbacion subyacente de la personalidad, etc. En las clasificaciones actuales, categorias como las de distimia, trastorno de ansiedad generalizada, trastorno de panico, agorafobia, etc., presentan una elevada comorbilidad y una escasa consistencia longitudinal, siendo frecuente el cambio secuencial de diagnostico durante el seguimiento, dada la clinica predominante en cada corte transversal. El grupo britanico de Tyrer aboga por la recuperacion del viejo concepto de sindrome neurotico general o "pan-neurosis", aportando criterios operativos para definir este constructo: sintomas de ansiedad y depresion suficientemente graves para realizar un diagnostico de ansiedad y depresion formal; cambios en la primacia de los sintomas con la evolucion; personalidad perteneciente al cluster C (evitativa-ansiosa, anancastica o dependiente), infrecuencia de rasgos del cluster B (histrionicos, limite, impulsivos, antisociales); antecedentes familiares de ansiedad-depresion; curso cronico, y alto numero de life-events, posiblemente generados internamente por los rasgos de personalidad de los pacientes. Este grupo recoge en estudios recientes la escasa fiabilidad test-retest de los diagnosticos de trastornos de personalidad (kappa de 0,14 tras un seguimiento de 12 anos), y la inestabilidad de las categorizaciones de distimia, trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y trastorno de panico, con un 86% de cambios diagnosticos tras 2 anos de seguimiento. Se ilustran estas tesis con la presentacion de un caso de pan-neurosis, haciendo enfasis en la elevada interferencia producida por los sintomas en todas las areas de la vida del paciente ? familiar, laboral, social, ocio, etc.? , equiparable a la de algunas psicosis
Time Course and Spatial Profile of Nogo-A Expression in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract Inhibition of the myelin-associated neurite outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A has been found to be beneficial in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), but there are little data on its expression dynamics during the disease course. We analyzed Nogo-A mRNA and protein during the course of EAE in 27 C57BL/6 mice and in 8 controls. Histopathologic and molecular analyses were performed on Day 0 (naive), preclinical (Day 10), acute (Days 18–22) and chronic (Day 50) time points. In situ hybridization and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed reduced Nogo-A mRNA expression at preclinical (p < 0.0001) and acute phases (p < 0.0001), followed by upregulation during the chronic phase (p < 0.0001). Nogo-A mRNA was expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes. By immunohistochemistry and Western blot, there was increased Nogo-A protein expression (p < 0.001) in the chronic phase. Moreover, spatial differences were observed within EAE lesions. The pattern of Nogo-A protein expression inversely correlated with axonal regeneration growth-associated protein 43–positive axons (60% of which were Nogo-A contact–free during the acute phase) and axonal injury (&bgr;-amyloid precursor protein–positive axons). Cortical Nogo-66 receptor protein and mRNA levels increased during the chronic phase. The results indicate that Nogo-A and Nogo receptor are actively regulated in EAE lesions; this may indicate a specific time window for localized axonal regeneration in the acute phase of EAE.
A de novo transcriptome of European pollen beetle populations and its analysis, with special reference to insecticide action and resistance

The pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus is the most important coleopteran pest in European oilseed rape cultivation, annually infesting millions of hectares and responsible for substantial yield losses if not kept under economic damage thresholds. This species is primarily controlled with insecticides but has recently developed high levels of resistance to the pyrethroid class. The aim of the present study was to provide a transcriptomic resource to investigate mechanisms of resistance. cDNA was sequenced on both Roche (Indianapolis, IN, USA) and Illumina (LGC Genomics, Berlin, Germany) platforms, resulting in a total of ∼53 m reads which assembled into 43 396 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Manual annotation revealed good coverage of genes encoding insecticide target sites and detoxification enzymes. A total of 77 nonredundant cytochrome P450 genes were identified. Mapping of Illumina RNAseq sequences (from susceptible and pyrethroid‐resistant strains) against the reference transcriptome identified a cytochrome P450 (CYP6BQ23) as highly overexpressed in pyrethroid resistance strains. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism analysis confirmed the presence of a target‐site resistance mutation (L1014F) in the voltage‐gated sodium channel of one resistant strain. Our results provide new insights into the important genes associated with pyrethroid resistance in M. aeneus. Furthermore, a comprehensive EST resource is provided for future studies on insecticide modes of action and resistance mechanisms in pollen beetle.
Molecular identification of Candida species isolated from cases of neonatal candidemia using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in a tertiary care hospital

Context: Candida spp. is an emerging cause of bloodstream infections worldwide. Delay in speciation of Candida isolates by conventional methods and resistance to antifungal drugs in various Candida species are responsible for the increase in morbidity and mortality due to candidemia. Hence, the rapid identification of Candida isolates is very important for the proper management of patients with candidemia. Aims: The aim was to re-evaluate the identification of various Candida spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and to evaluate the accuracy, speed, and cost of phenotypic methodology versus PCR-RFLP. Settings and Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Ninety consecutive clinical isolates of seven Candida species, isolated from blood of neonates and identified by routine phenotypic methods, were re-evaluated using universal primers internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ITS4 for PCR amplification and Msp I restriction enzyme for RFLP. Statistical Analysis Used: Kappa test for agreement. Results: The results of PCR-RFLP were 100% in agreement with those obtained using conventional phenotypic methods. Identification could be achieved within 3 work days by both the methods. Our routine methods proved to be cost effective than PCR-RFLP. Conclusions: We can continue with our routine phenotypic methods and PCR-RFLP can be used for periodic quality control or when conventional methods fail to identify a species.
Development of adherence metrics for caloric restriction interventions

Background Objective measures are needed to quantify dietary adherence during caloric restriction (CR) while participants are freeliving. One method to monitor adherence is to compare observed weight loss to the expected weight loss during a prescribed level of CR. Normograms (graphs) of expected weight loss can be created from mathematical modeling of weight change to a given level of CR, conditional on the individual’s set of baseline characteristics. These normograms can then be used by counselors to help the participant adhere to their caloric target. Purpose (1) To develop models of weight loss over a year of caloric restriction-given demographics, and well-defined measurements of body mass index, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and %CR. (2) To utilize these models to develop normograms, given the level of caloric restriction prescribed, and measures of these variables. Methods Seventy-seven individuals completing a 6–12-month caloric restriction intervention (CALERIE) at three sites (Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Tufts University, and Washington University) and had body weight and body composition measured frequently. Energy intake (and %CR) was estimated from TDEE (by doubly labeled water) and body composition (by DXA) at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Bodyweight was modeled to determine the predictors and distribution of the expected trajectory of percent weight change over 12 months of CR. Results As expected, CR was related to change in body weight. Controlling for time-varying measures, initially simple models of the functional form indicated that the trajectory of percent weight change was predicted by a nonlinear function of age, TDEE, %CR, and sex. Using these estimates, normograms for the weight change were developed. Our model estimates that the mean weight loss (% change from baseline weight) for an individual adherent to a 25% CR regimen is −10.9 ± 6.3% for females and −13.9 + 6.4% for men after 12 months. Limitations There are several limitations. Sample sizes are small (n = 77), and, by design, the protocols, including prescribed CR, for the interventions differed by site, and not all subjects completed a year of follow-up. In addition, the inclusion of subjects by age and initial BMI was constricted, so that these results may not generalize to other populations including older and obese subjects. Conclusions The trajectory of percent weight change during CR interventions in the presence of well-measured covariates can be modeled using simple nonlinear functions, and is related level of CR, the percent change in TDEE, gender, and age. Displayed on a normogram, individually tailored trajectories can be used by counselors and participants to monitor weight loss and adherence to a CR regimen.
Aberrant crypts correlate with tumor incidence in F344 rats treated with azoxymethane and phytate.

Aberrant crypts are putative preneoplastic lesions that have been proposed as intermediate biomarkers for colon cancer. The goals of these studies were to determine (i) if the colon cancer chemopreventive agent, sodium phytate, when started 1 week after a single dose of carcinogen, has any effect on the development of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in treated rats; and (ii) if ACF at an early time period under these conditions correlate with the later formation of tumors in similarly treated animals. The number of ACF with four or more crypts was greater (P = 0.02, Mann-Whitney test) in rats with tumors compared with rats without tumors killed at 36 weeks after the injection of azoxymethane (AOM); the total number of ACF was not significantly different in these two groups. The incidence of tumors in F344 rats treated with AOM without phytate was 83% (10/12) compared to 25% (3/12) in rats treated with AOM plus phytate (P = 0.0045, two-tail Fisher's exact test). The finding of more (P = 0.005, Mann-Whitney test) ACF with four or more crypts in rats without phytate than in rats with phytate at 12 weeks after the injection of AOM is consistent with the hypothesis that the development of larger ACF (with four or more crypts) is predictive of the tumor incidence. These results validate the use of this parameter, i.e. ACF with four or more crypts, as an intermediate biomarker for tumor incidence in this system.
A comparison of the effects of intracellular and extracellular pH on contraction in isolated rat portal vein.

1. The effects of changes in extracellular and intracellular pH on spontaneous contractile activity in isolated rat portal vein have been investigated. 2. Small strips of portal vein were loaded with the pH‐sensitive fluorophore carboxy‐SNARF and intracellular pH (pHi) and contraction were measured simultaneously at 37 degrees C. The tissue was superfused with oxygenated, Hepes‐buffered solutions at pH 7.4. Intracellular pH was altered by isosmotic substitution of weak acids or bases. External pH (pHo) was altered by addition of strong acid or base to the solution. 3. The mean resting value of pHi was 7.06 +/‐ 0.03 (n = 28). Alteration of pHi led to changes in spontaneous activity. Addition of butyrate (20 mM) reduced pHi by 0.18 +/‐ 0.01 pH units (n = 8). Decreasing pHi produced an early, brief increase in contractile activity followed by a longer lasting decrease or even abolition of contraction. 4. Addition of 20 mM trimethylamine or NH4Cl increased pHi by around 0.2 pH units and produced an early transient decrease in contractile activity followed by a later maintained increase, both in frequency and magnitude. Removal of base produced a rapid rebound decrease in pHi which was associated with a further transient increase in contractile activity followed by decreased activity. The effects of base on both pHi and contraction were concentration dependent over the range investigated (2.5‐30 mM). 5. Alteration of pHo produced a change in pHi in the portal vein. The pHi change was rapid compared to other non‐vascular cells (about 1 min to half‐maximal response). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Electromagnetic Characterization of Uniaxial Chiral Composites Using State Transition Matrix Method

An analytic frequency domain technique is presented for reconstructing constitutive parameters of uniaxial chiral media. First, forward analysis of the problem is discussed using 4 × 4 transition matrix method. Based on this analysis, a procedure is illustrated for retrieving all the constitutive tensor parameters of uniaxial chiral slab. In the proposed retrieval method, scattering parameters (reflection and transmission coefficients) are employed for plane wave incident normally on a uniaxial chiral slab. This characterization algorithm is based on the state transition matrix and its properties, discussed as two proven theorems. Unlike conventional methods, in this method it is not necessary to directly consider complicated eigenpolarizations of the uniaxial chiral medium resulting in complexity. To validate the proposed method, constitutive tensor parameters of two dispersive uniaxial chiral composites are retrieved at microwave frequencies. The results showed that when the scattering parameters combined with the properties of state transition matrix, they could provide a powerful technique for characterizing uniaxial chiral composites.
Properties of myenteric neurones and mucosal functions in the distal colon of diet‐induced obese mice

• We investigated altered colonic functions in high fat diet‐induced obesity in pre‐diabetic mice. • After feeding an adipogenic diet for 12 weeks, accelerated colonic transit was associated with upregulation and enhanced signalling of acetylcholine and serotonin, two key mediators in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Importantly, these changes occurred without signs of impaired mucosal integrity or immune cell infiltration in the gut wall. Neuronal sensitization was not observed in obese mice fed for 4 weeks. • Weight gain correlated positively with the level of adipocyte markers and the degree of neuronal sensitization. • We conclude that enhanced neural excitation in the colon by acetylcholine and serotonin is a key feature of a later phase of obesity and is involved in altered ENS functions and abnormal colonic transit. • Furthermore, the results suggest that the occurrence of altered gut functions in obesity is independent of inflammation in the gut wall.
H-NS forms a superhelical protein scaffold for DNA condensation

The histone-like nucleoid structuring (H-NS) protein plays a fundamental role in DNA condensation and is a key regulator of enterobacterial gene expression in response to changes in osmolarity, pH, and temperature. The protein is capable of high-order self-association via interactions of its oligomerization domain. Using crystallography, we have solved the structure of this complete domain in an oligomerized state. The observed superhelical structure establishes a mechanism for the self-association of H-NS via both an N-terminal antiparallel coiled-coil and a second, hitherto unidentified, helix-turn-helix dimerization interface at the C-terminal end of the oligomerization domain. The helical scaffold suggests the formation of a H-NS:plectonemic DNA nucleoprotein complex that is capable of explaining published biophysical and functional data, and establishes a unifying structural basis for coordinating the DNA packaging and transcription repression functions of H-NS.
L-Carnitine Treatment Partially Restores Urinary Bladder Function of Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is associated with urinary bladder dysfunction. This study determined whether or not detrusor responses were altered and reversed by L-carnitine treatment in the urinary bladders of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Three groups of animals were used: streptozotocin-treated (45 mg·kg–1 i.p., 8 weeks), parallel L-carnitine-treated (0.6 g·kg–1·day–1 i.p.), and control rats. Contractile and relaxant responses were measured using isolated bath techniques. Results: Serum glucose levels in diabetic rats were partially reversed after L-carnitine treatment. Detrusor strips from diabetic rats exhibited an increase in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.5–32 Hz). Treatment with L-carnitine restored the hyperreactivity to EFS- induced contractility. The response to direct activation of the smooth muscle with carbachol and KCl remained unaltered. In relaxation studies, the urinary bladders of diabetic rats displayed a diminished response to isoprenaline, an unchanged response to ATP, and an increased response to adenosine of the ATP metabolite. L-Carnitine treatment restored the hyporesponsiveness of isoprenaline and the hyperresponsiveness of adenosine-elicited relaxation. Conclusions: These findings show that carnitine can be implicated in the contractile response of noradrenergic noncholinergic nerve stimulation and the relaxation response of isoprenaline and adenosine. Hence, L-carnitine deficiency can contribute to voiding deficiency in diabetic patients.
Electrophysiological correlates of fluid transport in cultured porcine thyroid cells.

Confluent monolayers of cultured porcine thyroid cells transport fluid from the apical to the basal surface, forming circumscribed zones of detachment from the culture dish substrate (domes). The transepithelial potential (TEP), positive on the basal side, was 12.9 +/- 0.4 (S.E.M.) mV (n = 93) under control conditions, increasing to 38.9 +/- 0.3 mV (n = 281) when fluid transport was stimulated by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; 1 mumol/l). Forskolin (1 mumol/l) and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (0.5 mmol/l) were also effective in increasing TEP. Addition of amiloride in concentrations sufficient to block fluid transport (100 mumol/l) reduced the TEP to 5.8 +/- 0.3 mV (n = 76). Substitution of N-methyl-D-glucamine for sodium in the medium reduced the PGE2-stimulated TEP to 13.4 +/- 0.8 mV (n = 32). Substitution of gluconate for chloride increased the TEP to 40.3 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 160). Removal of bicarbonate or potassium from the medium, or addition of ouabain (200 mumol/l) were also effective in reducing the TEP. In media of low bicarbonate concentration (1 mmol NaHCO3/l), acetazolamide (1 mmol/l) reduced the TEP. Fluid transport by the monolayer as measured by the change in height of domes was increased by PGE2 (1 mumol/l). PGE2-stimulated fluid transport was inhibited by sodium or chloride ion substitution, bicarbonate removal or the addition of ouabain (200 mumol/l) or amiloride (100 mumol/l). It was concluded that fluid transport in thyroid monolayers is mediated by rheogenic sodium transport with chloride transport being passive, electrogenically coupled to sodium transport. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ALTERED PREDATION SUSCEPTIBILITY OF MOSQUITOFISH INFECTED WITH EUSTRONGYLIDES IGNOTUS

Eustrongylides ignotus is a parasitic nematode whose definitive hosts are often piscivorous wading birds (Ciconiiformes). Several species of small fishes are intermediate hosts, while larger predatory fish may be paratenic (transport) hosts. We examined predation susceptibility of infected mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) to three species of predatory fishes, including juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salminoides), warmouth (Lepomis gulosus), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). A 250 L aquarium with removable plexiglass divider and remote observation windows was constructed. Aquatic macrophytes were placed in the tank to provide refuge for the fishes. Predatory fish were allowed to acclimate to one half of the tank, while one infected and one uninfected mosquitofish were placed in the other. The divider was removed and an observer recorded the number of capture attempts and time required for capture. Predators were observed for behavioral alterations for 4 days after ingestion of infected mosquitofish, then examined at necropsy. Infected prey were selected preferentially in 31 of 38 (82%) trials. The number of capture attempts was 2.7 ± 0.2 (x̄ ± SE) for infected fish and 3.9 ± 0.4 for uninfected fish. Mean time of capture was 12.4 ± 1.6 min for infected fish and 21.7 ± 2.9 for uninfected fish. Because of these differences, infected mosquitofish were more susceptible to predation (P < 0.01) than uninfected fish. Aberrant behavior including lethargy, convulsions, and buoyancy abnormalities was observed in eight (67%) predatory fish. At necropsy, larvae of E. ignotus were found in the coelomic cavity, viscera, and swim bladders of predators. Parasite-induced behavior modification of intermediate hosts may predispose them to predation by wading birds and thereby facilitate the transmission of this nematode in natural populations.