Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complications of anticoagulation for pulmonary embolism in low risk trauma patients.

Trauma patients are at significant risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Anticoagulation is standard therapy for DVT/PE, but may cause severe complications. We reviewed the course of 70 trauma ICU patients treated over a 28-month period. Thirty-six patients (51.4 percent) were treated by continuous IV heparin and/or oral warfarin. Of these, 13 patients (36 percent) developed complications requiring termination of anticoagulation. These included recurrent PE (four), subdural hematomas (three), hemothorax (two), heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (one), hemorrhagic pericardial effusion (one), retroperitoneal hematoma (one), and sudden unexplained drop in hemoglobin and shock (one). All patients with subdural hematomas had no prior evidence of head injury on brain computed tomography. All patients with recurrent PE received adequate anticoagulation therapy. Age > 55 was associated with increased risk of complications (8 of 13; p = .02:chi 2). Thirty-four other patients (48.6 percent) received inferior vena caval filters with no related complications or deaths. Anticoagulation for DVT/PE should be used selectively in trauma patients and avoided in elderly patients. Such patients should undergo early caval filter placement.
Longitudinal Changes of Nerve Conduction Velocity, Distal Motor Latency, Compound Motor Action Potential Duration, and Skin Temperature During Prolonged Exposure to Cold in a Climate Chamber

ABSTRACT Changes of nerve conduction velocity (NCV), distal motor latency (DML), compound motor action potential (CMAP) duration, and skin temperature with regard to cold have been investigated by use of ice packs or cold water baths, but not after cooling of environmental temperature which has higher ecological validity. The aim of this study was to investigate these parameters during cooled room temperature. NCV, DML, and CMAP duration of the common fibular nerve, and skin temperature were measured in 20 healthy young females during exposure to 15°C room temperature, coming from 25°C room. We found that NCV decreased and DML increased linearly during 45 min observation time, in contrast to CMAP duration and skin temperature which changes followed an exponential curve. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating changes of these parameters during exposure to environmental cold. The results may pilot some new hypotheses and studies on physiological and pathological changes of the peripheral nervous system and skin to environmental cold, e.g., in elderly with peripheral neuropathies.
Effects of red blood cell hyperaggregation on the rat microcirculation blood flow.

This study presents the effects of red blood cell (RBC) hyperaggregation on the blood flow and pressure in the rat mesentery and cremaster network. We exclusively studied in situ non-vasodilated organs, in order to maintain the physiological regulation mechanisms. Dextran 500 was injected at different concentrations to increase RBC aggregation. The aggregation rate was measured on very small blood samples with an erythroaggregameter (SEFAM) which evaluated the disaggregating shear stress (tau D) needed to break the RBC aggregates. Microscopic observations and laser Doppler velocimetry were used to quantify the flow rate. The plasmatic dextran concentration (C) increase had different correlated effects: for example, tau D increased from 3 dynes cm-2 (for the control sample) to 14 dynes cm-2 (for C = 75 microM L-1); the flow rate was reduced threefold and very large aggregates were observed in the venules; the arteriolar pressure increased while venular pressure decreased. In order to differentiate the effects of RBC hyperaggregation from those of plasma hyperviscosity (due to dextran 500) on microcirculatory blood flow, we injected an RBC antiaggregating drug (troxerutine) (50 or 100 mg kg-1 i.v.). The consequences were a high reduction for (tau D) (from 14 dynes cm(-2)-9 dynes cm-2), smaller aggregates and higher blood flow in the venules. No effect of troxerutine was observed on plasma viscosity (plasma control: 1.9 cP with or without troxerutine; plasma with dextran at C = 75 microM L-1: 2.45 cP with or without troxerutine). The results strongly suggest that RBC aggregation has a significant influence on blood flow rate in the microcirculatory network.
Differential Localization of MAP‐2 and Tau in Mammalian Neurons in Situ a

Microtubules are one of the major constituents of the neuronal cytoskeleton. Although it is generally accepted that these linear polymers play an important role in regulating cell morphology and intracellular transport processes, the mechanisms that dictate their assembly, their interactions with each other, as well as their interactions with other cytoplasmic structures are poorly understood. In addition to their dimeric tubulin subunits, microtubules contain numerous accessory proteins known collectively as microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). ' It is thought that the MAPs control the dimer-polymer equilibrium' and mediate the interaction of microtubules with other cytoskeletal elements and cytoplasmic organelle^. ^^ Therefore, it is likely that the MAP composition of microtubules will affect not only microtubule stability but also the structure and stability of the surrounding cytoplasmic elements with which these microtubules interact. Most of what is currently understood regarding microtubule stability stems from studies performed on microtubules isolated by repetitive cycles of in vitro assembly' from soluble adult brain extracts. Initial homogenization of adult whole brain results in the simultaneous mixing of many regions, cell types (neurons and glia), and cell compartments (dendrites and axons) that in turn, results, upon purification by assembly-disassembly procedures, in a composite microtubule polymer containing as many as 21 tubulin isoforms' and numerous MAPS. '~'' In vitro analyses of brain microtubule assembly have definitively demonstrated that two MAPs, MAP-2 (MI > 300,000)" and tau (MI 55-62,000)L2 stimulate assembly stoichiometrically and can displace each other from binding sites on microtubules (Kim et al., this volume). Results such as these lead one to speculate whether or not these two proteins are present on the same microtubule in situ and raise the possibility that they may be differentially compartmentalized in brain tissue. In this regard, MAP-2 is known to be a predominantly dendritic protein,"-" whereas the distribution of tau in brain tissue has not been previously reported. Because different neuronal cell compartments perform different tasks, an understanding of microtubule function requires the precise localization of MAP-2 and tau to specific cell compartments and subclasses of microtubules. To this end, the present monograph outlines our initial immunohistochemical and biochemical localization experiments using monoclonal antibodies to MAP-2 and tau in both adult and developing brain.
Toxicokinetics of inhaled 2-butoxyethanol and its major metabolite, 2-butoxyacetic acid, in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice.

2-Butoxyethanol (2BE) is used extensively in the production of cleaning agents and solvents. It is primarily metabolized in the liver to 2-butoxyacetic acid (2BAA), which is believed to be responsible for 2BE toxicities associated with hemolysis of red blood cells. The objective of the study was to characterize the systemic disposition of 2BE and 2BAA in rats and mice during 2-year 2BE inhalation toxicity studies. Male and female F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice (6-7 weeks old) were exposed to target 2BE concentrations of 0, 31.2, 62.5, or 125 ppm (rats), or 0, 62.5, 125, or 250 ppm (mice), by whole-body inhalation for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for up to 18 months. Postexposure blood samples were collected after 1 day, 2 weeks, and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of exposure. Postexposure 16-h urine samples were collected after 2 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of exposure. A separate set of mice was kept in the control chamber and exposed to 2BE for 3 weeks when they were approximately 19 months old. Postexposure blood samples were collected after 1 day and 3 weeks of exposure and 16-h urine samples were collected after 2 weeks of exposure from these aged mice. Blood samples were analyzed for both 2BE and 2BAA and urine samples were analyzed for 2BAA using GC/MS, and their kinetic parameters were estimated through the curve-fitting method using SAS. Systemically absorbed 2BE was rapidly cleared from blood (t1/2-RAT < 10 min; t1/2-MOUSE < 5 min after the 1-day exposure) independent of exposure concentration. Proportional increases in AUC2BE relative to increases in exposure concentration indicated linear 2BE kinetics. In contrast, the rate of 2BAA elimination from blood decreased as the exposure concentration increased. Nonproportional increases in AUC2BAA also indicated that 2BAA is eliminated following dose-dependent, nonlinear kinetics. Overall, mice eliminated both 2BE and 2BAA from blood faster than rats. Sex-related differences in 2BAA elimination were most significant with rats, in that females were less efficient in clearing 2BAA from the blood. Differences in renal excretion of 2BAA are possibly responsible for the sex-related difference in the 2BAA blood profiles in rats. As exposure continued, the rates of elimination for both 2BE and 2BAA decreased in both species, resulting in longer residence times in the blood. When 19-month-old naive mice were exposed to 125 ppm, 2BE was rapidly cleared from the systemic circulation, exhibiting clearance profiles similar to young mice. However, old mice eliminated 2BAA from blood > 10 times slower than young mice after 1-day of exposure. This delayed elimination of 2BAA in old mice was less obvious after 3 weeks of exposure, suggesting that there might be other factors in addition to the age of animals that could influence the apparent difference in 2BAA kinetics between old and young mice. It was concluded that the elimination kinetics of 2BE and 2BAA following repeated 2BE exposure appear to be dependent on species, sex, age, time of exposure, as well as the exposure concentration.
Serum levels of soluble programmed death‐1 and programmed death ligand‐1 in systemic sclerosis: Association with extent of skin sclerosis

The interaction of programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) with its ligand, programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1), has been considered to play a key role in the negative regulation of immune responses. Patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) had higher levels of soluble PD‐1 (sPD‐1) than those with limited cutaneous SSc and healthy individuals. Serum sPD‐1 levels positively correlated with the severity of skin sclerosis. In contrast, serum sPD‐L1 levels were significantly increased in patients with SSc compared with healthy individuals. Moreover, serum sPD‐L1 levels were not associated with the extent of skin sclerosis and were elevated not only in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc, but also in those with limited cutaneous SSc. These results suggested that serum sPD‐1 levels may increase in patients with SSc and correlate with the severity of skin sclerosis. PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction may contribute to the development of skin sclerosis in SSc.
Introduction of automated systems to evaluate touch‐pressure, vibration, and thermal cutaneous sensation in man

Systems for automatic assessment of cutaneous touch‐pressure, vibratory, and thermal sensation have been developed. These systems use stimuli which are quantified and reproductible, a two‐alternative forced‐choice technique, and programmed steps to test, score, and report. If normal responses from series of healthy persons have been measured, percentile values specific for test, site, age, and sex can be determined. Abnormality, as in neurological disease, can then be defined as the response which has a value greater than that of the 95th (or other) percentile. These systems may be used to detect and validate abnormalities of sensation in neurological disease and in persons at risk from new medications or from industrial toxins, and to monitor worsening or improvement of sensation in follow‐up of a patient or in evaluation of therapeutic regimens.
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF PRECIPITATES FORMED IN NUCLEI BY ANTIMONATE-OSMIUM TETROXIDE FIXATION

Elements retained in cervical lymph nodes, isolated hepatic nuclei and salt-impregnated gels by fixation with antimonate- or pyrophosphate-containing and other osmium tetroxide solutions were assayed by nuclear activation analysis or by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Salts preserved by the antimonate-osmium tetroxide fixative in lymph nodes, isolated nuclei and a KCl-enriched gel consisted almost entirely of potassium antimonate. The K+ in the precipitates in these specimens appeared to derive partially from that in the fixative solution and partially from that in the specimen. Salts preserved by the antimonate-osmium tetroxide fixative in an NaCl-supplemented gel consisted partly of potassium antimonate derived from the fixative as in unsupplemented gels and partly of sodium antimonate. The Na+ precipitated in this gel amounted to less than one-half that originally present. In comparison the pyrophosphate-osmium tetroxide solution retained higher levels of K+ in lymph nodes, nuclei and the KCl gel, but the potassium pyrophosphate was not evident as electron-opaque precipitates. The latter fixative was less effective in preserving Na+ in the NaCl gel. The pyrophosphate-containing fixative, which was about twice as efficient as the antimonate-containing solution in retaining the divalent cations, preserved 70% of the Mg++ and 100% of the Ca++ added to gels.
Sylvatic Triatominae of the Phyllosoma Complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Around the Community of Carrillo Puerto, Nayarit, Mexico

Abstract Research on domestic and sylvatic triatomines within the community of Carrillo Puerto and neighboring areas of Nayarit, Mexico, documented that Triatoma longipennis (Usinger) and Triatoma picturata (Usinger) were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (L.) in both habitats. T. picturata was the predominant species in both habitats. Mouse baited-traps increased the effectiveness of collecting sylvatic triatomines, which were difficult to sample by inspecting habitats such as burrows, caves, and cliffs. The colonization of sylvatic and peridomestic habitats by Triatoma, the occurrence of high rates of infection with T. cruzi and the possibility that bugs move between habitats may require modification of current control strategies in Mexico.
First results on MIRAS calibration and overall SMOS performance

After the successful launching of the SMOS satellite, the first continuous streams of data are being processed and carefully analyzed in the frame of the SMOS In-Orbit Commissioning phase. Results regarding instrument calibration parameters retrieval, both internal and external, and brightness temperature imaging are presented. Images of ocean, ice and land are given as examples.
Frequency, Clinical and Demographic Correlates of Pathological Dissociation in Europe

ABSTRACT Although pathological dissociation (PD) has received increasing scientific attention in Anglo-American countries, European research on the frequency, clinical and demographic correlates of this discontinuous construct are lacking. An 8-item subscale of the Dissociative Experiences Scale, called the DES-Taxon, was administered to five samples comprising a non-clinical population, students, unselected psychiatric inpatients, eating-disordered inpatients and psychosomatic outpatients with a total of 1,759 adult participants. In the two non-clinical samples, the frequency of PD ranged between 0.3 and 1.8%. Its prevalence was highest in the psychiatric inpatients (5.4%) followed by the eating disorders (4.8%) and the psychosomatic outpatients (2.2%). PD was seen in all diagnostic groups and it was associated with more psychopathological distress and younger age. PD is frequently found in clinical populations in European countries, too. However, methodological problems relating to its empirical determination might obscure the clinical and scientific value of the construct.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Serologic Markers in Children With IBD: The West Virginia Experience

Goal: To assess the sensitivity/specificity of the serologic markers: perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) and anti-saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) in children diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), living in West Virginia. Background: In recent years, serologic markers have been used to differentiate between CD and UC diseases in children. The clinical usefulness of these markers in children was restricted by their low sensitivity and specificity. Racial and ethnic diversity may alter the accuracy of these markers in children. The demographic homogeneity of the West Virginia population may offer a better clinical setup to reassess the utility of those markers in children with IBD. Study: A retrospective analysis of all the charts of children diagnosed with IBD was performed at the gastroenterology clinics of Marshall University, Huntington, WV; and West Virginia University, Charleston Division, Charleston, WV. The diagnosis of IBD was established according to clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic data. Laboratory data and serum markers were recorded, and their accuracy to diagnose UC or CD was assessed. Results: A total of 101 charts were reviewed, of which only 90 (89%) included serologic markers and were considered for further analysis. Disease distribution included: UC-41, CD-44, and indeterminate colitis (IC)-7 (2 patients changed diagnosis after colectomy). Serum antibody pANCA had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 84% for UC, but only 16% and 35% for CD, respectively. Serum antibody ASCA had a sensitivity of 58% and specificity of 92% for CD, but only 7% and 49% for UC, respectively. The outer membrane porin to Escherichia coli antibody (anti-OmpC) was available in 54 (59%) children and demonstrated a very poor sensitivity for both diseases (sensitivity < 11%). Conclusion: Despite our homogeneous patient population, pANCA and ASCA antibodies had an inadequate sensitivity/specificity for children with UC or CD. Those antibodies were not useful for our small number of patients with IC.
A Novel Recombinant Marker Virus Assay for Comparing the Relative Fitness of HIV‐1 Reverse Transcriptase Variants

Summary: A novel recombinant marker virus assay (RMVA) has been developed to perform growth competition assays for assessing fitness of HIV‐1. This assay allowed the generation of replication‐competent viruses by homologous recombination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐derived reverse transcriptase (RT) coding sequences in RT‐deleted proviral clones of HIV‐1 in which the nef gene was replaced by the Salmonella typhimurium histidinol dehydrogenase (hisD) or human heat‐stable placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) gene (pHIV&dgr;RTBalI&dgr;nefhisD and pHIV&dgr;RTBalI&dgr;nefPLAP, respectively). The proportion of a given RT species in a mixed culture was determined by quantifying the linked hisD or PLAP marker gene using real‐time PCR. The RMVA was tested by comparing the relative fitness of wild‐type and lamivudine‐resistant recombinant viruses. The RMVA reproducibly detected differences in the fitness of these two viruses in growth competition assays. With appropriate modification of the recombination vectors, the RMVA should be useful for analyzing the fitness of viruses resistant to protease, integrase, or fusion inhibitors and should be applicable in clinical research.
Changes in negative beliefs following three brief programs for facilitating recovery after assault

Background: This study examines whether changes in negative beliefs about oneself, others, and the world occur as a result of early intervention aimed at preventing the development of chronic PTSD and further explores whether changes in negative beliefs during early intervention mediate long‐term changes in psychopathology and functioning. Methods: Ninety recent female assault survivors were randomized to 4‐week early intervention programs: brief cognitive behavioral intervention, weekly assessment, or supportive counseling (SC). Changes in negative beliefs were examined from preintervention to postintervention. Results: Negative beliefs improved across interventions, with somewhat less benefit reported by participants receiving SC. As expected, before intervention more severe negative beliefs were associated with higher initial trauma reactions and these negative beliefs generally improved from preintervention to postintervention. Moreover, for the brief cognitive–behavioral intervention, changes in perceptions of self and one's safety mediated longer‐term changes in trauma‐related symptoms. Conclusions: The present results highlight the potential importance of changes in negative beliefs in long‐term adjustment of recent assault survivors. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Career competencies for career success

This article addresses the general question as to which competencies employees need to possess in order to engage in self-management in their career development. The authors distinguished and operationalized 6 career factors and competencies of self-management in career development. A quantitative study was performed using 1,579 employees in 16 Dutch companies to investigate the relationship between career competencies and career success. The results indicate that, among others, the factors career control and networking are strongly associated with career success. The results are discussed with respect to the facilitation organizations can provide for their employees' career actualization.
Transdifferentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells into hepatocytes: a new approach

Background: Several studies have demonstrated techniques in differentiating human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) into hepatocytes. Unfortunately, transdifferentiation is inefficient, and the function of these induced hepatocyte‐like cells (which we termed ‘iHeps’) is low compared with that of real hepatocytes.
The comparative anatomy of the abdominal gastrointestinal tract of six species of African mole‐rats (Rodentia, Bathyergidae)

The gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of six species of African mole‐rats (Bathyergidae) were compared. The aim was to provide a comprehensive anatomical comparison between the different species. The relative shape, length, and surface areas were taken into account to determine whether the GITs are phylogenetically constrained or exhibit anatomical adaptations in response to diets. In all six species the stomach was simple and glandular. With the exception of Heterocephalus glaber, the caecum was coiled in a flat spiral, the ascending colon was arranged in a loop of varying lengths, and a mucosal colonic papillary‐lined groove was present in the ascending colon in all species. By contrast, the caecum in H. glaber was uncoiled, the ascending colon was not looped, and the groove was not papillated. A caeco‐appendix was observed only in Bathyergus suillus and Georychus capensis. Hierarchical multivariate cluster analysis on the presence/absence of nine anatomical structures associated with the GIT of mole‐rats revealed that H. glaber was anatomically the least similar of the six species (77.6% similarity) with respect to the nine GIT variables included. All Cryptomys species were the same (100% similarity), and two species B. suillus and G. capensis grouped together and were more similar to the Cryptomys genus (95% similarity) than they were to H. glaber. These findings support previous phylogenetic classifications. The voluminous caeco‐colon in B. suillus may be explained by its ingestion of grasses in addition to below‐ground storage organs of plants. We conclude that phylogeny and diet affect the GIT anatomy of the African mole rats studied here. J. Morphol. , 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.