Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis After Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is variation in the literature in regard to the occurrence of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) after congenital cardiothoracic surgery. The objective of this study was to identify and appraise the evidence for the occurrence of UVFP after congenital cardiothoracic surgery in a meta-analysis. METHOD: A comprehensive search strategy in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted, limited to English publications. Two independent reviewers screened studies for eligibility criteria. Of the 162 identified studies, 32 (20%) met the inclusion criteria. Using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines, 2 reviewers appraised the level of evidence, extracted data, and resolved discrepancies by consensus. Weighted pooled proportion and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies (n = 5625 patients) were included. Levels of evidence varied from level 3 to 4. Among all studies, the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 9.3% (95% CI, 6.6% to 12.5%), and among 11 studies (n = 584 patients) that postoperatively evaluated patients with flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to document presence of UVFP, the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 29.8% (95% CI, 18.5% to 42.5%). Twenty-one studies (n = 2748 patients) evaluated patients undergoing patent ductus arteriosus ligation surgery, and the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 8.7% (95% CI, 5.4% to 12.6%). Six of these (n = 274 patients) assessed all patients postoperatively, and the weighted pooled proportion of UVFP was 39% (95% CI, 18% to 63%). Pooled analyses of risk factors and comorbidities are reported. Heterogeneity and publication bias were detected. CONCLUSIONS: UVFP is a demonstrated risk of congenital cardiothoracic surgery. Routine postoperative nasopharyngolaryngoscopy for vocal fold assessment by an otolaryngologist is suggested.
Oestradiol concentration and the development of the uterine oxytocin receptor and oxytocin-induced PGF2 alpha release in ewes.

The control of temporal changes in oxytocin receptor concentrations and oxytocin-induced 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2 alpha (PGFM) release was examined in ewes. One week after ovariectomy, 36 ewes were administered fluorogesterone acetate for 10 days followed by oestradiol (3 x 16 micrograms day-1) for 2 days (pretreatment cycle). Day 0 was designated as the time of the final 'oestrous' oestradiol injection. Ewes were then treated for up to 12 days with progesterone (24 mg day-1 maximum) with or without oestradiol (both hormones administered in 1 ml of corn oil i.m. at 8 h intervals) in a pattern known to simulate natural plasma profiles of the oestrous cycle. The three treatments were zero oestradiol, low oestradiol (12 micrograms day-1 maximum), and high oestradiol (36 micrograms day-1 maximum). Subgroups of four ewes from each treatment group were given 1 microgram of oxytocin (i.v.) on day 10, 11 or 12 of the simulated cycle, and endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations were determined in samples collected within 3 h of oxytocin administration. On day 10 only one ewe in each group exhibited a PGFM response to oxytocin, and the mean response was unaffected by the concentration of oestradiol administered. On days 11 and 12 there was a significant effect of oestradiol concentration (P < 0.05) on the pattern of PGFM release in response to oxytocin, the high oestradiol concentration causing a rapid increase in the concentration of PGFM following oxytocin administration. On day 12 the oestradiol concentration was positively correlated with the PGFM mean response (P < 0.01). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Systems Biology Examination of the Human Female Genital Tract Shows Compartmentalization of Immune Factor Expression

ABSTRACT Many mucosal factors in the female genital tract (FGT) have been associated with HIV susceptibility, but little is known about their anatomical distribution in the FGT compartments. This study comprehensively characterized global immune factor expression in different tissue sites of the lower and upper FGT by using a systems biology approach. Tissue sections from the ectocervix, endocervix, and endometrium from seven women who underwent hysterectomy were analyzed by a combination of quantitative mass spectrometry and immunohistochemical staining. Of the >1,000 proteins identified, 281 were found to be differentially abundant in different tissue sites. Hierarchical clustering identified four major functional pathways distinguishing compartments, including innate immune pathways (acute-phase response, LXR/RXR) and development (RhoA signaling, gluconeogenesis), which were enriched in the ectocervix/endocervix and endometrium, respectively. Immune factors important for HIV susceptibility, including antiproteases, immunoglobulins, complement components, and antimicrobial factors, were most abundant in the ectocervix/endocervix, while the endometrium had a greater abundance of certain factors that promote HIV replication. Immune factor abundance is heterogeneous throughout the FGT and shows unique immune microenvironments for HIV based on the exposure site. This may have important implications for early events in HIV transmission and site-specific susceptibility to HIV in the FGT.
Individual variation in the effects of ASA on platelet function: implications for the use of ASA clinically.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) inhibits hemostasis and platelet function in some individuals (ASA responders) but not in others (ASA nonresponders). DESIGN In this two-part study, part 1 was a randomized, double-blind crossover study of the effects of various single doses of ASA (80 to 1300 mg) on primary hemostasis and platelet function. Part 2 was a prospective cohort study of the effects of a chronic dose of ASA (325 mg) on primary hemostasis and platelet function. SETTING A hospital research laboratory and a cardiac care ward. SUBJECTS Part 1: 10 healthy volunteers (five male, five female). Part 2: 40 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). RESULTS Part 1: ASA, in a dose-related manner, prolonged the bleeding time in 60% of volunteers (ASA responders), which was associated with decreases in platelet thromboxane (Tx) A2 and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) synthesis and in platelet aggregation and adhesion. However, in volunteers whose bleeding time was not prolonged (ASA nonresponders), platelet 12-HETE synthesis and platelet adhesion were unchanged or increased (P < 0.001), despite platelet TxA2 and platelet aggregation being inhibited. Part 2: similarly, 58% of the CABG patients were ASA responders and all of their platelet biochemistry and function tests were inhibited, while in the CABG patient ASA nonresponders (no prolongation of bleeding time), platelet 12-HETE and platelet adhesion were increased (P < 0.001).
The socioeconomic conditions determining the development, persistence, and decline of forest garden systems

There is a range of forest management systems between pure extraction and plantation systems. Such “intermediate systems” range from wild forests modified for increased production of selected products to anthropogenic forests with a high-density of valuable species growing within a relatively diverse and complex structure. These systems, classed here as “Forest Garden Systems” (FGS), have important socioeconomic and ecological benefits, and yet they have been largely overlooked by researchers, development practitioners, and policy makers. Based on case examples and the authors’ experience, this paper analyzes the socioeconomic and institutional factors that explain the development, persistence, and decline of FGS. These systems combine productivity and biodiversity values and are important components in the diverse economic systems of their managers. As such, the model warrants increased attention to protect existing values, to support the adaptation of existing systems to changing circumstances, and to inform the development of new models of integrated forest management
Do Discs “Open” Anteriorly With Posterior-Only Correction of Scheuermann's Kyphosis?

Study Design. Retrospective radiographic analysis. Objective. To investigate where and to what degree the correction of Scheuermann's kyphosis occurred in two different procedures: posterior instrumentation/fusion with an anterior release and posterior-only instrumentation/fusion with Ponte procedure. Summary of Background Data. Controversy remains regarding the outcome for these two procedures. The postoperative segmental disc shape change that account for deformity correction has not been described for either procedure. Methods. Eleven patients undergoing a thoracoscopic anterior release followed by posterior instrumentation (A + P) and 11 patients having posterior-only (PO) instrumentation/fusion were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to conventional Cobb measurements, segmental measures of intradiscal angulation as well as anterior and posterior disc heights were made before and after surgery. Results. The thoracic hyperkyphosis was corrected to similar degrees in both groups (A + P vs. PO, P = 0.87). The PO group averaged 82.7° ± 6.4° before surgery and corrected to 47.9° ± 5.4° after surgery; while the A + P group averaged 84.9° ± 10.2° before surgery and corrected to 48.6° ± 5.7° after surgery. The segmental analysis demonstrated similar degrees of intradiscal angular changes between the two surgical procedures. The majority of the correction occurred at and below the apex and was independent of an anterior release. The changes in both anterior and posterior disc thicknesses were also similar between the two groups. Both groups' anterior disc spaces opened at T8 and below, whereas maximum anterior disc opening occurred at the thoracolumbar junction. To a lesser extent, the posterior disc heights were reduced, but also to similar degrees for both surgical approaches. Conclusion. For both surgical procedures, the majority of the kyphosis correction occurred in the lower thoracic levels and anterior disc heights increased up to twice as much as posterior disc heights shortened. The addition of the anterior release did not significantly alter the degree of correction or the disc shape changes.
The efficacy of continuous interferon alpha administration as an adjunctive agent to colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever patients.

OBJECTIVE About 10-20% of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients are resistant to regular colchicine treatment and have painful recurrent attacks due to polyserositis. In clinical practice there is no alternative drug for such patients. In a previous pilot study on a small number of colchicine-resistant patients, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) was administered when painful attacks were about to occur. METHODS In this study we gave IFN-alpha continuously to 8 colchicine-resistant FMF patients in a schedule while the colchicine therapy had been continued. All those patients were complicated with vasculitis or arthritis or together during the FMF course. Those complications were treated with the other immunosuppressive drugs. While they were under intense immunosuppressive therapy, the abdominal and the other serosal attacks remained to continue. RESULTS After the administration of IFN-alpha therapy only one out of eight patients had abdominal painful attacks in twice, and one patient had arthritis in knees and ankles, the others responded well. Observed side effects were generally mild and acceptable. CONCLUSION Continuous IFN administration in addition to the regular colchicine treatment may be useful for the colchicine-resistant attacks in FMF patients.
Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MRI of hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation with histological characteristics.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess whether gadoxetate disodium-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MRI could predict the histologic factors of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-three HCCs histopathologically proved by surgery in 51 patients were evaluated retrospectively. All patients underwent gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI before surgical resection. The differences in contrast enhancement ratio of the lesions and differences in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) among the histologic grades of HCC were compared by using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The Spearman method was used to determine the correlations among contrast enhancement ratio, CNR, cell density ratio, and positivity for anti-hepatocyte antibody, keratin 7, and keratin 19. RESULTS Of 53 HCCs, 50 showed low signal intensity on hepatobiliary phase images, whereas three HCCs were hyperintense on hepatobiliary phase images compared with surrounding hepatic parenchyma. Although well-differentiated HCCs tended to show higher contrast enhancement, there was no statistical significance between contrast enhancement ratio of the tumors and histologic grade (p = 0.414). No significant difference was observed between CNR and histologic grade (p = 0.965). The contrast enhancement ratios of the tumors were significantly lower in the keratin 19-positive group than in the keratin 19-negative group (p = 0.015). There was no significant correlation among contrast enhancement ratio, anti-hepatocyte antibody positivity, cell density ratio, and keratin 7 positivity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The contrast enhancement ratio and CNR of HCCs were not correlated with histologic grades. The contrast enhancement ratio was significantly lower in keratin 19-positive HCCs.
Reversible anti-settlement activity against Amphibalanus (=Balanus) amphitrite, Bugula neritina, and Hydroides elegans by a nontoxic pharmaceutical compound, mizolastine

Mizolastine, an antihistamine pharmaceutical, was found to significantly inhibit larval settlement of the barnacle Amphibalanus (=Balanus) amphitrite, the bryozoan Bugula neritina, and the polychaete Hydroides elegans with EC50 values of 4.2, 11.2, and 4.1 µg ml−1, respectively. No toxicity against the larvae of these three species was observed at the concentration range tested during incubations with mizolastine. To determine whether the anti-settlement activity of mizolastine is reversible, recovery bioassays using these three species were conducted. More than 70% of the larvae that had been exposed for 4 h to mizolastine at concentrations four-fold greater than their respective EC50 values completed normal metamorphosis. The results of the recovery bioassay provide evidence that the anti-settlement effect of mizolastine is reversible in addition to being nontoxic. The anti-settlement activities of several intermediates of the synthesis process of mizolastine were also examined. One of the intermediates, 2-chloro-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole, inhibited larval settlement and metamorphosis with low toxicity. These results may improve the understanding of the key functional group responsible for the anti-settlement activity of mizolastine.
The role of immunonutrition in gynecologic oncologic surgery.

BACKGROUND This study assesses the effect of immunonutrition on biochemical and hematological parameters, incidence of infection, postoperative complications, mortality rate and length of hospital stay. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 50 patients operated on for gynecological malignancies were randomly assigned to two groups, each receiving two days preoperative and seven days postoperative enteral nutrition after intestinal movements started. The patients in group 1 were given 1000 kcal/d immun-enhancing enteral nutrition (IEN). The patients in group 2 received 1000 kcal/d standard enteral nutrition. The nutritional (albumin, prealbumin), immunologic (CRP, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte population) parameters, length of hospital stay (LOS) and clinical outcomes were examined. RESULTS The two groups did not differ in terms of demographic data, nutritional status, surgical status, mortality rate (p > 0.05). WBC count, lymphocyte population, CRP levels were significantly higher in group 1 compared with group 2 in the postoperative period (p < 0.05). Pulmonary and urinary tract infection rates were similar in both groups (p > 0.05) but wound infection, and LOS rate were significantly lower in group 1 than group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Perioperative immunonutrition proved to be safe and useful in increasing the immunologic response. It may decrease postoperative complications and LOS in patients undergoing surgery for gynecological malignancy.
Essays on firm r&d strategies and market design

ADVERTIMENT. L'accés als continguts d'aquesta tesi doctoral i la seva utilització ha de respectar els drets de la persona autora. Pot ser utilitzada per a consulta o estudi personal, així com en activitats o materials d'investigació i docència en els termes establerts a l'art. 32 del Text Refós de la Llei de Propietat Intel·lectual (RDL 1/1996). Per altres utilitzacions es requereix l'autorització prèvia i expressa de la persona autora. En qualsevol cas, en la utilització dels seus continguts caldrà indicar de forma clara el nom i cognoms de la persona autora i el títol de la tesi doctoral. No s'autoritza la seva reproducció o altres formes d'explotació efectuades amb finalitats de lucre ni la seva comunicació pública des d'un lloc aliè al servei TDX. Tampoc s'autoritza la presentació del seu contingut en una finestra o marc aliè a TDX (framing). Aquesta reserva de drets afecta tant als continguts de la tesi com als seus resums i índexs.
S. pombe TORC1 activates the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of the meiotic regulator Mei2 in cooperation with Pat1 kinase

ABSTRACT Target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase regulates cell metabolism and growth, acting as a subunit of two multi-protein complexes, TORC1 and TORC2. Known TORC substrates are either kinases or general factors involved in growth control. Here, we show that fission yeast TORC1, which promotes vegetative growth and suppresses sexual development, can phosphorylate Mei2 (a specific factor involved in switching the cell fate) in vitro. Alanine substitutions at the nine Mei2 phosphorylation sites stabilize the protein and promote mating and meiosis in vivo. We found that Mei2 is polyubiquitylated in vivo in a TORC1-dependent manner. Based on these data, we propose that TORC1 contributes to the suppression of sexual development by phosphorylating Mei2, in addition to controlling the cellular metabolic status.
Epidural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa.

OBJECT The authors present their experience in the management of posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH), which involved an aggressive diagnostic approach with the extensive use of head computerized tomography (CT) scanning. METHODS The authors treated 43 cases of PFEDH in one of the largest health centers in Brazil. Diagnosis was established in all patients with the aid of CT scanning because the clinical manifestations were frequently nonspecific. Cases were stratified by clinical course, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and their radiological status. Based on clinical and radiological parameters the patients underwent surgical or conservative management. CONCLUSIONS Compared with outcomes reported in the available literature, good outcome was found in this series. This is primarily due to the broad use of CT scanning for diagnostic and observational purposes, which, in the authors' opinion, led to early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Effects of Copper Reduction on Angiogenesis-Related Factors in Recurrent Glioblastoma Cases

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of copper reduction on angiogenesis-related factors in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated by gamma knife radiosurgery Materials and Methods: In the present block randomized, placebo-controlled trial, fifty eligible patients with a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme who were candidates for gamma knife radiosurgery were randomly assigned into two groups to receive daily either 1gr penicillamine and a low copper diet or placebo for three months. The intervention started on the same day as gamma knife radiosurgery. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and copper levels were measured at baseline and after the intervention. The serum copper level was used as the final index of compliance with the diet. In order to control probable side effects of intervention, laboratory tests were conducted at the beginning, middle and end of the study. Results: The patients had a mean age and Karnofsky Performance Scale of 43.7 years and 75 respectively. Mean serum copper levels were significantly reduced in intervention group. Mean survival time was 18.5 months in intervention group vs. 14.9 in placebo group. VEGF and IL-6 levels in the intervention group were also significantly reduced compared to the placebo group and TNF-α increased less. Conclusions: It seems that reducing the level of copper in the diet and dosing with penicillamine leads to decline of angiogenesis-related factors such as VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α. Approaches targeting angiogenesis may improve survival and can be used as a future therapeutic strategy.
Pharmacokinetics of Repaglinide in Healthy Caucasian and Japanese Subjects

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of three different single doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg) of repaglinide in healthy Caucasian and Japanese subjects. In this single‐center, open‐label, randomized, three‐period crossover study, 27 healthy male subjects (15 Caucasian and 12 Japanese) each received three different single doses of repaglinide (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg) at consecutive 24‐hour intervals. Pharmacokinetic profiles, including area under the curve (AUC0‐t), maximum serum concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (tmax), and half‐life (t1/2), were determined for each dose of repaglinide. The relative change in blood glucose level (RC1h) and area under the blood glucose curve (AUGC0–1) at 1 hour after dose were also measured. After oral dosing, both Cmax and AUC0‐t increased linearly with dose within the 0.5‐ to 2.0‐mg dose range, regardless of ethnic group. Both Cmax and AUC0‐t were significantly higher in Japanese subjects than in Caucasian subjects. At each dose of repaglinide, Cmax and AUC were statistically significantly higher in Japanese than in Caucasian subjects (p = 0.0038 and 0.023, respectively). Discrepancies in body weight and body mass index (BMI) between Caucasian and Japanese subjects could not explain the between‐group differences in Cmax or AUC0‐t. Statistically significant differences in pharmacodynamic parameters (RC1h and AUGC0–1) were found between ethnic groups (p < 0.0001), the difference being more pronounced for RC1h than AUGC0–1. At a dose of 2.0 mg, the mean decrease in RC1h was 41% for Japanese subjects and 24% for Caucasian subjects. Hypoglycemic reactions were more common at the highest dose (2.0 mg), where they were observed more frequently in Japanese (7 cases) than in Caucasian subjects (4 cases). It was concluded that higher serum levels of repaglinide and greater reductions in blood glucose levels are found in Japanese than in Caucasian subjects following a single oral dose of repaglinide within the 0.5‐ to 2.0‐mg dose range. Repaglinide is well tolerated in both ethnic groups. The results indicate that glycemic control targets may be achieved at lower doses within the recommended range (0.5–4.0 mg/meal) when repaglinide is used to treat Japanese patients in comparison to Caucasian patients.