Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol sedation: from the exception to standard practice. Sedation and monitoring trends over 20 years

The practice of sedation, including monitoring practice for digestive endoscopy, continues to evolve throughout the world. In many countries, including Switzerland, there is a trend towards increased utilization of sedation during both routine and advanced endoscopic procedures. Sedation improves patient satisfaction with endoscopy and also improves the quality of the examination. In addition, a trend can be observed towards an increasing use of propofol as the preferred sedative drug. Here we review the latest published data from surveys describing sedation and monitoring practice in different countries and compare them with our own data from successive nationwide surveys among Swiss gastroenterologists over a period of 20 years. This development between these socioeconomically very similar Western industrialized countries, however, shows some unique and surprising differences. In Germany and Switzerland, propofol use has become increasingly widespread, in Switzerland even to the extent that during the last few years propofol has overtaken benzodiazepine sedation, with an absolute majority of Swiss gastroenterologists using it without the assistance of an anesthesiologist. In addition, the change in Switzerland reflects a successful generalization of nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol (NAAP) sedation from the hospital setting to private practice.
Dopa-responsive dystonia: Mutation analysis of GCH1 and analysis of therapeutic doses of l-dopa

Article abstract Analysis of the gene GCH1 in 58 patients with dystonia and a positive response to l-dopa revealed mutations in 30 individuals from 22 families. Thirteen of the mutations observed were familial, three occurred de novo, and inheritance could not be determined in six cases. There was no mutation in the promoter region of GCH1 in any patient. The doses of l-dopa given to members of the two groups were not significantly different.
Status of new medicines approved by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency regarding paediatric use.

AIMS To evaluate the activity of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency with regard to the registration for paediatric use of new medicines granted a marketing authorization. METHODS European Public Assessment Reports published on the Internet from January 95 until April 98 have been analysed using the browser Microsoft Explorer and the software Adobe Acrobat Reader. RESULTS Of the 45 new substances licensed since January 95, 29 (64%) were of possible use in children but only 10 were licensed for paediatric use. For the 19 drugs of possible use in children, but not approved for such a use, in nine instances (47%) their summary of product characteristics reported that their use in children has not been established. CONCLUSIONS A change of practice by pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities is imperative so that children are not precluded from having the same rights to medicines as adults.
In vitro evaluation of Augmentin by broth microdilution and disk diffusion susceptibility testing: regression analysis, tentative interpretive criteria, and quality control limits

Augmentin (Beecham Laboratories, Bristol, Tenn.), a combination drug consisting of two parts amoxicillin to one part clavulanic acid and a potent beta-lactamase inhibitor, was evaluated in vitro in comparison with ampicillin or amoxicillin or both for its inhibitory and bactericidal activities against selected clinical isolates. Regression analysis was performed and tentative disk diffusion susceptibility breakpoints were determined. A multicenter performance study of the disk diffusion test was conducted with three quality control organisms to determine tentative quality control limits. All methicillin-susceptible staphylococci and Haemophilus influenzae isolates were susceptible to Augmentin, although the minimal inhibitory concentrations for beta-lactamase-producing strains of both groups were, on the average, fourfold higher than those for enzyme-negative strains. Among the Enterobacteriaceae, Augmentin exhibited significantly greater activity than did ampicillin against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter diversus, Proteus vulgaris, and about one-third of the Escherichia coli strains tested. Bactericidal activity usually occurred at the minimal inhibitory concentration. There was a slight inoculum concentration effect on the Augmentin minimal inhibitory concentrations. On the basis of regression and error rate-bounded analyses, the suggested interpretive disk diffusion susceptibility breakpoints for Augmentin are: susceptible, greater than or equal to 18 mm; resistant, less than or equal to 13 mm (gram-negative bacilli); and susceptible, greater than or equal to 20 mm (staphylococci and H. influenzae). The use of a beta-lactamase-producing organism, such as E. coli Beecham 1532, is recommended for quality assurance of Augmentin susceptibility testing.
Are full and partial knowledge sharing the same?

Purpose – This paper to examine full knowledge sharing (KS) and partial KS in order to test the proposition that they are separate behaviors with different characteristics, risks, and motivations for the informer and subsequently different predictors.Design/methodology/approach – Employed knowledge workers completed two questionnaires over a two‐week period regarding their attitudes, situational factors, individual differences, and KS behaviors with their close colleagues in their workplace.Findings – Results support the proposition that they are different albeit related behaviors. Full KS is enabled by intentions for full KS. Partial KS is enabled by the uniqueness of the knowledge, interpersonal distrust of close colleagues, and inhibited by perceived value of knowledge. Management support, interpersonal trust and distrust enable intentions for both full and partial KS, then propensity to share further enables full KS, and psychological ownership further enables intentions for partial KS.Research limita.
Peripheral effects of endurance training in young and old subjects.

The effects of 12 wk of endurance training at 70% peak O2 consumption (VO2) were studied in 10 elderly (65.1 +/- 2.9 yr) and 10 young (23.6 +/- 1.8 yr) healthy men and women. Training had no effect on weight or body composition in either group. The elderly had more adipose tissue and less muscle mass than the young. Initial peak VO2 was lower in the elderly, but the absolute increase of 5.5-6.0 ml.kg-1.min-1 after training was similar for both groups. Muscle biopsies taken at rest showed that, before training, muscle glycogen stores were 61% higher in the young. Before training, glycogen utilization per joule during submaximal exercise was higher in the elderly. Glycogen stores and muscle O2 consumption increased significantly in response to training in the elderly only. After training, the proportion of energy derived from whole body carbohydrate oxidation during submaximal exercise declined in the young only. The absolute changes that training produced in peak VO2 were similar in both age groups, but the 128% increase in muscle oxidative capacity was greater in the elderly, suggesting that peripheral factors play an important role in the response of the elderly to endurance exercise.
A Field Study of Oxygen Consumption and Estimated Energy Expenditure in the Exercising Horse

Hanak J., P. Jahn, R. Kabe‰, M. Sedlinska, Z. Iert, J. Mezerova, O. Chvatal: A Field Study of Oxygen Consumption and Estimated Energy Expenditure in the Exercising Horse. Acta Vet. Brno 2001, 70: 133-139. The major goal of this study was to estimate the aerobic and anaerobic contribution to energy expenditure in the running warmblood horse under field conditions. The oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) in 12 saddle horses was determined at rest, walk, trot, and canter and in 6 horses at gallop. In the 10 min immediately following exercise the relative oxygen debt (RD-VO2) was measured. The horses were exercised by riders in the various gaits at speeds representing 15, 30, 50 and 70% of the their individual maximum speed (Vmax). The distances covered were 3000 m in each walk, trot and canter and 1500 m in gallop. VO 2 and RD-VO 2 m and energy expenditure (J.kg.min-1) using the oxygen caloric equivalent of the measured respiratory quotient (RQ) were studied for possible relations to the speed. The proportion of anaerobic energy expenditure (%E anaer.) to the total energy production was also investigated. A linear relation between speed and aerobic energy expenditure (E) and a quadratic relation between speed and anaerobic energy expenditure (RD-E) and total energy expenditure (TE) was found. The %E anaer. was 1.21 ± 0.40 at a speed of 15% V max , 3.40 ± 0.38 at 30% V max , 18.58 ± 2.05 at 50% V max , and 29.47 ± 1.17 at 70% V max . Post-exercise oxygen uptake appears a suitable measure for the major part of the oxygen debt (relative oxygen debt) and could be considered as an indicator of anaerobically released energy. For this reason it may also be an indicator of the anaerobic capacity of the horse at a standard or maximal exercise.
CXCR 4 downregulation of let-7 a drives chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia

We examined the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in targeting the stromal-derived factor 1a/CXCR4 (SDF-1a/CXCR4) axis to overcome chemoresistance of AML cells. Microarray analysis of OCI-AML3 cells revealed that the miRNA let-7a was downregulated by SDF-1a– mediated CXCR4 activation and increased by CXCR4 inhibition. Overexpression of let-7a in AML cell lines was associated with decreased c-Myc and BCL-XL protein expression and enhanced chemosensitivity, both in vitro and in vivo. We identified the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) as a link between SDF-1a/CXCR4 signaling and let-7a, as YY1 was upregulated by SDF-1a and downregulated by treatment with a CXCR4 antagonist. ChIP assay confirmed the binding of YY1 to unprocessed let-7a DNA fragments, and treatment with YY1 shRNA increased let-7a expression. In primary human AML samples, high CXCR4 expression was associated with low let-7a levels. Xenografts of primary human AML cells engineered to overexpress let-7a exhibited enhanced sensitivity to cytarabine, resulting in greatly extended survival of immunodeficient mice. Based on these data, we propose that CXCR4 induces chemoresistance by downregulating let-7a to promote YY1mediated transcriptional activation of MYC and BCLXL in AML cells. Research Article Oncology
What Drives Corporate Liquidity? An International Survey of Cash Holdings and Lines of Credit

We survey chief financial officers from 29 countries to examine whether and why firms use lines of credit versus non-operational (excess) cash for their corporate liquidity. We find that these two liquidity sources are employed to hedge against different risks. Non-operational cash guards against future cash flow shocks in bad times, while credit lines give firms the option to exploit future business opportunities available in good times. Lines of credit are the dominant source of liquidity for companies around the world, comprising about 15% of assets, while less than half of the cash held by companies is held for non-operational purposes, comprising about 2% of assets. Across countries, firms make greater use of lines of credit when external credit markets are poorly developed.
Latent Tuberculosis Screening Using Interferon-Gamma Release Assays in an Australian HIV-Infected Cohort: Is Routine Testing Worthwhile?

Background:There are limited data from high-income countries on the performance of interferon-gamma release assays in screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). We analyzed the routine application of the Quantiferon-TB Gold (QFT-G) assay to detect and predict latent and active TB among HIV-infected patients in Australia. Methods:A retrospective cohort study included all HIV-infected patients attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Service between March 2003 and February 2011 who were screened for LTBI using QFT-G. Clinical data were analyzed in multivariable models to determine predictors for QFT-G positivity using logistic regression and active TB development using Cox proportional hazards. Results:Nine hundred seventeen HIV-infected patients had ≥1 QFT-G performed, of whom 884 (96.4%) were negative, 29 (3.2%) positive, and 4 (0.4%) indeterminate. The mean age was 40.9 years and 88% were male, with median follow-up of 26.4 (interquartile range 15.4–30.7) months. Five hundred fifty (63%) were Australian born, whereas 198 (23%) were born in Asia or Africa. QFT-G was positive in 2.0% of Australian-born, 5.3% of overseas-born [odds ratio: 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2 to 5.6, P = 0.017], and 12.7% of African-born patients (odds ratio 7.1, 95% CI: 2.9 to 17.3, P < 0.001). Two cases of culture-positive TB occurred after QFT-G screening in 3.4% of QFT-G–positive and 0.1% of QFT-G–negative patients (adjusted hazard ratio: 42.4, 95% CI: 2.2 to 827, P = 0.013), a rate of 111 (95% CI: 27.8 to 445) per 100,000 person-years. Conclusions:In this context, QFT-G has a high negative predictive (99.9%) value with few indeterminate results. A risk stratification approach to LTBI screening, where HIV-infected patients with epidemiological risk factors for TB infection undergo QFT-G testing, might be clinically appropriate and potentially cost effective in similar settings.
Putative basal lateral membrane receptors for 24,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 in carp and Atlantic cod enterocytes: Characterization of binding and effects on intracellular calcium regulation

The vitamin D metabolite, 24R,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24R,25(OH)2D3), was tested for its ability to specifically bind to basal lateral membranes isolated from intestinal epithelium of Atlantic cod (a seawater fish), carp (a freshwater fish), and chicken. Specific saturable binding was demonstrated in membranes from all three species. Membranes from Atlantic cod, carp, and chicken revealed Kd's of 7.3 ± 0.9, 12.5 ± 0.9 and 7.8 ± 0.1 nM, and a Bmax for each species estimated to 57.9 ± 2.9, 195.1 ± 8.4 and 175 ± 0.8 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Scatchard analyses indicated a convex curvature and Hill analyses revealed apparent Hill coefficients of 1.84 ± 0.28, 1.80 ± 0.29, and 1.78 ± 0.27 for Atlantic cod, carp and chicken, suggesting a positive cooperative binding in all three species. Basal lateral membranes from Atlantic cod and carp were used to further characterize the binding moiety. In competition studies, basal lateral membranes from Atlantic cod or carp did not discriminate between 24R,25(OH)2D3 and the 24S,25(OH)2D3 isomer, whereas, 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3, were less effective in competing with [3H]24R,25(OH)2D3 for binding to basal lateral membranes in Atlantic cod and carp. In both the Atlantic cod and carp enterocyte basal lateral membranes, the binding activity could be extracted equally well with high salt as with detergent, indicating a peripheral membrane protein rather than an integral membrane binding protein. Finally, isolated Atlantic cod and carp enterocytes were chosen for analyses of signal transduction events mediated by the putative receptor. In both species, 24R,25(OH)2D3 but not 24S,25(OH)2D3, suppressed Ca2+‐uptake by enterocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. Enterocytes from Atlantic cod and carp, acclimated to Ca2+‐free media, responded by an intracellular Ca2+‐release within seconds after addition of 24R,25(OH)2D3 or 24S,25(OH)2D3. The effects on intracellular Ca2+‐release were dose‐dependent for both metabolites. 24S,25(OH)2D3 was effective at lower concentrations and triggered a higher response compared to 24R,25(OH)2D3. These results suggest that the binding molecule(s) for 24R,25(OH)2D3 and 24S,25(OH)2D3 is/are capable of acting as a receptor, mediating rapid, non‐genomic responses in intestinal cells. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 171–186, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of an improved scoring system for the grading of direct laryngoscopy

A modified version of the Cormack and Lehane scoring system was prospectively evaluated in 663 patients requiring tracheal intubation. In the modified system, grade 2 (only part of the glottis visible) was divided into 2a (part of the cords visible) and 2b (only the arytenoids or the very posterior origin of the cords visible). One hundred and sixty‐two intubations (24.4%) were scored as grade 2a and 43 (6.5%) as grade 2b, of which seven (4.3%) and 29 (67.4%), respectively, were difficult, defined as requiring more than one laryngoscopy or the use of specialist equipment. Grade 2b denotes a laryngoscopic view that is relatively common and is often associated with difficulty passing a tracheal tube. The modified scoring system thus provides more information than the original Cormack and Lehane system and its use should be considered when recording the ease of tracheal intubation in the anaesthetic record or in studies of tracheal intubation.
Optimizing formulation factors in preparing chitosan microparticles by spray-drying method

The chitosan only, chitosan/Pluronic F68, chitosan/gelatin, chitosan/Pluronic F68/gelatin microparticles and betamethasone-loaded chitosan/Pluronic F68/ gelatin microparticles were successfully prepared by a spray-drying method. Microparticle characteristics (yield rate, zeta potential, particle size and tap density), loading efficiencies, microparticle morphology and in-vitro release properties were investigated. By properly choosing excipient type, concentration and varying the spray-drying parameters, a high degree of control was achieved over the physical properties of the dry chitosan powders. SEM micrograph shows that the particle sizes of the varied chitosan composed microparticles ranged from 2.12–5.67 μm and the external surfaces appeal-smooth. Using betamethasone as model drug, the spray-drying is a promising way to produce good spherical and smooth surface microparticles with a narrow particle size range for controlled delivery of betamethasone. The positively charged betamethasone-loaded microparticles entrapped in the chitosan/Pluronic F68/gelatin microparticles with trapping efficiencies up to 94.5%, yield rate 42.5% and mean particle size 5.64 μm varied between 4.32–6.20 μm and tap densities 0.128 g/cm3. The pH of particle was increased with increasing betamethasone-loaded amount, but both zeta potential and tap density of the particles decreased with increasing betamethasone-loaded amount. The betamethasone release rates from chitosan/Pluronic F68/gelatin microparticles were influenced by the drug/polymer ratio in the manner that an increase in the release% and burst release% was observed when the drug loading was decreased. The in vitro release of betamethasone showed a dose-dependent burst followed by a slower release phase that was proportional to the drug concentration in the concentration range between 14–44%w/w.
Assessment of RET / PTC 1 and RET / PTC 3 rearrangements in fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens collected from patients with Hashimoto ’ s thyroiditis

Background: RET/PTC rearrangements are the most frequent molecular changes in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). So far, 15 main RET/PTC rearrangements have been described, among which RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 are the most common in PTC especially in radiation-induced tumours. RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 are the result of intrachromosomal paracentric inversions in chromosome 10, where RET and the activating genes (H4 and ELE1, respectively) are located. Recently, RET/PTC rearrangements have been shown not only in PTC but also in benign thyroid lesions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). The aim of study was an assessment of RET/PTC1 and RET/ PTC3 rearrangements in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Materials and methods: Thyroid aspirates, eligible for the study, were obtained from 26 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Each aspirate was smeared for conventional cytology, while its remaining part was immediately washed out of the needle. The cells, obtained from the needle, were used in further investigation. Total RNA from FNAB was extracted by use of an RNeasy Micro Kit, based on modified Chomczynski and Sacchi’s method and reverse transcription (RT-PCR) was done. Quantitative evaluation of RET/ PTC1 and RET/PTC3 rearrangements by real-time PCR was performed by an ABI PRISM 7500 Sequence Detection System. In the study, PTC tissues with known RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 rearrangements served as a reference standard (calibrator), while b-actin gene was used as endogenous control. Results: Amplification reactions were done in triplicate for each examined sample. No RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 rearrangements were found in the examined samples. Conclusions: Our results indicate that RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 rearrangements in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, if any, are rather rare events and further investigations should be conducted in order to determine molecular changes, connecting Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with PTC.
Nucleolar displacement during chromatolysis. A quantitative study on the hypoglossal nucleus of the rat.

Conflicting observations have been recorded on the position of the nucleolus in mammalian neurons following retrograde axon reaction or chromatolysis, and few studies have involved critical assessment by quantitation. Barr & Hamilton (1948), in a quantitative study on the cat, showed that the nucleolus remains centrally placed within the cell nucleus following axon section, and this was supported by later observations in non-quantitative studies on the cat (Barr & Bertram, 1951; Lindsay & Barr, 1955). This view is at variance with many observations based on non-quantitative studies on the rat (Goering, 1928; Cervos-Navarro, 1962; Mackey, Spiro & Wiener, 1964) and on the cat (Barron & Tuncbay, 1964), all of which suggest that the nucleolus becomes displaced from the centre towards the periphery of the nucleus. Bielschowsky (1932), in a generalized statement on chromatolysis, also reported the occurrence of nucleolar eccentricity. Two explanations have been suggested for the causation of nucleolar eccentricity. The more commonly held view implies that it is an in vivo phenomenon; the other that it is an artifact produced post mortem, either by gravitation of the nucleolus prior to histological fixation by immersion (Herrick, 1895; Nicholson, 1924) or by displacement of the nucleolus during section cutting (Cammermeyer, 1967). In the latter case, it is postulated that the compact, dense nucleolus becomes extremely hard due to fixation and processing for paraffin embedding. The knife, instead of cutting the nucleolus, displaces it within the less hardened surrounding nucleoplasm. The purpose of this present quantitative study was to determine whether nucleolar eccentricity occurs following axon section and, if this was verified, to study the time course of nucleolar eccentricity during the chromatolytic cycle, and to determine any role played by microtomy in displacement of the nucleolus.