Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous pneumothorax in children: When is invasive treatment indicated?

A retrospective review of pneumothoraces in children presenting to a major tertiary children's hospital is described. A total of 35 cases in 31 patients of spontaneous pneumothorax were identified over a 10‐year period. There was one case of bilateral pneumothorax and three cases of recurrent pneumothoraces. Twenty‐four cases (69%) required intercostal tube catheter drainage for a mean of 4.9 days (range 2–10 days). Eleven cases, including two cases in CF patients, and three cases in patients with Marfan's Syndrome proceeded to a secondary surgical procedure after a continuing air leak was present for an average of 5.9 days (range 2–16 days). In follow‐up studies on 11 cases, 5 (45%) were found to have apical abnormalities of the lung on CT scanning. Pneumothoraces were identified in six cases of patients with cystic fibrosis as well as four in patients with Marfan's Syndrome. This present study has suggested that unless intercostal catheter treatment resolves the air leak associated with a spontaneous pneumothorax within 5 days that surgical intervention is most likely to be required to achieve a full resolution. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:41–46. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progress Report on the Palliative Therapy of 100 Patients with Neoplastic Effusions by Intracavitary Low-Dose Interleukin-2

Objective: Several cytokines, particularly IL-2 and interferons, are thought to be effective in the palliative therapy of neoplastic effusions. We report on the activity and toxicity of intracavitary administration of low-dose IL-2 in a case series of 100 cancer patients with neoplastic effusions. Methods: One hundred patients with advanced solid tumors and neoplastic effusions underwent IL-2 intracavitary injection as first-line treatment. The most common sites of fluid accumulation were pleura (n = 68), peritoneum (n = 21) and pericardium (n = 11). Breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most frequent neoplasms in our series. One cycle consisted of intracavitary IL-2 at 6,000,000 IU on days 1 and 7. Results: According to Paladine’s criteria, an objective clinical response was achieved in 72% (complete response in 27% and partial response in 45%), with a median duration of 5 months (range: 1–11 months). The peritoneum was the least responsive site for neoplastic effusion reduction. IL-2 intracavitary injection was well tolerated in all patients; the only toxicity observed was fever >38°C in 6% of the patients. Conclusion: This study shows that intracavitary injection of IL-2 represents a feasible, well-tolerated and effective therapy of neoplastic fluid accumulation. Further studies are needed in order to compare the effectiveness of intracavitary IL-2 with other standard treatments.
Continuous Versus Interrupted Sutures for Facial Surgery Repair: A Randomized Prospective Study

BACKGROUND The cosmetic appearance of a facial scar is a concern for patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Although suturing technique may influence scar cosmesis, few studies have been published comparing suturing methods for MMS repair. OBJECTIVE To compare the cosmetic appearance of facial MMS scars sutured with either continuous or interrupted percutaneous nylon sutures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with facial MMS defects were randomized to have half their scar sutured with interrupted 5-0 nylon stitches, whereas the other half of the scar was closed with running 5-0 nylon stitches. The appearance of each half of the scar was assessed at 1 week, 8 weeks, and 6 months by the principal investigator. Blinded photographic evaluation at 1 week and 6 months was completed by a plastic surgeon and general dermatologist. RESULTS A total of 105 patients were entered into the trial, and 101 completed all time point assessments. There was no statistically significant difference in scar outcome using each of the 3 scar assessment scales, at any time point, for any assessor (blinded and nonblinded). CONCLUSION Interrupted and continuous 5-0 nylon sutures result in an equivalent final cosmetic appearance of facial MMS scars. Given its advantages, running sutures may be the preferred closure technique for facial repair.
Heat-induced and other chemical changes in commercial UHT milks

The properties of commercial directly and indirectly heated UHT milks, both after heating and during storage at room temperature for 24 weeks, were studied. Thermally induced changes were examined by changes in lactulose, furosine and acid-soluble whey proteins. The results confirmed previous reports that directly heated UHT milks suffer less heat damage than indirectly heated milk. During storage, furosine increased and bovine serum albumin in directly heat-treated milks decreased significantly. The changes in lactulose, α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin were not statistically significant. The data suggest that heat treatment indicators should be measured as soon as possible after processing to avoid any misinterpretations of the intensity of the heat treatment.
Neonatal morbidity after elective repeat cesarean section and trial of labor.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate neonatal outcomes after an elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) compared with a trial of labor (TOL). POPULATION AND METHOD All mothers who underwent previous cesarean section and delivered singleton infants at term gestation were identified during a 1-year period. Neonatal outcomes were compared between infants delivered by ERCS (n = 497) and those delivered by TOL (n = 492), and between infants delivered by a successful (n = 336) and a failed (n = 156) TOL. A cohort of mothers and their term infants delivered by routine vaginal delivery were also identified. RESULTS Infants delivered by ERCS had an increased rate of transient tachypnea compared with infants born by TOL (6% vs 3%). Compared with routine vaginal deliveries, the adjusted odds ratio of developing any respiratory problem after an ERCS was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 3.8), and for developing transient tachypnea was 2.6 (CI: 1.5, 4.5). In addition, two infants delivered by ERCS developed respiratory distress syndrome. Infants delivered after a TOL had increased rates of suspected and proven sepsis (5% vs 2% and 1% vs 0.1%, respectively). Compared with a successful TOL, the infants delivered by cesarean section after a failed TOL had more neonatal morbidity and had a longer hospital stay (4.8 +/- 2 vs 3.1 +/- 2 days). The odds ratio for developing any respiratory illness after a failed TOL was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1, 4.1), for suspected sepsis was 4.8 (95% CI: 2.6, 9.0), and for proven sepsis was 19.3 (95% CI: 2.0, 187). Neonatal outcomes after a successful TOL were similar to routine vaginal births. CONCLUSION Infants born by ERCS are at increased risk for developing respiratory problems compared with those born by TOL. However, TOL is associated with increased rates of suspected and proven sepsis. This appears to be limited to infants delivered by cesarean section after a failed TOL.
Articular Hypermobility and Chondral Injury in Patients With Acute Patellar Dislocation

Thirty adolescents with acute, primary patellar disloca tion were assessed for a relationship between articular hypermobility and chondral injury. The 15 patients with out articular hypermobility had a 2.5 times increased frequency of articular lesions when compared with 15 patients with hypermobility. Assessment of articular hy permobility should be part of the examination in patients with patellar dislocation.
DNA Copy-Number Contro l through Inhibition of Replication Fork Progression Graphical

In Brief Proper genome duplication relies on both initiation and elongation phases of DNA replication, and regulation of DNA replication is thought to occur predominantly at the level of initiation. By studying developmentally programmed repression of DNA replication in Drosophila, Nordman et al. now find that a metazoan protein can control DNA replication and copy number through direct inhibition of replication fork progression.
Guiding Periodontal Pocket Recolonization: a Proof of Concept

The complexity of the periodontal microbiota resembles that of the gastro-intestinal tract, where infectious diseases are treatable via probiotics. In the oropharyngeal region, probiotic or replacement therapies have shown some benefit in the prevention of dental caries, otitis media, and pharyngitis, but their effectiveness in the treatment of periodontitis is unknown. Therefore, this study addressed the hypothesis that the application of selected beneficial bacteria, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, would inhibit the periodontopathogen recolonization of periodontal pockets. Analysis of the data showed, in a beagle dog model, that when beneficial bacteria were applied in periodontal pockets adjunctively after root planing, subgingival recolonization of periodontopathogens was delayed and reduced, as was the degree of inflammation, at a clinically significant level. The study confirmed the hypothesis and provides a proof of concept for a guided pocket recolonization (GPR) approach in the treatment of periodontitis.
A 2-night, 3-period, crossover study of ramelteon's efficacy and safety in older adults with chronic insomnia

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of ramelteon, a selective melatonin MT1/MT2-receptor agonist, for insomnia treatment in older adults. Methods: In a randomized, 9‑week, 3‑period crossover trial conducted at 17 sleep centers, older adults (N = 100) with chronic primary insomnia (37 men, 63 women; mean age [range], 70.7 [65–83] years) were administered placebo, ramelteon 4 mg, and ramelteon 8 mg in three treatment phases for two consecutive nights. Each phase was separated by 5- to 12‑day washout periods. Sleep was monitored via polysomnography. Subjective sleep parameters, using a Postsleep Questionnaire, were recorded, and residual pharmacologic effects were assessed. Results: Statistically significant reductions in latency to persistent sleep were observed with both ramelteon 4 mg and 8 mg compared to placebo (28.7 min vs. 38.4 min, p < 0.001; 30.8 min vs. 38.4 min, p = 0.005, respectively). Total sleep time (p = 0.036 and p = 0.007,respectively) and sleep efficiency (p = 0.037 and p = 0.007, respectively) were also significantly improved with ramelteon 4 mg and 8 mg compared to placebo. Statistically significant reductions in subjective sleep latency on a Postsleep Questionnaire were reported with ramelteon 4 mg versus placebo (p = 0.037), but not ramelteon 8 mg (p = 0.120); no significant differences on other subjective sleep assessments were reported. A lack of power limits interpretation of self-reported sleep parameters. Incidences of adverse events considered treatment related were placebo (7%), ramelteon 4 mg (11%), and ramelteon 8 mg (5%). No residual pharmacologic effects were observed via Digit Symbol Substitution Test, memory recall tests (immediate and delayed), visual analog scales (feelings and mood), and Postsleep Questionnaire (level of alertness and ability to concentrate). Conclusions: In older adults with chronic primary insomnia, ramelteon produced significant reductions in latency to persistent sleep and increases in total sleep time and sleep efficacy, and showed no evidence of adverse next-day psychomotor or cognitive effects.
Fixed-point and Minimax Theorems in Locally Convex Topological Linear Spaces.

vs[(.S%)y2 "xe where xo is an inessential map. 4 Whitehead, J. H. C. , "A Note on Suspension," Q. J. Math. (Oxford) (2), 1, 9-22 (1950). See also reference 2. 'See reference 3, §2. A map q:P Q induces a homomorphism 9i*:rk(XAQ)Tk(Xp) for a large class of spaces P, Q, X. 6 Hilton, P. J., "The Calculation of Homotopy Groups of A.2-polyhedra (II)," Ibid., (2), 2,228-240(1951). Theorem 1.3 settles the problems stated on pages 234 and 240. 7Eckmann, B. , "Zur Homotopietheorie Gefaserter Raume," Comm. Math. Helvetici, 14, 141-192 (1941); also "Uber Homotopiegruppen fon Gruppenraumen," Ibid., 14, 234-256(1941). 8Whitehead, J. H. C. , "On the Groups T-r( V., m) and Sphere Bundles," Proc. London Math. Soc. , 48,243-291 (1943). 9 The key theorems of Eckmann and Whitehead are Theorem 12 in reference 8, and Theorems 7, 9 and the construction on pages 270-271 in reference 9.
Combined effect of diuron and simazine on photosystem II photochemistry in a sandy soil and soil amended with solid olive-mill waste

Diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- = 1,1-dimethylurea) and simazine (6-chloro-N 2, N 4-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) are soil-applied herbicides used in olive crops. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of these herbicides on Photosystem II photochemistry of Olea europaea L. , and whether the amendment of soil with an organic waste (OW) from olive oil production industry modifies this effect. For this purpose, herbicide soil adsorption studies, with unamended and OW-amended soil, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in adult olive leaves, after one, two and three weeks of soil herbicide treatment and/or OW amendment, were performed. Soil application of these herbicides reduced the efficiency of Photosystem II photochemistry of olive trees due to chronic photoinhibition, and this effect is counterbalanced by the addition of OW to the soil. OW reduces herbicide uptake by the plant due to an increase in herbicide adsorption.
Identification of a C-Terminal Regulatory Motif in Hepatitis C Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase: Structural and Biochemical Analysis

ABSTRACT The NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase encoded by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a key component of the viral replicase. Reported here is the three-dimensional structure of HCV NS5B polymerase, with the highlight on its C-terminal folding, determined by X-ray crystallography at 2.1-Å resolution. Structural analysis revealed that a stretch of C-terminal residues of HCV NS5B inserted into the putative RNA binding cleft, where they formed a hydrophobic pocket and interacted with several important structural elements. This region was found to be conserved and unique to the RNA polymerases encoded by HCV and related viruses. Through biochemical analyses, we confirmed that this region interfered with the binding of HCV NS5B to RNA. Deletion of this fragment from HCV NS5B enhanced the RNA synthesis rate up to ∼50-fold. These results provide not only direct experimental insights into the role of the C-terminal tail of HCV NS5B polymerase but also a working model for the RNA synthesis mechanism employed by HCV and related viruses.
Cytoplasmic translocation of the retinoblastoma protein disrupts sarcomeric organization

Skeletal muscle degeneration is a complication arising from a variety of chronic diseases including advanced cancer. Pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α plays a pivotal role in mediating cancer-related skeletal muscle degeneration. Here, we show a novel function for retinoblastoma protein (Rb), where Rb causes sarcomeric disorganization. In human skeletal muscle myotubes (HSMMs), up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and concomitant phosphorylation of Rb was induced by TNF-α treatment, resulting in the translocation of phosphorylated Rb to the cytoplasm. Moreover, induced expression of the nuclear exporting signal (NES)-fused form of Rb caused disruption of sarcomeric organization. We identified mammalian diaphanous-related formin 1 (mDia1), a potent actin nucleation factor, as a binding partner of cytoplasmic Rb and found that mDia1 helps maintain the structural integrity of the sarcomere. These results reveal a novel non-nuclear function for Rb and suggest a potential mechanism of TNF-α-induced disruption of sarcomeric organization. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.01228. 001
Application of a multilayered magnetostrictive film to a micromachined 2-D optical scanner

A novel two-dimensional (2-D) optical scanner has been designed, manufactured and characterized. This scanner features a large mirror (8/spl times/6 mm) and is therefore suitable for industrial applications where cheap optical sources and lenses are requested. This scanner uses a multilayer film for its actuation. This film is well known for its high magnetostriction. The mechanical design has been optimized using conventional mechanical considerations as well as finite-element simulations. The device has been characterized in two configurations. Depending on the direction of the applied magnetic field, the magnetostrictive properties of the active film or the electromagnetic force are selectively used. Using this last, total optical deflection angles of 32/spl deg/ and 11/spl deg/ for an applied magnetic field of 0.3 mT are obtained. The ratio of the corresponding resonant frequencies is around 4.5, allowing a nice scanning pattern. Compared to our previous prototype on the same project , the mechanical-magnetic sensitivity has been improved by about a factor 24 when the magnetostriction is used, and by about a factor 75 when the electromagnetic force is used.
Antigen challenge induces pulmonary airway eosinophil accumulation and airway hyperreactivity in sensitized guinea‐pigs: the effect of anti‐asthma drugs

1 Guinea‐pigs were sensitized with 3 injections of ovalbumin (OA) (1 or 10 μg per animal) using Al(OH)3 and pertussis vaccine as adjuvants at two week intervals. 2 Sensitized guinea‐pigs were challenged with an aerosol of OA (0.1%) over a one hour period and both airway reactivity and cellular content of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assessed at intervals for up to 7 days. 3 Guinea‐pigs sensitized with 1 μg of ovalbumin responded to an aerosol of OA with increased pulmonary airway eosinophilia, which was evident 1 day after challenge and was present for up to 7 days. Airway hyperreactivity was not detectable in these animals. 4 Guinea‐pigs sensitized with 10 μg of ovalbumin responded to an aerosol of OA with increased pulmonary airway neutrophilia and eosinophilia and with increased airway reactivity which was maximal between 8 and 24 h after exposure to OA. 5 Depletion of circulating platelets or neutrophils, by use of selective antisera, did not alter either the magnitude of eosinophilia or the intensity of airway reactivity in sensitized guinea‐pigs (10 μg) exposed to an aerosol of OA. 6 Pretreatment of sensitized guinea‐pigs (10 μg) for 6 days with AH 21–132, aminophylline, dexamethasone or ketotifen inhibited pulmonary airway eosinophilia, but did not diminish airway hyperreactivity. Neither eosinophil accumulation nor development of airway hyperreactivity was influenced by treatment with mepyramine or salbutamol over a 6 day period before OA inhalation. 7 Although eosinophilia may occur in association with increased airway reactivity in this animal model, there is no evidence of a causal relationship.
SPA : Self-certified PKC-based Privacy-preserving Authentication Protocol for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

As an important component of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), vehicular ad hoc networks can provide safer and more comfortable driving circumstance for the drivers. Pseudonyms certificate and group-oriented signature are two most widely adopted privacypreserving technique in VANET. However, the two methods exists many efficiency flaws which affect their application. To overcome the above problems which exist in the above two methods. In this paper, we propose a novel privacy-preserving authentication protocols based on self-certified signature. And we show that our scheme can achieve conditional privacy-preserving and is proven be secure in the random oracle. Furthermore, the scheme has the following advantages: short length of the signature and low computation.
A Long-term Follow-up of Four Cases Treated with the Andresen Appliance

Four patients treated with Andresen appliances were recalled 20 years after treatment. While the results were quite acceptable to the patients, rather more change had occurred than might have been expected, especially in relation to continued growth after one would have expected it to have ceased, and in relation to the degree of the occlusal changes accompanying this growth. They demonstrate that a result thought to be stable even four years after treatment can change markedly well into adulthood.
A comparison of two techniques for the molecular tracking of specific T‐cell responses; CD4+ human T‐cell clones persist in a stable hierarchy but at a lower frequency than clones in the CD8+ population

Oligoclonal or clonal T‐cell expansions, presumed to be antigen driven, are frequently sought and followed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, as well as to understand more about their natural history. Techniques based on conservation of T‐cell receptor CDR3 length are increasingly widely used, often without assessment of sensitivity or specificity. We present a comparative evaluation of a novel modified heteroduplex technique and a CDR3‐length‐based assay. Dilution of a known clone in a mixed T‐cell population shows that in our hands the heteroduplex technique is at least 10‐fold more sensitive than the CDR3‐length‐based assay. However, even with this level of sensitivity, we do not detect clonal expansions in unstimulated CD4+ T cells. This contrasts with the frequent detection of CD8+ clones in fresh samples and suggests different mechanisms of clonal homeostasis in the two subsets. We show that both techniques detect functional expansions after in vitro stimulation with a recall antigen. The distinct molecular footprint seen with the heteroduplex technique allows reproducible follow up of specific clonal expansions. We have exploited this to demonstrate that the repertoire of clones expanded by in vitro tetanus toxoid stimulation shows stability within an individual, implying long‐term maintenance of multiple CD4+ clones.
Quantitative comparisons of muscarinic and bradykinin receptor‐mediated Ins (1,4,5)P3 accumulation and Ca2+ signalling in human neuroblastoma cells

1 Muscarinic and bradykinin receptor‐mediated Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation, Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ entry have been examined in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. This has allowed both direct comparison of signalling events by two receptor types potentially linked to the same transduction pathway and an investigation of the interactions between the components of this pathway.
Driver Fatigue and Road Safety on Poland’s National Roads

This paper presents an overview of factors causing driver fatigue as described in the literature. Next, a traffic crash database for 2003–2007 is used to identify the causes, circumstances and consequences of accidents caused by driver fatigue on Poland’s national roads. The results of the study were used to build a model showing the relationship between the concentration of road accidents and casualties, and the time of day. Finally, the level of relative accident risk at night-time versus daytime is defined. A map shows the risk of death and severe injury on the network of Poland’s national roads. The paper suggests to road authorities steps to reduce fatigue-related road accidents in Poland.