Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation of drug block of the cardiac potassium channel KCNA5 by the drug transporters OCTN1 and MDR1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE A common site for drug binding on voltage‐gated ion channels is at the interior face of the channel pore. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the extent of drug block of the human cardiac KCNA5 (Kv1.5) channel underlying the atrial‐specific, ultra‐rapidly activating, delayed K+ current (IKur) is modulated by the drug uptake and efflux transporters encoded by organic cation transporter 1 (OCTN1) and multiple drug‐resistant gene 1 (MDR1) and expressed in human heart.
Intravitreal thalidomide reduces experimental preretinal neovascularisation without induction of retinal toxicity

Background/aims Proliferative retinopathies remain the most common causes of blindness. Retinal neovascularisation is induced by hypoxic upregulation of angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Thalidomide has been shown to be anti-angiogenic via reduction of VEGF levels. We investigated the effect of intravitreal application of thalidomide on neovascularisation and retinal toxicity in a mouse model of proliferative retinopathy. Methods C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day (p) 7 to p12. Immediately after transfer to room air at p12, mice received an intravitreal injection of 150 μg/μl thalidomide or control solution. Preretinal neovascularisation was quantified at p17. VEGF levels were assessed in whole retinal lysates at p13 and p17. Retinal toxicity was assessed by measuring retinal layer thickness and by analysing caspase-3 activity and apoptotic cell counts in retinal layers to examine retinal apoptosis. Results Intravitreal application of thalidomide significantly reduced preretinal neovascularisation by 62% compared with control treated contralateral eyes (p=0.01). Interestingly, this effect was established without a change in retinal VEGF levels. Intravitreal thalidomide was not toxic, as retinal layer thickness, retinal caspase-3 activity and apoptotic cell counts were unaltered. Conclusion These data indicate that intravitreal application of thalidomide can be an effective and safe way to treat retinal neovascularisation.
Location and concentration of estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors in the bladder and urethra of the rabbit

The objective of this study was to determine location and concentration of estrogen, androgen and progesterone receptors in the bladder and urethra of the rabbit. Two urethral and two bladder specimens were obtained from four 12‐week‐old female New Zealand white rabbits. Rat monoclonal antibody (AN 1–15) to human androgcn receptor and (H222) to human estrogen receptor and mouse monoclonal antibody (PR6) to chicken progesterone receptor were used. Immunocytochemical staining was performed and specimens were evaluated lor presence and location of steroid receptors. Androgen receptors were found in the highest concentrations in urethral and bladder epithelium. Low to low/moderate concentration were found in smooth muscle. Estrogen receptors were found in moderate to moderate/high concentrations in urethral epithelium and bladder and urethral smooth muscle. Progesterone receptors were not found in appreciable concentrations from any location, though the animals were not pretreated with estrogen. The rabbit model suggests a mechanism by which estrogen therapy can be effective in treating postmenopausal lower urinary tract symptoms. Progesterone receptors were not found in appreciable concentrations, suggesting progesterone therapy may not diminish the effectiveness of estrogen therapy by acting on urethral progesterone receptors. The effect of androgcns on the lower urinary tract needs further investigation to determine if androgen therapy can alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromechanical Properties of a Ceramic d31‐Gradient Flextensional Actuator

We examined the static axial displacement of a ceramic d31-gradient flextensional transducer both experimentally and theoretically. Two lead zirconate titanate systems, (PZT)/PZT and PZT/ZnO, were studied. The PZT/PZT transducers consisted of two PZT layers of different d31 coefficients. The PZT/ZnO transducers consisted of a PZT and a ZnO layer. The PZT/PZT transducers were of an inner-type dome structure. The PZT/ZnO transducers were either flat, or had an inner- or outer-type dome structure by varying the thickness ratio between the two layers or the Sb2O3 content in the ZnO layer. An inner (outer)-type transducer has the large-d31 layer on the inside (outside) of the dome structure. For the PZT/PZT transducers, the axial displacement varied with the thickness ratio and reached a maximum when the two layers had similar thickness, in agreement with the calculations. With a conductive nonpiezoelectric layer, the PZT/ZnO transducers had higher axial displacements, which varied with the thickness ratio and the Sb2O3 content, than the PZT/PZT transducers. With 6 wt% Sb2O3, the transducers were flat and the measured displacements at various thickness ratios were similar to the calculated values. With 4 wt% Sb2O3, the transducers were of an outer type. The measured axial displacements were about twice the calculated values, suggesting an enhanced d31 value because of the tensile bending stress in the PZT layer. The scaled axial displacements of the PZT/ZnO transducers with 4 wt% Sb2O3 were comparable to that of the Rainbow transducers. With 8 wt% Sb2O3, the displacements of transducers with thin PZT layers (<0.3 mm) were lower than the calculated values because of increased conductivity in the PZT layer.
Epidemiology of Low Back Pain in Adults

Low back pain affects many individuals. It has profound effects on well‐being and is often the cause of significant physical and psychological health impairments. Low back pain also affects work performance and social responsibilities, such as family life, and is increasingly a major factor in escalating health‐care costs. A global review of the prevalence of low back pain in the adult general population has shown its point prevalence to be approximately 12%, with a one‐month prevalence of 23%, a one‐year prevalence of 38%, and a lifetime prevalence of approximately 40%. Furthermore, as the population ages over the coming decades, the number of individuals with low back pain is likely to increase substantially. This comprehensive review is undertaken to assess the increasing prevalence of low back pain and the influence of comorbid factors, along with escalating costs.
Primary Thrombophilia in Mexico III: A Prospective Study of the Sticky Platelet Syndrome

During an 18-month period, 10 consecutive Mexican mestizos with a clinical marker associated with a primary hypercoagulable state were studied. The assessment of the sticky platelet syndrome (SPS) was done by the method described by Mammen. In addition, the activated protein C resistance phenotype, coagulation protein C activity and antigen, coagulation protein S, antithrombin III, plasminogen, tissue-type plasminogen activator activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, IgG and IgM isotypes of anti-phospholipid antibodies, homocysteine levels, the factor V gene Leiden mutation, the 677 C->T mutation in the 5,10-methylen-tetrahydrofolate-reductase (MTHFR), and the G20210A polymorphism in the 3′-untranslated region of the prothrombin gene were studied. Six patients with the SPS were identified: only one displayed this as the single thrombophilic abnormality; in five others, additional thrombosis-prone conditions were found: heterozygosity for the MTHFR 677 gene mutation in five cases; and, in one case each, heterozygosity for the factor V Leiden mutation, heterozygosity for the factor II G20210A mutation, and antiphospholipid antibodies in another. Four of the six patients had a family history of thrombophilia. All patients were treated with aspirin and no new vasoocclusive episodes have been recorded. SPS in not an infrequent finding in Mexican mestizo thrombophilic patients and may contribute to thrombophilia.
Neonatal infections in Asia

Objective: To study the epidemiology (including incidence, antibiotic sensitivity and mortality) of neonatal unit infections in countries in Asia. Methods: One year prospective study of neonatal infections in eight neonatal units in Asia. Results: There were 453 episodes of sepsis affecting 394 babies. Mortality from neonatal sepsis was 10.4%, with an incidence of 0.69 deaths/1000 live births. Group B streptococcus was the most common early-onset organism causing 38% of episodes of early-onset (<48 h old) sepsis, with a rate of 0.51 episodes per 1000 live births and a mortality of 22%. Gram-negative bacillary early-onset sepsis occurred at a rate of 0.15 episodes per 1000 live births with a mortality of 12%. There were 406 episodes of late-onset sepsis. The incidence was high at 11.6 per 1000 live births, and mortality was 8.9%. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus caused 34.1% of episodes, whereas Staphlococcus aureus caused only 5.4%. Gram-negative bacilli caused 189 episodes (46.6%). Only 44% of Gram-negative bacilli were sensitive to both gentamicin and a third-generation cephalosporin, whereas 30% were resistant to both antibiotics. Meningitis occurred in 17.2% of episodes of late sepsis, with a mortality of 20%. Conclusions: The incidence of late-onset sepsis was higher in Asia than in resource-rich countries, but the organisms isolated and mortality were similar. Over half of all Gram-negative bacilli were antibiotic resistant.
The peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test is related to physical match performance in young soccer players

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test (T-CAR) (PVT-CAR) and physical match performance in young soccer players. Thirty-three youth soccer players were recruited from 2 non-professional clubs. Friendly matches and small-sided game were performed. Physical match demands were assessed using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. On a separate occasion, the players were submitted to the T-CAR. Players were categorised into 3 groups based on their T-CAR performance: Low (PVT-CAR ≤ P33), Intermediate (P33 > PVT-CAR < P66) and High (PVT-CAR ≥ P66). The PVT-CAR (15.5 ± 0.7 km·h−1) was significantly related to high-intensity activities (HIA; r = 0.78, P < 0.001), high-intensity running (HIR; r = 0.66, P < 0.001), sprinting (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and total distance (TD) covered (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) during friendly matches. The PVT-CAR was strongly correlated with the amount of HIA (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), HIR (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and TD covered (r = 0.81, P < 0.001) during small-sided game. No significant correlation was observed between the PVT-CAR and distance of sprinting (r = 0.49, P = 0.067) during small-side game. Furthermore, players in the High group covered significantly more TD (10%) and did more HIA (42%), sprinting (31%) and HIR (25%) during friendly matches compared to the players classified as having Low performance on the T-CAR. These differences still remained after adjusting for chronological age (CA), maturity and body size. In conclusion, the current study gives empirical support to the ecological and construct validity of this novel field test (T-CAR) as an indicator of match-related physical performance in young soccer players during pubertal years.
Deficits in Neuropsychological Functioning and Psychopathology in Persons with Epilepsy: A Rejected Hypothesis Revisited

Summary: Previous investigations have failed to detect a relationship between the adequacy/inadequacy of neuropsychological functioning and psychopathology in persons with epilepsy. It is argued that these results were obtained because of the manner in which the measures of psychopathology, the MMPI, were analyzed. The MMPI data from two recent neuropsychological investigations of epilepsy were analyzed using a technique which has been found to be quite sensitive to various psychopathological categories, i.e., Goldberg's Rules. Comparison of subjects varying, in degree of neuropsychological impairment revealed increased psychopathology in the patient groups with more widespread cognitive deficits. It is concluded that there is a relationship between deficits in neuropsychological functioning and psychopathology in epilepsy. This relationship is related to the larger literature of epilepsy and psychopathology.
Escherichia coli MutS Tetramerization Domain Structure Reveals That Stable Dimers but Not Tetramers Are Essential for DNA Mismatch Repair in Vivo*

The Escherichia coli mispair-binding protein MutS forms dimers and tetramers in vitro, although the functional form in vivo is under debate. Here we demonstrate that the MutS tetramer is extended in solution using small angle x-ray scattering and the crystal structure of the C-terminal 34 amino acids of MutS containing the tetramer-forming domain fused to maltose-binding protein (MBP). Wild-type C-terminal MBP fusions formed tetramers and could bind MutS and MutS-MutL-DNA complexes. In contrast, D835R and R840E mutations predicted to disrupt tetrameric interactions only allowed dimerization of MBP. A chromosomal MutS truncation mutation eliminating the dimerization/tetramerization domain eliminated mismatch repair, whereas the tetramer-disrupting MutS D835R and R840E mutations only modestly affected MutS function. These results demonstrate that dimerization but not tetramerization of the MutS C terminus is essential for mismatch repair.
Barriers to Early Initiation and Continuation of Breastfeeding in a Tertiary care Institute of Haryana: A Qualitative Study in Nursing Care Providers.

INTRODUCTION Ever increasing institutional deliveries in India has shifted the responsibility of timely initiation and continuation of breastfeeding from peripheral health workers and families to the nursing care providers of health facilities where the births take place. While institutional deliveries have increased to 72.6%, only 44.6% of the newborns enjoy early breastfeeding in India. AIM To study the barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding in institutional delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total 34 nursing care providers were selected randomly and five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out. This Qualitative Study was conducted through FGDs among the nursing care providers of a tertiary care institute in the Indian State of Haryana, India. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The analyses continued throughout the group discussions as the newly emerged themes were tested in the subsequent discussion. FGDs transcripts were analysed to enhance the robustness of the emerged domain. RESULTS Major barriers to initiation of breast feeding identified included: lack of awareness regarding proper technique of breastfeeding and benefits of colostrum; breast abnormality like inverted/retracted nipples; obstetric/neonatal complications requiring specialised care; and cultural practices like giving pre-lacteals and gender discrimination. It was further reported that the manpower has not been rationalised with ever increasing number of institutional deliveries. The respondents though willing to promote early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding felt excessive workload as one of the major barriers due to multi-tasking nature of their job. CONCLUSION The new challenges to the early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding are emerging due to change in the place of delivery which needs to be addressed at the policy level.
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (zidovudine and stavudine) side-effects in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome attending the antiretroviral treatment center of B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

With the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the survival and quality‑of‑life of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) has increased dramatically in the recent years. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in combinations with other anti‑retrovirals (HAART) are the cornerstones of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) therapy, turning HIV infection into a manageable chronic illness. [1] NRTIs form the backbone of antiretroviral (ARV) cocktail and zidovudine (ZDV) and stavudine (d4T) are the most preferred NRTIs widely used in the first line management for HIV treatment in the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) sponsored antiretroviral therapy (ART) program. [2] ZDV as an NRTI has been shown to be associated with hematological toxicity. d4T has been, before sometime, one of the most frequently prescribed NRTIs in initial first line regimens in most resource poor settings. However, there is increasing evidence that d4T is one of the NRTIs most often associated with long‑term toxicities including mitochondrial toxicities and it is therefore no longer recommended by World Health Organization as the preferred NRTI. The present study was undertaken to reviews common side‑effects experienced by PLHIV/AIDS who were initiated with ZDV or d4T based fixed dose combination (FDC) ART regimen as per Indian National ART Guidelines. All the Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers confirmed HIV positive patients who were eligible for starting ART based on NACO guidelines were registered at our ART center and were initiated with FDC of two NRTIs (ZDV/d4T + lamivudine)
Choosing among Alternative Service Delivery Modes: An Investigation of Customer Trial of Self-Service Technologies

Electronic commerce is an increasingly popular business model with a wide range of tools available to firms. An application that is becoming more common is the use of self-service technologies (SSTs), such as telephone banking, automated hotel checkout, and online investment trading, whereby customers produce services for themselves without assistance from firm employees. Widespread introduction of SSTs is apparent across industries, yet relatively little is known about why customers decide to try SSTs and why some SSTs are more widely accepted than others. In this research, the authors explore key factors that influence the initial SST trial decision, specifically focusing on actual behavior in situations in which the consumer has a choice among delivery modes. The authors show that the consumer readiness variables of role clarity, motivation, and ability are key mediators between established adoption constructs (innovation characteristics and individual differences) and the likelihood of trial.
Study of the noise spectrum on high frequency thresholds in workers exposed to noise

Noise level can be quantified and qualified based on sound characteristics such as intensity, type of spectrum, duration and distribution of the noise exposure during one's working hours. Objective: To assess noise spectrum and the audiometric configuration of workers. Materials and Methods: Contemporary cross-sectional cohort carried out in the Federal District Brazil. We did an environmental analysis (spectral analysis) of the noise in companies from different industries, with audiological assessment of 347 workers. Results: The spectral analysis revealed peaks at different frequencies for each industry investigated (8 kHz-metallurgical, 4 kHz-stone Works and 2 kHz-wood works). We noticed that the frequencies of 14 kHz and 16 kHz had significant differences between the various industries, with a greater prevalence of the metallurgical. Conclusion: The use of noise pressure measuring device, coupled to a frequency analyzer and high frequency audiometric assessment yielded an early detection of hearing damage, helping better organize preventive measures.
The effects of inhomogeneities and anisotropies on electrocardiographic fields: a 3-D finite-element study

The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of selected inhomogeneities and anisotropies on computed electric potential fields associated with the electrocardiographic forward problem. The model construction was based on the Utah Torso model and included geometry for major anatomical structures such as subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle, and lungs, as well as for epicardial fatpads, major arteries and veins, and the sternum, ribs, spine, and clavicles. Measured epicardial potentials served as the electrical source for solutions to the electrocardiographic forward problem computed using the finite element method (FEM). The geometry of the torso model for each simulation was constant, but different combinations of conductivities were assigned to individual organs or tissues. Comparisons of different conductivity combinations followed one of two basic schemes: 1) a homogeneous torso served as the reference against which we compared simulations with a single organ or tissue and assigned its nominal conductivity, or 2) a fully inhomogeneous torso served as the reference and we removed the effect of individual organs or tissues by assigning it the homogeneous conductivity value. When single inhomogeneities were added to an otherwise homogeneous isotropic model, anisotropic skeletal muscle (at a 15:1 anisotropy ratio) and the right and left lung had larger average effects (12.8, 12.7, and 12.1% relative error (RE), respectively) than the other inhomogeneities tested. Our results for removing single inhomogeneities show that the subcutaneous fat, the anisotropic skeletal muscle (with the degree of anisotropy equal to 7:1), and the lungs have larger average impacts on the body surface potential distributions than other elements of the model (with values of 14.9, 12.6, and 11.7% RE, respectively). The results also show that the size of the effect depended strongly on the distribution of epicardial potentials. The results of this study suggest that accurate representation of tissue inhomogeneity has a significant effect on the accuracy of the forward solution, with regions near the torso surface playing a larger role, in general, than those near the heart.
The Occlutech Figulla PFO and ASD occluder: a new nitinol wire mesh device for closure of atrial septal defects.

BACKGROUND We investigated the safety, feasibility and efficacy of the Occlutech devices for patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in a prospective trial. METHODS The retention discs of the PFO device (23 x 25 mm, 27 x 30 mm) are connected by a 3 mm waist in the center with only one right atrial side central pin. The left atrial disc is produced either with a single or double flat layer, which allows a significant reduction of meshwork material. The ASD occluder (6-40 mm, 3 mm increments) has only one central pin on the right atrial side. Indications for closure included cryptogenic stroke with evidence of a PFO on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or an ASD II. The devices were implanted in 29 patients with PFO and in 12 patients with ASD II (fluoroscopy and TEE). An echocardiographic follow-up examination was performed after 1, 2 and 6 months. RESULTS The devices were successfully implanted in all 41 patients. There were no periprocedural complications. One patient with ASD II died of recurrent myocardial infarction without evidence of cardioembolic origin. TEE studies showed a residual shunt in 11.2% after 60 days in patients with PFO and a left-to-right shunt in 9.1% of the remaining patients with ASD II. After 180 days only 1 patient with PFO had a right-to-left shunt (3.7%). A residual shunt in the patients with ASD was not observed. CONCLUSIONS The novel Occlutech devices appear to be safe, feasible and effective for PFO and ASD closure, with a significant reduction of the meshwork and absence of left atrial central pin.