Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial Food Resources of the Macrofaunal-Deposit Feeder Ptychodera bahamensis (Hemichordata: Enteropneusta)

Biochemcal and traditional analyses were used to characterize the microbial food resources and digestive efficiency of Ptychodera baharnenas an enteropneust hemlchordate Sediment was collected from freshly extruded fecal casts and adjacent feedlng depressions There were no sigmficant differences between casts and depressions in medlan gram size percent silt-clay, denslty of total meiofauna and of nematodes and concentrations of chlorophyll a and phaeophytin Nematodes in casts had a median diameter greater than those in depress~ons Measures of total vlable microbial biomass were 30 '10 (total phospholipid, ester-linked fatty acids) and 49 % (extractible phospholipid phosphate) lower m casts Concentrahons of 33 fatty acids were lower in casts, indicahng that the hemchordate dlgests a w d e variety of microorganisms Only 18 lw7c (as-vaccenic acid) was not lower in casts than in depressions Thls fatty a c ~ d 1s characteristic of eubactena havlng the anaerobicdesaturase pathway, many of which are Gram-negative organisms P baharnensis either cannot digest this funchonal group of bactena or contnbutes gut m~crobes containing 18 l o 7 c to sedlrnent passing through its alimentary canal
Secondary prevention of depression in primary care

cause for concern in Western society. The commonest psychopathological symptoms are depressive ones. Likewise, depressive disorders are the third most common psychopathology, with a life prevalence of between 2% and 25%, both in the United States and in Spain (Ayuso-Mateos et al., 2001; Kaplan & Sadock, 1999). These problems produce an enormous strain on primary care centres and mental health centres in Spain. Between 15 and 40% of primary care centre patients present psychological disorders, and 25% of them have depression (Bernardo, 2000). Depressive disorders commonly involve relapses, chronification and serious repercussions, including suicide. Between 40 and 85% of people with major depression experience at least one relapse in their lives. Of those who commit suicide, between 50% and 70% have a medical history that includes some depressive disorder (Coon & Thompson, 2003; Gonzalez, Ramos, Caballero & Wagner, 2003; Emslie, Mayes, Laptook & Batt, 2003; Merrill, Tolbert & Wade, 2003). Although there are a wide range of theories for explaining depression, it is assumed here that this psychopathology derives largely from people’s lack of strategies (or the inadequacy of those strategies) for coping with life problems. The proliferation of psychotherapeutic approaches for treating depression is overwhelming, but not all of them are sufficiently supported by scientific studies. After an exhaustive review it can be concluded that the psychotherapies that have best proven their efficacy for depression are behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy and interpersonal therapy, and that the group format is as efficacious or more so than the individual one, but more effective and efficient. With regard to social support groups it cannot be concluded whether they equal or inferior to previous psychotherapies (Jacobson & Hollon, 1996; Labrador, Echeburua & Becona, 2000; Perez & Garcia, 2003; Shapiro, Barkham, Rees, Hardy, Reynolds & Startup, 1994; Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures, 1995). On the other hand, the specific therapeutic elements of the treatments is an issue that has not been definitively resolved insofar as the variables they address do not SECONDARY PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION IN PRIMARY CARE
Segmentation of MRI data by means of nonlinear diffusion

The article focuses on the application of the segmentation algorithm based on the numerical solution of the Allen-Cahn non-linear diffusion partial differential equation. This equation is related to the motion of curves by mean curvature. It exhibits several suitable mathematical properties including stable solution profile. This allows the user to follow accurately the position of the segmentation curve by bringing it quickly to the vicinity of the segmented object and by approaching the details of the segmentation curve. The purpose of the article is to indicate how the algorithm parameters are set up and to show how the algorithm behaves when applied to the particular class of medical data. In detail we describe the algorithm parameters influencing the segmentation procedure. The left ventricle volume estimated by the segmentation of scanned slices is evaluated through the cardiac cycle. Consequently, the ejection fraction is evaluated. The described approach allows the user to process cardiac cine MR images in an automated way and represents, therefore, an alternative to other commonly used methods. Based on the physical and mathematical background, the presented algorithm exhibits the stable behavior in the segmentation of MRI test data, it is computationally efficient and allows the user to perform various implementation improvements.
Meeting patient expectations of care: the major determinant of satisfaction with out-of-hours primary medical care?

BACKGROUND Client or consumer expectation is considered to influence their satisfaction with the service provided, but its importance has not been quantified in health care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of "patient expectations of care" on satisfaction with care provided by out-of-hours services. METHODS We surveyed 3457 patients who requested out-of-hours care from five practices, two general practice out-of-hours co-operatives and a deputizing service in an English health authority during late 1997. The independent variables were: the service providing the care (service type), where out-of-hours care was given (location of care) and whether the care met the patient's expectations. The independent variable was overall patient satisfaction with out-of-hours care. RESULTS Patients who received the care they hoped for (their idealized expectation was met) were more satisfied than those who did not. Patients who attended centres were more satisfied with the care received than those who had had home visits. Patients were more satisfied if they received care from the co-operative which did not employ assistants than from the deputizing service. Idealized expectation (care which was hoped for) match, location of care and service type explained 34, 2 and 4% of the variance, respectively. Age, sex, ethnicity, access to a car, normative/comparative expectation (care which was expected) and whether patients expected and received telephone advice, a home visit or domiciliary care, and the delay between request for care and care provision were not independently associated with satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Meeting or failing to meet the care patients hoped for is an important predictor of patient satisfaction with out-of-hours care. Purchasers and providers of out-of-hours care should consider whether and how patient expectation of service can be managed. This may reduce patient dissatisfaction with the service they provide. These findings also have important implications for the design of studies which use patient satisfaction as an outcome variable.
Does the Use of Incisional Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Prevent Mastectomy Flap Necrosis in Immediate Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction?

Background: Mastectomy flap necrosis is one of the most common and significant complications in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction. Negative-pressure wound therapy is widely used for open wounds but is not commonly used for closed incisional wounds. However, the postoperative use of incisional negative-pressure wound therapy is demonstrated to reduce complication rates. The authors evaluate the incidence of mastectomy flap necrosis in patients with incisional negative-pressure wound therapy after immediate expander-based breast reconstruction compared with the incidence in patients with conventional dressing. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who underwent immediate expander-based breast reconstruction between January of 2010 and February of 2015 at a single institution. Patients were divided into a conventional dressing group and an incisional negative-pressure wound therapy group. Patient demographics, intraoperative findings, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 228 breasts (206 patients) were included in this study. Of these, the incisional negative-pressure wound therapy group included 45 breasts (44 patients) and the conventional dressing group included 183 breasts (162 patients). The incisional negative-pressure wound therapy group had a lower overall complication rate (11.1 percent versus 27.9 percent; p = 0.019), overall mastectomy flap necrosis rate (8.9 percent versus 23.5 percent; p = 0.030), and major mastectomy flap necrosis rate (2.2 percent versus 13.7 percent; p = 0.031) compared with the conventional dressing group. Conclusions: Incisional negative-pressure wound therapy reduced the incidence of mastectomy flap necrosis. This simple and reliable dressing technique can be effective in preventing mastectomy flap necrosis in immediate expander-based breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.
Internal solitary waves of elevation advancing on a shoaling shelf

A sequence of three internal solitary waves of elevation were observed propagating shoreward along a near‐bottom density interface over Oregon's continental shelf. These waves are highly turbulent and coincide with enhanced optical backscatter, consistent with increased suspended sediments in the bottom boundary layer. Non‐linear solitary wave solutions are employed to estimate wave speeds and energy. The waves are rank ordered in amplitude, phase speed, and energy, and inversely ordered in width. Wave kinetic energy is roughly twice the potential energy. The observed turbulence is not sufficiently large to dissipate the waves' energy before the waves reach the shore. Because of high wave velocities at the sea bed, bottom stress is inferred to be an important source of wave energy loss, unlike near‐surface solitary waves. The wave solution suggests that the lead wave has a trapped core, implying enhanced cross‐shelf transport of fluid and biology.
Sustained activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase by nerve growth factor regulates c‐fos protein stabilization and transactivation in PC12 cells

The duration of intracellular signaling is thought to be a critical component in effecting specific biological responses. This paradigm is demonstrated by growth factor activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells). In this model, sustained ERK activation induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) results in differentiation, whereas transient ERK activation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) results in proliferation in these cells. Recently, the immediate early gene product c‐fos has been proposed to be a sensor for ERK signaling duration in fibroblasts. In this study, we ask whether this is true for NGF and EGF stimulation of PC12 cells. We show that NGF, but not EGF, can regulate both c‐fos stability and activation in an ERK‐dependent manner in PC12 cells. This is achieved through ERK‐dependent phosphorylation of c‐fos. Interestingly, distinct sites regulate enhanced stability and transactivation of c‐fos. Phosphorylation of Thr325 and Thr331 are required for maximal NGF‐dependent transactivation of c‐fos. In addition, a consensus ERK binding site (DEF domain) is also required for c‐fos transactivation. However, stability is controlled by ERK‐dependent phosphorylation of Ser374, while phosphorylation of Ser362 can induce conformational changes in protein structure. We also provide evidence that sustained ERK activation is required for proper post‐translational regulation of c‐fos following NGF treatment of PC12 cells. Because these ERK‐dependent phosphorylations are required for proper c‐fos function, and occur sequentially, we propose that c‐fos is a sensor for ERK signaling duration in the neuronal‐like cell line PC12.
Value of MIB-1 labelling index (LI) in gliomas and its correlation with other prognostic factors. A clinicopathologic study.

BACKGROUND In recent years, the monoclonal antibody MIB-1 has become the main factor to measure the proliferative potential of glial tumors. This antibody is equivalent to Ki-67, which is used in frozen sections, and reacts with a nuclear protein that is expressed through the cell cycle. We have investigated the value of MIB-1 Labelling Index (LI) as an independent prognostic factor in gliomas and its relationship with clinical and pathological parameters. METHODS MIB-1 LI was determined in 139 gliomas by using the Streptavidin-Biotin Complex (SBC) immunohistochemical method. MIB-1 LI immunoreactivity was measured with an automatic cell counting system. Survival was studied by using the Kaplan-Meier bivariant analysis and Cox multivariant regression. RESULTS In bivariant analysis MIB-1 LI increased with age, histological grade and a supratentorial lateral location. Only size and tumor grade were significant in Cox regression. CONCLUSIONS Perhaps this proliferation marker is influenced by many factors which reduce its value as an isolated prognostic parameter.
[Transcriptional activation of interleukin-8 gene induced by shear stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE To examine the transcriptional activation of IL-8 gene induced by 4.2 dyne/cm2 shear stress in human vascular endothelial cells. METHODS The one-step RT-PCR was used for detection of IL-8 mRNAs expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after shear stress for 0.5, 1, 2 hours. To construct IL-8 green fluorescent protein reporter gene plasmid pEGFP1-IL8USCS. The endothelial cells were transfected with the pEGFP1-IL8USCS, and stimulated with 4.2 dyne/cm2 shear stress for 3 hours. The green fluorescent protein expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. NF-kappaB nuclear translocation was observed by immunocytofluorescent staining in HUVECs stimulated by shear stress for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 hours. Western blotting was used to examine kappaB phosphorylation and degradation after shear stress for 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes respectively. RESULTS The results of RT-PCR showed that low laminar shear stress could induce IL-8 mRNA expression in HUVECs, its increased effect was time-dependent. Flow cytometric analysis showed that when exposed to 4.2 dyne/cm2 shear stress for 3 hours, there was a marked increase in the green fluorescent protein expression in the pEGFP1-IL8USCS-transfected cells. NF-kappaB p65 immunocytofluorescent staining of HUVECs showed that flow shear stress could induce nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. Flow shear stress could induce IkappaB phosphorylation and degradation in HUVECs detected by Western blotting. CONCLUSION These experiments suggested that the NF-kappaB signaling pathway would probably be involved in flow shear stress-induced IL-8 gene transcriptional activation, It may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
Infected aortic aneurysms: aggressive presentation, complicated early outcome, but durable results.

OBJECTIVE Infected aortic aneurysms are rare, difficult to treat, and associated with significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to review the management and results of patients with infected aortic aneurysms and identify clinical variables associated with poor outcome. METHODS The clinical data and early and late outcomes of 43 patients treated for infected aortic aneurysms during a 25-year period (1976-2000) were reviewed. Variables were correlated with risk of aneurysm-related death and vascular complications, defined as organ or limb ischemia, graft infection or occlusion, and anastomotic or recurrent aneurysm. RESULTS Infected aneurysms were infrarenal in only 40% of cases. Seventy percent of patients were immunocompromised hosts. Ninety-three percent had symptoms, and 53% had ruptured aneurysms. Surgical treatment was in situ aortic grafting (35) and extra-anatomic bypass (6). Operative mortality was 21% (9/42). Early vascular complications included ischemic colitis (3), anastomotic disruption (1), peripheral embolism (1), paraplegia (1), and monoparesis (1). Late vascular complications included graft infection (2), recurrent aneurysm (2), limb ischemia (1), and limb occlusion (1). Mean follow-up was 4.3 years. Cumulative survival rates at 1 year and 5 years were 82% and 50%, respectively, significantly lower than survival rates for the general population (96% and 81%) and for the noninfected aortic aneurysm cohort (91% and 69%) at same intervals. Rate of survival free of late graft-related complications was 90% at 1 year and 5 years, similar to that reported for patients who had repair of noninfected abdominal aortic aneurysms (97% and 92%). Variables associated with increased risk of aneurysm-related death included extensive periaortic infection, female sex, Staphylococcus aureus infection, aneurysm rupture, and suprarenal aneurysm location (P <.05). For risk of vascular complications, extensive periaortic infection, female sex, leukocytosis, and hemodynamic instability were positively associated (P <.05). CONCLUSION Infected aortic aneurysms have an aggressive presentation and a complicated early outcome. However, late outcome is surprisingly favorable, with no aneurysm-related deaths and a low graft-related complication rate, similar to standard aneurysm repair. In situ aortic grafting is a safe and durable option in most patients.
Novel role of interleukin 7 in myelopoiesis: stimulation of primitive murine hematopoietic progenitor cells

Interleukin 7 (IL-7) has been demonstrated to be an important regulator of the growth of B and T cell precursors as well as mature T cells, whereas IL-7 has been reported to have no direct myeloproliferative effects. Here we show that IL-7 potently and directly enhances colony stimulating factor-induced myeloid colony formation from Lin-Sca-1+ murine bone marrow progenitor cells, increasing the cloning frequency up to ninefold and cell numbers up to 50-fold, without affecting their ability to differentiate along the myeloid lineages In contrast, IL-7 has no effect on proliferation of committed Lin- myeloid progenitors. Thus, in addition to its established lymphopoietic potential, this study implicates a novel role of IL-7 in early myelopoiesis.
A Numerical Study of the Limited Memory BFGS Method and the Truncated-Newton Method for Large Scale Optimization

This paper examines the numerical performances of two methods for large-scale optimization: a limited memory quasi-Newton method (L-BFGS), and a discrete truncated-Newton method (TN). Various ways of classifying test problems are discussed in order to better understand the types of problems that each algorithm solves well. The L-BFGS and TN methods are also compared with the Polak–Ribiere conjugate gradient method.
Anterior-Inferior Plating Results in Fewer Secondary Interventions Compared to Superior Plating for Acute Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures

Objectives: To determine whether a difference in plate position for fixation of acute, displaced, midshaft clavicle fractures would affect the rate of secondary intervention. Design: Retrospective Comparative Study. Setting: Two academic Level 1 Regional Trauma Centers. Patients: Five hundred ten patients treated surgically for an acutely displaced midshaft clavicle fracture between 2000 and 2013 were identified and reviewed retrospectively at a minimum of 24 months follow-up (F/U). Fractures were divided into 2 cohorts, according to plate position: Anterior-Inferior (AI) or Superior (S). Exclusion criteria included age <16 years, incomplete data records, and loss to F/U. Group analysis included demographics (age, sex, body mass index), fracture characteristics (mechanism of injury, open or closed), hand dominance, ipsilateral injuries, time between injury to surgery, time to radiographic union, length of F/U, and frequency of secondary procedures. Intervention: Patients were treated either with AI or S clavicle plating at the treating surgeon's discretion. Main Outcome Measures: Rate and reason for secondary intervention. Statistical Analysis: Fisher exact test, t test. and odds ratio were used for statistical analysis. Results: Final analysis included 252 fractures/251 patients. One hundred eighteen (47%) were in group AI; 134 (53%) were in group S. No differences in demographics, fracture characteristics, time to surgery, time to union, or length of F/U existed between groups. Seven patients/7 fractures (5.9%) in Group AI underwent a secondary surgery whereas 30 patients/30 fractures (22.3%) in group S required a secondary surgery. An additional intervention secondary to superior plate placement was highly statistically significant (P < 0.001). Furthermore, because 80% of these subsequent interventions were a result of plate irritation with patient discomfort, the odds ratio for a second procedure was 5 times greater in those fractures treated with a superior plate. Conclusions: This comparative analysis indicates that AI plating of midshaft clavicle fractures seems to lessen clinical irritation and results in significantly fewer secondary interventions. Considering patient satisfaction and a reduced financial burden to the health care system, we recommend routine AI plate application when open reduction internal fixation of the clavicle is indicated. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The growing impact of HIV infection on the epidemiology of tuberculosis in England and Wales: 1999–2003

Background: Previous studies have estimated the prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV infection in population subgroups in the UK. This study was undertaken to describe recent trends in the proportion of individuals with HIV infection among reported cases of tuberculosis in England and Wales, and to review the implications for clinical and public health care. Methods: A population-based matching study using national surveillance databases was used to investigate all persons aged 15 years and over reported with a diagnosis of tuberculosis to the Health Protection Agency in England and Wales in 1999–2003. Record linkage was used to match the national tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS surveillance databases to identify all cases of tuberculosis and determine the proportion of patients with tuberculosis co-infected with HIV. The distribution and characteristics of the cases were determined and the trend examined by year. Results: Of 30 670 cases of tuberculosis reported in England and Wales between 1999 and 2003, an estimated 1743 (5.7%) were co-infected with HIV. There was a year on year increase in the proportion from 3.1% (169/5388) in 1999 to 8.3% (548/6584) in 2003 (p for trend <0.0001). Co-infected patients contributed to almost a third of the increase in the number of cases of tuberculosis during the 5 year period. Patients co-infected with HIV were predominantly those born abroad. 18.5% (n = 323) of co-infected patients had not been reported as active cases of tuberculosis on the national tuberculosis database. Conclusion: The proportion of patients with tuberculosis co-infected with HIV in England and Wales is increasing, with the greatest impact on those born abroad regardless of their ethnic origin. With HIV infection contributing substantially to the increase in the number of cases of tuberculosis, close cooperation in the clinical management and accurate notification of patients is vital if appropriate care and public health action is to be achieved.