Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in morphine-induced ventilatory depression reside within the peripheral chemoreflex loop.

BACKGROUND This study gathers information in humans on the sites of sex-related differences in ventilatory depression caused by the mu-opioid receptor agonist morphine. METHODS Experiments were performed in healthy young men (n = 9) and women (n = 7). Dynamic ventilatory responses to square-wave changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (7.5-15 mmHg) and step decreases in end-tidal oxygen tension (step from 110 to 50 mmHg, duration of hypoxia 15 min) were obtained before and during morphine infusion (intravenous bolus dose 100 microg/kg, followed by 30 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1)). Each hypercapnic response was separated into a fast peripheral and slow central component, which yield central (Gc) and peripheral (Gp) carbon dioxide sensitivities. Values are mean +/- SD. RESULTS In carbon dioxide studies in men, morphine reduced Gc from 1.61 +/- 0.33 to 1.23 +/- 0.12 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (P < 0.05) without affecting Gp (control, 0.41 +/- 0.16 and morphine, 0.49 +/- 0.12 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1), not significant). In carbon dioxide studies in women, morphine reduced Gc, from 1.51 +/- 0.74 to 1.17 +/- 0.52 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (P < 0.05), and Gp, from 0.54 +/- 0.19 to 0.39 +/- 0.22 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (P < 0.05). Morphine-induced changes in Gc were equal in men and women; changes in Gp were greater in women. In hypoxic studies, morphine depressed the hyperventilatory response at the initiation of hypoxia more in women than in men (0.54 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.34 l x min(-1) x %(-1), respectively; P < 0.05). The ventilatory response to sustained hypoxia (i/e., 15 min) did not differ between men and women. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate the existence of sex differences in morphine-induced depression of responses mediated via the peripheral chemoreflex pathway, with more depression in women, but not of responses mediated via the central chemoreflex pathway. In men and women, morphine did not change the translation of the initial hyperventilatory response to short-term hypoxia into the secondary decrease in inspired minute ventilation (Vi) caused by sustained hypoxia.
Operational flexibility provided by storage in generation expansion planning with high shares of renewables

The integration of variable renewable energy resources result in an increased need for operational flexibility. Energy storage is one of the alternatives to conventional generation technologies to provide this flexibility. A generic model for energy storage is introduced into a generation expansion planning model, considering operational constraints of power plants and system balancing requirements. Different targets for the final renewable electricity generation towards the future are imposed, quantifying the need for electricity storage and the impact on the electricity generation mix. When facing high renewable targets, storage is found to reduce the need for installed generation capacity, both conventional and renewable, and reduce the electricity generation costs.
Antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing community-acquired urinary tract infections in India: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND Empiric treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTI) is determined by the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of uropathogens in a population. This study was conducted to determine patterns of resistance amongst CA-uropathogens in India, to help establish local guidelines on treatment of CA-UTI. METHODOLOGY 531 consecutive positive urine cultures taken from adult non-pregnant females attending outpatient clinics of five hospitals in Delhi, India, were analysed. Sensitivity testing was done for ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (SXT), amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, amikacin, nitrofurantoin, piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem in each isolate. RESULTS E. coli comprised 68%; Klebsiella 16.9%; Proteus 5.5%; Enterobacter 5.3%; Staphylococcus saprophyticus 2.8%; and others 1.5% of the isolates. Furthermore, 26.9% of the gram negative isolates were ESBL producers. Antibiotic sensitivity of all the gram negative organisms showed that 35.8% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin; 30% to SXT; 17.7% to amoxicillin; 41.6% to amoxicillin/clavulanate; 75.6% to amikacin; 65.7% to nitrofurantoin; 90.2% to piperacillin-tazobactam; and 100% to meropenem. CONCLUSION High levels of ESBL producers among gram negative CA-uropathogens was seen in our country. This, along with the alarming rate of resistance to ciprofloxacin, SXT and amoxicillin, precludes the use of these commonly used antibiotics for empiric treatment of CA-UTI in India.
Five-year incidence of obesity and its determinants: the ATTICA Study

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the 5-year incidence of obesity in a sample of CVD-free adults and investigate the potential effect of several sociodemographic and lifestyle habits on weight change and obesity incidence in these individuals. Methods Men (n 1514) and women (n 1528) (>18 years) without any clinical evidence of CVD, living in the Attica area of Greece, were enrolled in the ATTICA study from May 2001 to December 2002. The sampling was random, multistage and included information about various sociodemographic, lifestyle (diet, exercise and smoking), biochemical and clinical characteristics. In 2006, the 5-year follow-up was performed through telephone calls or personal visits. Data from the 1364 participants are analysed in the present work. Results The 5-year incidence of obesity was 21·8 % in men and 11·9 % in women. The ratio of men to women revealed that more men than women developed obesity, while more women than men became overweight during the follow-up period. It was found that men were 1·6 times more likely to develop obesity compared with women; abnormal waist circumference, smoking habits and the presence of hypercholesterolaemia increased the risk for developing obesity, irrespective of age and baseline lifestyle characteristics of the participants. In the multivariate analysis, no association was detected between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and incidence of obesity in initially normal-weight individuals. Conclusions Obesity remains a serious health problem for the Greek population; the alarming rates of excess body weight continue to increase. Preventive measures should be urgently addressed, targeting particularly those with metabolic risk factors.
Changes of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in Elderly Patients Receiving Lower Joint Arthroplasty without Allogeneic Blood Transfusion

Background: It has rarely been reported about the changes of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) in elderly patients receiving total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the changes of Hb and Hct after TKA or THA in elderly patients, and analyze its relationship with sex and type of arthroplasty. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study, including 107 patients receiving TKA or THA without allogeneic blood transfusion. There were 54 males and 53 females, with a mean age of 69.42 years. Levels of Hb and Hct were examined preoperatively and during the 6 months follow-up after operation. Results: Levels of Hb and Hct decreased postoperatively and reached their minimum points on postoperative day 4. Thereafter, Hb and Hct recovered to their preoperative levels within 6–12 weeks. No significant differences in the levels of Hb and Hct were noticed between different sexes. THA patients showed significantly greater drop in Hb and Hct than TKA patients in the first 4 days postoperatively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Levels of Hb and Hct decreased during the first 4 days after arthroplasty and gradually returned to their normal levels within 6–12 weeks postoperatively. THA may be associated with higher postoperative blood loss than TKA.
Pattern of Skin Disease at the Ethio‐Swedish Pediatric Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract: Although skin diseases are common in children, only a very few prospective studies are available, in the literature, mainly from developed countries. This work reports the pattern of skin diseases in a tertiary referral hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from June 1995 to July 1997. A total of 1000 consecutive new pediatric patients, ages 0–12 years, were studied. The male:female ratio was 1:1. Allergic skin diseases were most frequently found (55%), followed by infections (33%) and photodermatosis (8%). Of the allergic skin diseases, atopic dermatitis was the most prevalent (47%), followed by seborrheic dermatitis (17.4%).
Effects of a Developmental Physical Therapy Program on Oxygen Saturation and Heart Rate in Preterm Infants

To evaluate the physiologic responses of 14 preterm infants to physical therapy, pulse oximetry was used to measure the percentage of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and heart rate during baseline, intervention, and recovery phases. Treatment consisted of six one-minute activities that were equally divided between the side-lying and supported-sitting positions. The order of position and activities was randomly varied. A one-way analysis of variance for repeated measures revealed no significant changes in mean SaO2 as a function of the position or duration of intervention. Mean heart rate increased significantly as a result of intervention (p less than .0001), but there was no significant difference between the baseline and recovery phases. Further analysis indicated that the change in heart rate was not a function of duration of intervention. The results indicate that the preterm infants were able to tolerate the intervention without desaturation. The return of heart rate to baseline values during the recovery phase suggested a normal physiologic response to exercise. Despite some technical limitations, pulse oximetry is recommended to monitor preterm infants during physical therapy.
The use of ionic liquid ion sources (ILIS) in FIB applications

A new monoenergetic, high-brightness ion source can be constructed using an arrangement similar to liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) by substituting the liquid metal with an ionic liquid, or room temperature molten salt. Ion beams produced by these ionic liquid ion sources (ILIS) have energy deficits and distributions that closely resemble their metallic counterparts, with the exception that, if needed, they can be stably operated at current levels as low as a few nA. ILIS sources are here presented as having two further key advantages: (1) the ability to obtain both positive and negative ion beams, and (2) the ability to produce very diverse molecular ions in terms of their masses, compositions and properties, due to the fact that the number of available ionic liquids is large. In this thesis an overview of ILIS sources is presented, as well as preliminary results of their performance in a FIB column. Thesis Supervisor: Paulo Lozano Title: Professor
Hospital services for people with HIV infection in Flanders: Patients' satisfaction

Two questionnaire surveys about satisfaction with hospital services were carried out among HIV-infected people in Flanders. In a first survey (CIRCA '93 study) between 1993 and 1995, before highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was available, questionnaires were distributed by HIV treatment centres, general practitioners and HIV support organizations: 315 people with HIV infection completed the questionnaire. The level of patient satisfaction was generally higher with services at university hospitals than at general hospitals. Most patients preferred to be hospitalized in a ward specialized in HIV care. Contact with other HIV-infected patients was generally experienced as supportive. The second survey included 34 patients with HIV-infection and 83 patients with lung disease. They were admitted to the same ward at the Antwerp University Hospital, between July 1996 and July 1997. Patients with HIV infections were expecting more services than patients with lung disease. Both studies showed that HIV-infected patients wanted to be actively involved in diagnostic and treatment decisions. The multidisciplinary approach, offered by the Antwerp University Hospital, was widely appreciated by patients and could be used as an example for organizing patient care for other diseases.
Does Self-Control Training Improve Self-Control? A Meta-Analysis

Self-control is positively associated with a host of beneficial outcomes. Therefore, psychological interventions that reliably improve self-control are of great societal value. A prominent idea suggests that training self-control by repeatedly overriding dominant responses should lead to broad improvements in self-control over time. Here, we conducted a random-effects meta-analysis based on robust variance estimation of the published and unpublished literature on self-control training effects. Results based on 33 studies and 158 effect sizes revealed a small-to-medium effect of g = 0.30, confidence interval (CI95) [0.17, 0.42]. Moderator analyses found that training effects tended to be larger for (a) self-control stamina rather than strength, (b) studies with inactive compared to active control groups, (c) males than females, and (d) when proponents of the strength model of self-control were (co)authors of a study. Bias-correction techniques suggested the presence of small-study effects and/or publication bias and arrived at smaller effect size estimates (range: gcorrected = .13 to .24). The mechanisms underlying the effect are poorly understood. There is not enough evidence to conclude that the repeated control of dominant responses is the critical element driving training effects.
The Effect of Warning Against Faking on Noncognitive Test Outcomes: A field Study of Bus Operator Applicants

The effects of a warning statement on predictor and faking scale scores of a noncognitive measure were examined in a field sample of Bus Operator applicants in a municipal transit agency. The experimental group completed the measure after receiving a warning that contained both identification and consequence elements. The control group received no warning. Applicants who were warned scored significantly lower on the two predictor scales, and were more likely to be categorized as “Honest” by the faking scale. The magnitude of the effects, however, was not sufficient to impact decisions regarding applicant advancement in the selection process. Implications for the use of warning statements in selection contexts and for future research are discussed.
OVERVIEW OF CYANIDE TREATMENT METHODS

An integral and key component of many water management systems at mining sites is the approach adopted to manage cyanide-containing solutions and slurries. Excluding the bulk storage of cyanide reagents such as sodium cyanide, most cyanide present at mining sites will be present in water solutions. Therefore, to a great extent the management of water and the management of cyanide can be considered as one and the same and should be simultaneously considered when developing water management and cyanide management plans. All mining sites that utilize cyanide for metals recovery should have a comprehensive and wellmaintained cyanide management plan. A good cyanide management plan will include descriptions of how cyanide-containing solutions and slurries are to be handled, stored, contained and monitored, and in many cases the plan will also include a description of treatment plants used to remove cyanide from solutions or slurries. This article is included in this special edition of Mining Environmental Management to describe cyanide treatment processes that have been successfully proven on a full-scale at a number of mining sites worldwide.
Risk Factors for Mesh/Suture Erosion Following Sacrocolpopexy

* Abstract Objectives— To identify risks for mesh/suture erosions following sacrocolpopexy (ASC). Study Design— We analyzed demographic, perioperative variables and erosion status in 322 participants in the Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts study two years after sacrocolpopexy. Results— The predominant graft used was synthetic mesh; Mersilene (42%) or Polypropylene (48%). Twenty subjects (6%) experienced mesh/suture erosion. Unadjusted risk factors for mesh/ Condensation Gore-Tex® mesh, concurrent hysterectomy, and current smoking are risk factors associated with mesh/suture erosion complications following sacrocolpopexy. suture erosion were expanded polytrafluroethylene (ePTFE) mesh (ePTFE 4/21 (19%) versus non-ePFTE 16/301 (5%): OR 4.2), concurrent hysterectomy (OR 4.9) and current smoking (OR 5.2). Of those with mesh erosion, most affected women (13/17) underwent at least one surgery for partial or total mesh removal. Two were completely resolved, 6 had persistent problems and 5 were lost to follow-up. No resolution was documented in the 4 women who elected observation. Conclusions— Expanded PTFE mesh should not be used for sacrocolpopexy. Concurrent hysterectomy and smoking are modifiable risks for mesh/suture erosion.
Dipetalonema viteae: ultrastructural study on the in vitro interaction between rat macrophages and microfilariae in the presence of IgE antibody

SUMMARY The in vitro interaction between rat peritoneal macrophages and Dipetalonema viteae microfilariae in the presence of amicrofilaraemic rat immune serum was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The probable sequence of events leading to the killing of D. viteae microfilaria by macrophages is as follows. (a) Rat peritoneal macrophages in the presence of amicrofilaraemic rat immune serum adhere to the parasite surface, (b) the macrophages extend their pseudopodia around the parasite, (c) the ‘lysosome-like’ granules discharge their contents on to the parasite surface, (d) the lytic activity of these products begins at the parasite surface and (e) subsequent breaking of the microfilarial cuticle occurs, exposing the parasite intracellular material.
βIV Spectrins Are Essential for Membrane Stability and the Molecular Organization of Nodes of Ranvier

High densities of sodium channels at nodes of Ranvier permit action potential conduction and depend on βIV spectrins, a family of scaffolding proteins linked to the cortical actin cytoskeleton. To investigate the molecular organization of nodes, we analyzed qv3J“quivering” mice, whose βIV spectrins have a truncated proline-rich “specific” domain (SD) and lack the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Central nodes of qv3J mice, which lack βIV spectrins, are significantly broader and have prominent vesicle-filled nodal membrane protrusions, whereas axon shape and neurofilament density are dramatically altered. PNS qv3J nodes, some with detectable βIV spectrins, are less affected. In contrast, a larger truncation of βIV spectrins in qv4J mice, deleting the SD, PH, and ankyrinG binding domains, causes βIV spectrins to be undetectable and causes dramatic changes, even in peripheral nodes. These results show that quivering mutations disrupt βIV spectrin retention and stability at nodes and that distinct protein domains regulate nodal structural integrity and molecular organization.
MicroRNA-9 Controls the Expression of Granuphilin/Slp4 and the Secretory Response of Insulin-producing Cells*

Insulin release from pancreatic β-cells plays an essential role in blood glucose homeostasis. Several proteins controlling insulin exocytosis have been identified, but the factors determining the expression of the components of the secretory machinery of β-cells remain largely unknown. MicroRNAs are newly discovered small non-coding RNAs acting as repressors of gene expression. We found that overexpression of mir-9 in insulin-secreting cells causes a reduction in exocytosis elicited by glucose or potassium. We show that mir-9 acts by diminishing the expression of the transcription factor Onecut-2 and, in turn, by increasing the level of Granuphilin/Slp4, a Rab GTPase effector associated with β-cell secretory granules that exerts a negative control on insulin release. Indeed, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and transfection experiments demonstrated that Onecut-2 is able to bind to the granuphilin promoter and to repress its transcriptional activity. Moreover, we show that silencing of Onecut-2 by RNA interference increases Granuphilin expression and mimics the effect of mir-9 on stimulus-induced exocytosis. Our data provide evidence that in insulin-producing cells adequate levels of mir-9 are mandatory for maintaining appropriate Granuphilin levels and optimal secretory capacity.
A Cys634Gly substitution of the RET proto‐oncogene in a family with recurrence of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and cutaneous lichen amyloidosis

Germ‐line mutations of the RET proto‐oncogene, involving five cysteine residues at codons 609, 611, 618, 620 and 634, are associated with two variants of the inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2: type 2A and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. The association of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A with the dermatological disorder cutaneous lichen amyloidosis has already been reported, and mutations in the Cys634 have been identified in different families. We describe here an additional pedigree in which multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and cutaneous lichen amyloidosis cosegregate. A Cys634Gly was identified by direct sequencing of the RET proto‐oncogene exon 11 in the affected individuals. The mutation creates a new HaeIII site, and restriction analysis performed on all family members rules out the presence of the altered allele in two children and consequently the risk of developing thyroid tumors. These results emphasize the role of molecular analysis of the RET proto‐oncogene in diagnosing presymptomatically those individuals at risk of inheriting the disease allele.
[Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the treatment of febrile neutropenia].

PURPOSE To determine whether granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used in addition to antibiotic therapy, in patients with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia shortens the period of fever, neutropenia and hospitalization. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was prospective. Patients with lymphoblastic acute leukemia (LAL) were included. They received intensive chemotherapy of induction, intensification, or consolidation. At random, a group received amikacin-ceftriaxone; if no had response after 3 days, we added vancomicin and, after 7 days, amphotericin. The other group received in addition these antibiotics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. RESULTS The groups were comparable in the magnitude of the initial neutropenia (< 0.5 x 10(9)/L), site of the infection, chemotherapy received germs isolated, age, and sex. The patients of the group that received FEC-G were cured in the course of 3.1 days; in the group without FEC-G, this occurred in 7.2 days (p = 0.0001). At the end of the infectious episode, the number of neutrophils, in the group with FEC-G, was of 1.9 x 10(9)/L versus 0.7 x 10(9)/L (p = 0.0009). The mortality was of one and two cases (p = 0.46). The global mortality was 7.5%. CONCLUSIONS The addition of FEC-G to the treatment with antibiotics, in febrile neutropenia, decreases duration of days with fever, hospitalization and neutropenia. However, the frequency of cure is not augmented.
Variable phenotype in Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome: Clinical and radiological findings in 4 independent families and 3 sporadic cases with identified GLI3 mutations

Greig cephalopolysyndactyly (GCPS) (OMIM 175700) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a distinct combination of craniofacial, hand and foot malformations. In this report, clinical and radiological findings of 12 patients with GCPS derived from 4 independent families and 3 sporadic cases with documented GLI3 mutations are presented with particular emphasis on inter‐ and intrafamilial variability. In a particularly instructive family in which 9 members of 4 generations could be studied clinically and molecularly, a missense mutation (R625W) is transmitted and shows a partially penetrant pattern. In a branch of the family, the GCPS phenotype skips a generation via a normal female carrier without clinical signs providing evidence that GCPS does not always manifest full penetrance as generally supposed. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.