Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between a hospital's rate of cardiac arrest incidence and cardiac arrest survival.

IMPORTANCE National efforts to measure hospital performance in treating cardiac arrest have focused on case survival, with the hope of improving survival after cardiac arrest. However, it is plausible that hospitals with high case-survival rates do a poor job of preventing cardiac arrests in the first place. OBJECTIVE To describe the association between inpatient cardiac arrest incidence and survival rates. DESIGN Within a large, national registry, we identified hospitals with at least 50 adult in-hospital cardiac arrest cases between January 1, 2000, and November 30, 2009. We used multivariable hierarchical regression to evaluate the correlation between a hospital's cardiac arrest incidence rate and its case-survival rate after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The correlation between a hospital's incidence rate and case-survival rate for cardiac arrest. RESULTS Of 102,153 cases at 358 hospitals, the median hospital cardiac arrest incidence rate was 4.02 per 1000 admissions (interquartile range, 2.95-5.65 per 1000 admissions), and the median hospital case-survival rate was 18.8% (interquartile range, 14.5%-22.6%). In crude analyses, hospitals with higher case-survival rates also had lower cardiac arrest incidence (r, -0.16; P = .003). This relationship persisted after adjusting for patient characteristics (r, -0.15; P = .004). After adjusting for potential mediators of this relationship (ie, hospital characteristics), the relationship between incidence and case survival was attenuated (r, -0.07; P = .18). The one modifiable hospital factor that most attenuated this relationship was a hospital's nurse-to-bed ratio (r, -0.12; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Hospitals with exceptional rates of survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest are also better at preventing cardiac arrests, even after adjusting for patient case mix. This relationship is partially mediated by measured hospital attributes. Performance measures focused on case-survival rates seem an appropriate first step in quality measurement for in-hospital cardiac arrest.
Expression microarray hybridization kinetics depend on length of the immobilized DNA but are independent of immobilization substrate.

Expression microarrays are often constructed by the immobilization of PCR products on two-dimensional modified glass slides or on three-dimensional microporous substrates. In this study we investigate whether the length of the immobilized species and the substrate choice influence hybridization dynamics. Using a simple bimolecular mass action controlled model to describe hybridization, we observed that the extent of hybridization and the initial velocities were directly dependent on the length of the immobilized species. An inflection point was noted at a length of 712 bases, above which the influence of length on hybridization rate decreased. Interestingly, we observed no differences in these parameters whether hybridization occurred on a two- or three-dimensional surface. Furthermore, the affinity of the solution phase labeled species for the immobilized species was identical for all arrayed lengths on both surfaces. These data indicate a similar interaction of the noncovalently immobilized species with either surface. Finally, we have determined that competitive hybridization on expression microarrays is nonlinear with respect to time and concentration of competitor. This observation is critical for analysis of expression array data.
P2rx4 deficiency in mice alleviates allergen-induced airway inflammation

Compelling evidences point out a crucial role for extracellular nucleotides such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during inflammatory conditions. Once released into the extracellular space, ATP modulates migration, maturation and function of various inflammatory cells via activating of purinergic receptors of the P2Y- and P2X- family. P2RX4 is an ATP-guided ion channel expressed on structural cells such as alveolar epithelial and smooth muscle cells as well as inflammatory cells including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. P2RX4 has been shown to interact with P2RX7 and promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Although P2RX7 has already been implicated in allergic asthma, the role of P2RX4 in airway inflammation has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, we used a selective pharmacological antagonist and genetic ablation to investigate the role of P2RX4 in an ovalbumin (OVA) driven model of allergen-induced airway inflammation (AAI). Both, P2RX4 antagonist 5-BDBD treatment and P2rx4 deficiency resulted in an alleviated broncho alveolar lavage fluid eosinophilia, peribronchial inflammation, Th2 cytokine production and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Furthermore, P2rx4-deficient bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) showed a reduced IL-1ß production in response to ATP accompanied by a decreased P2rx7 expression and attenuated Th2 priming capacity compared to wild type (WT) BMDCs in vitro. Moreover, mice adoptively transferred with P2rx4-deficient BMDCs exhibit a diminished AAI in vivo. In conclusion our data suggests that P2RX4-signaling contributes to AAI pathogenesis by regulating DC mediated Th2 cell priming via modulating IL-1ß secretion and selective P2RX4-antagonists might be a new therapeutic option for allergic asthma.
Barriers to Physical Activity Between Adults with Stroke and Their Care Partners

Abstract Background and Purpose: Healthy living includes meeting daily physical activity guidelines. This study compares daily physical activity rates and barriers to physical activity for people with stroke and their partners (spouse or significant other). Methods: Physical abilities, energy expenditure, daily steps, and barriers to physical activity are evaluated in people who have completed stroke rehabilitation and their partners. Results: Twenty pairs of adults (mean age 69.7 years) participated. Participants with stroke were classified as sedentary, averaging 2,990 (± 2,488) steps per day. Their partners are classified as low active, averaging 6,378 (± 2,149) steps per day. For stroke survivors, physical abilities were positively correlated to daily activity rates. The number of steps walked per day was moderately correlated to 6-minute walk tests (r = 0.550, P < .05), comfortable gait speeds (r = 0.588, P < .05), and fast gait speeds (r = 0.677, P < .01). For care partners, physical abilities were not correlated to daily physical activity. People with stroke report lack of skill as a primary barrier; their partners report lack of time. Conclusions: The relationship between physical ability and physical activity is reinforced with this study. The impact of stroke on the family, particularly on time demands of the primary caregiver, suggests the needs of the care partner may not be adequately addressed in the rehabilitation process.
A cross sectional survey of the views of newly registered pharmacists in Great Britain on their potential prescribing role: a cautious approach.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Pharmacists, along with certain other health professionals, may train and practice as supplementary or independent prescribers. The implementation and sustainability of pharmacist prescribing services throughout Britain will require a sizeable workforce. However, a survey of GB pharmacists highlighted that only a minority has taken any action to investigate prescribing training. Newly registered pharmacists may be keen to explore extended clinical roles and their engagement is likely to be key to the future success of this initiative. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Newly registered pharmacists are cautious in their approach to taking on prescribing training and roles. While almost all expressed interest in prescribing training, they acknowledged training needs in clinical examination, patient monitoring and medico-legal aspects of prescribing. Longitudinal research on a cohort of newly registered pharmacist prescribers is warranted, aiming to identify later prescribing training actions and subsequent impact on patient care. AIM To investigate newly registered pharmacists' awareness of pharmacist prescribing and views on potential future roles as prescribers. METHODS A mailed questionnaire was sent to all 1658 pharmacists joining the Pharmacist Register in 2009. RESULTS The response rate was 25.2% (n= 418). While most (86.4%) expressed interest in prescribing training, they acknowledged training needs in clinical examination, patient monitoring and medico-legal aspects of prescribing. Two thirds of respondents (66.3%) thought the current requirement of being registered as a pharmacist for 2 years prior to commencing prescribing training was appropriate. CONCLUSION Newly registered pharmacists are cautious in their approach to taking on prescribing training and roles.
Dental trauma on ski slopes.

OBJECTIVES Skiing and snow-boarding are winter sports with risk of dental trauma. The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of protective gear and the occurrence of dental trauma in amateur winter sports on ski slopes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 500 skiers and snowboarders (345 skiers, 110 snow-boarders, and 45 who rode both) were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire during one winter season (from January to April 2008). Sustained injuries and use of protective gear (including mouthguards) were assessed. RESULTS Of the 500 interviewed, eleven (9 m, 2 f; 2.2%) had sustained dental trauma while skiing or snowboarding. Frequent riders were most susceptible to dental trauma (p < 0.001). 165 (33%) have sustained a skiing or snow- boarding accident at least once, males more often than females (p = 0.031). Protective gear was used by 337 (67.4%), helmet, back and wrist protectors being worn most often. Snow-boarders were generally protected best (p < 0.001). All riders who had sustained an accident (n = 124; 75.1%) wore protective gear at the time of the interview (p = 0.009). Only two of eleven who had sustained dental trauma wear a mouthguard now for winter sports. CONCLUSION The results show that skiing and snowboarding pose only a small risk for dental trauma.
Biomarkers of potential prognostic significance in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a biologically heterogeneous disease for which the current approach to treatment is only successful for 50% of patients. The prognostic value of various clinical and biological factors in predicting treatment outcome is discussed in this paper. A review of the English literature was performed including original articles and relevant reviews from MEDLINE that addressed the topics of DLBCL biology and potential prognostic factors. The International Prognostic Index is, to date, the most successful clinical model for predicting outcome. In addition, a rapidly expanding list of molecules has been identified by conventional and newer diagnostic methods that may be of significant prognostic value. Gene expression profiling has led to the discovery of new biological subtypes of DLBCL based on patterns of gene expression, and a host of new genes that may play important roles in this disease. Various derangements in apoptosis, cell‐cycle regulation, differentiation, and signal transduction have been noted, while the host environment and immune response also appear to modify clinical outcome. Although to our knowledge, the fundamental abnormalities underlying DLBCL remain elusive, progress is being continuously made to further the understanding of the biological heterogeneity of this disease and the use of various clinical and biological variables to predict treatment outcome. The goal is to be able to identify subgroups of patients at high risk of treatment failure and develop more effective treatment based on specific biological defects that may represent new rational therapeutic targets. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Membrane Localization of Small Proteins in Escherichia coli*

Escherichia coli synthesize over 60 poorly understood small proteins of less than 50 amino acids. A striking feature of these proteins is that 65% contain a predicted α-helical transmembrane (TM) domain. This prompted us to examine the localization, topology, and membrane insertion of the small proteins. Biochemical fractionation showed that, consistent with the predicted TM helix, the small proteins generally are most abundant in the inner membrane fraction. Examples of both Nin-Cout and Nout-Cin orientations were found in assays of topology-reporter fusions to representative small TM proteins. Interestingly, however, three of nine tested proteins display dual topology. Positive residues close to the transmembrane domains are conserved, and mutational analysis of one small protein, YohP, showed that the positive inside rule applies for single transmembrane domain proteins as has been observed for larger proteins. Finally, fractionation analysis of small protein localization in strains depleted of the Sec or YidC membrane insertion pathways uncovered differential requirements. Some small proteins appear to be affected by both Sec and YidC depletion, others showed more dependence on one or the other insertion pathway, whereas one protein was not affected by depletion of either Sec or YidC. Thus, despite their diminutive size, small proteins display considerable diversity in topology, biochemical features, and insertion pathways.
Identification of the aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) gene and its expression in the attachment and metamorphosis of the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite

Serotonin and dopamine are involved in the attachment and metamorphosis of cypris larvae of barnacles. Aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) gene, the product of which catalyzes the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine from L‐5‐hydroxytryptophan and L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, respectively, was characterized. A DNA clone containing part of an AADC sequence was obtained from the genomic DNA library of the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite. This clone had four putative exons consisting of 226 amino acids with an identity of 63.2% and a similarity of 92.1% with human AADC. Northern blot analysis showed that AADC mRNA was expressed at all stages of barnacles: naupliar larvae, cypris larvae and adult barnacles. Two inducers of larval attachment and metamorphosis; that is, serotonin and extract of adult barnacles, obviously increased the expression of AADC mRNA at an early cypris larval stage. These results suggest that intracellular biosynthesis of serotonin, or dopamine, or both is at least partly involved in the control of the attachment and metamorphosis of cypris larvae.
Protective Effect of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B Inhibitor Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate in Lung Injury in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes debilitating complications and, as a result, diabetics frequently require intensive care. Although lungs are not thought to be affected primarily by DM, an increasing number of studies indicate physiological and structural abnormalities in diabetic lungs. Objectives: Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is a metal chelator and a potent inhibitor of NF-ĸB. Keeping in mind that NF-ĸB activation may be crucial in end-organ injury due to DM, we studied the role of PDTC on the inhibition of NF-ĸB activation and its effects on possible lung injury in rats with streptozotocin-induced DM. Methods: 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups: diabetes, diabetes + PDTC, control and control + PDTC. At the end of 10 weeks, rats were sacrificed and their lungs were taken for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation [for NF-ĸB (p65) and endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) immunoreactivities]. Protein carbonyl content (PCC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities were measured. Results: Histopathologically, basal membranes were thickened and there was intense inflammatory reaction in diabetic lungs. However, the PDTC group, in which there were poor positive expressions of eNOS and p65 activity compared to diabetes group, revealed fewer inflammatory changes. PCC levels in diabetic lungs were higher, but SOD and GSH activities were lower. However, measurements of these parameters in the PDTC group and controls gave similar results. Conclusion: Lungs are exposed to changes induced by oxidative stress in diabetes through NF-ĸB activation and PDTC seems to be useful to prevent diabetic lung injury.
The Relationship Between Loneliness and Interpersonal Trust During Middle Childhood

The authors administered measures of loneliness, generalized trust beliefs in peers, and trust beliefs in specific familiar peers (i.e., opposite-gender peers, same-gender peers, close same-gender peers) to a sample of 63 children (33 girls, 30 boys) from 4th and 5th grades (M age = 10 years, 6 months). They assessed children's trusting behavior by engaging them in a Prisoner's Dilemma game (reciprocal trusting) and by evaluating teachers' ratings. The authors found that, across gender, loneliness was negatively correlated with each measure of trust beliefs and trusting behavior. As expected, the relationship between children's loneliness and trust, specifically trust beliefs in same-gender peers, was stronger for girls than for boys. In support of an additive risk model, the authors found low trust beliefs in same-gender peers and low reciprocal trusting behavior with peers each statistically contributed to loneliness in girls.
The feasibility of contraceptive injections at the community pharmacy

Abstract Purpose: The progestogen-only intramuscular injectable Depo-Provera® (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an effective contraceptive method, but users need to attend a clinic every 12–13 weeks for a repeat injection from a doctor/nurse. This limits convenience of the method and may affect continuation rates. We conducted a pilot study to examine the feasibility and acceptability of users receiving the subcutaneous form of the contraception injection from pharmacists in the community pharmacy setting. Materials and methods: Existing users of Depo-Provera®, who wished to switch to the subcutaneous preparation with the same active ingredient (Sayana Press®) were invited to attend 1 of 11 community pharmacies for up to three repeat injections, given by a pharmacist. Evaluation consisted of (i) self-administered questionnaires of women and (ii) interviews with participating pharmacists, at study exit on their respective experiences. Results: Global unavailability of the product during the study adversely affected recruitment and retention. 50 women were recruited. Only 48 injections were delivered at the pharmacy out of a possible 150 (34%). About 26 participants received no injections at the pharmacy and only seven (14%) participants received all three injections at the pharmacy. Participants reported mixed experiences, with some welcoming the intervention but others experiencing difficulty with pharmacist availability. Pharmacists were enthusiastic about this expansion of their role, and did not view their availability as a barrier to service delivery. Conclusions: Delivery of the subcutaneous contraceptive injectable from a community pharmacy may be feasible but availability of sufficient numbers of pharmacists trained in this technique is necessary for a robust model of service delivery.
The Role of SHI/STY/SRS Genes in Organ Growth and Carpel Development Is Conserved in the Distant Eudicot Species Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana

Carpels are a distinctive feature of angiosperms, the ovule-bearing female reproductive organs that endow them with multiple selective advantages likely linked to the evolutionary success of flowering plants. Gene regulatory networks directing the development of carpel specialized tissues and patterning have been proposed based on genetic and molecular studies carried out in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, studies on the conservation/diversification of the elements and the topology of this network are still scarce. In this work, we have studied the functional conservation of transcription factors belonging to the SHI/STY/SRS family in two distant species within the eudicots, Eschscholzia californica and Nicotiana benthamiana. We have found that the expression patterns of EcSRS-L and NbSRS-L genes during flower development are similar to each other and to those reported for Arabidopsis SHI/STY/SRS genes. We have also characterized the phenotypic effects of NbSRS-L gene inactivation and overexpression in Nicotiana. Our results support the widely conserved role of SHI/STY/SRS genes at the top of the regulatory network directing style and stigma development, specialized tissues specific to the angiosperm carpels, at least within core eudicots, providing new insights on the possible evolutionary origin of the carpels.
Magnetic motion control and planning of untethered soft grippers using ultrasound image feedback

Soft miniaturized untethered grippers can be used to manipulate and transport biological material in unstructured and tortuous environments. Previous studies on control of soft miniaturized grippers employed cameras and optical images as a feedback modality. However, the use of cameras might be unsuitable for localizing miniaturized agents that navigate within the human body. In this paper, we demonstrate the wireless magnetic motion control and planning of soft untethered grippers using feedback extracted from B-mode ultrasound images. Results show that our system employing ultrasound images can be used to control the miniaturized grippers with an average tracking error of 0.4±0.13 mm without payload and 0.36±0.05 mm when the agent performs a transportation task with a payload. The proposed ultrasound feedback magnetic control system demonstrates the ability to control miniaturized grippers in situations where visual feedback cannot be provided via cameras.
High‐Precision Measurement of the Vocal Fold Length and Vibratory Amplitudes

Objective/Hypothesis Standard laryngoscopy suffers from a lack of information about the actual size of the observed objects (i.e., vocal fold length and oscillating amplitudes). However, there is much interest in absolute measures for both clinical and research purposes. Therefore, a laser projection device has been developed that enables the precise determination of absolute units in endoscopic investigation during respiration and phonation.
Myofilament calcium sensitivity of normotensive and hypertensive resistance arteries.

We measured intracellular Ca2+ and isometric force simultaneously in endothelium-denuded mesenteric resistance arteries of 12- to 15-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, and Wistar rats. Basal Ca2+ did not differ among vessels of these strains (SHR, 86.6 +/- 4.5 nmol/L; WKY, 78.5 +/- 4.7 nmol/L; Wistar, 83.1 +/- 3.9 nmol/L). Myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity was determined by measuring the intracellular Ca2+ and force responses to cumulative addition of extracellular Ca2+ (0.025 to 2.5 mmol/L) in the presence of 100 mmol/L K+ or 10 mumol/L norepinephrine after depletion of releasable intracellular Ca2+ stores. With 100 mmol/L K+, no between-strain differences in active stress, intracellular Ca2+, or myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity were observed. With 10 mumol/L norepinephrine, the active stress response of SHR vessels to 0.025 and 0.05 mmol/L Ca2+ was increased compared with both normotensive strains. The intracellular Ca2+ response was not different in vessels of SHR and WKY rats but was depressed in Wistar vessels. Myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity of SHR was elevated compared with both WKY and Wistar rats (P < .05) (ED25 for SHR, 74.4 +/- 5.1 nmol/L; WKY, 89.8 +/- 5.5 nmol/L; Wistar, 86.9 +/- 3.4 nmol/L). No strain differences in intracellular Ca2+ or active stress responses of SHR and WKY vessels were detected during cumulative addition of norepinephrine with constant extracellular Ca2+ (1.5 mmol/L). These results indicate that no hypertension-associated defect in vascular Ca2+ handling exists in mesenteric arteries of the SHR. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)