Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of mechanical ventilation on inflammatory mediators in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Studies have shown that an inflammatory response may be elicited by mechanical ventilation used for recruitment or derecruitment of collapsed lung units or to overdistend alveolar regions, and that a lung-protective strategy may reduce this response. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that mechanical ventilation induces a pulmonary and systemic cytokine response that can be minimized by limiting recruitment or derecruitment and overdistention. DESIGN AND SETTING Randomized controlled trial in the intensive care units of 2 European hospitals from November 1995 to February 1998, with a 28-day follow-up. PATIENTS Forty-four patients (mean [SD] age, 50 [18] years) with acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled, 7 of whom were withdrawn due to adverse events. INTERVENTIONS After admission, volume-pressure curves were measured and bronchoalveolar lavage and blood samples were obtained. Patients were randomized to either the control group (n = 19): tidal volume to obtain normal values of arterial carbon dioxide tension (35-40 mm Hg) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) producing the greatest improvement in arterial oxygen saturation without worsening hemodynamics; or the lung-protective strategy group (n = 18): tidal volume and PEEP based on the volume-pressure curve. Measurements were repeated 24 to 30 and 36 to 40 hours after randomization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pulmonary and systemic concentrations of inflammatory mediators approximately 36 hours after randomization. RESULTS Physiological characteristics and cytokine concentrations were similar in both groups at randomization. There were significant differences (mean [SD]) between the control and lung-protective strategy groups in tidal volume (11.1 [1.3] vs 7.6 [1.1] mL/kg), end-inspiratory plateau pressures (31.0 [4.5] vs 24.6 [2.4] cm H2O), and PEEP (6.5 [1.7] vs 14.8 [2.7] cm H2O) (P<.001). Patients in the control group had an increase in bronchoalveolar lavage concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1beta, IL-6, and IL-1 receptor agonist and in both bronchoalveolar lavage and plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, receptors over 36 hours (P<.05 for all). Patients in the lung-protective strategy group had a reduction in bronchoalveolar lavage concentrations of polymorphonuclear cells, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, soluble TNF-alpha receptor 55, and IL-8, and in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage concentrations of IL-6, soluble TNF-alpha receptor 75, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (P<.05). The concentration of the inflammatory mediators 36 hours after randomization was significantly lower in the lung-protective strategy group than in the control group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Mechanical ventilation can induce a cytokine response that may be attenuated by a strategy to minimize overdistention and recruitment/derecruitment of the lung. Whether these physiological improvements are associated with improvements in clinical end points should be determined in future studies.
Partial compliance and patient consequences in schizophrenia: our patients can do better.

OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the strategies used to improve patient compliance with antipsychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia. DATA SOURCES An electronic literature search of relevant studies using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library (January 1974-December 2002) was performed using the search terms adherence, antipsychotic, atypical, compliance, conventional, and schizophrenia. STUDY SELECTION English-language and non-English-language articles, references from bibliographies of reviews, original research articles, and other articles of interest were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION Data quality was determined by publication in the peer-reviewed literature and the most important information was identified. DATA SYNTHESIS Atypical antipsychotics are associated with an improved side-effect profile and reduced risk of relapse compared with the older agents. Additional benefit may be provided by long-acting injectable formulations as they provide the confidence of continuous medication coverage. CONCLUSIONS Successful treatment of patients with schizophrenia requires acknowledgment that partial compliance will present a major barrier to achieving maximum outcomes. Ideally, all patients suspected of partial compliance should be considered suitable for treatment with a long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotic.
The pattern-transformation model of pitch.

A new approach to pitch perception is outlined in this paper. It is based on what might be called auditory pattern recognition. The general approach is formalized in a mathematical model, the so‐called “pattern‐transformation model. ” In this model an acoustic stimulus is first transformed by the sense organ into a pattern of peripheral neural activity. This peripheral pattern is assumed roughly to represent the power‐spectrum of the stimulus. Thus, the temporal fine structure of the stimulus is virtually ignored; the model is phase insensitive. The peripheral pattern is then assumed to be Fourier transformed into another pattern of activity. This second pattern roughly represents the autocorrelation function of the stimulus. Pitch is derived from the positions of maximal activity in this pattern. From preliminary tests it appears that the model can successfully predict the pitch of many types of complex stimuli. In addition, the model provides estimates of pitch “strength” or “clarity. ” These estimates al.
Effect of monensin on the estrogen-induced LH surge in prepuberal heifers.

The effect of dietary monensin on the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge following estradiol-17 beta (E2) injection was investigated in prepuberal Simmental X Brahman-Hereford heifers. Ten heifers, weighing approximately 260 kg and approximately 10 mo of age, were equally divided by age and weight into two groups: control (C) heifers each received 1.8 kg/d of a concentrate diet plus Coastal bermudagrass hay ad libitum; monensin (M) heifers each received the same diet plus 200 mg monensin/d. All heifers were maintained in dry lots on their respective diets for 14 d before the E2 challenge. On d 15, all heifers were injected in with 5 mg of E2 in corn oil. Blood samples were collected via tail vessel puncture immediately before E2 injection and at 2-h intervals until 48 h after the E2 injection. The samples were processed for serum and stored at -20 degrees C until LH concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean concentrations of LH in serum differed (P less than .005) between C and M heifers and with time after E2 injection. A treatment X sampling period interaction (P less than .10) indicated that maximum serum concentrations of LH (LH surge) were detected earlier (P less than .001) for M (17.2 +/- 1.8 h) than C (27.0 +/- 6.0 h) heifers after the E2 injection. When the data were arrayed relative to the time of the LH surge, treatment (P less than .05) and sampling period (P less than .001) effects were significant, but a treatment X sampling period interaction was not detected. Peak LH concentration was 23.1 +/- 3.0 ng/ml for M heifers and 21.6+/- 4.2 ng/ml for controls (P greater than .10). Duration of the LH surge was 8.0 +/- . 9 h in M heifers and 4.8 +/- 1.6 h in C heifers (P less than .001). Area under the LH surge was greater (P less than .001) in M heifers than in control heifers. We conclude that dietary monensin altered the estrogen-induced LH surge in prepuberal heifers.
HN-11500 – a Novel Thromboxane A2 Receptor Antagonist With Antithrombotic Activity in Humans at Arterial Blood Flow Conditions

Summary In the present study we have investigated the effect of a 100 mg single oral dose of a newly developed thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist on collagen-induced thrombogenesis in flowing human non-anticoagulated blood. Blood was drawn directly from an antecubital vein over immobilised collagen type III fibrils on a cover slip placed in a parallel-plate perfusion chamber. Shear rates at the collagen surface were characteristic for medium sized (650 s−1) and moderately stenosed (2,600 s−1) arteries. Blood-collagen interactions were morphologically quantified as platelet-collagen adhesion, fibrin deposition and thrombus volume. Activation peptides of coagulation, fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and of platelets, β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), were measured immediately distal to the perfusion chamber. HN-11500 ingestion reduced significantly the thrombus volume by 32% at 2,600 s−1, but not at 650 s−1. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed loosely packed and less degranulated platelets at 650 s−1. The β-TG plasma levels were also reduced at both shear rates by the HN-11500 ingestion. The platelet-collagen adhesion was significantly enhanced at both shear rates. This was apparently a consequence of higher platelet concentrations at the collagen surface, because fewer platelets were consumed by the thrombi after the drug ingestion. In contrast, the coagulation, as measured by fibrin deposition and FPA plasma levels, was not significantly affected by HN-11500. Thus, it appears that the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist HN-11500 reduces the thrombotic response by primarily impairing the platelet function at arterial blood flow conditions, and particularly at high wall shear rates.
Metal Concentrations in the Liver and Stable Isotope Ratios of Carbon and Nitrogen in the Muscle of Silvertip Shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) Culled off Ishigaki Island, Japan: Changes with Growth

We analyzed Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations in liver samples as well as the Hg concentration and stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) in muscle samples from silvertip sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) in Japan. Muscular and hepatic Hg concentrations increased with increased body length. However, these increases were more prominent in the liver than in the muscle samples, and appeared to occur after maturation. Hepatic Zn and Cu concentrations decreased during the growth stage, and then increased concomitantly thereafter with increases in Cd burden. Hepatic Fe concentration from males increased proportionally with increases in body length, whereas no increase was observed in samples from females, probably due to the mother-to-embryo transfer of Fe. The δ13C values tended to decrease with increases in body length, whereas no decrease in the δ15N values was observed.
User behaviour in QR mobile payment system: the QR Payment Acceptance Model

The main goal of our research is to analyse users’ acceptance of Quick response (QR) code mobile payment systems, considering the population's widespread use of mobile devices. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature has justified the development of a behavioural model that explains intention to use of mobile payment via QR. To this end, the authors have carried out a study through an online survey to a national panel of Internet users. The results show that attitude, innovation and subjective norms are determinants of the future intention to use this technology. The conclusions and implications for management provide alternatives for companies to promote this new business by means of the new technical developments. This paper is a pioneer study of intention to use with mobile payment via QR. Classic variables from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), as well as variables from other recent studies, were used as models for this research (compatibility, security, personal innovation and individual mobility).
Selective (cid:1) -Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Antagonism Reverses Isoﬂurane Ischemic Neuroprotection

Background: Isoﬂurane provides protection against severe forebrain ischemia in the rat. The authors hypothesized that this is attributable to interaction with the (cid:1) -aminobutyric acid type A (GABA A ) receptor resulting in altered time to onset of ischemic hippocampal depolarization. Methods: Organotypic hippocampal slices were subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation in the presence of isoﬂurane and combinations of GABA A (bicuculline) and GABA B (phaclofen) receptor antagonists. Cell death was measured. Rats were subjected to severe forebrain ischemia while anesthetized with fentanyl–nitrous oxide or 1.4% isoﬂurane. In the isoﬂurane group, rats also received intravenous bicuculline (0, 1, or 2 mg/kg). Neurologic and histologic outcomes and time to depolarization were assessed. Results: In slices, 2% isoﬂurane caused near-complete protection against oxygen–glucose deprivation. This was unaffected by coadministration of phaclofen but largely reversed by bicuculline. The GABA A agonist muscimol was also protective, hav- ing an effect equivalent to 1% isoﬂurane. In rats, isoﬂurane (0 mg bicuculline) improved neurologic and histologic outcome versus fentanyl–nitrous oxide (CA1 percentage of alive neurons: fentanyl–nitrous oxide, 15 (cid:2) 7; isoﬂurane, 61 (cid:2) 24). The isoﬂurane effect was reversed in a dose-dependent manner by bicuculline (CA1 percentage alive: 1 mg/kg, 44 (cid:2) 22; 2 mg/kg, 21 (cid:2) 15). Time to depolarization was delayed with isoﬂurane versus fentanyl–nitrous oxide (137 vs. 80 s) but was not affected by bicuculline (149 s). In contrast, postischemic time to repolarization was more rapid with fentanyl–nitrous oxide or isoﬂu- rane plus bicuculline versus isoﬂurane alone. Conclusions: These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that the GABA A receptor serves as a major site of action for isoﬂurane neuroprotection both in vitro and in vivo . However, the mechanism by which this interaction confers in vivo protection cannot be attributed to effects on the duration of ischemic depolarization.
In vivo bone strain and finite element modeling of the mandible of Alligator mississippiensis

Forces experienced during feeding are thought to strongly influence the morphology of the vertebrate mandible; in vivo strain data are the most direct evidence for deformation of the mandible induced by these loading regimes. Although many studies have documented bone strains in the mammalian mandible, no information is available on strain magnitudes, orientations or patterns in the sauropsid lower jaw during feeding. Furthermore, strain gage experiments record the mechanical response of bone at a few locations, not across the entire mandible. In this paper, we present bone strain data recorded at various sites on the lower jaw of Alligator mississippiensis during in vivo feeding experiments. These data are used to understand how changes in loading regime associated with changes in bite location are related to changes in strain regime on the working and balancing sides of the mandible. Our results suggest that the working side mandible is bent dorsoventrally and twisted about its long‐axis during biting, and the balancing side experiences primarily dorsoventral bending. Strain orientations are more variable on the working side than on the balancing side with changes in bite point and between experiments; the balancing side exhibits higher strain magnitudes. In the second part of this paper, we use principal strain orientations and magnitudes recorded in vivo to evaluate a finite element model of the alligator mandible. Our comparison demonstrates that strain orientations and mandibular deformation predicted by the model closely match in vivo results; however, absolute strain magnitudes are lower in the finite element model.
Roles of RFRP-3 in the Daily and Seasonal Regulation of Reproductive Activity in Female Syrian Hamsters

In females, reproductive activity relies on proper integration of daily and environmental changes as well as cyclic sex-steroid feedback. This study sought to investigate the role of the hypothalamic Arg-Phe amide-related peptide (RFRP)-3 in the daily and seasonal control of reproductive activity in female Syrian hamsters by analyzing the RFRP system and investigating the effects of central administration of RFRP-3 at different reproductive stages. In long day-adapted sexually active female hamsters, the number of c-Fos-activated RFRP immunoreactive neurons was reduced in the afternoon of diestrus and proestrus; the latter was correlated with increased kisspeptin activity and the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Moreover, acute RFRP-3 administration decreased LH secretion when given midafternoon, before the LH surge, and had no effect at other time points of proestrus or diestrus. These data indicate that RFRP-3 exerts a tonic inhibition on LH secretion, which is lifted at the time of the preovulatory surge on the afternoon of proestrus. In short day-adapted sexually inactive female hamsters, Rfrp expression is strongly inhibited in a sex steroid-independent manner, and prolonged central infusion of RFRP-3 completely reactivated the reproductive axis through increased kisspeptin expression, gonadotropin and estradiol secretion, and gonadal weight. These findings reveal a critical role of RFRP-3 in the control of reproductive activity in female rodents and suggest that RFRP neurons, acting alongside kisspeptin neurons, are essential for proper synchronization of reproductive activity with the time of the day, the stage of the estrous cycle, and the seasonal changes in photoperiod.
EVALUATION OF CUPRIMINE® AND SYPRINE® FOR DECORPORATION OF 60Co AND 210Po

The acknowledged risk of deliberate release of radionuclides into local environments by terrorist activities has prompted a drive to improve novel materials and methods for removing internally deposited radionuclides. These decorporation treatments will also benefit workers in the nuclear industry, should an exposure occur. Cuprimine® and Syprine® are oral therapeutics based on the active ingredients D-penicillamine and N,N′-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine dihydrochloride, respectively. These therapeutic drugs have been used for several decades to treat Wilson's disease, a genetic defect leading to copper overload, by chelation and accelerated excretion of internally deposited copper. Studies were undertaken to evaluate these FDA-approved drugs for the in vivo decorporation of radioactive cobalt (60Co) and polonium (210Po) using male Wistar-Han rats. In these studies, 60Co or 210Po was administered to animals by IV injection, followed by oral gavage doses of either Cuprimine® or Syprine®. Control animals received the radionuclide alone. For 60Co studies, animals received a single dose of Cuprimine® or Syprine®, while for 210Po studies animals were repeatedly dosed at 24-h intervals for a total of 5 doses. Results show that Syprine® significantly increased urinary elimination and skeletal concentrations of 60Co compared to controls. While Cuprimine® had little effect on total excretion of 60Co, the skeletal, kidney, liver, muscle, and stomach tissues had significantly lower radioactivity compared to control animals. The low overall excretion of 210Po made it difficult to reliably measure urinary or fecal radioactivity and draw a definitive conclusion on the effect of Cuprimine® or Syprine® treatment on excretion. However, Cuprimine® treatment was effective at reducing spleen levels of 210Po compared to controls. Similarly, Syprine® treatment produced statistically significant reductions of 210Po in the spleen and skeletal tissues compared to control animals. Based on these promising findings, further studies to evaluate the dose-response pharmacokinetic profiles for decorporation are warranted.
Time-frequency domain encryption with SLM scheme for physical-layer security in an OFDM-PON system

The security of orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing-based passive optical network (OFDM-PON) systems has been an important problem recently. In this paper, a time-frequency domain encryption technique based on multi-chaotics for physical layer security and selected mapping (SLM) for peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) reduction is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in an OFDM-PON system. The proposed scheme is based on Lozi and Logistic maps and can generate chaotic sequences to scramble the subcarrier in both the time and frequency domains for enhancing physical layer security. Meanwhile, a SLM method can be applied in the scheme to improve the PAPR performance of the system. In the experiment, an 8.9 Gb/s encrypted OFDM signal has been securely transmitted over 100 km standard single-mode fiber. The results show that the proposed method can effectively enhance the physical layer security and simultaneously improve the bit-error-rate performance of the system.
Hypothyroidism and Cardiovascular Disease: Role of New Risk Factors and Coagulation Parameters

Hypothyroidism is a common condition and recent epidemiological studies demonstrated that up to 10 percent of subjects may display its subclinical form. Despite the well-known relationship between overt hypothyroidism and cardiovascular disease, few studies demonstrating such a link are available. However, the relationship between hypothyroidism and a variety of cardiovascular risk factors is now well established. Recent data on new cardiovascular risk factors that were shown to be associated with hypotyroidism are reviewed. Haemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters are disturbed differently according to the stage of hypothyroidism. C-reactive protein levels are higher in patients with overt and subclinical hypotyroidism compared to euthyroid patients. In contrast, elevation of homocysteine values was demonstrated only in overt hypothyroidism. Although no randomized controlled trial evaluated the potential benefits of levothyroxine substitution on the risk to suffer major coronary events in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, there is growing evidence that this disorder is mainly characterized by a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Right Hemisphere Dysfunction in Subjects With Attention-Deficit Disorder With and Without Hyperactivity

The attention-deficit disorder, with and without hyperactivity, is associated with defective attention, response inhibition and, in attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity, with motor restlessness. In adults, inattention, defective response inhibition, and impersistence are more commonly seen in right hemisphere lesions. In the present study, we investigate possible right hemisphere dysfunctions in attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder without hyperactivity. The right hemisphere performance of 60 teenagers, 16 having attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity, 9 having attention-deficit disorder without hyperactivity, and 35 controls, selected clinically (DSM-III) and experimentally (through Continuous Performance Test and Paced Auditory Addition Task), with normal IQ was assessed using a wide-ranging battery of visuospatial, visuoperceptive, and visuoconstructive functions (Benton's Line Orientation, Benton's Visual Retention, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale [WAIS] Block-Design, Rey's Complex Figure). Teenagers with attention-deficit disorder with and without hyperactivity performed significantly worse than controls. Greater differences were found between subjects with attention-deficit disorder without hyperactivity and control than between subjects with attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity and control subjects. Our results seem to be consistent with right-hemisphere dysfunction, especially in subjects with attention-deficit disorder without hyperactivity. Additionally, WAIS Block-Design and Benton's Line Orientation are the visuospatial tests with the highest discriminant power to differentiate between controls, subjects with attention-deficit disorder without hyperactivity, and subjects with attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity. (J Child Neurol 1997;12:107-115).