Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyponatremia in the Emergency Department: Could Biomarkers Help in Diagnosis and Treatment?

Objective: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte imbalance. The initial treatment decision is based on clinical evaluation of patient volume status but an accurate assessment is difficult, particularly differentiating mild hypovolemia from euvolemia. The aim of this study is to examine if biomarkers are valuable in the early determination of volume status and SIADH diagnosis. Methods: Blood samples were collected from an unselected patient population at entry to the Emergency Department. If the plasma sodium level (P-Na) was ≤125 mmol/L, the sample was frozen for further analysis. Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), C-terminal prepro-vasopressin (copeptin), pro-endothelin-1 (proET-1) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were analysed. A comprehensive assessment of volume status and underlying causes was made after discharge blinded for biomarker results. Results: A total of 81 patients were included. A well substa ntiated volemic state (hypo/eu/hypervolemia) was established in 72 patients (mean age 76 years, 65% women, median P-Na 119 mmol/L). A significant association was observed between MR-proANP levels and volemic state (p = 0.0001). Data was specifically analysed with respect to distinguishing hypo- from euvolemia (n = 59) using logistic regression. In a crude analysis, MR-proANP was significantly related to euvolemia (OR: 2.54 per SD of MR-proANP, 95% CI 1.32 - 4.86, p = 0.005) and remained so after the multivariate backward elimination model (OR: 2.45 per SD of MRproANP, 95% CI 1.22 - 4.91, p = 0.012.), whereas the other studied biomarkers were not. Copeptin levels were not associated with a diagnosis of SIADH. Conclusions: MR-proANP may be of value in early determination of volume status in hyponatremic patients.
Update on Small‐Diameter Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Leads Performance

Background: The performance of small diameter implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads is questionable. However, data on performance during long‐term follow‐up are scarce. The aim of this study is to provide an update for the lead failure and cardiac perforation rate of Medtronic's Sprint Fidelis ICD lead (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) and St. Jude Medical's Riata ICD lead (St. Jude Medical Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA).
Mec1p is essential for phosphorylation of the yeast DNA damage checkpoint protein Ddc1p, which physically interacts with Mec3p

Checkpoints prevent DNA replication or nuclear division when chromosomes are damaged. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae DDC1 gene belongs to the RAD17, MEC3 and RAD24 epistasis group which, together with RAD9, is proposed to act at the beginning of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway. Ddc1p is periodically phosphorylated during unperturbed cell cycle and hyperphosphorylated in response to DNA damage. We demonstrate that Ddc1p interacts physically in vivo with Mec3p, and this interaction requires Rad17p. We also show that phosphorylation of Ddc1p depends on the key checkpoint protein Mec1p and also on Rad24p, Rad17p and Mec3p. This suggests that Mec1p might act together with the Rad24 group of proteins at an early step of the DNA damage checkpoint response. On the other hand, Ddc1p phosphorylation is independent of Rad53p and Rad9p. Moreover, while Ddc1p is required for Rad53p phosphorylation, it does not play any major role in the phosphorylation of the anaphase inhibitor Pds1p, which requires RAD9 and MEC1. We suggest that Rad9p and Ddc1p might function in separated branches of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway, playing different roles in determining Mec1p activity and/or substrate specificity.
Coronary artery anomalies and aortic valve morphology in the Syrian hamster

In the Syrian hamster, anomalies in the origin of the left coronary artery are significantly associated with the bicuspid condition of the aortic valve. In this species, bicuspid aortic valves are expressions of a trait, the variation of which takes the form of a phenotypic continuum, ranging from a tricuspid aortic valve with no commissural fusion to a bicuspid aortic valve with the aortic sinuses located in ventrodorsal orientation and devoid of any raphe. The intermediate stages of the continuum are represented by tricuspid aortic valves with a more or less extensive fusion of the ventral commissure and bicuspid aortic valves with a more or less developed raphe located in the ventral aortic sinus. The present study was designed to decide whether there is a gap between tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves regarding the incidence of coronary artery anomalies, or whether this incidence varies according to the different tricuspid and bicuspid morpho types of the continuum. The study was carried out in Syrian hamsters belonging to a single inbred family with a high incidence of tricuspid aortic valves with fusion of the ventral commissure, bicuspid aortic valves, and anomalies in the origin of the left coronary artery, i.e. single right coronary artery ostium in aorta, anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the dorsal aortic sinus. The specimens were examined by means of a stereomicroscope and, in several cases; scanning electron microscopy was also used. The relationships between anomalous coronary artery patterns and aortic valve morphologies were tested using a logistic regression model. The results obtained indicate that there is no discontinuity between tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves regarding the incidence of coronary artery anomalies. The probability of occurrence of anomalous coronary artery patterns increases continuously according to the deviation degree of the aortic valve from its normal (tricuspid) design. The present findings suggest that in the Syrian hamster, the morphogenetic mechanisms involved in the formation of congenital anomalous aortic valves and anomalies in the origin of the left coronary artery, respectively, are strongly related from an aetiological viewpoint.
Computerized reaction time battery versus a traditional neuropsychological battery: Detecting HIV-related impairments

Abstract In recent years, interest in the use of computerized neuropsychological (NP) assessment measures has increased. However, there are limited data regarding how performance on these measures relates to performance on more traditional, clinical instruments. In the present study, 82 HIV+ men, who were all believed on clinical grounds to have neurobehavioral impairment, completed a traditional NP battery (TNB) and the California Computerized Assessment Package (CalCAP, a collection of computerized reaction time tests). Summary scores based on a TNB, as well as those based on the CalCAP, demonstrated significant associations with both degree of immunosuppression (CD4 count) and detectable viral load in cerebrospinal fluid, but not with detectable viral load in plasma. Established norms on the TNB and CalCAP batteries resulted in classifying 57% and 49% of the HIV+ sample as impaired, respectively. When using the TNB as the “gold standard,” impairment classifications based on CalCAP summary scores exhibited a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 77%. Overall agreement on impairment classifications between batteries was low (kappa = .44). Data from this study suggest that traditional NP batteries and computerized reaction time tests do not measure the same thing, and are not interchangeable in examining HIV-related NP impairments. (JINS, 2003, 9, 64–71.)
The Bacteriology of Children before Primary Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Objective Bacterial infections can complicate any surgery. Knowledge of potentially pathogenic bacterial flora in children with cleft lip and palate allows appropriate risk management, including the need for prophylactic antibiotics. This project reviewed the bacteriology of children before primary cleft lip and palate surgery. Design A retrospective study of the results of nose, throat, and ear microbiological swabs taken from children, aged 1 to 26 months, before repair of primary cleft lip, cleft palate, or both was carried out. Swabs with Staphylococcus aureus and β-hemolytic streptococcus were considered positive. Results From October 1987 to May 2002, 321 primary cleft lip or palate operations were performed in 250 patients. Results from 326 sets of preoperative swabs were available, including five repeat sets from patients whose operations were postponed. There were 235 (72.1%) negative sets and 91 (27.9%) positive sets. Of the positive swabs, 86 sets grew S. aureus, and 10 sets grew β-hemolytic streptococcus. Conclusions Children with unrepaired cleft lip and palate have a significant risk of carrying S. aureus and a small risk of carrying β-hemolytic streptococci. These risks need to be considered when deciding on protocols for preoperative bacteriology tests and prophylactic antibiotics.
Toward SMOS L4 SSS Products: Improving L3 SSS With Auxiliary SSS Data

The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission will provide for the first time satellite observations of sea-surface salinity (SSS). At level 3 (L3) of the SMOS processing chain, a large amount of SSS data obtained by the satellite will be summarized in gridded products with the aim of synthesizing the information and reducing the error of individual SSS observations. A further improvement of SSS maps could come from the combination of L3 products with auxiliary SSS data from Argo buoys, ships of opportunity, or moored oceanographic stations. In this paper, we investigate the benefits of combining SMOS data with different auxiliary data sets. We show that the greatest error reductions come from the increase in the spatial-data coverage, even if the temporal coverage is scarce. Conversely, redundant information (i.e., many observations close to each other) or very localized measurements, even if they have a high temporal resolution, do not provide a significant improvement of the SSS products. We show that the most useful auxiliary data in terms of improving the analysis accuracy are those obtained in areas where SMOS data are noisier or, as a second choice, where the SSS field has a large variance. We also show that for areas with the same error in the L3 product (whatever the source of those errors is), it is more advisable to place the auxiliary observations in areas with longer correlation length scales.
Linking strategic practices and organizational performance to Porter's generic strategies

Purpose – While Porter's generic strategies are a widely accepted typology of strategic options for businesses, prior studies have not linked specific strategic practices with each generic strategy and explored the associations between the practices and overall organizational performance. The purpose of this paper is to propose and test the following two hypotheses: specific strategic practices (or tactics) can be identified which are associated with each generic Porter strategy; and there are specific strategic practices which are more strongly associated with higher levels of organizational performance within each generic strategy.Design/methodology/approach – To test these hypotheses, a questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 226 working adults. A factor analysis and regression analyses were used to analyze the data.Findings – Findings include a list of critical strategic practices significantly associated with organizational performance for each of Porter's generic strategies.Resea.
Vomer-Palatal Flap, Reconstruction of the Palatal Defect After Maxillectomy

Rotational palatal flaps are frequently used to repair defects after partial or total maxillectomy procedures. However, their use is determined by the availability of sound tissues for defect closure. In an attempt to increase the amount of tissues available, we developed a vomer-palatal flap to include a part of vomer mucoperiosteum. The technique proved efficiency in a series of patients treated at Seoul National University Dental Hospital.
Antithrombotic effects of saratin on human atherosclerotic plaques

Summary Platelets play a primary role in thrombus formation after plaque rupture. Platelets recognize the exposed collagen via Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and become activated. Saratin, an inhibitor of the VWF-dependent binding of platelets to collagen, may reduce the thrombotic risk associated to atherosclerosis. Our objective was to evaluate the antithrombotic effects of local treatment with saratin on human atherosclerotic lesions. Thrombus formation was assessed by the deposition of 111Inplatelets on different human atherosclerotic lesions under three local shear conditions (800,1700 and 3400/s) with blood derived from catheterized pigs. Human atherosclerotic lesions were locally treated with saratin (30 µg/ml) at 37ºC for 5 min and placed in the chamber. Under stenotic shear conditions of 800/s, saratin significantly (p<0.05) reduced platelet deposition triggered by human denuded vessel wall (44%), fatty streaks (47%), severely damaged vessel (50%) and atherosclerotic plaque (57%). Thrombus characterization by immunohistochemistry showed also a reduction in fibrin deposition in treated vessels. These results suggest that the local site-specific treatment with saratin inhibits atherosclerotic plaque thrombogenicity at haemodynamic conditions typical of moderately stenotic coronary arteries.
Cervico‐thoracic ganglion: Its clinical implications

Lesions of the cervicothoracic ganglion (CTG) result in interruption of sympathetic fibers to the head, neck, upper limb, and thoracic viscera. The accurate understanding of the anatomy of the CTG is relevant to sympathectomy procedures that may be prescribed in cases where conventional intervention has failed. This study documents the incidence and distribution of the CTG to avoid potential complications such as Horner's syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias. This study utilized 48 cadavers, in which a total of 89 sympathetic chains were dissected. The inferior cervical ganglion (ICG) and the first thoracic ganglion was fused in 75 cases (84.3%) to form the CTG. It was present bilaterally in 48 of these specimens (65.3%). Three different shapes of CTG were differentiated, viz. spindle, dumbbell, and an inverted “L” shape. The dumbbell and inverted “L” shapes demonstrated a definite “waist” (i.e., a macroscopically visible union of the ICG and T1 components of the CTG). Rami from the CTG was distributed to the brachial plexus, the subclavian and vertebral arteries, the brachiocephalic trunk, and the cardiac plexus. This study demonstrates a high incidence of a double cardiac sympathetic nerve arising from CTG. It is therefore imperative that in the technique of sympathectomy, for intractable anginal pain, the surgeon excises both these rami but does not destroy the ganglion itself. The ever‐improving technology in endoscopic surgery has made investigations into the nuances of the anatomy of the sympathetic chain essential. Clin. Anat. 19:323–326, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of long-term wastewater irrigation on sorption and transport of atrazine in Mexican agricultural soils

In the Mezquital Valley, Mexico, crops have been irrigated with untreated municipal wastewater for more than a century. Atrazine has been applied to maize and alfalfa grown in the area for weed control for 15 years. Our objectives were to analyse (i) how wastewater irrigation affects the filtering of atrazine, and (ii) if the length of irrigation has a significant impact. We compared atrazine sorption to Phaeozems that have been irrigated with raw wastewater for 35 (P35) and 85 (P85) years with sorption to a non-irrigated (P0) Phaeozem soil under rainfed agriculture. The use of bromide as an inert water tracer in column experiments and the subsequent analysis of the tracers’ breakthrough curves allowed the calibration of the hydrodynamic parameters of a two-site non equilibrium convection-dispersion model. The quality of the irrigation water significantly altered the soils’ hydrodynamic properties (hydraulic conductivity, dispersivity and the size of pores that are hydraulically active). The impacts on soil chemical properties (total organic carbon content and pH) were not significant, while the sodium adsorption ratio was significantly increased. Sorption and desorption isotherms, determined in batch and column experiments, showed enhanced atrazine sorption and reduced and slower desorption in wastewater-irrigated soils. These effects increased with the length of irrigation. The intensified sorption-desorption hysteresis in wastewater-irrigated soils indicated that the soil organic matter developed in these soils had fewer high-energy, easily accessible sorption sites available, leading to lower and slower atrazine desorption rates. This study leads to the conclusion that wastewater irrigation decreases atrazine mobility in the Mezquital valley Phaeozems by decreasing the hydraulic conductivity and increasing the soil's sorption capacity.
Growth and inequality in the distribution of India's consumption expenditure 1983 to 2009-10

This paper undertakes an assessment of the evolution of inequality in the distribution of consumption expenditure in India over the last quarter-century, from 1983 to 2009-10, employing data available in the quinquennial . thick. surveys of the National Sample Survey Office. We find that plausible adjustments to the data, along with an emphasis on . centrist. rather than . rightist. or . leftist. inequality measures, lead to a picture of inequality in the distribution of consumption expenditure widening over time, which is at odds with the impression of more or less unchanging inequality conveyed in some of the literature available on the subject in India.
Technical and practical improvements in arthroscopic indentation technique for diagnostics of articular cartilage softening

Indentation measurements have been proposed to serve as sensitive in vivo diagnostics of cartilage degeneration. However, practical difficulties have hindered the use of quantitative indentation techniques during routine arthroscopies. In this study we modified the previously commercial indentation technique by designing software for quality control of manual indentations. With the modifications, our aim was to introduce more rapid and less erroneous measurements, as well as more automatic and objective analyses. The performance of the technique was tested in situ using six bovine medial tibial plateaus. All measurements were conducted by three operators. The intraoperator reproducibility was reasonable (CV% = 7.1%) and the interoperator reproducibility was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.976). Further, the novel technique was tested by a single operator using 10 bovine medial tibial plateaus. The indentation stiffness values determined with the arthroscopic instrument correlated significantly with the dynamic (r = 0.823) and equilibrium (r = 0.752) moduli as well as tissue water (r = –0.830) and hydroxyproline (r = 0.776) contents. To conclude, the novel measurement technique showed good reproducibility and was found to give valuable information on cartilage properties. Most importantly, the measurements and analyses were more straightforward and automatic than those introduced in the original indentation approach.
Surface Spin Disorder in Fe$_{3}$O $_{4}$ Nanoparticles Probed by Electron Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Magnetometry

SQUID magnetometry and electron magnetic resonance (EMR) spectroscopy at 9.28 GHz were employed to probe magnetism and surface spin disorder in Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed magnetite particles with size sime8 nm. Magnetization (M) versus temperature studies yielded blocking temperature T<sub>B</sub>sime 170 K in H= 50 Oe. For T>T<sub>B</sub>, M scales approximately as H/T with mu<sub>p</sub>sime5400 mu<sub>B</sub> as the magnetic moment/particle. At 5 K, the magnitudes of hysteresis loop parameters viz. coercivity H<sub>c</sub> sime 37 Oe and saturation magnetization M<sub>s</sub>= 62 emu/g are considerably smaller than the reported values for larger 150 nm Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> particles. In EMR studies, a single symmetric line at gsime2.11 with linewidth DeltaH= 850Oe is observed at 300 K with the g-value and DeltaH increasing with decreasing T. These results are interpreted in terms of a disordered surface spin layer of 0.5 nm thickness
Effects of modality change and transplant on peak oxygen uptake in patients with kidney failure.

BACKGROUND Exercise capacity as measured by peak oxygen uptake (Vo₂(peak)) is low in hemodialysis patients. The present study assesses determinants of VO₂(peak) in patients with chronic kidney failure who either changed kidney replacement modality to frequent hemodialysis therapy or received a kidney transplant. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study with assessment at baseline and 6 months after modality change. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Participants included nondiabetic individuals receiving conventional hemodialysis who: (1) remained on conventional hemodialysis therapy (n = 13), (2) changed to short daily hemodialysis therapy (n = 10), or (3) received a transplant (n = 5) and (4) individuals who underwent a pre-emptive transplant (n = 15). Additionally, 34 healthy controls were assessed at baseline only. PREDICTOR Modality change. MEASUREMENT & OUTCOMES Exercise capacity, assessed using the physiologic components of the Fick equation (Vo₂ = cardiac output × a-vo₂(dif), where a-vo₂(dif) is arterial to venous oxygen difference) was determined using measurement of Vo₂(peak) and cardiac output during symptom-limited exercise testing. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in changes in Vo₂(peak), cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, and a-vo₂(dif) at peak exercise between participants who remained on hemodialysis therapy and those who underwent transplant. RESULTS Transplant was the only modality change associated with a significant change in Vo₂(peak), occurring as a result of increased peak cardiac output and reflecting increased heart rate without a change in peak a-vo₂(dif) despite increased hemoglobin levels. There were no differences in participants who changed to daily hemodialysis therapy compared with those who remained on conventional hemodialysis therapy. LIMITATIONS Small nonrandomized study. CONCLUSIONS Vo₂(peak) increases significantly after kidney transplant, but not with daily hemodialysis; this improvement reflects increased peak cardiac output through increased peak heart rate. Despite statistical significance, the increase in Vo₂(peak) was not clinically significant, suggesting the need for interventions such as exercise training to increase Vo₂(peak) in all patients regardless of treatment modality.