Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indicadores adelantados para América Latina

En el presente trabajo se construyen indicadores compuestos que adelantan los puntos de giro de la actividad economica para Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico y Peru a partir de datos mensuales; en terminos generales, se emplea la metodologia desarrollada por el NBER. En cada uno de ellos, ademas de la serie del indicador lider, se calculo una probabilidad secuencial de cambio de fase (de una expansion a una contraccion y viceversa). Con la informacion disponible hasta septiembre de 2009, cada uno de los indicadores lideres senala que la recuperacion economica es inminente, dado que la probabilidad de cambio de fase ha superado, en cada caso y desde hace ya varios meses, el umbral de 80%. Con esta senal, se puede esperar que la actividad en estas economias repunte durante el segundo semestre de 2009. Este resultado podria extenderse a America Latina por medio de una agregacion de los seis indicadores regionales, al ser estos paises responsables de aproximadamente el 85% del PIB total de la region.
Prevalence, Correlates, and Outcomes of Multimorbidity Among Patients Attending Primary Care in Odisha, India

PURPOSE Little information is available on multimorbidity in primary care in India. Because primary care is the first contact of health care for most of the population and important for coordinating chronic care, we wanted to examine the prevalence and correlates of multimorbidity in India and its association with health care utilization. METHODS Using a structured multimorbidity assessment protocol, we conducted a cross-sectional study, collecting information on 22 self-reported chronic conditions in a representative sample of 1,649 adult primary care patients in Odisha, India. RESULTS The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of multimorbidity was 28.3% (95% CI, 24.3–28.6) ranging from 5.8% in patients aged 18 to 29 years to 45% in those aged older than 70 years. Older age, female sex, higher education, and high income were associated with significantly higher odds of multimorbidity. After adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), education, and ethnicity, the addition of each chronic condition, as well as consultation at private hospitals, was associated with significant increase in the number of medicines intake per person per day. Increasing age and higher education status significantly raised the number of hospital visits per person per year for patients with multiple chronic conditions. CONCLUSION Our findings of higher prevalence of multimorbidity and hospitalizations in higher SES individuals contrast with findings in Western countries, where lower SES is associated with a greater morbidity burden.
Analysis of a ZVS DC-DC full-bridge converter with natural hold-up time

Two stage AC-DC converters consisting of front-end Power Factor Correction (PFC) AC-DC boost converter followed by isolated DC-DC converters are the industry workhorse for powering network servers, telecom and other DC loads. Such converters are powered from single phase AC utility mains. For proper operation of these loads, the AC-DC converters provide a regulated DC voltage that ranges from 12V to 48V depending on the type of load. For safe uninterrupted operation during sudden intermittences in power supplied from the AC mains, the AC-DC power converter should be able to supply such loads with constant DC output voltage for a certain duration in order to prevent them from unwanted resetting. The maximum duration for which the AC-DC converter can supply the load with regulated DC output voltage at its maximum output power after input AC mains failure, is known as “hold-up-time (HUT)” of the converter. This paper proposes a novel DC-DC non resonant full-bridge converter with extended hold up time capability with reduced input storage capacitance.
Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Reconstruction for Posterior Instability of the Shoulder

Background There are few reports in the literature detailing arthroscopic treatment of unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. Hypothesis Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is effective in restoring stability and function and alleviating pain in athletes with symptomatic unidirectional posterior instability. This population has significant differences in glenoid and chondrolabral versions when compared with controls. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods Ninety-one athletes (100 shoulders) with unidirectional recurrent posterior shoulder instability were treated with an arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral reconstruction and evaluated at a mean of 27 months postoperatively. A subset of 51 shoulders in contact athletes were compared with the entire group of 100 shoulders. Patients were evaluated prospectively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring system. Stability, strength, and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with standardized subjective scales. Forty-eight shoulders had magnetic resonance arthrograms performed and were available for review. The posterior inferior chondrolabral and bony glenoid versions were measured and compared with controls. Results At a mean of 27 months postoperatively, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 50.36 to 85.66 (P < .001). There were significant improvements in stability, pain, and function based on standardized subjective scales (P < .001). The contact athletes did not demonstrate any significant differences when compared with the entire cohort for any outcome measure. The results in the 71 shoulders followed for at least 2 years were similar to the overall group. On magnetic resonance arthrography, the shoulders with posterior instability were found to have significantly greater chondrolabral and osseous retroversion in comparison with controls (P < .001 and P = .008, respectively). Conclusion Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is an effective, reliable treatment for symptomatic unidirectional recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability in an athletic population. Overall, 89% of patients were able to return to sport, with 67% of patients able to return to the same level postoperatively.
Cerebroventricular Administration of Interferon-Gamma Modifies Locomotor Activity in the Golden Hamster

The present study was undertaken to examine whether the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of interferon (IFN)-gamma could modify 24-hour wheel running locomotor activity in the golden hamster. Hamsters implanted with a cannula in the third ventricle received a single i.c. v. injection of 1 µl of murine recombinant IFN-gamma (40 IU/µl) or its vehicle (saline) at ZT 6 or ZT 18 (with ZT 12 defined arbitrarily as the time of lights off) and their activities were monitored during 24 h. The i.c. v. administration of IFN-gamma at ZT 6 produced a significant phase advance in acrophase of rhythm, an effect not seen at ZT 18. Also, IFN-gamma depressed mesor value significantly, the effect was seen at both times. These results clearly showed that the circadian clock could be modified by IFN-gamma microinjections. One explanation could be the presence of IFN-gamma receptor in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus, supporting a direct effect on the central oscillator. However, another hypothesis could not be ruled out.
A PORCINE MODEL OF THE ABDOMINAL COMPARTMENT SYNDROME

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of 30 mmHg lasting 24 h in a porcine model will lead to a condition comparable with the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in humans. We examined 12 intubated and anesthetized domestic pigs with a mean body weight of 52.5 ± 4.9 kg. Using a CO2 pneumoperitoneum, the IAP was increased to 30 mmHg (study group, n = 6) for an investigation period of 24 h. In the control group, the IAP remained unchanged. Investigated parameters were cardiac output (CO), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), urine output (UO), as well as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate, lipase, and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Additionally, histopathological examinations were performed. In the study group, CO was significantly reduced compared with the control group. All animals of this group became anuric and their PIP exceeded 40 cm H2O. Furthermore, ALT, AP, lipase, and lactate were significantly increased. Histopathologically, high-grade atelectasis in the lower lobes of the lung together with medium grade liver necrosis, medium grade proximal tubular epithelial necrosis, and medium grade mucosal bowel damage were observed. In this porcine model, an intra-abdominal pressure of 30 mmHg led to a condition comparable with the ACS. Because function or integrity of additional organ systems was impaired, an IAP of 30 mmHg has to be considered a predisposition for the multi-organ dysfunction syndrome in this porcine model.
Increase in sympathetic activity with age. II. Role of impairment of cardiopulmonary baroreflexes.

We have previously shown that arterial baroreflex function is significantly impaired in a group of old beagles [G. Hajduczok, M. W. Chapleau, S. L. Johnson, and F. M. Abboud. Am. J. Physiol. 260 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 29): H1113-H1120, 1991]. In the present study, we determined whether the neural limb of the cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and the interaction between the arterial and cardiopulmonary reflexes is also impaired with senescence. In the anesthetized state, the aortic nerves were sectioned and carotid sinuses were isolated bilaterally with carotid sinus pressures held at 50 mmHg in both young (1 yr) and old animals (11 yr). In response to graded volume expansion (VE) with 3% dextran (0 to 30 ml/kg iv), the gain of cardiopulmonary baroreflex control of RSNA was significantly lower in the old (5.1 +/- 3%/mmHg) compared with the young (13.4 +/- 3%/mmHg) animals. There were no significant differences in systemic vascular compliance or left ventricular mass index between the two groups. The gain of the carotid sinus baroreflex inhibition of RSNA was significantly attenuated by VE in the young group but was not affected in the old group. Bilateral vagotomy (VX) resulted in a 182 +/- 74% increase in RSNA in the young (P less than 0.05), but VX did not significantly increase RSNA in the old (12 +/- 17%). After VX, the carotid sinus baroreflex gain markedly increased by nearly eightfold in the young group (P less than 0.05) but was not altered in the old dogs. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Integration of the mammalian shoulder girdle within populations and over evolutionary time

Morphological integration has the potential to link morphological variation within populations with morphological evolution among species. This study begins to investigate this link by comparing integration among shoulder girdle elements (e.g. scapular blade, glenoid, coracoid, etc.) during the origin and evolution of therian mammals, and within modern bat, opossum and mouse populations. In this study, correlations among skeletal elements and patterns of allometry are used as proxies for integration. Results suggest that shoulder girdle elements tended to vary and evolve independently during the origin of mammals and subsequent radiation of placentals, consistent with the elements’ distinct developmental and evolutionary origins. This finding suggests that skeletal element correlations, and therefore integration, can be conserved over large taxonomic and temporal scales. However, marsupials display a different pattern in which shoulder girdle elements tend to be more integrated, with the exception of the coracoid. This finding is consistent with a shift in the pattern of skeletal element integration coincident with the appearance of the marsupial mode of reproduction. This finding provides further evidence that development can play a significant role in the establishment of patterns of skeletal element correlation and that patterns of skeletal element correlation can themselves evolve when faced with sufficient selective pressures.
In vivo detection of intermediate metabolic products of [1‐13C]ethanol in the brain using 13C MRS

In this study, in vivo 13C MRS was used to investigate the labeling of brain metabolites after intravenous administration of [1‐13C]ethanol. After [1‐13C]ethanol had been administered systemically to rats, 13C labels were detected in glutamate, glutamine and aspartate in the carboxylic and amide carbon spectral region. 13C‐labeled bicarbonate HCO 3– (161.0 ppm) was also detected. Saturating acetaldehyde C1 at 207.0 ppm was found to have no effect on the ethanol C1 (57.7 ppm) signal intensity after extensive signal averaging, providing direct in vivo evidence that direct metabolism of alcohol by brain tissue is minimal. To compare the labeling of brain metabolites by ethanol with labeling by glucose, in vivo time course data were acquired during intravenous co‐infusion of [1‐13C]ethanol and [13C6]‐D‐glucose. In contrast with labeling by [13C6]‐D‐glucose, which produced doublets of carboxylic/amide carbons with a J coupling constant of 51 Hz, the simultaneously detected glutamate and glutamine singlets were labeled by [1‐13C]ethanol. As 13C labels originating from ethanol enter the brain after being converted into [1‐13C]acetate in the liver, and the direct metabolism of ethanol by brain tissue is negligible, it is suggested that orally or intragastrically administered 13C‐labeled ethanol may be used to study brain metabolism and glutamatergic neurotransmission in investigations involving alcohol administration. In vivo 13C MRS of rat brain following intragastric administration of 13C‐labeled ethanol is demonstrated. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower-pole intracapsular tonsillectomy in obstructive sleep apnea patients

Abstract Conclusion: Lower-pole intracapsular tonsillectomy (LPIT) is a valuable surgical technique capable of decreasing post-operative bleeding in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Objective: This study performed LPIT to simultaneously reduce post-operative bleeding of lower pole and prevent recurrent tonsillitis of upper pole and compared its effects to extracapsular tonsillectomy (ET). Methods: ET was performed in the extracapsular plane, with complete monopolar dissection. In LPIT, the upper pole of palatine tonsil was removed by electrocautery with the extracapsular plane, followed by removal of the lower-pole by plasma ablation with the intracapsular plane. Post-operative bleeding incidence, bleeding site, and degree of pain were compared between the two groups. Results: Three hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed of OSA with polysomnography were enrolled. ET was performed in 152 patients and LPIT in 195 patients. There were no significant differences in post-operative pain between the two groups. The LPIT group showed significantly lower total bleeding incidence than the ET group (4.1% vs 9.2%; p = .05). In particular, lower-pole bleeding incidence was lower in the LPIT group than the ET group (1.0% vs 5.3%; p = .02).
Psychosocial Factors and Adjustment to Pain in Individuals with Postpolio Syndrome

Hirsh AT, Kupper AE, Carter GT, Jensen MP: Psychosocial factors and adjustment to pain in individuals with postpolio syndrome. Objective:The purpose of the current study was to examine the associations among measures of psychosocial factors, pain, and adjustment in persons with postpoliomyelitis syndrome. Design:A cross-sectional survey design was used. Sixty-three community-dwelling individuals with postpoliomyelitis syndrome returned completed questionnaires (71% response rate) that included measures of pain intensity and interference, psychological functioning, pain catastrophizing, social support, and pain-related beliefs and coping. Results:After controlling for demographic variables, the group of psychosocial variables accounted for an additional 23% of the variance in pain intensity. These variables explained an additional 35% and 50% of the variance in pain interference and psychological functioning, respectively, after accounting for demographic variables and pain intensity. Social support was associated with both psychological functioning and pain interference, whereas catastrophizing was most closely related to psychological functioning. Individual pain beliefs and coping strategies were variably related to the three criterion measures. Conclusions:The overall results of the current study are consistent with a biopsychosocial framework for understanding pain and functioning in individuals with postpoliomyelitis syndrome. Although additional research is needed to clarify the nature of the relationships between individual psychosocial variables and functional indices, the findings suggest the need for a multidisciplinary approach to pain management in individuals with postpoliomyelitis syndrome.
11.4 1650µm2 thermal-diffusivity sensors with inaccuracies down to ±0.75°C in 40nm CMOS

This work presents a thermal diffusivity (TD) sensor realized in nanometer (40nm) CMOS that demonstrates that the performance of such sensors continues to improve with scaling. Without trimming, the sensor achieves ±1.4°C (3σ) inaccuracy from -40 to 125°C, which is a 5× improvement over previous (non-TD) sensors intended for thermal monitoring. This improves to ±0.75°C (3σ) after a single-point trim, a level of accuracy that previously would have required two-point trimming. Furthermore, it operates from supply voltages as low as 0.9V, and occupies only 1650 μm<sup>2</sup>, making it one of the smallest smart temperature sensors reported to date. These advances are enabled by the use of a phase-calibration scheme and a highly digital phase-domain ΔΣ ADC.
Interaction of sulfoglucuronyl (HNK‐1) carbohydrate and its binding protein, SBP‐1, in microexplant cultures of rat cerebellum

Sulfoglucuronyl carbohydrate (SGC) is expressed on several neural cell‐adhesion molecules and on glycolipids. SGC and its binding protein, SBP‐1 are developmentally regulated in the nervous system and have been implicated in regulating neurite outgrowth and cell–cell recognition during neuronal cell migration. To elucidate the role of interaction between SGC and SBP‐1, microexplant cultures of postnatal day 5 rat cerebellum were employed. In explant cultures, SGC was localized primarily in the neuronal cell processes, neurofilaments, and dendrites that emerge from the core of the explants up to 90 μm, after 24 hr in culture. SGC was also present in the short astrocytic processes near the core of the explant. SBP‐1 was localized mainly in the granule neuron cell bodies and faintly on cell plasma membranes and processes. Granule neurons, expressing SBP‐1, migrated outward in close contact with the SGC bearing neuronal processes, suggesting interaction between SGC and SBP‐1. The neurite outgrowth and cell migration were specifically and severely reduced, in dose‐dependent manners, by anti‐SGC (HNK‐1) and anti‐SBP‐1 antibodies and sulfoglucuronyl glycolipid (SGGL). Other irrelevant antibodies and glycolipids had little effect. The results showed that SBP‐1 was required for neurite outgrowth and that SGC‐SBP‐1 interaction was important for cell–cell recognition and cell migration. J. Neurosci. Res. 2:188–201, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid and efficient cell-to-cell transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection from monocyte-derived macrophages to peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Macrophages are considered of central importance in cell-to-cell transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in vivo. In this report, we describe a novel cell-to-cell transmission model using HIV-infected monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) as donor cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) as recipients. Virus was transmitted during a 2-h coincubation period from intracellular or tightly cell-associated viral stores in adherent infected MDMs to nonadherent CD3(+) PBLs. Transmission required cell contact, but syncytia formation was not observed. HIV cell-to-cell transmission occurred in both allogeneic and autologous systems, and replication was higher in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated than unstimulated recipient PBLs. In contrast, transmission of infection by cell-free virus was barely detectable without PHA stimulation of recipients, suggesting the cell-cell interaction may have provided stimuli to recipient cells in the cell-to-cell system. Viral DNA levels increased 5-24 h postmixing, and this increase was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with the reverse transcription inhibitor azidothymidine, indicating de novo reverse transcription was involved. Cell-to-cell transmission was more efficient than infection with cell-free virus released from donor MDMs, or 0.1 TCID(50)/cell cell-free viral challenge. This model provides a system to further investigate the mechanisms and characteristics of HIV cell-to-cell transmission between relevant primary cells that may be analogous to this important mode of virus spread in vivo.
The Role of CD14 in Neutrophil Recruitment within the Liver Microcirculation during Endotoxemia

During Gram-negative sepsis and endotoxemia, CD14 is essential for the recognition of LPS by the TLR4 complex and subsequent generation of systemic inflammation. However, CD14-independent responses to LPS have been reported in vitro and in vivo in selected tissues including the skin. As the liver is a key target organ for neutrophil sequestration and inflammatory pathology during sepsis and endotoxemia, we investigated the role of CD14 in the recruitment of neutrophils into the liver in a mouse model of endotoxemia. Using dynamic in vivo imaging of the liver, we observed that neutrophil recruitment within the sinusoids and post-sinusoidal venules occurred equivalently between LPS-treated wild-type and CD14-knockout mice. Neutrophil recruitment within the liver was completely independent of CD14 regardless of whether it was expressed on cells of hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic origin or in serum as soluble CD14. Whereas CD14 expression was essential for activation of circulating neutrophils and for the development of LPS-induced systemic inflammation (pulmonary neutrophil sequestration, leukopenia, and increased serum proinflammatory cytokine levels), deficiency of CD14 did not limit the adhesion strength of neutrophils in vitro. Furthermore, wild-type and CD14-knockout mice displayed identical deposition of serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein within liver sinusoids in response to LPS, indicating that the sinusoid-specific CD44/hyaluronan/serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein-dependent pathway of neutrophil adhesion is activated independently of CD14. Therefore, the liver microcirculation possesses a unique CD14-independent mechanism of LPS detection and activation of neutrophil recruitment.