Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Cannulation in Predominantly Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation by Intensivists.

Critical Care Medicine www.ccmjournal. org e595 The authors reply: The letter by Burrell et al (1) describing the percutaneous cannulation experience by intensivists at Alfred Hospital provides important information for intensivists involved in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) programs and nicely complements our reported experience (2). Our ECLS program has historically provided predominantly respiratory support, and our cardiac support experience is more limited. Our ECLS experience consists mostly of venovenous cannulation with a smaller venoarterial cohort. Burrell et al (1) describe their cannulation experience, which includes a large venoarterial cohort. Aspects of the Alfred Hospital experience deserve mention. The first is their success with arterial cannulation with a low complication rate. Arterial cannulation entails more inherent risk than venous because arterial injury can lead to substantial more morbidity than venous injury. The 8% arterial complication rate reported, although higher than their venous rate (2%), is not unexpected and would not be considered excessive. Some of their complications required surgical management, so the availability of surgical services would seem advisable. Another aspect is the larger number of intensivists (16) available to perform cannulations. Although this would seem to dilute the experience of each intensivist, the approach of having more than one intensivist cannulating a given patient (as we do) increases the exposure to the procedure and helps maintain cannulation skills. secured. A second patient’s internal jugular venous access cannula was accidentally dislodged and removed but was resecured without major consequence. Overall average ECMO duration was 4 ± 4 days for VA ECMO and 14 ± 4 days for VV ECMO. Survival to hospital discharge was 73 of 122 (60%) for VA ECMO (including extracorporeal CPR) and 32 of 45 (71%) for VV ECMO. In total, seven of 167 patients (4%) had hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, and there was one blood stream infection, and one confirmed cannula related infection. In conclusion, intensivist-led cannulation is also possible for a predominantly VA ECMO service and is associated with an acceptable complication rate. The authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest.
Time‐dependent change of blood flow in the prostate treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound

Avascular areas on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging have been considered to be areas of localized prostate cancer successfully treated by high‐intensity focused ultrasound. However, the optimal timing of magnetic resonance imaging has not been discussed. The thermal effect of high‐intensity focused ultrasound is degraded by regional prostatic blood flow. Conversely, the mechanical effect of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (cavitation) is not affected by blood flow, and can induce vessel damage. In this series, the longitudinal change of blood flow on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was observed from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 14 in 10 patients treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound. The median rates of increase in the non‐enhanced volume of the whole gland, transition zone and peripheral zone from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 14 were 36%, 39%, and 34%, respectively. In another pathological analysis of the prostate tissue of 17 patients immediately after high‐intensity focused ultrasound without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, we observed diffuse coagulative degeneration and partial non‐coagulative prostate tissue around arteries with vascular endothelial cell detachment. These observations on contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging support a time‐dependent change of the blood flow in the prostate treated with high‐intensity focused ultrasound. Additionally, our pathological findings support the longitudinal changes of these magnetic resonance imaging findings. Further large‐scale studies will investigate the most appropriate timing of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of the effectiveness of high‐intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer.
Influence of pH, temperature, and inoculum composition on mixed cultures of Streptococcus thermophilus 404 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus 398

The effects of pH, temperature, and inoculum composition on Streptococcus thermophilus 404 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus 398 mixed cultures were studied. Linear quadratic models according to these three variables were proposed to express the growth and acidification characteristics, as well as the final proportion between the two strains. Initial and operating conditions, allowing maximization of these characteristics were determined. Finally, a graphic method to predict both final total concentration and final proportion of the two bacteria as a function of pH, temperature and inoculum composition is presented.
Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1) in Egyptian Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) complications are associated with oxidative stress. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a group of enzymes that protect against oxidative stress. The aims of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms among homozygous sickle cell anemia patients and to investigate the possible association between the presence of these polymorphisms and SCD severity and complications. Genotyping the polymorphisms in GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes was performed using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The GSTP1 ILe105Val polymorphism was determined using PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism. GSTM1 null genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of severe vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval = 0.42–5.56, P = 0.005). We found no significant association between GST genotypes and frequency of sickle cell–related pain, transfusion frequency, disease severity, or hydroxyurea treatment. GSTM1 gene polymorphism may be associated with risk of severe VOC among Egyptian SCD patients.
Endoscopic closure of esophageal intrathoracic leaks: stent versus endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure, a retrospective analysis

Background and study aim: Placement of covered self-expanding metal or plastic stents (SEMS or SEPS) is an established method for managing intrathoracic leaks. Recently, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC) has been described as a new effective treatment option. Our aim was to compare stent placement with EVAC for nonsurgical closure of intrathoracic anastomotic leaks. Patients and methods: In a retrospective analysis we were able to identify 39 patients who were treated with SEMS or SEPS and 32 patients who were treated with EVAC for intrathoracic leakage. In addition to successful fistula closure, we analyzed hospital mortality, number of endoscopic interventions, incidence of stenoses, and duration of hospitalization. Results: In a multivariate analysis, successful wound closure was independently associated with EVAC therapy (hazard ratio 2.997, 95 % confidence interval [95 %CI] 1.568 – 5.729; P = 0.001). The overall closure rate was significantly higher in the EVAC group (84.4 %) compared with the SEMS/SEPS group (53.8 %). No difference was found for hospitalization and hospital mortality. We found significantly more strictures in the stent group (28.2 % vs. 9.4 % with EVAC, P < 0,05). Conclusions: EVAC is an effective endoscopic treatment option for intrathoracic leaks and showed higher effectiveness than stent placement in our cohort.
Reliability and construct validity of soccer skills tests that measure passing, shooting, and dribbling

Abstract In this study, we examined the reliability and construct validity of new soccer skills tests. Twenty soccer players (10 professional and 10 recreational) repeated trials of passing, shooting, and dribbling skills on different days. Passing and shooting skills required players to kick a moving ball, delivered at constant speed, towards one of four randomly determined targets. Dribbling required players to negotiate seven cones over 20 m. Each trial consisted of 28 passes, 8 shots, and 10 dribbles. Ball speed, precision, and success were determined for all tests using video analysis. Systematic bias was small (<9% in all measures) and all outcome measures were similar between trials. Test–retest reliability statistics were as follows: ball speed (passing, shooting, dribbling; coefficient of variation [CV]: 6.5%, 6.9%, 2.4%; ratio limits of agreement [RLOA]: 0.958 ×/÷ 1.091, 0.990 ×/÷ 1.107, 0.993 ×/÷ 1.039), precision (passing, shooting, dribbling; CV: 10.0%, 23.5%, 4.6%; RLOA: 0.956 ×/÷ 1.147, 1.030 ×/÷ 1.356, 1.000 ×/÷ 1.068), and success (passing, shooting, dribbling; CV: 11.7%, 14.4%, 2.2%; RLOA: 1.017 ×/÷ 1.191, 0.913 ×/÷ 1.265, 0.996 ×/÷ 1.035). Professional players performed better than recreational players in at least one outcome measure for all skills. These findings demonstrate the reliability and validity of new soccer skill protocols.
“Becoming the Real Me”: Recovering from Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract We investigated the process of recovery from anorexia nervosa using grounded theory. Open-ended interviews conducted with 9 women who had recovered from anorexia nervosa revealed that recovery focused on rediscovery and redefinition of the self and included the following: (1) seeing the dangers, (2) inching out of anorexia, (3) tolerating exposure without anorexia, (4) gaining perspective by changing the anorexia mindset, and (5) discovering and reclaiming self as “good enough. ” The process of recovery described in this study may provide a useful framework for helping women understand their own process of recovery, and introducing them to strategies that support their recovery efforts. The findings also support therapies that foster therapeutic alliance, acknowledge readiness for change, and promote a sense of autonomy.
Effects on Vitamin D, Bone and the Kidney of Switching from Fixed-Dose Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine/Efavirenz to Darunavir/ Ritonavir Monotherapy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (MIDAS)

Background Efavirenz (EFV) has been associated with reductions in vitamin D (25[OH]D) and tenofovir (TDF) with increased bone turnover, reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and renal tubular dysfunction. We hypothesized that switching from fixed-dose TDF/emtricitabine (FTC)/EFV to darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy (DRV/r) might increase 25(OH)D and BMD, and improve renal tubular function. Methods Subjects with HIV RNA <50 copies/ml on TDF/ FTC/EFV for ≥6 months were randomized 1:1 to ongoing TDF/FTC/EFV or DRV/r (800/100 mg once daily) for 48 weeks. The primary end point was change from baseline in 25(OH)D at week 48. Secondary end points included changes in BMD, bone turnover markers and renal tubular function. Results A total of 64 subjects (86% male, 66% white, mean [sd] CD4+ T-cell count 537.3 [191.5]/mm3) were analysed. After adjustment for baseline 25(OH)D and demographics, at week 48 DRV/r monotherapy was associated with a +3.6 (95% CI 0.6, 6.6) ng/ml increase in 25(OH)D compared to TDF/FTC/EFV (P=0.02). DRV/r monotherapy was associated with an increase in BMD (+2.9% versus -0.003% at the neck of femur and +2.6% versus +0.008% at the lumbar spine for DRV/r versus TDF/FTC/EFV; P<0.05 for all) and reductions in bone biomarkers compared with those remaining on TDF/FTC/EFV. No significant difference in renal tubular function was observed. Reasons for discontinuation in the DRV/r arm included side effects (n=4) and viral load rebound (n=3), all of which resolved with DRV/r discontinuation or regimen intensification. Conclusions Switching from TDF/FTC/EFV to DRV/r in patients with suppressed HIV RNA resulted in significant improvements in 25(OH)D and bone biomarkers, and a 2–3% increase in BMD.
The effect of general anaesthesia on the haemodynamic events during laparoscopy with CO2–insufflation

Sixteen women were studied during elective diagnostic laparoscopy with CO2–insufflation to an intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 2 kPa and Trendelenburg tilt to 30. They were allocated to either a halothane (Group I) or a balanced (Group II) anaesthesia with relaxation and controlled ventilation. Heart rate (HR), arterial pressure, stroke volume, CO2–elimination, end–tidal CO2 vol.% and total respiratory compliance (TRC) were the parameters measured, and mean arterial pressure (MAP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke index (SI) and cardiac index (CI) were calculated. At maximum haemodynamic strain, SI and CI were on average reduced by 42% m both groups, without significant changes in HR and MAP. TPR increased by 50% in Group I and 100% in Group II. The reduction in SI was related to the changes in TRC. A small increment in CO2–elimination after CO2–insufflation was most pronounced in Group II. SI and CI did not reach the pre–insufflation values after return to the horizontal position and CO2–exsufflation. The haemodynamic differences between the two groups were small compared to the effects of the laparoscopy procedures.
Hydrocarbon‐induced changes to metabolic and detoxification enzymes of the Australian crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis)

The toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons to marine aquatic organisms has been widely investigated; however, the effects on freshwater environments have largely been ignored. Selected biomarkers were measured in a freshwater species, the crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis). Fish were exposed to either a water‐accommodated fraction (WAF) of crude oil or a dispersed crude oil water‐accommodated fraction (DCWAF) for 3 days and were depurated for 14 days. Generally, biomarkers were altered following the short‐term exposures but recovered after 14 days of depuration. Metabolic enzymes measured in gill tissue were citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). As a result of WAF and DCWAF exposures, citrate synthase and LDH activities increased. Enzyme activities returned to control levels following depuration. Subsequent to the WAF exposure, hepatic ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) activity levels were higher than controls and they returned to control levels during depuration. For the DCWAF exposure, EROD was induced by a TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons) concentration of 14.5 mg/L; however, after depuration the 14.5 mg/L TPH group had lower EROD activity than did controls. There were no changes in liver‐ to body‐weight ratios or the histopathological organization of gill or liver tissues. As the majority of biomarkers returned to control levels after 14 days of depuration, rainbowfish were able to recover from short‐term exposures to crude oil and dispersed crude oil. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 21–28, 2003.
Mentalization as a moderator of treatment effects: Findings from a randomized clinical trial for personality disorders

Abstract Mentalization is the capacity to understand behavior as expressions of various mental states. It is assumed to be important for understanding the underlying psychopathology, the therapeutic process, and the outcome of therapy associated with patients with personality disorders (PDs). However, to date, empirical findings are scarce and inconsistent. This study aimed to examine whether the pre-treatment level of mentalization, operationalized as Reflective Functioning (RF), was associated with differential responses to two different treatment modalities and might predict clinical improvement. We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial (Ullevål Personality Project). Seventy-eight patients with borderline and/or avoidant PD had been randomly assigned to either a step-down treatment program or outpatient individual psychotherapy. The step-down treatment comprised short-term day hospital treatment, followed by long-term, combined group and individual psychotherapy. RF was rated before treatment and after 36 months. Outcome measures were administered at baseline and after 8, 18, and 36 months. The moderator analyses indicated that patients with low RF levels at baseline responded better to outpatient individual psychotherapy than to the step-down treatment in terms of improvements in psychosocial functioning. Patients with medium-high RF levels responded equally well to both therapy formats. Determining which therapy format is appropriate for specific groups of patients can improve treatment efficiency. Therefore, our findings may have important clinical implications. Future research should address RF as a mediator of change.
Twenty-Eight-Day Inhalation Toxicity Study of Silver Nanoparticles in Sprague-Dawley Rats

The antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles has resulted in their extensive application in health, electronic, and home products. Thus, the exposed population continues to increase as the applications expand. Although previous studies on silver dust, fumes, and silver compounds have revealed some insights, little is yet known about the toxicity of nano-sized silver particles, where the size and surface area are recognized as important determinants for toxicity. Thus, the inhalation toxicity of silver nanoparticles is of particular concern to ensure the health of workers and consumers. However, the dispersion of inhalable ambient nano-sized particles has been an obstacle in evaluating the effect of the inhalation of nano-sized particles on the respiratory system. Accordingly, the present study used a device that generates silver nanoparticles by evaporation/condensation using a small ceramic heater. As such, the generator was able to distribute the desired concentrations of silver nanoparticles to chambers containing experimental animals. The concentrations and distribution of the nanoparticles with respect to size were also measured directly using a differential mobility analyzer and ultrafine condensation particle counter.
The Search for Candidate Genes of Alcoholism: Evidence from Expression Profiling Studies

Alcoholism is the outcome of complex interactions between the environment and multiple gene loci, which may encode pre‐existing susceptibility, or contribute to the neuroadaptations underlying the process of developing dependence. Because of this, the prospect of simultaneous, genome wide, high‐throughput analysis of gene expression allowed by microarray technology has met with great expectations. The hope has been that new insights into pathogenesis of substance disorders will rapidly be gained, leading to identification of novel treatment targets. The usefulness of this approach as a discovery tool in addiction research will be critically reviewed here. In this article, we describe the evolution of our experimental approaches, from first generation Affymetrix expression arrays to present high‐density arrays, and from the use of original Affymetrix software to more advanced analysis of the probe signal, and different statistical approaches to creating candidate gene lists. Further, we address some methodological issues critical to the study of brain samples by microarray technology. We also summarize findings from several expression profiling experiments involving different animal models of alcoholism. The accumulation of expression data from different animal models allows mining the database for patterns of overlap. Such second level analysis depends on the generation of uniform and reliable datasets.
Inflammatory proteins in nasal lavage of workers exposed to occupational agents

Low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) agents have been recognized as causes of occupational rhinitis (OR). Immunological mechanisms underlying OR differ according to the type of exposure. While HMW agents act mainly through IgE‐mediated mechanisms, LMW agents appear to act through both immunological and non‐immunological mechanisms.
Economic impacts and approaches to address hot-spot defects in photovoltaic devices

The topic of hotspots in solar cells has gained recent press [1], and is garnering a degree of industry attention due to the link between hotspots and module failure modes such as laminate damage (bubbles) or permanent localized cell degradation. Hotspot detection is not new to the industry, although the methods have improved considerably [2] as infrared cameras and analysis algorithms have increased in performance. Historically the focus of hotospot detection has been in R&D labs where priority is placed on detailed root cause analysis and resolution, and cost is a secondary issue. Recently, PV manufacturers have started to implement inline hotspot screening, both at cell and module test, with an emphasis on cost of ownership, measurement speed, and purpose-built features that screen for hotspots in a completely automated fashion. This paper describes a time-resolved thermography system designed for use in PV manufacturing for quality control, and outlines economic factors that are causing this type of cell screening to be introduced inline.
Etiology and prevention of coronary obstructive lesions in infancy and childhood

It is now well established that coronary atherosclerosis should be considered as a problem from infancy or even from embryonal life. Its development, although genetically determined to some extent, is influenced by many factors, some of which may be beneficially modified. Such primary prevention should start in early childhood, and in some aspects, even during pregnancy. Nonatherosclerotic coronary obstruction may also be present in infancy and childhood, usually with severe consequences.
Surface roughness change of epoxy/TiO/sub 2/ nanocomposites due to partial discharges

Partial discharge degradation of an epoxy nanocomposite with 5 weight % additions of nanoscale TiO/sub 2/ particles was investigated in comparison with that of an epoxy resin without nanofillers. Such materials were subjected to PDs under the IEC(b) electrode configuration for evaluation. Surface roughened by PD attack was inspected by a mechanical surface profilometer and a scanning electron microscope. Erosion depth and surface roughness were selected as indexes of surface degradation in this research. It is elucidated that surface degradation of the nanocomposite due to PDs is caused by erosion of epoxy matrix around the nanofillers. As the surface degradation proceeds, large agglomerates of the nanofillers appear on the eroded surface. Erosion depth and Surface roughness are far smaller in the specimens with nanofillers than those without nanofillers. This result indicates that the epoxy/TiO/sub 2/ nanocomposite is more resistant to PDs than that without nanofillers.
Biogenic amines in autistic and atypical children. Cerebrospinal fluid measures of homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

Central nervous system biogenic amine metabolism was studied in 35 children suffering from autism, atypical development, epilespy, and movement disorders. After oral administration of probenecid, a membrane blocking compound, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample was obtained for assay of homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), and probenecid. The concentrations of HVA and 5HIAA in the CSF are thought to reflect the rate of formation in the brain of their parent amines, dopamine and serotonin, respectively. There are statistically significant differences in CSF HVA and 5HIAA levels between the psychotic and epileptic children. The HVA and 5HIAA are significantly correlated with each other. Each of these acid metabolites covaries with the CSF levels of probenecid and interpretation of the significance of CSF HVA and 5HIAA requires simultaneous measurement of probenecid concentration.