Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BRIEF REVIEWS Metabolic Functions of the Pulmonary Circulation

THE primary function of the pulmonary circulation is to bring the blood in contact with alveolar gas, for the purpose of gas exchange. In addition to this vital function, in which the lung may be said to play a "passive" role, the pulmonary circulation has another, more recently recognized function. This is an "active," or metabolic, function, in which the lung takes up, inactivates, or activates certain circulating compounds, and synthesizes and releases others. These metabolic activities help determine and regulate such important functions as pulmonary vascular and airway smooth muscle tone, pulmonary microvascular permeability, regional and total pulmonary blood flow, and systemic arterial blood pressure. In the few past years, the pace of research on lung metabolism has accelerated, and several reviews and monographs have been published on the subject (Said, 1968; Vane, 1969; Bakhle and Vane, 1974, 1977; Junod, 1975; Said, 1979; Ciba Symposium, 1980). This paper focuses on the metabolism and release of vasoactive hormones and neurotransmitters and the role that these activities may play in the physiological regulation and the pathophysiological responses of the pulmonary circulation.
Risk predictors for hospital readmission in a low socio-economic and underserved population

Objective: Hospital readmissions are significant and potentially preventable sources of healthcare cost in the United States. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) establishes the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) in an attempt to reduce readmissions by penalizing institutions whose 30-day readmission rates are above the national average. The current study examines demographic and clinical variables associated with early hospital readmission in a low socioeconomic status, underserved population. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted of 2,536 patients from the acute primary care facilities who were hospitalized. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate, and days to follow up visit were analyzed in a sample of 2,536 hospitalized patients at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines in Central Texas to determine association with risk of 0-30- (30), 31-60- (60) and 61-90- (90) day all-cause readmission. Results: Multinomial statistical analysis found pulse rate was associated with 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission as compared to a control group. Days to follow-up were associated with decreased risk of readmission in all groups, and passive smoking status was associated with decreased risk of 90-day readmission as compared to a control group. Conclusions: Results offer healthcare providers with tools for potentially identifying patients at elevated risk for readmission in a disadvantaged population and suggest further investigation of other clinical and laboratory variables as predictors of readmission risk.
REGULAR AND SPECIAL FEATURES Biomechanical Basis for Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy affects millions of people in athletic and occupational settings and is a nemesis for patients and physicians. Mechanical loading is a major causative factor for tendinopathy; however, the exact mechanical loading conditions (magnitude, frequency, duration, loading history, or some combinations) that cause tendinopathy are poorly defined. Exercise animal model studies indicate that repetitive mechanical loading induces inflammatory and degenerative changes in tendons, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for such changes are not known. Injection animal model studies show that collagenase and inflammatory agents (inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E1 and E2) may be involved in tendon inflammation and degeneration; however, whether these molecules are involved in the development of tendinopathy because of mechanical loading remains to be verified. Finally, despite improved treatment modalities, the clinical outcome of treatment of tendinopathy is unpredictable, as it is not clear whether a specific modality treats the symptoms or the causes. Research is required to better understand the mechanisms of tendinopathy at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels and to develop new scientifically based modalities to treat tendinopathy more effectively.
Significance for Mechanisms and Management

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and an important contributor to population morbidity and mortality, affects >2 million people in the United States alone; data suggest that its prevalence will continue to increase as the population ages. The mechanisms that govern AF initiation and persistence are highly complex, of dynamic nature, and involve interactions across multiple temporal and spatial scales in the atria, often leading to unpredictable outcomes and emergent phenomena at the organ level. Electrophysiological experimental investigations in cells, tissues and the whole animal, and the human patient have led to a rapid increase in the body of knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying AF. In this quest, modeling and simulation of atrial electrophysiology and arrhythmias have played an important role not only in hypothesis-driven research at various levels of integration, but also in providing Compendium
Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. No effective pharmaceutical agents exist to halt or slow down the disease progression. There is a tremendous imperative to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and to develop effective treatments. This book brings together an international team of experts to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of AD. The most current information on several critical aspects of AD are presented, providing the readers with a broad picture of the underlying neuropathology, genetics, proteomics, risk factors, novel biomarkers, and potential interventions. Chapters 1–5 discuss the underlying AD pathogenesis using genomic and proteomic approaches, linking diverse pathways that can lead to complex metabolic dysfunction. Chapter 6 reviews the potential role of trace metals in AD, while Chapter 7 examines the diversity of Aβ species involved in AD pathology. Chapter 8 discusses the contributions of white matter degeneration in AD. Chapter 9 examines the potential intriguing role of the brain-gut-microbiota axis in mediating AD. Chapters 10 and 11 discuss potential biomarkers for AD, such as deficits in ocular exploration and early language impairments, respectively. Chapters 12–15 examine possible novel preventative and/or therapeutic methodologies such as exercise, optimizing depression therapy, and diverse psychosocial interventions. The book will be of value to clinicians and health professionals caring for patients with AD, and will provide a comprehensive and thought-provoking introduction to young investigators interested in translational aspects of the AD and related dementias.
Abstract P1-17-03: Abemaciclib for the treatment of brain metastases secondary to hormone receptor positive breast cancer

Background: Although a lower percentage of patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) develop brain metastases when compared with triple negative and HER2+ MBC patients, there are no regulatory approved systemic agents for the treatment of HR+ breast cancer brain metasteses, and this remains an unmet medical need. Standard local treatment options include surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and/or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Abemaciclib, an oral selective CDK4 and 6 inhibitor administered on a continuous dosing schedule, has demonstrated clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in heavily pre-treated HR+ MBC patients. Preclinically, abemaciclib crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is further supported clinically by detectable levels of abemaciclib similar to plasma levels in resected brain metastases in a subset of patients with HR+, HER2- MBC as previously reported for the current study. Together these data provide further rationale for evaluating abemaciclib in patients with brain metastases. Methods: Study I3Y-MC-JPBO (NCT02308020) is an open-label, Phase 2, Simon 2-Stage trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of abemaciclib up to 200 mg BID in 4 cohorts of patients with brain metastases secondary to HR+ MBC, NSCLC, or melanoma. With regard to HR+ MBC, one cohort included HR+, HER2- patients, another one included HR+/HER2+ patients. All HR+ MBC patients enrolled to 1 of these 2 cohorts were required to have at least 1 measurable brain lesion. The primary objective was objective intracranial response rate as defined by Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology brain metastases response criteria. Stage 1 was to enroll 23 evaluable patients per study part; if ≥2 respond to abemaciclib, 33 additional evaluable patients were to be enrolled to Stage 2. Secondary CNS objectives include best overall response, duration of response, and clinical benefit rate. Results: For Stage 1 efficacy, in patients with HR+, HER2+ MBC futility was met. However, for HR+, HER2- patients, 2 confirmed, durable partial responses were observed and enrollment to Stage 2 is ongoing. Conclusions: Previously, this study provided evidence that abemaciclib penetrates brain metastases in patients with HR+, HER2- MBC. The current results provide sufficient evidence of anti-tumor activity on brain metastases in patients with HR+, HER2- MBC to merit further exploration, but not for patients with HR+, HER2+ disease. Safety and tolerability results are similar to those previously reported for abemaciclib, with the majority of adverse events being gastrointestinal. Citation Format: Bachelot T, Kabos P, Yardley D, Dieras V, Costigan T, Klise S, Awada A. Abemaciclib for the treatment of brain metastases secondary to hormone receptor positive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-17-03.
Comments on " Mechanisms of Quinidine-Induced Depression of Maximum Upstroke Velocity in Ovine Cardiac Purkinje Fibers " which appeared in Circ

I have been studying the above-captioned article by Weld et al. (1982) which was recently published in your journal. This paper presents significant new measurements which will aid our understanding of how quinidine interacts with the modulated sodium channel receptor. However, I am having some difficulty with one part of their analysis, an important part, which attempts to prove that the rate constants which govern quinidine interactions with the channel are voltage-dependent. The major problem is that their Equations 1 and 4 are written as independent relations when, in fact, they are coupled via channel gating:
Should a protease inhibitor be standard of care for HIV postexposure prophylaxis ?

Tosini et al. [1] describe the tolerability of nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (NPEP) with coformulated tenofovir–emtricitabine and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir. The authors found that 85% of 188 patients completed 28 days of NPEP. However, 12% of participants ceased PEP for adverse events and about 80% of participants experienced at least one side effect, particularly nausea, diarrhoea and fatigue. Furthermore, 32% of an additional 34 patients who ceased PEP early for other reasons also reported poor tolerability and another 11% were lost to follow-up.
Regional Myocardial Blood Flow and Coronary Vascular Reserve in Unanesthetized Young Calves with Severe Concentric Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

We determined regional myocardial blood flow (MBF: 15 /im tracer microspheres) and hemodynamics in 12 unanesthetized normal calves and 10 unanesthetized calves with severe right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). RVH was produced by banding the main pulmonary artery of 24- to 48-hour-old calves 25–30 weeks prior to the study. Measurements were made in six normal calves and seven calves with RVH at control (baseline), during isoproterenol infusion (0.2 μg/kg per min), and during acute volume overload produced before and after propranolol pretreatment. In six normal calves and three RVH calves, these parameters also were determined before and during maximal coronary vasodilation produced by intraventricular infusion of adenosine (4 μM/kg per min). In this model of RVH, right ventricular (RV) MBF was significantly increased whereas the left ventricular (LV) mass and LV MBF were normal. Minimal coronary vascular resistance per unit weight of the hypertrophied RV was identical to that in the normal RV myocardium. This suggested that, although functional cross-sectional area of the vascular bed supplying RV myocardium, hypertrophied from soon after birth, kept pace with increasing muscle mass, higher baseline perfusion in the hypertrophied RV myocardium occurred at the expense of decreased available coronary vascular reserve. Isoproterenol infusion resulted in subendocardial underperfusion in both ventricles of calves with RVH, but this did not occur in the normal RV myocardium. Acute volume expansion of a similar magnitude was perceived as a more severe stress in calves with RVH as reflected by a larger increase in their RV and LV MBF. Propranolol pretreatment significantly blunted these increments in MBF despite markedly higher ventricular filling pressures. Throughout the study, blood flow in right and left sides of the interventricular septum closely resembled that in RV and LV, respectively.
SYMPOSIUM: NEW APPROACHES TO ALLOGRAFT TRANSPLANTATION Chondrocyte Apoptosis Implications for Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a useful technique to manage larger articular cartilage injuries. One factor that may compromise the effectiveness of this procedure is chondrocyte cell death that occurs during the storage, preparation, and implantation of the osteochondral grafts. Loss of viable chondrocytes may negatively affect osteochondral edge integration and longterm function. A better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for chondrocyte loss could lead to interventions designed to decrease cell death and improve results. Recent studies indicate that apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is responsible for much of the chondrocyte death associated with osteochondral allograft transplantation. Theoretically, some of these cells can be rescued by blocking important apoptotic mediators. We review the role of apoptosis in cartilage degeneration, focusing on apoptosis associated with osteochondral transplantation. We also review the pathways thought to be responsible for regulating chondrocyte apoptosis, as well as experiments testing inhibitors of the apoptotic pathway. These data suggest that key contributors to the apoptotic process can be manipulated to enhance chondrocyte survival. This knowledge may lead to better surgical outcomes for osteochondral transplantation.
Male and female language teachers’ technology integration differences in elementary schools in the United Arab Emirates

Today, educators and policy makers are paying increasing attention to the integration of educational technology in K-12 schools to promote better learning outcomes. Research has recently indicated that integrating technology into the curriculum promotes not only stimulating curricula based on real world problems and tools, but it also expands opportunities for successful teaching and learning. Teachers have found technology to be a motivating and appealing tool in their classes, particularly when it comes to teaching languages. However, investigating the differences between male and female teachers pertaining to technology integration strategies and applications has not received enough attention, particularly in elementary schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between male-female teachers’ technology integration in elementary schools in the UAE. A Questionnaire and focus group interviews were used as the two main tools for data collection. Results show some significant differences between male and female teachers in the strategies and intensity of technology integration in their classes. Both quantitative and qualitative results show that teachers perceived technology as a tool for promoting language teaching and learning. Recommendations for successful technology integration were highlighted at the end of the study. Suggestions for conducting further studies were also discussed.
The Emerging of New Democratic Space: CSOs and Parliament in Post-Soeharto Indonesia

This article deals with the inclusion of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the decision-making processes in Post-Soeharto era in Indonesia. It argues that reformasi has created and multiplied the democratic space in both the national and local arena. It has not just enlarged the number of CSOs significantly, but also changed the nature of CSOs and has opened the boundary in relations to parliament. This development has confirmed the emerging of the new political space which is more democratic in nature, as witnessed by the present of Gaventa’s political space model - “claimed space” as opposed to undemocratic “closed spaces” or “limited space” during the New Order. This paper identifies the presence of a set spaces which is determining the whole course of decision-making processes. This research found the nature of a space, of being either “claimed”, “invited” or “closed”, is not only determined by who creates the space and able to make use of it within the given boundaries, but also by its relations to other set of spaces, issues in concern, time and infrastructure set up around the spaces.
Factors Affecting Physical Activity Behavior Among Women in Kerman Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

Background: Theory of planned behavior (TPB) has not been adequately addressed in the field of physical activity among Iranian women. Objectives: This study aimed to determine factors affecting physical activity behavior among women based on the theory of planned behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 398 women in Kerman, Iran. The women were selected through the multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and a researcher-made questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The mean age (SD) of participants was 36.9 (9.9). Perceived behavioral control (β = 0. 16, P = 0. 013) and behavioral intention (β = 0.16, P = 0.005) had a significant positive direct effect on physical activity behavior. Moreover, instrumental attitude (β = 0.04, P = 0.003), subjective norms (β = 0.04, P = 0.003) and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.03, P = 0.002) had a significant positive indirect effect on physical activity behavior. Behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control constructs predicted 6% of variance of physical activity behavior. Conclusions: Given that the constructs of behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control could predict physical activity behavior, health promotion interventions should be designed with an emphasis on these factors in order to promote physical activity in women.
Nonsurgical Management of Osteolysis

Osteolysis remains a common mode of total hip arthroplasty failure. In vitro and animal models have been used to determine the pathophysiology of osteolysis by carefully dissecting the biochemical pathways leading to particulate wear debris and periprosthetic bone loss. Numerous cytokines and inflammatory mediators, including TNFand IL-1, are critical participants in this cascade and may represent prime targets for pharmacologic intervention. Osteoclasts, the end effector cells involved in the osteolytic process, also represent potential targets. Cell surface receptors on osteoclast precursors, such as receptor activator of NFB (RANK) (on osteoclasts) and RANK-ligand (RANKL) (on stromal cells), provide opportunities to arrest osteoclast maturation. Enhancing the naturally occurring osteoprotegerin is another recent attempt at modulating osteoclast behavior and a possible target for pharmacologic therapies. Other nonoperative strategies include intercepting tumor necrosis factoractivity, interfering with the RANK-RANKL interaction necessary for osteoclast development and maturation, bisphosphonate therapy, and using viral vectors to deliver genes. Although each of these approaches has potential benefits, there are substantial challenges to effective implementation. Until there is convincing evidence of efficacy in human clinical trials, we recommend vigilant screening and appropriate surgery with component loosening or substantial likelihood of loosening, periprosthetic fracture, or major bone loss.
TREMOR DISORDERS

Tremor, the most common of all movement disorders, is defined as a rhythmic, involuntary, oscillatory movement of a body part. Tremor may be seen at rest, with posture, or with voluntary movement defined as kinetic tremor. Other tremor types include task-specific and isometric tremors. The most common diagnostic entity among movement disorders is essential tremor (ET). ET is mainly a postural or kinetic tremor of the hands and sometimes the head. It responds best to pharmacologic treatment with primidone and propranolol. In severe cases, surgical intervention with deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus may be remarkably effective. Other tremor types include: physiologic, orthostatic, task-specific (primary writing), dystonic, parkinsonian, cerebellar, Holmes' (formerly rubral), palatal (formerly called myoclonus rather than tremor), drug-induced and toxin-induced, neuropathic, psychogenic, and post-traumatic.