Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Turning minor injuries into a major problem.

BACKGROUND Abrupt cessation of chronic drinking patterns places hospitalized patients at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AWS on length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and cost in low injury acuity trauma patients. METHODS A retrospective review of the National Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons database from July 1999 to February 2004 was performed. All patients 15 years or older admitted to our Level I trauma center with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) <16 were included. AWS patients were compared with those without AWS. Demographics, mechanism of injury (MOI), ISS, revised trauma score, Glasgow Coma score, hospital course, morbidity, requirement of additional procedures, mortality, and cost were compared. Analysis was done with chi2 test and Student's t test. A p value of < or =0.05 determined significance. RESULTS Of 6,431 patients, 55 (0.9%) developed AWS. AWS patients were likely men (p < 0.001); had a higher ISS (p = 0.001) and lower Glasgow Coma score (p = 0.01); had more ventilator days (p = 0.008), intensive care unit days (p < 0.0001), and hospital days (p < 0.0001); suffered more complications, including respiratory failure (p < 0.0001), pneumonia (p < 0.0001), urinary tract infection (p = 0.0005), sepsis (p < 0.0001), tracheostomy (p < 0.0001), and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (p < 0.0001); and had higher cost (p < 0.0001). Mortality was similar (p = 0.38) among groups. CONCLUSIONS Low injury acuity patients with AWS have increased morbidity, leading to increased hospital stay and cost. To allow minor injuries to remain minor problems, the best modality to identify patients at risk and to achieve AWS prophylaxis require further investigation.
Protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of Dock180 at serine residue 1250 is important for glioma growth and invasion stimulated by platelet derived-growth factor receptor α.

BACKGROUND Dedicator of cytokinesis 1 (Dock1 or Dock180), a bipartite guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac1, plays critical roles in receptor tyrosine kinase-stimulated cancer growth and invasion. Dock180 activity is required in cell migration cancer tumorigenesis promoted by platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor. METHODS To demonstrate whether PDGFRα promotes tumor malignant behavior through protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent serine phosphorylation of Dock180, we performed cell proliferation, viability, migration, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, colony formation, and in vivo tumorigenesis assays using established and short-term explant cultures of glioblastoma cell lines. RESULTS Stimulation of PDGFRα results in phosphorylation of Dock180 at serine residue 1250 (S1250), whereas PKA inhibitors H-89 and KT5720 oppose this phosphorylation. S1250 locates within the Rac1-binding Dock homology region 2 domain of Dock180, and its phosphorylation activates Rac1, p-Akt, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, while promoting cell migration, in vitro. By expressing RNA interference (RNAi)-resistant wild-type Dock180, but not mutant Dock180 S1250L, we were able to rescue PDGFRα-associated signaling and biological activities in cultured glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells that had been treated with RNAi for suppression of endogenous Dock180. In addition, expression of the same RNAi-resistant Dock180 rescued an invasive phenotype of GBM cells following intracranial engraftment in immunocompromised mice. CONCLUSION These data describe an important mechanism by which PDGFRα promotes glioma malignant phenotypes through PKA-dependent serine phosphorylation of Dock180, and the data thereby support targeting the PDGFRα-PKA-Dock180-Rac1 axis for treating GBM with molecular profiles indicating PDGFRα signaling dependency.
Effects of gamma rays in the 0.5-50-cGy range on the conformation of chromatin in mammalian cells.

The effects of 137Cs gamma-ray quanta in mammalian cells were studied using the method of anomalous viscosity time dependence (AVTD). Several different cell types were exposed: VH-10 human fibroblasts, BALB/c mouse splenocytes and Sprague-Dawley rat thymocytes. The cells were irradiated with doses of 0.1-50 cGy and then lysed for viscosity measurements. It was established for all types of cells that exposure to a dose of 0.5 cGy resulted in a statistically significant reduction in viscosity peaks. This reduction reached a maximum value approximately 40-60 min after irradiation. The reduction of viscosity was revealed at doses up to 4 cGy for human fibroblasts with the maximum effect observed at about 2 cGy. The opposite response, an increase in viscosity, was observed after exposing the cells to 10-50 cGy. From the linear approximation of this dose dependence, the increase in viscosity started at doses above 4 cGy. The effect of increased viscosity disappeared with time after irradiation, with kinetics similar to that of DNA repair. Repair of this effect of AVTD depended strongly on temperature in the 0-37 degrees C range. In contrast, the kinetics of the effect of 0.5 cGy did not depend on temperature. Thus two different responses of chromatin were observed in mammalian cells after low (<4 cGy) and high (>4 cGy) doses of radiation. The specific inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase II, etoposide, was shown to increase the peaks of AVTD significantly. These data provide further evidence that the effects of AVTD correlate with changes in chromatin conformation.
Parasocial Interaction with My Avatar: Effects of Interdependent Self-Construal and the Mediating Role of Self-Presence in an Avatar-Based Console Game, Wii

The "self" concept has grown increasingly important in interactive media environments. This study investigated self-related processes in an avatar-based game console, Wii. A key feature of the Wii is its motion-sensing capability that empowers players to manipulate and interact with items on-screen via movement. The present study examined the effects of video game players' self-construal on parasocial interaction with their avatars and feelings of self-presence. In this study, parasocial interaction was operationally defined as the extent of game players' interpersonal involvement with their avatar and the extent to which game players perceive themselves as interacting with the avatar. Self-presence was defined as the degree to which video game players feel as if their avatar on the screen were their real self. Based on an experiment, the study discovered that game players with high interdependent self-construal showed closer parasocial interaction and higher level of self-presence than those with low interdependent self-construal. Results also showed that self-presence mediated the effects of interdependent self-construal on the parasocial relationship with game players' avatars. Thus, the study discovered an important individual difference factor, interdependent self-construal, affecting the degree to which people form a parasocial relationship with their virtual self that is visually manifested in the form of an avatar. In addition, the present study added empirical evidence about the mediating role played by self-presence in avatar-based video games.
The concept of clinical leadership

Abstract This paper examines the concept of clinical leadership and finds that the concept has been used in a number of ways within the nursing literature. The paper argues that in a nursing practice setting the concept of clinical leadership is an appropriate one. In the clinical setting the nurse leader often has followers in the health care team, patients and their relatives. Thus it is argued that clinical leadership can be defined as the expert nurse who leads patients to better health care.
Characterization of the Starvation-Survival Response of Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The starvation-survival response of Staphylococcus aureus as a result of glucose, amino acid, phosphate, or multiple-nutrient limitation was investigated. Glucose and multiple-nutrient limitation resulted in the loss of viability of about 99 to 99.9% of the population within 2 days. The remaining surviving cells developed increased survival potential, remaining viable for months. Amino acid or phosphate limitation did not lead to the development of a stable starvation-survival state, and cells became nonculturable within 7 days. For multiple-nutrient limitation, the development of the starvation-survival state was cell density dependent. Starvation survival was associated with a decrease in cell size and increase in resistance to acid shock and oxidative stress. There was no evidence for the formation of a viable but nonculturable state during starvation as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Long-term survival of cells was dependent on cell wall and protein biosynthesis. Analysis of [35S]methionine incorporation and labelled proteins demonstrated that differential protein synthesis occurred deep into starvation.
Force Sensing and Manipulation Strategy in Robot-Assisted Microinjection on Zebrafish Embryos

Robot-assisted microinjection has attracted considerable attention from both engineering and biological communities, due to its advantages of high precision and throughput. This paper addresses two issues in the development of enable technologies for robot-assisted microinjection. One is the microforce measurement during the embryo-injection process. A new injection force-sensing scheme based on a simply supported beam structure is reported. The model combining mechanoelectrical transduction of the beam and the polyvinylidene fluoride sensing material is theoretically investigated. The other issue to be addressed is the manipulation strategy to mimic human-injection operation, which is based on force sensing and control techniques. A set of microinjection experiments on zebrafish embryos is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed robot-assisted manipulation methodology. Experimental results show that satisfied survival rate of the injected cells can be obtained, which is comparable to manual operation by human expert.
The Fab1/PIKfyve Phosphoinositide Phosphate Kinase Is Not Necessary to Maintain the pH of Lysosomes and of the Yeast Vacuole*

Background: Based on qualitative pH probes, loss of Fab1/PIKfyve was thought to impair vacuolar/lysosomal acidification. Results: Using several quantitative assays, vacuoles/lysosomes remained acidic in Fab1/PIKfyve-inhibited cells in a V-ATPase-dependent manner. Conclusion: Fab1/PIKfyve is not necessary to maintain the steady-state vacuolar/lysosomal pH. Significance: Contrary to current thought, we propose a model in which Fab1/PIKfyve is dispensable to maintain vacuolar/lysosomal acidification. Lysosomes and the yeast vacuole are degradative and acidic organelles. Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2), a master architect of endolysosome and vacuole identity, is thought to be necessary for vacuolar acidification in yeast. There is also evidence that PtdIns(3,5)P2 may play a role in lysosomal acidification in higher eukaryotes. Nevertheless, these conclusions rely on qualitative assays of lysosome/vacuole pH. For example, quinacrine, an acidotropic fluorescent base, does not accumulate in the vacuoles of fab1Δ yeast. Fab1, along with its mammalian ortholog PIKfyve, is the lipid kinase responsible for synthesizing PtdIns(3,5)P2. In this study, we employed several assays that quantitatively assessed the lysosomal and vacuolar pH in PtdIns(3,5)P2-depleted cells. Using ratiometric imaging, we conclude that lysosomes retain a pH < 5 in PIKfyve-inhibited mammalian cells. In addition, quantitative fluorescence microscopy of vacuole-targeted pHluorin, a pH-sensitive GFP variant, indicates that fab1Δ vacuoles are as acidic as wild-type yeast. Importantly, we also employed fluorimetry of vacuoles loaded with cDCFDA, a pH-sensitive dye, to show that both wild-type and fab1Δ vacuoles have a pH < 5.0. In comparison, the vacuolar pH of the V-ATPase mutant vph1Δ or vph1Δ fab1Δ double mutant was 6.1. Although the steady-state vacuolar pH is not affected by PtdIns(3,5)P2 depletion, it may have a role in stabilizing the vacuolar pH during salt shock. Overall, we propose a model in which PtdIns(3,5)P2 does not govern the steady-state pH of vacuoles or lysosomes.
Cardiovascular safety of tiotropium in patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND The clinical trial safety database for tiotropium has been augmented with a 4-year trial in patients with COPD, which provides an opportunity to better evaluate the cardiovascular (CV) profile of tiotropium. METHODS Trials with the following criteria were considered: > or = 4 weeks, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were similar, including spirometry-confirmed COPD, > or = 10 pack-year smoking, and age > or = 40 years. Adverse events were collected throughout each trial using standardized case report forms. Incidence rates (IRs) were determined from the total number of patients with an event divided by total time at risk. Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CI for tiotropium/placebo were calculated. IRs were determined for all-cause mortality and selected CV events, including a composite CV end point encompassing CV deaths, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), nonfatal stroke, and the terms sudden death, sudden cardiac death, and cardiac death. RESULTS There were 19,545 patients randomized: 10,846 (tiotropium) and 8,699 (placebo) from 30 trials. Mean FEV(1) = 1.15 +/- 0.46 L (41 +/- 14% predicted), 76% men, mean age = 65 +/- 9 years. Cumulative exposure to study drug was 13,146 (tiotropium) and 11,095 (placebo) patient-years. For all-cause mortality, the IR was 3.44 (tiotropium) and 4.10 (placebo) per 100 patient-years (RR [95% CI] = 0.88 [0.77-0.999]). IR for the CV end point was 2.15 (tiotropium) and 2.67 (placebo) per 100 patient-years (RR [95% CI] = 0.83 (0.71-0.98]). The IR for the CV mortality excluding nonfatal MI and stroke was 0.91 (tiotropium) and 1.24 (placebo) per 100 patient-years (RR [95% CI] = 0.77 [0.60-0.98]). For total MI, cardiac failure, and stroke the RRs (95% CI) were 0.78 (0.59-1.02), 0.82 (0.69-0.98), and 1.03 (0.79-1.35), respectively. CONCLUSION Tiotropium was associated with a reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and CV events.
Is the ECB sufficiently accountable and transparent? ENEPRI Working Paper No. 7, September 2001

More than two years after its inception, the ECB is still perceived as lacking transparency by many academics and market participants. Our analysis, based on a series of indicators, suggests instead that the ECB is, at least on paper, one of the most transparent and accountable central banks. The discrepancy between theory and public perception suggests that much remains to be done within the given institutional framework to improve the transparency of the ECB. What is the best way to achieve this goal? Several suggestions have been put forward, such as publishing the detailed minutes of the ECB Governing Council meetings. This would result in shifting the true debate to informal meetings of the Governing Council, while formal meetings would only record pre-packaged consensus with no or little discussion. In our view, the best way to make the ECB more accountable is to engage it in substantive discussions about its policy. The ECB should provide more information about the background analysis that leads to policy decisions. For example, the ECB should transform its ‘staff projections’ into true inflation forecasts and it should be more open about the arguments that shape the internal debates, which precedes decisions. Accountability cannot be ensured by the ECB alone. An important role has to be played by its counterparts, such as the European Parliament, the Council of EU Finance Ministers and the public at large.
Active and Passive Mechanical Properties of Isolated Arterioles From STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: Effect of Aminoguanidine Treatment

Studies were performed to examine the effect of experimental diabetes (4–6 weeks duration) on both the passive elastic and active myogenic properties of isolated skeletal muscle arterioles. Studies were conducted on untreated streptozotocin (60 mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats and in similar rats treated daily with either amino-guanidine (25 mg/kg) or methylguanidine (25 mg/kg). First-order cremaster muscle arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized in the absence of intraluminal flow. Video microscopy was used to determine relationships between arteriolar diameter and intraluminal pressure both in the active and passive (0 mmol/l Ca2+−2 mmol/l EGTA superfusated) tes. The measurements were used to calculate active myogenic responses, arteriolar distensibility, and stress-strain relationships. Under passive conditions, arterioles from untreated diabetic animals appeared to be stiffer and less distensible compared with similar arterioles from control animals. Under active conditions, i.e., in the presence of extracellular Ca2+, arterioles from the untreated diabetic group showed impaired myogenic reactivity as evidenced by a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the negative slope of the pressure-diameter relationship over a physiological range of intraluminal pressures. Chronic treatment with aminoguanidine prevented the diabetes-induced changes in the active and passive properties of the isolated arterioles while treatment with methylguanidine appeared ineffective. Vasodilator responses to topically applied acetylcholine (10−8 to 5 × 10−6 mol/l) were significantly impaired in diabetic animals irrespective of treatment with aminoguanidine. The data indicate that experimental diabetes is associated with a decreased passive distensibility, or stiffening, of skeletal muscle arterioles that, in addition, may contribute to impaired active myogenic responses.
Regulation of ovarian angiogenesis and apoptosis by GnRH‐I analogs

An adequate vascular supply is important to provide endocrine and paracrine signals during follicular development. We evaluated the direct in vivo effects of both the GnRH‐agonist Leuprolide acetate (LA) and the GnRH‐antagonist Antide (Ant) on the expression of VEGF‐A and ANPT‐1 and their receptors in ovarian follicles from prepubertal eCG‐treated rats. We also examined whether the changes observed in apoptosis by GnRH‐I analogs have an effect on the caspase cascade. LA significantly decreased the levels of VEGF‐A, its receptor Flk‐1, and ANPT‐1 when compared to controls, while the co‐injection of Ant interfered with this effect. No changes were observed in the levels of Tie‐2 after treatment with these analogs. When we measured the follicular content of caspase‐3 protein, we observed that LA significantly increased the level of the active form. The co‐injection of Ant interfered with this effect and Ant alone significantly decreased caspase‐3 cleavage. IHC analyses corroborated these data. Notably, while LA increased caspase‐3 activity levels, Ant decreased them when compared to controls. In follicles obtained from LA‐treated rats, cleavage of PARP (a substrate of caspase‐3) from the intact 113‐kDa protein showed a significant enhancement in an 85‐kDa fragment. The co‐injection of Ant interfered with this effect. Ant alone significantly decreased PARP cleavage as compared to controls. We conclude that the decrease in VEGF‐A, its receptor Flk‐1/KDR, and ANPT‐1 produced by the administration of GnRH‐I agonist is one of the mechanisms involved in ovarian cell apoptosis. This suggests an intraovarian role of an endogenous GnRH‐like peptide in gonadotropin‐induced follicular development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 623–631, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hilar Dissection versus the “Glissonean” Approach and Stapling of the Pedicle for Major Hepatectomies: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

Objective A randomized study was conducted of hilar dissection and the “glissonean” approach and stapling of the pedicle for major hepatectomies to contrast their feasibility, safety, amount of hemorrhage, postoperative complications, operative times, and costs. Summary Background Data The “glissonean” approach is reported as requiring a shorter portal triad closure time; furthermore, the procedure seems to expedite the transection of the liver. Patients and Methods Between 1998 and 2001, 80 patients were enrolled in this study. The major liver resections included 15 extended right, 7 extended left, 42 right, and 16 left hepatectomies. The patients were randomly assigned to the hilar dissection group (G1; n = 40) or to the “glissonean” approach and stapling of the portal triad group (G2; n = 40). Results The groups were equally matched for age, sex, diagnosis, mean resected specimen weight, number of tumoral lesions, type of liver resection performed, and percentage of patients with margin invasion (G1: 4; 10% vs G2: 5; 12.5%). The duration of the 2 procedures was similar (G1: 247 ± 54 min vs G2: 236 ± 43 min; P = 0.4). However, the duration of the hilar dissection was shorter for G2 (50 ± 17 min) versus G1 (70 ± 26 min; P <0.001). By contrast, the duration of pedicular clamping was shorter for G1 (43 ± 15 min) versus G2 (51 ± 15 min; P = 0.015). No differences were observed in the amount of hemorrhage (G1: 887 ± 510 mL vs G2: 937 ± 636 mL; P = 0.7), and only 6 patients in G1 and 10 in G2 were transfused (P = 0.26). Morbidity rates were similar for both groups (G1: 23% vs G2: 33%; P = 0.3). Surgical injury of the contralateral biliary duct was not observed. However, 3 patients in G1 and 4 patients in G2 presented a biliary fistula that resolved spontaneously. Postoperative hospital stay was similar (G1: 8 [range, 6-24] vs G2: 9 [range, 5-31] days; P = 0.6). The postoperative levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) during the 2 first postoperative days were lower for G1 than G2. Cost of the surgical material was 1235.80 US for G1 and 1301.10 US for G2. Conclusions The 2 techniques are equally effective procedures for treating hilar structures. Although en bloc stapling transection is faster, hilar dissection was associated with a shorter pedicular clamping time, less cytolysis, and the materials required were less expensive.