Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bucillamine Prevents Myocardial Reperfusion Injury

Injury during reperfusion can partially offset the benefit of relief of ischemia in myocardial infarctions rapidly treated with thrombolytic drugs or angioplasty. We assessed whether bucillamine (N-[2-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl]-L-cysteine) is potentially useful to treat myocardial reperfusion injury. Bucillamine is a potent sulfhydryl donor not previously tested as a treatment of reperfusion injury. Cardiac myocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide or a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system resulting in injury-induced release of lactate dehydrogenase. Bucillamine (125–500 &mgr;M) prevented lactate dehydrogenase release in a concentration-dependent manner. Bucillamine, which has two donatable thiol groups, was twice as protective as N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine, which contains a single donatable thiol group. Dogs were then exposed to 90 min of coronary artery occlusion and 48 h of reperfusion before sacrifice. Beginning at the onset of reperfusion, bucillamine, 11 or 22 mg/kg per hour, or vehicle (saline) was administered intravenously for 3 h. There was a dose-related response to bucillamine for infarct size, normalized for size of the region at risk and adjusted for collateral blood flow to the ischemic region. Infarct size was reduced by 41% in the group treated with bucillamine 22 mg/kg per hour, compared with the vehicle group. Bucillamine, probably through an antioxidant mechanism, reduced infarct size when administered during reperfusion.
High frequency of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis in women with tuberous sclerosis complex.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare cystic lung disorder that occurs almost exclusively in women of reproductive age, in women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), an inheritable multiorgan hamartomatosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of 78 women with definite TSC were reviewed, and pertinent information was recorded, including the demographic data, clinical manifestations, results of lung biopsies and autopsies, and findings on imaging studies of the chest and abdomen. All available computed tomographic (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen were reviewed. RESULTS Of 78 women with definite TSC seen from 1977 to 1998, 20 (26%) had evidence of LAM. Surgical lung biopsy or autopsy in 7 patients confirmed the diagnosis of their lung disease. Characteristic CT findings of LAM were noted in 13 additional patients. Twelve of these 20 patients with TSC-associated LAM had respiratory symptoms, including exertional shortness of breath and spontaneous pneumothorax, that eventually led to their pulmonary diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of lung involvement (LAM) in women with TSC is substantially higher than previously suspected and may be even higher than reported in this retrospective study. These findings support the recommendation for a screening CT of the chest for all women with TSC.
On the use of characteristic modes theory to optimize the radiation of a slotted waveguide array antenna

In this paper, modal analysis of a flat PEC strip enables us to choose the best width of radiating slots in a slotted waveguide array antenna. A specific MoM code, which is developed in compatible with theory of characteristic modes (TCMs), is used to attain the modal analysis of the structure. Then, the suitable width of the aforementioned structure is obtained in order to achieve the most efficient resonance. Finally, Babinet's principle allows us to interchange the strip with a slot of same dimensions. Since the slot's dimension is optimized, the best radiation of a slotted waveguide array antenna is obtained.
The associations between peak O2 consumption and leptin in 10‐ to 12‐year‐old boys

The aim of this study was to assess the associations of circulating levels of leptin with the peak O2 consumption (VO2peak) in 10‐ to 12‐year‐old boys of different BMI selected by Cole et al. (BMJ, 320,2000,1–6): total group (n = 248), normal (n = 190), overweight (n = 34) and obese (n = 24). We hypothesized that there is a close relationship in overweight and obese subgroups of boys with relative VO2peak kg−1(ml min−1 kg−1) and leptin. Most of the subjects were Tanner stage 2. Peak O2 consumption was measured directly using an increasing incremental protocol until volitional exhaustion on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. The expired gas was sampled continuously breadth‐by‐breadth mode for the measurement of oxygen consumption (MetaMax, Germany). Blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast from an antecubital vein for leptin measurements. Peak O2 consumption (l min−1) was higher or lower (ml min−1 kg−1) in overweight and obese groups, compared with normal BMI group. Leptin was higher in overweight and obese groups, compared with normal BMI group. Peak O2 consumption (l min−1) correlated significantly with leptin only in total group (n = 248, r = 0·196). Contrary, relative VO2peak kg−1 correlated significantly and negatively with leptin. The relationship was highest on the total group (r = −0·674). We can conclude that leptin first of all correlated negatively with relative peak O2 consumption. Absolute VO2peak correlated with leptin only in total group.
A Preliminary Study of Mental and Physical Practice on the Kayak Wet Exit Skill

Outdoor activities and high-risk water sports often create anxiety in participants who feel concern about danger. Relaxation and imagery, often used to enhance training, can improve performance of skills in a variety of sports. The aim of this study was to establish whether Mental Practice, Physical Practice, Combined Mental and Physical Practice, or No Practice would affect the acquisition of skill for a kayak wet exit. 60 postprimary girls aged 11–16 yr. , competent swimmers but without previous experience in kayaking, gave their informed consent to be in the study. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of the four experimental groups. Following their practice periods, each group performed three kayak wet exit attempts (unseen by others); these were videotaped for later analysis by an observer. The participant and an independent observer, who was blind to the allocation of practice group, then used a 6-point rating scale to assess each performance. Participants' and the observer's ratings were analysed by separate Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance which indicated a significant practice effect. Subsequent chi-squared tests indicated significantly different distributions of groups, showing Physical Practice superior to No Practice and Mental Practice. While physical practice remained effective in improving technique, combinations of mental and physical practice were better than no practice.
Nurses' professional autonomy and attitudes toward caring for dying patients in South-East Iran.

BACKGROUND Nurses in Iran have been found to have less professional autonomy than nurses in Western countries. Professional autonomy is important, affecting nurses' caring behaviour and attitudes. AIM This study aimed to examine the correlation between the professional autonomy of oncology and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in the south-east of Iran and their attitudes toward the care of dying patients. METHODS 155 oncology and ICU nurses in three hospitals supervised by Kerman University of Medical Sciences completed the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) and Pankratz Nursing Questionnaire (PNQ) tools during April-June 2013. RESULTS The participants had a neutral to moderately positive mean attitude toward caring for dying patients (mean=3.18±0.37 out of 5) and moderate professional autonomy (mean=3.08±0.33 out of 5). There was a significant positive correlation between total scores on professional autonomy and total scores on attitudes toward caring for dying patients. There was also a significant positive correlation between the PNQ subscale of 'patients' rights' and attitudes toward caring for dying patients. CONCLUSIONS Autonomy could be an important component of nurses' attitudes toward caring for dying patients. To improve nurses' autonomy, nursing education in end-of-life care in Iran must be improved. Other factors relating to autonomy and attitudes specific to the Iranian context should also be considered.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis perturbations in patients with fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE To examine basal and stimulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and related hormone levels, including adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS Basal and ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRH)-stimulated HPA axis function were assessed in 12 patients with FM and in age- and sex-matched normal subjects. Basal plasma AVP levels and AVP release after postural change were assessed, and plasma NPY levels were measured in the same samples. RESULTS Patients with FM had low 24-hour urinary free cortisol, but normal peak and elevated trough plasma cortisol levels, compared with normal subjects. The net integrated ACTH response to oCRH in FM was not significantly different from that in normal subjects, but tended toward an exaggerated response. There was a significant decrease in net integrated cortisol response to oCRH in FM patients, indicating adrenal hyporesponsiveness. AVP levels were not significantly different between FM patients and control subjects, but variability was greater among the FM patients. Plasma NPY levels were significantly lower in FM patients than in normal subjects. CONCLUSION These data support the view that HPA axis function is perturbed in patients with FM. Further study is required to ascertain the cause of HPA axis perturbations and their relationship to symptoms in patients with FM.
Electrolyte‐Assisted Electrospinning for a Self‐Assembled, Free‐Standing Nanofiber Membrane on a Curved Surface

A free-standing nanofiber membrane can be simultaneously fabricated, patterned, and integrated with electrolyte-assisted electrospinning (ELES). The fluidic nature of the electrolyte collector enables flexible patterning and facile integration of the free-standing nanofiber membrane on complex substrates from a 2D flat surface to a 3D curved geometry via ELES. The structural integrity and performance of the free-standing nanofiber membrane are verified, and this plays a crucial role for future applications, including organ-on-a-chip, tissue scaffolds, and biosensors.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Chickens From an Area in Southern Brazil Highly Endemic to Humans

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-range chickens from Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, was examined to evaluate environmental contamination by oocysts. Antibodies against T. gondii were assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT) in sera of chickens. Antibodies against the parasite were found in 129 of 198 chickens with MAT titers ≥1:25. Brains and hearts of 86 of the 198 chickens were bioassayed in mice for the presence of T. gondii. Viable parasites were isolated from 61 (70.9%) of the 86 chickens. Importantly, viable T. gondii were recovered even from seronegative chickens (MAT titer ≤1:10). The distribution of parasite-positive chickens by MAT titer was 4 of 17 (titer ≤1:10), 3 of 4 (titer of 1:20), 2 of 6 (titer of 1:40), and 52 of 59 (titer ≥1:80). Thus, the high recovery rate of T. gondii observed in mice is indicative of high levels of environmental contamination of free-range chickens by T. gondii oocysts in this area that is endemic to humans.
DNA sequence analysis of gamma-radiation (anoxic)-induced and spontaneous lacId mutations in Escherichia coli K-12.

An extensive spectrum of ionizing radiation mutagenesis was determined by sequencing 318 137Cs gamma-radiation (anoxic)-induced episomal lacId mutations in Escherichia coli strain NR9102. The most commonly found radiation-induced mutations were base substitutions (44% transversions and 41% transitions). The radiation-induced spectrum consisted of: 23% G.C-->A.T, 18% A.T-->G.C, 17% G.C-->T.A, 14% G.C-->C.G, 8% A.T-->T.A, 6% A.T-->C.G, 8% single-base deletions, 5% multiple mutations, 3% multi-base deletions, and essentially no single- or multi-base additions. This spectrum compared better with spectra for other systems obtained by in vivo irradiation than with one obtained by in vitro irradiation. Multiple mutations, which were unique to the radiation-induced spectrum, generally consisted of one active and one closely linked silent mutation, and are suggested to result from an altered replication complex of reduced fidelity. Mutation rates were 4.1 x 10(-8) lac-constitutive mutations/gene/Gy and 1.2 x 10(-10) base substitutions/base pair/Gy. Thirty-two percent more radiation-induced mutations occurred at G.C vs. A.T base pairs. A strand asymmetry was noted for G.C-->C.G and A.T-->T.A transversions. A nearest-neighbor analysis showed that C (vs. A, G, or T), on either side of the mutation site, substantially enhanced most types of base substitutions. Similarly, G and C flanked both sides of single-base deletion sites twice as frequently as would be expected from the base composition of the mutation target. For comparative purposes, we sequenced 411 spontaneous lac-constitutive mutants of which 269 were lacId mutants, and there was good agreement between these and previously published mutational spectra. The spontaneous and radiation-induced mutational spectra differed substantially for virtually every class of mutation. For example, the set of spontaneous dominant lac-constitutive mutations contained many more mutations that did not map in the normal region for lacId mutations (i.e., 35% vs. 3%) and were presumed to be lacO-constitutive mutations. A sampling of these presumptive lacOc mutations was also sequenced: 17/22 (spontaneous) and 1/9 (radiation) were found to be lacOc long deletions, one from each set were base substitutions, and the remaining mutations showed the wild-type lacO sequence. Like the radiation-induced spectrum, the spontaneous spectrum showed enhanced mutagenesis at G.C sites, strand asymmetry, and enhanced mutagenesis when G or C were the nearest neighbors.
Types of drinks consumed by infants at 4 and 8 months of age: a descriptive study

Abstract Objective To document the type and volume of drinks given to infants and investigate whether giving supplementary drinks leads to reduced milk consumption. Design Carers were asked to record all drinks consumed by the infants in a 24-hour period at two ages, detailing the types and volume taken. Setting The Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). Subjects A randomly chosen population sample of over 1000 infants at 4 and 8 months of age. Results The different types of milk feed were used to group infants, compare volumes consumed and look at the use of non-milk drinks. The average volume of drinks consumed over 24 hours at 4 months was 861 ml and at 8 months was 662 ml. At 4 months 69.7% consumed infant formula and 43.0% breast milk. The mean volume of milk consumed by those having only formula was 802 ml and for those having only breast milk was estimated at 850 ml. The volumes of milks consumed were slightly lower in the groups who also had supplementary drinks. A quarter of infants were given fruit drinks and 14.6% herbal drinks. Supplementary drinks and solids were more likely to be given to formula-fed than breast-fed infants. At 8 months, formula milk was consumed by 71.4% and breast milk use had decreased (22.9%) but fruit drink use had increased (squash/cordial: 55.8%, fruit juice: 14.9%), with 13.9% of infants having no infant milk at all. More infants were fed formula milk and less were fed cows' milk compared with a nationally representative British study conducted 5 years earlier. Conclusions Many infants were given supplementary drinks by 4 months; there is some evidence that this led to a small reduction in milk intake. A minority were not being given infant milks at all by 8 months, contrary to British infant feeding recommendations.
Lysine acetylation induced by chronic ethanol consumption impairs dynamin‐mediated clathrin‐coated vesicle release

The liver is the major site of ethanol metabolism and thus sustains the most injury from chronic alcohol consumption. Ethanol metabolism by the hepatocyte leads to the generation of reactive metabolites and oxygen radicals that can readily adduct DNA, lipids, and proteins. More recently, it has become apparent that ethanol consumption also leads to increased post‐translational modifications of the natural repertoire, including lysine hyperacetylation. Previously, we determined that alcohol consumption selectively impairs clathrin‐mediated internalization in polarized hepatocytes. However, neither the step at which the block occurs nor the mechanism responsible for the defect have been identified. To identify the specific step at which clathrin‐mediated internalization is impaired, we examined the distributions, levels, and assembly of selected components of the clathrin machinery in control and ethanol‐treated cells. To determine whether the impairment is caused by ethanol‐induced lysine acetylation, we also examined the same coat components in cells treated with trichostatin A (TSA), a deacetylase inhibitor that leads to protein hyperacetylation in the absence of ethanol. Conclusion: We determined that both ethanol and TSA impair internalization at a late stage before vesicle fission. We further determined that this defect is likely the result of decreased dynamin recruitment to the necks of clathrin‐coated invaginations resulting in impaired vesicle budding. These results also raise the exciting possibility that agents that promote lysine deacetylation may be effective therapeutics for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. (Hepatology 2012)
Subcutaneous Abscess in the Lower Leg Caused by BCG-Related Osteomyelitis

We report an unusual case of tibial osteomyelitis resulting from Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination and causing subsequent cortical destruction and a subcutaneous abscess. A 10-month-old infant initially presented with a tender palpable mass below the left knee. Radiographs showed an osteolytic lesion in the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pedicle-based juxtacortical abscess communicating with the cortex and marrow space of the proximal tibia. The mass was excised surgically and tuberculous osteomyelitis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. In the present case, MRI demonstrated the mechanism of subcutaneous abscess formation caused by BCG-related osteomyelitis.
MEX: A distributed computing framework for executable programs

Parallel computing can improve the data-processing efficiency significantly. However, the traditional approaches, such as MPI and MapReduce, need to program in the special environment. In this paper, a new distributed computing framework named MEX is proposed. Users just provides the input files and the name of an executable program to MEX. Then MEX will automatically process these files on a cluster of machines with the executable program. The MEX platform has been designed and implemented based on MapReduce and some key problems are addressed. An improved map function are designed for the start-up of the executable program. To support the improved map function, a data-conversion mechanism is added into MEX which generates the command texts as the parameter of the map function. A process-feedback mechanism is proposed for the fault-tolerance of the executable program. The mechanism also supports the synchronous execution between the map task and the executable program, which can avoid too many processes to be started on the same worknode. Comprehensive experiments are performed to verify the effectiveness of the MEX framework. According to the results, more computing worknodes can result in less job runtime in MEX. When 100 virtual machines are used for an OCR job with 1000 images in 400 dpi, the runtime is reduced 88.6% compared to a single machine.
Fibroblast-Type Reticular Stromal Cells Regulate the Lymph Node Vasculature1

The lymph node vasculature is essential to immune function, but mechanisms regulating lymph node vascular maintenance and growth are not well understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator of lymph node endothelial cell proliferation in stimulated lymph nodes. It is expressed basally in lymph nodes and up-regulated upon lymph node stimulation, but the identity of VEGF-expressing cells in lymph nodes is not known. We show that, at homeostasis, fibroblast-type reticular stromal cells (FRC) in the T zone and medullary cords are the principal VEGF-expressing cells in lymph nodes and that VEGF plays a role in maintaining endothelial cell proliferation, although peripheral node addressin (PNAd)+ endothelial cells are less sensitive than PNAd− endothelial cells to VEGF blockade. Lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) blockade reduces homeostatic VEGF levels and endothelial cell proliferation, and LTβR stimulation of murine fibroblast-type cells up-regulates VEGF expression, suggesting that LTβR signals on FRC regulate lymph node VEGF levels and, thereby, lymph node endothelial cell proliferation. At the initiation of immune responses, FRC remain the principal VEGF mRNA-expressing cells in lymph nodes, suggesting that FRC may play an important role in regulating vascular growth in stimulated nodes. In stimulated nodes, VEGF regulates the proliferation and expansion of both PNAd+ and PNAd− endothelial cells. Taken together, these data suggest a role for FRC as paracrine regulators of lymph node endothelial cells and suggest that modulation of FRC VEGF expression may be a means to regulate lymph node vascularity and, potentially, immune function.
The need for education in evidence-based orthopedicsAn international survey of AO course participants

Background As evidence-based practitioners, surgeons need to understand study methodology to critically appraise and conduct research.Objective To determine current understanding of study methodology and critical appraisal among participants at an international educational meeting.Methods We surveyed participants attending the 76th and 77th AO Course (December 2002) in Davos, Switzerland. We obtained information regarding participant age, gender, clinical and research experience, subspecialty area and respondents' roles in the AO course. The survey questions were formatted into three areas: evidence-based orthopedics, randomization and blinding issues.Results 532 participants completed the questionnaire. They represented 78 countries, the majority of which (31%) were from German-speaking countries. A greater proportion of participants trusted randomized controlled trials (89%) and meta-analyses of randomized trials (81%) when compared with case series and case reports. 60 respondents (11%) had never heard of the term “randomization” as a study design method to limit bias, and 114 respondents (21%) had never heard of the term “blinding” as a method of reducing bias in surgical research. When those who had heard of blinding were asked to define the term “double-blind”, 20 different definitions resulted. Having completed the survey, nine-tenths of the respondents endorsed the need for training of surgeons in research methodology.