Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Donor site morbidity following vascularized fibular grafting

We examined donor site morbidity in thirty‐nine patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head treated by curettage and transplantation of a free ipsilateral fibular graft. Utilising our donor site morbidity questionnaire, scar, functional loss, wound healing, complications, and pain were analysed. Subjective complaints and objective findings were evaluated and compared. Subjective complaints were common and included a sense of instability in 42% and a sense of weakness in 37%. However, objective findings were limited. No clinical instability could be elicited and only great toe flexion (29%) and extension (43%) were found to be mildly weak. Only one patient required reoperation for a donor site problem (2%). Eighty‐nine percent were pain free at time of follow‐up, and 93% felt the scar was good. Range of motion of the knee and ankle of the donor site leg was not different from the nonoperated leg. Donor site morbidity for avascular necrosis of the femoral head is low. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 18:383–386, 1998
Successful Selection of Cross-Protective Vaccine Candidates for Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale Infection

ABSTRACT Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is a bacterial pathogen known for causing respiratory disease in poultry. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that cross-protective immunity against different O. rhinotracheale serotypes can be induced by live vaccination. Sera from these live-vaccinated and cross-protected birds were used to identify new vaccine targets by screening an O. rhinotracheale expression library. Out of 20,000 screened plaques, a total of 30 cross-reactive clones were selected for further analysis. Western blot analysis and DNA sequencing identified eight different open reading frames. The genes encoding the eight cross-reactive antigens were amplified, cloned in an expression vector, and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant proteins with a molecular mass ranging from 35.9 kDa to 62.9 kDa were mixed and tested as a subunit vaccine for (cross-)protection against challenge with homologous and heterologous O. rhinotracheale serotypes in chickens. Subunit vaccination resulted in the production of antibodies reactive to the recombinant proteins on Western blot, and this eight-valent vaccine conferred both homologous and heterologous protection against O. rhinotracheale challenge in chickens.
The association between cytomegalovirus immune globulin and long‐term recipient and graft survival following liver transplantation

R.A. Fisher, K.D. Kistler, P. Ulsh, G.E. Bergman, J. Morris. The association between cytomegalovirus immune globulin and long‐term recipient and graft survival following liver transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2012: 14: 121–131. All rights reserved
Conducting Slug Tests in Mini‐Piezometers

Slug tests performed using mini‐piezometers with internal diameters as small as 0.43 cm can provide a cost effective tool for hydraulic characterization. We evaluated the hydraulic properties of the apparatus in a laboratory environment and compared those results with field tests of mini‐piezometers installed into locations with varying hydraulic properties. Based on our evaluation, slug tests conducted in mini‐piezometers using the fabrication and installation approach described here are effective within formations where the hydraulic conductivity is less than 1 × 10−3 cm/s. While these constraints limit the potential application of this method, the benefits to this approach are that the installation, measurement, and analysis is cost effective, and the installation can be completed in areas where other (larger diameter) methods might not be possible. Additionally, this methodology could be applied to existing mini‐piezometers previously installed for other purposes. Such analysis of existing installations could be beneficial in interpreting previously collected data (e.g., water‐quality data or hydraulic head data).
Non-communicable diseases and the social determinants of health in the Nordic countries: Findings from the European Social Survey (2014) special module on the social determinants of health

Comparative studies examining non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and determinants of health in the Nordic countries are scarce, outdated and focus only on a limited range of NCDs and health determinants. This study is the first to present a comprehensive overview of the distribution of social and behavioural determinants of health and of physical and mental NCDs in the Nordic population. We examined regional, country and gender differences for 17 health outcomes and 20 determinants of health. We use data from the 7th wave of the European Social Survey. All results were age-standardised by weighting up or down the unstandardized (crude) prevalence rates for five year age groups in each country to a common standard. We present pooled estimates for the combined regional samples as well as country-specific results for the Nordic region. Overall, the population of the Nordic region reported among the highest prevalence for one or both genders in 10 out of 17 health outcomes. Despite being the region with the highest prevalence for most health outcomes, overall self-rated health levels tend to be better in the Nordic region. Similarly, we found that the Nordic countries adhere to a healthier lifestyle and have better access to health care. Future studies should consider investigating further the association between health outcomes and determinants of health and how they are distributed in the Nordic societies.
Co‐localization of the channel activating protease prostasin/(CAP1/PRSS8) with its candidate activator, matriptase

Prostasin (CAP1/PRSS8) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored membrane serine protease believed to be critical for the regulation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity. Prostasin is synthesized as an inactive zymogen that requires a site‐specific endoproteolytic cleavage to be converted to an active protease. We have recently reported that the tumor‐associated type II transmembrane serine protease, matriptase is necessary and sufficient for prostasin activation in the epidermis. In this study, the interrelationship between the two membrane serine proteases was investigated further by using enzymatic gene trapping combined with immunohistochemistry to delineate the spatial expression of matriptase and prostasin in mouse tissues. We utilized a knock‐in mouse with a promoterless β‐galactosidase marker gene inserted into the matriptase locus, as a unique tool for precise assessment of endogenous matriptase expression. The spatial expression of matriptase and prostasin in mouse tissues was delineated by combining in situ β‐galactosidase matriptase staining with immunohistochemical detection of prostasin. We report that prostasin displays a near‐ubiquitous co‐localization with its candidate activator matriptase in a variety of normal epithelial tissues. These include simple, stratified, and pseudo‐stratified epithelium of the integumentary system, digestive tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract. However, matriptase and prostasin expression segregates during epithelial multi‐stage carcinogenesis to eventually become localized in separate compartments of the tumor. These data suggest that a matriptase‐prostasin zymogen activation cascade may be functionally operative in multiple epithelial tissues, but matriptase promotes epithelial carcinogenesis independent of prostasin. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 237–245, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food Insecurity in the Context of HIV/AIDS: A Framework for a New Era of Programming

Background Food insecurity can be both a consequence and a driver of HIV/AIDS. It is often difficult to disentangle these two roles of food insecurity, since the HIV epidemic has different drivers in different settings. The advent of antiretroviral treatment in resource-limited settings adds an additional layer of complexity. This paper seeks to organize current thinking by reviewing the existing literature on food insecurity and HIV/AIDS and describing the complex interactions between them. Objective Based on literature review, the paper proposes a framework to understand the linkages, distinguishing four types of interventions to address them. It is hoped that the model, albeit simplified as is any framework, will help to structure research, policy, and programming in the field of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity. Finally, the paper intends to widen the lens to regard food not just as a means to provide calories or an income transfer but also as a carrier of adequate nutrition in the context of HIV. Results and conclusions An adequate response to HIV/AIDS and food insecurity must be tailored to specific settings. Interventions distinguished in this paper are aimed at both promoting food security and providing antiretroviral treatment and nutrition support. The four types of interventions are containing HIV and preventing AIDS through comprehensive treatment regimes that include nutritional support; mitigating the effects of AIDS through support; providing HIV-sensitive, but not HIV-exclusive, safety nets at the individual, household, and community levels; and limiting the exposure to risk through HIV prevention activities.
Pharmacokinetics of codeine and its metabolites in Caucasian healthy volunteers: comparisons between extensive and poor hydroxylators of debrisoquine.

1. The kinetics of codeine and seven of its metabolites codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G), norcodeine (NC), NC-glucuronide (NCG), morphine (M), M-3 (M3G) and 6-glucuronides (M6G), and normorphine (NM) were investigated after a single oral dose of 50 mg codeine phosphate in 14 healthy Caucasian subjects including eight extensive (EM) and six poor (PM) hydroxylators of debrisoquine. The plasma and urine concentrations of codeine and the metabolites were measured by h.p.l.c. 2. The mean area under the curve (AUC), half-life and total plasma clearance of codeine were 1020 +/- 340 nmol l-1 h, 2.58 +/- 0.57 h and 2.02 +/- 0.73 l h-1 kg-1, respectively. There were no significant differences between EM and PM in these aspects. 3. PM had significantly lower AUC of M3G, the active metabolites M6G, NM and M (P less than 0.0001), and lower partial metabolic clearance by O-demethylation (P less than 0.0001). In contrast, the PM had higher AUC of NC (P less than 0.05) than the EM. There was no difference between PM and EM in the AUC of C6G and NCG, nor in the partial clearances by N-demethylation and glucuronidation. 4. Among EM, the AUC of C6G was 15 times higher than that of codeine, which in turn was 50 times higher than that of M. The AUCs of M6G and NM were about 6 and 10 times higher than that of M, respectively. The partial clearance by glucuronidation was about 8 and 12 times higher than those by N- and O-demethylations, respectively. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Discussion of \Evidence contrary to the statistical view of boosting"

This is an interesting and thought-provoking paper. We especially appreciate the fact that the authors have supplied R code for their examples, as this allows the reader to understand and assess their ideas. The paper inspired us to re-visit many of these issues underlying boosting methods. However in the end we do not believe that the examples provided in the paper contradict our statistical view, although other views may well prove informative.
Omeprazole plus clarithromycin and either tinidazole or tetracycline for Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized prospective study.

OBJECTIVE Helicobacter pylori has begun to show resistance to imidazoles and could result in the low efficacy of short-term triple therapy. The aim of this study was to assess whether administration of tetracycline instead of tinidazole in short-term low-dose triple therapy could increase the H. pylori eradication rate. METHODS In a prospective study, 113 patients with peptic ulcer (n = 36) or non-ulcer dyspepsia (n = 77) were randomized to receive 1-wk treatment, composed of omeprazole 20 mg b.i. d. , clarithromycin 250 mg b.i. d. , and either tinidazole 500 mg b.i. d. (n = 57) or tetracycline 500 mg b.i. d. (n = 56), upon detection of H. pylori infection at endoscopy. RESULTS H. pylori eradication, defined as a negative bacterial finding in a rapid urease test and upon histologic assessment at least 4 wk after cessation of therapy, was achieved in 86% (49 of 57; 95% confidence interval = 76.9-95) of patients in the first group and in 71.4% (40 of 56; 95% confidence interval = 59.6-83.3) in the second group (p = not significant). Side effects occurred in 28% of patients from the tinidazole-based group and in 12.5% from the tetracycline group (p = not significant). Two patients in the tinidazole group discontinued therapy at 5 and 6 days because of side effects. CONCLUSIONS The administration of tetracycline instead of tinidazole in short-term triple therapy yielded disappointing results in H. pylori eradication.
Relationship of blood flow changes of the human optic nerve with neural retinal activity: a new approach to the study of neuro-ophthalmic disorders.

BACKGROUND The relationship between the flicker-evoked changes in optic nerve blood flow (F onh ) and neural retinal activity was investigated by laser Doppler flowmetry and electroretinogram (ERG), respectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS In five normal subjects F onh was continuously recorded before, during and after exposure to green flicker modulation (30 degrees field at the posterior pole), at different levels of mean illuminance between 0.9 and 13.5 lux. During flicker stimulation, ERGs were simultaneously recorded with F onh. The flicker-evoked changes in F onh ( RF onh ) and the amplitudes of the first (1F) and second (2F) harmonic component of the ERG were measured. RESULTS By increasing mean flicker illuminance, RF onh and ERG 2F, but not 1F amplitude first increased and then saturated beyond 10 lux. RF onh and the corresponding 2F amplitudes, recorded at the various mean illuminances, showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.79, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Under specific experimental conditions, changes in human RF onh are quantitatively correlated with those of the flicker ERG 2F amplitudes. Since the 2F component reflects, unlike 1F, a strong contribution from inner retina, the present findings support the presence of an association between vasoactivity and inner retinal activity changes in the human eye. This finding may provide a new approach to the study of neuro-ophthalmic disorders.
Estimation of Administrative Monopoly in Toll Road Industry and Corresponding Eliminating Strategies

Taking administrative monopoly in the toll road industry as the subject to be studied,beginning with the connotation,superficial characteristics,and consequences of administrative monopoly in the toll road industry,focusing on the deep-rooted internal potential relationship between state-owned enterprises and supervising authorities in the toll road industry with natural monopolistic attributes,and taking the acting boundary of the government and market as the orientation,the paper has chosen nine evaluating indexes for performing factor analysis in order to indirectly estimate the acting degree of administrative monopoly in the toll road industry.Based on the above,it has made analysis and comparison regarding the estimated and calculated results and further put forward proposals to govern irrational administrative monopoly in two aspects-surveillance legalization and property right reform.
Medium and Long Term Forecast of Beijing's Electric Power Load Based on Econometric Model

With the development of electricity market,it is more and more important to forecast electric power load precisely.Taking the electric power load of Beijing City for an example,choosing the data from 1953 to 2008,cointegration test,exponential curve trend extrapolation method and Pearl curve method are adopted to build three prediction models based on the econometric model.And then the electric power load of Beijing City from 2015 to 2051 is forecasted.The results show that Beijing's electricity load is exponential growth.So,Beijing City should pay more attention to plan the development and utilization of electrical energy as soon as possible and cultivate the energy-saving consciousness.Meanwhile,the demand of power consumption is met by building smart grid.
The Integration of Spontaneous Intracellular Ca2+ Cycling and Surface Membrane Ion Channel Activation Entrains Normal Automaticity in Cells of the Heart's Pacemaker

Abstract: Although the ensemble of voltage‐ and time‐dependent rhythms of surface membrane ion channels, the membrane “Clock”, is the immediate cause of a sinoatrial nodal cell (SANC) action potential (AP), it does not necessarily follow that this ion channel ensemble is the formal cause of spontaneous, rhythmic APs. SANC also generates intracellular oscillatory spontaneous Ca2+ releases that ignite excitation (SCaRIE) of the surface membrane via Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activation. The idea that a rhythmic intracellular Ca2+ Clock might keep time for normal automaticity of SANC, however, has not been assimilated into mainstream pacemaker dogma. Recent experimental evidence, derived from simultaneous, confocal imaging of submembrane Ca2+ and membrane potential of SANC, and supported by numerical modeling, indicates that normal automaticity of SANC is entrained and stabilized by the tight integration of the SR Ca2+ Clock that generates rhythmic SCaRIE, and the surface membrane Clock that responds to SCaRIE to immediately produce APs of an adequate shape. Thus, tightly controlled, rhythmic SCaRIE does not merely fine tune SANC AP firing, but is the formal cause of the basal and reserve rhythms, insuring pacemaker stability by rhythmically integrating multiple Ca2+‐dependent functions, and effects normal automaticity by rhythmic ignition of the surface membrane Clock.
[Resources and delays in the diagnosis of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE The demand for consultations and diagnostic studies for sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) has increased, and this has led to considerable delays. We therefore need an updated evaluation of the diagnostic situation to serve as a management tool for specialists and health care administrations responsible for solving the problem. The objective of the present study was to carry out a descriptive analysis of the situation regarding the diagnosis of SAHS in Spanish hospitals. METHODS We undertook a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Public and private hospitals listed in the Ministry of Health's 2005 catalog of health care institutions were contacted, and those that routinely evaluate patients for SAHS were included in the study. The person in charge of each hospital filled in a questionnaire concerning the availability of resources and waiting periods for diagnosis. RESULTS Of the 741 hospitals we contacted, 217 routinely evaluated patients for SAHS. In 88% of these, respiratory polygraphy (RP) (n=168) or polysomnography (PSG) (n=97) was available. The mean waiting period was 61 days for consultation and 224 days for RP. The mean number of RP systems was 0.99 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 3 per 100,000 inhabitants. The mean waiting period for PSG was 166 days. The mean number of PSG beds was 0.49 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the recommended number is 1 per 100,000. CONCLUSIONS We observed a marked inadequacy of resources that has led to unacceptable waiting periods. While there has been a favorable change in the situation regarding SAHS diagnosis compared to previous studies, there is still room for improvement and it is urgent that healt hcare authorities allocate more resources to this public health problem.
Relation Between C-Reactive Protein and Serum and Dietary Antioxidants in Older Adults at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between serum and dietary antioxidants, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in middle-aged and older individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. We used data from adults aged ⩾40 at increased risk for cardiovascular disease selected from the NHANES III database. The relation between serum and dietary antioxidants, and CRP concentrations was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Serum antioxidants and CVD risk factors were significant predictors of detectable CRP concentrations (R = 0.07; p < 0.001). Dietary antioxidants (except vitamin C) were not significant predictors of detectable CRP concentrations.
The Blood Brain Barrier and its Role in Alzheimer's Therapy: An Overview.

BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent age related neurodegenerative disorder. It represents 70% of all dementia. Millions of people have been affected by AD worldwide. It is a complex illness characterized pathologically by accumulation of protein aggregates of amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated neuronal tau protein. AD requires drugs that can circumvent the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which is not a simple physical barrier between blood and brain, but acts as an iron curtain, allowing only selective molecules to enter the brain. Unfortunately, this dynamic barrier restricts transport of drugs to the brain; due to which, currently very few drugs are available for AD treatment. OBJECTIVE The present review focuses mainly on strategies used for administration of drug to the CNS by-passing BBB for the treatment of AD. RESULTS Many studies have proved to be effective in overcoming BBB and targeting drugs to CNS by using different strategies. Here we have discussed some of the most important drug permeability and drug targeting approaches. CONCLUSION In conclusion, concentrating solely in development of drug discovery programs is not enough but it is important to maintain balance between the drug discovery and drug delivery systems that are more specific and effective in targeting CNS of AD patients.
Impact of nebivolol on levels of serum nitric oxide, plasma von Willebrand factor and exercise stress testing parameters in hypertensive and ischemic heart disease patients.

BACKGROUND The dysfunction of vascular endothelium precedes the development of atherosclerosis in patients with arterial hypertension. Nebivolol is a very specific beta-blocker, which can be characterized by a strong endothelial vasodilatative effect. The aim of the study was the assessment of changes in concentrations of serum nitric oxide (NO), plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf) and selected parameters of electrocardiographic exercise tests after 4-week nebivolol treatment. METHODS Twenty-one patients were included in the study, aged from 34 to 82 years with primary arterial hypertension or primary arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Blood samples were taken for measurements of serum NO and plasma vWf. Electrocardiographic stress tests were also performed. Subsequently, nebivolol was administered for four weeks and the aforementioned measurements were repeated. RESULTS A significant increase in serum NO concentration was found in all the investigated patients after nebivolol treatment. A prolongation of exercise time, increase in metabolic equivalent and decrease in double product were also noted in patients after nebivolol treatment. CONCLUSIONS Nebivolol treatment improves parameters of electrocardiographic exercise test in patients with arterial hypertension. The improvement of the parameters of the exercise test was not observed in those patients who showed no significant increase in serum NO concentration following nebivolol treatment.