Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Changing Needle Disposal Systems on Needle Puncture Injuries

Abstract Accidental needle puncture injuries continue to pose a hazard to hospital workers. In order to reduce the number of such injuries in our hospital, needle disposal procedures were revised to discourage recapping and prevent bending or clipping of needles before discard. Collapsible cardboard boxes were replaced with impervious containers. An educational program accompanied these changes. We compared reports of needlestick injuries before and after the change of procedure, for three parallel 9-month periods. During the 27-month study, injuries occurred during administration of medication (22%), or recapping of used needles (16%), from needles protruding through (10%) or out of the "mouth" (9%) of the container, from needles left in the patient's environment (10%), or those left on procedure trays (7%). Seven percent were the result of being stuck by someone else, usually in the operating room. The mechanism of injury for 19% was not, described. Altering the disposal procedures did not change the number or anatomic site of injuries, nor the risk of injury among the various job categories. A reduction in the rate of sticks from needles protruding through the container (1.3 vs 0.3/mo, p≤0.005) was the only difference observed. Changing the needle receptacle changed the type but not the overall number of injuries. The education program had little effect on the number and types of injuries. These data point to the need for developing innovative approaches for eliciting changes in behavior of health care personnel.
Molecular Basis for the Generation in Pigs of Influenza A Viruses with Pandemic Potential

ABSTRACT Genetic and biologic observations suggest that pigs may serve as “mixing vessels” for the generation of human-avian influenza A virus reassortants, similar to those responsible for the 1957 and 1968 pandemics. Here we demonstrate a structural basis for this hypothesis. Cell surface receptors for both human and avian influenza viruses were identified in the pig trachea, providing a milieu conducive to viral replication and genetic reassortment. Surprisingly, with continued replication, some avian-like swine viruses acquired the ability to recognize human virus receptors, raising the possibility of their direct transmission to human populations. These findings help to explain the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses and support the need for continued surveillance of swine for viruses carrying avian virus genes.
Effect of dietary protein level and source on bone mineralization in rats

Bone mineralization was studied in rats. Animals were divided into three feeding groups: LCP ‐ diet with 13.5% crude protein in DM (5% of gluten, 10% of casein), HCP ‐ diet with 21.2% CP in DM (8% of gluten, 10% of casein), and LSM ‐ diet based on grain meals and meat‐bone meal (21% CP in DM). After 28 days feeding, animals were euthanased by cervical dislocation and femur bones were collected, weighed and kept frozen until analyses. Diets with 21% protein (HCP, LSM) significantly increased weight of femur bones. Despite of the substantially higher ash level (7.1%) in the LSM diet than in the LCP diet (3.4%), rats of both groups had the similar bone concentration of Ca (15.7 ± 1.1 vs. 17.4 ± 1.1 g/kg) and Zn (178.7 ± 7.9 vs. 173.0 ± 8.5 mg/kg). However bone density in LSM rats was significantly higher than in LCP ones. Although rats fed HCP diet had intermediate bone density, the bone concentration of Ca (11.4 ± 0.5 g/kg) and Zn (145.1 ± 2.9 mg/kg) was significantly lower, than in animals fed LCP and LSM diets. This was related to the very wide protein/calcium (37:1 g/g) and protein/zinc (5.3:1 g/mg) ratios in HCP diet. Those ratios were narrowest in the LSM diet: 16.2:1 (CP/Ca) and 2.6:1 (CP/Zn). It can be conluded that protein/mineral ratio in a diet is a very important factor in bone development, besides dietary protein and ash contents itselves.
Does Fentanyl Lead to Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia in Healthy Volunteers?: A Double-blind, Randomized, Crossover Trial

Background:Although opioids in general and remifentanil in particular have been shown to induce hyperalgesia, data regarding fentanyl are scarce. Thus, the authors investigated the effect of fentanyl dosing on pain perception and central sensitization in healthy volunteers using established pain models. Methods:Twenty-one healthy, male volunteers were included in this randomized, double-blind, crossover study and received either intravenous low-dose (1 &mgr;g/kg) or high-dose (10 &mgr;g/kg) fentanyl. Pain intensities and hyperalgesia were assessed by intracutaneous electrical stimulation, and cold pressor pain was used as an additional measure of acute pain. The primary outcome was hyperalgesia from 4.5 to 6.5 h after fentanyl administration. Results:A higher dose of fentanyl led to significantly decreased pain scores as measured by the numeric rating scale (0.83 units lower [95% CI, 0.63 to 1.02]; P < 0.001) but increased areas of hyperalgesia (+30.5% [95% CI, 16.6 to 44.4%]; P < 0.001) from 4.5 to 6.5 h after fentanyl administration. Allodynia did not differ between groups (+4.0% [95% CI, −15.4 to 23.5%]; P = 0.682). The high dose also led to both increased cold pressor pain threshold (+43.0% [95% CI, 29.7 to 56.3%]; P < 0.001) and tolerance (+32.5% [95% CI, 21.7 to 43.4%]; P < 0.001) at 4.5 to 6.5h. In the high-dose group, 19 volunteers (90%) required reminders to breathe, 8 (38%) required supplemental oxygen, and 12 (57%) experienced nausea. Conclusions:A higher dose of fentanyl increased hyperalgesia from 4.5 to 6.5 h in healthy volunteers while simultaneously decreasing pain scores.
Hierarchical speaker verification: Kernel fisher discriminant plus Mixed-PCA classifier and FCM clustering

In order to improve speaker verification accuracy, we proposed a new hierarchical speaker verification algorithm in this paper. In our algorithm, Mixed-PCA plus fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering was combined with kernel fisher discriminant (KFD). In stage of feature extraction, we exploited PCA to reduce the feature vector dimensions, and then FCM was used to select more discriminant data and cluster training data set into some clusters. In stage of recognition, a novel MPCA classifier was proposed based on principal component space (PCS) and truncation error space (TES) to select the possible R target speakers fleetly. And then, KFD was adopted as final classifier to verify target speaker. The experimental results showed that the EER of our proposed method is 4.83%, meanwhile the minDCF is 0.0504. And our hierarchical classifier has shorter recognition time.
The transformer short-circuit test and the high power laboratory in China the past, present, and future

Over the last half-century, the transformer industry in China has experienced substantial development due to the study of the short-circuit performance of power transformers by using short-circuit tests. This is because power transformers operating in power systems are exposed to short circuits, which cause high short-circuit currents of more than 10 times the rated current and are dangerous to the transformer. In this paper, the author reviews short-circuit testing of distribution transformer, including power transformers. The Hushita I High Power Test Laboratory is also described in this paper along with its main equipment and test capabilities. Potential for future development is also discussed.
Pentoxifylline attenuates transforming growth factor-beta1-stimulated elastogenesis in human tunica albuginea-derived fibroblasts part 2: Interference in a TGF-beta1/Smad-dependent mechanism and downregulation of AAT1.

INTRODUCTION Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) contributes to the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease (PD). Pentoxifylline (PTX) antagonizes the effects of TGF-beta1 and has been utilized in our clinic for the management of PD although the mechanisms of action are not entirely clear. AIM We studied cell-signaling pathways through which TGF-beta1 and PTX mediate collagen metabolism, elastin expression, and elastogenesis in tunica albuginea-derived fibroblasts (TADFs). METHODS TADFs from men with and without PD were cultured and treated with TGF-beta1 and PTX as monotherapy at differing concentrations and time points. Combination treatment (TGF-beta1 followed by PTX and vice versa) was also investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were utilized to assess differences in elastin metabolism and cellular signaling between groups. Alpha-1 antitrypin (AAT1) expression was assayed. RESULTS At doses greater than 0.1 ng/Ml, TGF-beta1 increased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of elastin in a time-dependent fashion in TADF. PTX did not interfere with TGF-beta1 mediated upregulation of elastin mRNA and protein in TADF. However, pretreatment of TADF with PTX was associated with decreased expression of AAT1, decreased activity of the Smad1/5 pathway, and enhanced phosphorylation of the inhibitory Smad6. CONCLUSION Expression of elastin mRNA and protein is upregulated in TADF by TGF-beta1. PTX has no effect on elastin production but attenuates elastogenesis in TADF through an AAT1-related mechanism.
Simulations aux grandes échelles de la combustion turbulente prémélangée dans les statoréacteurs

Le but de cette these est de developper l'approche LES (Large Eddy Simulation) de la combustion turbulente premelangee dans les statoreacteurs. Dans un premier temps, une etude bibliographique rappelle les caracteristiques essentielles des trois grandes approches de modelisation de la combustion turbulente en mecanique des fluides numerique (DNS, RANS et LES). Nous presentons ensuite le modele TFLES (pour Thickened Flame LES) developpe dans cette these : une partie de la combustion est directement resolue sur le maillage LES grâce a la methode d'epaississement du front de flamme. La surface de flamme de sous-maille est alors modelisee par une fonction d'efficacite qui rend compte du plissement de la flamme non resolue induit par la turbulence de sous-maille. Un nouveau schema numerique appele TTGC, du troisieme ordre en temps et espace, est developpe et implante dans le code de combustion hybride AVBP du CERFACS. Des tests simples en non reactif et reactif montrent que ce schema donne de meilleurs resultats en calcul LES reactif que les schemas du deuxieme ordre classiques, grâce a des erreurs dispersive et dissipative plus faibles. Ces developpements numeriques et de modelisation de la combustion sont d'abor valides sur une chambre de combustion de laboratoire. La comparaison calcul/experience montre que l'approche TFLES permet de retrouver les battements de jets et l'acoustique de la chambre, non representables dans les calculs RANS equivalents. Enfin, des calculs d'un statoreacteur effectues a differentes pressions montrent que le modele TFLES permet de retrouver l'extinction de chambre observee experimentalement a basse pression.
CD43 regulates the threshold for T cell activation by targeting Cbl functions

T cell (TC) activation requires the coordinated signaling of the T cell receptor (TCR) and coreceptor molecules, allowing TCs to respond to lower degrees of TCR occupancy. Coreceptor molecules set the threshold for TC activation by controlling different regulatory signaling loops. The Cbl family members prevent undesired activation of T cells by regulating TCR signals. In this report, we show that TC prestimulation by the CD43 coreceptor molecule before TCR engagement inhibits TCR‐dependent c‐Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation, c‐Cbl interaction with the adapter molecule Crk‐L and promotes Cbl‐b degradation in a PKCθ‐dependent manner. Consequently, the prolonged tyrosine phosphorylation and delayed degradation of ZAP‐70 and of the ζ chain lead to enhanced mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation and robust TC response. These data indicates that CD43‐mediated signals lower the threshold for TC activation by restricting the c‐Cbl and Cbl‐b inhibitory effects on TCR signaling. In addition to the strength and duration of intracellular signals, our data underscore temporality with which certain molecules are engaged as yet another mechanism to fine tune TC signal quality, and ultimately immune function. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011
Mindfulness Training for Adolescents with Externalizing Disorders and their Parents

Abstract Mindfulness training was evaluated as a new treatment for attention and impulsivity problems in adolescents with a variety of different externalizing disorders: attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, oppositional-defiant and/or conduct disorder, and autism spectrum disorder if characterized by externalizing problem behaviour. It was argued that the large overlap between these three disorders may be partially explained by common underlying attention and behaviour control deficits. Fourteen clinically referred adolescents suffering from externalizing disorders followed mindfulness training in a group format. Parallel, their parents received mindful parenting training. Adolescents and their parents were measured before and after waitlist, after 8-week training, and at 8-week follow-up. No improvement occurred during waitlist on most variables. After mindfulness training, children self-reported substantial improvement on personal goals, internalizing and externalizing complaints, attention problems, happiness, and mindful awareness, and performed better on a sustained attention test. Likewise, parents reported improvement on children's goals, externalizing and attention problems, self-control, attunement to others and withdrawal. In addition, parents improved on their own goals. Improvement was maintained 8 weeks after the training. Consistent with mindfulness theory, increased child awareness after training predicted longer-term improvement in parent-rated child symptoms. Concomitant parent and child mindfulness training appears to be a promising approach for clinic-referred adolescents with attention and impulsivity problems.
Target-controlled infusion of propofol for fibreoptic intubation

Background and objective: In a retrospective study, we examined the suitability of a departmental clinical protocol for anaesthesia induction with target-controlled infusion of propofol developed for fibreoptic intubation in spontaneously breathing patients scheduled for outpatient oral surgery at the dental clinic of the Vienna University Hospital. Methods: Propofol was administered using target-controlled infusion (Diprifusor®) at increasing target plasma concentrations starting at 2.5 μg mL−1. After 10 min, an intravenous dose of alfentanil (5-10 μg kg−1) was given for pain reduction. After a further 2 min, the patient was evaluated for response to auditory stimulation. If unresponsive, fibreoptic intubation was performed, otherwise the target concentration was increased by 0.2 μg mL−1 every 2 min until non-responsiveness was attained. Results: Tracheal intubation was successful in all patients without any haemodynamic instability. However, one patient required facemask ventilation for 2 min. No patient was aware of intubation. The plasma concentration required for non-responsiveness was 2.8 ± 0.4 μg mL−1 (mean ± SD). Conclusions: When using a target-controlled infusion of propofol, fibreoptic intubation can be performed with complete amnesia of the procedure for the patient. However, assisted ventilation of the lungs may be necessary as spontaneous ventilation may cease.
A robotic co-operation system based on a self-organization approached human work model-assembly work support by vision information and physical interaction

This study presents a method of human cooperating systems, which can determine when support behavior is necessary by a human work model. We focus on assembly work as the target and propose a self-organizing approach of human work models by sampled human information by vision sensors. The support is determined according to the work model. Such a system would realize provision of support without a strict model of the assembly target and enable support in cases where neither the assembly process, nor the final form of the completed task is known to the system in advance. First, a method of measuring human information and extracting states where support is necessary, from the human work model is presented. Next a support system for assembly work cooperation according to the work model, with physical interaction capabilities is described. Experiments were carried out to evaluate and verify the effectiveness of the system. The results show that the constructed assembly support system is effective in both improving performance and increasing friendliness.
Serial changes in fibrinolysis and coagulation activation markers in acute and convalescent phase of ischemic stroke

Background – The changes in the activity of a number of plasma markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis have previously been studied in patients with ischemic stroke, with conflicting results. We aimed to find out the changes in the activities of a wide array of markers of the coagulation and the fibrinolytic system of mildly or moderately affected first‐ever ischemic stroke patients.
The methionine chain elongation pathway in the biosynthesis of glucosinolates in Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae).

Glucosinolates are nitrogen- and sulfur-containing plant natural products that have become increasingly important in human affairs as flavor precursors, cancer-prevention agents, and crop protectants. While many glucosinolates are biosynthesized from common amino acids, the major glucosinolates in economically important species of the Brassicaceae, such as Brassica napus (oilseed rape), are thought to be formed from chain-elongated derivatives of methionine or phenylalanine. We investigated the chain elongation pathway for methionine that is involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis in Eruca sativa. Isotopically labeled methionine and acetate were administered to cut leaves and the major product, 4-methylthiobutylglucosinolate (isolated as its desulfated derivative), was analyzed by MS and NMR. Administration of ¿U-(13)Cmethionine showed that the entire carbon skeleton of this amino acid, with the exception of the COOH carbon, is incorporated as a unit into 4MTB. Administration of ¿(13)C- and ¿(14)Căcetate gave a labeling pattern consistent with the operation of a three-step chain elongation cycle which begins with the condensation of acetyl-CoA with a 2-oxo acid derived from methionine and ends with an oxidative decarboxylation forming a new 2-oxo acid with one additional methylene group. Administration of ¿(15)Nmethionine provided evidence for the transfer of an amino group to the chain-elongated 2-oxo acid, forming an extended amino acid which serves as a substrate for the remaining steps of glucosinolate biosynthesis. The retention of a high level of (15)N in the products suggests that the amino transfer reactions and the chain elongation cycle are localized in the same subcellular compartment.
9(R)-[6(R)-hydroxymethyl-1-oxa-4-thiacyclohexan-2-yl]hypoxanthine-water (4/3), a nucleoside analogue.

The title compound, 9(R)-[6(R)-hydroxymethyl-1-oxa-4-thiacyclohexan-2-yl]-1,9-dihydro-6H-purin-6-one-water (4/3), C10H12N4O3S-0.75H2O, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with four molecules in the asymmetric unit and 0.75 waters of hydration per molecule. The structure was refined to an R value of 0.072 for 3382 observed reflections. The four crystallographically independent molecules are designated A, B, C and D. All four oxathiane rings adopt the chair conformation and the purine bases are in an anti orientation with respect to the sugar moieties. Molecules A and D and molecules C and B are base paired by a single hydrogen bond of the type N-H.N. These base pairs are again hydrogen bonded to their translated pairs in the direction of a cell diagonal.
Fusion adaptee d'informations conflictuelles dans le cadre de la theorie de l'evidence application au diagnostic medical

Dans le cadre de cette these, nous nous sommes interesses a la reconnaissance des formes (ou discrimination) pour l'aide au diagnostic medical. Les problemes de discrimination sont, generalement, resolus a l'aide de methodes probabilistes. Cependant, ces methodes sont peu adaptees a la gestion d'informations souvent entachees d'imprecision, d'incertitude et parfois meme de contradiction. Des methodes basees sur la theorie de l'evidence permettent de prendre en compte ces imperfections. Dans le cadre de cette theorie, deux points sont abordes. Dans un premier temps, nous presentons les differentes approches de modelisation des connaissances dans le cadre de la reconnaissance credibiliste des formes. Apres cette presentation, nous nous attachons particulierement a la notion de fiabilite des informations. Deux methodes permettant de determiner la fiabilite de chaque information sont presentees. La premiere approche repose sur le calcul, obtenu a l'aide de criteres d'information, de la dissemblance existant entre des informations de meme nature. La seconde methode permet, a partir de la minimisation d'un critere d'erreur, de determiner les coefficients de fiabilite de chaque source d'information afin d'optimiser le taux de reconnaissance. Le second point traite des problemes lies a la combinaison des connaissances dans le cadre de la theorie de l'evidence. Les differentes regles d'agregation d'informations, qui sont utilisees dans le cadre de cette theorie et qui permettent de resoudre ces contradictions, sont presentees. Un cadre generique unifiant les operateurs de combinaison classiques est introduit. La definition de ce cadre permet d'obtenir une famille d'operateurs de combinaison permettant une redistribution de la masse conflictuelle plus ou moins adaptee selon l'objectif vise. Les differentes methodes proposees sont appliquees a la detection de melanomes malins, une forme de cancer cutane.
Brain natriuretic peptide-guided therapy for heart failure

The drug treatment of heart failure, once simple, has become complex. Apart from a loop diuretic and digoxin, most patients should now be receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (or angiotensin II receptor blocker), a beta-blocker and spironolactone. Newer drugs, such as endothelin-receptor antagonists and combined blockers of converting-enzyme and neutral endopeptidase, might soon become available. When to introduce these drugs and what dose is optimal for any individual, are questions that currently vex clinicians. We proposed that plasma levels of the cardiac hormone brain natriuretic peptide (BNP, or better, its 1-76 amino-acid N-terminal fragment, N-BNP), would provide an objective index for guiding drug treatment in patients with established, stable cardiac failure. In a pilot study, 69 patients were randomized to drug treatment based on clinical criteria, or based on plasma levels of N-BNP. After a median follow-up of 9.6 months, those in the N-BNP group had fewer clinical end-points than those in the group managed by clinical criteria alone (19 vs 54; P= 0.02). These preliminary data encourage the concept that the increasingly complex pharmacotherapy for heart failure, both chronic (as in this trial) and acute, might best be guided by an objective measure such as plasma levels of BNP or N-BNP.
Method for Measuring Parylene Thickness Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance

At present, the exact final thickness of parylene coating is difficult to specify in the beginning of the coating process since the parylene thickness is a function of many components. The elements that control the thickness are substrate surface area in a vacuum chamber, program parameters, and amount of dimer charge. This paper describes a method for measuring parylene coating thickness using quartz crystal microbalance. The thickness is measured by an oscillation frequency change of quartz crystal as parylene deposites on the quartz crystal plate. These results can be used for specifying the parylene thickness real-time during the