Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age‐Dependent Vasodilation of the Skin Microcirculation by Atrial Natriuretic Factor

Summary: The microcirculatory responses to systemically administered alpha-human atrial natriuretic factor ((99–126)hANF) (ANF) were investigated in the skin of eight young (18–25 years) and eight elderly (71–84 years) healthy volunteers in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Laser-Doppler flux (LDF), trans-cutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), and skin temperatures on the finger (Td) and on the cheek (Tc) were measured during 60 min of i.v. ANF administration at a low rate (0.25 μg/min), resulting in plasma ANF concentrations in the upper normal range, and at a high rate (2.0 μg/min), inducing a 17− to 23-fold increase in plasma ANF. ANF infusion did not induce consistent changes in TcPO2 or Td at either rate. Placebo-corrected LDF in-creased significantly following low-rate ANF infusion in the elderly but remained unchanged in the young (mean SD) +22 × 21% (p < 0.05) and +7 × 32% (p > 0.1), respectively; following high-rate ANF infusion in LDF the changes were greater, with +28 × 56% and + 19 × 42%, respectively. Because of the large SD the increases were no longer significant. During high-rate ANF infusion Tc remained unchanged in the young, but in the elderly Tc decreased—1.1 × 1.3% (p < 0.05), which is probably due to the fall in blood pressure, which was more pronounced in the elderly than in the young: mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) decreased –9 × 3% (p < 0.05) in the elderly and just –6 × 3% (p < 0.05) in the young, both corrected for placebo changes. Laser-Doppler resistance in the skin, calculated as MAP/LDF, significantly decreased in the elderly – 23 × 27% (p = 0.05) during low-rate, and in the young – 28 × 40% (p = 0.05) during high-rate ANF infusion, indicating that ANF induced some vasodilation in the skin of healthy subjects. We conclude that ANF induced mild vasodilator responses in the skin microcirculation of healthy volunteers, being most pronounced in the elderly. The effects of high-rate ANF infusion, however, were obscured by changes in blood pressure and by the widespread microcirculatory reactivity.
Reproductive outcomes following uterine septum resection

Abstract Objective: To determine the reproductive outcome following hysteroscopic septum resection in women with a septated uterus and a history of spontaneous miscarriages or premature deliveries. Study design: A retrospective, cohort study investigating reproductive outcomes following septum resection was conducted. Patients who had no other apparent cause for spontaneous miscarriage or preterm delivery were included in the study. Reproductive outcomes were compared between pregnancies prior to and after the septum resection. Multiple pregnancies were excluded. Results: Twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria with a total of 85 pregnancies, 45 prior and 40 after septectomy. The mean gestational age increased from 33.73 ± 6.27 (weeks) prior to the resection to 38.47 ± 1.71 (weeks) after it (p < 0.05). The mean birth weight increased from 2520 ± 764.4 (g) to 3202.6 ± 630.2 (g) after the resection. Spontaneous miscarriage rate dropped from 63.6% to 12.5%. Multivariate analysis models showed uterine septectomy to be independently associated with increased gestational age at delivery (β = 0.606, Adjusted R2 = 0.328, CI 10.647–20.612, p < 0.01), increased birth weight (β = 0.424, Adjusted R2 = 0.129, CI 202.097–1210.287, p < 0.01) and with lower risk for preterm delivery (OR = 0.073, CI 0.16–0.327, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Hysetroscopic resection of a uterine septum improves reproductive outcomes in women with a septated uterus and a history of spontaneous miscarriages or premature deliveries.
Measures of everyday competence in older adults with cognitive impairment: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND The issue of safety of the cognitively impaired elderly people living alone has been continuously raised. Traditional psychometric measures of cognitive abilities may not adequately reflect older adults' functioning in a real everyday context. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review on instruments available for evaluating the everyday problem-solving or everyday competence of the elderly with cognitive impairment and to critically review the measurement properties of the identified instruments. METHODS We searched the databases such as Cinahl, Medline, PsycINFO, AARP Ageline, ProQuest and the Cochrane Library for the time period between January 1995 and December 2010. Reference lists of the included papers were also manually searched. RESULTS Five instruments were included. All the instruments focused their framework on Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) domains which meet well with suggestions from other studies on the importance of IADL in determining an elderly individual's capability to live independently in the community. No available instruments for the moderate to severe impairment group were identified under this review. CONCLUSIONS Few existing instruments to assess the ability of everyday problem-solving of the elderly with cognitive impairment can be identified in the literature. Further research validating them against functional, real-world outcomes is needed.
Comparative stability of carbapenem and penem antibiotics to renal dehydropeptidase-I.

Comparison has been made on the stability of 4 carbapenems and 3 penems against porcine renal dehydropeptidase-I (DHP-I). Evaluated were the carbapenems (5R,6S)-3-[[2-(formimidoylamino)ethyl]thio]-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl] - 7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2. 0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid monohydrate, CAS 74431-23-5, in the following called FAC, (5R,6S)-3-[(S)-1-(acetimidoylpyrrolidin-3-yl)thio]-6-[(R)-1- hydroxyethyl]-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2. 0] hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, CAS 87726-17-8, in the following called AHC, (4R,5S,6S)-3-[[(3S,5S)-5-dimethylcarbamoylpyrrolidin-3-yl]thio]-6- [(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2. 0]hept-2-ene-2- carboxylic acid trihydrate, CAS 96036-03-2, in the following called DHC. (1R,5S,6S)-2-[(6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrazolo[1,2-a] [1,2,4]triazolium-6-yl)thio]-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-1-methyl-ca rbapen - 2-em-3-carboxylate, in the following called DHM, and the penems (5R,6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-7-oxo-3-[(R)-2-tetrahydrofuryl]-4-thia-1 - azabicyclo [3.2. 0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid sodium salt, in the following called HTC, (5R,6S)-2-carbamoyloxymethyl-6-[(1R)-hydroxyethyl]-2-penem-3-carboxylic acid, in the following called CHC, (5R,6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-3-[(3S)-(cis-1-oxotetrahydrothiophen++ +-3-yl) thio]-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2. 0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid, in the following called HHC. According to the comparison of the Vmax/Km ratios, the order of stability of the compounds to hydrolysis by renal DHP-I was as follows: DHM >> DHC > HHC > AHC > HTC > CHC > FAC. From this result it is particularly noteworthy that DHM has extremely high stability against renal DHP-I.
Lupus anticoagulant in Nigerian patients living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Lupus anticoagulants (LACs) are frequently found in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study was designed to examine the prevalence of LACs and its significance in HIV-infected Nigerian patients. METHODS LACs were assayed, and complete blood count and direct Coombs' test (DCT) were performed for 155 participants. Patients with other conditions known to be associated with LACs such as autoimmune disease, pregnancy, malignancies, and illegal drug use were excluded. There were 104 highly active antiretroviral therapy-naive patients with HIV and 51 HIV-negative control participants. RESULTS The prevalences of LACs in HIV-infected patients and controls were 2.9% and 1.9%, respectively (p = 0.973). The majority of the patients (76%) had clinical and/or immunological acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The mean (+/- standard deviation) hematocrit levels of patients (0.32 +/- 0.05) were significantly lower than those of the controls (0.40 +/- 0.04) [p <0.0001]. Although within the normal range, the platelet count of HIV-infected patients (180 +/- 667 x 10(9)/L) was significantly lower than that of the controls (213 +/- 80 x 10(9)/L) [p = 0.026]. None of the participants had neutropenia or DCT-positivity. There was no correlation between LAC and opportunistic illness, thrombosis, or cytopenia. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of LACs was low and was not associated with opportunistic illness, thrombosis, or cytopenia.
Spread of the Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Strain, Genotype IVb, in Michigan, USA

In 2003, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) emerged in the Laurentian Great Lakes causing serious losses in a number of ecologically and recreationally important fish species. Within six years, despite concerted managerial preventive measures, the virus spread into the five Great Lakes and to a number of inland waterbodies. In response to this emerging threat, cooperative efforts between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MI DNR), the Michigan State University Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (MSU-AAHL), and the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) were focused on performing a series of general and VHSV-targeted surveillances to determine the extent of virus trafficking in the State of Michigan. Herein we describe six years (2005–2010) of testing, covering hundreds of sites throughout Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. A total of 96,228 fish representing 73 species were checked for lesions suggestive of VHSV and their internal organs tested for the presence of VHSV using susceptible cell lines. Of the 1,823 cases tested, 30 cases from 19 fish species tested positive for VHSV by tissue culture and were confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gene sequence analyses of all VHSV isolates retrieved in Michigan demonstrated that they belong to the emerging sublineage “b” of the North American VHSV genotype IV. These findings underscore the complexity of VHSV ecology in the Great Lakes basin and the critical need for rigorous legislation and regulatory guidelines in order to reduce the virus spread within and outside of the Laurentian Great Lakes watershed.
Vitamin E and vitamin C treatment improves fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

OBJECTIVE:Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common cause of liver disease. Although usually indolent, this disease can progress to cirrhosis in some patients. There is currently no proven medical therapy for the treatment of NASH. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and vitamin C in reducing histologic inflammation and fibrosis.METHODS:This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a total enrollment of 49 patients; 45 patients completed the study. All patients were randomized to receive either vitamins E and C (1000 IU and 1000 mg, respectively) or placebo daily for 6 months, based on their initial histologic diagnosis of NASH. Additionally, all patients were given standard weight-loss counseling and encouraged to follow a low fat diet (<30 fat g/day). The pre- and posttreatment liver biopsies were reviewed by a single pathologist, who was blinded to the patient's medication. Biopsies were scored based on a modification of the scoring system published by Brunt et al. (Am J Gastroenterol 1999;94:2467–74). A score of 0–4 was possible for fibrosis, and a score of 0–6 was possible for inflammation and hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis. In addition, body mass index, glycohemoglobin, lipids, and liver enzymes were followed throughout the study.RESULTS:Forty-five patients completed 6 months of therapy without significant side effects. Vitamin treatment resulted in a statistically significant improvement in fibrosis score (p = 0.002). No changes were noted in inflammation with treatment.CONCLUSIONS:Vitamin E and vitamin C, in the doses used in this study, were well tolerated and were effective in improving fibrosis scores in NASH patients. No improvement in necroinflammatory activity or ALT was seen with this combination of drug therapy. A larger, multicenter, longer-term trial with vitamin E and vitamin C seems to be warranted.
Nodule development induced by mutants of Bradyrhizobium japonicum defective in cyclic B-glucan synthesis.

The soybean response to inoculation with B. japonicum mutants defective in cyclic beta-(1-->3), beta-(1-->6) glucan synthesis was examined by electron microscopy and by monitoring the expression of early and late nodulin genes. Two mutants were examined. Strain AB-14 is an ndvB mutant and is unable to synthesize beta-glucans. Strain AB-1 is an ndvC mutant and produces cyclic glucans containing 95 to 100% beta-(1-->3) glycosidic linkages. Nodules formed by either mutant were defective in nitrogen fixation activity. Soybean plants inoculated with strain AB-14 formed nodules roughly at the same rate as the wild-type strain USDA110, but nodulation by strain AB-1 was significantly delayed. Microscopy of nodules formed by strain AB-14 showed an overall ultrastructure similar to nodules formed by the wild type. However, in some nodules bacteroids were limited to only one part of the infected cells and in others the few bacteroids present showed signs of degradation. Nodulelike structures were formed by strain AB-1 that showed some signs of cellular differentiation. For example, clear parenchyma and sclerenchyma tissue could be seen. However, no infection threads or bacteria were evident in these structures. The expression of early (e.g., ENOD2 and ENOD55) and late (e.g., NOD26 and leghemoglobin) nodulins was examined. Nodules formed by strain AB-14 expressed all of the nodulins tested but at a reduced level. Expression of late nodulins was delayed in strain AB-14-induced nodules. Nodules formed by strain AB-1 were more strongly affected in nodulin expression. Although leghemoglobin synthesis was not detected, infection-specific nodulin transcripts of GmN93 and ENOD55 were detected. However, expression of the early nodulins ENOD2 and ENOD55 was considerably delayed and only apparent when assayed 21 days postinoculation. A low level of expression of intermediate nodulin GmN70 and late nodulin NOD26 could also be detected by 21 days postinoculation. The microscopy data show that tissue differentiation occurs in these nodules even in the absence of active bacterial invasion. These results demonstrate the importance of cyclic beta-(1-->3), beta-(1-->6) glucan synthesis to symbiotic development in soybean.
Efficacy and adverse effects of drugs used to treat adult cystic fibrosis

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease and is the most commonly seen monogenetic disease in Caucasians. The disease has various manifestations resulting from the abnormal thick secretions, most common being chronic lung infection and airway obstruction. Many new promising drugs have appeared on the horizon over the years. This review here is an attempt to bring together the various treatments being used to prolong and enhance the quality of life of CF patients. Areas covered: A literature review of published as well as ongoing clinical trials, meta-analysis and systematic reviews regarding the drugs used in CF management was carried out using PubMed and Ovid databases. Expert opinion: New concepts have been formed and some positive results in this direction have already led to the approval of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator potentiator drug. Gene therapy and stem cell therapy are under development. The current therapies such as dornase alfa and pancreatic enzymes targeting the symptoms continue to evolve as they play an important complementary role. Development of new simple and cost-effective markers, which help assess the efficacy and safety of these constantly emerging new drugs, is also being investigated.
Resuscitation of Hypoxic Piglets with 100% O2 Increases Pulmonary Metalloproteinases and IL-8

We hypothesized that resuscitation with 100% O2 compared with 21% O2 is detrimental to pulmonary tissue. The pulmonary injury was assessed by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, oxidative stress, IL-8, and histology 2.5 h after resuscitation from a hypoxic state. In pulmonary tissue extracts, MMP activity was analyzed by broad matrix–degrading capacity (total MMP) and zymography. MMP-2 mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Total endogenous antioxidant capacity was measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and IL-8 was analyzed by ELISA technique. In bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, MMPs were analyzed by zymography. In pulmonary tissue, pro- and active MMP-2 levels were increased in piglets that were resuscitated with 100% O2 compared with 21% O2. Pro–MMP-9, total MMP activity, and MMP-2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in resuscitated piglets compared with baseline. Net gelatinolytic activity increased in submucosa and blood vessels after 100% O2 and only in the blood vessels after 21% O2. Compared with baseline, ORAC values were considerably lowered in the resuscitated piglets and significantly reduced in the 100% O2 versus 21% O2 group. In BAL fluid, both pro–MMP-9 and pro–MMP-2 increased 2-fold in the 100% O2 group compared with 21% O2. Moreover, IL-8 concentration increased significantly in piglets that were resuscitated with 100% O2 compared with 21% O2, suggesting a marked proinflammatory response in the pulmonary tissue. Altogether, these data strongly suggest that caution must be taken when applying pure O2 to the newborn infant.
The antioxidant activity of standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) in rats

The standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) has been widely employed for its significant benefit in neurodegenerative disorders. Although antioxidative actions have been attributed to this extract, the mechanisms of the multiple principles involved in this pharmacological activity are not completely established. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are frequently associated with oxidative stress and defects in the cellular protective mechanisms. In this study, the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated in the hippocampus, striatum and substantia nigra (SN) of rats treated with EGb 761. An increase in the CAT and SOD activities in the hippocampus, striatum and SN, and a decrease of the LPO in the hippocampus were observed. These data are additional to the antioxidant properties of EGb 761 reported in the literature and indicate a possible role for the extract in the treatment of diseases involving free radicals and oxidative damage. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language and social factors in the use of cell phone technology by adolescents with and without specific language impairment (SLI).

PURPOSE This study aimed to compare cell phone use (both oral and text-based) by adolescents with and without specific language impairment (SLI) and examine the extent to which language and social factors affect frequency of use. METHOD Both interview and diary methods were used to compare oral and text-based communication using cell phones by 17-year-olds: 52 adolescents with SLI and 52 typically developing (TD) peers. RESULTS Overall, adolescents with SLI are motivated users of mobile technology, and they engage with both oral uses (phoning) and text-based uses (text messaging). However, adolescents with SLI do not exchange text messages as often as their TD peers. Social rather than language factors are associated with frequency of cell phone use in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that social difficulties restrict text-based uses of cell phones by adolescents with SLI, which can in turn reduce the opportunities that these adolescents have to develop social networks and make arrangements to engage in peer social interaction.
Identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Canada.

BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a condition of unknown cause that has recently been recognized in patients in Asia, North America, and Europe. This report summarizes the initial epidemiologic findings, clinical description, and diagnostic findings that followed the identification of SARS in Canada. METHODS SARS was first identified in Canada in early March 2003. We collected epidemiologic, clinical, and diagnostic data from each of the first 10 cases prospectively as they were identified. Specimens from all cases were sent to local, provincial, national, and international laboratories for studies to identify an etiologic agent. RESULTS The patients ranged from 24 to 78 years old; 60 percent were men. Transmission occurred only after close contact. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (in 100 percent of cases) and malaise (in 70 percent), followed by nonproductive cough (in 100 percent) and dyspnea (in 80 percent) associated with infiltrates on chest radiography (in 100 percent). Lymphopenia (in 89 percent of those for whom data were available), elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels (in 80 percent), elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels (in 78 percent), and elevated creatinine kinase levels (in 56 percent) were common. Empirical therapy most commonly included antibiotics, oseltamivir, and intravenous ribavirin. Mechanical ventilation was required in five patients. Three patients died, and five have had clinical improvement. The results of laboratory investigations were negative or not clinically significant except for the amplification of human metapneumovirus from respiratory specimens from five of nine patients and the isolation and amplification of a novel coronavirus from five of nine patients. In four cases both pathogens were isolated. CONCLUSIONS SARS is a condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. It appears to be of viral origin, with patterns suggesting droplet or contact transmission. The role of human metapneumovirus, a novel coronavirus, or both requires further investigation.
Coverage of cancer in local television news

Background. The news media provide significant health information to the American public. Although the public turns to and trusts local television news, news about cancer has not been systematically examined. Methods. In this content analysis, we examined 40,112 news stories aired in the 3rd, 25th, 87th, and 150th sized market in the country, all located in the Midwest. Results. In total, 386 stories focused on cancer. News stories about cancer were short and occurred less than once for every 30 minutes of news. The amount of news coverage of specific cancer sites was not consistent with cancer incidence rates. Similarly, the demography of cancer patients featured in the news differed from that in real life. Few stories provided follow-up information. The average story required a 10th-grade education to be understood. Differences across markets were not systematically related to market size. Conclusions. Cancer coverage was scattered and abbreviated. For both cancer practitioners as well as the general public, local television news cannot be counted on as a primary vehicle for cancer information.