Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidural Anesthesia with Lidocaine and Bupivacaine: Effects of Epinephrine on the Plasma Concentration Profiles

The effects of epinephrine on the plasma concentrations and derived pharmacokinetic parameters were studied after epiditral administration of lidocaine and bupivacaine. Addition of epinephrine to the local anesthetic solutions reduced the mean peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine and bupivacaine from 2.2 to 1.7 μg/ml (23%) and from 0.73 to 0.53 μg/ml (28%), respectively, but did not alter the times at which the peak concentrations were reached. Epinephrine also did not alter the terminal half-lives or the total plasma clearances. The results suggest that addition of epinephrine to minimize plasma concentrations is as relevant with bupivacaine as it is with lidocaine.
Long-term results with M-VAC for advanced urothelial cancer: high relapse rate and low survival in patients with a complete response.

OBJECTIVE To describe the long-term results of treating patients with advanced urothelial cancer using a combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (M-VAC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-one patients (37 men and 14 women, median age 66 years, range 41-82) with inoperable or metastatic carcinoma of the bladder, ureter or renal pelvis were treated with M-VAC and their responses evaluated for up to 7 years. Relative dose intensity (RDI) was calculated by dividing the actual dose intensity by the projected total dose intensity and related to outcome. Overall survival was assessed from the date of initiation of treatment with M-VAC, using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Of the 51 patients. 10 (20%) had a complete and 18 (35%) had a partial response, giving an overall response rate of 55% (95% CI, 41-68%). There was no significant difference in the median values of RDIs with response to the M-VAC regimen. The median duration of response was 11.9 months for the 10 patients with a complete response and of these, eight relapsed at a median of 10 months after treatment and died at a median of 8.5 months from the time of disease recurrence. Survival of patients with a complete response differed significantly from those with no response at 1 year after the start of treatment, but not subsequently. CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up revealed a high relapse rate and poor prognosis in patients with a complete response who received the M-VAC as induction therapy. Therefore, new adjunctive therapies are needed for patients with locally unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer.
Complete Genome Sequence of Helicobacter cinaedi Strain PAGU611, Isolated in a Case of Human Bacteremia

ABSTRACT We report the complete genome sequence of Helicobacter cinaedi strain PAGU611, isolated in a case of human bacteremia. The PAGU611 genome comprises a 2,078,348-bp chromosome and a 23,054-bp plasmid. The chromosome contains a unique genomic island, encoding a type VI secretion system and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) loci.
Simultaneous determination of sulfonamides residues in treated wastewater samples by On-line solid phase extraction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Preliminary occurrence analysis in Tunisia

Many studies attest to the pollution of surface water, wastewater and water intended for human consumption by organic molecules including emerging drug residues at trace levels. These emerging micropollutants are mostly little or not removed by sewage treatment plants and can consequently be found in the natural environment. The occurrence of antibiotic drug Sulfonamides in influent and effluent samples from three Tunisian Wastewater Treatment Plants was evaluated. The application of optimized multi-residue method for the simultaneous quantification and confirmation of 9 commonly used antimicrobials was carried out by on-line solid phase extraction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE–LC–MS/MS). Isotopically labeled compounds Sulfadimethoxine d6 and Sulfamerazine 13C6 were used as surrogate internal standards to compensate for possible matrix effects. The presence of 9 antimicrobials is confirmed in the influent samples. Exclusively sulfamethoxazole was detected in both influent and effluent samples of three WWTPs (WWTP1, WWTP 2 and WWTP 3) at concentrations of (1.1–5.3µg/L), (0.3–0.6 µg/L) and (0.4–0.5 µg/L), respectively. Moreover, the highest concentration of sulfamethoxazole observed i.e. 5.3 μg/L in the effluent sample is mainly due to the great size of WWTP 1 and the large volumes of wastewater inflow which is in accordance to the largest population that it serves with 400.000 inhabitant equivalents.
Design optimization of brushless synchronous machines with wound-field excitation for hybrid electric vehicles

This paper presents the design optimization and performance analyses of a wound-field type brushless synchronous machine (WF-BSM) for traction drives in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Research on a WF-BSM with free rare-earth magnet becomes an attractive research topic recently due to several advantages of robust rotor structure, high power capability that suitable for high-speed motor drive system applications. Furthermore, this machine has advantages of easy cooling of all active parts in the stator. The design target is the motor with maximum power more than 60kW and maximum power density more than 2.7kW/kg. The design optimization of a WF-BSM is performed by means of a finite element analysis-based genetic algorithm (GA). As the design results, the designed machine has achieved maximum power and power density of 90.8kW and 4.11kW/kg, respectively. Thus, the designed motor enables to keep the same power density in the existing IPMSM installed on a commercial HEV.
Management der Staatsfinanzen bei demographischer Alterung als strategische Herausforderung

Die demographische Alterung wird zu einem zentralen, den gesamten Staatshaushalt beeinflussenden Faktor werden. Nicht nur die Ausgabenstruktur wird sich verandern, auch die Steuereinnahmen sind davon betroffen. Die Auswirkungen der demographischen Alterung mussen in einer integrierten Betrachtungsweise beurteilt werden und es mussen integrierte Losungen gesucht werden. Dies ist eine strategische Managementaufgabe.
New insights into the genetic composition and phylogenetic relationship of wolves and dogs in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract This study investigates the gene pool of Portuguese autochthonous dog breeds and their wild counterpart, the Iberian wolf subspecies (Canis lupus signatus), using standard molecular markers. A combination of paternal and maternal molecular markers was used to investigate the genetic composition, genetic differentiation and genetic relationship of native Portuguese dogs and the Iberian wolf. A total of 196 unrelated dogs, including breed and village dogs from Portugal, and other dogs from Spain and North Africa, and 56 Iberian wolves (wild and captive) were analyzed for nuclear markers, namely Y chromosome SNPs, Y chromosome STR loci, autosomal STR loci, and a mitochondrial fragment of the control region I. Our data reveal new variants for the molecular markers and confirm significant genetic differentiation between Iberian wolf and native domestic dogs from Portugal. Based on our sampling, no signs of recent introgression between the two subspecies were detected. Y chromosome data do not reveal genetic differentiation among the analyzed dog breeds, suggesting they share the same patrilineal origin. Moreover, the genetic distinctiveness of the Iberian wolf from other wolf populations is further confirmed with the description of new mtDNA variants for this endemism. Our research also discloses new molecular markers for wolf and dog subspecies assignment, which might become particularly relevant in the case of forensic or noninvasive genetic studies. The Iberian wolf represents a relic of the once widespread wolf population in Europe and our study reveals that it is a reservoir of unique genetic diversity of the grey wolf, Canis lupus. These results stress the need for conservation plans that will guarantee the sustainability of this threatened top predator in Iberia.
Plain radiography in intraspinal protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disks: A correlation with operative findings

SINCE the pioneering work of Hampton and Robinson (1936) the value of routine radiography of the lumbosacral region in cases of suspected disk protrusion has been regarded chiefly as a negative one. It is generally agreed that plain radiography is essential, not so much to verify or substantiate the diagnosis, as to eliminate other pathological processes which may give rise to a similar clinical syndrome. Thus it may reveal the presence of spondylolisthesis, sacro-iliac disease, inflammatory disease of the vertebra, neoplasm, fracture, or other conditions which may simulate a disk protrusion. The detection of any one of these lesions, however, does not exclude a disk prolapse, and although many authorities appear to have found plain radiography of little positive value in diagnosis (Hampton and Robinson, 1936; Love and Camp, 1937), others have noted signs suggestive of disk protrusion in proportions varying from one-fifth (ArbucMe, Shelden, and Pudenz, 1945), to one-half of their cases (Dandy, 1944 ; Gillespie, 1946). These differences of opinion appear to have arisen principally because it has not always been appreciated that intraspinal protrusion of an intervertebral disk is merely one of the ways in which its degeneration may become manifest. Indeed, if any signs of disk degeneration can be detected radiologically, disk prolapse is likely at that level. Narrowing of the intervertebral spaces and structural changes in the opposing surfaces of the vertebral bodies, for instance, have been described as isolated phenomena, whereas in reality they are only facets of the degenerative process. In our experience it has been possible to obtain, by plain radiography alone, signs suggestive of the likelihood of a disk protrusion in four out of five patients in which the condition had been diagnosed clinically, and in more than half this number the probable level of the prolapse has been accurately forecast. Our observations will now be discussed.
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) From Lumbar Disc Herniations

Study Design A retrospective review was performed to determine the outcomes of patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) from a herniated lumbar disc at our institutions. Objective CES from lumbar herniated discs is considered the only absolute indication for surgery. It is considered a neurosurgical emergency with the outcome related to how quickly it is diagnosed and treated. The results of recovery of bladder function are felt by many authors to be related to early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Most authors recommend a wide decompressive laminectomy when surgery is performed. We reviewed our cases to determine if they conformed to these assumptions. Summary of Background Data Although many articles regarding the outcome of CES from herniated lumbar discs suggest that early surgery is superior to surgery that is delayed, others have demonstrated no correlation between time-to-surgery and chances for recovery of neurologic and bladder function. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with lumbar herniated discs and CES from the years 1985 to 2004 was carried out. There were 31 patients, 28 of whom had bladder incontinence or retention requiring catheterization. Six patients were operated within 24 hours, 8 between 24 and 48 hours, and 17 after 48 hours (range: 60 h to 2 wk). Average follow-up was 5 years. Results Twenty-seven of these patients regained continence not requiring catheterization. There was no correlation between the time-to-surgery and recovery of bladder function. There was also no correlation between the time-to-surgery and recovery of motor and sensory function. The majority of patients underwent unilateral hemilaminotomy or bilateral hemilaminotomies; decompressive laminectomy was reserved for patients with underlying spinal stenosis or posteriorly herniated fragments. All of the patients were relieved of their radicular pain. Conclusions In our series of patients with CES and bladder incontinence or retention, over 90% regained continence. Recovery of function was not related to the time to surgical intervention. The majority of the patients were adequately treated without the need for a complete laminectomy.
Role of interleukin‐6 in stress, sleep, and fatigue

Chronic low‐grade inflammation, in particular increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐6 in the circulation, is observed with increasing age, but it is also as a consequence of various medical and psychological conditions, as well as life‐style choices. Since molecules such as IL‐6 have pleiotropic effects, consequences are wide ranging. This short review summarizes the evidence showing how IL‐6 elevations in the context of inflammatory disease affect the organism, with a focus on sleep‐related symptoms and fatigue; and conversely, how alterations in sleep duration and quality stimulate increased concentrations of IL‐6 in the circulation. Research showing that acute as well as chronic psychological stress also increase concentrations of IL‐6 supports the notion of a close link between an organism's response to physiological and psychological perturbations. The findings summarized here further underscore the particular importance of IL‐6 as a messenger molecule that connects peripheral regulatory processes with the CNS.
Immunotherapy of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a clinical and experimental approach.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a severe allergic pulmonary complication caused by the saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The present review examines the pathogenesis of this disease describing in detail the role of innate and acquired immunity in the induction of sensitivity to A.fumigatus. Different approaches in developing specific immunotherapeutic treatments such as induction of anergy, regulatory cells, a switch from Th2 to Th1 type of immune response, CpG and genetic immunization and the usage of altered peptides or modified allergens are critically examined.
Mutations of ANT1, Twinkle, and POLG1 in sporadic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO)

To verify the impact of mutations in ANT1, Twinkle, and POLG1 genes in sporadic progressive external ophthalmoplegia associated with multiple mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions, DNA samples from 15 Italian and 12 British patients were screened. Mutations in ANT1 were found in one patient, in Twinkle in two patients, and in POLG1 in seven patients. Irrespective of the inheritance mode, screening of these genes should be performed in all patients with progressive external ophthalmoplegia with multiple mtDNA deletions.
Health Management with Reduced Antibiotic Use—The U.S. Experience

Since World War II the use of antimicrobial products associated with food animal production has increased. Antimicrobials along with evolving production practices have significantly increased throughput, animal welfare, and improved health. Concerns surrounding the growing significance of emerging and in some cases rapidly disseminating antibiotic (antimicrobial) resistant bacterial pathogens among human and livestock populations has stimulated a reassessment of this application. The negative publicity has led many consumers and activist groups to believe that protein derived from food animals grown in the absence of those drugs is safer than products derived from the conventionally reared. There is a general fear that antimicrobial usage in agriculture threatens the sustainability of human therapeutic agents and the public wellbeing. The issue has gradually emerged from “fringe group paranoia” to mainstream—finally impacting consumer choices. Antimicrobial resistance concerns have stimulated a significant reaction by the US animal agriculture industry. Numerous pig production entities, large and small, have attempted to create additional pork product value by developing niche marketing opportunities. Thus far most of the subtherapeutic in-feed antimicrobial reduction has been voluntary in the US. Two production areas have developed where reduced usage occurs. First is the growth of antibiotic free production (ABF) and second is an increased use of treatment levels which avoids subtherapeutic criticism. The bulk of this article is directed at new production practices, pig health management, disease elimination, and biosecurity efforts that result from early industry attempts at reduced or excluded antimicrobial pig production. Raising antimicrobial (antibiotic) free (ABF) pork from birth is challenging for a variety of reasons. Some of these challenges can be cost effectively dealt with while others are difficult if not impossible to control in modern production environments. Healthy pig production is essential for sustainable ABF operations.
Functional Reconstruction of the Extensor Mechanism following Massive Tumor Resections from the Anterior Compartment of the Thigh

Background: The authors describe the surgical technique and functional results of extensor mechanism reconstruction after major resections of soft-tissue tumors from the anterior compartment of the thigh. Methods: Between 1983 and 2003, 78 patients with soft-tissue sarcomas of the anterior compartment of the thigh were operated on at the authors’ institution. Sixteen patients with extensive resections of the quadriceps muscle and one patient with a complete resection of the femoral nerve underwent functional extensor mechanism reconstruction. Depending on the type of resection, one or more of the following muscles were used for reconstruction: the sartorius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus muscles. After two patients with a follow-up of less than 12 months were excluded, 15 patients were evaluated. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of these patients’ medical records, with an emphasis on functional outcome. Results: According to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score, functional results were estimated to be good to excellent in 13 patients and fair in two. Most patients had a satisfactory active range of motion, and muscle strength and functional results correlated with the extent of resection. Conclusion: The authors recommend functional muscle transfer reconstruction after extensive resection of the quadriceps muscle or resection of the femoral nerve with one or more of the following muscles: the sartorius, the biceps femoris, and the semitendinosus muscles.
Effect of polypeptides in bee venom on growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of the human hepatoma cell line SMMC‐7721 in‐vitro and Balb/c nude mice in‐vivo

Polypeptides in bee venom (PBV) produced a significant growth inhibition against SMMC‐7721 human hepatoma cell line. Analysis of the mechanisms of cell death indicated that PBV induced an apoptotic cell death. SMMC‐7721 cells exposed to PBV (10.0 μg mL−1) produced an insignificant morphological change. Analysis of the cytotoxicity with the MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium) assay confirmed that the cytotoxic effects of PBV were dose‐ and time‐dependent. The result of Ki67 immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the proliferation of SMMC‐7721 cells treated with PBV (10.0 μg mL−1) was inhibited. The apoptotic cell death was then confirmed by annexin V, propidium iodide staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. In in‐vivo experiments, treatment with PBV (1.5 or 3 mg kg−1) resulted in a significant retardation of SMMC‐7721 cell growth in Balb/c nude mice. These findings suggested that PBV could be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against tumours.
Application of real-time HRV biofeedback in the scenario of meditation practice Feasibility , usability and medical fidelity

Chronic stress is a prevalent and universally present hazard in modern society. It lowers the quality of life for individuals and significantly contributes to unsustainable health care costs. Therefore it is important to have natural and noninvasive ways of controlling stress. One such way is meditation, a technique which has been practiced for over five thousand years to improve stress regulation. Also, proceedings in sensing technologies lead to the discovery of biofeedback as another cost-effective technique for stress assessment and reduction. In continuation of research on real-time reflective human-computer-interfaces, this thesis combines these techniques by exploring the application of electrocardiography sensing technology in a heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback system for the scenario of meditation practice. A proof-of-concept prototype was designed and implemented which quantifies stress and gives feedback on meditation effectiveness. For evaluation, a user study has been performed. Results were analysed in a systematic way to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of the solution as well as the fidelity of HRV data that was measured during user tests. The prototype was found to be feasible in the context of technology acceptance while the fidelity of data, acquired by an algorithm for time and frequency domain analysis of HRV, was confirmed. A final conclusion is that the reflective aspect of the implemented real-time biofeedback system helps to improve regulatory capacity and thus lowers stress in individuals.
Inflammation in chronic heart failure: what is familiar, what is unfamiliar?

This editorial refers to 'Inflammation as a therapeutic target in heart failure? A scientific statement from the Translational Research Committee of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology'1' by Stephane Heymans et al., on page 119 and 'Immunological mechanisms of pentoxifylline in chronic heart failure.
Níveis nutricionais de metionina+cistina digestível para poedeiras semipesadas

Com o objetivo de determinar a exigencia nutricional de metionina+cistina digestivel para poedeiras semipesadas no periodo de 50 a 66 e 75 a 90 semanas de idade, dois experimentos foram conduzidos no Setor de Pequenos Animais da Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana - UTFPR, Campus de Dois Vizinhos - PR. Utilizaram-se 150 poedeiras Shaver Brown semipesadas num delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), distribuidas em cinco tratamentos, seis repeticoes e cinco aves por unidade experimental, alimentadas com uma racao basal contendo 2.850 Kcal EM/Kg, 16% de PB, suplementada com 0,132; 0,174; 0,215, 0,256 e 0,298% de DL-metionina (99%), obtendo-se os niveis testados de 0,572; 0,613; 0,653; 0,693 e 0,734% de metionina+cistina digestivel. No periodo de 75 a 91 semanas de idade os niveis testados foram de 0,588; 0,628; 0,669; 0,709 e 0,750% de metionina+cistina digestivel. Os parâmetros avaliados foram o consumo de racao, consumo de metionina+cistina digestivel, conversao alimentar/duzia de ovos, conversao alimentar/massa de ovos, peso de ovos, massa de ovos, porcentagem dos componentes dos ovos (gema, casca, albumen, peso de casca e peso da casca por unidade de superficie de area - PCSA), qualidade interna dos ovos (unidade Haugh, indice de gema e indice de albumen) e gravidade especifica. No experimento 1, os niveis de metionina+cistina digestivel nao influenciaram o consumo de racao, producao, massa de ovos, gravidade especifica e a qualidade internar dos ovos, com excecao da porcentagem de gema e albumen, em que houve aumento linear na porcentagem de gema e reducao linear na porcentagem de albumen. O menor nivel de metionina+cistina (0,572)% proporcionou melhor conversao alimentar (kg/dz) correspondendo a 682mg de metionina+cistina/ave/dia. No experimento 2, nao houve efeito dos niveis de metionina+cistina sobre os parâmetros produtivos, de desempenho e de qualidade dos ovos. O nivel de 0,588% de metionina+cistina digestivel, correspondendo a 634,73 mg, supriu as necessidades diarias das aves no periodo de 75 a 91 semanas de idade