Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Analgesic Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block After Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND:The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a novel approach for blocking the abdominal wall neural afferents via the bilateral lumbar triangles of Petit. We evaluated its analgesic efficacy in patients during the first 24 postoperative hours after abdominal surgery, in a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. METHODS:Thirty-two adults undergoing large bowel resection via a midline abdominal incision were randomized to receive standard care, including patient-controlled morphine analgesia and regular nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and acetaminophen (n = 16), or to undergo TAP block (n = 16) in addition to standard care (n = 16). After induction of anesthesia, 20 mL of 0.375% levobupivacaine was deposited into the transversus abdominis neuro-fascial plane via the bilateral lumbar triangles of Petit. Each patient was assessed by a blinded investigator in the postanesthesia care unit and at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS:The TAP block reduced visual analog scale pain scores (TAP versus control, mean ± sd) on emergence (1 ± 1.4 vs 6.6 ± 2.8, P < 0.05), and at all postoperative time points, including at 24 h (1.7 ± 1.7 vs 3.1 ± 1.5, P < 0.05). Morphine requirements in the first 24 postoperative hours were also reduced (21.9 ± 8.9 mg vs 80.4 ± 19.2 mg, P < 0.05). There were no complications attributable to the TAP block. All TAP patients reported high levels of satisfaction with their postoperative analgesic regimen. CONCLUSIONS:The TAP block provided highly effective postoperative analgesia in the first 24 postoperative hours after major abdominal surgery.
Simulation and efficient measurements of intensities for complex imaging sequences

It is investigated how linear simulation can be used to predict both the magnitude of the intensities as well as the placement of the peak values. An ultrasound sequence is defined through the normal setup routines for the experimental SARUS scanner, and Field II is then used automatically on the sequence to simulate both intensity and mechanical index (MI) according to FDA rules. A 3 MHz BK Medical 8820e convex array transducer is used with the SARUS scanner. An Onda HFL-0400 hydrophone and the Onda AIMS III system measures the pressure field for three imaging schemes: a fixed focus, single emission scheme, a duplex vector flow scheme, and finally a vector flow imaging scheme. The hydrophone is connected to a receive channel in SARUS, which automatically measures the emitted pressure for the complete imaging sequence. MI can be predicted with an accuracy of 16.4 to 38 %. The accuracy for the intensity is from -17.6 to 9.7 %, although the measured fields are highly non-linear (several MPa) and linear simulation is used. Linear simulation can, thus, be used to accurately predict intensity levels for any advanced imaging sequence and is an efficient tool in predicting the energy distribution.
Analysis of a Local HIV-1 Epidemic in Portugal Highlights Established Transmission of Non-B and Non-G Subtypes

ABSTRACT The existing data support Portugal as the western European country with the highest HIV-1 subtype diversity. However, detailed phylogenetic studies of Portuguese HIV-1 epidemics are still scarce. Thus, our main goal was to analyze the phylodynamics of a local HIV-1 infection in the Portuguese region of Minho. Molecular epidemiological analysis was applied to data from 289 HIV-1-infected individuals followed at the reference hospital of the province of Minho, Portugal, at which isolated viruses had been sequenced between 2000 and 2012. Viruses of the G (29.1%) and B (27.0%) subtypes were the most frequent, followed by recombinant forms (17.6%) and the C (14.5%), F1 (7.3%), and A1 (4.2%) subtypes. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that the odds of being infected with the A1 and F1 subtypes increased over the years compared with those with B, G, or C subtypes or recombinant viruses. As expected, polyphyletic patterns suggesting multiple and old introductions of the B and G subtypes were found. However, transmission clusters of non-B and non-G viruses among native individuals were also found, with the dates of the most recent common ancestor estimated to be in the early 2000s. Our study supports that the HIV-1 subtype diversity in the Portuguese region of Minho is high and has been increasing in a manner that is apparently driven by factors other than immigration and international travel. Infections with A1 and F1 viruses in the region of Minho are becoming established and are mainly found in sexually transmitted clusters, reinforcing the need for more efficacious control measures targeting this infection route.
[Application of electrostatic spinning technology in nano-structured polymer scaffold].

OBJECTIVE To review the latest development in the research on the application of the electrostatic spinning technology in preparation of the nanometer high polymer scaffold. METHODS The related articles published at home and abroad during the recent years were extensively reviewed and comprehensively analyzed. RESULTS Micro/nano-structure and space topology on the surfaces of the scaffold materials, especially the weaving structure, were considered to have an important effect on the cell adhesion, proliferation, directional growth, and biological activation. The electrospun scaffold was reported to have a resemblance to the structure of the extracellular matrix and could be used as a promising scaffold for the tissue engineering application. The electrospun scaffolds were applied to the cartilage, bone, blood vessel, heart, and nerve tissue engineering fields. CONCLUSION The nano-structured polymer scaffold can support the cell adhesion, proliferation, location, and differentiation, and this kind of scaffold has a considerable value in the tissue engineering field.
Implementing of Developed Voltage Lift Technique on SEPIC, Cûk and Double-Output DC-DC Converters

The voltage lift technique is a popular method that is widely applied in electronic circuit design. This paper introduces implemental methods of the voltage lift technique based on the SEPIC and Cuk converters. A series of novel dc-dc converter topologies are constructed. Compared with the SEPIC and Cuk prototypes, these converters can perform positive to positive/negative/double output dc-dc voltage increasing conversion with higher voltage transfer gains, high power density, high efficiency and cheap topology in simple structures. They are different from other existing dc-dc step-up converters and possess obvious advantages. The theoretical analysis in the continuous conduction mode is given in detail. Both the simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the proposed topologies.
Loratadine: A Nonsedating Antihistamine with Once-Daily Dosing

Loratadine is an addition to the class of nonsedating antihistamines which includes terfenadine, astemizole, and acrivastine. Loratadine is chemically related to the tricyclic antidepressants. Animal data have shown that insignificant amounts of loratadine enter the brain, and it has a threefold greater affinity for peripheral as compared with central histamine1-receptors. Loratadine has one main metabolite, descarbethoxyloratadine, which is four times more active than the parent drug. Loratadine reaches peak plasma concentration in 1–2 hours; the metabolite does so in 3–4 hours. Their respective elimination half-lives are about 10 and 20 hours. Onset of action is within 1 hour and duration is at least 24 hours. Once-daily dosing is recommended. Generally, loratadine is as efficacious as existing antihistamines in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and in suppressing wheal formation. Reports of sedation and other adverse reactions are no more frequent than found with placebo. Tachyphylaxis has not been noted in humans, and there is minimal potential for drug interactions based on animal data. Loratadine and terfenadine have comparable therapeutic applications. Both have shown minimal adverse effects, but loratadine has a quicker onset and longer duration of action. These two agents are useful for acute allergic reactions. In contrast, astemizole has an onset of action of several days and is most useful for prophylactic treatment of seasonal allergies.
Systematic confirmation study of reported prostate cancer risk‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chinese men

More than 30 prostate cancer (PCa) risk‐associated loci have been identified in populations of European descent by genome‐wide association studies. We hypothesized that a subset of these loci might be associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. To test this hypothesis, 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), one each from the 33 independent PCa risk‐associated loci reported in populations of European descent, were investigated for their associations with PCa risk in a case‐control study of Chinese men (1108 cases and 1525 controls). We found that 11 of the 33 SNP were significantly associated with PCa risk in Chinese men (P < 0.05). The reported risk alleles were associated with increased risk for PCa, with allelic odds ratios ranging from 1.12 to 1.44. The most significant locus was located on 8q24 region 2 (rs16901979, P = 5.14 × 10−9) with a genome‐wide significance (P < 10−8), and three loci reached the Bonferroni correction significance level (P < 1.52 × 10−3), including 8q24 region 1 (rs1447295, P = 7.04 × 10−6), 8q24 region 5 (rs10086908, P = 9.24 × 10−4) and 8p21 (rs1512268, P = 9.39 × 10−4). Our results suggest that a subset of the PCa risk‐associated SNP discovered by genome‐wide association studies among men of European descent is also associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. This finding provides evidence of ethnic differences and similarity in genetic susceptibility to PCa. Genome‐wide association studies in Chinese men are needed to identify Chinese‐specific PCa risk‐associated SNP. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1916–1920)
Density Gradient Centrifugation for the Isolation of Cells of Multiple Lineages

We recently developed a simple strategy for the enrichment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with the capacity for osteoblast, chondrocyte, and adipocyte differentiation. On transplantation, the progenitor‐enriched fraction can regenerate bone with multiple lineages of donor origin. Although comprising multiple precursor cell types, the population is enriched >100‐fold in osteoprogenitors, hence the name “highly purified osteoprogenitors” (HipOPs). To establish a new modified method of purifying pure MSCs, it is useful to know the expression patterns of surface markers on heterogeneous MSCs and committed cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. However, calcium deposition by osteoblasts is a critical obstacle in visualizing the expression patterns of surface markers. We now report a new method of separating differentiated osteoblastic HipOPs (OB‐HipOPs) from calcium deposits using the Percoll density gradient centrifugation technique. After centrifuge separation, calcium deposits were observed at the bottom of the centrifuge tube, and living OB‐HipOPs were harvested from the 10–70% fractions. However, there were no living cells in the 70–80% fraction. We concluded that living OB‐HipOPs are separated by one 10–70% Percoll gradient. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression patterns of putative MSC markers on differentiated HipOPs. FACS analysis revealed that Sca‐1, CD44, CD73, CD105, and CD106 were decreased in OB‐HipOPs. In adipogenic‐ and chondrogenic‐HipOPs, Sca‐1, CD73, CD105, and CD106 were decreased. This new technique is a helpful tool to identify MSC surface markers and to clarify in more detail the differentiation stages of osteoblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2709–2714, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nasal obstructive disorders induce medical treatment failure in paediatric persistent allergic rhinitis (The NODPAR Study)

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic disease among children. To characterize the disease, a modified classification of severity (m‐ARIA) has recently been validated in AR children. When medical treatment fails, surgery for nasal obstructive disorders (NOD) may be a therapeutic option. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of NOD and their influence in medical treatment response among children with persistent AR (PER).
Cytokinesis in Bacteria

SUMMARY Work on two diverse rod-shaped bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, has defined a set of about 10 conserved proteins that are important for cell division in a wide range of eubacteria. These proteins are directed to the division site by the combination of two negative regulatory systems. Nucleoid occlusion is a poorly understood mechanism whereby the nucleoid prevents division in the cylindrical part of the cell, until chromosome segregation has occurred near midcell. The Min proteins prevent division in the nucleoid-free spaces near the cell poles in a manner that is beginning to be understood in cytological and biochemical terms. The hierarchy whereby the essential division proteins assemble at the midcell division site has been worked out for both E. coli and B. subtilis. They can be divided into essentially three classes depending on their position in the hierarchy and, to a certain extent, their subcellular localization. FtsZ is a cytosolic tubulin-like protein that polymerizes into an oligomeric structure that forms the initial ring at midcell. FtsA is another cytosolic protein that is related to actin, but its precise function is unclear. The cytoplasmic proteins are linked to the membrane by putative membrane anchor proteins, such as ZipA of E. coli and possibly EzrA of B. subtilis, which have a single membrane span but a cytoplasmic C-terminal domain. The remaining proteins are either integral membrane proteins or transmembrane proteins with their major domains outside the cell. The functions of most of these proteins are unclear with the exception of at least one penicillin-binding protein, which catalyzes a key step in cell wall synthesis in the division septum.
Acute liver failure in Sweden: etiology and outcome

Objective. To determine the causes and outcome of all patients with acute liver failure (ALF) in Sweden 1994–2003 and study the diagnostic accuracy of King's College Hospital (KCH) criteria and the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score with transplant‐free deaths as a positive outcome.
Divalent counterion-induced condensation of triple-strand DNA

Understanding and manipulation of the forces assembling DNA/RNA helices have broad implications for biology, medicine, and physics. One subject of significance is the attractive force between dsDNA mediated by polycations of valence ≥3. Despite extensive studies, the physical origin of the “like-charge attraction” remains unsettled among competing theories. Here we show that triple-strand DNA (tsDNA), a more highly charged helix than dsDNA, is precipitated by alkaline-earth divalent cations that are unable to condense dsDNA. We further show that our observation is general by examining several cations (Mg2+, Ba2+, and Ca2+) and two distinct tsDNA constructs. Cation-condensed tsDNA forms ordered hexagonal arrays that redissolve upon adding monovalent salts. Forces between tsDNA helices, measured by osmotic stress, follow the form of hydration forces observed with condensed dsDNA. Probing a well-defined system of point-like cations and tsDNAs with more evenly spaced helical charges, the counterintuitive observation that the more highly charged tsDNA (vs. dsDNA) is condensed by cations of lower valence provides new insights into theories of polyelectrolytes and the biological and pathological roles of tsDNA. Cations and tsDNAs also hold promise as a model system for future studies of DNA–DNA interactions and electrostatic interactions in general.
Establishment and characterization of two cell lines derived from primary cultures of Gekko japonicus cerebral cortex

Adult Gekko japonicus is one of those vertebrates that are able to regenerate their missing or amputated tail. The most interesting feature of this animal lies in the ability of its spinal cord to regrow a functional tail. A fundamental question is whether the neuroglial cells play a different role compared with high vertebrates. Since in vitro studies using primary neuroglial cells are hampered by the limited lifespan and miscellaneous genetic background of these cells, we generated neuroglial cell lines from primary cell cultures of cerebral cortex of G. japonicus. The SV40 (simian‐virus‐40) T antigen gene was introduced into primary cell cultures. Cell cycle analysis, cell growth and proliferation, cell colony formation and contact inhibition, as well as karyotype assays were investigated. Two cell colonies, Gsn‐1 and Gsn‐3, were immunochemically characterized as glial fibrillary acidic protein and galactocerebroside‐positive respectively. Compared with parental primary cells, the Gsn cells displayed shorter population doubling time, decreased percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase, higher cell proliferation index, and increased cell activity. In assays of colony characteristics, Gsn cells showed increased cell activity at the lower cell densities or FBS (fetal bovine serum) supplement. The karyotype of immortalized Gsn cells exhibited transformational characteristics with hyperdiploid and polyploid chromosomes. The cell lines will provide a useful in vitro model for gecko neuroglial cells and facilitate systematic studies investigating the biological functions of specific gene products related to regeneration of the central nervous system.
HISTORICAL ALLOPATRY AND THE BIOGEOGRAPHY OF SPECIATION IN THE PROSOBRANCH SNAIL GENUS NUCELLA

Two recently diverged northeastern Pacific sibling snail species, Nucella ostrina and N. emarginata, currently inhabit adjacent zoogeographic provinces. Their distributions overlap in central California to the north of a major faunal boundary at Point Conception, California (PC). To test the hypothesis that modern sympatry is due to a recent northward range expansion by N. emarginata, I analyzed the population structures of both species with nuclear (allozyme) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. Populations of N. emarginata in the region of overlap exhibit significantly lower heterozygosity and allelic diversity than either populations to the south of PC or populations of N. ostrina. A single mtDNA haplotype characterizes all but one population of N. emarginata sampled in this region, but no haplotype to the south of PC is found at more than one locality. MtDNA haplotypes and allozyme allele frequencies also indicate monophyly of central California populations of N. emarginata. Sharp differences in allelic diversity over small geographic distances may reflect the action of natural selection, but because both nuclear and mtDNA markers display concordant patterns, a range expansion across PC best explains patterns of genetic variation in N. emarginata. Allozymes and mtDNA also reveal that the geologically older N. ostrina is paraphyletic with respect to N. emarginata. This pattern is consistent with, but not indicative of, a peripheral isolation model of speciation. Low genetic diversity is also expected if a significant bottleneck occurred at speciation. However, low allelic diversity is not universal throughout the geographic range of N. emarginata; high allelic diversity at the southern end of the distribution of N. emarginata suggests that in the past N. emarginata has been geographically restricted much further south than PC. A northward range expansion across PC by N. emarginata may thus represent only the most recent postglacial movement by the species. The thermal and oceanographic discontinuities found at PC may not have been directly involved in geographic isolation if N. emarginata originated much further south of this modern boundary. Despite uncertainty regarding the exact spatial distribution of populations at speciation, genetic data indicate that even though N. ostrina and N. emarginata currently exhibit a broad range of geographic overlap, speciation was likely allopatric and was initiated by physical isolation of populations in different zoogeographic provinces.
HIC1 tumour suppressor gene is suppressed in acute myeloid leukaemia and induced during granulocytic differentiation

A hallmark of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a block in differentiation caused by deregulated gene expression. The tumour suppressor Hypermethylated In Cancer 1 (HIC1) is a transcriptional repressor, which is epigenetically silenced in solid cancers. HIC1 mRNA expression was found to be low in 128 patient samples of AML and CD34+ progenitor cells when compared with terminally differentiated granulocytes. HIC1 mRNA was induced in a patient with t(15;17)‐positive acute promyelocytic leukaemia receiving all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy. We therefore investigated whether HIC1 plays a role in granulocytic differentiation and whether loss of function of this gene might contribute to the differentiation block in AML. We evaluated HIC1 mRNA levels in HL‐60 and U‐937 cells upon ATRA‐induced differentiation and in CD34+ progenitor cells after granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐induced differentiation. In both models of granulocytic differentiation, we observed significant HIC1 induction. When HIC1 mRNA was suppressed in HL‐60 cells using stably expressed short hairpin RNA targeting HIC1, granulocytic differentiation was altered as assessed by CD11b expression. Bisulphite sequencing of GC‐rich regions (CpG islands) in the HIC1 promoter provided evidence that the observed suppression in HL‐60 cells was not because of promoter hypermethylation. Our findings indicate a role for the tumour suppressor gene HIC1 in granulocytic differentiation. Low expression of HIC1 may very well contribute to pathogenic events in leukaemogenesis.
The effect of equine recombinant growth hormone on second intention wound healing in horses.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of intramuscular administration of recombinant equine growth hormone on healing of full thickness skin wounds on equine limbs. STUDY DESIGN Experimental. ANIMALS Nine Standardbred horses. METHODS In study 1, standardized full thickness skin wounds (2.5 x 2.5 cm) were made over the dorsomedial aspect of the mid-cannon bone of 1 forelimb and 1 hindlimb in 9 horses. Wounds were bandaged without treatment (control subjects) and videorecorded twice weekly until healed. Then, in study 2, similar wounds were created on the opposite limbs; 6 horses were administered intramuscular recombinant equine growth hormone (10 microg/kg daily for 7 days, then 20 microg/kg daily for 49 days), and 3 horses (control subjects) were administered equivalent volumes of sterile water. Wounds were videorecorded twice weekly until healed. Wound healing variables were measured from the videorecordings using a computer software package and analyzed as a randomized complete block design factorial analysis of variance; significance was set at P <. 05. RESULTS No differences in the measured variables were detected between wounds in study 1 and the control wounds in study 2. In recombinant equine growth hormone-treated horses, wounds retracted more during treatment and contracted faster after treatment stopped when compared with wounds from untreated horses. No other treatment effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant equine growth hormone seemingly increases wound retraction. After treatment ceases, wound contraction increases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Intramuscular administration of recombinant equine growth hormone (10 microg/kg daily for 7 days, then 20 microg/kg daily for 49 days) does not appear to have any beneficial clinical effect on healing of equine limb wounds.