Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of oxidative stress indices during treatment in pregnant women with intrauterine growth retardation.

BACKGROUND We investigated treatment-related changes in oxidative stress indices in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) during pregnancy. Four parameters of cell membrane destruction were measured: malondialdehyde, Schiff bases, lipid peroxides, and conjugated dienes. MATERIAL/METHODS The study population included pregnant women under treatment in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Łódź in 1997-1999, divided into two groups: (I) - 30 healthy pregnant women, (II) - 31 pregnant women with a clinical and ultrasound diagnosis of IUGR. The course of treatment consisted of ten days of intravenous injections of cocarboxylase, Vitamin C, and solcoseryl as antioxidant factors. The parameters of oxidative stress were measured on the first day of hospitalization, after five days of treatment, and on the 10th day of treatment. RESULTS The mean value of MDA concentration in Group I was 2.03, vs. 2.39 in Group II. The mean value of conjugated dienes was 2.40 in Group I and 2.41 in Group II. The Schiff bases concentration in Group I was 8.03, as opposed to 8.83 in Group II. The concentration of lipid peroxides was 0.113 in Group I and 0.134 in Group II. We found that all the parameters of oxidative stress were higher in IUGR than in normal pregnancy. At the end of treatment a decrease was observed in all oxidative stress parameters. CONCLUSIONS IUGR is correlated with an increase in membrane damage parameters. Therapy for IUGR decreased the values of all indices of oxidative stress.
Future strategies in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of bladder cancer

Purpose of review In this review new modalities in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of superficial and invasive bladder cancer are reviewed. Recent findings Urinary markers still cannot replace cystoscopy in diagnosing bladder cancer. However, DNA micro-array has shown promise for diagnosis. In the treatment of superficial bladder cancer, valrubicin, pirarubicin and gemcitabine are novelties. Furthermore, a combination therapy of hyperthermia and mitomycin-C as well as photodynamic therapy seem to be safe and effective new treatment modalities. For staging, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and the positron emission tomography scan are limited. Nevertheless, the pT-category, pN-category and the number of lymph nodes removed affect survival significantly and are thus useful for staging and prognosis. This indicates a need for a standardized lymph node dissection in cystectomy patients. Summary In the treatment of invasive bladder cancer, prostate-sparing cystectomy shows promising potency and continence results. In advanced disease, gemcitabine-cisplatin is a valuable alternative to methotrexate-vinblastine-doxorubicin-cisplatin with fewer side-effects. Finally, radical radiotherapy should be considered a valid treatment in patients with invasive bladder cancer.
The Effects of Eliminating Alcohol in a College Stadium: The Folsom Field Beer Ban

Abstract In fall 1996, the University of Colorado at Boulder instituted a ban on beer sales at football games. To evaluate the effects of the ban, the authors collected two types of data: first, they examined the effects of the ban on game-day security incidents; second, they looked at survey data from season ticket holders and students. They administered the surveys after the first two postban seasons to assess ticket holders' attitudes about the new policy. The incident data they found indicated dramatic decreases in arrests, assaults, ejections from the stadium, and student referrals to the judicial affairs office following the ban. Survey data also indicated moderately negative attitudes about the ban among students and some season ticket holders. However, all fans were likely to renew their tickets regardless of their attitudes toward the policy. The study illustrates what can be achieved when alcohol is eliminated from a setting that frequently fosters disorderly and aggressive behaviors.
Elder Care among Mexican American Families

This exploratory study describes caregiving experiences of elderly family members as perceived by eight Mexican American women caregivers and characterizes the ideas that some Mexican Americans have about elder care. A qualitative approach, using open-ended questions, revealed a cultural picture that reflected a very rich cultural heritage. This picture includes the importance of the family's responsibility to care for its elder members and describes family commitments that reach beyond obligation. It also portrays a complex system of cultural beliefs and values that are based on Mexican American tradition. The themes of reciprocity and point of reckoning emerged as two descriptive characteristics of the Mexican American family in the southwestern United States that form the basis for the restructuring of a woman's responsibilities during middle age. This study indicated that the bicultural lens through which the caregiver views the world may differ markedly from that of the elderly family member.
Percutaneous RF interstitial thermal ablation in the treatment of hepatic cancer.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of RF interstitial thermal ablation for treating hepatic cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty patients, 39 who had 41 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules and 11 who had 13 hepatic metastatic nodules, underwent RF interstitial thermal ablation. In all but one, a thermal necrosis volume greater than the tumoral nodule volume was created to obtain total tumor destruction. One large tumor was treated for debulking purposes. RESULTS Hepatocellular carcinoma nodule destruction was achieved in a mean of 3.3 sessions of RF interstitial thermal ablation. During a mean follow-up of 22.6 months (range, 3-66 months), 16 (41%) of 39 patients had recurrences; two (5%) of these patients showed local recurrences and the remaining 14 (36%) had new lesions. Nine of these 16 patients underwent further RF interstitial thermal ablation that proved effective. RF interstitial thermal ablation was also successfully repeated in four patients who had a second recurrence. With RF interstitial thermal ablation, we treated 54 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules in 39 patients. Eleven (28%) of the 39 patients died: five from hepatic failure due to advanced cancer and six from causes other than cancer. Autopsy was performed on three patients who died from causes other than cancer, one had had two new courses of RF interstitial thermal ablation for two new lesions. Gross examination failed to detect two treated tumor nodules; histologic examination of three other treated tumor nodules showed total necrosis in two nodules and a 3-mm focus of viable cancer cells in the other nodule. Cumulative survival curves showed the median survival time to be 44 months. The survival rate for the first year was 0.94, 0.86 for the second year, 0.68 for the third year, and 0.40 for the fourth and fifth years. In the patients treated for metastatic nodules, posttreatment imaging studies showed necrosis that varied from 80% to 100% in all cases. Pathologic studies performed on two patients who underwent surgery after RF interstitial thermal ablation showed 100% necrosis in one case and 80% necrosis in the other. CONCLUSION RF interstitial thermal ablation is a useful percutaneous treatment for hepatic cancer.
Prospective Evaluation of Intraoperative Hemodynamics in Liver Transplantation with Whole, Partial and DCD Grafts

The interaction of systemic hemodynamics with hepatic flows at the time of liver transplantation (LT) has not been studied in a prospective uniform way for different types of grafts. We prospectively evaluated intraoperative hemodynamics of 103 whole and partial LT. Liver graft hemodynamics were measured using the ultrasound transit time method to obtain portal (PVF) and arterial (HAF) hepatic flow. Measurements were recorded on the native liver, the portocaval shunt, following reperfusion and after biliary anastomosis. After LT HAF and PVF do not immediately return to normal values. Increased PVF was observed after graft implantation. Living donor LT showed the highest compliance to portal hyperperfusion. The amount of liver perfusion seemed to be related to the quality of the graft. A positive correlation for HAF, PVF and total hepatic blood flow with cardiac output was found (p = 0.001). Portal hypertension, macrosteatosis >30%, warm ischemia time and cardiac output, independently influence the hepatic flows. These results highlight the role of systemic hemodynamic management in LT to optimize hepatic perfusion, particularly in LDLT and split LT, where the highest flows were registered.
Expression and correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and interleukin-15 in human osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the expression and correlation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 and interleukin (IL)-15 in human osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS From October 2013 to December 2014, 30 patients with OA were enrolled. In addition, anther 30 patients with simple meniscus injury were collected as a control group. There were no significant differences in age and gender between the two groups. Articular cartilage tissue was obtained from both OA patients and control group patients. Protein, mRNA, and serum expression levels of MMP-7 and IL-15 in the both two groups were determined by immunohistochemical (IHC), in situ hybridization, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay, respectively. Additionally, correlation between MMP-7 and IL-15 expression level in cartilage tissue and serum was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS Protein, mRNA, and serum expression levels of MMP-7 and IL-15 in patients with OA were all significantly increased in OA patients compared with the control group. Besides, there were strong positive relationships between articular MMP-7 level and serum MMP-7 level (R(2) = 0.573, P = 0.018), between articular IL-15 level and serum IL-15 level (R(2) = 0.861, P = 0.023), and between serum IL-15 level and serum MMP-7 level (R(2) = 0.602, P = 0.012). CONCLUSION These results suggest that MMP-7 and IL-15 might play important roles in the pathogenesis of OA, and IL-15 and MMP-7 has positive correlation in OA.
A universal gyroscope driving circuit with 70dB amplitude control range

A CMOS variable gain driving circuit with output signal amplitude control for gyroscopes with wide range of quality factors is presented. The driving circuit can be used for gyroscopes with Q values higher than 500. The circuit uses a current-commutating switching mixer to control the gyroscope driving signal level. Conventional driving circuits use automatic gain control (AGC) which suffers from limited linear range and the need for an off-chip capacitor for the peak detector and loop filter. Two stage variable gain amplifier is used in the proposed design to ensure enough gain for oscillation for such a wide range of quality factors. Analog and digital amplitude control methods are used to cover wide range of driving signal amplitude with enough accuracy to hit the maximum driving signal level without sacrificing gyroscope linearity. Due to the high DC gain of the amplifier chain, DC offset resulting from mismatches might saturate the amplifier output. DC offset correction is employed using a secondary negative feedback loop. The proposed driving circuit is being fabricated in 0. 6µm CMOS technology.
Computer Simulation of Two-level Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Severe Thoracolumbar Kyphosis in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Background Advanced ankylosing spondylitis is often associated with thoracolumbar kyphosis, resulting in an abnormal spinopelvic balance and pelvic morphology. Different osteotomy techniques have been used to correct AS deformities, unfortunnaly, not all AS patients can gain spinal sagittal balance and good horizontal vision after osteotomy. Materials and Methods Fourteen consecutive AS patients with severe thoracolumbar kyphosis who were treated with two-level PSO were studied retrospectively. All were male with a mean age of 34.9 ± 9.6 years. The followup ranged from 1-5 years. Preoperative computer simulations using the Surgimap Spinal software were performed for all patients, and the osteotomy level and angle determined from the computer simulation were used surgically. Spinal sagittal parameters were measured preoperatively, after the computer simulation, and postoperatively and included thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS). The level of correlation between the computer simulation and postoperative parameters was evaluated, and the differences between preoperative and postoperative parameters were compared. The visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain and clinical outcome was also assessed. Results Six cases underwent PSO at L1 and L3, five cases at L2 and T12, and three cases at L3 and T12. TK was corrected from 57.8 ± 15.2° preoperatively to 45.3 ± 7.7° postoperatively ( P < 0.05), LL from 9.3 ± 17.5° to -52.3 ± 3.9° ( P < 0.001), SVA from 154.5 ± 36.7 to 37.8 ± 8.4 mm ( P < 0.001), PT from 43.3 ± 6.1° to 18.0 ± 0.9° ( P < 0.001), and SS from 0.8 ± 7.0° to 26.5 ± 10.6° ( P < 0.001). The LL, VAS, and PT of the simulated two-level PSO were highly consistent with, or almost the same as, the postoperative parameters. The correlations between the computer simulations and postoperative parameters were significant. The VAS decreased significantly from 6.1 ± 1.9 to 2.0 ± 1.1 ( P < 0.001). In terms of clinical outcome, 10 cases were graded “excellent” and 4 cases were graded “good. ” Conclusion Two-level PSO using a preoperative computer simulation is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for the treatment of severe thoracolumbar kyphosis in AS patients with normal cervical motion.
Convergence of Minds: For Better Patient Outcome in Intensive Care Unit Infections

Background: There is emergence of resistance to the last-line antibiotics such as carbapenems in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), leaving little effective therapeutic options. Since there are no more newer antibiotics in the armamentarium in the near future, it has become imperative that we harness the interdisciplinary knowledge for the best clinical outcome of the patient. Aims: The aim of the conference was to utilize the synergies between the clinical microbiologists and critical care specialists for better patient care and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: A combined continuing medical education program (CME) under the aegis of the Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists – Delhi Chapter and the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Delhi and national capital region was organized to share their expertise on the various topics covering epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention of hospital-acquired infections in ICUs. Results: It was agreed that synergy between the clinical microbiologists and critical care medicine is required in understanding the scope of laboratory tests, investigative pathway testing, hospital epidemiology, and optimum use of antibiotics. A consensus on the use of rapid diagnostics such as point-of-care tests, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, and molecular tests for the early diagnosis of infectious disease was made. It was agreed that stewardship activities along with hospital infection control practices should be further strengthened for better utilization of the antibiotics. Through this CME, we identified the barriers and actionables for appropriate antimicrobial usage in Indian ICUs. Conclusions: A close coordination between clinical microbiology and critical care medicine opens up avenues to improve antimicrobial prescription practices.
Surgical safety checklists: a review

Surgical checklists are designed to improve patient outcomes following surgery. While such checklists have been widely implemented worldwide, few studies examine surgical checklists within an Australian context. For this purpose, we have performed a literature review using data from OECD member nations to determine the effectiveness of surgical checklists in improving patient outcomes and factors that contribute to their successful implementation.
Cytokines Promote Wnt Signaling and Inflammation and Impair the Normal Differentiation and Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes*

Obesity with enlarged fat cells is associated with high local concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in the adipose tissue. We examined the effects of this inflammatory state on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte development and differentiation to mature adipose cells. Both IL-6 and TNFα impaired the normal differentiation pattern and lipid accumulation. However, IL-6 allowed a normal early induction of differentiation with inhibition of Wnt10b and Pref-1, whereas expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, in contrast to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, was markedly reduced. TNFα also allowed a normal early induction of differentiation, whereas the terminal differentiation to adipose cells was completely prevented. However, both cytokines induced an inflammatory phenotype of the cells but with different profiles. Remarkably, both IL-6 and TNFα maintained and augmented the canonical Wnt signaling associated with low axin and high low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRD), Dishevelled, and β-catenin levels. TNFα, but not IL-6, activated Wnt10b expression, whereas IL-6 increased the apparent phosphorylation of Dishevelled. Thus, both IL-6 and TNFα prevent the normal development of preadipocytes to fully differentiated adipose cells and, instead, promote an inflammatory phenotype of the adipocytes. These results provide an explanation as to why obesity and diabetes are associated with both local and systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and ectopic lipid accumulation.
Medigap regulation: lessons for health care reform.

Congress enacted legislation in 1990 that dramatically changed the rules for selling supplemental health insurance, or "Medigap" policies, to the elderly. Most notably, policy coverage was standardized. Insurance carriers are allowed to sell only the ten specified packages of benefits, which reduces consumer choice but facilitates comparison shopping. This legislation is important in its own right and also offers lessons for U.S. health care reform. To examine the changes brought about by this legislation and analyze their implications for health care reform, we conducted site visits to nine states and interviewed insurer representatives, executive branch officials, congressional staff, and various interest groups for two years.
IPO characteristics and underprincing in the Alternative Investment Market

ABSTRACT This study contributes to broadening knowledge concerning the underpricing of initial public offerings (IPOs) in second markets. In particular, we analyse the price formation process of IPOs on the first trading day for a sample of 567 IPOs placed in the London’s Alternative Investment Market. Our findings, after stating that underpricing is significantly positive, show that price variation, observed through the underpricing variable, is related to several offer-specific characteristics, such as subscription proportion, offering price and share adjustment. Underpricing is also related to several control variables (offering size, previous IPO number and previous market return).
Structure and Processivity of Two Forms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA Polymerase δ*

Yeast DNA polymerase δ (Polδ) consists of three subunits encoded by the POL3, POL31, andPOL32 genes. Each of these genes was cloned under control of the galactose-inducible GAL1–10 promoter and overexpressed in various combinations. Overexpression of all three genes resulted in a 30-fold overproduction of Polδ, which was identical in enzymatic properties to Polδ isolated from a wild-type yeast strain. Whereas overproduction of POL3 together withPOL32 did not lead to an identifiable Pol3p·Pol32p complex, a chromatographically distinct and novel complex was identified upon overproduction of POL3 andPOL31. This two-subunit complex, designated Polδ*, is structurally and functionally analogous to mammalian Polδ. The properties of Polδ* and Polδ were compared. A gel filtration analysis showed that Polδ* is a heterodimer (Pol3p·Pol31p) and Polδ a dimer of a heterotrimer, (Pol3p·Pol31p·Pol32p)2. In the absence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Polδ* showed a processivity of 2–3 on poly(dA)·oligo(dT) compared with 5–10 for Polδ. In the presence of PCNA, both enzymes were fully processive on this template. DNA replication by Polδ* on a natural DNA template was dependent on PCNA and on replication factor C. However, Polδ*-mediated DNA synthesis proceeded inefficiently and was characterized by frequent pause sites. Reconstitution of Polδ was achieved upon addition of Pol32p to Polδ*.
Lopinavir/ritonavir (ABT-378/r)

Despite major advances in HIV research, eradication of HIV from the body is not yet possible. However, current antiretroviral (ARV) therapy can achieve disease control via viral suppression below the limits of detection of currently available assays. This has led to a marked decline in morbidity and mortality associated with the development of opportunistic infections and malignancies. Since viral suppression appears to be the most achievable goal of current therapy, there arises a need for new and more potent ARV agents in order to maintain viral suppression. Many of the currently available protease inhibitors (PIs) have a high protein-binding ability, short plasma half-life [1] and pharmacokinetic interactions with food or other drugs [2]. This can result in sub-optimal plasma drug concentrations, which may allow the virus to break through and replicate, leading to the development of resistant mutants [1]. Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r; Kaletra®, Abbott Laboratories) is a new PI consisting of a co-formulation of lopinavir and low-dose ritonavir. The sub-therapeutic dose of ritonavir (a potent cytochrome P450 [CYP] 3A4 inhibitor) inhibits the metabolism of lopinavir, resulting in higher lopinavir concentrations than when lopinavir is administered alone [3]. This pharmacokinetic interaction is associated with a high lopinavir trough level:wild type median effective concentration (EC50) ratio and good general tolerability when compared with other currently licensed PIs [4]. The concept of pharmacokinetic enhancement – boosting – is not new as ritonavir has previously been utilised in this context with other PIs. The relationship between plasma and intracellular drug levels has yet to be clarified. What has been ascertained from pharmacokinetic studies thus far is the correlation between ARV trough plasma concentrations (Cmin) and virological outcome [5,6]. LPV/r exemplifies how the pharmacokinetic profile of a drug can be modified to attain sufficient Cmin to suppress pheno- and genotypically resistant viral strains, as well as provide a pharmacological barrier to the emergence of resistance [7]. LPV/r reduces pill-burden and aids compliance, as shown by encouraging results in the treatment of both ARV-naive and -experienced patients.