Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Massive pericardial effusion and rhabdomyolysis secondary to untreated severe hypothyroidism: the first report

Abstract Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease with various clinical manifestations. It is a rare cause for rhabdomyolysis and massive pericardial effusion. We describe a case of severe hypothyroidism secondary to autoimmune hashimoto thyroiditis with massive pericardial effusion and rhabdomyolysis. Improvement of mentioned complications after hypothyroidism treatment and rule out of other possible causes are supportive clues that hypothyroidism is the main cause of patient’s rare presentation. With the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of rhabdomyolysis and massive pericardial effusion coincidence in a patient of adult population with primary uncontrolled hypothyroidism for years.
Diffusion Hashing

With the worldwide spread of the broadband Internet, massive multimedia data including texts, images, and videos are increasing explosively and available for interactive applications over the Internet. At the same time, more and more attention has been paid to aiming at fast retrieval from massive multimedia databases. Hash-based Approximate Nearest Neighbor (ANN) search is a technology that achieves fast retrieval by regarding the hash key as a retrieval index, where the similarity of data is maintained and embedded in the neighborhood of the hash key. In other words, the closer the Hamming codes between hash keys, the more similar the data become. In general, short binary codes are preferred for storing hash keys and values. The difficulty is to define the similarity between data and reflect it in binary codes. In this paper, we propose Diffusion Hashing (DH) as a novel ANN search technique based on hashing with an anisotropic diffusion kernel. DH aims to transform the search index into as short binary codes as possible, preserving the similarity induced by random walk on the data manifold in higher dimensional space. From comparative experiments, we will demonstrate that DH outperforms previously known hash-based ANN search techniques including Locality Sensitive Hashing and Spectral Hashing.
Platelet activity of residual blood remained in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit after cardiac surgery.

AIM We measured the platelet count and platelet function in residual blood in the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit after cpb and compared them with data before CPB operation. METHODS The subjects included 34 cases of patients subjected to CPB surgery. The residual blood was concentrated by ultrafiltration after CPB, collected in the bag and the platelet count and platelet activity was measured. ADP 2, 5, 10 microM was used as agonists and measurement was made by turbidimetry. RESULTS The mean value of the platelet count was 18.3+/-5.65x10(4)/mm(3) before surgery and 17.2+/-8.39x10(4)/mm(3) in the residual blood, there is no difference. Concerning the platelet aggregation activity, the maximum aggregation rate decreased significantly with ADP 2 microM from 47.4+/-19.6% before surgery to 27.1+/-17.2% in the residual blood (p<0.01). Likewise, it decreased significantly with ADP 5 and 10 microM. The reduction rate of the platelet aggregation activity was higher in the group of not less than 100 minutes compared with the group of less than 100 minutes, but no significant difference was found. CONCLUSION Autotransfusing whole blood per se without the "cell saver" treatment is more advantageous to keep hemostasis function after surgery since many platelets having the aggregation activity exist in residual blood in the CPB circuit.
GABA‐dependent generation of ectopic action potentials in the rat hippocampus

Intracellular recordings from CA3 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampus in a slice preparation revealed the occurrence of interictal epileptiform discharges and synchronous GABA‐mediated potentials during application of 4‐aminopyridine (4AP, 50 μm). The synchronous GABA‐mediated potential consisted of a sequence of early hyperpolarization, long‐lasting depolarization (LLD), and late hyperpolarization. Action potentials of variable amplitude occurred at the peak of the early hyperpolarization and during the LLD rising phase (48 of 64 cells); they were not prevented by membrane hyperpolarization and displayed inflections that were reminiscent of the initial segment‐somatodendritic (IS‐SD) fractionation. Interictal discharges were blocked by excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists, while both GABA‐mediated potentials and action potentials of variable amplitude continued to occur (n = 10). The latter events were still recorded in the presence of the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP‐35348 (0.5–1 mm, n = 4), but were abolished by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BMI, 10 μm, n = 5). Localized application of BMI (20 μm, n = 6) or tetrodotoxin (TTX, 5 μm, n = 3) to the CA1 stratum radiatum blocked the variable amplitude action potentials; these effects were not seen when BMI (n = 4) or TTX (n = 4) were applied to the CA3 stratum radiatum, although both procedures made LLDs disappear. Our findings indicate that action potentials of variable amplitude recorded from CA3 pyramidal cells in the 4AP model are generated at or near the terminal region of the Schaffer collaterals and that they represent TTX‐sensitive ectopic events. These action potentials are generated at this site by a BMI‐sensitive (and thus GABAA‐mediated) mechanism. We propose that the ectopic action potentials reflect an increased excitability of axon terminals that is presumably caused by [K+]o elevations associated with the 4AP‐induced synchronous GABA‐mediated potential.
Exercise and lymphocyte activation following chemotherapy for breast cancer.

PURPOSE To determine whether exercise training would increase lymphocyte activation in patients with breast cancer following chemotherapy. Activation was determined by the presence of CD4(+)CD69(+) T-helper lymphocytes, mitogen-induced proliferation, and levels of cytokines produced by mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes and in the patients' plasma. METHODS Patients with breast cancer (N = 28) who participated in a 6-month exercise program were compared with patients (N = 21) who did not exercise. Following chemotherapy, and 3 and 6 months later, patients underwent fitness evaluations and had blood drawn. The exercise program consisted of resistance training and aerobic activity at 60-75% functional capacity three times a week with a personal trainer. Immunochemistry and flow cytometry were used to measure the number of CD4(+)CD69(+) blood lymphocytes. Whole blood was stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA), phytohemagglutin (PHA), or pokeweed mitogen (PWM) to determine proliferation potential. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine the concentration of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the culture medium of mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes as well as the plasma concentrations of IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor, soluble gp130, and IFN-gamma. Analysis of groups across time was done using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and comparisons of groups were done using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The exercising patients showed increases in maximal oxygen uptake and upper body strength. This group also showed a greater percentage of CD4(+)CD69(+) cells and a greater level of tritiated thymidine incorporation (DNA synthesis) when stimulated with ConA, PHA, and PWM at the end of the intervention. Plasma and mitogen-stimulated IL-6 and IFN-gamma production were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION Exercise may improve immune function by increasing lymphocyte activation in patients with breast cancer following treatment.
Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of acetylcysteine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND Free radicals may play a role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of the free radical scavenging agent acetylcysteine in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of treatment with acetylcysteine on survival and disease progression. SETTING A university hospital referral setting. PATIENTS One hundred ten consecutive patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, followed up at monthly intervals for 12 months. INTERVENTION Acetylcysteine or placebo in a dose of 50 mg/kg per day subcutaneously for 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Survival. RESULTS After 12 months, 35 patients (65%) treated with acetylcysteine and 30 (54%) given placebo were still alive (hazard ratio, 0.74 in the acetylcysteine group relative to the placebo group; 95% confidence interval, 0.41 to 1.33; log-rank test, P = .31). Rates of disease progression, as expressed by decline in muscle strength, pulmonary function, disability, and bulbar function were similar in both groups. In the subgroup of 81 patients with limb onset of the disease, 28 patients (74%) in the acetylcysteine group and 22 (51%) in the placebo group survived 12 months (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.24 to 1.04; P = .06). In the bulbar subgroup of 29 patients, seven patients (44%) receiving acetylcysteine and eight (62%) receiving placebo were alive at the end of the study (hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 4.99; P = .36). CONCLUSION In this trial, treatment with the free radical scavenger acetylcysteine did not result in a major increase in 12-month survival or a reduction in disease progression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Multiple model–based fault detection and diagnosis for helicopter with actuator faults via quantum information technique

A multiple model–based fault detection and diagnosis approach for a helicopter with actuator faults and disturbances is developed in this article. Particularly, the actuator is locked in-place and does not respond to subsequent commands. A multiple model scheme is proposed to detect and isolate the faults. In the multiple model scheme, a series of parallel observers are constructed, each of which is based on a model that describes the system in the presence of a particular actuator fault. In addition, quantum information technique is used to choose which model matches the current system. Furthermore, to estimate the locked position, a robust fast adaptive fault estimation algorithm based on linear matrix inequality technique is proposed by considering the disturbances. Finally, the simulation results show the efficiency of this scheme.
Simulation to Assess the Safety of New Healthcare Teams and New Facilities

Introduction: Our institution recently opened a satellite hospital including a pediatric emergency department. The staffing model at this facility does not include residents or subspecialists, a substantial difference from our main hospital. Our previous work and published reports demonstrate that simulation can identify latent safety threats (LSTs) in both new and established settings. Using simulation, our objective was to define optimal staff roles, refine scope of practice, and identify LSTs before facility opening. Methods: Laboratory simulations were used to define roles and scope of practice. After each simulation, teams were debriefed using video recordings. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index was completed by each participant to measure perceived workload. Simulations were scored for team behaviors by video reviewers using the Mayo High Performance Team Scale. Subsequent in situ simulations focused on identifying LSTs and monitoring for unintended consequences from changes made. Results: Twenty-four simulations were performed over 3 months before the hospital opening. Laboratory debriefing identified the need to modify provider responsibilities. National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index scores and debriefings demonstrated that the medication nurse had the greatest workload during resuscitations. Modifying medication delivery was deemed critical. Lower Mayo High Performance Team Scale scores, implying less teamwork, were noted during in situ simulations. In situ sessions identified 37 LSTs involving equipment, personnel, and resources. Conclusions: Simulation can help determine provider workload, refine team responsibilities, and identify LSTs. This pilot project provides a template for evaluation of new teams and clinical settings before patient exposure.
Experimental manipulation of egg carotenoids affects immunity of barn swallow nestlings

The yolk of bird eggs contains maternal carotenoids that may act as antioxidants thus influencing offspring performance and survival. However, to our knowledge, this hypothesis has not been subjected to experimental tests and the function of transmission of carotenoids to the egg is largely unknown. We directly manipulated the concentration of the main carotenoid (lutein) in the eggs of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and analysed the effect of experimental manipulation on growth of nestlings and two fundamental components of their acquired immunity. Nestlings hatched from lutein–inoculated eggs had larger T–cell–mediated immune response compared with those of two control groups. T–cell–mediated immune response predicted nestling survival until fledging. However, lutein inoculation did not affect antibody response to an immunogen, body mass, tarsus length or plumage development. Nestling body mass and plumage development declined with egg laying order, but the effects of lutein inoculation were independent of egg laying order for all traits. Our results show that maternal yolk carotenoids can have a major effect in promoting a fundamental component of immunity that predicts offspring survival and suggests that adaptive early maternal effects can be mediated by transmission of antioxidants to eggs.
Tissue concentrations and bioactivity of amphotericin B in cancer patients treated with amphotericin B-deoxycholate

We have studied amphotericin B concentrations in tissues of 13 cancer patients who died after having received 75 to 1,110 mg (total dose) of amphotericin B-deoxycholate for suspected or proven disseminated fungal infection. Amphotericin B concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and by bioassay, the latter being done on tissue homogenates as well as on tissue methanolic extracts. The fungistatic and fungicidal titers of the tissue homogenates were also tested against three strains of Candida albicans and one strain of Aspergillus fumigatus. Tissue concentrations of amphotericin B measured by HPLC varied with the tested tissues as well as with the total dose of amphotericin B-deoxycholate administered and ranged from 0.4 to 147.1 micrograms/g. A mean of 38.3% (range, 23.0 to 51.3%) of the total dose was recovered by HPLC from all of the tested organs. Bioassay of tissue methanolic extracts reached 58 to 81% of the concentration measured by HPLC, whereas only 15 to 41% was recovered from the homogenates. Overall, 27.5% of the total dose was recovered from the liver, 5.2% was recovered from the spleen, 3.2% was recovered from the lungs, and 1.5% was recovered from the kidneys. The median concentration in bile was 7.3 micrograms/ml, suggesting that biliary excretion could contribute to amphotericin B elimination to an estimated range of 0.8 to 14.6% of the daily dose. Fungicidal titers were seldom measured in tissues, but fungistatic titers were observed and were linearly correlated with amphotericin B concentration measured by HPLC. In conclusion, only a small proportion of the amphotericin B administered as amphotericin B-deoxycholate to patients seems diffusible and bioactive.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel retinoblastoma-binding protein.

We describe the isolation and characterization of a novel cDNA encoding a polypeptide that interacts in a yeast two-hybrid system as well as in mammalian cells with the retinoblastoma (RB) protein. This new protein, which we call Rim, consists of 897 amino acids, has two leucine zipper motifs, and has a LECEE sequence previously identified as an RB-binding domain. Rim also has an E1A/CtBP-binding motif and four putative nuclear localization signals. Rim mRNA is expressed ubiquitously at low levels in all human adult tissues tested and at much higher levels in several tumor cell lines. The Rim gene (HGMW-approved symbol RBBP8) is localized on human chromosome 18q11.2.
Modeling and control of hybrid power-train systems with a PEM fuel cell and supercapacitor

This paper deals with the modeling of a hybrid system with a PEM fuel cell as the main source and supercapacitors as the auxiliary source. A static model of PEM fuel cell is used to simplify the hybrid model. The dynamic models of the other parts of the hybrid system are built according to physical principles. The PID regulators are adopted in hybrid system control. The proposed control algorithm does not need to define the operating mode with load changes. A good performance of this control strategy is illustrated in simulation.
Minke whale acoustic behavior and multi-year seasonal and diel vocalization patterns in Massachusetts Bay, USA

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a rapidly growing field, providing valuable insights in marine ecology. The approach allows for long-term, species-specific monitoring over a range of spatial scales. For many baleen whales fundamental information on seasonal occurrence and distribution is still missing. In this study, pulse trains produced by the North Atlantic minke whale, a highly mobile and cryptic species, are used to examine its seasonality, diel vocalization patterns and spatial distribution throughout the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS), USA. Three and a half years (2006, 2007 to 2010) of near continuous passive acoustic data were analyzed using automated detection methods. Random forests and cluster analyses grouped pulse trains into 3 main categories (slow-down, constant and speed-up), with several sub- types. Slow-down pulse trains were the most commonly recorded call category. Minke whale pulse train occurrence was highly seasonal across all years. Detections were made from August to November, with 88% occurring in September and October. No detections were recorded in January and February, and only few from March to June. Minke whale pulse trains showed a dis- tinct diel pattern, with a nighttime peak from approximately 20:00 to 01:00 h Eastern Standard Time (EST). The highest numbers of pulse trains were detected to the east of Stellwagen Bank, suggesting that minke whales travel preferably in deeper waters along the outer edge of the sanc- tuary. These data show that minke whales consistently use Stellwagen Bank as part of their migra- tion route to and from the feeding grounds. Unlike other baleen whales in this area they do not appear to have a persistent year-round acoustic presence.
The Relationship Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Aortic Stiffness in Women with Central Obesity.

PURPOSE To examine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and aortic stiffness in women with central obesity. The secondary purpose was to examine whether traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors mediate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and aortic stiffness. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty-seven centrally obese women (age, 42 ± 9 years, [body mass index (BMI)] 28 ± 3 kg/m(2)) participated in this cross-sectional study. Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference >85 cm. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was obtained from the carotid and femoral pulse sites using applanation tonometry to measure aortic stiffness. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 Max) was estimated using a submaximal walk test and taken as a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Potential correlates of both cardiorespiratory fitness and aortic stiffness examined in this study included the following: triglycerides (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and pulsatile load (i.e., heart rate × aortic pulse pressure [aPP]). RESULTS Pearson's bivariate correlations indicated that estimated VO2 Max was inversely associated with PWV (r = -0.330, p < 0.05). Using hierarchical multiple regression, the association between estimated VO2 Max and PWV was no longer significant after controlling for traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, age, BMI, TG, CRP, HOMA-IR, and pulsatile load (β = 0.121, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION In centrally obese women, cardiorespiratory fitness was inversely associated with aortic stiffness. Associations were not independent of traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This suggests that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may indirectly reduce aortic stiffness through its beneficial effects on traditional and nontraditional CVD risk factors in women with central obesity.
Aggregicoccus edonensis gen. nov., sp. nov., an unusually aggregating myxobacterium isolated from a soil sample.

A novel myxobacterium, MCy1366(T) (Ar1733), was isolated in 1981 from a soil sample collected from a region near Tokyo, Japan. It displayed general myxobacterial features like Gram-negative-staining, rod-shaped vegetative cells, gliding on solid surfaces, microbial lytic activity, fruiting-body-like aggregates and myxospore-like structures. The strain was mesophilic, aerobic and showed a chemoheterotrophic mode of nutrition. It was resistant to many antibiotics such as cephalosporin C, kanamycin, gentamicin, hygromycin B, polymyxin and bacitracin, and the key fatty acids of whole cell hydrolysates were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 2-OH. The genomic DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 65.6 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed highest similarity (97.60 %) to 'Stigmatella koreensis' strain KYC-1019 (GenBank accession no. EF112185). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and MALDI-TOF MS data revealed a novel branch in the family Myxococcaceae. DNA-DNA hybridization showed only 28 % relatedness between the novel strain and the closest recognized species, Corallococcus exiguus DSM 14696(T) (97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). A recent isolate from a soil sample collected in Switzerland, MCy10622, displayed 99.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with strain MCy1366(T) and showed almost the same characteristics. Since some morphological features like fruiting-body-like aggregates were barely reproducible in the type strain, the newly isolated strain, MCy10622, was also intensively studied. On the basis of a comprehensive taxonomic study, we propose a novel genus and species, Aggregicoccus edonensis gen. nov., sp. nov., for strains MCy1366(T) and MCy10622. The type strain of the type species is MCy1366(T) ( = DSM 27872(T) = NCCB 100468(T)).