Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blood Transfusion Practice in a Referral Cardiovascular Center in Tehran, Iran: A Critical Point of View

Background: Unnecessary perioperative transfusions are likely to be related to increased morbidity and additional costs in cardiac surgery. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood transfusion practice during and after adult cardiac surgery in a referral university hospital in Iran. Patients and Methods: In a descriptive study, we collected data from 153 adult patients underwent cardiac surgery at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran from January to March 2013. The variables were patients’ demographic, operative and post-operative data and the numbers of transfused packed red blood cell (PC) units and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) during and after cardiac surgery. Then we evaluated patients’ and physicians’ related causes of relatively increased transfusion rate in our patients and compared them with literature. Results: Of 153 patients, 96.8% received PC and 54.9% transfused FFP during or after surgery. Most of the transfusions were done after operation in intensive care unit (ICU). Also, 20% and 17% of the patients underwent transfusion of more than 6 units of PC and FFP, respectively. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction of the patients was 42.5 ± 10.9%. A significant number of patients had anemia (especially women) or received anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents preoperatively. Thirteen percent of the patients underwent emergency operations and 12.3% had re-exploration. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the cardiac surgery patients receive a relatively greater number of PC or FFP units during and after the operation in our center. This finding may be explained to some extent by the fact that the sicker and more co-morbid patients referred to our center and such patients are more anemic and undergoing more emergent and complex procedures. Moreover, Transfusion strategy or protocol should be updated, especially after the operation in ICU.
Altered hip and trunk muscle function in individuals with patellofemoral pain

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of hip muscles in patellofemoral pain (PFP), specifically by investigating neuromotor control, strength and range of motion of the hip muscles. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: University laboratory. Patients: Ten participants diagnosed with PFP and 27 asymptomatic controls were recruited, using standard inclusion and exclusion criteria. Main outcome measures: Electromyographic activity of the vasti and anterior gluteus medius (GM) were recorded using surface electrodes and posterior GM using fine wire electrodes while the participant completed a stair-stepping task. Hip strength and trunk side flexion strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and hip range of motion with an inclinometer. Pain and disability measures were recorded for the PFP participants. Results: When individuals with PFP completed the stair-stepping task there was a delay in activation of both anterior and posterior GM (p<0.02) and an alteration in vasti control (p = 0.001). In addition, trunk side flexion strength was significantly less (29%) in individuals with PFP (p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that trunk side flexion strength and neuromotor control of the GM are affected in people with PFP. This study also confirms the presence of a delayed vastus medialis obliquus relative to vastus lateralis, providing further evidence underpinning the importance of retraining the vasti function in patients with PFP.
Load Profiling Method in Detecting non-Technical Loss Activities in a Power Utility

This paper presents comprehensive review on nontechnical losses, load profiles and data mining techniques that currently being used in effort to minimize the non-technical loss activities. It also presents on the contributing factors in load profiles of electricity customers, using the knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) procedure, to determine the load profiles for different types of customers. In this paper, the customer load profiles are compared based on the type of day, by analysing their differences in their consumption behaviour. The objective of this study is to use the load profiling methods and data mining techniques to classify, detect and predict non-technical losses in the distribution sector, due to faulty metering and billing errors, as well as to gather knowledge on customer behaviour and preferences so as to gain a competitive advantage in the electricity market. This paper focuses mainly on the development of framework analysis of the customer behaviour.
Ozone and heat-related mortality in Europe in 2050 significantly affected by changes in climate, population and greenhouse gas emission

Climate change is expected to increase to extreme temperatures and lead to more intense formation of near-surface ozone. Higher temperatures can cause heat stress and ozone is a highly oxidative pollutant; both increase cardiorespiratory mortality. Using greenhouse gas and ozone precursor emission scenarios, global and regional climate and chemistry-transport models, epidemiological data, and population projections, we projected ozone- and heat-related health risks under a changing climate. European near-surface temperature was modelled with the regional climate model (RCA4), forced by the greenhouse gas emission scenario RCP4.5 and the global climate model EC-EARTH, and near-surface ozone was modelled with the Multi-scale Atmospheric Transport and Chemistry (MATCH) model. Two periods were compared: recent climate in 1991–2000 and future climate in 2046–2055, projecting around a 2° increase in global temperatures by that time. Projections of premature mortality considered future climate, future population, and future emissions separately and jointly to understand the relative importance of their contributions. Ozone currently causes 55 000 premature deaths annually in Europe due to long-term exposure, including a proportion of the estimated 26 000 deaths per year due to short-term exposures. When only taking into account the impact of a changing climate, up to an 11% increase in ozone-associated mortality is expected in some countries in Central and Southern Europe in 2050. However, projected decreases in ozone precursor emissions are expected to result in a decrease in ozone-related mortality (−30% as EU average). Due to aging and increasingly susceptible populations, the decrease in 2050 would be smaller, up to −24%. During summer months, ozone risks could combine with increasing temperatures, especially during the hottest periods and in densely populated urban areas. While the heat burden is currently of the same order of magnitude as ozone, due to increasing temperatures and decreasing ozone precursor emissions, heat-related mortality could be twice as large as ozone-related mortality in 2050.
Circulating brain natriuretic peptide values in healthy men before and after exercise.

Circulating brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has recently served as a marker of left ventricular dysfunction, while treadmill exercise has been used clinically for assessing cardiac problems. The current study was undertaken to investigate the possible effect of exercise on circulating BNP concentrations. A total of 138 blood samples from 23 healthy men aged 23 to 27 years (mean, 25) was analyzed. All subjects maintained a similar diet and physical activity a week before the test. Plasma samples were drawn at baseline and immediately, 1 hour, 4 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after exercise. Every subject completed exercise according to the Bruce protocol with normal electrocardiogram (EKG) results. Specimens were simultaneously analyzed for concentrations of plasma BNP and other biochemical parameters including aldosterone (Aldo), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), triiodothyronine (T(3)), and thyroxine (T(4)). Hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hgb) were analyzed immediately after each sampling. A transient increase in plasma BNP was found immediately after exercise (8.21 v baseline value, 3.38 pg/mL, P <.01). Twenty-two percent (5/23 subjects) had values above the normal limit (18.2 pg/mL). The Hct-corrected concentrations of plasma BNP were also significantly increased immediately after exercise compared with the baseline values (0.17 +/- 0.04 v baseline, 0.07 +/- 0.01, P <.01), but returned rapidly to baseline. Weak, but significantly positive, relationships were found between plasma BNP and T(3) and T(4). Our study demonstrates that circulating BNP values increase immediately after treadmill exercise in young adults. The elevation did not result from exercise-induced hemoconcentration. BNP concentration, however, returned to normal levels within 1 hour after exercise. Thus, we suggest that plasma samples should not be taken immediately after exercise to avoid possible artifacts.
Discovery and Characterization of an Arabidopsis thaliana N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine Synthase*

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are lipids involved in several physiological processes in animal and plant cells. In brain, NAEs are ligands of endocannabinoid receptors, which modulate various signaling pathways. In plant, NAEs regulate seed germination and root development, and they are involved in plant defense against pathogen attack. This signaling activity is started by an enzyme called N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) synthase. This catalyzes the N-acylation of phosphatidylethanolamine to form NAPE, which is most likely hydrolyzed by phospholipase D β/γ isoforms to generate NAE. This compound is further catabolized by fatty amide hydrolase. The genes encoding the enzymes involved in NAE metabolism are well characterized except for the NAPE synthase gene(s). By heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and overexpression in plants, we characterized an acyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana (At1g78690p) catalyzing the synthesis of lipids identified as NAPEs (two-dimensional TLC, phospholipase D hydrolysis assay, and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analyses). The ability of free fatty acid and acyl-CoA to be used as acyl donor was compared in vitro with E. coli membranes and purified enzyme (obtained by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography). In both cases, NAPE was synthesized only in the presence of acyl-CoA. β-Glucuronidase promoter experiments revealed a strong expression in roots and young tissues of plants. Using yellow fluorescent protein fusion, we showed that the NAPE synthase is located in the plasmalemma of plant cells.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: Analysis of results by tear size and by repair technique-margin convergence versus direct tendon-to-bone repair.

PURPOSE The purpose of this article is 2-fold: To report the long-term functional results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (average, 3.5 years in this study), and to analyze results by tear size and repair technique (margin convergence v direct tendon-to-bone repair). TYPE OF STUDY Case series. METHODS Between September 1993 and April 1997, 62 patients had an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair performed by the senior author (S.S.B.). Of this group, 59 patients (59 shoulders) were available for follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative function were assessed by means of a modified UCLA scoring system. Tears were categorized according to size (greatest diameter, number of tendons involved, and pattern of tear [crescent shape v U-shape]). Crescent-shaped tears were repaired in a direct tendon-to-bone fashion and U-shaped tears were repaired by a margin-convergence technique. RESULTS Good and excellent results were achieved in 95% of the cases, regardless of tear size. The large and massive tears did as well as the small and medium-sized tears. That is, results were independent of tear size (P >.05). Results of tears repaired by margin convergence were not significantly different statistically from those repaired by direct tendon-to-bone repair (P >.05), validating the selection criteria of U-shaped tears for repair by margin convergence. There is a rapid return to full overhead function after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (average, 4 months for each tear size). Delay from injury to surgery, even of several years, did not adversely affect surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS (1) Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can achieve good and excellent results in a large percentage of patients (95% in this series). (2) Results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair are independent of tear size. (3) U-shaped tears repaired by margin convergence have results comparable to those of crescent-shaped tears repaired directly by a tendon-to-bone technique. (4) There is a rapid return to full overhead function after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (average, 4 months for all tear sizes). (5) A delay from injury to diagnosis, even of several years, is not a contraindication to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
Skeletal muscle cell activation by low‐energy laser irradiation: A role for the MAPK/ERK pathway

Low‐energy laser irradiation (LELI) has been shown to promote skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo and to activate skeletal muscle satellite cells, enhance their proliferation and inhibit differentiation in vitro. In the present study, LELI, as well as the addition of serum to serum‐starved myoblasts, restored their proliferation, whereas myogenic differentiation remained low. LELI induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) phosphorylation with no effect on its expression in serum‐starved myoblasts. Moreover, a specific MAPK kinase inhibitor (PD098059) inhibited the LELI‐ and 10% serummediated ERK1/2 activation. However, LELI did not affect Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) or p38 MAPK phosphorylation or protein expression. Whereas a 3‐sec irradiation induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, a 12‐sec irradiation reduced it, again with no effect on JNK or p38. Moreover, LELI had distinct effects on receptor phosphorylation: it caused phosphorylation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, previously shown to activate the MAPK/ERK pathway, whereas no effect was observed on tumor suppressor necrosis α (TNF‐α) receptor which activates the p38 and JNK pathways. Therefore, by specifically activating MAPK/ERK, but not JNK and p38 MAPK enzymes, probably by specific receptor phosphorylation, LELI induces the activation and proliferation of quiescent satellite cells and delays their differentiation. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Which fractures are associated with low appendicular bone mass in elderly women? The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group.

OBJECTIVE To determine which types of fractures have an increased incidence in elderly women with low appendicular bone mass. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Four clinical centers in the United States (Baltimore, Maryland; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Portland, Oregon; Monangehela Valley, Pennsylvania); and one coordinating center in San Francisco, California. SUBJECTS Ambulatory, nonblack women (9704) aged 65 years or more who were recruited from population-based listings. MEASUREMENTS We measured bone mass at the distal and proximal radius and calcaneus using single-photon absorptiometry. Fractures were verified radiographically. Associations were calculated as age-adjusted hazard ratios (with 95% Cls) per standard deviation decrease in bone mass. MAIN RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 2.23 years, 841 nonspinal fractures occurred in 753 women. The risks for fractures of the wrist, foot, humerus, hip, rib, toe, leg, pelvis, hand, and clavicle were significantly related to reduced bone mass (P less than 0.05). These fractures represented 74% of nonspinal fractures. The overall hazard ratio for the occurrence of one or more of these fractures was 1.65 (Cl, 1.49 to 1.82) at the distal radius. In a subsample of the cohort, vertebral fractures were also related to low bone mass. Fractures of the ankle, elbow, finger, and face, however, were not associated with bone mass at any measurement site; the overall hazard ratio for these fractures was 1.12 (Cl, 0.96 to 1.30) at the distal radius. CONCLUSION Most types of fractures have an increased incidence in elderly women with low bone mass.
Bioavailability and stability of nifedipine-enteric coating agent solid dispersion.

The absorption behavior and stability of nifedipine-enteric coating agent solid dispersions were studied using hydroxypropylmethylcellulosephthalate (HP-55) and methacrylic acid-methacrylic acid methyl ester copolymer (Eudragit L) as carriers. In the rat in situ absorption study, the dissolution behavior of HP-55 solid dispersion in the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed to be pH-dependent. After oral administration of these solid dispersions in beagle dog, area under the blood concentration curve (AUC) values were equivalent to that of polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersion, which showed remarkably improved dissolution behavior and bioavailability as compared with nifedipine alone. These systems were stable chemically and physically at 40 C and 40 C/80% R. H. during 6 months, and could be useful sustained absorption dosage forms with good bioavailability.
N-4-Tert-Butyl Benzyl Haloperidol Chloride Suppresses Ca2+-dependent Egr-1 Expression and Subsequently Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Induced by Angiotensin II

Background: N-4-Tert-Butyl benzyl haloperidol chloride (C3) was a novel calcium antagonist synthesized in our laboratory. The present study is to explore the effect of C3 on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and the mechanism involved. Methods: The effects of C3 on Ang II-induced cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration change, VSMC proliferation, the key early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1) were evaluated by laser scanning confocal microscopy, microtiter tetrazolium (MTT) proliferation assay, flow cytometry analysis, Western blot and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. An extracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA and antisense Egr-1 oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) were used to establish the relation between Ca2+-dependent Egr-1 expression induced by Ang II and VSMC proliferation. Results: C3 attenuated the Ang II-induced extracellular Ca2+ influx, inhibited VSMCs proliferation and arrested VSMCs in G1-phase. C3 also triggered a significant reduction in PDGF-A and cyclin D1, Cdk2 along with an overexpression of p21Cip1. Antisense Egr-1 ODNs inhibited VSMCs proliferation, which was related to G1-phase arrest, due to inhibiting the expression of Egr-1 and C3 inhibited the overexpression of Egr-1. Conclusion: Egr-1 may play a key role in Ang II-induced proliferation of VSMCs. C3 inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and the mechanism is involved with the inhibition of over-expression of Egr-1.
1H-Pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid

In the title compound, C5H5NO2, the pyrrole ring and its carboxyl substituent are close to coplanar, with a dihedral angle of 11.7 (3)° between the planes. In the crystal structure, adjacent molecules are linked by pairs of O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form inversion dimers. Additional N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link these dimers into chains extending along the a axis.
Effectiveness and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of spinal metastatic tumor

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of spinal metastatic tumor. Methods: Thirty-four patients with spinal metastatic tumor who received treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2014 to June 2015 were selected. Totally fifty diseased vertebrae were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty. The curative effects were evaluated according to visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Dability Index (ODI) and dose of pain reliever. The leakage conditions of bone cement and clinical complications were observed. The patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months. Results: The average VAS score and ODI 24 h after treatment were much lower than those before treatment, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05). The average VAS score and ODI at different follow-up periods after treatment were not significantly different (P>0.05). During follow up, nine patients stopped taking pain reliever, the dose of 18 patients had obvious reduction, and 7 patients kept previous dose; the incidence of bone cement leakage was 38.25%. Six patients had fever after surgery, but recovered after expectant treatment; 2 patients felt uncomfortable in the right lower limbs, but relieved after expectant treatment. Conclusion: Percutaneous vertebroplasty can relieve pain efficiently, improve the daily living ability, and significantly enhance the living quality of patients with spinal metastatic tumors, with small trauma and high safety.
Anandamide Uptake by Human Endothelial Cells and Its Regulation by Nitric Oxide*

Anandamide (AEA) has vasodilator activity, which can be terminated by cellular re-uptake and degradation. Here we investigated the presence and regulation of the AEA transporter in human umbelical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs take up AEA by facilitated transport (apparent K m = 190 ± 10 nm and V max = 45 ± 3 pmol·min−1·mg−1 protein), which is inhibited by α-linolenoyl-vanillyl-amide andN-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonoylamide, and stimulated up to 2.2-fold by nitric oxide (NO) donors. The NO scavenger hydroxocobalamin abolishes the latter effect, which is instead enhanced by superoxide anions but inhibited by superoxide dismutase andN-acetylcysteine, a precursor of glutathione synthesis. Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) causes a 4-fold activation of AEA transport into cells. The HUVEC AEA transporter contributes to the termination of a typical type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) -mediated action of AEA, i.e. the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, because NO/ONOO−donors and α-linolenoyl-vanillyl-amide/N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonoylamide were found to attenuate and enhance, respectively, this effect of AEA. Consistently, activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors by either AEA or the cannabinoid HU-210 caused a stimulation of HUVEC inducible NO synthase activity and expression up to 2.9- and 2.6-fold, respectively. Also these effects are regulated by the AEA transporter. HU-210 enhanced AEA uptake by HUVECs in a fashion sensitive to the NO synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. These findings suggest a NO-mediated regulatory loop between CB1 cannabinoid receptors and AEA transporter.