Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of Surgical Wound Infections Following Open Heart Surgery

Abstract Objective: To define accurate wound infection rates for the cardiac surgery service based on site of infection and characterization as “deep” or “incisional” and to determine whether a correctable cause for an apparent increase in deep wound infection rates existed. Design: Observational. Setting: Tertiary-care teaching hospital. Participants: All adults undergoing open heart surgery in 1988 and 1989. Interventions: Changed from razor to clipper preoperative hair removal in January 1989. Results: Deep sternotomy wound infections decreased significantly from 1.2% in 1988 to 0.2% in 1989 (p=.010) and deep venectomy (vein donor site) wound infections declined from 1.6% to 0.4% (p=.014) during the same time period. Incisional wound infection rates did not change. Patients with deep infections more likely required readmission or operation to treat their infection than those with incisional wound infections. The percentage of gram-negative organisms causing wound infections decreased from 56.3% in 1988 to 34.7% in 1989 (p= ,017). Conclusions: Preoperative hair removal using a clipper appears to have decreased the risk of deep wound infection compared with razor preparation. The dichotomous wound classification of “deep” and “incisional” distinguished between patients who required additional interventions for treatment of wound infections.
Cholestasis and the Role of Basolateral Efflux Pumps

ATP-dependent transport of biliary constituents, such as bile acids, reduced glutathione, and bilirubin glucuronosides across the hepatocyte canalicular membrane into bile represents the decisive driving force for the formation of biliary fluid. Functional characterization, cloning, and localization of hepatocellular transporter proteins has provided a molecular understanding of the mechanisms underlying bile flow and intrahepatic cholestasis. Genetic variants in humans and genetic knockout in rodents, or transporter inhibition have indicated that both the conjugate export pump MRP2 (multidrug resistance protein 2; ABCC2) and the bile salt export pump BSEP (ABCB11) are major contributors to bile acid-independent and bile acid-dependent bile flow, respectively. In humans, genetic variants of BSEP, leading to an impaired transport activity or localization of the protein in the canalicular membrane, are associated with severe intrahepatic cholestasis. Efflux pumps of the basolateral hepatocyte membrane, particularly MRP3 (multidrug resistance protein 3; ABCC3) and MRP4 (multidrug resistance protein 4; ABCC4) pump substances from hepatocytes into sinusoidal blood. These efflux pumps have been recognized in recent years to play an important compensatory role in cholestasis and to contribute to the balance between uptake and efflux of substances during the vectorial transport from sinusoidal blood into bile. This sinusoidal efflux not only enables subsequent renal elimination, but also re-uptake of substances into neighboring and more centrally located hepatocytes in the sinusoid.
Abdominal Complications and Sequelae after Breast Reconstruction with Pedicled TRAM Flap: Is There Still an Indication for Pedicled TRAM in the Year 2003?

Five years ago, we published our results on abdominal sequelae as related to pedicled flaps, dealing at that time with poor aesthetic results, scarring, and abdominal strength disorders.1 Today, the majority of the studies underscore the decrease of abdominal sequelae thanks to microsurgical techniques. Nevertheless, we are still performing pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps for autologous breast reconstructions. Since our last publication in 1997, 420 pedicled TRAM flaps for breast reconstruction have been performed. In this article, we compare these results with the results of the first series.
Intrasite Scheduling for Interference Avoidance in LTE

A novel method of intra-site interference avoidance is developed that seeks a balance between intra-site resource orthogonality and independent frequency selectivity. The method is compared against existing time and frequency selective scheduling approaches, as well as a static priority based interference avoidance scheme. The intra-site method promoted obtains better total and percentile throughputs compared to the schemes examined, and demonstrates the benefits that access to intra-site scheduling information can realise. Statistically robust results are obtained through system level simulations of LTE in the downlink direction only.
Exploratory Behavior: a Portuguese and British Study

The Exploratory Behavior (EB) concept was introduced in the early 1980’s (Raju, 1980; Raju and Venkatsen, 1980) to designate behavior aimed at modifying environmental stimulation. This concept originated in the psychology field with studies of individu-als’ internal need for stimulation. This literature suggests that individuals have a preferred (or optimal) stimulation level (OSL). When stimulation (complexity and/or arousal) falls below this level, individuals become bored and try to increase it to the desired level. Applied to marketing, when in this situation, consumers tend to seek more diversity in their information search activities and buying decisions. In contrast, when stimulation surpasses the optimal level, individuals try to reduce it to a more comfortable level (Hoyer and Ridgway, 1984; Price and Ridgway, 1983; Raju, 1980; Raju and Venkatsen, 1980). EB and OSL have been researched in numerous marketing contexts. However, the extant literature has some gaps that this paper seeks to address. First, we develop a nomological model that uses individual-level OSL-related antecedents to perceptions of risk. Raju’s exploratory tendency scale (1980), one of the most popular operationalizations of EB, has been tested mostly in single countries (e.g., USA: Ganesh, Arnold, and Reynolds 2000; Goodwin and Etgar 1980; Mehrabian and Russel 1974; Raju 1980). Rela-tively few have examined EB and OSL cross-culturally or in non-US settings (for exceptions, see Faison, 1980; Murray and Manrai, 1993). This study develops a model for EB and tests it with data from two countries, namely Portugal and the UK. In sum, to the best of our knowledge, our study is the first test of the nomological model, with two countries In our paper
The requirement for Cdc48/p97 in nuclear protein quality control degradation depends on the substrate and correlates with substrate insolubility

ABSTRACT Cdc48, known as p97 or valosin-containing protein (VCP) in mammals, is an abundant AAA-ATPase that is essential for many ubiquitin-dependent processes. One well-documented role for Cdc48 is in facilitating the delivery of ubiquitylated misfolded endoplasmic reticulum proteins to the proteasome for degradation. By contrast, the role for Cdc48 in misfolded protein degradation in the nucleus is unknown. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, degradation of misfolded proteins in the nucleus is primarily mediated by the nuclear-localized ubiquitin-protein ligase San1, which ubiquitylates misfolded nuclear proteins for proteasomal degradation. Here, we find that, although Cdc48 is involved in the degradation of some San1 substrates, it is not universally required. The difference in the requirement for Cdc48 correlates with the insolubility of the San1 substrate. The more insoluble the substrate, the more its degradation requires Cdc48. Expression of Cdc48-dependent San1 substrates in mutant cdc48 cells results in increased substrate insolubility, larger inclusion formation and reduced cell viability. Substrate ubiquitylation is increased in mutant cdc48 cells, suggesting that Cdc48 functions downstream of San1. Taken together, we propose that Cdc48 acts, in part, to maintain the solubility or reverse the aggregation of insoluble misfolded proteins prior to their proteasomal degradation.
The basement membrane matrix in malignancy

Cancer is the second most common cause of death among Americans, although for several age groups it ranks first. Most of these deaths are not due to the primary tumour but rather to tumour cell metastases to distant organs. There are many steps that lead to metastasis, all of which are being studied with the goal of preventing these fatalities. Normally, cells attach to the extracellular matrix to maintain tissue integrity. During cancer progression, cells become more motile and acquire invasive qualities. Tumour cells move along blood and lymph vessels or invade into them to travel to distant sites. Then, the tumour cells must attach to the vessel wall, extravasate from the vessel, invade the new tissue, proliferate, and form a secondary tumour. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is critical to survival of these cells at the new site and is also important for primary tumour growth and spread. Tumour cell metastasis is a complex cascade of sequential steps, each of which is not yet fully understood. Progress has been made in identifying several key activators, one of which is the extracellular matrix. A major tumour promoter is the glycoprotein laminin, which is predominantly found in the extracellular matrix produced by endothelial and epithelial cells. This review will follow the metastatic process with particular attention to the effect of laminin on tumour cells. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards interpretation of self organizing map for image segmentation

This paper provides an effective framework to interpret the data of self-organizing map (SOM). It is known that data clustering SOM is one of the most popular neural networks used for image segmentation. The interpretation of SOM output has to be further processed for obtaining segmented image. In the proposed method the SOM is used with extracted features data and the output is analyzed to obtain the best match units (BMU). The highest winners of BMU's are considered as a cluster representative. In the second stage the winner BMU's are filtered to derive the best cluster representative based on number of clusters and predefined Euclidean distance between the winners. Finally the clustering labeling is carried out with reference to cluster representative. This method has been tested with Berkeley's database and preliminary results are promising. The results have also been compared with FCM and K Means algorithms.
Comparison of Two‐Dimensional Echocardiography and Pulsed Doppler Tissue Imaging during Dobutamine‐Atropine Stress Testing to Detect Coronary Artery Disease

In order to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional (2‐D) echocardiography and pulsed Doppler tissue imaging (pDTI) during dobutamine‐atropine stress testing (DAST) to detect significant coronary lesions, 41 patients underwent DAST (up to 40 μg/k/min of dobutamine with additional atropine during submaximal heart rate responses) and coronary angiography. Pulsed Doppler tissue sampling of territories corresponding to the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx), and right coronary arteries (RCAs) were performed in the apical four‐chamber plus aorta and two‐chamber apical views. The measurements were repeated at rest, at low dose (10 μg/k/min), and at peak stress. Pulsed DTI measurements included peak early systolic (Vs), peak early diastolic (Ve), and peak late diastolic (Va) velocities. Harmonic 2‐D echocardiography was recorded at rest, low dose, peak stress, and recovery, and compared with pDTI assessment. Positive 2‐D echocardiography was considered as infarction or ischemic response. The results were evaluated for the prediction of significant coronary stenosis (50% luminal narrowing). Feasibility of pDTI was 100%, 95%, and 98% for the LAD, the LCx, and RCA territories, respectively. At rest, Vs in territories supplied by arteries with coronary artery disease (CAD) (6.3 ± 2.0 cm/sec) was not different from those without (6.6 ± 2.1 cm/sec). Vs increased less in territories supplied by arteries with than without CAD (75 ± 107% vs 102 ± 69%, P = NS). Ve was lower in territories with CAD at rest (6.0 ± 2.1 cm/sec vs 8.2 ± 3.4 cm/sec, P < 0.0001) and low dose (7.2 ± 2.1 cm/sec vs 8.8 ± 3.6 cm/sec, P < 0.01), but similar at peak stress (7.6 ± 3.5 cm/sec vs 8.1 ± 3.3 cm/sec). Ve increase was similar in territories with (36 ± 74%) than without CAD (15 ± 6 4%). Va was similar at rest and low dose in territories with and without CAD (9.2 ± 2.7 cm/sec vs 9.1 ± 2.3 cm/sec and 10.9 ± 3.1 vs 10.3 ± 3.6 cm/sec, respectively), but lower at peak stress in territories with CAD (13.3 ± 4.6 cm/sec vs 15.3 ± 4.5 cm/sec, P = 0.05). The Va increase was lower in territories with CAD (43 ± 37% vs 77 ± 72%, P < 0.05). In a territory‐based analysis, a failure to achieve Vs ≥ 10.5 cm/sec at peak stress in the LAD and LCx, and ≥ 10.0 cm/sec in the RCA territory, was found to be the more accurate limit to detect CAD in the corresponding arteries: sensitivity (95% confidence intervals): 63% (55–71), P = NS vs 2‐D echocardiography: 59% (51–67); specificity 76% (68–84), P < 0.01 vs 2‐D echocardiography: 95% (89–100); and accuracy 69% (63–75), P = NS vs 2‐D echocardiography: 76% (70–82). Thus, pDTI is feasible during DAST but not more accurate than 2‐D echocardiography for the detection of significant CAD in a territory‐based study.
Seasonal dynamics of chemokine receptors and CD62L in subjects with asymptomatic skin sensitization to birch and grass pollen

Background: Asymptomatic skin sensitization (AS) has been shown to be a risk factor for respiratory allergic disease. CCR4, CXCR1 and CD62L have all been assigned a role in the immunopathogenesis of allergy. Memory T‐cell expression of CCR4, CXCR1 and CD62L has not hitherto been investigated in subjects with AS.
Antibodies to Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase in Australian Children with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Their First-Degree Relatives

ABSTRACT: Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), previously known as the 64-kD pancreatic islet cell autoantigen, are an important serologie marker of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Antibodies to GAD (anti-GAD) were examined in sera from Australian children with newly diagnosed IDDM (within 1 mo of diagnosis), IDDM of longer duration (mean ± SD, 4.8 ± 3.3 y), and in first-degree relatives, using a radioimmuno-precipitation assay with purified porcine brain GAD as antigen. Antibodies to islet cell cytoplasmic antigens (ICAb) were tested concurrently. The frequency of anti-GAD was not significantly different in children with newly diagnosed IDDM (31 of 42, 74%) and with IDDM of longer duration (14 of 21, 67%), whereas ICAb were present more frequently in children with newly diagnosed IDDM (64%) than in those with longer duration IDDM (14%). In all, 90% of children with newly diagnosed IDDM had either anti-GAD or ICAb, whereas only 48% had both. For the 77 first-degree relatives, the frequency of anti-GAD was 2% (one of 44) in parents and 6% (two of 33) in siblings; ICAb were not detected in any of these relatives. The presence of anti-GAD in the majority of children with IDDM, irrespective of the duration of their disease, represents a useful diagnostic marker for IDDM, and should be of value in ascertaining individuals at risk for developing IDDM.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: RESPIRATORY DISTRESS AND CARDIAC DISEASE IN INFANCY.

THE commonly recognized causes of respiratory distress during infancy are pulmonary or tracheobronchial pathology, cardiac failure, and cerebral disease. The various mechanisms by which cardiac disease may produce increased respiratory effort are not, however, generally appreciated, with resultant confusion in the management of the underlying problem. The major pathological physiologic disturbances producing respiratory distress (in association with heart disease) are pulmonary edema and severe metabolic acidosis. Pulmonary edema occurs either in left ventricular failure or in association with lesions resulting in an obstruction of the pulmonary venous return. Metabolic acidosis is related to severe hypoxia which is the major manifestation of several types of cardiac anomaly. The respiratory pattern associated with pulmonary edema is that of tachypnea to rates of 60-100/min, with initially only mild increased effort. Rales are not usually heard until a considerable amount of fluid has entered the alveoli; thus absence of this clinical sign does not exclude the diagnosis. In advanced pulmonary edema, marked air hunger appears and in young infants head retraction with gasping respiration may occur, presenting an appearance of an obstructed airway. Cyanosis is usually only of mild degree unless associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Left ventricular failure and pulmonary venous congestion are far more frequently observed in heart disease in infancy than right-sided failure. It is surprising that most descriptions of heart failure in infancy stress hepatomegaly as one of the earliest signs of failure. However, respiratory distress as manifested by tachypnea and dyspnea is usually the first evidence of cardiac failure in infancy, and hepatomegaly and other evidences of right-sided failure occur much later.
An immunodominant 90-kilodalton Aspergillus fumigatus antigen is the subunit of a catalase

We have identified, purified, and characterized structurally and functionally a 90-kDa immunodominant antigen associated with the water-soluble fraction of Aspergillus fumigatus. This antigen is recognized by 90.3% of serum samples from patients with aspergilloma and should be considered either by itself or better in combination with other purified antigens as a candidate for developing a standardized immunoassay for the detection of aspergilloma. p90 is a glycoprotein containing at least two two N-linked sugar chains of 2 and 5 kDa, respectively, which are not necessary for its reactivity with aspergilloma serum samples. Using specific anti-p90 rabbit serum, we have demonstrated that under native conditions, p90 exists in oligomeric form and has associated catalase activity. This activity is resistant to extreme temperatures (> 60 degrees C), reducing agents (40 mM dithiothreitol), high concentrations of denaturing agents such as 8 M urea and 8% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and treatments with ethanol-chloroform-water (5:3:10 [vol/vol]) mixtures.
Keratoconus management: long-term stability of topography-guided normalization combined with high-fluence CXL stabilization (the Athens Protocol).

PURPOSE To investigate refractive, topometric, pachymetric, and visual rehabilitation changes induced by anterior surface normalization for keratoconus by partial topography-guided excimer laser ablation in conjunction with accelerated, high-fluence cross-linking. METHODS Two hundred thirty-one keratoconic cases subjected to the Athens Protocol procedure were studied for visual acuity, keratometry, pachymetry, and anterior surface irregularity indices up to 3 years postoperatively by Scheimpflug imaging (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). RESULTS Mean visual acuity changes at 3 years postoperatively were +0.38 ± 0.31 (range: -0.34 to +1.10) for uncorrected distance visual acuity and +0.20 ± 0.21 (range: -0.32 to +0.90) for corrected distance visual acuity. Mean K1 (flat meridian) keratometric values were 46.56 ± 3.83 diopters (D) (range: 39.75 to 58.30 D) preoperatively, 44.44 ± 3.97 D (range: 36.10 to 55.50 D) 1 month postoperatively, and 43.22 ± 3.80 D (range: 36.00 to 53.70 D) up to 3 years postoperatively. The average Index of Surface Variance was 98.48 ± 43.47 (range: 17 to 208) pre-operatively and 76.80 ± 38.41 (range: 7 to 190) up to 3 years postoperatively. The average Index of Height Decentration was 0.091 ± 0.053 μm (range: 0.006 to 0.275 μm) preoperatively and 0.057 ± 0.040 μm (range: 0.001 to 0.208 μm) up to 3 years postoperatively. Mean thinnest corneal thickness was 451.91 ± 40.02 μm (range: 297 to 547 μm) preoperatively, 353.95 ± 53.90 μm (range: 196 to 480 μm) 1 month postoperatively, and 370.52 ± 58.21 μm (range: 218 to 500 μm) up to 3 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The Athens Protocol to arrest keratectasia progression and improve corneal regularity demonstrates safe and effective results as a keratoconus management option. Progressive potential for long-term flattening validates using caution in the surface normalization to avoid overcorrection.
Cinnamon: Mystic powers of a minute ingredient

Cinnamon, due to its exotic flavor and aroma, is a key ingredient in the kitchen of every household. From the beginning of its use in 2800 BC by our ancestors for various purposes such as anointment, embalming and various ailments, it has instigated the interest of many researchers. Recently many trials have explored the beneficial effects of cinnamon in Parkinsons, diabetes, blood, and brain. After extensive research on PubMed and Google scholar, data were collected regarding its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antilipemic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer effect. This systematic review underlines the surplus health benefits of this clandestine ingredient and the scope of further research in these clinical scenarios.
Efficacy of anthelmintic treatment in captive-reared black stilts (Himantopus novaezelandiae) released to the wild

Abstract AIMS: To assess the efficacy of praziquantel (PZQ) administered to control helminths in captive-reared critically endangered black stilts (Himantopus novaezelandiae) before their release into the wild and determine the effect on their survival shortly after release. METHODS: Of 77 captive black stilts, 37 were treated with PZQ prior to release into the wild in South Canterbury, New Zealand, in August and September 2007. Faecal helminth egg counts (FEC) were measured before and after anthelmintic treatment, and before and after release to the wild using modified faecal flotation and sedimentation methods. In addition, total helminth counts were determined in 11 of the birds that died following release, as well as four captive and 11 other wild stilts. RESULTS: The efficacy of PZQ against trematodes was 92% and against Capillaria spp. was 34%. No trematode or Capillaria spp. eggs were detected in treated birds 1 day after treatment, but FEC increased 3–5 days after treatment. There were no differences in the total helminth counts for trematodes, cestodes or Capillaria spp. in control or treated birds (p>0.2). Survival did not differ between treatment groups in the August or September releases (p>0.4). Of control and treated birds, 11/17 (65%) and 8/14 (57%) survived to 31 days, respectively, in the August release, and 16/20 (80%) and 10/15 (67%) survived to 84 days, respectively, in the September release. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results suggest that PZQ treatment may be an unnecessary cost and the risks of producing anthelmintic resistance, injuring the birds during processing or producing an unnecessary stress response at the time of release could exceed any likely benefits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is recommended that pre-release anthelmintic treatment of black stilts should be used only if indicated by health screening. Any treatment should incorporate annual efficacy testing to monitor the emergence of anthelmintic resistance.