Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of the Ontario Prehospital Stroke Screening Tool for the Identification of Patients with Acute Stroke

Background. In 2005, a prehospital stroke screening tool was implemented in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Patients identified by paramedics through the use of this tool in the field were transported to a regional stroke center under an acute stroke protocol. Objective. To determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of the Ontario Prehospital Stroke Screening Tool for identification of acute stroke at a single stroke center. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients transported to a regional stroke center under the prehospital acute stroke protocol over a 12-month period. Final diagnoses, treatments, andoutcomes were abstracted from a provincial registry. Rates of fibrinolysis were compared with those for the 12-month period prior to implementation of the stroke protocol. Results. Three hundred twenty-five patients were triaged under the emergency medical services (EMS) acute stroke protocol over the study period. The PPV of the screening tool was 89.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7–92.7%) for acute stroke. Thirty-four patients (11%) had nonstroke conditions, with the most common being seizure (4%). The rate of administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for all patients with suspected stroke increased from 5.9% to 10.1% (p = 0.04) compared with the rate in the 12-month period prior to implementation of the acute stroke protocol. The tPA rate for patients arriving under the stroke protocol was 17.2%. Most patients (75%) receiving tPA arrived from outside the hospital catchment area. Conclusions. In this preliminary study, the Ontario Prehospital Stroke Screening Tool had a high PPV for acute stroke andappeared to be effective for identifying patients who required triage to a single regional stroke center. Following implementation of a citywide acute stroke protocol using this screening tool, we observed an increase in the number of patients who were eligible for andreceived fibrinolysis at our stroke center
Impact of Residual Renal Function on Volume Status in Chronic Renal Failure

During the past few years, it has become increasingly evident that residual renal function (RRF) is an important and independent predictor of poor outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although the causes of this observation are not fully understood, it appears that the loss of RRF impairs both fluid removal and clearance of solutes, which in turn leads to uremic toxicity and increased morbidity and mortality. There is increasing evidence that patients with CKD develop signs of fluid overload already in the early phases of the disease, and this may be a stimulus for inflammatory activation. Recently, an inflammatory component was identified in uremic atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), which have been consistently associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with CKD. Signs of systemic inflammation occur in parallel to the impairment in renal function, and the pathophysiology is most likely multifactorial, including a decrease in cytokine clearance, advanced glycation end-product accumulation, oxidative stress, and principal fluid overload. Additionally, inflammation seems to be a predictor of accelerated loss of renal function. In this article, we discuss the evidence showing that patients with CKD generally have fluid overload, the mechanisms by which impaired renal function may lead to a chronic inflammatory state, and the available information linking fluid overload to accelerated loss of renal function and CVD through inflammation. Inflammation may lead to the development of complications of CKD, in particular CVD, but on the other hand may also lead to a faster progression of renal disease. Strategies aiming to reduce fluid overload may be useful to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but also preserve RRF.
Bone mineral density in patients with endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism: Is this thyroid status a risk factor for osteoporosis?

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether endogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism due to a solitary autonomously functioning thyroid nodule affects bone metabolism and is a risk factor for osteoporosis. DESIGN In a cross‐sectional study measurements of bone mineral density were performed in premenopausal and post‐menopausal women. Patients were categorized into non‐toxic nodular goitre (n= 32), subclinical hyperthyroid (n= 37) and toxic solitary autonomous thyroid nodule (n= 22) subgroups and the results were compared with those of sex and age‐matched control reference population (n= 68).
Increased plasma levels of endothelin in diabetic patients with hypertension.

In order to gain insight into the potential role of endothelin, a 21 amino acid peptide produced by endothelial cells, in the development of complications of diabetes mellitus, basal plasma endothelin levels were measured in 152 patients with diabetes mellitus (83 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 69 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) and compared to those in 50 healthy controls. Blood was drawn at 8:00 AM under resting conditions and endothelin was measured after prior extraction by a sensitive radioimmunoassay specific for both endothelin 1 and 2. Endothelin levels were increased in patients with diabetes mellitus in comparison to controls. In type 1 diabetes mellitus a positive correlation between endothelin levels and age was found. We found that 60% of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and elevated endothelin levels higher than 2.5 pg/mL (highest value in a control person) had had diabetes for more than 20 years (P less than .05 v patients with normal endothelin levels). In type 2 diabetes mellitus the relation between elevated endothelin levels and diabetes duration was reversed. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) concentrations above 10% of total hemoglobin were measured in 62% of the patients. Arterial hypertension was present in 60% of the patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and increased endothelin levels greater than 2.5 pg/mL (both P less than .05 v patients with normal endothelin levels). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Histidine Transport into Rat Brain Synaptosomes

Abstract: Histidine transport and metabolism in rat brain synptosomes were investigated to study the possible role of histidine uptake in the synthesis of the putative neurotransmitter histamine (HA). Histidine uptake was found to be regionally distributed and temperature sensitive and was not totally independent of sodium or possium ions. Transport was inhibited by metabolic inhibitors, as well as by promethazine and quinacrine. A number of other HA‐related agents and several histidine metabolites had no effect. Kinetic analyses of histidine transport revealed the presence of both high‐ and lowaffinity systems in cerebral cortex. Histidine uptake increased following preexposure of synaptosomes to depolarizing concentrations of potassium. This effect was dependent on the presence of calcium ions during the preincubation. No newly formed [3H]HA was detectable in rat brain synaptosomes following [3H]histidine transport. Lesions of the medial forebrain bundle did not alter histidine uptake in the hippocampus or cerebral cortex. Ontogenic studies indicated that the histidine uptake system developed rapidly and reached a peak during postnatal days 12–17. Overall, the present findings do not support a role for histidine transport in the regulation or maintenance of neurotransmitter pools of HA in rat brain.
Automata for Agent Low Level Language Interpretation

Agent platforms are usually strongly bounded with the hardware on which the agent works. Although the FIPA specifications declare what all should be part of such a platform, in some situation the agents are considered to be at bit lower level than the usual artificial agents are. In this text we present architecture of a system that works with an agent language that lies at quite low level of abstraction. The main part of this text is about automaton which accepts the Agent Low Level Language (ALLL) and also about the problem how this automaton can be implemented for the wireless sensor modules.
Comparative Utility of Barona Formulae, Wtar Demographic Algorithms, and WRAT-3 Reading for Estimating Premorbid Ability in a Diverse Research Sample

Various Barona formulae, a WTAR algorithm based on demographic data, and WRAT-3 oral reading methods of estimating premorbid ability were compared in a diverse research sample of 119 subjects. These methods were correlated with one another and with a modified version of the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices. Descriptive data are provided to illustrate advantages and disadvantages of various methods of estimating premorbid ability when no formal intellectual testing is available. While predicting premorbid ability for individual subjects involves varying degrees of error, we found that the revised Barona formula was superior to the original formula for subjects at the upper end of ability level. When researchers have screened out learning disability and have subject samples with few individuals likely to be of superior premorbid intelligence, oral reading scores are a reasonable measure of premorbid ability. Otherwise, researchers are advised to use both demographic and oral reading methods to estimate premorbid ability.
Erythropoietin reduces myocardial infarction and left ventricular functional decline after coronary artery ligation in rats

Erythropoietin (EPO), well known for its role in stimulation of erythropoiesis, has recently been shown to have a dramatic neuroprotective effect in animal models of cerebral ischemia, mechanical trauma of the nervous system, and excitotoxins, mainly by reducing apoptosis. We studied the effect of single systemic administration of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) on left ventricular (LV) size and function in rats during 8 weeks after the induction of a myocardial infarction (MI) by permanent ligation of the left descending coronary artery. We found that an i.p. injection of 3,000 units/kg of rhEPO immediately after the coronary artery ligation resulted, 24 h later, in a 50% reduction of apoptosis in the myocardial area at risk. Eight weeks after the induction of MI, rats treated with rhEPO had an infarct size 15–25% of the size of that in untreated animals. The reduction in myocardial damage was accompanied by reductions in LV size and functional decline as measured by repeated echocardiography. Thus, a single dose of rhEPO administered around the time of acute, sustained coronary insufficiency merits consideration with respect to its therapeutic potential to limit the extent of resultant MI and contractile dysfunction.
Large conformational changes of the ɛ subunit in the bacterial F1F0 ATP synthase provide a ratchet action to regulate this rotary motor enzyme

The F1F0 ATP synthase is the smallest motor enzyme known. Previous studies had established that the central stalk, made of the γ and ɛ subunits in the F1 part and c subunit ring in the F0 part, rotates relative to a stator composed of α3β3δab2 during ATP hydrolysis and synthesis. How this rotation is regulated has been less clear. Here, we show that the ɛ subunit plays a key role by acting as a switch of this motor. Two different arrangements of the ɛ subunit have been visualized recently. The first has been observed in beef heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase where the C-terminal portion is arranged as a two-α-helix hairpin structure that extends away from the α3β3 region, and toward the position of the c subunit ring in the intact F1F0. The second arrangement was observed in a structure determination of a complex of the γ and ɛ subunits of the Escherichia coli F1-ATPase. In this, the two C-terminal helices are apart and extend along the γ to interact with the α and β subunits in the intact complex. We have been able to trap these two arrangements by cross-linking after introducing appropriate Cys residues in E. coli F1F0, confirming that both conformations of the ɛ subunit exist in the enzyme complex. With the C-terminal domain of ɛ toward the F0, ATP hydrolysis is activated, but the enzyme is fully coupled in both ATP hydrolysis and synthesis. With the C-terminal domain toward the F1 part, ATP hydrolysis is inhibited and yet the enzyme is fully functional in ATP synthesis; i.e., it works in one direction only. These results help explain the inhibitory action of the ɛ subunit in the F1F0 complex and argue for a ratchet function of this subunit.
Calpain‐mediated regulation of AMPA receptors in adult rat brain

CHANGES in AMPA receptors have been proposed to underlie changes in synaptic efficacy in hippocampus, and other brain structures. Activation of calpain has also been discussed as a potential mechanism to produce lasting modifications of synaptic structure, and function. We report here that preincubation of thin (10 /μm) frozen rat brain sections with calcium at physiological temperature changes the immunological properties of AMPA receptors, an effect totally blocked by calpain inhibitors. Immunocytochemistry indicates that in situ calpain activation produces a decreased immunoreactivity for GluR1, and to a lesser extent for GluR2/3, in the neuropil throughout the brain, and an increased immunoreactivity in cell bodies, particularly in hippocampus. Western blots of calcium-treated sections suggest that the decreased immunoreactivity for GluR subunits is due to partial proteolysis. These results strongly suggest the involvement of calpain in the regulation of glutamatergic synapses.
Nuclear-Cytoplasmic “Tug of War” During Cloning: Effects of Somatic Cell Nuclei on Culture Medium Preferences of Preimplantation Cloned Mouse Embryos1

Abstract Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer is critically dependent upon early events that occur immediately after nuclear transfer, and possibly additional events that occur in the cleaving embryo. Embryo culture conditions have not been optimized for cloned embryos, and the effects of culture conditions on these early events and the successful initiation of clonal development have not been examined. To evaluate the possible effect of culture conditions on early cloned embryo development, we have compared a number of different culture media, either singly or in sequential combinations, for their ability to support preimplantation development of clones produced using cumulus cell nuclei. We find that glucose is beneficial during the 1-cell stage when CZB medium is employed. We also find that potassium simplex optimized medium (KSOM), which is optimized to support efficient early cleavage divisions in mouse embryos, does not support development during the 1-cell or 2-cell stages in the cloned embryos as well as other media. Glucose-supplemented CZB medium (CZB-G) supports initial development to the 2-cell stage very well, but does not support later cleavage stages as well as Whittten medium or KSOM. Culturing cloned embryos either entirely in Whitten medium or initially in Whittens medium and then changing to KSOM at the late 4-cell/early 8-cell stage produces consistent production of blastocysts at a greater frequency than using CZB-G medium alone. The combination of Whitten medium followed by KSOM resulted in an increased number of cells per blastocyst. Because normal embryos do not require glucose during the early cleavage stages and develop efficiently in all of the media employed, these results reveal unusual culture medium requirements that are indicative of altered physiology and metabolism in the cloned embryos. The relevance of this to understanding the kinetics and mechanisms of nuclear reprogramming and to the eventual improvement of the overall success in cloning is discussed.
Larval locomotion of the lancelet

The ontogeny of locomotion in the Florida lancelet (Branchiostoma floridae) is described for the early developmental stages through to metamorphosis. Recently hatched larvae swam at speeds up to 1 mm s-1 using their epidermal cilia; this speed decreased to approximately 0.2 mm s-1 by 60 h after fertilization. Changes in cilia-powered fluid flow could be related to changes in the distribution and density of the epidermal cilia during development. Cilia-powered hovering was the dominant behaviour until metamorphosis. The amount of energy expended by ciliating larvae ranged from 10(-9) to 10(-11) W depending upon the age of the larvae and the model used for estimating the power output. The majority of the energy expended was in the ciliary sublayer next to the body. The first muscular movements were seen in larvae 16 h old. These simple flexions increased in complexity during the first 72 h until a complete undulatory (approximately sinusoidal) wave was propagated down the body in the adult manner. The frequency of undulatory beating increased to approximately 10 Hz during the first 48 h, and the larval head showed a large degree of yaw. Lancelet larvae were also capable of high-speed undulations 5­10 times faster than regular swimming motions. In contrast to ciliating larvae, the energy expended during undulation was at least an order of magnitude greater (10(-8) to 10(-6) W) and radiated beyond the ciliary sublayer.
The N Terminus of the MUC2 Mucin Forms Trimers That Are Held Together within a Trypsin-resistant Core Fragment*

The N terminus of the human MUC2 mucin (amino acids 1–1397) has been expressed as a recombinant tagged protein in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The intracellular form was found to be an endoglycosidase H-sensitive monomer, whereas the secreted form was an oligomer that gave monomers upon disulfide bond reduction. The secreted MUC2 N terminus contained a trypsin-resistant core fragment. Edman sequencing and mass spectrometry of the peptides obtained localized this core fragment to the C-terminal end of the recombinant protein. This core retained its oligomeric nature with an apparent mass of ∼240 kDa. Upon reduction, peptides of ∼85 kDa were found, suggesting that the N terminus forms trimers. This interpretation was also supported by gel electrophoresis and gel filtration of the intact MUC2 N terminus. Electron microscopy revealed three globular domains each linked via an extended and flexible region to a central part in a trefoil-like manner. Immunostaining with gold-labeled antibodies localized the N-terminal end to the three globular structures, and the antibodies directed against the Myc and green fluorescent protein tags attached at the C terminus localized these to the stalk side of the central trefoil. The N terminus of the MUC2 mucin is thus assembled into trimers that contain proteolytically stable parts, suggesting that MUC2 can only be partly degraded by intestinal proteases and thus is able to maintain a mucin network protecting the intestine.
Nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum revisited. Is there a risk of combustion?

Nitrous oxide has been effectively banned from use in therapeutic laparoscopy because of fear of combustion. These fears rest on two case reports, a misunderstanding of the physical chemistry of nitrous oxide, and lack of information on the presence of flammable colonic gases in the pneumoperitoneum mixture. This study aims to identify the presence and quantify the amount of hydrogen and methane found in the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic GI procedures, and then to compare the gas concentrations detected with known limits of combustion. Gas standards with known concentrations of hydrogen and methane were placed in polypropylene syringes and analyzed on a mass spectrometer after 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. This established the rate at which these gases would be leached through a polypropylene syringe--the amount of gas lost during transport from the patient to the laboratory. Twenty gas samples were drawn, randomly, 30 min to 2 h following the start of laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures. The samples were analyzed for hydrogen and methane within 30 min of their aspiration from the abdominal cavity. An inconsequential amount of methane was lost from the polypropylene syringe in 4 h. After 1 h, one-half the hydrogen had leached from the polypropylene syringe. Hydrogen was detected in the pneumoperitoneum of four patients at a concentration ranging from 0.016 to 0.075%. No methane was detected in any sample. For combustion to occur in a nitrous oxide environment, hydrogen or methane must occupy 5.5% of the gas volume. The maximum amount of hydrogen we detected was less than 1/50 of the combustion threshold. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Expression and localization of hepatobiliary transport proteins in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Mutations of the bile salt export pump (BSEP) or the multidrug resistance P‐glycoprotein 3 (MDR3) are linked to impaired bile salt homeostasis and lead to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC)‐2 and ‐3, respectively. The regulation of bile salt transporters in PFIC is not known. Expression of hepatobiliary transporters in livers of ten patients with a PFIC phenotype was studied by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. PFIC was diagnosed by clinical and laboratory findings. All patients could be assigned to PFIC‐2 or PFIC‐3 by the use of BSEP‐ and MDR3‐specific antibodies and by MDR3 gene‐sequencing. Whereas in all PFIC‐2 patients, BSEP immunoreactivity was absent from the canalicular membrane, in three PFIC‐3 livers, canalicular MDR3 immunoreactivity was detectable. Serum bile salts were elevated to 276 ± 233 and to 221 ± 109 μmol/L in PFIC‐2 and PFIC‐3, respectively. Organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and MRP2 mRNA and protein levels were reduced, whereas sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) was only reduced at the protein level, suggesting a posttranscriptional NTCP regulation. Whereas MRP3 mRNA and protein were not significantly altered, MRP4 messenger RNA and protein were significantly increased in PFIC. In conclusion, PFIC‐2 may be reliably diagnosed by immunofluorescence, whereas the diagnosis of PFIC‐3 requires gene‐sequencing. Several mechanisms may contribute to elevated plasma bile salts in PFIC: reduced bile salt uptake via NTCP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3, decreased BSEP‐dependent secretion into bile, and increased transport back into plasma by MRP4. Upregulation of MRP4, but not of MRP3, might represent an important escape mechanism for bile salt extrusion in PFIC. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270‐9139/suppmat/index.html). (HEPATOLOGY 2005;41:1160–1172.)
Sensory impairment and cognitive functioning in oldest-old subjects: the Leiden 85+ Study.

OBJECTIVE Because studies on the association of sensory impairment (both hearing and visual impairment) and cognitive functioning in elderly persons yielded conflicting results, the authors explored this association within the Leiden 85+ Study. METHODS Within this population-based study of 459 participants aged 85+ years, hearing impairment was measured by audiometry and visual impairment by a visual acuity chart, both under standardized conditions. The Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) assessed global cognitive functioning. In participants with MMSE scores >18, the authors further assessed memory (Word-Learning Test, Immediate and Delayed Recall) and cognitive speed (by Stroop Test, Letter-Digit Coding test). RESULTS Both hearing impairment (prevalence: 85%) and visual impairment (prevalence: 59%) were associated with lower scores on the MMSE. Increasing visual impairment was associated with poorer scores on memory and cognitive speed, as measured with visually presented cognitive tests. In contrast, there was no association between hearing impairment and memory and cognitive speed. CONCLUSIONS In elderly people, cognitive functioning as assessed by visual cognitive tests relates to visual impairment but not to hearing impairment. The authors therefore assume that the association between sensory impairment and cognitive functioning is, at least partly, based on practical disadvantages of elderly persons with sensory impairment during cognitive assessments.