Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sevoflurane and the Feto-Placental Vasculature: The Role of Nitric Oxide and Vasoactive Eicosanoids

BACKGROUND: The effects and mechanisms of action of volatile anesthetics on the feto-placental vasculature are not known. We aimed to quantify the vasoactive effects of sevoflurane and determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) and of vasoactive eicosanoids in mediating these effects in isolated human chorionic plate arterial rings. METHODS: Quadruplicate ex vivo human chorionic plate arterial rings were used in all studies. Series 1 quantified the vasodilation produced by sevoflurane in rings preconstricted with the thromboxane analog U46619. Series 2A–C examined the role of NO in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. In separate experiments, we examined the potential for the nonspecific NO inhibitors, L-NAME, L-nMMA, and the inactive D-NAME, to modulate the vasodilation produced by sevoflurane. Series 2D determined whether sevoflurane altered vascular smooth muscle sensitivity to exogenous NO. Series 3A–D examined the role of vasoactive eicosanoids in sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. In separate experimental series, we examined whether the nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, or the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, modulated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation. RESULTS: Sevoflurane produced dose-dependent vasodilation of preconstricted chorionic plate arterial rings, with mean ring vasodilation increasing from 15 ± 7% at 2% sevoflurane to 67 ± 17% (mean ± sd) at 8% sevoflurane. Blockade of NO synthase did not attenuate the vasodilator effects of sevoflurane. Sevoflurane did not alter smooth muscle sensitivity to NO. Indomethacin augmented sevoflurane vasodilation at 10−5 M, but not at 10−6 M. Conversely, nordihydroguaiaretic acid attenuated sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation at 3 × 10−6 M but not at 3 × 10−7 M. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane was a vasodilator in the feto-placental vasculature in this in vitro model. Sevoflurane-mediated vasodilation is NO and cyclooxygenase-independent and appears to be mediated in part via a lipoxygenase generated vasodilator eicosanoid.
Correlation Between Magnetoelectric and Magnetic Properties of Ferromagnetic–Piezoelectric Structures

The correlation between the direct magnetoelectric (ME) effect and the magnetization of planar ferromagnetic (FM)-piezoelectric composite structures has been demonstrated. It is experimentally proved that for unsaturated layers of FM galfenol, permendur, amorphous alloy, and nickel, the magnetostriction is the quadratic function of the magnetization. Using a langatate-nickel structure with magnetic hysteresis as an example, it has been shown that the dc magnetic field dependence of ME interaction efficiency can be calculated and predicted using magnetization curves for the FM layer.
Intelligent CPAP systems: clinical experience

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome. It is believed to work by pneumatically splinting the upper airway.1 2 As the pressure is gradually increased the subject passes through a spectrum of gradually decreasing severity of obstruction.3 4 Frank obstructive apnoeas, hypopnoeas, and desaturation first disappear, then 2–4 cm H2O higher snoring and most respiratory arousals disappear, leaving only silent inspiratory airflow limitation associated with high respiratory work. This occurs at an average pressure of 8 cm H2O. A further increase of 2 cm H2O produces a 75% reduction in respiratory work and normal breathing. A higher pressure is required to prevent apnoeas in REM sleep and in the supine position, and the lowest pressure is required in slow wave sleep in the lateral position.5 Although nasal CPAP has no serious side effects in subjects with uncomplicated sleep apnoea syndrome, there are several minor side effects that reduce patient compliance and quality of life. These are chiefly pressure related, the most frequent being dryness, burning, and congestion of the nasal mucosa, discomfort exhaling against the pressure, chest wall discomfort, middle ear discomfort, mask and machine noise, conjunctivitis from leaks into the eyes, and air swallowing.6-11 The first goal of treatment initiation is therefore a “pressure titration” to find a pressure that makes a reasonable trade-off between increasing effectiveness at eliminating respiratory related events and avoiding unpleasant side effects.12 Current practice is to perform the titration in the laboratory with full polysomnography, gradually increasing the pressure through the spectrum described above, in all body positions and sleep stages.13 This is skilled, tedious, and expensive work. Furthermore, it is controversial whether the pressure determined in this way will still be correct in a month or a …
Research Proposal for Assessing the Adoption of Web-based E-Commerce for Businesses

Many organizations are currently examining the opportunities made available through the Internet. The purpose of this research project is to assess the behavior of business executives in the decision making process of adopting web-based electronic commerce. The Theory of Reasoned Action (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980), and the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) provide the theoretical foundation for this study. Executives employed by varying sizes of companies will be surveyed in this cross-industry study. Currently, the research is in the initial phase of data collection.
Delineation of Molecular Pathways Involved in Cardiomyopathies Caused by Troponin T Mutations*

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is associated with mild to severe cardiac problems and is the leading cause of sudden death in young people and athletes. Although the genetic basis for FHC is well-established, the molecular mechanisms that ultimately lead to cardiac dysfunction are not well understood. To obtain important insights into the molecular mechanism(s) involved in FHC, hearts from two FHC troponin T models (Ile79Asn [I79N] and Arg278Cys [R278C]) were investigated using label-free proteomics and metabolomics. Mutations in troponin T are the third most common cause of FHC, and the I79N mutation is associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Most FHC-causing mutations, including I79N, increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofilament; however, the R278C mutation does not alter Ca2+ sensitivity and is associated with a better prognosis than most FHC mutations. Out of more than 1200 identified proteins, 53 and 76 proteins were differentially expressed in I79N and R278C hearts, respectively, when compared with wild-type hearts. Interestingly, more than 400 proteins were differentially expressed when the I79N and R278C hearts were directly compared. The three major pathways affected in I79N hearts relative to R278C and wild-type hearts were the ubiquitin-proteasome system, antioxidant systems, and energy production pathways. Further investigation of the proteasome system using Western blotting and activity assays showed that proteasome dysfunction occurs in I79N hearts. Metabolomic results corroborate the proteomic data and suggest the glycolytic, citric acid, and electron transport chain pathways are important pathways that are altered in I79N hearts relative to R278C or wild-type hearts. Our findings suggest that impaired energy production and protein degradation dysfunction are important mechanisms in FHCs associated with poor prognosis and that cardiac hypertrophy is not likely needed for a switch from fatty acid to glucose metabolism.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Predictors of Progression of Prehypertension Into Hypertension: The Strong Heart Study

Prehypertension (defined by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) frequently evolves to hypertension (HTN) and increases cardiovascular risk. It is unclear whether metabolic and/or cardiac characteristics favor development of HTN in prehypertensive subjects. We evaluated baseline anthropometric, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of 625 untreated prehypertensive participants in the Strong Heart Study, without prevalent cardiovascular disease (63% women; 22% with diabetes mellitus; mean age: 59±7 years) to identify predictors of the 4-year incidence of HTN. Diabetes mellitus was assessed by American Diabetic Association criteria, and a diabetes-specific definition of HTN was used. Four-year incidence of HTN was 38%. Incident HTN was independently predicted by baseline systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60 per 10 mm Hg; 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.00; P<0.0001), waist circumference (OR: 1.10 per 10 cm; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.30; P =0.04), and diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.73; 95% CI=1.77 to 4.21; P<0.0001), with no significant effect for age, sex, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment index, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma creatinine, or urine albumin:creatinine ratio. Higher left ventricular mass index (OR: 1.15 per 5 g/m2.7; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.25; P =0.03) or stroke volume index (OR: 1.25 per 5 mL/m2.04; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.50; P =0.03) was also identified, together with baseline systolic blood pressure and the presence of diabetes mellitus, as an independent predictor of incident HTN, without an additional predictive contribution from other anthropometric, metabolic, or echocardiographic parameters (all P>0.10). Thus, progression to HTN in 38% of Strong Heart Study prehypertensive participants could be predicted by higher left ventricular mass and stroke volume in addition to baseline systolic blood pressure and prevalent diabetes mellitus.
Determinants of self-efficacy in the rehabilitation of patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury.

OBJECTIVE To explore physical and psychological measures believed to determine patients' perceived self-efficacy in the rehabilitation of patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury. DESIGN An explorative descriptive study. PATIENTS A total of 116 patients with an anterior cruciate ligament deficient or reconstructed knee. METHOD At one visit; 12 months post-injury/reconstruction, patients reported their perceived self-efficacy on the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale. Thirty-nine other measures related to self-efficacy were also documented. A linear regression model was applied to identify determinants of perceived self-efficacy. RESULTS 40% of the variance in the complete Knee Self-Efficacy Scale was explained by the Lysholm score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome ScoreSport/Recreation, Internal Locus of Control and Locus of Control by Chance. The variance in patients' present perceived self-efficacy was explained to 41% by the same measures. Perceived self-efficacy of future capability was explained to 38% by the variance in the Lysholm score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome ScoreSport/Recreation, TegnerPresent level and Internal Locus of Control. CONCLUSION Self-reported symptoms/functions and Internal Locus of Control were the most important determinants of self-efficacy in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. In order to strengthen self-efficacy, these determinants should be considered by the clinicians involved in the rehabilitation.
DRD4 7-repeat polymorphism moderates the association between maternal unresolved loss or trauma and infant disorganization

Abstract Previous studies have related attachment disorganization in children to either dopamine D4 receptor polymorphisms or maternal unresolved loss or trauma and frightening or anomalous parenting. In this study it was examined whether the interaction between genetic (DRD4 7-repeat and -521 C/T) and environmental risk factors (maternal unresolved loss/trauma and maternal frightening behavior) was associated with infant disorganization. A moderating role of the DRD4 gene was found. Maternal unresolved loss or trauma was associated with infant disorganization, but only in the presence of the DRD4 7-repeat polymorphism. The increase in risk for disorganization in children with the 7-repeat allele exposed to maternal unresolved loss/trauma compared to children without these combined risks was 18.8 fold. Similar moderating effects were not found for maternal frightening behavior. Our findings indicate that children are differentially susceptible to unresolved loss or trauma dependent on the presence of the 7-repeat DRD4 allele.
Association of preeclampsia with high birth weight for age.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia on fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study was conducted on the basis of 97,270 pregnancies delivered between 1991 and 1996 in 35 hospitals in northern and central Alberta, Canada. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to examine the impact of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension on high-birth-weight (> or =4200 g), large-for-gestational-age, low-birth-weight (<2500 g), and small-for-gestational-age babies. RESULTS The rate of high-birth-weight fetuses in women with gestational hypertension (7. 3%) was higher than in those with normal blood pressure (5.6%). After we controlled for confounders, the adjusted odds ratio of high birth weight was 1.44 (95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.70) in women with gestational hypertension. Preeclampsia was also associated with a statistically nonsignificant (P =.054) increased risk of high birth weight (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval 0. 99-1.98). The rate of large-for-gestational-age babies was significantly higher in women with gestational hypertension (4.5%) and preeclampsia (4.7%) than in those with normal blood pressure (2. 2%), with adjusted odds ratios of 1.50 (95% confidence interval, 1. 22-1.85) for gestational hypertension and 1.87 (95% confidence interval, 1.31-2.67) for preeclampsia. Concurrently, women who had gestational hypertension were also at higher risk of having low-birth-weight (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.13-2.93) and small-for-gestational-age (adjusted odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-2.48) babies. Women with preeclampsia were also at markedly higher risk of having low-birth-weight (adjusted odds ratio, 4.14; 95% confidence interval, 3.32-5.15) and small-for-gestational-age (adjusted odds ratio, 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.92-3.41) babies. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant association of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension with large-for-gestational-age infants, in addition to a significant association with low-birth-weight and small-for-gestational-age infants. This study challenges the currently held belief that reduced uteroplacental perfusion is the unique pathophysiologic process in preeclampsia.
1 Policy Implications of Oral Agents

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing use of oral antineoplastic agents in cancer management, patients and family members need to understand of how to obtain, safely handle, and store the medication, how and when the medications should be taken, and when to report toxic side effects to accomplish efficacious treatment. DATA SOURCES: Research based articles and conference presentations. CONCLUSION: Cancer centers to modify policies, protocols, or practices to assure safe and proper administration of oral antineoplastic agents. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Clinicians need to monitor and facilitate administration of oral antineoplastic agents, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.
What tumor vessels can tell us

Coverage on: Helfrich, I. , Scheffrahn, I. ,Bartling, S. , Weis, J., von Felbert, V. ,Middleton, M. , Kato, M. , Ergün, S. , and Schadendorf, D. (2010). Resistance to antiangiogenic therapy is directed by vascular phenotype, vessel stabilization,and maturation in malignant melanoma. J. Exp. Med. 207, 491-503.
In vivo quantification of accumulating abdominal fluid using an electrical impedance tomography hemiarray

A new method to image and quantify intra-abdominal haemorrhage using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was tested in vivo. Supine peritoneal dialysis patients were monitored using an 8-electrode hemiarray placed on the anterior abdomen. EIT measurements were recorded using the EPack II data acquisition system before, during, and after the administration of dialysate. The amount of dialysate infused was recorded synchronous with EIT measurements and used as a control. Tomographic images of impedance change were reconstructed using a weighted, sensitivity-based method and then post-processed to obtain a quantitative estimate of the total dialysate volume added and the rate of dialysate administration. Our preliminary study included two subjects, one male and one female, each of whom participated for two sessions spaced about 6 months apart. Data collected from these sessions indicated that with an in vivo SNR of about 35 dB the EPack II can detect accumulations larger than about 100 ml, with a quantification uncertainty of about 50 ml. The rate of accumulation was determined in less than 2 min. This method shows promise for automated detection of other pathologies, eg ascites, and is adaptable to detecting conductive accumulations in other anatomy.
Percepción del adolescente varón frente a las conductas sexuales de riesgo

Antecedentes: para el adolescente varon hacerse cargo de su emergente sexualidad es un reto. Si este acontecimiento se acompana de la falta de informacion, de patrones masculinos trasmitidos y de la escasa experiencia que tienen los varones a esa edad, es muy dificil que puedan tener una participacion importante para evitar los factores de riesgo, como los relacionados con el embarazo. Por todos estos argumentos hicimos este trabajo de investigacion. Objetivo: determinar la percepcion del varon frente a algunas conductas sexuales de riesgo. Participantes y metodos: se realizo un estudio descriptivo, transversal y cualitativo en el que se estudio a 48 adolescentes varones de entre 15 y 18 anos de edad de la Escuela de Quimica. La muestra fue intencional y se obtuvo en forma operativa, ya que la maestra guia selecciono a los alumnos. Las tecnicas utilizadas fueron: la entrevista en profundidad y los grupos focales. En ambas, que se aplicaron con el consentimiento informado de los adolescentes, se indago acerca de la participacion del varon en la anticoncepcion, su responsabilidad respecto al uso de metodos anticonceptivos, su percepcion del embarazo y aborto de su companera y su paternidad a esa edad. Resultados: en la entrevista en profundidad detectamos que el inicio de las relaciones sexuales fue a temprana edad, pues la mayoria de los adolescentes las habian iniciado antes de los 16 anos, lo que coincidio con otras investigaciones realizadas en Cuba. Tambien indagamos que sus parejas durante la primera relacion sexual fueron mujeres mayores, a quienes les refirieron que no les gustaba tener relaciones sexuales con preservativo, hecho que coincidio con lo descrito en la bibliografia mundial. A ellos no les gustaba usar el preservativo porque disminuia su placer sexual. Respecto al uso de sustancias durante las relaciones sexuales, la mayoria respondio que consumio alcohol y cigarros, a los que les siguieron –en orden
Internet-Usage Patterns of Immigrants in the Process of Intercultural Adaptation

This paper investigates Internet-usage patterns of immigrants, and seeks to identify the correlation between Internet use and intercultural adaptation. The study focuses on mainland Chinese immigrants in Singapore, and was conducted via a nationwide telephone survey. The results show that immigrants tend to change their preferences on Internet use to reflect their residence in the host country. In particular, the longer an immigrant resides in the host country, the less likely they would be to surf their original country's websites and the more likely they would be to communicate with local people via the Internet. More importantly, differences in Internet usage are found to have a significant impact on immigrants' intercultural adaptation. In an online environment, the social communication in the host country is a critical component that can facilitate or impede immigrants' successful adaptation to the host country, whereas ethnic social communication also plays a role at the initial stage of transition.
Frequent asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of pulmonary embolism in patients admitted for treatment of deep venous thrombosis. DESIGN An open, multicenter, dose-ranging study to assess the safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics of tissue-type plasminogen activator in deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Perfusion and ventilation lung scans, chest roentgenograms, and venograms (in deep venous thrombosis) or pulmonary angiograms (in pulmonary embolism) were obtained before and 24 hours after inception of therapy. Heparin therapy was then administered. SETTINGS Five tertiary-care hospitals. PATIENTS All patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism seen from August 1987 through November 1988 entered the study if they met inclusion criteria and if the diagnosis was confirmed by venogram (deep venous thrombosis) or pulmonary angiogram (pulmonary embolism). INTERVENTIONS All patients received tissue-type plasminogen activator followed by intravenous heparin therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary measure was the frequency of pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis who had no symptoms of pulmonary embolism. This was not the original purpose of the study but emerged as an important finding as the data were analyzed. RESULTS Nearly 40% of patients with deep venous thrombosis who had no symptoms of pulmonary embolism had evidence of pulmonary embolism based on ventilation-perfusion scan and chest roentgenogram findings. CONCLUSIONS Because all of those considered to have embolism had so-called high-probability scan results, the frequency of embolism reported likely represents the minimum incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients with deep venous thrombosis who have no embolic symptoms. These data emphasize that venous thromboembolism is one disorder.
Le noyau dur humain à l'épreuve de la transmission

Les hommes et les femmes qui font l’entreprise sont souvent absents des analyses concernant les enjeux de sa transmission ou de sa reprise. Dans le cas des PME, qui se caracterisent par l’existence d’un Noyau dur humain dote de competences critiques, cette non prise en compte est dommageable. Pour ne pas destabiliser ce Noyau dur, sans renoncer pour autant au changement souvent necessaire, le repreneur doit faire preuve de discernement et de doigte. Certaines « perles rares » doivent absolument etre reperees et fidelisees.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Middle Ear Fluid and Nasopharynx of Children with Acute Otitis Media Exhibit Phase Variation

ABSTRACT Pneumococcal phase variation of 37 middle ear and 31 nasopharyngeal isolates obtained from children with acute otitis media was examined in the absence of intervening culture. The fraction of the opaque colonies was significantly higher in middle ear isolates than in nasopharyngeal isolates. The difference is probably the result of the pneumococci adapting to differential selective environments.