Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient- and treatment-related determinants of convective volume in post-dilution haemodiafiltration in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND Large convective volumes are recommended for online haemodiafiltration (HDF) to maximize solute removal. There has been little systematic evaluation of factors that determine convective volumes in routine clinical practice. METHODS In the present study, potential patient- and treatment-related determinants of convective volume were analysed in 235 consecutive patients on post-dilution HDF using multivariable linear regression models. All patients (age 64 +/- 14 years; 61% male) participated in the ongoing CONvective TRAnsport STudy (CONTRAST). Additionally, differences in convective volumes between dialysers were evaluated. RESULTS The mean convective volume was 19.4 +/- 4.0 L (+/-SD) per treatment, with a large variation between the participating centres (centre means ranging from 13.4 +/- 0.9 L to 24.5 +/- 0.12 L, +/- SE). The mean filtration fraction of the blood flow was 25.9 +/- 3.6. In the multivariable analysis, factors that were significantly related to convective volume were haematocrit [inversely, regression coefficient (B) = -1.4 +/- 0.4 L per 10%], serum albumin (positively, B = 1.0 +/- 0.4 L per 10 g/L), blood flow rate (positively, B = 0.4 +/- 0.04 L per 10 mL/min) and treatment time (positively, B = 5.1 +/- 0.4 L/h). In addition, significant differences between dialysers were observed, likely explained by different operational conditions. CONCLUSIONS Apart from increasing the treatment time and blood flow rate, convective volumes could be optimized by increasing the filtration fraction in each individual, provided that transmembrane pressures are well within safe limits. The precise role of dialyser characteristics on maximal achievable convective volumes in clinical practice is a topic for further research.
Unusual presentation of Epstein–Barr virus hepatitis treated successfully with valganciclovir

Described is the case of a 21‐year‐old male patient who presented with a severe Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis. The initial diagnosis was challenging, as the patient did not have the typical features of the mononucleosis syndrome and despite the severity of the hepatitis, the initial serology was negative. In addition the liver biopsy did not show the mononuclear cell infiltration typically seen in EBV hepatitis. Later, measurements of EBV DNA showed high titers and the patient received a course of oral valganciclovir, following which he made a rapid clinical and serological response. This case describes an unusual presentation of EBV hepatitis, and adds to the body of evidence supporting its treatment with valganciclovir. J. Med. Virol. 86:484–486, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adsorption Analysis of Lactoferrin to Titanium, Stainless Steel, Zirconia, and Polymethyl Methacrylate Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance Method

It is postulated that biofilm formation in the oral cavity causes some oral diseases. Lactoferrin is an antibacterial protein in saliva and an important defense factor against biofilm development. We analyzed the adsorbed amount of lactoferrin and the dissociation constant (K d) of lactoferrin to the surface of different dental materials using an equilibrium analysis technique in a 27 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurement. Four different materials, titanium (Ti), stainless steel (SUS), zirconia (ZrO2) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were evaluated. These materials were coated onto QCM sensors and the surfaces characterized by atomic force microscopic observation, measurements of surface roughness, contact angles of water, and zeta potential. QCM measurements revealed that Ti and SUS showed a greater amount of lactoferrin adsorption than ZrO2 and PMMA. Surface roughness and zeta potential influenced the lactoferrin adsorption. On the contrary, the K d value analysis indicated that the adsorbed lactoferrin bound less tightly to the Ti and SUS surfaces than to the ZrO2 and PMMA surfaces. The hydrophobic interaction between lactoferrin and ZrO2 and PMMA is presumed to participate in better binding of lactoferrin to ZrO2 and PMMA surfaces. It was revealed that lactoferrin adsorption behavior was influenced by the characteristics of the material surface.
The Emotional Characteristics of Schizotypy

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional traits and schizotypal symptoms and to establish a hypothetical model for the causal relationship between them. Methods Schizotypal symptoms were assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), and a total of seven emotional traits considered to be potential risk factors for schizotypy were categorized as emotional disturbances, emotional attenuators or emotional amplifiers. A total of 502 undergraduate students completed the SPQ and other scales. Results The result of the present study suggested that the high levels of emotional disturbance in individuals who are prone to schizotypy or psychosis are amplified by their intensity and fluctuation. However, if their emotion attenuating abilities function well, these disturbances can be controlled and the schizotypal symptoms and progression to psychosis can be contained. Discriminant analysis showed that 69.0% of the subjects with many schizotypal symptoms and 80.7% of the subjects with few schizotypal symptoms were correctly classified. Conclusion The present study suggests the possibility of using emotional traits to identify the risk factors for psychosis.
Job satisfaction of nurse practitioners: an analysis using Herzberg's theory.

The current sociopolitical and economic forces affecting health care may lead to job dissatisfaction among nurse practitioners, according to results of a South Carolina study. A mailed survey that consisted of the Index of Job Satisfaction and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire--Short Form was used to test Herzberg's dual-factor theory of job satisfaction. A response rate of 90 percent was attained, with a final sample of 132 nurse practitioners and midwives. Consistent with the predictions of Herzberg's model, intrinsic factors served as sources of job satisfaction, while extrinsic factors were the primary sources of job dissatisfaction. Nurse practitioners in the sample reported a moderate amount of satisfaction with their "overall jobs. " Suggestions are provided for ways both nurse practitioners and health administrators can enhance job satisfaction.
Efficacy of metformin in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND Our aim was to assess the effects of metformin on menstrual frequency, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin resistance assessed as HOMA-index, weight, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure (BP), serum lipids, and testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, double-blinded setup, 56 women aged 18-45 with PCOS were treated with either metformin 850 mg or placebo twice daily for 6 months. After a wash-out period of 3 months participants received the alternate treatment for 6 months. The changes in the measured parameters were analysed by intention-to-treat and per protocol. RESULTS There were no changes in menstrual frequency. In the intention-to-treat analysis, weight and systolic BP were reduced on metformin treatment (p=0.009 and 0.047, respectively), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased (p=0.001). On placebo, weight and FPG increased (p<0.05). Post-hoc subgrouping according to BMI revealed reductions in testosterone (p=0.013), FPG (p=0.018), insulin (p=0.045) and HOMA-index (p=0.022) in obese women. Per protocol analysis showed the following differences between the changes on placebo and metformin (mean (5 - 95 % percentiles): weight (-4.2 (-7.0, -1.9) kg, p<0.001), FPG (-0.23 (-0.44, -0.01) mmol/l, p=0.041), insulin (-4.17 (-8.10, -0.23) mIU/l, p=0.039) and HOMA index (-1.50 (-2.53, -0.47) mIU/l*mmol/l, p=0.006). Weight, FPG and HOMA index were lower after metformin than after placebo. CONCLUSIONS Metformin treatment lowered weight and systolic blood pressure and increased HDL in women with PCOS. In post-hoc analysis it increased insulin sensitivity and lowered testosterone in obese women. Non-obese women did not benefit from metformin.
Smoking and the Platelet Fibrinogen Receptor Glycoprotein IIb/IIIA PlA1/A2 Polymorphism Interact in the Risk of Lacunar Stroke and Midterm Survival

Background and Purpose— Smoking, increased fibrinogen levels, and platelet activation are related to the risk of ischemic stroke. The platelet fibrinogen receptor glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa PlA1/A2 polymorphism affects the binding of platelets to fibrinogen and is suggested to interact with smoking. Methods— We explored the association of smoking and the PlA1/A2 polymorphism with ischemic stroke and survival in the Stroke Aging Memory cohort, comprising 486 consecutive patients (55 to 85 years old) who were analyzed 3 months after an ischemic stroke and followed up for 15 months. Stroke subtype determined by magnetic resonance imaging and GpIIb/IIIa PlA1/A2 genotype data were available for 272 patients. Results— In multivariate analysis, smoking was the only factor related to the risk of lacunar infarcts (odds ratio [OR]=1.87, 95% CI=1.05 to 3.31; P=0.033), and it was also a predictor of death (n=24, 8.8%) at 15 months (OR=5.13, 95% CI=1.61 to 16.36; P=0.006), along with age (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.19; P=0.008). The GpIIb/IIIa PlA1/A2 polymorphism alone showed no association with stroke subtype or survival. However, there was a smoking-by-genotype association with the risk of lacunar infarcts (OR=2.10, 95% CI=0.90 to 4.89; P=0.087) and with survival (OR=2.78, 95% CI=0.89 to 8.61; P=0.077). Among younger (55 to 69 years) stroke patients, smokers carrying the PlA2 allele were at a higher (OR=5.81, 95% CI=1.26 to 26.80; P=0.024) risk of lacunar infarcts than noncarrier smokers (OR=3.12, 95% CI=1.06 to 9.24; P=0.039). The effect of PlA2 and smoking combined on survival was also stronger (OR=8.86, 95% CI=1.68 to 46.55; P=0.010) than the effect of smoking alone (OR=5.06, 95% CI=1.20 to 21.35; P=0.027). Conclusions— Our results indicate that prothrombotic genetic factors may interact with smoking by modifying the stroke phenotype and affecting midterm survival.
Saturated fatty acids activate microglia via Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB signalling

Diets rich in SFA have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is strong evidence to suggest that microglial activation augments the progression of AD. However, it remains uncertain whether SFA can initiate microglial activation and whether this response can cause neuronal death. Using the BV-2 microglial cell line and primary microglial culture, we showed that palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) could activate microglia, as assessed by reactive morphological changes and significantly increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NO and reactive oxygen species, which trigger primary neuronal death. In addition, the mRNA level of these pro-inflammatory mediators determined by RT-PCR was also increased by PA and SA. We further investigated the intracellular signalling mechanism underlying the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from PA-activated microglial cells. The present results showed that PA activated the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Furthermore, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a NF-κB inhibitor, attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory mediators except for IL-6 in PA-stimulated microglia. Administration of anti-Toll-like receptor (TLR)4-neutralising antibody repressed PA-induced NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory mediator production. In conclusion, the present in vitro study demonstrates that SFA could activate microglia and stimulate the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to trigger the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, which may contribute to neuronal death.
Esophagitis: Incidence and Risk of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma—A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES:Although symptoms of reflux are common, our knowledge of the epidemiology and natural history of gastroesophageal reflux disease is sparse. The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma is increased among patients with acid reflux, but the contribution of Barrett's lesions is unknown.METHODS:With the aim to estimate the incidence of diagnosed endoscopic esophagitis lesions and the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma among patients with previously diagnosed esophagitis, we extracted data on endoscopies, esophagitis diagnoses, and gastroesophageal cancer diagnoses from five population-based databases covering the period from 1974 to 2002, and covering all citizens in Funen County (population 470,000). RESULTS:In 2002, the incidence of esophagitis lesions was 2.4 per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 2.3–2.6), 18.3 per 1,000 persons (17.9–18.7) had previously diagnosed esophagitis. Incidence increased by calendar year and age, was higher among males than among females, and was closely related to rate of endoscopy. Among 11,129 patients with previously diagnosed esophagitis, 15 had esophageal adenocarcinoma during 58,322 person-years of follow-up (26 per 100,000 person-years). The expected number was 2.79 and the standardized incidence ratio was 5.38 (3.01–8.87). Ten of the 15 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma had previously diagnosed Barrett's esophagus.CONCLUSION:The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma is increased fivefold in patients with previously diagnosed esophagitis, but most of the adenocarcinomas occurred among patients with Barrett's esophagus.
Mean platelet volume is associated with disease severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with cardiovascular diseases and thromboembolic events. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is a predictor of cardiovascular thromboembolic events. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between the MPV and disease severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: We prospectively included 194 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without cardiovascular disease (mean age 56.5±12.5 years) who were undergoing sleep tests. An overnight full laboratory polisomnography examination was conducted on each patient. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): (1) AHIlow group: 5≤AHI<15, (2) AHImid group: 1530. RESULTS: The highest MPV values were found in the AHIhigh group compared with other groups (p<0.05 for all). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the MPV was associated with the AHI (β=0.500, p<0.001) and the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level (β=0.194, p=0.010). CONCLUSION: The MPV is independently associated with both disease severity and inflammation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
A Double Method Approach for a Double Need: To Describe Teachers' Beliefs about Grade Retention, and To Explain the Persistence of These Beliefs.

This study used a double method approach to examine Quebec kindergarten and elementary school teachers' beliefs about grade retention. The research combined a quantitative approach, in which 227 teachers responded to a questionnaire, with a qualitative study of a selected sub-sample of 12 teachers holding opposite beliefs about grade retention. Analysis of the questionnaire data indicated that teachers at all grade levels believed that retention was an acceptable school practice and an effective means of preventing students from facing daily failure in the next higher grade. Most teachers believed that retention did not harm students' self-concept, though they were not sure about this effect on students in higher grades. The interviews offered an explanation of the persistence of teachers' beliefs about retention. The results found that beliefs were rooted in the culture of the school curriculum. Those who believed in retention felt that schools should reach the goal of instruction rather than global development of all students. They believed that programs should remain the same for all students, and groups of students should be formed homogeneously. They had a tendency to use summative rather than formative evaluation. (Contains 20 references.) (SM) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** A DOUBLE METHOD APPROACH FOR A DOUBLE NEED: TO DESCRIBE TEACHERS' BELIEFS ABOUT GRADE RETENTION, AND TO EXPLAIN THE PERSISTENCE OF THESE BELIEFS PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1 Louisette Pouliot Ph.D. Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres Commission scolaire des Bois-Francs E-mail: lpouliot@ivic.qc. ca Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association April, 1999 Montreal, Quebec, Canada BEST COPY AVAILABLE 2 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 0 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy.
A Putative Gene sbe3-rs for Resistant Starch Mutated from SBE3 for Starch Branching Enzyme in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Foods high in resistant starch (RS) are beneficial to prevent various diseases including diabetes, colon cancers, diarrhea and chronic renal or hepatic diseases. Elevated RS in rice is important for public health since rice is a staple food for half of the world population. A japonica mutant ‘Jiangtangdao 1’ (RS = 11.67%) was crossed with an indica cultivar ‘Miyang 23’ (RS = 0.41%). The mutant sbe3-rs that explained 60.4% of RS variation was mapped between RM6611 and RM13366 on chromosome 2 (LOD = 36) using 178 F2 plants genotyped with 106 genome-wide polymorphic SSR markers. Using 656 plants from four F3∶4 families, sbe3-rs was fine mapped to a 573.3 Kb region between InDel 2 and InDel 6 using one STS, five SSRs and seven InDel markers. SBE3 which codes for starch branching enzyme was identified as a candidate gene within the putative region. Nine pairs of primers covering 22 exons were designed to sequence genomic DNA of the wild type for SBE3 and the mutant for sbe3-rs comparatively. Sequence analysis identified a missense mutation site where Leu-599 of the wild was changed to Pro-599 of the mutant in the SBE3 coding region. Because the point mutation resulted in the loss of a restriction enzyme site, sbe3-rs was not digested by a CAPS marker for SpeI site while SBE3 was. Co-segregation of the digestion pattern with RS content among 178 F2 plants further supported sbe3-rs responsible for RS in rice. As a result, the CAPS marker could be used in marker-assisted breeding to develop rice cultivars with elevated RS which is otherwise difficult to accurately assess in crops. Transgenic technology should be employed for a definitive conclusion of the sbe3-rs.
The relationship between perceived coaching behaviours and team cohesion among Malaysian National Junior Athletes

Based on Carron’s (1982) model of cohesion, this study examined the relationship between perceived coaching behaviours and group cohesion in interacting sports teams among national junior athletes in Malaysia. The subjects, which were comprised of 150 athletes, were asked to respond to survey questions based on the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ). The results suggest a significant relationship between coaching behaviours and team cohesion. Coaches who were perceived as engaging in democratic behaviours, higher levels of training and instruction, social support and positive feedback, tend to have athletes with higher levels of task and social cohesion within their teams.
Distributional Preferences, Reciprocity-Like Behavior, and Efficiency in Bilateral Exchange.

Under what conditions do distributional preferences, such as altruism or a concern for fair outcomes, generate efficient trade? I analyze theoretically a simple bilateral exchange game: each player sequentially takes an action that reduces his own material payoff but increases the other player's. Each player's preferences may depend on both his/her own material payoff and the other player's. I identify two key properties of the second-mover's preferences: indifference curves kinked around "fair" material-payoff distributions, and materials payoffs entering preferences as "normal goods. " Either property can drive reciprocity-like behavior and generate a Pareto efficient outcome.
Direction of attention and its effect on DC potentials, heart rate variability, and heart rate

DC-Potentiale werden als ein Indikator fur kortikale Aktivitat diskutiert und stehen in engem Zusammenhang mit den untersuchten kognitiven Prozessen. Daruberhinaus wurde kardiovaskulare Aktivitat mit Aufmerksamkeitsprozessen in Zusammenhang gebracht. In dieser Studie wurde der Effekt der Richtung der Aufmerksamkeit (external gerichtete Aufmerksamkeit vs. internal gerichtete Aufmerksamkeit) auf DC-Potentialveranderungen, Herzrate und Parameter der Herzratenvariabilitat untersucht. DC-Potentiale wurden von Fz, Cz und Pz abgeleitet. 46 Versuchspersonen mit einem mittleren Alter von 24 ± 4 Jahren mussten jeweils zwei Aufmerksamkeitsaufgaben aus dem Bereich der internalen Aufmerksamkeit und zwei aus dem Bereich der externalen Aufmerksamkeit absolvieren. Die internale Aufmerksamkeitsbedingung ging mit positiven DC-Potentialveranderungen einher, wahrend die externale Aufmerksamkeitsbedingung mit negativen DC-Potentenialveranderungen einherging. Dieser Effekt war unabhangig von Elektrodenposition und Modalitat. Keine signifikanten Effekte konnten fur die Herzrate und Parameter der Herzratenvariabilitat festgestellt werden.
Development of joint application strategies for two microbial gene finders

MOTIVATION As a starting point in annotation of bacterial genomes, gene finding programs are used for the prediction of functional elements in the DNA sequence. Due to the faster pace and increasing number of genome projects currently underway, it is becoming especially important to have performant methods for this task. RESULTS This study describes the development of joint application strategies that combine the strengths of two microbial gene finders to improve the overall gene finding performance. Critica is very specific in the detection of similarity-supported genes as it uses a comparative sequence analysis-based approach. Glimmer employs a very sophisticated model of genomic sequence properties and is sensitive also in the detection of organism-specific genes. Based on a data set of 113 microbial genome sequences, we optimized a combined application approach using different parameters with relevance to the gene finding problem. This results in a significant improvement in specificity while there is similarity in sensitivity to Glimmer. The improvement is especially pronounced for GC rich genomes. The method is currently being applied for the annotation of several microbial genomes. AVAILABILITY The methods described have been implemented within the gene prediction component of the GenDB genome annotation system.