Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Biomarkers and Risk of Schizophrenia

Importance Positive associations between inflammatory biomarkers and risk of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, have been reported in observational studies. However, conventional observational studies are prone to bias, such as reverse causation and residual confounding, thus limiting our understanding of the effect (if any) of inflammatory biomarkers on schizophrenia risk. Objective To evaluate whether inflammatory biomarkers have an effect on the risk of developing schizophrenia. Design, Setting, and Participants Two-sample mendelian randomization study using genetic variants associated with inflammatory biomarkers as instrumental variables to improve inference. Summary association results from large consortia of candidate gene or genome-wide association studies, including several epidemiologic studies with different designs, were used. Gene-inflammatory biomarker associations were estimated in pooled samples ranging from 1645 to more than 80 000 individuals, while gene-schizophrenia associations were estimated in more than 30 000 cases and more than 45 000 ancestry-matched controls. In most studies included in the consortia, participants were of European ancestry, and the prevalence of men was approximately 50%. All studies were conducted in adults, with a wide age range (18 to 80 years). Exposures Genetically elevated circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R). Main Outcomes and Measures Risk of developing schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders were included as cases. Given that many studies contributed to the analyses, different diagnostic procedures were used. Results The pooled odds ratio estimate using 18 CRP genetic instruments was 0.90 (random effects 95% CI, 0.84-0.97; P = .005) per 2-fold increment in CRP levels; consistent results were obtained using different mendelian randomization methods and a more conservative set of instruments. The odds ratio for sIL-6R was 1.06 (95% CI, 1.01-1.12; P = .02) per 2-fold increment. Estimates for IL-1Ra were inconsistent among instruments, and pooled estimates were imprecise and centered on the null. Conclusions and Relevance Under mendelian randomization assumptions, our findings suggest a protective effect of CRP and a risk-increasing effect of sIL-6R (potentially mediated at least in part by CRP) on schizophrenia risk. It is possible that such effects are a result of increased susceptibility to early life infection.
The co-operative game theory of the firm

This highly original book challenges the orthodox economic theory of the firm as a mysterious "black box" whose internal design is unknown and irrelevant and which operates solely to maximize shareholder profit. Instead, the author proposes a new "cooperative game theory," in which the firm is a coalition of shareholders and employees, with its market behavior and internal distribution the result of a cooperative game (bargaining). Aoki tests his model against existing industrial structures, including the Anglo-American unionized firm, the German/Swedish co-determination firm, and the American non-union or Japanese firm.
Paediatric asthma clinical pathway: Impact on cost and quality of care.

INTRODUCTION Uncontrolled asthma may cause an increase in healthcare utilisation, hospital admission and productivity loss. With the increasing burden of asthma in Malaysia, strategies aimed at reducing cost of care should be explored. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine if a clinical pathway (CPW) for inpatient paediatric asthma would reduce average length of stay (ALOS), improve asthma management and decrease cost. METHODS A quasi-experimental, pre-post study was used to evaluate the CPW effectiveness. Paediatric inpatients aged 5-18 years old, admitted for acute asthma exacerbation from September 2015 to April 2016 were prospectively recruited. Data from patients admitted from January-July 2015 were used as control. CPW training was carried out in August 2015 using standardised modules. Direct admission cost from the provider's prospective was calculated. Outcomes compared were differences in ALOS, discharge medication, readmission within 28 days of discharge and cost. RESULTS ALOS is 26 hours lower in the CPW group for severe exacerbations and underlying uncontrolled asthma (19.2 hours) which is clinically significant as patients have shorter hospital stay. More newly-diagnosed intermittent asthmatics were discharged with relievers in the CPW group (p-value 0.006). None of the patients in the CPW group had readmissions (p-value 0.16). Mean treatment cost for patients in the intervention group is higher at RM843.39 (SD ±48.99, versus RM779.21 SD±44.33). CONCLUSION This study found that management using a CPW may benefit asthmatic patients with uncontrolled asthma admitted with severe exacerbation. Further studies will be needed to explore CPW's impact on asthma management starting from the emergency department.
Serum C-reactive protein and leptin as predictors of kidney disease progression in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study.

BACKGROUND In vitro and in vivo data suggest that markers of inflammation and nutritional status may be risk factors for the progression of chronic kidney disease. METHODS We investigated whether higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin were risk factors for progression of chronic kidney disease in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study. Frozen samples were assayed for high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) or leptin in 804 patients. CRP and leptin were then evaluated as risk factors for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline using univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS At baseline, the mean (median) CRP in Study A (GFR between 25 and 55 mL/min/1.73 m2) and Study B (GFR between 13 and 24 mL/min/1.73 m2) were 0.48 (0.25) and 0.46 (0.20) mg/dL, respectively, while the mean (median) leptin in Study A and Study B were 15.2 (9.80) and 15.1 (7.80) ng/mL, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 2.2 years. The mean GFR decline was -4.33 and -3.65 mL/min/year in Study A and B, respectively. There was no significant association between the rate of GFR decline with the level of CRP or leptin in multivariable analysis in Study A [0.08 (-0.14, 0.30) mL/min/year slower GFR decline per twofold increase in CRP level; and 0.14 (-0.13, 0.40) mL/min/year slower GFR decline per twofold increase in leptin level], or in multivariable analysis in Study B [-0.05 (-0.28, 0.18) mL/min/year faster GFR decline per twofold increase in CRP level; and -0.12 (-0.42, 0.19) mL/min/year faster GFR decline per twofold increase in leptin level]. CONCLUSIONS Higher serum levels of CRP and leptin are not independent risk factors for progression of non-diabetic kidney disease.
High Sodium Intake Impairs Small Artery Vasoreactivity in vivo in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

The effects of high sodium intake on the functionality of resistance arteries have been repeatedly studied in vitro, but no study has focused on salt-sensitive hypertension in vivo. We studied the in vivo reactivity of mesenteric small arteries (MSAs) to vasoactive agents in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats with various sodium diets. Twenty-four male DS rats were randomized into 3 groups: LS (0.3% NaCl diet), NS (0.6% NaCl diet), and HS (8% NaCl diet). After a 12-week intervention, the diameter changes of the MSAs after noradrenaline (NA) and acetylcholine (ACh) exposure were detected by a microscope, and changes in blood perfusion through the MSAs were measured by full-field laser perfusion imaging. HS enhanced the constrictive response of the MSAs to NA and attenuated the relaxing response to ACh. Low sodium intake reduced the response of the MSAs to NA and promoted ACh-induced vasodilatation. HS also aggravated NA-induced blood perfusion reduction and impaired ACh-induced hyperperfusion of the MSAs. Pathologically, HS was associated with arteriolar structural damage and fibrosis of the MSAs. We conclude that sodium intake affects the responsiveness of the MSAs to vasoactive agents in DS rats and might play important roles in modulating blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
DIABETIC GASTROPARESIS.

This review covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of diabetic gastroparesis, and more broadly diabetic gastroenteropathy, which encompasses all the gastrointestinal manifestations of diabetes mellitus (DM). Up to 50% of patients with type 1 and 2 DM and suboptimal glycemic control have delayed gastric emptying (GE), which can be documented with scintigraphy, 13 C-breath tests, or a wireless motility capsule; the remainder have normal or rapid GE. Many patients with delayed GE are asymptomatic; others have dyspepsia (i.e., mild-moderate indigestion, with or without a mild delay in GE) or gastroparesis, which is a syndrome characterized by moderate-severe upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed GE that suggest, but are not accompanied by, gastric outlet obstruction. Gastroparesis can markedly impair quality of life and up to 50% of patients have significant anxiety and/or depression. Often the distinction between dyspepsia and gastroparesis is based on clinical judgement rather than established criteria. Hyperglycemia, autonomic neuropathy, and enteric neuromuscular inflammation and injury are implicated in the pathogenesis of delayed GE. Vice versa, there are limited data to suggest that delayed GE may affect glycemic control. The management of diabetic gastroparesis is guided by the severity of symptoms, the magnitude of delayed GE, and the nutritional status. Initial options include dietary modifications, supplemental oral nutrition, and antiemetic and prokinetic medications. Patients with more severe symptoms may require a venting gastrostomy or jejunostomy and/or gastric electrical stimulation. Promising newer therapeutic approaches include ghrelin receptor agonists and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists.
Baseline 11C-methionine PET reflects the natural course of grade 2 oligodendrogliomas

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of positron emission to ography (PET) with the amino acid tracer 11C-methionine (MET) as a predictor of time to progression (TTP) in patients with supratentorial grade 2 gliomas. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with glioma grade 2 subjected to a baseline PET scan received no anti-tumour treatment except for a diagnostic operation, and were followed until tumour progression. The prognostic impact of the MET uptake and of other prognostic factors was studied. Results: Twenty-five of the patients (93%) experienced tumour progression after a median of 103 weeks. Low uptake of MET was a predictor for long TTP in patients with oligodendrogliomas (p=0.04) but not in astrocytomas/oligoastrocytomas. Other predictors for long TTP were oligodendroglioma histology (p=0.009) and seizures as presenting symptom (p=0.03). Favourable prognostic factors for overall survival were oligodendroglioma histology (p=0.002) and good performance status (p=0.03). Conclusions: PET MET has a definite role in the therapeutic management of grade 2 gliomas. However, for the optimal use of PET MET in the clinical management of these patients, histological subclassification of the tumour is required.
Chinese Provincial Macroeconomic Data Revisions

This paper examines the Chinese macroeconomic data revisions at the provincial level. Various characteristics of the data revisions are identified. Do provincial data revisions suggest systematic biases in the initial reports? Do these biases differ by macroeconomic variable? How do provincial data revisions compare to national data revisions? We test whether first release and second release estimates can predict the final latest estimates. We conclude that despite second release estimates capturing more information, the statistically significant F-test rejects the Mincer-Zarnowitz joint test of unbiasedness and efficiency for both the first and second releases. Lastly, the direction of the first and second revisions suggests a general trend of underestimation in the provincial initial reports.
Erythrocytic Glutathione and Plasma Cysteine Status of Human Immunodeficient Patients

Both deficient and normal blood levels of glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys) have been reported in HIV patients, a discrepancy that has been attributed to different methodologies. The goal of this study was to apply our analytical method to this problem. Blood samples from HIV patients and healthy subjects were collected, immediately stabilized, and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography with dual electrochemical detection. The results showed that the erythrocytic GSH levels were the same in healthy subjects and in HIV patients regardless of their CD4 lymphocyte level. Only those with the lowest CD4 level plus opportunistic infections had subnormal GSH concentrations (P < 0.001). GSH plus glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels also were normal in patients. However, the Cys contents were higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrated that HIV patients have normal erythrocytic GSH concentrations and supranormal Cys levels.
Pre-Service Elementary Generalist Teachers’ Past Experiences in Elementary Physical Education and Influence of These Experiences on Current Beliefs

A lack of formal training in physical education leave pre-service generalist teachers little choice but to remember their past experiences for lesson ideas. Past experiences as elementary students may shape what and how pre-service generalists will teach. This study explored the past experiences of pre-service generalists teachers and the extent those experiences shape what they see as the purposes for elementary physical education. Findings indicate past experiences can influence current views. The implications for teacher education are discussed. Keywords: elementary generalist teachers, physical education, teacher beliefs, past experiences
Prediction of uptake dynamics of persistent organic pollutants by bacteria and phytoplankton

Phytoplankton and bacteria play an important role on the biogeochemical cycles of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, experimental data and quantitative knowledge of the kinetics of uptake and depuration of most POPs by bacteria and phytoplankton are scarce. In the present paper, a procedure to predict the sorption kinetics to bacteria and phytoplankton is developed. The prediction method is the combination of a mechanistic model for sorption and quantitative structure—activity relationships relating bioconcentration factors and membrane permeability to the chemical physical‐chemical properties. The model consists of two compartments where the first compartment is the cellular surface and the second compartment is the cell biomass or matrix. Equations for estimating uptake and depuration rate constants into the matrix and adsorption and desorption rate constants onto the surface are obtained. These expressions depend on the physical‐chemical properties of the chemical, the environmental temperature, the microorganism size, and species‐specific quality of organic matter. While microorganism shape has a secondary influence on uptake dynamics, microorganism size and chemical hydrophobicity arise as the key factors controlling the kinetics of POP incorporation into bacteria and plankton. Uptake, depuration, adsorption, and desorption rate constants are reported for POPs such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), and POPs of emerging concern, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Finally, implications of uptake and depuration dynamics on the biogeochemical cycling of POPs are discussed.
Can a Rise in Import Prices Be Inflationary and Deflationary? Economists and U.K. Inflation, 1973-74

In June and July of 1974, the influential Expenditure Committee of the House of Commons heard submissions from economists in the public and private sector on "Public Expenditure, Inflation, and the Balance of Payments," House of Commons (1974). The hearings came just a few months after the sharp rise in oil prices, and the demise of a Conservative government whose incomes policy had made no special allowance for a rise in coal miners' income despite the increase in energy prices. The witnesses called to give evidence included prominent British macroeconomists of both Keynesian and Monetarist persuasions; thus, for example, Lord Kahn and David Laidler both spoke before the Committee. The Committee reported, "We are told that a rise in the price of imports was both inflationary and deflationary" (para. 23), which they understood to mean "price increasing and employment reducing. " They also noted that the various witnesses were far from unanimous in what they thought the impact effects would be, and in what they recommended by way of policy. This paper will initially focus on how Keynesians and Monetarists expected the shift in the terms of trade to affect prices and output, and what policy conclusions were derived, using evidence given to the Committee. The main reason for concentrating on this aspect of recent inflation is evident from inspection of Figure 1 which shows how severe was the shock of the rise in import prices over the period 1973-74 (import unit values rose by over 60 percent from 1973-IT to 1974-IT). Later I discuss how the inflationary effects of such an external shock may be amplified by what Sir John Hicks (1975b) has dubbed "real wage resistance," so that a bout of "imported" inflation may be followed by a spell of "home-grown" inflation. Some witnesses (including those from the Treasury and the National Institute) had referred to the possibility of inflationary pressures from this source (House of Commons, paras. 49, 50, 136, 498). I will argue, however, that neither the Committee nor Hicks gave sufficient attention to the role of the incomes policy in operation when the price of oil rose so dramatically. For this policy not only involved confrontation with the coal miners, it also led to the linking of the wages of about one-third of the work force to the retail price index, at a time when the latter rose sharply because of a change in terms of trade. Thus the incomes policy helped to prevent real wages from falling when economic circumstances called for such a change. Perhaps it is not surprising, therefore, that the report had very little positive to say about incomes policy, confining itself to expressing the view that "a permanent, statutory prices and incomes policy is in modern Britain politically both imprac* London School of Economics and Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago. I would like to thank M. J. Artis, T. Burns, S. G. B. Henry, R. A. Jackman, D. Laidler, D. Sargan, and J. Wise for their comments, without implying that they would accept the views expressed here.
Drug‐induced pulmonary disease: An update

The review provides an update of drug-induced pulmonary disorders, focusing on newer agents whose effects on the lung have been studied recently. Included among these drugs are cyclosporine. cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), amiodarone, interleukin-2 (IL-2), OKT3, tricyclic antidepressants. and bromocriptine. A brief review of the most common cytotoxic and noncytotoxic agents causing pulmonary toxicity is also included.
Sural Flap Use for the Treatment of Wounds With Underlying Osteomyelitis: Graft Size a Predictor in Outcome, a Systematic Review

The sural flap procedure is a versatile technique that can be used to cover many types of defects about the lower extremity. The management of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity with underlying osteomyelitis is difficult. The goal for any of these patients is to create a biomechanically stable foot for weight-bearing purposes with no continued infection. Data were gathered using multiple databases from the years 2000 to 2016. Data were compiled looking at the number of subjects, age, comorbidities, number of complications, number of failures, and average flap size of complications/failures. A total of 110 patients were gathered using 5 separate articles. Twenty-two of the 110 patients had short-term complications. Flap failure was seen in 9/110 patients. A significant difference was noticed in flap size between flap failure and complication groups and nonfailure groups. The average flap size of patients who had some form of complication or failure was 51.87 cm2 in size. The average graft size for patients without complications during their recovery was 36.54 cm2. Within our study, the failure rate of 8.9% and complication rate of 13.7% are consistent with previous reports on sural perforator flaps. Last, with regard to the effect of flap size, there were significant differences between patients with a successful outcome and those who experienced complications or failures. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Systematic review
SEX DETERMINATION AND SEX DIFFERENTIATION IN MALARIA PARASITES

1. The most coherent body of information on the malarial life‐cycles comes from studies on P. berghei and P. falciparum. For both species there is an extensive and accurate description of the life‐cycle available based on synchronized in‐vitro and in‐vivo infections (the latter only for P. berghei).
Nestin‐expressing cell types in the temporal lobe and hippocampus: Morphology, differentiation, and proliferative capacity

Nestin is expressed in immature neuroepithelial and progenitor cell types and transiently upregulated in proliferative neuroglial cells responding to acute brain injury, including following seizures. In 36 temporal lobe (TLobe) specimens from patients with TLobe epilepsy (age range 8–60 years) we studied the number, distribution and morphology of nestin‐expressing cells (NEC) in the pes, hippocampus body, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, temporal cortex and pole compared with post mortem control tissues from 26 cases (age range 12 gestational weeks to 76 years). The proliferative fraction of NEC was evaluated in selected regions, including recognized niches, using MCM2. Their differentiation was explored with neuronal (DCX, mushashi, βIII tubulin, NeuN) and glial (GFAP, GFAPdelta, glutamine synthetase, aquaporin4, EAAT1) markers, both in sections or following culture. Findings were correlated with clinical parameters. A stereotypical pattern in the distribution and morphologies of NEC was observed, reminiscent of patterns in the developing brain, with increased densities in epilepsy than adult controls (p < .001). Findings included MCM2‐positive radial glial‐like cells in the periventricular white matter and rows of NEC in the hippocampal fimbria and sulcus. Nestin cells represented 29% of the hippocampal proliferative fraction in epilepsy cases; 20% co‐expressed βIII tubulin in culture compared with 28% with GFAP. Significant correlations were noted between age at surgery, memory deficits and nestin populations. TLobe NEC with ongoing proliferative capacity likely represent vestiges of developmental migratory streams and resident reactive cell populations of potential relevance to hippocampal epileptogenesis, TLobe pathology, and co‐morbidities, including memory decline.
Terahertz Pulse Imaging: A Pilot Study of Potential Applications in Dentistry

The improvement in the detection of caries offers the possibility for dramatic improvement in dental healthcare. Current caries detection rates suggest that there may be scope for improvement. This paper describes a preliminary study to examine applications of terahertz pulse imaging (TPI) to caries detection. We present results for the detection of early stage caries in the occlusal enamel layer of a range of human tooth cross sections using TPI. Higher attenuation of terahertz radiation was observed in carious enamel as compared with healthy enamel. Hypomineralised enamel had different absorption spectra and contrast compared to carious enamel in TPI images. These results have important implications for extending TPI to other medical imaging applications where both early diagnosis and safety issues are important.