Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Endogenous Ouabain Predicts Acute Kidney Injury in Cardiac Surgery Patients*

Objectives:Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of cardiac surgery and increases morbidity and mortality. As preoperative biomarkers predicting the development of acute kidney injury are not available, we have tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma levels of endogenous ouabain may function as this type of biomarker. Rationale and Design:Endogenous ouabain is an adrenal stress hormone associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Its involvement in acute kidney injury is unknown. With studies in patients and animal settings, including isolated podocytes, we tested the above mentioned hypothesis. Patients:Preoperative endogenous ouabain was measured in 407 patients admitted for elective cardiac surgery and in a validation population of 219 other patients. We also studied the effect of prolonged elevations of circulating exogenous ouabain on renal parameters in rats and the influence of ouabain on podocyte proteins both “in vivo” and “in vitro. ” Main Results:In the first group of patients, acute kidney injury (2.8%, 8.3%, 20.3%, p < 0.001) and ICU stay (1.4±0.38, 1.7±0.41, 2.4±0.59 days, p = 0.014) increased with each incremental preoperative endogenous ouabain tertile. In a linear regression analysis, the circulating endogenous ouabain value before surgery was the strongest predictor of acute kidney injury. In the validation cohort, acute kidney injury (0%, 5.9%, 8.2%, p < 0.0001) and ICU stay (1.2±0.09, 1.4±0.23, 2.2±0.77 days, p = 0.003) increased with the preoperative endogenous ouabain tertile. Values for preoperative endogenous ouabain significantly improved (area under curve: 0.85) risk prediction over the clinical score alone as measured by integrate discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement. Finally, in the rat model, elevated circulating ouabain reduced creatinine clearance (–18%, p < 0.05), increased urinary protein excretion (+ 54%, p < 0.05), and reduced expression of podocyte nephrin (–29%, p < 0.01). This last finding was replicated ex vivo by incubating podocyte primary cell cultures with low-dose ouabain. Conclusions:Preoperative plasma endogenous ouabain levels are powerful biomarkers of acute kidney injury and postoperative complications and may be a direct cause of podocyte damage.
Interaction between the Microbial Community and Invading Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Soils from Vegetable Fields

ABSTRACT The survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soils can contaminate vegetables, fruits, drinking water, etc. However, data on the impact of E. coli O157:H7 on soil microbial communities are limited. In this study, we monitored the changes in the indigenous microbial community by using the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) method to investigate the interaction of the soil microbial community with E. coli O157:H7 in soils. Simple correlation analysis showed that the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in the test soils was negatively correlated with the ratio of Gram-negative (G−) to Gram-positive (G+) bacterial PLFAs (G−/G+ ratio). In particular, levels of 14 PLFAs were negatively correlated with the survival time of E. coli O157:H7. The contents of actinomycetous and fungal PLFAs in the test soils declined significantly (P, <0.05) after 25 days of incubation with E. coli O157:H7. The G−/G+ ratio declined slightly, while the ratio of bacterial to fungal PLFAs (B/F ratio) and the ratio of normal saturated PLFAs to monounsaturated PLFAs (S/M ratio) increased, after E. coli O157:H7 inoculation. Principal component analysis results further indicated that invasion by E. coli O157:H7 had some effects on the soil microbial community. Our data revealed that the toxicity of E. coli O157:H7 presents not only in its pathogenicity but also in its effect on soil microecology. Hence, close attention should be paid to the survival of E. coli O157:H7 and its potential for contaminating soils.
Testing Public Debt Sustainability Using a Present-Value Model

The recent fiscal crisis has renewed the public policy focus on debt sustainability. To investigate debt sustainability empirically, a significant portion of the literature on public debt sustainability tests whether government revenue and expenditure are cointegrated, i.e., move together in the long-run. In this paper, we show that this approach is not conclusive when the null of cointegration is not rejected. In such a case, one cannot draw definitive conclusions about the sustainability of public debt. To overcome this problem, we propose a new approach based on Campbell and Shiller's (1987) present-value model to derive moment restrictions that can be used to test fiscal sustainability consistently. Using this new approach, we test the solvency of the U.S. fiscal situation for the post-WWII data. Our findings suggest that the U.S. fiscal situation has not been sustainable for the post-WWII period. This result is in contrast to the traditional approach where we find that the sustainability hypothesis is not rejected.
Outcomes of Mechanical Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Clinical Registry Study and Systematic Review

Background and Purpose— Recanalization is a powerful predictor of stroke outcome in patients with arterial occlusion. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is limited by its recanalization rate, which may be improved with mechanical endovascular therapy (MET). However, the benefit and safety of MET remain to be determined. The aim of this study was to give reliable estimates of efficacy and safety outcomes of MET. Methods— We analyzed data from our prospective clinical registry and conducted a systematic review of all previous studies using MET published between January 1966 and November 2009. Results— From April 2007 to November 2009, 47 patients with acute stroke were treated with MET at Bichat Hospital. The literature search identified 31 previous studies involving a total of 1066 subjects. In the meta-analysis, including our registry data, the overall recanalization rate was 79% (95% CI, 73–84). Meta-analysis of clinical outcomes showed a pooled estimate of 40% (95% CI, 34–46; 27 studies) for favorable outcome, 28% (95% CI, 23–33; 28 studies) for mortality, and 8% (95% CI, 6–10; 27 studies) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. The likelihood of a favorable outcome increased with the use of thrombolysis (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.23–3.22) and with proportion of patients with isolated middle cerebral artery occlusion (OR per 10% increase, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04–1.25). Conclusions— MET is associated with acceptable safety and efficacy in stroke patients, and it may be a therapeutic option in those presenting with isolated middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Effects of Training and Training Cessation on Insulin Action

Physical training has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and insulin action. In the present study, insulin action was determined using the euglycemic clamp technique in six trained male athletes compared with six untrained controls matched by age, sex, and weight at 14, 38, and 86 hours and at 6 days after cessation of exercise. The rate of insulin-mediated glucose uptake (glucose disposal) was 9.40 +/- 0.46 mg.kg-1.min-1 (mean +/- SEM) for the athletes at 14 h after the last exercise bout, compared with 6.80 +/- 0.86 mg.kg-1.min-1 obtained for the untrained controls (p less than 0.01). Glucose disposal was gradually decreased to 7.78 +/- 0.87 mg.kg-1.min-1 at 38 h, 6.82 +/- 0.49 mg.kg-1.min-1 at 86 h and to 7.11 +/- 1.00 mg.kg-1.min-1 at 6 days after cessation of physical training. At 38 h, 86 h, and 6 days of detraining, glucose disposal exhibited by training athletes did not differ significantly from untrained controls. These results suggest that physical training increases insulin action, and that this effect could be reversed to the control levels within 38 h after detraining.
Some factors associated with dental caries in the primary dentition of children with Down syndrome.

AIM It is well reported in the scientific literature that there is a high level of periodontal disease and lower caries prevalence in Down Syndrome (DS) individuals, when compared with age-matched non DS individuals. This study was conducted to investigate the process of dental caries in DS children. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study the following parameters were considered: oral hygiene habits, levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus spp. (LB), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). A case group with DS children (n=69) and a control group of non DS children (n=69) were formed to perform this study. Dental caries severity was determined using the DMFT index. Samples of non-stimulated saliva were collected to determine the Lactobacillus spp levels. For SM levels, MSB agar plates were used. RESULTS The findings revealed that the case group attended dental check-ups more frequently, brushed their teeth more times per day, flossed less, and also more frequently had SM levels classified as high count. The MGI was higher and the OHI-S was lower than the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION No significant differences were found between the DMFT indexes of children from the two groups (p=0.345). The logistic regression analysis showed that in the case group, age, MGI, and SM count were positively related to dental caries (p<0.05).
Outer membrane vesicles from probiotic and commensal Escherichia coli activate NOD1-mediated immune responses in intestinal epithelial cells

Citation: Cañas M-A, Fábrega M-J, Giménez R, Badia J and Baldomà L (2018) Outer Membrane Vesicles From Probiotic and Commensal Escherichia coli Activate NOD1-Mediated Immune Responses in Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Front. Microbiol. 9:498. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018. 00498 Outer Membrane Vesicles From Probiotic and Commensal Escherichia coli Activate NOD1-Mediated Immune Responses in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Foreign Exchange Exposure, Risk Management, and Quarterly Earnings Announcements

This paper investigates the effects of foreign exchange exposure and hedging activities on the abnormal stock price volatility surrounding quarterly earnings announcements. The sample consists of Swedish firms and the study covers the period from January 1997 through March 2000. We found significant abnormal stock price volatility on the earnings announcement day, suggesting that earnings announcements often contain vital information new to investors and that abnormal volatility relates to a set of company characteristics. The findings suggest that it is relatively difficult for investors to predict earnings for smaller firms, for firms with potential for high growth, and for diversified firms. Further, we found that abnormal volatility is positively correlated with foreign exchange exposure, suggesting that investors use the information in earnings announcements to assess the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on firm performance. We also found that abnormal volatility is positively correlated with currency derivatives hedging, but not significantly correlated with the use of foreign denominated debt. This may stem from investors' inability to correctly evaluate information on currency derivatives usage or that investors lack the information needed to correctly judge the effect of derivatives on firm performance. Finally, we investigated whether abnormal stock price volatility on earnings announcement days for firms with foreign exchange exposure might be caused by systematic mispricing, but found no evidence of this.
Purple sulfur bacteria control the growth of aerobic heterotrophic bacterioplankton in a meromictic salt lake

In meromictic Mahoney Lake, British Columbia, Canada, the heterotrophic bacterial production in the mixolimnion exceeded concomitant primary production by a factor of 7. Bacterial growth rates were correlated neither to primary production nor to the amount of chlorophyll a. Both results indicate an uncoupling of bacteria and phytoplankton. In the chemocline of the lake, an extremely dense population of the purple sulfur bacterium Amoebobacter purpureus is present year round. We investigated whether anoxygenic phototrophs are significant for the growth of aerobic bacterioplankton in the overlaying water. Bacterial growth rates in the mixolimnion were limited by inorganic phosphorus or nitrogen most of the time, and the biomass of heterotrophic bacteria did not increase until, in autumn, 86% of the cells of A. purpureus appeared in the mixolimnion because of their reduced buoyant density. The increase in heterotrophic bacterial biomass, soluble phosphorus concentrations below the detection limit, and an extraordinarily high activity of alkaline phosphatase in the mixolimnion indicate a rapid liberation of organically bound phosphorus from A. purpureus cells accompanied by a simultaneous incorporation into heterotrophic bacterioplankton. High concentrations of allochthonously derived dissolved organic carbon (mean, 60 mg of C(middot)liter(sup-1)) were measured in the lake water. In Mahoney Lake, liberation of phosphorus from upwelling purple sulfur bacteria and degradation of allochthonous dissolved organic carbon as an additional carbon source render heterotrophic bacterial production largely independent of the photosynthesis of phytoplankton. A recycling of inorganic nutrients via phototrophic bacteria also appears to be relevant in other lakes with anoxic bottom waters.
Long-term care expenditure for older people, projections to 2022 for Great Britain

The PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES RESEARCH UNIT undertakes social and health care research, supported mainly by the Department of Health, and focusing particularly on policy research and analysis of equity and efficiency in community care, long-term care and related areas — including services for elderly people, people with mental health problems and children in care. Views expressed in PSSRU publications do not necessarily reflect those of funding organisations. The PSSRU was established at the University of Kent at Canterbury in 1974, and from 1996 it has operated from three branches: University of Kent at Canterbury, Cornwallis Building, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NF London School of Economics, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE University of Manchester, Dover Street Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL The PSSRU Bul le tin and pub li ca tion lists are avail able free from the librar ian at the PSSRU in Can ter bury (01227 827773; email pssru_library@kent.ac.uk) and on the PSSRU website.
Single‐pass CO2 laser skin resurfacing of light and dark skin: extended experience with 52 patients

BACKGROUND: Multiple‐pass carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing has been a favored treatment modality for photodamaged and acne‐scarred skin over the past several years. Its association with numerous side effects and complications, particularly prolonged erythema and dyspigmentation, however, has dampened the initial enthusiasm reserved for its use. By reducing the laser‐associated tissue ablation depth and degree of thermal necrosis, it is possible that the incidence of these side effects can also be reduced. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and side effect profile of single‐pass CO2 laser skin resurfacing in a large series of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 consecutive patients (skin phototypes I–VI) with mild facial rhytides, atrophic scars, or infraorbital hyperpigmentation underwent single‐pass treatment with a high‐energy, pulsed CO2 laser. Side effects to treatment were closely monitored and tabulated. Clinical improvement using a quartile grading scale was assessed independently by two masked medical evaluators at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Significant clinical improvement was seen in all patients, with peak improvement scores noted at 12 months. Greater clinical improvement was seen in patients with darker skin tones despite the near universal incidence of transient postoperative hyperpigmentation in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Single‐pass CO2 laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of fine rhytides, mild atrophic scars, and infraorbital hyperpigmentation in all skin types. The severity and duration of side effects and complications are reduced with this technique (compared with multiple‐pass procedures) and may offer a possible solution to the problem of treating patients with darker complexions.
Onychomycosis in the 21st Century: An Update on Diagnosis, Epidemiology, and Treatment

Onychomycosis accounts for 50% of all nail disease cases and is commonly caused by dermatophytes. Diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, immunosuppression, obesity, smoking, and advancing age are predisposing factors of this fungal infection. Potassium hydroxide and culture are considered the current standard for diagnosing onychomycosis, revealing both fungal viability and species identification. Other diagnostic tests currently available include periodic acid–Schiff staining, polymerase chain reaction techniques, and fluorescent staining. Across 6 recently published epidemiology studies, the global prevalence of onychomycosis was estimated to be 5.5%, falling within the range of previously reported estimates (2%-8%). Newly approved onychomycosis treatments include efinaconazole, tavaborole, and laser therapy with lasers only approved to temporarily increase the amount of clear nail. Additional onychomycosis treatments being investigated include iontophoresis and photodynamic therapy with small open-label studies reported thus far. Preventative strategies, to help decrease recurrence and reinfection rates, include sanitisation of footwear and prophylactic topical antifungal agents.
Does In‡ation Matter for Growth? ¤

The interaction between in‡ation and economic growth is studied within a simple model incorporating money and …nance into an optimal growth framework with constant returns to capital. The model includes the potential impact of in‡ation on growth via (a) saving and real interest rates, (b) velocity and …nancial development, (c) the government budget de…cit through the in‡ation tax and tax erosion, and (d) e¢ciency in production through the wedge between the
Which Matters: 'Paying to Play' or Stable Business Relationship? Evidence on Analyst Recommendation and Mutual Fund Commission Fee Payment

This paper investigates the factors that affect the likelihood of maintaining a stable relationship between a brokerage firm and its client funds and the effect of such a stable business relationship on analyst recommendations. We find that young funds, particularly those in small fund families, have more incentives to maintain business ties with their current brokerage firms. A common ownership affiliation between a fund and a brokerage firm or with a third institution further enhances the probability that the brokerage firm and the funds will maintain a stable relationship. More importantly, analysts issue more optimistic recommendations on stocks that are held by their brokerage firms stably related funds (SRFs) than on stocks that are held by other funds. The effect is more pronounced after excluding large firms. The results are robust after controlling for underwriting relation, commission fees, funds' shareholding and other factors.
New insights into changes in corneal thickness in healthy mountaineers during a very-high-altitude climb to Mount Muztagh Ata.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of very high altitude and different ascent profiles on central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS Twenty-eight healthy mountaineers were randomly assigned to 2 different ascent profiles during a medical research expedition to Mount Muztagh Ata (7546 m) in western China. Group 1 was allotted a shorter acclimatization time prior to ascent to 6265 m. The main outcome measure was CCT. Secondary outcome measures were oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and symptom assessments of acute mountain sickness (cerebral acute mountain sickness score). Examinations were performed at 490, 4497, 5533, and 6265 m. RESULTS Central corneal thickness increased in both groups with increasing altitude and decreased after descent. In group 1 (with the shorter acclimatization), mean CCT increased from 537 to 572 microm. Mean CCT in group 2 increased from 534 to 563 microm (P = .048). The amount of decrease in SpO(2) paralleled the increase in CCT. There was no significant decrease in visual acuity. There was a significant correlation between CCT and cerebral acute mountain sickness score when controlled for SpO(2) and age. CONCLUSIONS Corneal swelling during high-altitude climbs is promoted by low SpO(2). Systemic delivery of oxygen to the anterior chamber seems to play a greater role in corneal oxygenation than previously thought. Adhering to a slower ascent profile results in less corneal edema. Visual acuity in healthy corneas is not adversely affected by edema at altitudes of up to 6300 m. Individuals with more acute mountain sickness-related symptoms had thicker corneas, possibly due to their higher overall susceptibility to hypoxia.
Motivation in Information Communication and Technology-Based Science Learning in Tamil Schools

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT) utilisation in learning science to improve students’ motivation. This study examined 100 students from Malaysian Tamil vernacular schools to learn ICT-based science.Research design used a mixed method approach involving quantitative and qualitative data. Students answered the Science Motivation Questionaire II (SMQ II) instrument based on the dichotomous scale that uses “Yes or No” questions. Open-ended questions were also analysed qualitatively. The instrument was divided into five categories, namely Intrinsic Motivation, Grade Motivation, Self-efficacy Motivation, Self-determination and ICT Motivation. The findings showed that all 25 items of SMQ IIhad significantly high level of motivation. 90.2% of respondents agreed that ICT-based learning of Science stimulated their Intrinsic Motivation. Respondents admitted that factors such as Elements of ICT (46.6%), Assisted Learning (30.10%) and Stimulated Interest (23.3%) had been their attraction towards the usage of ICT in learning Science. This study also identified that respondents regarded the level of internet accessibility (34.7%) and health (25.5%) as being the main obstacles to using ICT during Science learning. Findings from this study show health issues hinder the usage of ICT in learning Science. Therefore this new element should be taken into account so as not to become a constraint for their motivation. The significance of this study is to enable Tamil vernacular school students to show interest in studying science.