Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of physiological valvular regurgitation in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND Although echo Doppler machines have consistently advanced within a quarter of a century, age related prevalence of valvular regurgitation detected by currently available echo machines remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of valvular regurgitation in healthy individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 1,333 apparently healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Echocardiographic examinations were performed using a currently available echo machine. Aortic regurgitation (AR) was detected less frequently (<10%) in younger subjects. Prevalence of aortic regurgitation increased with advancing age and reached 46% in their 9th decade. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was detected in two-thirds of the subjects >30 years old. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was frequently (>80%) detected in all age groups. In general, prevalence of valvular regurgitation was higher than those reported previously, except for a relatively lower prevalence of AR in the elderly population. Age was an independent correlate of AR and MR, but not of TR. The presence of AR and MR were independent correlates of TR. CONCLUSIONS In healthy subjects, AR, MR or TR are commonly detected by using a current echo machine. These "physiological" valvular regurgitations should not be considered as a "pathological" valvular heart disease.
Surgery for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Colorectal Origin: Techniques and Limitations

Colorectal cancer can give rise to peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) by different mechanisms. Advanced (T3 or T4) tumors can cause PC by direct invasion of the peritoneum or shedding (exfoliating) of cells from the tumor’s surface. When peritoneal washings from colon cancer patients are analysed with molecular techniques (RT-PCR), micrometastatic cells can be detected in up to 24% of patients (1). Loose cells are transported throughout the abdomen by the physiological peritoneal fluid flow. The diaphragm and greater omentum, where absorption of particulate matter occurs, are therefore frequent locations of PC. Secondly, PC can be caused by inadvertent tumor spread during surgery fro a primary colorectal cancer. The incidence of tumor seeding during curative resection of colorectal cancer varies from 3-28% (2). Most patients with PC, however, are treated in the context of locally recurrent disease. In a small proportion of colorectal cancer patients, the peritoneal surface is the only site of recurrent disease. In a recent review, the incidence of (PC) in colorectal cancer patients was 13% (3). In that series, a total of 80 patients had localized disease in the absence of systemic metastases, representing 3 per cent (80 of 2756) of the study population. Calculations made in the Netherlands suggest that in that country, approximately 200 patients per year with colorectal cancer would be a candidate for debulking surgery for PC. Assuming a comparable incidence in Belgium, no more than 125 patients per year would require surgery.
Decentralized Exchange

Most assets are traded in multiple interconnected trading venues. This paper develops an equilibrium model of decentralized markets that accommodates general market structures with coexisting exchanges. Decentralized markets can allocate risk among traders with different risk preferences more efficiently, thus realizing gains from trade that cannot be reproduced in centralized markets. Market decentralization always increases price impact. Yet, markets in which assets are traded in multiple exchanges, whether they are disjoint or intermediated, can give higher welfare than the centralized market with the same traders and assets. In decentralized markets, demand substitutability across assets is endogenous and heterogeneous among traders.
The Activin-Follistatin System in the Neonatal Ovine Uterus1

Abstract Uterine gland development or adenogenesis in the neonatal ovine uterus involves budding and tubulogenesis followed by coiling and branching morphogenesis of the glandular epithelium (GE) from the luminal epithelium (LE) between birth (Postnatal Day [PND] 0) and PND 56. Activins, which are members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, and follistatin, an inhibitor of activins, regulate epithelial branching morphogenesis in other organs. The objective of the present study was to determine effects of postnatal age on expression of follistatin, inhibin α subunit, βA subunit, βB subunit, activin receptor (ActR) type IA, ActRIB, and ActRII in the developing ovine uterus. Ewes were ovariohysterectomized on PND 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, or 56. The uterus was analyzed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Neither inhibin α subunit mRNA or protein was detected in the neonatal uterus. Expression of βA and βB subunits was detected predominantly in the endometrial LE and GE and myometrium between PND 0 and PND 56. In all uterine cell types, ActRIA, ActRIB, and ActRII were expressed, with the highest levels observed in the endometrial LE and GE and myometrium. Between PND 0 and PND 14, follistatin was detected in all uterine cell types. However, between PND 21 and PND 56, follistatin was only detected in the stroma and myometrium and not in the developing GE. Collectively, the present results indicate that components of the activin-follistatin system are expressed in the developing neonatal ovine uterus and are potential regulators of endometrial gland morphogenesis.
Trigeminal sensitivity in chronic rhinosinusitis: topographical differences and the effect of surgery.

INTRODUCTION Little is known on endonasal trigeminal sensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The aim of our study was to investigate changes in trigeminal sensitivity in patients with CRSwNP and the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on trigeminal perception. METHODS A prospective study was performed to investigate the trigeminal sensitivity at three different locations within the nose (anterior septum, anterior lateral wall, middle turbinate) using electrical stimuli. Therefore 45 CRSwNP patients were compared to 30 healthy subjects. Further, the effect of FESS was investigated in 31 patients before and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS CRSwNP patients had a significantly higher trigeminal threshold at all tested locations than healthy subjects. The lowest trigeminal detection threshold could be shown at the entrance of the nose in healthy subjects and in patients with CRSwNP. Three months after FESS a significant improvement of trigeminal detection threshold was observed at the anterior nasal septum. CONCLUSION Protective function of the trigeminal system is preserved in CRSwNP patients. FESS seems to show beneficial effects on restoring sentinel function at the entrance of the nose.
The treatment of neoplastic meningitis

Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is a debilitating complication of cancer that occurs when tumour cells infiltrate the leptomeninges. Treatment often includes direct installation of chemotherapy into the cerebrospinal fluid either by lumbar puncture or the use of a ventricular reservoir, radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy or a combination of these modalities. The current standard chemotherapeutic agents for direct instillation into the cerebrospinal fluid include methotrexate, cytarabine and thiotepa. Other agents, such as topotecan, manfosfamide and IFNs, are undergoing evaluation in clinical trials. Despite active investigation of new therapies, the prognosis for patients with NM remains poor. However, some patients do demonstrate improvement of neurological function and prolongation of survival with treatment. Therefore, careful evaluation and treatment planning is warranted in order to avoid treatment-associated toxicities and to maximise the impact of the treatment on the disease process.
Accuracy of fingerstick glucose values in shock patients.

BACKGROUND Fingerstick blood glucose measurement has become widespread in both hospital and prehospital settings. OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of fingerstick blood glucose measurement in patients with poor peripheral perfusion (shock). METHOD Results obtained during three methods of glucose analysis (fingerstick blood glucose measurement; bedside and laboratory glucose analysis) were examined prospectively on 38 patients from inpatient medical and surgical critical care units or the emergency department of a large tertiary care referral center. RESULTS The means of the three glucose measurements were significantly different. Univariate analysis of the mean laboratory glucose value versus the mean fingerstick glucose value was significantly different. The mean venipuncture glucose measured by the bedside glucose meter versus the mean venous laboratory glucose was not significantly different. CONCLUSION These results suggest that fingerstick blood samples should not be used for bedside glucose analysis in patients who may have inadequate tissue perfusion.
Asystole in an adult after a single dose of succinylcholine.

CASE REPORT A 24-year-old female with suspected ailpendicitis was brought to the operating room for abdominal exploration. Preoperative physical examination revealed right lower abdominal tenderness and low-grade fever. The patient had a leucocytosis of 14,000. Her serum potassium was 4 4 mEq/L (normal range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/I,) Physical examination, history, and 1abor;itory values were otherwise within normal range.
Understanding the Effects of Personal and School Religiosity on the Decision to Abort a Premarital Pregnancy∗

Although much research has examined the relationship between religion and abortion attitudes, few studies have examined whether religion influences abortion behavior. This study looks at whether individual and school religiosity influence reported abortion behavior among women who become pregnant while unmarried. Hierarchical Logistic Models are implemented to analyze two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Findings show that personal religiosity is unrelated to reported abortion behavior. However, conservative Protestants appear less likely to obtain abortions than mainline Protestants, Catholics, and women of non-Christian faiths. Regardless of personal religious affiliation, having attended a school with a high proportion of conservative Protestants appears to discourage abortion as women enter their twenties. Conversely, women from private religious high schools appear more likely to report obtaining an abortion than women from public schools.
Minimum Data Set for Mass-Gathering Health Research and Evaluation: A Discussion Paper

Abstract This paper discusses the need for consistency in mass-gathering data collection and biomedical reporting. Mass gatherings occur frequently throughout the world, and having an understanding of the complexities of mass gatherings is important to inform health services about the possible required health resources. Factors within the environmental, psychosocial and biomedical domains influence the usage of health services at mass gatherings. The biomedical domain includes the categorization of presenting injury or illness, and rates such as patient presentation rate, transferred to hospital rate and referred to hospital rate. These rates provide insight into the usage of onsite health services, prehospital ambulance services. and hospital emergency department services. Within the literature, these rates are reported in a manner that is varied, haphazard and author dependent. This paper proposes moving away from an author-dependent practice of collection and reporting of data. An expert consensus approach is proposed as a means of further developing mass-gathering theory and moving beyond the current situation of reporting on individual case studies. To achieve this, a minimum data set with a data dictionary is proposed in an effort to generate conversation about a possible agreed minimum amount and type of information that should be collected consistently for research and evaluation at mass gatherings. Finally, this paper outlines future opportunities that will emerge from the consistent collection and reporting of mass-gathering data, including the possibility for meta-analysis, comparison of events across societies and modeling of various rates to inform health services. RanseJ, HuttonA. Minimum data set for mass-gathering health research and evaluation: a discussion paper. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(6):1-8.
Notice of RetractionResearch on corporate tax compliance, corporate governance and tax policies in China: From the international studies on the undersheltering puzzle

The undersheltering puzzle, proposed by Weisbach, has brought the severe challenge to the pervious researches in tax avoidance field. The solution of the puzzle has to broaden the pervious researches' framework and change the pervious hypotheses, which will bring a series of changes to tax avoidance researches such as the re-definition of corporate tax system, the introduction of governance variables and the adjustment of tax collection and administration system. This paper, based on the undersheltering puzzle, analyzes the latest international research in the motivation of corporate tax avoidance, tax avoidance participation, and the related influence to tax policies system. The main findings included that the international researches of corporate tax avoidance have been divided into two directions after the undersheltering puzzle proposed by Weisbach in the first place. The first research direction is represented by Graham and Tucker who think corporate tax avoidance is only the tool to reduce the tax burden and increase values. They have continued the traditional framework, and consider the problem of agency at the same time. The other research direction is represented by Dysai, Dyck and Wilson who think agency problems are the inherent problems of the company, which is bound to have a great impact on tax avoidance. Second, the introduction of corporate governance variables expands the perspective for corporate tax avoidance. Therefore, it is of great significance to research the motives and behaviors of corporate tax avoidance in the Chinese legal environment and institutional background. Finally, the whole corporate governance system will be improved, which can provide a certain degree of protection to help Chinese companies to develop steadily. At the same time, Analyses of Chinese corporate tax system arrangement and tax policies enforcement is proposed.
Detailed ultrasonographic findings in Greenberg dysplasia

A case of Greenberg dysplasia [hydrops fetalis, ectopic calcifications, ‘moth‐eaten’ skeletal dysplasia (HEM)] is presented. Fetal ultrasonography at 20 weeks' gestation showed hydrops fetalis, severe micromelia, irregular hyperechogenic foci in the ribs and vertebral bodies, irregular hypo‐ and hyperechogenic areas and abnormal contour within the long bones, and flattened and ‘T’‐shaped appearance of the vertebrae. Findings on postmortem histological and radiographic examination were consistent with Greenberg dysplasia. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Support Phosphorus Recycling Policy with Social Life Cycle Assessment: A Case of Japan

Producing phosphorus (P) fertilizers with recycled P is desirable for efficient use of P resource. However, the current cost of P recycling facilities in Japan strongly discourages the government from adopting this practice. To expand consideration for a P recycling policy, the concept of social externality was introduced. Social issues, such as the violation of human rights in P mining in the Western Sahara, have been identified in recent studies; nevertheless, a systematic approach towards accountability was lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to support a P recycling policy with a social life cycle assessment (SLCA) by contrasting the social impacts associated with mineral and recycled P fertilizers using the case study of Japan. We developed a framework based on the UNEP-SETAC SLCA Guidelines with a supplementary set of P-specific social indicators. The results showed that the marginal social impact associated with recycled P was much less relative to mineral P; however, even if we factored in the maximum recycling capacity, a mandate of P recycling policy in Japan would not mitigate the impacts significantly relative to the current situation because only 15% of P rocks could be substituted. In short, we showed that a semi-quantitative SLCA framework would be useful to communicate the wide spectrum of social impacts to policymakers.
A backward stochastic differential equations approach for the numerical solution of a class of nonlocal diffusion problems

We propose a novel numerical approach for linear nonlocal diffusion equations [8] with integrable kernels, based on the relationship between the backward Kolmogorov equation and a class of backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) driven by Lèvy processes with jumps. The nonlocal diffusion problem under consideration is converted into a BSDE, for which numerical schemes are developed and applied directly. The most significant advantage of our approach is that the BSDE can be solved independently along each trajectory of the underlying Lèvy processes, and therefore, completely avoiding the difficulties associated with solving sequences of linear systems required by traditional numerical approximations. In addition, the inherent independence of our procedure allows for embarrassingly parallel implementations and also enables adaptive approximation techniques to be incorporated in a straightforward fashion. Rigorous error analysis of the new method is provided as several numerical examples that illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Metabolic stress and cancer: is autophagy the common denominator and a feasible target?

Autophagy facilitates the degradation of proteins or organelles into recyclable molecules, which are released into the cell to foster cell survival under energetic stress. Furthermore, autophagy has been associated with cancer cell survival and chemoresistance, and as such, it is an area of increasing interest. As autophagic activity and its regulation are related to metabolism and energy stress, it is critical to elucidate the exact molecular mechanisms that drive it.
Aplastic anemia in Brazil: Incidence and risk factors

This study is the first large‐scale epidemiological investigation of acquired aplastic anemia (AAA) in South America. The objective was to estimate the incidence and to identify risk factors for AAA in Brazil. A national case–control study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for the disease. One hundred twenty‐five cases and 129 controls were included. Multiple logistic regression was used in the estimation of odds ratios (OR) to control confounding. The size of Brazil made it unfeasible to estimate the incidence of AAA in the whole country, and we limited the calculation to the state of Parana. The annual incidence of AAA in Parana was 2.4 cases/106 inhabitants. There was no positive association between chloramphenicol use and AAA (OR 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1–2.9). The OR of AAA associated with household pesticides that include organophosphates in their composition was 2.7 (1.0–8.4). The OR for the usage of unspecified thinner and/or acetone for at least 7 days was 3.0 (1.2–7.3). Cases of AAA in Brazil seem to be associated with some factors traditionally related to this disease, such as certain solvents and the incidence is similar to what has been reported from Europe. Am. J. Hematol. 71:268–274, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The efficacy of alfaxalone for immersion anesthesia in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio).

OBJECTIVE To characterize the physiologic and behavioral effects of a single induction dose and two maintenance doses of alfaxalone delivered by water immersion in the anesthesia of koi (Cyprinus carpio). STUDY DESIGN Prospective, within-subject complete crossover design. ANIMALS Six adult koi (Cyprinus carpio) with a median body weight of 344.5 g (range 292.0-405.0 g). METHODS Koi were immersed in water containing 10 mg L(-1) alfaxalone until immobile and then maintained with alfaxalone at either 1 or 2.5 mg L(-1) via a recirculating water system. Times for anesthetic induction and recovery periods were recorded. Physiologic and blood gas parameters were evaluated before, during and after the anesthetic trial. Response to noxious stimuli was also assessed. RESULTS Median anesthesia induction time for all fish was 5.4 minutes. Median recovery time was 11.8 and 26.4 minutes in the 1.0 and 2.5 mg L(-1) doses, respectively, which were significantly different (p = 0.04). Cessation of opercular movement occurred in 0/6 and 4/6 fish exposed to 1.0 and 2.5 mg L(-1) dose respectively. No difference was observed in median heart rate over the duration of the anesthetic events. Response to noxious stimulation was 4/6 and 0/6 in the 1.0 and 2.5 mg L(-1) doses respectively. Oxygenation and ventilation did not change during the experiment, but there was a significant decrease in blood pH along with an increase in blood lactate concentration. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of alfaxalone, via water immersion, as an induction and maintenance anesthesia agent provided rapid and reliable anesthesia of koi with no mortality. The maintenance dose of 2.5 mg L(-1) was sufficient to prevent response to noxious stimuli but was associated with a clinically relevant depression in opercular rate.
Pediatric Laryngeal Dimensions: An Age-Based Analysis

BACKGROUND: In children, the cricoid is considered the narrowest portion of the “funnel-shaped” airway. Growth and development lead to a transition to the more cylindrical adult airway. A number of airway decisions in pediatric airway practice are based on this transition from the pediatric to the adult airway. Our primary aim in this study was to measure airway dimensions in children of various ages. The measures of the glottis and cricoid regions were used to determine whether a transition from the funnel-shaped pediatric airway to the cylindrical adult airway could be identified based on images obtained from video bronchoscopy. METHODS: One hundred thirty-five children (ASA physical status 1 or 2) aged 6 mo to 13 yr were enrolled for measurement of laryngeal dimensions, including cross-sectional area (G-CSA), anteroposterior and transverse diameters at the level of the glottis and the cricoid (C-CSA), using the video bronchoscopic technique under general anesthesia. RESULTS: Of the 135 children enrolled in the study, seven patients were excluded from the analysis mainly because of poor image quality. Of the 128 children studied (79 boys and 49 girls), mean values (±standard deviation) for the demographic data were age 5.9 (±3.3) yr, height 113.5 (±22.2) cm and weight 23.5 (±13) kg. Overall, the mean C-CSA was larger than the G-CSA (48.9 ± 15.5 mm2 vs 30 ± 16.5 mm2, respectively). This relationship was maintained throughout the study population starting from 6 mo of age (P < 0.001, r = 0.45, power = 1). The mean ratio for C-CSA: G-CSA was 2.1 ± 1.2. There was a positive correlation between G- and the C-CSA versus age (r = 0.36, P < 0.001; r = 0.27, P = 0.001, respectively), height (r = 0.34, P < 0.001; r = 0.29, P < 0.001, respectively), and weight (r = 0.35, P < 0.001; r = 0.25, P = 0.003, respectively). No significant gender differences in the mean values of the studied variables were observed. CONCLUSION: In this study of infants and children, the glottis rather than cricoid was the narrowest portion of the pediatric airway. Similar to adults, the pediatric airway is more cylindrical than funnel shaped based on these video bronchoscopic images. Further studies are needed to determine whether these static airway measurements in anesthetized and paralyzed children reflect the dynamic characteristics of the glottis and cricoid in children.