Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Admission serum lactate levels do not predict mortality in the acutely injured patient.

INTRODUCTION The conventional view that admission lactate levels predict outcome in trauma patients stems from simple comparisons of mean blood levels between groups and small sample sizes. To better address this question, we performed more rigorous statistical analyses of lactate in a larger patient sample. METHODS We prospectively collected data on admission lactate and outcomes in 5,995 patients admitted to an urban, university-based trauma center. The ability of admission lactate to predict mortality was assessed by logistic regression, calculation of positive predictive values (PPV), and measurement of areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Differences between survivors and nonsurvivors in means of most proposed prognosticators was again demonstrated. However, the large overlap in these variables between survivors and nonsurvivors prevented clinically useful predictions. The overall PPV of elevated lactate was only 5.4%. Even in severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score >20; mortality 23%), elevated admission lactate level was a poor predictor of outcome. ROC analyses found no useful sensitivity threshold overall or after stratification by age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale score, revised trauma score, or mechanism of injury. CONCLUSIONS This large retrospective examination of admission lactate levels failed to show useful predictive accuracy for hospital death. Serum lactate levels need not be obtained routinely but can be reserved for patients who will be admitted to the intensive care unit and/or require an emergency operation.
Effect of vitamin d3 supplement in glycemic control of pediatrics with type 1 diabetes mellitus and vitamin d deficiency.

BACKGROUND Glycemic control prevents microvascular complications in patients with type I diabetes mellitus such as retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy that influences quality of life. Some studies show the immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D in synthesis and secretion of insulin. AIMS In this study we evaluate glycemic changes after vitamin D3 supplement in children with type I diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS In children with type I diabetes mellitus, level of vitamin D and HbA1C was measured. Patients with type I diabetes mellitus who had vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 50 nmol/lit) treated with 300,000 units of vitamin D3. Calcium supplement (40mg/kg/day) divided in two doses in order to avoid hungry bone was also used. After three months, 25OHD and HbA1C were measured again. Differences, in mean ± SD HbA1C and 25OHD were evaluated before and after the study. RESULTS Mean ± SD HbA1C was 9.73±1.85 before the study which was diminished to 8.55±1.91 after vitamin D3 supplement treatment. This decline has a significant difference (p-value < 0.0001). Mean ± SD 25OHD was 17.33±8.97 nmol/lit before the study which is increased to 39.31±14.38 nmol/lit after treatment with vitamin D3 supplement. This increase also has a significant difference (p-value < 0.0001). Vitamin D3 supplement causes the improvement of HbA1C in all groups of glycemic control including HbA1C <7.8, 7.8-9.9, and >9.9. This supplement transfer patients toward better glycemic control for the entire group (p-value < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Vitamin D3 supplement improves HbA1C in pediatrics with type I diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency.
Ergovaline movement across caco-2 cells

SummaryErgovaline's role in the direct causation of fescue toxicosis first requires establishment of its dietary absorption. Therefore, ergovaline movement across human intestinal cells was assessed using Caco-2 cells derived from human colon carcinoma. A pre-equilibrated mixture of ergovaline/ergovalinine (60∶40 ratio of isomers) was added to the apical compartment, and isomer movements were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of extracted media (initial pre-isomerized ergovaline concentrations of 6 and 22 μM, two doses). Mathematical models for ergot alkaloid movement were developed. Rates of movement were not different for the isomers. In the absence of cells, basal accumulation of isomers was essentially linear for 3 h regardless of loading concentration, after which basal accumulation of ergovaline/ergovalinine plateaued. Rates of ergovaline/ergovalinine movement in the presence of cells slowed to about 25% the rate of movement in the absence of cells (22 μM, kt=0.0133 no cells, 0.0036 with cells, P<0.05). Mass transfer rate was 7.5 ng·cm−2·min−1 and was similar to that reported for ergovaline using a parabiotic chamber with sheep omasum. After 6 h in the presence of cells, ∼25 and 40% of the total ergovaline/ergovalinine administered had accumulated in the basal compartment for 6.6 and 22 μM treatments, respectively. Ergovaline and its naturally occurring isomer, ergovalinine, readily crossed intestinal cells intact and at similar rates. Either isomer, or a combination of both, could be involved in the pathogenesis of fescue toxicosis at sites distal to the intestine.
Quantification of the Predominant Immune Cell Populations in Decidua Throughout Human Pregnancy

To date, a multiplicity of factors contributing to the establishment and progression of a successful pregnancy have been postulated. There is emerging evidence that decidual leukocytes could be decisive factors during pregnancy. Despite numerous investigations on immune cells in human early pregnancy decidua, little is known about the physiological composition and proportion of the various immune cell populations during the different phases of pregnancy. In this study, we therefore analyzed the proportion of the dominant decidual leukocytes in human tissue samples derived from all phases of pregnancy.
General purpose technology diffusion and labour market dynamics : A spatio-temporal perspective

This dissertation aims at advancing the knowledge about the role of the labour market in the process of the technology-induced economic transformation, taking into account the variety of factors involved at micro-, meso-, and macro-levels of the economy and at different geographical scales. Empirically, the dissertation investigates the co-evolutionary dynamics of industrial restructuring and worker reallocation across and within regional labour markets induced by the diffusion of the information technology as a general purpose technology (GPT) in Sweden in the period between 1985 and 2010.The analytical framework employed in the dissertation combines the theoretical perspectives on the long-term economic development with the insights from the labour market studies on the dual role of the labour market in the process of technology-induced structural change. These two strands of research are integrated into the evolutionary model of economic change that links explicitly the microlevel processes of response to GPT-induced transformation pressures to the macro-level determinants and outcomes of these processes.The findings of this dissertation indicate that the dynamics of technological change as well as its implications for functioning of regional labour markets should be approached through the prism of technology diffusion process which unfolds in time and space. To be able to understand the technology diffusion process one should address four intertwined questions: what kind of technology is diffused, how it is diffused, when it is diffused as well as where it is diffused at different points in time.Also, the dissertation suggests that the role of the labour market in the technology-induced transformation is far from the smoothly operating mechanism of adjustment to economy-wide economic shocks, as it is often assumed in mainstream approaches to economic theorising. In that respect, the dissertation provides a reference point for studies of labour market evolution beyond the standard equilibrium approach.
Carcinomas In Situ of the Breast With Indeterminate Features: Role of E-Cadherin Staining in Categorization

Most breast carcinomas in situ (CIS) are easily categorized as ductal (DCIS) or lobular (LCIS). However, some CIS have indeterminate histologic features (CIS-IF). Prior studies have shown that E-cadherin protein expression is lost in lobular but not ductal carcinomas. Therefore, evaluation of examples of CIS-IF for E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry might be useful in helping to define their nature. To address this, we studied histologic features and E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry in 89 cases of breast CIS (28 LCIS, 33 DCIS, 28 CIS-IF). CIS-IF cases were divided into three groups based on histology: Group 1 cases had all the cytologic and architectural features typical of LCIS but showed areas of comedo-type necrosis (n = 6). Group 2 cases were CIS lesions characterized by small, uniform neoplastic cells either growing in a solid pattern with focal microacinar-like structures but with cellular dyshesion, or growing in a cohesive mosaic pattern but with occasional intracytoplasmic vacuoles (n = 17). Group 3 cases showed marked cellular pleomorphism and nuclear atypia but had the dyshesive growth pattern characteristic of LCIS (n = 5). E-cadherin staining was scored as negative, positive, or mixed (mixture of negative and positive tumor cells). All 28 cases of LCIS were E-cadherin negative, and all 33 DCIS cases were E-cadherin positive by immunohistochemistry. All cases from CIS-IF group 1 and group 3 were negative for E-cadherin, suggesting a closer kinship to LCIS than to DCIS. In contrast, CIS-IF group 2 cases were heterogeneous with respect to E-cadherin staining. Six (35.3%) cases were E-cadherin negative (more akin to LCIS), 5 (29.4%) cases were E-cadherin positive (akin to DCIS), and 6 (35.3%) cases had both E-cadherin–positive and E-cadherin–negative tumor cells, suggesting a mixed DCIS/LCIS phenotype. Our findings suggest that E-cadherin immunostaining is of value in helping to characterize breast carcinomas in situ with indeterminate features. However, validation of these observations will require clinical outcome studies.
Compensating for non-response in a study estimating the incidence of mental disorders in long-term sickness absence by a two-phased design

Aims: The study compensates for the non-response that was observed in a previous study that estimated the frequencies of mental disorders in long-term sickness absence (LSA) (more than eight weeks of continuous sickness absence). In this study, the frequency of any mental disorder was estimated at 48% by a two-phase design and weighted logistic regression. The total non-response rate was 53.6%. This motivated the present study to compensate for non-response by applying adjustment of the weights and by multiple imputation of missing data in the estimation of the frequencies of mental disorders. Methods: The study took place in a Danish population of 120,000 inhabitants. During one year, all 2,414 incident individuals on LSA were identified. By a two-phase design 1,121 individuals were screened in Phase 1. In Phase 2, which was a subsample of Phase 1, 337 individuals participated in a psychiatric diagnostic examination applying Present State Examination as gold standard. The weighted analyses were based on scores of the screening instrument SCL-8AD compiled of SCL-8, SCL-ANX4, and SCL-DEP6 from the Common Mental Disorders Screening Questionnaire. In the present study, the variables sex, age, municipality, and social transfer income variables were used for the adjustment of weights in weighted analyses and in the imputation models. Results: The frequencies were: any mental disorder 46%—49%, depression 31%—36%, anxiety 13%—15%, and somatoform disorder 8%—9%. Conclusions: Irrespective of whether compensation for non-response was applied, the frequencies of mental disorders were similar. The variables used for the compensation were of problematic value.
Normal striatal D2 receptor binding in idiopathic restless legs syndrome with periodic leg movements in sleep

Dopaminergic treatment is very effective in restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS). However, neuroreceptor imaging studies that addressed altered striatal dopaminergic function have given controversial results. In this present study, 14 patients with idiopathic RLS (iRLS) and PLMS with a good response to dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic treatment and ten healthy sex- and age-matched controls were investigated off-medication by using 123I-IBZM and SPECT. RLS symptoms and sleep disturbances were evaluated using three nights of polysomnography, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) rating scale. The patients presented with sleep disturbances, a high PLMS index (56.2±33.1 per h), and severe RLS symptoms during SPECT (IRLSSG rating scale 23.1±8.0), and showed no significant differences in striatal to frontal IBZM binding to D2 receptors compared to controls (ratio striatum/frontal cortex, right side 1.60±0.10 vs 1.63±0.08, P = 0.35, NS; left side 1.61±0.11 vs 1.63±0.08, P = 0.51, NS). These findings show normal function of striatal D2 receptors in successfully treated patients with iRLS and PLMS. Dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic pretreatment does not appear to change striatal D2 receptor binding as compared to healthy controls. Structures other than striatal D2 receptors are discussed as possible causes of the treatment effects in RLS.
Detection of a CBG‐like protein in human Fallopian tube tissue *

The acrosome reaction (AR), a modified exocytotic process, is prerequisite for successful mammalian fertilization. The protein component that is responsible for the AR‐inducing activity of human follicular fluid, has been found to be immunologically identical with corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG), which is well characterized and serves as a transport protein for progesterone and cortisol in the plasma. Our findings have shown that the CBG‐like protein is expressed by endothelial cells of the Fallopian tube depending on the hormonal cycle. In the culture medium of human epithelial tubal cells, the CBG‐like protein was detected by Western blot analysis. The protein was also found in biologically active form in human tubular fluid. Our investigations strongly indicate that human Fallopian tube cells actively express and secrete a CBG‐like progesterone‐binding protein, which might play a role in the in vivo modulation of human sperm AR.
A Systematic Review of mHealth-Based Heart Failure Interventions

Background:The popularity of mobile phones and similar mobile devices makes it an ideal medium for delivering interventions. This is especially true with heart failure (HF) interventions, in which mHealth-based HF interventions are rapidly replacing their telephone-based predecessors. Purpose:This systematic review examined the impact of mHealth-based HF management interventions on HF outcomes. The specific aims of the systematic review are to (1) describe current mHealth-based HF interventions and (2) discuss the impact of these interventions on HF outcomes. Methods:PubMed, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies that tested mHealth interventions in people with HF using the terms Heart Failure, Mobile Health, mHealth, Telemedicine, Text Messaging, Texting, Short Message Service, Mobile Applications, and Mobile Apps. Conclusions:Ten articles, representing 9 studies, were included in this review. The majority of the studies utilized mobile health technology as part of an HF monitoring system, which typically included a blood pressure–measuring device, weighing scale, and an electrocardiogram recorder. The impact of the mHealth interventions on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, HF-related hospitalizations, length of stay, New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, quality of life, and self-care were inconsistent at best. Implications:Further research is needed to conclusively determine the impact of mHealth interventions on HF outcomes. The limitations of the current studies (eg, inadequate sample size, quasi-experimental design, use of older mobile phone models, etc) should be taken into account when designing future studies.
Mind the Gap: Inconsistencies Between Subjective and Objective Financial Risk Tolerance

ABSTRACT Investors' financial risk tolerance is crucial in the formulation of suitable financial advice; in the past, assessment efforts relied on multiple approaches and techniques, but their consistency is still an issue. The authors focus on 2 metrics traditionally proposed (self-assessment and portfolio composition) and test their mutual consistency on a sample of 2,374 investors. The approach allows them to discriminate between inconsistencies due to wrong portfolio compositions and those arising from wrong self-assessments. The authors show that low financial literacy, high income, no children, and incautious economic behavior are commonly associated with such inconsistencies.
The mobility of ‘creative workers’ and their potential contribution to the recovery of old industrial cities in Spain

Strategies of attraction and retention of talent are gaining importance in the policy agendas of Spanish old industrial cities. However, since more evidence is needed regarding the effectiveness of these approaches this study begins by analysing the stocks and flows of ‘creative workers’ within the urban system. The inspection of a sample of their working histories confirms the capacity of this workforce to transform the nine studied cities by upgrading local human capital levels, fostering pecuniary externalities or improving local institutional frameworks. Nevertheless, some of these effects appear somehow blurred by low-skilled immigration and the dualisation of the labour market.
Book Review: The Constant Flux. A Study of Class Mobility in Industrial Society

a dependent relative. Such an allowance would enable working mothers to pay a better wage to minders, and bring child-care into the formal economy. Of course, this would depend on whether or not the State values children or child care and whether or not it considers them worthy of investment. Ironically, countries with lower birthrates such as France are more likely to have pro-natalist policies. For low-paid working mothers, a family income supplement would still be required. This report would have benefited from the addition of some feminist economics. A little more sociology and a little less econometrics would have made it easier to read. That said, it does make a valuable contribution to understanding the patriarchal Irish tax-system. But who is going to put the issue on the political agenda?
Essays on Consumers' Goal Orientation and Price Sensitivity

Essays on Consumers’ Goal Orientation and Price Sensitivity. (May 2012) Woo Jin Choi, B.A., Hong Ik University; M.B.A., Seoul National University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Haipeng Chen The objective of my dissertation work was to provide a better understanding of consumer choices related to these two important tradeoffs that consumers are often confronted with in the marketplace. Drawing upon regulatory focus theory, I investigated how consumers choose between price and quality or price and quantity, in each of two essays, thereby shedding light on the role of consumer goals in purchase decisions. In the first essay, I propose that quality is predominantly a promotion feature whereas price is predominantly a prevention feature. Therefore, promotion oriented consumers should be more attentive to differences in product quality whereas prevention oriented consumers should be more attentive to differences in product price. Three studies demonstrate that quality (price) is more strongly associated with a promotion (prevention) orientation, that promotion (prevention) oriented consumers prefer products with higher quality (cheaper prices), and that these preferences are mitigated when consumers do not need to prioritize between price and quality and are mediated by relative attention to quality versus price. In the second essay, I investigate the manner in which consumers’ goal orientations affect their preferences for monetary versus
Alternating low frequency stimulation of medial septal and commissural fibers induces NMDA‐dependent, long‐lasting potentiation of hippocampal synapses in urethane‐anesthetized rats

Recent evidence indicates that some synapses exhibit long‐lasting synaptic potentiation in response to low frequency (1 Hz) stimulation, similar to long‐term potentiation (LTP) following high frequency induction protocols. Here, the authors characterize a form of long‐lasting synaptic potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 area following alternating, single pulse stimulation of the medial septum (MS) and hippocampal CA3 commissural fibers (MS‐H LTP). In urethane‐anesthetized rats, alternating single pulse stimulation of the MS and CA3 (50 pulses each at 0.5 Hz, 1,000 ms interstimulus interval [ISI]) produced gradual increases of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) amplitude in CA1 (∼123% of baseline), while MS or CA3 stimulation alone was ineffective. The fEPSP enhancement was long‐lasting (>4h) and repeated episodes of alternating MS‐CA3 stimulation tended to result in greater levels of potentiation than those elicited by a single episode. Surprisingly, ISIs of 500, 750, and 1,500 ms did not result in significant changes in fEPSP amplitude, while an ISI of 100 ms produced synaptic depression. MS‐H LTP was resistant to systemic administration of nicotinic and muscarinic receptor antagonists (scopolamine, mecamylamine), but abolished by systemic MK‐801 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or local CA1 application of AP‐V (10 mM), indicative of a critical role of hippocampal NMDA receptors in this effect. Paired‐pulse facilitation experiments revealed a gradually developing, significant inverse correlation between fEPSP enhancement and decrease in paired‐pulse facilitation ratio, suggesting a role of changes in presynaptic transmitter release. Together, these data demonstrate a novel form of long‐lasting synaptic enhancement in CA1 neurons in response to low frequency activity in separate afferent systems, an activity that might mimic some aspects of natural discharge patterns during the acquisition or consolidation of memory processes in hippocampal circuits. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Risk of Cancer for Patients on Dialysis: A Review

The increased risk of cancer in immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients and the types of tumors most commonly found in these patients have been clearly documented since the first reports appeared more than 20 years ago (1-4). In contrast, the risk of cancer in patients treated by dialysis is less well established and has been a subject of some debate. This review will summarize the studies that have been conducted to discern the risk of cancer in dialysis patients; the issue of monitoring this patient population for cancer will then be addressed.
Macrophages in the liver prevent metastasis by efficiently eliminating circulating tumor cells after monoclonal antibody immunotherapy

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are increasingly being used to treat cancer. In response to mAb therapy, we have identified macrophages in the liver as major effector cells removing circulating tumor cells via antibody-dependent phagocytosis, an immune cell-mediated process that prevented liver metastasis. This discovery extends our understanding of the mechanisms of mAb therapy, and may help to optimize mAb-based anticancer therapeutics.