Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlling Confounding When Studying Large Pharmacoepidemiologic Databases: A Case Study of the Two‐Stage Sampling Design

Large drug databases have been the source of interesting developments for pharmacoepidemiologic research, because they provide relatively accurate drug exposure histories. An important limitation of these databases is the lack of information on potential confounders. One solution, developed more than a decade ago but not widely used, is “two-stage sampling,” in which stage 1 is the collection of information on drug exposure and outcomes, and stage 2 is the collection of confounder data on a subset of the stage 1 sample. The balanced design, wherein an equal number of individuals is selected from each drug exposure/disease category, is usually the most efficient strategy by which to select the stage 2 sample. We illustrate the efficiency of the balanced design in two-stage sampling using data from a provincial health organization and a simulation. We also evaluate the relative importance of factors affecting the precision of the effect estimate of the exposure of interest. (Epidemiology 1998;9:309–315)
Improving Neural Machine Translation with External Information Thesis Proposal

Results of previous studies in the field suggest that neural machine translation (NMT) models can achieve better performance by exploiting information from external sources. In this thesis proposal, we categorize a variety of types of the enhanced models into four classes – multimodal, multilingual, linguistically cosupervised, and linguistically inspired. We summarize some of the approaches in each of these categories found in the literature. A part of this work is a development of a sequence-to-sequence learning toolkit designed for fast prototyping of various kinds of experiments. We report results of experiments proposed by us in the past, which were mainly based on the multimodal models. In the future, we plan to focus on the linguistically cosupervised models, which could make use of the abundance of linguistic annotation available.
Interdisciplinarity as a multidimensional concept: its measure in three different research areas

Interdisciplinarity is analyzed in three different research areas: pharmacology and pharmacy, cardiovascular system and materials science, using data from a survey to Spanish scientists. The study focuses on three complementary dimensions: diversity in personal training and research specialization of scientists; research practices and behavior of the groups; and the cognitive inputs and outputs of the research activity. Interdisciplinarity emerges as a double-edged process: of jumping into a new area with people of different disciplines, in coherence with the traditional disciplinary research teams; and of specialization in a field traditionally dominated by a single group of disciplinary backgrounds, in which researchers from different areas join the teams. Thus specialization-fragmentation-hybridization all come together. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Regulation of Arachidonic Acid Release by Some Agonists on Suspended and Attached Neutrophils

[H] Arachidonic acid is released after stimulation of suspended and attached neutrophils. The arachidonic acid release in attached cells is more than in suspended cells. This release is rapid with the increase of incubation time and dose depended. The Fmet-Leu-Phe (FMLP) potentiates [H] arachidonic acid release in attached cells pretreated with LPS and serum. [H] arachidonic acid release was less in suspended cells in comparison to attached cells where the addition of low concentration of LPS in presence of serum or platelet activating factor (PAF) to suspended cells produce increase in arachidonic acid release, where lps in combination with PAF produce a large and significant increase in arachidonic acid release. The potentiative effect of LPS is mediated via CD14 receptors. The monoclonal antibodies against CD14 had no effect on arachidonic acid release in PAF treated cells where it inhibited greatly the potentiation by LPS or LPS-serum complex with PAF.
Low Revascularization of Human Islets When Experimentally Transplanted Into the Liver

Previously, we have found that human islets experimentally transplanted beneath the kidney capsule have lower vascular density than native islets. This study aimed to investigate whether human islets experimentally transplanted into the liver are also poorly revascularized in the same manner as islets at the renal subcapsular site. Human islets were transplanted to nude mice. One month posttransplantation, the islet graft-bearing livers or kidneys were removed, formalin-fixed, and stained with the lectin Bandeiraea (Griffonia) simplicifolia (BS-1) to visualize endothelium. The vascular density in the intraportally transplanted human islets was found to be similarly low as in human islets transplanted beneath the kidney capsule. The intrahepatic human islets were coated with numerous vessels, but few vessels could be seen within the islets. Human islets transplanted intraportally into the liver become poorly revascularized. This could contribute to the loss of function in human islets transplanted into the liver over time.
Temporal Trends in Polypharmacy and Hyperpolypharmacy in Older New Zealanders over a 9-Year Period: 2005-2013

Background: Polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy are proxy indicators for inappropriate medicine use. Inappropriate medicine use in older people leads to adverse clinical outcomes. Objective: The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and trends of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in older people in New Zealand from 2005 to 2013, analyzing the pharmaceutical collections maintained by the Ministry of Health. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional analysis of population-level dispensing data was conducted from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2013. Polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in individuals were defined as the use of 5-9 medicines and ≥10 medicines, respectively, dispensed concurrently for a period of ≥90 days. Differences in polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy between 2005 and 2013 were examined. A multinomial regression model was used to predict sociodemographic characteristics associated with polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy. Results: Polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy were found to be higher in 2013 compared to 2005 (polypharmacy: 29.5 vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001; hyperpolypharmacy: 2.1 vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). The risk of polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy was higher in females, in those aged 80-84 years, in the Māori population (for polypharmacy) and the Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African population (for hyperpolypharmacy), in people living in the Southern-district health board, and in individuals with increasing deprivation. Conclusion: The population of New Zealand is aging and the number of older people with multiple chronic conditions is increasing. The proportion of older people exposed to polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy has increased in 2013 compared to 2005. Our study provides important information to alert health policy makers, researchers, and clinicians about the dire need to reduce the medication burden in older New Zealanders.
THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD LEUKOCYTE PHENOTYPE IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER: EFFECT OF DOXORUBICIN/PACLITAXEL COMBINATION CHEMOTHERAPY

Presence of functional immune system is critical for any attempt aimed at improving survival of breast cancer patients by strategies based on immune system manipulation. We evaluated by flow cytometry the phenotype of peripheral blood leukocyte of 43 breast cancer patients. In 11 patients, the phenotype was evaluated before and during the chemotherapy by combination of doxorubicin and paclitaxel (AT). Compared with controls breast cancer patients had significantly higher relative and absolute numbers of CD3−HLADR+, CD3−CD69+ and CD14+CD16−, and significantly lower percentages of CD3− and CD8−CD28+ cells. After one cycle of AT, the absolute numbers of CD3+, CD3−CD4−, CD3+CD8+ and CD8−CD28+ cells increased significantly. Present data show a presence of T-cell activation in breast cancer patients. Administration of AT may lead to an increase in functional T-cells in peripheral blood, indicating a potential for combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer patients.
New Data for Innovation Policy

We contend that existing datasets based on survey or administrative data queried via standard industrial and occupational standards are ill suited for the purposes of innovation policy, and therefore, of its ability to attain its goals to address market, system and emergence failures preventing new ideas from being applied. These datasets are constrained in their ability to identify novel sectors, map innovation networks, characterise complex ecosystems, and operationally target innovation interventions. New data – big data, web data and open data – data combinations and interactive mapping and reporting tools could help address some of the limitations. We review recent studies that have used these methods, and our own experience with them. We also discuss challenges – related to data quality and trust, relevance and the need to develop complementary capabilities and processes in government, which stand on the way of their more extensive application and impact. We hypothesise that although new data can greatly improve the effectiveness of innovation policy, some defining features of this policy domain – low volume of decisions, and high levels of uncertainty – may limit its transformational impact compared to other policy areas.
A Study on Clinical Efficacy of Lepidium sativum Seeds in Treatment of Bronchial Asthma

The present investigation was carried out to determine the efficacy and safety of Lepidium sativum (L. sativum) (Garden Cress, Fam: Cruciferae) in patients of bronchial asthma. L. sativum seed powder was given at a dose of 1 gm thrice a day orally to 30 patients of either sex in the range of 15-80 years with mild to moderate bronchial asthma without any concurrent medication. The respiratory functions (FVC, FEV1, FEF25-75% and MVV) were assessed using a spirometer prior to and after 4 weeks of treatment. Efficacy of the drug in improving clinical symptoms and severity of asthmatic attacks was evaluated by interviewing the patient and by physical and hematological examination at the end of the treatment. 4 weeks treatment with the drug showed statistically significant improvement in various parameters of pulmonary functions in asthmatic subjects. Also significant improvement was observed in clinical symptoms and severity of asthmatic attacks. None of the patient showed any adverse effect with L. sativum. The results of the present study suggest the usefulness of L. sativum seeds in patients with bronchial asthma.
Assimilation and Diffusion of Web Technologies in Supply-Chain Management: An Examination of Key Drivers and Performance Impacts

A key reason for the popularity of integrated supply-chain management (SCM) is that Web technologies have made supply-chain coordination a viable managerial and strategic option. Building on research in the areas of management information science, supply chains, and organizational innovation, this study explores the use of Web technologies for organizational SCM. Based on an extensive survey of North American organizations, it investigates the assimilation of Web technology systems into internal supply-chain functions and their external diffusion into interorganizational supply-chain networks, and also explores the relevant environmental determinants. The findings suggest that internal assimilation and external diffusion of Web technologies both significantly affect the benefits realized by SCM. Supplier interdependence and information technology (IT) intensity are important environmental factors affecting external diffusion. Organizational factors, such as centralization and formalization of the IT unit structure and high levels of managerial IT knowledge, are significant drivers of Web technology assimilation in the SCM function.
FoxO1 Deacetylation Decreases Fatty Acid Oxidation in β-Cells and Sustains Insulin Secretion in Diabetes*

Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction contributes to onset and progression of type 2 diabetes. In this state β-cells become metabolically inflexible, losing the ability to select between carbohydrates and lipids as substrates for mitochondrial oxidation. These changes lead to β-cell dedifferentiation. We have proposed that FoxO proteins are activated through deacetylation-dependent nuclear translocation to forestall the progression of these abnormalities. However, how deacetylated FoxO exert their actions remains unclear. To address this question, we analyzed islet function in mice homozygous for knock-in alleles encoding deacetylated FoxO1 (6KR). Islets expressing 6KR mutant FoxO1 have enhanced insulin secretion in vivo and ex vivo and decreased fatty acid oxidation ex vivo. Remarkably, the gene expression signature associated with FoxO1 deacetylation differs from wild type by only ∼2% of the >4000 genes regulated in response to re-feeding. But this narrow swath includes key genes required for β-cell identity, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial fatty acid and solute transport. The data support the notion that deacetylated FoxO1 protects β-cell function by limiting mitochondrial lipid utilization and raise the possibility that inhibition of fatty acid oxidation in β-cells is beneficial to diabetes treatment.
Featured Article: microRNA-125a in pulmonary hypertension: Regulator of a proliferative phenotype of endothelial cells

Vascular remodeling due to excessive proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells is a hallmark feature of pulmonary hypertension. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNA fragments that have recently been associated with remodeling of pulmonary arteries, in particular by silencing the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2). Here we identified a novel pathway involving the concerted action of miR-125a, BMPR2 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN) that controls a proliferative phenotype of endothelial cells. An in silico approach predicted miR-125a to target BMPR2. Functional inhibition of miR-125a resulted in increased proliferation of these cells, an effect that was found accompanied by upregulation of BMPR2 and reduced expression of the tumor suppressors CDKN1A (p21) and CDKN2A (p16). These data were confirmed in experimental pulmonary hypertension in vivo. Levels of miR-125a were elevated in lung tissue of hypoxic animals that develop pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, circulating levels of miR-125a were found to be lower in mice with pulmonary hypertension as compared to control mice. Similar findings were observed in a small cohort of patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension. These translational data emphasize the pathogenetic role of miR-125a in pulmonary vascular remodeling.
The Politics of Reproduction in Ceauşescu's Romania: a Case Study in Political Culture

The author analyzes "the politics of reproduction in Romania. [in order] to comprehend better the.legacy of the Ceausescu era. This study also enables us to focus on the social implications and human costs of restrictive reproductive legislation and policies, especially as they impact on the lives of women and children. In this report, I will explore the relationship between official rhetoric, policy, and everyday practice through an analysis of the politics of reproduction during Ceausescu's reign. I will discuss Ceausescu's pronatalist policies, and comment on the human dramas born of them: illegal abortion, child abandonment, infant AIDS, and international adoption. "
Laser inferior turbinectomy under local anaesthetic: a well tolerated out-patient procedure

The suitability of performing laser inferior turbinectomy under local anaesthesia in an out-patient setting was assessed, regarding its effectiveness and patients' toleration of the procedure. Prospective data collection was undertaken from 129 patients undergoing laser inferior turbinectomy over four years. Patients were assessed, pre-operatively, operatively and at two weeks and three months post-operatively, for pain, complications and symptoms, using the sino-nasal assessment questionnaire. All patients had hypertrophied inferior turbinates. Ninety-eight patients complained of nasal obstruction and 67 had the procedure as part of treatment for snoring. One hundred and twenty-one of the patients had treatment to both inferior turbinates. There were no cases of intra-operative haemorrhage. The average pre-operative sino-nasal assessment questionnaire score was 18.22, which improved to 10.68 at the three month post-operative assessment (p<0.001). Five patients had significant intra-operative pain. This study shows that laser inferior turbinectomy under local anaesthesia is well tolerated and that good results can be achieved when performing the procedure in the out-patient department.
Correction for Ta et al., Structure-based development of a receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor peptide and molecular basis for osteopetrosis

BIOCHEMISTRY Correction for “Structure-based development of a receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor peptide and molecular basis for osteopetrosis,” by Hai Minh Ta, Giang Thi Tuyet Nguyen, Hye Mi Jin, Jongkeun Choi, Hyejin Park, Nacksung Kim, Hye-Yeon Hwang, and Kyeong Kyu Kim, which appeared in issue 47, November 23, 2010, of Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (107:20281–20286; first published November 8, 2010; 10.1073/pnas.1011686107). The authors note that an incorrect atomic coordinate file (corresponding to an intermediate refinement result) has now been replaced with a corrected file in the Protein Data Bank (PDB ID code 3QBQ). Additionally, the authors omitted a reference to an article by Liu et al. The complete reference appears below. These errors do not affect the conclusions of the article.
Functional Neuroanatomy of Recall and Recognition: A PET Study of Episodic Memory

The purpose of this study was to directly compare the brain regions involved in episodic-memory recall and recognition. Changes in regional cerebral blood flow were measured by positron emission tomography while young healthy test persons were either recognizing or recalling previously studied word pairs. Reading of previously nonstudied pairs served as a reference task for subtractive comparisons. Compared to reading, both recall and recognition were associated with higher blood flow (activation) at identical sites in the right prefrontal cortex (areas 47, 45, and 10) and the anterior cingulate. Compared to recognition, recall was associated with higher activation in the anterior cingulate, globus pallidus, thalamus, and cerebellum, suggesting that these components of the cerebello-frontal pathway play a role in recall processes that they do not in recognition. Compared to recall, recognition was associated with higher activation in the right inferior parietal cortex (areas 39, 40, and 19), suggesting a larger perceptual component in recognition than in recall. Contrary to the expectations based on lesion data, the activations of the frontal regions were indistinguishable in recall and recognition. This finding is consistent with the notion that frontal activations in explicit memory tasks are related to the general episodic retrieval mode or retrieval attempt, rather than to specific mechanisms of ecphory (recovery of stored information).
Quantitative assessment of velocities of the annulus of the left atrioventricular valve and left ventricular free wall in healthy cats by use of two-dimensional color tissue Doppler imaging.

OBJECTIVE To analyze velocities of the annulus of the left atrioventricular valve and left ventricular free wall (LVFW) in a large population of healthy cats by use of 2-dimensional color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). ANIMALS 100 healthy cats (0.3 to 12.0 years old; weighing 1.0 to 8.0 kg) of 6 breeds. PROCEDURE Radial myocardial velocities were recorded in an endocardial and epicardial segment, and longitudinal velocities were recorded in 2 LVFW segments (basal and apical) and in the annulus of the left atrioventricular valve. RESULTS LVFW velocities were significantly higher in the endocardial than epicardial layers and significantly higher in the basal than apical segments. For systole, early diastole, and late diastole, mean +/- SD radial myocardial velocity gradient (MVG), which was defined as the difference between endocardial and epicardial velocities, was 2.2 +/- 0.7, 3.3 +/- 1.3, and 1.8 +/- 0.7 cm/s, respectively, and longitudinal MVG, which was defined as the difference between basal and apical velocities, was 2.7 +/- 0.8, 3.1 +/- 1.4, and 2.1 +/- 0.9 cm/s, respectively. A breed effect was documented for several TDI variables; therefore, reference intervals for the TDI variables were determined for the 2 predominant breeds represented (Maine Coon and domestic shorthair cats). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE LVFW velocities in healthy cats decrease from the endocardium to the epicardium and from the base to apex, thus defining radial and longitudinal MVG. These indices could complement conventional analysis of left ventricular function and contribute to the early accurate detection of cardiomyopathy in cats.
Regulatory functions of alloreactive Th2 clones in human renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Chronic allograft rejection is the major clinical problem in organ transplantation. There is evidence that indirect T cell recognition of donor-specific HLA peptides may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of chronic allograft rejection. We have recently shown that HLA allopeptide-specific T cell clones generated from renal transplant recipients with chronic allograft nephropathy are of the Th1 phenotype, while those from stable patients are Th2. There is evidence in experimental animal models of autoimmunity and transplantation that Th2 cells may function to regulate immune responses, but the biological relevance of these observations in humans has not been reported. METHODS The purpose of this study was to investigate the putative regulatory functions of alloreactive human Th2 clones. HLA-DR allopeptide-specific Th1 and Th2 cell clones were generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of human renal allograft recipients with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) or with stable renal function (SRF), respectively. RESULTS An in vitro co-culture system showed that the proliferative responses of Th1 clones from patients with CAN were significantly inhibited by the Th2 clones in response to the donor-derived HLA allopeptides. In addition, co-culture of the Th2 clones inhibited cytokine production (IFN-gamma) by the Th1 clones in response to the donor-specific peptides. The regulatory functions of Th2 clones were antigen-specific since they only occurred when both the Th1 and Th2 clones were reactive to the same HLA-DR allopeptide, and were mediated by IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, indicating that Th2 cells may function to regulate indirect Th1 alloimmune responses that are critical for the progression of CAN in humans.