Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A registry-based study on the association between human salmonellosis and routinely collected parameters in Michigan, 1995-2001.

PURPOSE Salmonella serotypes are among the most common bacterial causes of foodborne gastroenteritis in the United States, associated with approximately 1.4 million human illnesses annually. Studies on trends of the serotypes and host-related factors are necessary for the development of effective prevention plans for foodborne diseases caused by these pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS To determine the epidemiologic trends of human infections with the most common Salmonella serotypes in Michigan, we analyzed cases of culture-confirmed salmonellosis at the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) from 1995 to 2001. RESULTS A total of 6797 cases were reported, with an average annual incidence per 100,000 population (AAI) of 9.9. Among cases for which information on Salmonella serotype were available (6292 cases), the most common serotypes were S. Typhimurium (1596 cases, 26%), followed by S. Enteritidis (1309, 22%), S. Heidelberg (466, 8%) and S. Newport (222, 4%). From 1998 to 2001, the incidence of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis decreased significantly by 39% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49% to 26% decrease) and 32% (95% CI, 44% to 18% decrease) respectively. Whereas the incidence of S. Newport increased by 101% (95% CI, 25% to 225% increase) and S. Heidelberg remained stable. Infection with these serotypes frequently occurred in the summer months. As a group, infants had the highest AAI for all Salmonella serotypes (75.0), S. Typhimurium (21.9), S. Enteritidis (14.0), S. Heidelberg (5.4), and S. Newport (1.7). Among patients whose race was known, blacks had a significantly higher AAI compared to whites for S. Typhimurium (2.5 vs. 1.3; RR = 2.3, 95% CI, 1.6-3.3), S. Enteritidis (1.4 vs. 1.1; relative rate (RR) = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6), S. Heidelberg (0.8 vs. 0.3; RR = 3.6; 95% CI, 2.8-4.6), and S. Newport (0.3 vs. 0.1; RR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-4.2). Among patients whose ethnicity was known, Hispanics had a significantly higher AAI for S. Enteritidis compared to non-Hispanics (1.0 vs. 0.5; RR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), but not different significantly for S. Typhimurium, S. Heidelberg, and S. Newport. CONCLUSION This study revealed the emergence of S. Newport and the high incidence of the most common Salmonella serotypes among infants, people of African descent, and Hispanics. This information can be used by the state and local health departments of Michigan to enhance salmonellosis prevention efforts by rationalizing the allocation of appropriate public health resources and personnel.
Novel approaches to the treatment of high-grade sarcoma

From 1990 to 1997, 113 eligible patients with classical osteosarcoma received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of high-dose methotrexate, cisplatin and doxorubicin. Good histological responders continued to receive the same therapy postoperatively, while poor responders received salvage therapy with an etoposide/ifosfamide combination. With a median follow-up of 83 months, the projected metastasis-free and overall survival rates at 5 years are 63 and 74%, respectively. Independent favourable prognostic factors for outcome were tumour volume <190 ml, 24-h serum methotrexate >4.5 mM and female gender. The etoposide/ifosfamide replacement combination did not improve outcome in the poor histological responders. In conclusion, this intensive multi-agent chemotherapy results in >70% of patients with classical osteosarcoma surviving for 5 years. The data obtained from this non-randomised study do not support discontinuation and exchange of all drugs used preoperatively in histological poor responders. As observed in previous Scandinavian osteosarcoma studies, female gender appears to be a strong predictor of a favourable outcome. # 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Understanding the business consequences of ERP use

ERP systems are large integrated packaged software systems used by thousands of major organizations around the world. Yet outcomes from ERP use can be very different, and there is still not an adequate understanding of how and why organizations have such varying outcomes. Using an interpretive case study approach the post implementation periods in four manufacturing companies were examined retrospectively as processes within context over time. Structuration theory was used in the analysis of the cases to identify six themes that explain 'how' and three contexts that explain 'why' that form the components of an explanatory framework. The framework provides a foundation for future studies to understand and explain how and why organizations have or have not achieved business benefits from ERP systems.
Computational Methods for Learning and Inference on Dynamic Networks.

Networks are ubiquitous in science, serving as a natural representation for many complex physical, biological, and social phenomena. Significant efforts have been dedicated to analyzing such network representations to reveal their structure and provide some insight towards the phenomena of interest. Computational methods for analyzing networks have typically been designed for static networks, which cannot capture the time-varying nature of many complex phenomena. In this dissertation, I propose new computational methods for machine learning and statistical inference on dynamic networks with time-evolving structures. Specifically, I develop methods for visualization, tracking, clustering, and prediction of dynamic networks. The proposed methods take advantage of the dynamic nature of the network by intelligently combining observations at multiple time steps. This involves the development of novel statistical models and state-space representations of dynamic networks. Using the methods proposed in this dissertation, I identify long-term trends and structural changes in a variety of dynamic network data sets including a social network of spammers and a network of physical proximity among employees and students at a university campus.
A novel approach to intertriplet birth weight discordance.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to evaluate intertriplet birth weight discordance. STUDY DESIGN Birth weight discordance greater than 25% was evaluated in a cohort of 2804 US live-born triplets. Symmetric and high- and low-skew sets were defined by the rank of the middle triplet between the heavier and the lighter triplets. Frequencies of discordance level and type were analyzed by gestational age, parity, and total triplet birth weight. RESULTS Discordance of 25.1% to 35% and greater than 35% was found in 19.4% and 9.5% of the triplets analyzed, respectively. Frequencies of greater than 25% discordant sets demonstrated polynomial relationship to gestational age (R (2) = 0.94, P <. 001) total triplet birth weight deciles (R (2) = 0.97, P <. 001). Frequencies of discordance type are unchanged throughout gestation. CONCLUSION Birth weight discordance in triplets is frequent and large and implies exhaustion of fetal growth potential despite a uterine environment that appears to perform at maximal effort in these pregnancies.
Systematic Revision of the Troglomorphic North American Scorpion Family Typhlochactidae (Scorpiones: Chactoidea)

Abstract The scorpion family Typhlochactidae Mitchell, 1971, endemic to eastern Mexico, comprises nine troglomorphic species specialized for life in hypogean and endogean habitats. Due to their cryptic ecology, inaccessible habitat, and apparently low population density, Typhlochactidae are poorly known. Only 29 specimens have been collected in 40 years. Four species are known from a single specimen, two species are known only from the male and three only from the female. We provide an illustrated revision of the family based on a reexamination of most specimens in the world's collections, including new specimens collected after the original descriptions and older specimens not previously described. Based on results of a recent cladistic analysis, Typhlochactidae are elevated, for the first time, from their former rank as subfamily, first of Chactidae and, more recently, of Superstitioniidae. Alacraninae, new subfamily is created to accommodate Alacran Francke, 1982. Stygochactas, new genus, is created to accommodate Typhlochactas granulosus Sissom and Cokendolpher, 1998 in a new combination. Sotanochactas Francke, 1986, Stygochactas and Typhlochactas Mitchell, 1971 are retained in subfamily Typhlochactinae Mitchell, 1971. Diagnoses of the family and subfamilies are presented, followed by a key to the genera and species, revised diagnoses of the genera, revised diagnoses and descriptions, tabulated meristic data, and distribution maps of the species. Descriptions and diagnoses are illustrated with ultraviolet fluorescence and visible light photographs, providing a visual atlas to the morphology of these remarkable scorpions. A review of their taxonomic history is provided, the importance of trichobothriotaxy for their systematics discussed, and several misconceptions in the literature clarified.
Symptom Profiles of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Patients at Risk for Poor Functioning Outcomes

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to profile or cluster 226 patients, who had participated in a randomized controlled trial, on symptoms after coronary artery bypass surgery and to examine how these profiles could potentially be used by clinicians to identify groups at risk for impaired functioning during the first 6 months after surgery. Variables measured were symptom presence and burden and functioning. The model-based clustering method was used for cluster analysis of the symptom burden measure, and analyses of covariance were used to determine if there were differences on functioning (physical functioning and physical activity) by symptom burden group at 6 weeks and at 3 and 6 months after dismissal. The majority of the 226 subjects were married (86%), male (83%), and had a mean age of 71 (SD, 4.96) years. Eight symptoms were used in the model-based clustering method-shortness of breath, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, pain, swelling, anxiety, and appetite problems-and demonstrated that there were 3 patient clusters of symptom burden. Cluster 1 had low symptom burden on all 8 symptoms, cluster 3 had moderate symptom burden on all 8 symptoms, and cluster 2 had a combination of low (shortness of breath, fatigue, depression, pain, and anxiety) and moderate symptom burden (sleep problems, swelling, and appetite problems). Analyses of covariance revealed no significant cluster × time interactions for any of the variables. However, there were significant main effects (P < .01) for symptom burden groups for physical functioning (physical and vitality functioning) and physical activity (estimated energy expenditure and mean daily total activity counts). Significant main effects for time indicated physical functioning and physical activity measures, except bodily pain, improved over time (P < .05). Study results indicate that the use of profiling coronary artery bypass surgery patients on their symptoms prior to hospital discharge may assist health care providers to identify patients who could be at risk for having more difficulty with physical functioning and physical activity during the first 6 months after surgery.
Among Patients Treated With Clopidogrel Predominantly for PCI : A Meta-analysis Genotype and Risk of Adverse Clinical OutcomesCYP 2 C 19 Reduced-Function

Correction Contact me if this article is corrected. Citations Contact me when this article is cited. Topic collections Contact me when new articles are published in these topic areas. Intervention Genetic Counseling/ Testing/ Therapy; Genetics, Other; Cardiovascular Disease/ Myocardial Infarction; Drug Therapy; Drug Therapy, Other; Genetics; Cardiovascular/ Cardiothoracic Surgery; Prognosis/ Outcomes; Cardiovascular Revascularization; Cardiovascular System; Surgery; Surgical Interventions;
Fluoxetine ameliorates cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in the osteoarthritis (OA) pathology. We searched for a pre-approved drug that suppresses abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and has a potency to reduce joint pathology in OA. We introduced the TOPFlash reporter plasmid into HCS-2/8 human chondrosarcoma cells to estimate the Wnt/β-catenin activity in the presence of 10 μM each compound in a panel of pre-approved drugs. We found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), down-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human chondrosarcoma cells. Fluoxetine inhibited both Wnt3A- and LiCl-induced loss of proteoglycans in chondrogenically differentiated ATDC5 cells. Fluoxetine increased expression of Sox9 (the chondrogenic master regulator), and decreased expressions of Axin2 (a marker for Wnt/β-catenin signaling) and Mmp13 (matrix metalloproteinase 13). Fluoxetine suppressed a LiCl-induced increase of total β-catenin and a LiCl-induced decrease of phosphorylated β-catenin in a dose-dependent manner. An in vitro protein-binding assay showed that fluoxetine enhanced binding of β-catenin with Axin1, which is a scaffold protein forming the degradation complex for β-catenin. Fluoxetine suppressed LiCl-induced β-catenin accumulation in human OA chondrocytes. Intraarticular injection of fluoxetine in a rat OA model ameliorated OA progression and suppressed β-catenin accumulation.
Degradation of Coxsackievirus Type A9 by Proteolytic Enzymes

The means by which coxsackievirus type A9 (CA9) is inactivated by proteolytic enzymes was investigated. After reaction of 14C-leucine-labeled CA9 with Pronase, free leucine was liberated as measured by radiochromatography. Treatment of 14C-leucine-labeled CA9 with trypsin or proteolytic filtrates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused the release of a variety of labeled substances. The extent of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) release after exposure of CA9 to Pronase was determined by RNA infectivity tests or trichloroacetic acid solubility tests. Infective viral RNA was found not to be consistently released by reaction of CA9 with Pronase, but further treatment with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at pH 7.0 promoted viral RNA release. Sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment of CA9 that had not been reacted with Pronase did not inactivate virus or cause viral RNA release. Reaction of Pronase with 32P-labeled CA9 resulted in the liberation of virus components soluble in cold trichloroacetic acid, whereas untreated CA9 or CA9 reacted with ribonuclease were precipitated by cold trichloroacetic acid. These results demonstrate that the primary means by which protease-sensitive enteroviruses are inactivated is by degradation of the virus capsid, with subsequent release of viral RNA.
Population genetic analysis of white shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus, using microsatellite genetic markers

The white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) is a commercially and recreationally valuable species, yet little is known of its population structure or genetic diversity. White shrimp are distributed along the Atlantic coast of the United States and from the west coast of Florida to the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. In this study, shrimp were collected from North Carolina, South Carolina (four separate collections were taken from 1995 to 1999), Georgia, the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Mexico. DNA was isolated from these individuals, and genetic variation was assessed at six microsatellite loci. These loci were, for the most part, highly polymorphic with an average expected heterozygosity of 0.68. Deviations from Hardy–Weinberg proportions were observed over all samples, but experimental results suggested the presence of null alleles, which confounded a biological interpretation of this result. Pairwise tests of the similarity of allele frequency distributions and distance measure analyses showed broad‐scale genetic homogeneity superimposed over occasional indications of random geographical and temporal differentiation. FST and RST estimates over all loci and samples were 0.002 or less and indicated little population structure. Weak but significant genetic differentiation was evident only between pooled western Atlantic and pooled Gulf of Mexico samples. Within the Gulf of Mexico or within the western Atlantic, the large‐scale genetic homogeneity observed may be a consequence of genetic mixing resulting from pelagic larvae and adult migrations, while the random local genetic differentiation may be a result of genetic sampling or experimental sampling error. The weak differentiation between shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic can be explained by a relatively recent separation of these two populations and/or small amounts of ongoing gene flow.
Acute undifferentiated human diarrhea in the tropics. II. Alterations in intestinal fluid and electrolyte movements.

The nature and magnitude of fluid and electrolyte loss into the small intestine were defined by the marker perfusion technique in patients with acute undifferentiated diarrhea (AUD) in the tropics. The patients were divided into two groups according to their small bowel bacteriologic findings, namely those with a predominant Escherichia coli flora and those with a mixed flora. 11 normal subjects served as controls. Net jejunal fluid secretion occurred into the lumen in four of seven patients with E. coli flora and three of seven with a mixed flora. The magnitude of secretion in the jejunum was greater in the E. coli flora patients than in those with a mixed flora. Four E. coli patients and one mixed flora patient had net fluid secretion in the ileum, although the magnitude of secretion in this area was less than in the jejunum. Intestinal fluid had higher bicarbonate concentration in the ileum than in the jejunum but was isotonic in both regions. It resembled in composition fluid from the same region of intestine in normal individuals. Recovery of normal fluid and electrolyte absorptive function was usually complete in both jejunum and ileum by 6-8 days after onset of the disease. Increase in unidirectional flux rates for H(3)O and (24)Na occurred in acute E. coli flora diarrhea and returned to normal levels in recovery: increase in J(beta) (plasma to lumen flux) primarily accounted for the increase in fluid loss. Intestinal biopsy revealed no alterations in villous architecture.A relationship between small bowel fluid production and the presence of toxigenic strains of E. coli within the small bowel has been found for E. coli flora patients. In many respects this disease resembles acute cholera. The mixed flora group represents a less defined entity which requires further study.
Cross‐reactivity of acid‐sensing ion channel and Na+–H+ exchanger antagonists with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Non‐Technical Summary Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure (hypertension) are frequent in the human population. Amiloride is commonly given as a diuretic to reduce hypertension without eliminating potassium, while zoniporide is used to aid in recovery after cardiac failure. We show here that high concentrations of these drugs have additional effects on nicotinic receptors that are present in the brain and body. The possibility that these drugs could affect nicotinic receptors when given as medications should be further investigated.
Gallbladder disease and use of transdermal versus oral hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women: prospective cohort study

Objective To determine whether transdermal compared with oral use of hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of gallbladder disease in postmenopausal women. Design Prospective cohort study (Million Women Study). Setting Women registered with the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Scotland. Participants 1 001 391 postmenopausal women (mean age 56) recruited between 1996 and 2001 from NHS breast screening centres and followed by record linkage to routinely collected NHS hospital admission data for gallbladder disease. Main outcome measures Adjusted relative risk and standardised incidence rates of hospital admission for gallbladder disease or cholecystectomy according to use of hormone replacement therapy. Results During follow-up 19 889 women were admitted for gallbladder disease; 17 190 (86%) had a cholecystectomy. Compared with never users of hormone replacement therapy, current users were more likely to be admitted for gallbladder disease (relative risk 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.58 to 1.69) but risks were substantially lower with transdermal therapy than with oral therapy (relative risk 1.17, 1.10 to 1.24 v 1.74, 1.68 to 1.80; heterogeneity P<0.001). Among women using oral therapy, equine oestrogens were associated with a slightly greater risk of gallbladder disease than estradiol (relative risk 1.79, 1.72 to 1.87 v 1.62, 1.54 to 1.70; heterogeneity P<0.001) and higher doses of oestrogen increased the risk more than lower doses: for equine oestrogens >0.625 mg, 1.91 (1.78 to 2.04) v ≤0.625 mg, 1.76 (1.68 to 1.84); heterogeneity P=0.02; estradiol >1 mg, 1.68 (1.59 to 1.77) v ≤1 mg, 1.44 (1.31 to 1.59); heterogeneity P=0.003. The risk of gallbladder disease decreased with time since stopping therapy (trend P=0.004). Results were similar taking cholecystectomy as the outcome. Standardised hospital admission rates per 100 women over five years for cholecystectomy were 1.1 in never users, 1.3 with transdermal therapy, and 2.0 with oral therapy. Conclusion Gallbladder disease is common in postmenopausal women and use of hormone replacement therapy increases the risk. Use of transdermal therapy rather than oral therapy over a five year period could avoid one cholecystectomy in every 140 users.
Rapid virological response and treatment duration for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients: A randomized trial

Recommended treatment for hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV‐1) patients is peginterferon plus ribavirin for 48 weeks. We assessed whether treatment duration of 24 weeks is as effective as standard treatment in HCV‐1 patients with a rapid virological response (RVR; seronegative for hepatitis C virus [HCV] RNA at 4 weeks). Two hundred HCV‐1 patients were randomized (1:1) to either 24 or 48 weeks of peginterferon‐alpha‐2a (180 μg/week) and ribavirin (1000–1200 mg/day) with a 24‐week follow‐up. The primary endpoint was a sustained virological response (SVR; seronegative for HCV RNA at 24‐week follow‐up). Overall, the 48‐week arm had a significantly higher SVR rate (79%) than the 24‐week arm (59%, P = 0.002). For 87 (43.5%) patients with an RVR, the 24‐week arm had a lower SVR rate [88.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 80%–98%] than the 48‐week arm (100%, P = 0.056). For 52 patients with low baseline viremia (<400,000 IU/mL) and an RVR, the 24‐week arm had rates (CI) of relapse and SVR of 3.6% (−3%–11%) and 96.4% (89%–103%), respectively, which were comparable to those of the 48‐week arm (0% and 100%) with difference (CI) of 3.6% (−7.2%–6.6%) and −3.6% (−14.3% to −0.6%), respectively. Multivariate analysis in all patients showed that RVR was the strongest independent factor associated with an SVR, followed by treatment duration, mean weight–based exposure of ribavirin, and baseline viral load. Conclusion: HCV‐1 patients derive a significantly better SVR from 48 weeks versus 24 weeks of peginterferon/ribavirin even if they attain an RVR. Both 24 and 48 weeks of therapy can achieve high SVR rates (>96%) in HCV‐1 patients with low viral loads and an RVR. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;47:1884–1893.)