Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalized and Localized Granuloma Annulare

G ranuloma annulare (GA) is a chronic benign skin disease with a distinctive histoiogic and morphologic picture. The characteristic lesion of GA is asymptomatic and consists of a ring of closely set small, firm, skin-colored or slightly erythematous papules. The pathologic changes of GA are focal necrobiosis of collagen and a palisading granuloma composed of histiocytes, lymphocytes, and some epithelioid and giant cells. Several clinical patterns of GA have been described. They all have the above morphologic and histoiogic features in common. Whereas in some patients the disease is localized, in others it has a more generalized distribution. Thus, two main forms of the disease are recognized by some, that is, the localized granuloma annulare (LGA) and the generalized granuloma annulare (GGA). '-^ In a review of the literature and my cases of GA, a number of differences between the two forms of the disease became evident. I would like to summarize these differences and to suggest that the LGA and the GGA might represent two different entities.
Inducing salt tolerance in canola (Brassica napus L.) by exogenous application of glycinebetaine and proline: response at the initial growth stages.

In order to assess whether exogenous application of glycinebetaine and proline could induce salt tolerance in canola, two canola cultivars Dunkled (salt tolerant) and Cyclone (salt sensitive) were allowed to germinate and grow at 0, and 120 mM NaCl for two weeks. Varying concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 mM) of glycinebetaine (GB) or proline were applied through the rooting medium to non-stressed and salt stressed germinating seeds. Salt stress caused a marked inhibitory effect on germination and seedling growth of both canola cultivars. This adverse effect of salt stress on seed germination percentage was more on cv. Cyclone than on cv. Dunkeld. Exogenously applied GB and proline alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress on seed germination of both canola cultivars. Moreover, salt-induced reduction in seedling growth of both canola cultivars was counteracted by high concentration of GB (1 or 5 mM GB) added to the growth medium. Similarly, considerable growth improvement in salinized seedlings of both canola cultivars was observed when 1 or 5 mM proline was added to the growth medium.
Parathyroid pathophysiology in uraemia.

Hyperparathyroidism is a frequent and sometimes disabling complication of uraemia. Chronicity of uraemia is a major determinant of the likelihood of hyperparathyroidism which is seen in large numbers of dialysis patients, regardless of treatment modality, as well as in a significant proportion of non-dialysed patients with chronic renal insufficiency [1]. Hyperparathyroidism also spills over into renal transplantation—while rarely developing de novo following successful transplantation, longstanding parathyroid overactivity and hyperplasia as a result of previous dialysis often leads to significant morbidity following successful transplantation [2].
Glucocorticoid receptor binds cooperatively to adjacent recognition sites.

In order to define the mechanism of synergistic induction mediated by multiple glucocorticoid response elements (GRE), the affinity of the glucocorticoid receptor to a single or duplicated GRE was analyzed by gel retardation, nitrocellulose filter binding and by footprinting experiments. Direct measurement of the relative affinity and indirect determination by competition showed greater than 10‐fold higher affinity of the glucocorticoid receptor to a duplicated GRE when compared to a single element. Maximal stability of the GRE‐receptor complex was obtained using two closely spaced GREs positioned on the same side of the DNA helix. Increasing the distance or changing the helical position of the GREs considerably increased the off rate of the receptor. DNase I footprinting shows in addition to the protection of the GRE region, an altered pattern in the nonprotected intervening DNA indicating structural alteration of the DNA helix by the receptor bound to adjacent GREs.
Clinicopathological features and survival of young Turkish patients with testicular germ cell tumors.

BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a relatively common malignancy in young men. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and survival of young Turkish patients with TGCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, the clinical and pathological characteristics of young Turkish patients with TGCT who were monitored by the Department of Medical Oncology of a military hospital between 2008 and 2013 were investigated. Overall survival data were analyzed. RESULTS Ninety-six patients were included in the study. The mean age was 26.4 years. Among the patients, 17.7% had seminoma and 43.8% had mixed non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. Some 46.9% were Stage I, 30.2% were Stage II, and 22.9 were Stage III. Of the patients, 83.3% received chemotherapy, 25% underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), 3.1% received radiotherapy, and 12.5% were followed-up without treatment. In addition, 18.8% of the patients were administered salvage chemotherapy due to relapse or progression. The 5-year overall survival rate was 90.2% for all patients. The 2-year overall survival rate was 100% for Stage I patients, 94% for Stage II patients, and 70.2% for Stage III patients. The difference between the survival curves of stages was statistically significant (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS In young Turkish patients with TGCT, good results were obtained with appropriate treatment, most receiving chemotherapy. The prognosis of the disease was good even in the advanced stage.
Different T Cell Receptor Signals Determine CD8+ Memory Versus Effector Development

Following infection, naïve CD8+ T cells bearing pathogen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) differentiate into a mixed population of short-lived effector and long-lived memory T cells to mediate an adaptive immune response. How the TCR regulates memory T cell development has remained elusive. Using a mutant TCR transgenic model, we found that point mutations in the TCR β transmembrane domain (βTMD) impair the development and function of CD8+ memory T cells without affecting primary effector T cell responses. Mutant T cells are deficient in polarizing the TCR and in organizing the nuclear factor κB signal at the immunological synapse. Thus, effector and memory states of CD8+ T cells are separable fates, determined by differential TCR signaling.
Storage routing for DTN congestion control

The Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) architecture approaches the problem of reliable message delivery in intermittent networks using a store-and-forward approach where messages may remain stored for relatively long periods of time in persistent storage at DTN routers. Forwarded messages are removed from persistent storage only when transfer acknowledgment to another router or final recipient is received. Congestion in such networks takes the form of persistent storage exhaustion. Several solutions exist including slowing sources, using alternative routes, discarding traffic, or migrating messages to alternative storage locations. We propose storage routing (SR), a congestion management solution of the last form. SR employs nearby nodes with available storage to store data that would otherwise be lost given uncontrollable data sources (such as sensors). SR determines a collection of messages and neighbors to migrate them to using a set of locally scoped distributed algorithms, possibly incorporating loops that are known to be optimal for some DTN routing scenarios and decouples storage management from global DTN route selection. Simulations show up to a 500 per cent performance improvement using SR as compared with a comparable scenario lacking SR. Furthermore, we show a desirable parameter insensitivity to node storage capacity, neighborhood search radius, and message lifetime. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The “Long Arm” of Childhood Health

A growing body of research underscores the early origins of health in later life; however, relatively little is known about the relationship between childhood physical health and adult mental health. This research explores the relationship between childhood disability and depressive symptoms among a nationally representative sample of late midlife adults (N = 3,572). Using data from Waves 8–10 (2006–2010) of the Health and Retirement Study, a series of ordinary least squares regression models were created to assess the number of depressive symptoms. Childhood disability was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms; however, late midlife social and health factors accounted for differences between those with and without childhood disability. Late midlife physical health appeared to be a particularly salient mediator. Individuals who experience childhood disability may accumulate more physical impairment over the life course, thus experiencing worse mental health such as greater depressive symptoms in late midlife.
Models of National Culture in Information Systems Research

The purpose of this paper is to enhance understanding of how the models of national culture have been used in Information Systems research. Using the top 10 ranking journals, as defined by the Association of Information Systems, we review and categorise 60 papers published over the past 15 years. The essential criterion for selection was that they applied different models of national culture. The findings show that the number of national culture models used in IS research has increased over the years and most of these studies were conducted using a survey. As expected, Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture have been used widely in IS research. It has also been found that models of national culture have been used for various purposes, namely management information systems, communication, knowledge management, project management, IT infrastructure, quality management systems, risk management, leadership, supply chain management and technology acceptance model. We note that in this era of globalisation the increased use of national culture to frame IS research is necessary to understand why IS initiatives may be successful in one country but not realised in another.
Immediate angioplasty for the National Health Service?

In-hospital fatality from acute myocardial infarction remains high. Precisely how high depends on the way data are collected, and on what patients are included. While clinical trials of thrombolysis suggest that the case fatality rate should be around 7%, registry data suggest that the true “real world” rate (which includes many elderly patients) is much more like 20%. Gitt and Senges1 argue that the high death rate results from failure to use thrombolysis, and that as it will be difficult to improve on current thrombolysis rates the way forward is to increase the use of immediate, or primary, angioplasty. If this strategy is correct, the implications for the National Health Service are enormous. There is evidence that hospitals with a higher volume of angioplasty procedures show a lower fatality rate among patients undergoing primary angioplasty, and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines2 suggest that primary angioplasty should be considered as an alternative to thrombolysis “if performed in a timely fashion (balloon inflation within 90 minutes of admission) by individuals skilled in the procedure (more than 75 procedures per year) and supported by experienced personnel in a laboratory environment (centres performing more than 200 angioplasty procedures per year) that have cardiac surgical capabilities”. Before such facilities are made widely available in the UK we need to think very hard. We must not fall into the trap of assuming that because an “old” treatment is not producing the results we would like, the “new” one will be better. The theoretical advantages of primary thrombolysis are clear. …
Anatomic Assessment 3 D Morphometric Analysis of Normal Sacroiliac Joints : A New Classification of Surface Shape Variation and the Potential Implications in Pain Syndromes

joint morphology plays a role in the development of pain. To answer this question, we used 3D-CT surface rendering to image healthy study participants and used the resulting images to develop a classification system for SI joint morphology. In a case-control study comparing health research participants to patients with SI pain, we assessed whether the classification of SI joint morphology was associated with pain.
An Investigation into the Adoption of Campus Portals in Saudi and UK Universities

Enterprise Information Portals (EIPs) have become crucial components in contemporary organisations, and universities and other higher education institutions are not exempt. While there are many studies concerning the adoption, implementation and utilisation of EIPs in organisations, there are few studies that touch this issue in the academic environment. The aim of this paper is to report initial findings from an in-progress research project on the adoption of campus portals in some Saudi and UK universities. This study adopts a qualitative research approach based on multiple case studies. A research methodology was designed to conduct the research and to collect data through semi-structured interviews and documentation, and then analysed using various qualitative data analysis techniques such as coding and categorising, cross-interview analysis and document analysis. The findings of the study show that there are many factors that affect the adoption of campus portals such as: organisational factors, innovation factors, economic factors, technical factors and environmental factors. Finally, the paper proposes an initial model and concludes with the main findings and provides some recommendations and suggestions for further research.
Influence of stage of gestation at grouping and presence of boars on farrowing rate and litter size of group-housed sows

Materials and methods: In Experiment One, 617 mixed-parity weaned sows were assigned at the time of insemination to be housed individually or in groups of 15. Each group of 15 unfamiliar sows comprised three sows at each of 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days from breeding. Sows were floor-fed a standard gestation ration once daily (approximately 2.5 kg per sow). After 5 weeks in groups, sows were re-housed in individual stalls until farrowing. In Experiment Two, 1584 sows on two farms were relocated after insemination to outdoor paddocks in groups of approximately 50, with or without inclusion within the group of three mature boars. Sows and boars were allowed ad libitum access to feed for an 8hour period every third day, and the boars were removed after 2 weeks.
Apparent and Internal Validity of a Monte Carlo–Markov Model for Cardiovascular Disease in a Cohort Follow-up Study

Objective. To determine the apparent and internal validity of the Rotterdam Ischemic heart disease & Stroke Computer (RISC) model, a Monte Carlo–Markov model, designed to evaluate the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and their modification on life expectancy (LE) and cardiovascular disease–free LE (DFLE) in a general population (hereinafter, these will be referred to together as (DF)LE). Methods. The model is based on data from the Rotterdam Study, a cohort follow-up study of 6871 subjects aged 55 years and older who visited the research center for risk factor assessment at baseline (1990–1993) and completed a follow-up visit 7 years later (original cohort). The transition probabilities and risk factor trends used in the RISC model were based on data from 3501 subjects (the study cohort). To validate the RISC model, the number of simulated CVD events during 7 years’ follow-up were compared with the observed number of events in the study cohort and the original cohort, respectively, and simulated (DF)LEs were compared with the (DF)LEs calculated from multistate life tables. Results . Both in the study cohort and in the original cohort, the simulated distribution of CVD events was consistent with the observed number of events (CVD deaths: 7.1% v. 6.6% and 7.4% v. 7.6%, respectively; non-CVD deaths: 11.2% v. 11.5% and 12.9% v. 13.0%, respectively). The distribution of (DF)LEs estimated with the RISC model consistently encompassed the (DF)LEs calculated with multistate life tables. Conclusions. The simulated events and (DF)LE estimates from the RISC model are consistent with observed data from a cohort follow-up study
An Update on Precancerous Lesions of Oral Cavity

Oral cancer is the most common head and neck cancer, found in 270,000 patients annually worldwide. Some cancers develop from precancerous lesions; however, there is no definitive clinico pathological factor or biomarker that reliably enables malignant transformation to be predicted in an individual patient. Early detection and early treatment of oral cancer are important for improving the survival rate of patients; prevention of oral cancer will clearly contribute most to decreasing its death rate. So correct diagnosis and timely treatment of premalignant lesions with high risk of malignant transformation may help to prevent malignant transformation.
The benefit of houseofficer education on proper medication dose calculation and ordering.

OBJECTIVES Drug dosing errors commonly cause morbidity and mortality. This prospective controlled study was performed to determine: 1) residents' understanding of drug dose calculations and ordering; and 2) the short-term effect of a brief educational intervention on the skills required to properly calculate dosages and order medications. METHODS The study was conducted at an urban public hospital with a four-year emergency medicine (EM) residency program. The EM residents served as the study group and were unaware of the study design. A written, eight-question test (T1) with clinical situations and factual questions was administered. Immediately following the test, correct answers were discussed for 30 minutes. Key concepts were emphasized. Six weeks later, a repeat test (T2a) with a similar format was administered to the study group. The same test (T2b) was simultaneously administered to a control group, residents of similar training who did not take T1, in order to determine test equivalency (T1 vs T2). Tests were graded using explicit criteria by a single investigator blinded to the order of administration. RESULTS Twenty residents completed both tests T1 and T2a. Their mean scores were 48% and 70%, respectively (p < 0.001, paired t-test). The control group of ten residents had a mean score of 49% (T2b), similar to the study group's scores on T1 (T1 vs T2b, p = 0.40, unpaired t-test). CONCLUSION Emergency medicine residents require specific training in calculating and executing drug ordering. A brief educational intervention significantly improved short-term performance when retested six weeks later. Long-term retention is unknown.
[Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for 43 consecutive cases of esophageal achalasia].

INTRODUCTION To establish less invasive permanent treatment for esophageal achalasia, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was addressed. PATIENTS POEM was performed in 43 consecutive cases of achalasia. Among them, nine cases of sigmoidal achalasia were involved. POEM got IRB approval from our hospital. Written informed consent was given to all patients. PROCEDURE After creating submucosal tunnel, endoscopic myotomy of circular muscle bundles was carried out at approximately 12cm in total length (10 cm in distal esophagus and 2 cm cardia). Smooth passing of endoscope through GE junction was confirmed at the end of the procedure. RESULTS In all cases symptoms of achalasia were dramaticaly reduced or disappeared. Resting pressure was 52.1 mmHg before POEM, and reduced to 18.8 mmHg after procedure. No specific complications related to POEM were experienced. During follow-up period, no additional treatment and no medication were necessary. CONCLUSION Short-term outcome of POEM was excellent with no serious complications. Long-term follow up is scheduled.
Can Non-medical Factors Contribute to Disparities in Coronary Heart Disease Treatments?

Racial/ethnic and sex disparities in coronary heart disease treatment exist. We previously reported that physicians perceive non-clinical variables, such as a patient's desire for a second opinion, as affecting revascularization decisions. The results of that study are further examined here, using factor analysis to identify significant interrelationships among the non-clinical variables, which could contribute to disparities in coronary revascularization (i.e., percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty [PTCA] or coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]). Five content themes emerged using factor analysis; these are related to the patient's socioeconomic/lifestyle status, treatment preference, physician interaction, health-assertiveness, and aggressiveness. For the lifestyle theme, family physicians had higher mean scores (14.8) than internists, cardiologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons (13.7, 13.6, and 12.6, respectively; overall p=.001); women had higher mean scores than men (15.0 vs. 13.7; p=.009). This implies that family medicine and female physicians perceived variables pertaining to patients' socioeconomic status or lifestyle (e.g., financial barriers, unlikely to adopt healthy behaviors) as precluding some patients from being revascularized. Additionally, female, more than male, physicians (15.0 vs.13.6; p=.006) perceived health assertive patients (e.g., involved in treatment decisions, will quit smoking) as having easier access to the procedures. The results of the present analysis suggest that disparities in cardiac care arise from complex psychosocial interactions, which are influenced by characteristics of the physician as well as the patient.
[The effect of liraglutide in combination with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells treatment on glucose metabolism and β cell function in type 2 diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of liraglutide (LIRA) in combination of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS Eligibility criteria for subjects includes: type 2 diabetes mellitus with more than 10 years duration; having been treated with secretagogues, metformin and insulin in combination with LIRA for at least 6 months; poor glycemic control [glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) 7%-10%]. Totally, twelve patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the group A (LIRA group, n=6) and the group B (LIRA+ hUC-MSCs group, n=6). The hUC-MSCs were transplanted through infusing of 1×10(6) cells /kg via pancreatic artery directed by interventional radiology on the first day, and followed by infusing 1×10(6) cells /kg through peripheral vein on the eighth, the fifteenth and the twenty-second day sequentially. The control subjects were infused with saline. Both groups were treated with LIRA for 24 weeks at the same period. Fasting plasma glucose(FPG), 2h postprandial plasma glucose(2hPG) and HbA1c were measured. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed. The early phase of C peptide(CP) secretion function(ΔCP30/ΔG30), the total amount of C peptide secretion function(AUCCP180)and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. RESULTS (1) The baseline FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c, ΔCP30/ΔG30, AUCCP180 and HOMA-IR were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05). (2) Compared with subjects in group A, FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels were significantly decreased in subjects in group B [(8.33±0.99) mmol/L vs (6.64±0.79)mmol/L, (13.85±0.86) mmol/L vs (8.65±1.12) mmol/L, (7.82±0.31)% vs (6.82±0.53)%, P<0.05]. (3) Compared with group A, ΔCP30/ΔG30 and AUCCP180 were significantly increased, and HOMA-IR was significantly decreased in group B(0.22±0.13 vs 0.70±0.38, 12.52±5.30 vs 21.16±3.17, 9.46±4.88 vs 4.30±2.68, P<0.05). CONCLUSION LIRA treatment in combination with hUC-MSCs improves glucose metabolism and the β cell function in type 2 diabetic patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01954147).