Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Subacromial Injection of Betamethasone and Xylocaine to Xylocaine alone in Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinosis

Background Rotator cuff tendinosis is a common problem with significant health and economic effects. Nonoperative management includes the widespread use of subacromial steroid injections despite the lack of evidence of its efficacy. Hypothesis A subacromial injection of betamethasone will be more effective than xylocaine alone in improving the quality of life, impingement sign, and range of motion in patients who have chronic rotator cuff tendinosis or partial rotator cuff tears. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Patients with rotator cuff tendinosis or partial cuff tear with symptoms longer than 6 months, with failure of 6 weeks of physical therapy and 2 weeks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, who were older than 30 years of age, and who showed > 50% improvement with the Neer impingement test were stratified for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board status and previous injection. Outcome measures—the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized form; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand; active forward elevation; active internal rotation; active external rotation; and the Neer impingement sign—were assessed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after injection. The injection into the subacromial space contained either 5 mL of 2% xylocaine alone or 4 mL of 2% xylocaine and 1 mL (6 mg) of betamethasone in an opaque syringe. Results In 58 patients (betamethasone group, n = 30; xylocaine group, n = 28), the authors found no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups for all outcomes and time intervals. The scores for the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index at 3 months were xylocaine = 45.4% ± 13% and betamethasone = 56.3% ± 17% (P=. 13). At 6 months, the scores were xylocaine = 51% ± 32% and betamethasone = 59% ± 26% (P=. 38). All other outcomes showed similar values. As well, similar results were found for 2 and 6 weeks after injection. Both groups showed improvement from baseline in all outcomes. Conclusions With the numbers available for this study, the authors found betamethasone to be no more effective in improving the quality of life, range of motion, or impingement sign than xylocaine alone in patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinosis for all follow-up time intervals evaluated.
Races of Africa

PROF. SELIGMAN'S book on Africa is almost a tour de force in condensation. As an introduction to the study of African peoples and culture it will be of the greatest assistance to students. Apart from its value as a comprehensive, if brief, summary of the present state of our knowledge, it serves to bring home to the public how great are the gaps in our information to be made up before anything approaching certainty in our conclusions can be attained. As the author points out in his introductory chapter, there are still in Africa unsurveyed areas and uncharted tribes. In physical anthropology a beginning has scarcely been made in the anthropometric survey which is an essential condition of valid argument on the racial history and affinities of the African peoples.Races of Africa.Prof. C. G. Seligman. (The Home University Library of Modern Knowledge.) Pp. 256. (London: Thornton Butterworth, Ltd., 1930.) 2s. 6d. net.
Detection of Multiple Pathogenic Species in Saliva Is Associated with Periodontal Infection in Adults

ABSTRACT We investigated whether certain bacterial species and their combinations in saliva can be used as markers for periodontitis. In 1,198 subjects, the detection of multiple species, rather than the presence of a certain pathogen, in saliva was associated with periodontitis as determined by the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets.
RAVAIL DT / 2015-03 Determinants of Mexico-US outwards and return migration flows : A state-level panel data analysis

In this paper, we investigate the determinants of the regional patterns of Mexico-US migration flows. Along with traditional economic determinants, we examine the role played by environmental factors and violence in Mexico in determining migration patterns and their evolutions. We estimate a microgrounded gravity model of migration using a panel dataset of state-to-state emigration and return migration flows between Mexico and the US for the period 1995-2012. We exploit the time and dyadic dimension of the data to control for time-invariant and time-variant characteristics of destination states, including migration policies. Our results suggest that along with the traditional economic determinants of migration, climatic and social factors contribute to shaping regional migration patterns.
Multiscale Drift Detection Test to Enable Fast Learning in Nonstationary Environments

A model can be easily influenced by unseen factors in nonstationary environments and fail to fit dynamic data distribution. In a classification scenario, this is known as a concept drift. For instance, the shopping preference of customers may change after they move from one city to another. Therefore, a shopping website or application should alter recommendations based on its poorer predictions of such user patterns. In this article, we propose a novel approach called the multiscale drift detection test (MDDT) that efficiently localizes abrupt drift points when feature values fluctuate, meaning that the current model needs immediate adaption. MDDT is based on a resampling scheme and a paired student $t$ -test. It applies a detection procedure on two different scales. Initially, the detection is performed on a broad scale to check if recently gathered drift indicators remain stationary. If a drift is claimed, a narrow scale detection is performed to trace the refined change time. This multiscale structure reduces the massive time of constantly checking and filters noises in drift indicators. Experiments are performed to compare the proposed method with several algorithms via synthetic and real-world datasets. The results indicate that it outperforms others when abrupt shift datasets are handled, and achieves the highest recall score in localizing drift points.
Fear of COVID-19 Scale—Associations of Its Scores with Health Literacy and Health-Related Behaviors among Medical Students

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causes fear, as its immediate consequences for the public have produced unprecedented challenges for the education and healthcare systems. We aimed to validate the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCoV-19S) and examine the association of its scores with health literacy and health-related behaviors among medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 7 to 29 April 2020 on 5423 students at eight universities across Vietnam, including five universities in the North, one university in the Center, two universities in the South. An online survey questionnaire was used to collect data on participants’ characteristics, health literacy, fear of COVID-19 using the FCoV-19S, and health-related behaviors. The results showed that seven items of the FCoV-19S strongly loaded on one component, explained 62.15% of the variance, with good item–scale convergent validity and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90). Higher health literacy was associated with lower FCoV-19S scores (coefficient, B, −0.06; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, −0.08, −0.04; p < 0.001). Older age or last academic years, being men, and being able to pay for medication were associated with lower FCoV-19S scores. Students with higher FCoV-19S scores more likely kept smoking (odds ratio, OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08, 1.14; p < 0.001) or drinking alcohol (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.06; p < 0.001) at an unchanged or higher level during the pandemic, as compared to students with lower FCoV-19S scores. In conclusion, the FCoV-19S is valid and reliable in screening for fear of COVID-19. Health literacy was found to protect medical students from fear. Smoking and drinking appeared to have a negative impact on fear of COVID-19. Strategic public health approaches are required to reduce fear and promote healthy lifestyles during the pandemic.
Protective effect of candesartan in experimental ischemic stroke in the rat mediated by AT2 and AT4 receptors

Objectives The contribution of the AT2 and AT4 angiotensin receptors to the protective role of the AT1 receptor blocker candesartan in acute ischemic stroke was investigated. Methods Embolic stroke was induced by injection of calibrated microspheres (50 μm) in the right internal carotid in Sprague–Dawley rats. Results Inhibition of production of endogenous angiotensins by pretreatment for 24 h with lisinopril significantly increased mortality and infarct volume, whereas candesartan for 24 h reduced blood pressure to the same extent but had no deleterious effect. A more sustained pretreatment with candesartan for 5 days significantly decreased mortality, neurological deficit and infarct size. The AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319 and the AT4 receptor antagonist divalinal abolished the protective effect of 5 days' AT1 blockade. Combined blockade of AT2 and AT4 in candesartan pretreated rats resulted in an increased mortality, neurological deficit and infarct volume of similar magnitude to lisinopril pretreatment. Coadministration of lisinopril 24 h before surgery completely blunted the protective effect of candesartan pretreatment. Administration of exogenous angiotensin IV (1 nmol) reversed the deleterious effect of lisinopril pretreatment. Conclusion Protection against acute cerebral ischemia induced by AT1 blockade for 5 days is blood pressure independent and mediated by both AT2 and AT4 angiotensin receptors.
Review: Therapeutic implications of hepatitis C virus resistance to antiviral drugs

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C is currently based on a combination of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin. Neither drug exerts direct selective pressure on viral functions, meaning that interferon-α/ribavirin treatment failure is not due to selection of interferon-α- or ribavirin-resistant viral variants. Several novel antiviral approaches are currently in preclinical or clinical development, and most target viral enzymes and functions, such as hepatitis C virus protease and polymerase. These new drugs all potentially select resistant viral variants both in vitro and in vivo, and resistance is therefore likely to become an important issue in clinical practice.
Controlled study of excimer and pulsed dye lasers in the treatment of psoriasis

Background and objectives The excimer laser delivers high energy monochromatic ultraviolet (UV) B at 308 nm. Advantages over conventional UV sources include targeting of lesional skin, reducing cumulative dose and inducing faster clearance. Studies of the pulsed dye laser (PDL) in psoriasis report between 57% and 82% response rates; remission may extend to 15 months. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing both excimer and PDL in psoriasis.
The recovery model and anorexia nervosa

Objective: Treatments in anorexia nervosa (AN) have not been wholly effective and, accordingly, practices need to be reviewed. The recovery model is an approach to treatment that has become a guiding principle for mental health policy worldwide that might provide promise for AN treatment. The model has received much attention in recent years; however, there is a dearth of literature exploring how useful this model is for AN. The aim of the current article was to consider the relevance of this model in AN. Methods: This article provides a summary of the recovery model and reviews the literature to establish whether it is compatible with AN. The possible utility of the approach in AN is explored and suggestions are made as to how the model might be implemented in treatment. Results: Qualitative studies examining the patient’s perspective of AN support the recovery model. Many evidenced-based treatments currently used in AN have elements that are consistent with a recovery model approach. Treatments that are most consistent with recovery approaches have been effective for those with chronic AN. Conclusion: It is proposed that the model might offer a way in which to add to current practice and might have particular relevance for those with chronic AN. Future research is required to better understand how the model can best be utilised in AN.
Continuous-time interval model identification of blood glucose dynamics for type 1 diabetes

While good physiological models of the glucose metabolism in type 1 diabetic patients are well known, their parameterisation is difficult. The high intra-patient variability observed is a further major obstacle. This holds for data-based models too, so that no good patient-specific models are available. Against this background, this paper proposes the use of interval models to cover the different metabolic conditions. The control-oriented models contain a carbohydrate and insulin sensitivity factor to be used for insulin bolus calculators directly. Available clinical measurements were sampled on an irregular schedule which prompts the use of continuous-time identification, also for the direct estimation of the clinically interpretable factors mentioned above. An identification method is derived and applied to real data from 28 diabetic patients. Model estimation was done on a clinical data-set, whereas validation results shown were done on an out-of-clinic, everyday life data-set. The results show that the interval model approach allows a much more regular estimation of the parameters and avoids physiologically incompatible parameter estimates.
p16 Protein is Upregulated in a Stepwise Fashion in Colorectal Adenoma and Colorectal Carcinoma

Background/Aims: p16 is tumor suppressor gene acting as a cell cycle regulator. The present study was conducted to compare p16 expression in normal, dysplastic, and malignant colonic mucosae, and to explore its relation to clinicopathological variables and follow-up data in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Patients and Methods: Tissue microarrays were performed from 25 normal colonic mucosae, 41 colonic adenomas, and 191 CRC, with corresponding 50 nodal metastases. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-p16 antibody, sections were scored, and statistical analysis was performed. K-ras mutation detection was also performed. Results: Immunoexpression of p16 was significantly higher in CRC than in adenomas (P = 0.033) and normal colonic mucosa (P = 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference between p16 expression in CRC and nodal metastasis. There was no significant association between p16 immunoexpression in CRC and all clinicopathological data and survival probability. K-ras mutations were detected in 34% of CRC. However, there was no correlation between K-ras status and p16 expression (P = 0.325). Conclusion: Absence of p16 expression is correlated to a benign course of CRC adenomas. p16 has a key role in CRC progression and can be used as a marker for colorectal adenoma. On the other hand, it has no role as a predictive and/or prognostic factor in CRC. Further extended studies are required to explore the role of p16 as indicator of premalignant lesions in the colon and to test its relation with CRC histological grade, as well as to test its value as a new therapeutic target.
Lignans and Human Health

This review focuses on the possible role in human health of the consumption of lignan-rich foods. Most of the plant lignans in human foods are converted by the intestinal microflora in the upper part of the large bowel to enterolactone and enterodiol, called mammalian or enterolignans. The protective role of these compounds, particularly in chronic Western diseases, is discussed. Evidence suggests that fiber- and lignan-rich whole-grain cereals, beans, berries, nuts, and various seeds are the main protective foods. Many factors, in addition to diet, such as intestinal microflora, smoking, antibiotics, and obesity affect circulating lignan levels in the body. Lignan-rich diets may be beneficial, particularly if consumed for life. Experimental evidence in animals has shown clear anticarcinogenic effects of flaxseed or pure lignans in many types of cancer. Many epidemiological results are controversial, partly because the determinants of plasma enterolactone are very different in different countries. The source of the lignans seems to play a role because other factors in the food obviously participate in the protective effects. The results are promising, but much work is still needed in this area of medicine.
Lipophilic Statins Augment Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Cytokine‐Stimulated Cardiac Myocytes

&NA; Nitric oxide production by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction. We investigated the effects of statins on iNOS expression and subsequent nitric oxide synthesis in cardiac myocytes and the mechanism by which statins exert their effects. We measured the production of nitrite, a stable metabolite of nitric oxide, in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes with the Griess reagent. iNOS mRNA and protein expression were assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The lipophilic statins fluvastatin and lovastatin significantly increased interleukin‐1&bgr;‐induced nitrite production by cardiac myocytes, whereas hydrophilic pravastatin did not. Increased nitrite production by fluvastatin was accompanied by increased iNOS mRNA and protein accumulation. Exogenous mevalonate, but not squalene, significantly blocked the stimulatory effect of fluvastatin on nitrite production. Cotreatment with geranylgeranylpyr‐ophosphate also reversed the effect of fluvastatin. Furthermore, both Rho inhibitor C3 exoenzyme and Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 significantly increased interleukin‐1&bgr;‐induced nitrite accumulation in cardiac myocytes. These results demonstrated that lipophilic statins upregulate iNOS expression and subsequent nitric oxide formation in cardiac myocytes via inhibition of Rho.
Differential assessment of vascular survival ability and tumor angiogenic activity in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND The process of new vessel formation during neoplastic transformation and growth (neoangiogenesis) comprises proliferation, sprouting, and migration of endothelial cells within normal tissues adjacent to the tumor. These new vessels are directed toward the tumor invading edge and provide the bed for the subsequent growth of new tumor layers. We previously showed various degrees of decreasing vascular density in tumor layers once these lose contact with the normal tissue. This suggests that, apart from angiogenic factors, vascular survival factors contribute equally to the structure of the tumoral vasculature. This "vascular survival" potential can be assessed by comparatively examining the vascular density in peripheral and inner tumor areas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using immunohistochemistry with the anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody, we assessed the tumor angiogenic activity (TAA) and vascular survival ability (VSA) in a sample of 242 patients with Dukes' stage A (90 patients), B (73 patients), and C (79 patients) colorectal cancer treated with surgery alone. RESULTS Overall, High TAA and VSA were significantly related with poor prognosis (P = 0.03; hazard ratio, 1.9 and P = 0.001; hazard ratio, 2.7, respectively). In multivariate analysis, VSA was revealed as the most potent and independent prognostic factor (P = 0.0001; t ratio, 4.5), followed by vascular invasion (P = 0.0001; t ratio, 4.4) and stage (P = 0.01; t ratio, 2.5). Tumors with high TAA and high VSA had a significantly higher risk to develop liver metastasis (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS Assessment of VSA in addition to TAA provides additional important prognostic information in patients with colorectal cancer and can be a useful tool in the recruitment of patients who would benefit from angiostatic versus angiotoxic therapies.
Small firms and information and communication technologies (ICTs): toward a typology of ICTs usage

Despite government support for a number of initiatives to encourage more small firms to adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) implementation of ICTs has been a slow and very diverse development. This article examines the relationship between small firms and ICTs and highlights a number of typical, but often negated, characteristics that show how small firms use the technology.
Sec- and Tat-Dependent Translocation of β-Lactamases across the Escherichia coli Inner Membrane

ABSTRACT β-Lactamases represent the major resistance mechanism of gram-negative bacteria against β-lactam antibiotics. The amino acid sequences of these proteins vary widely, but all are located in the periplasm of bacteria. In this study, we investigated the translocation mechanism of representative β-lactamases in an Escherichia coli model. N-terminal signal sequence analyses, antibiotic activity assay, and direct measurement of translocation of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter fused to β-lactamases revealed that most were exported via the Sec pathway. However, the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia L2 β-lactamase was exported via the E. coli Tat translocase, while the S. maltophilia L1 β-lactamase was Sec dependent. These results show the possible Tat-dependent translocation of β-lactamases in the E. coli model system. In addition, the mutation of the cytoskeleton-encoding gene mreB, which may be involved in the spatial organization of penicillin-binding proteins, decreased the MIC of β-lactams for β-lactamase-producing E. coli. These findings provide new knowledge about β-lactamase translocation, a putative new target for addressing β-lactamase-mediated resistance.
Behavioural Effects of Anti‐epileptic Drugs

There is increasing evidence that various types of behavioural disturbance, other than those described for phenytoin, for example, may occur from the use of anti‐epileptic medication, and it has been suggested that these disturbances may not always be reversible. There are suspicions also that certain groups of patients—especially those with structural brain damage—are particularly susceptible.
The fixed combination of aliskiren and nebivolol in hypertensive patients: the clinical perspectives

Various antihypertensive treatment regimens, chosen as part of usual care, might distinguish in their clinical efficacy. Pharmacological modeling of high-level activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in arterial hypertension often makes it possible to effectively monitor patients with elevated blood pressure (BP). The aim of the mini review is summarize knowledge regarding perspectives to use of combined antihypertensive drug contained the direct renin inhibitor (aliskiren) and selective 1-blocker (nebivolol). However, the data regarding coadministration of both drugs are very limited. Recent pre-clinical studies have been shown that concomitant co-administration of aliskiren and nebivolol given in fixed combination did not form any active chemical complexes with novel pharmacological abilities. The clinical data are confirmed a high BP lowering activity of fixed combination of aliskiren and nebivolol associated with desirable level of tolerability and safety. The review is concluded that there is rationale of creating a combined remedy containing aliskiren (150 mg) and nebivolol (5 mg). High BP lowering efficacy, safety and tolerability of aliskiren and nebivolol combined drug in hypertensive patients might emphasize the great potential of its clinical application 108 Gregoriy А. Ignatenko et al.