Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical predictors and histologic appearance of acute exacerbations in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbations (AEs) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are critical factors for its clinical course and prognosis. We have seen AEs and poor prognosis consequent to AE in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), as has been seen in patients with IPF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of the patients with AE in those with chronic HP. METHODS We reviewed 100 consecutive patients with chronic bird fancier lung (BFL) from 1993 to 2006, and analyzed the clinical characteristics, including history, and laboratory and immunologic, imaging, BAL, and histologic findings. RESULTS AE developed in 14 patients during this observation period (AE group), whereas 86 patients remained stable (non-AE [NAE] group). The 2-year frequency of AE among patients with chronic BFL having usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)-like lesions seen on surgical lung specimens was 11.5%. Patients with AE were more likely to be smokers (p = 0.003). In pulmonary function test results, the mean total lung capacity (TLC) and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) were lower in patients with AEs (TLC: AE patients, 63.0 +/- 16.8%; NAE patients, 81.6 +/- 20.0%; Dlco: AE patients, 41.9 +/- 19.0%; NAE patients, 60.0 +/- 19.4%). The mean number of lymphocytes in BAL fluid were lower (AE patients, 13.7 +/- 7.5 lymphocytes; NAE patients, 37.2 +/- 29.7 lymphocytes), while the number of neutrophils were greater in AE patients (AE patients, 10.7 +/- 17.6 neutrophils; NAE patients, 3.6 +/- 4.4 neutrophils). Histologic and/or radiologic findings revealed that all AE patients had UIP-like lesions. Diffuse alveolar damage was observed in six cases, whereas organizing pneumonia superimposed on preexistent fibrotic lesions was observed in two cases. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed several predictive factors for AE at the time of diagnosis. Low TLC and Dlco, low lymphocyte levels in BAL fluid, and a UIP-like pattern in histology at the time of diagnosis may be the risk factors for AE.
Survival of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) in the gastrointestinal tract given in combination with oral mesalamine to healthy volunteers

Background: Mesalamine and the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) are both effective agents for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. A combined therapy may have more than additive efficacy. However, mesalamine may have antimicrobial effects on EcN. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 48 healthy volunteers took EcN in a run‐in phase for 17 days (5–50 × 109 viable bacteria od). If stool samples became positive for EcN, volunteers received combination treatment with EcN plus either mesalamine (1500 mg twice a day) or placebo for 1 week. Fecal samples were further tested for EcN in 2‐ to 3‐day intervals until a maximum of 48 weeks after treatment. Patient diaries, blood, and urine were checked to assess safety, compliance, and tolerance. Results: During run‐in, viable EcN were detected in 45 of the 48 volunteers (94%); 2 volunteers were positive before taking EcN. From days 1 to 7 of combination treatment (n = 40), the number of EcN‐positive volunteers varied between 70% and 80% in the mesalamine group and between 85% and 95% in the placebo group. Differences between the groups were not significant (normal approximation: day 3, P > 0.15; day 5, P > 0.25; day 7, P > 0.076). At treatment discontinuation, 16 of 20 volunteers in the mesalamine group and 15 of 20 volunteers in the placebo group were EcN positive, whereas this figure dropped continuously up to week 12 after discontinuation (mesalamine, 7 of 20; placebo, 4 of 20). No differences between the groups were seen with regard to tolerance and safety. Conclusions: The combination of EcN and mesalamine has no significant effect on the survival of EcN in healthy volunteers. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009
THE CASE FOR SOUND SYMBOLISM

▪ Abstract The proposal that linguistic sounds such as phonemes, features, syllables, or tones can be meaningful, or sound-symbolic, contradicts the principles of arbitrariness and double articulation that are axiomatic to structural linguistics. Nevertheless, a considerable body of research that supports principles of sound symbolism has accumulated. This review discusses the most widely attested forms of sound symbolism and the research programs linked to sound symbolism that have influenced linguists and anthropologists most. Numerous reports of magnitude sound symbolism in the form of experimental studies and comparative surveys have been integrated into a biologically based theory of its motivation. Magnitude sound symbolism also catalyzed a number of experimental studies by psychologists and linguists in search of a universal sound-symbolic substrate underlying all languages. Although the search for a sound-symbolic substrate has been abandoned, the success rates of these studies have never been sat.
Exposure of KS483 Cells to Estrogen Enhances Osteogenesis and Inhibits Adipogenesis

Osteoblasts and adipocytes arise from a common progenitor cell in bone marrow. Whether estrogen directly regulates the progenitor cells differentiating into osteoblasts or adipocytes remains unknown. Using a mouse clonal cell line KS483 cultured in charcoal‐stripped fetal bovine serum (FBS), we showed that 17β‐estradiol (E2) stimulates the differentiation of progenitor cells into osteoblasts and concurrently inhibits adipocyte formation in an estrogen receptor (ER)‐dependent way. E2 increased alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity and nodule formation and stimulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of core‐binding factor α‐1 (Cbfa1), parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related protein receptors (PTH/PTHrP‐Rs), and osteocalcin. In contrast, E2 decreased adipocyte numbers and down‐regulated mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ)2, adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Furthermore, the reciprocal control of osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation by E2 was observed also in the presence of the adipogenic mixture of isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin. Immunohistochemical staining showed that ERα and ERβ were present in osteoblasts and adipocytes. A new mouse splice variant ERβ2 was identified, which differed in two amino acid residues from the rat isoform. E2 down‐regulated mRNA expression of ERα, ERβ1, and ERβ2. The effects of E2 are not restricted to the KS483 cell line because similar results were obtained in mouse bone marrow cell cultures. Our results indicate that estrogen, in addition to stimulation of osteogenesis, inhibits adipogenesis, which might explain the clinical observations that estrogen‐deficiency leads to an increase in adipocytes.
Nonisolated Coupled-Inductor-Based High Step-Down Converter With Zero DC Magnetizing Inductance Current and Nonpulsating Output Current

A nonisolated coupled-inductor-based high step-down converter with zero dc magnetizing inductance current and nonpulsating output current is presented. Since the dc magnetizing inductance current is zero, the magnetizing current can be positive and negative. Therefore, the entire core B-H loop can be used, ranging from the first quadrant to the third quadrant. That is, the utilization of the coupled inductor can be improved and, hence, the core loss can also be reduced. Moreover, due to a discrete output inductor, the proposed converter also features a nonpulsating output current, which makes the output current ripple smaller. In this paper, detailed theoretical analyses and experimental results are provided to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed converter.
The Most Effective Exercise for Strengthening the Supraspinatus Muscle

Background Electromyography has been used to determine the best exercise for strengthening the supraspinatus muscle, but conflicting results have been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging T2 relaxation time appears to be more accurate in determining muscle activation. Purpose To determine the best exercises for strengthening the supraspinatus muscle. Study Design Criterion standard. Methods Six male volunteers performed three exercises: the empty can, the full can, and horizontal abduction. Immediately before and after each exercise, magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed and changes in relaxation time for the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and deltoid muscles were recorded. Results The supraspinatus muscle had the greatest change among the studied muscles in relaxation time for the empty can (10.5 ms) and full can (10.5 ms) exercises. After the horizontal abduction exercise the change in relaxation time for the supraspinatus muscle (3.6 ms) was significantly smaller than that for the posterior deltoid muscle (11.5 ms) and not significantly different from that of the other muscles studied. Conclusion The empty can and full can exercises were most effective in activating the supraspinatus muscle.
[Mitral insufficiency after mitral balloon-catheter valvuloplasty: its incidence, predictive factors and prognosis].

From October 1991 to October 1993, a total of 205 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (178 female, 27 male, mean age 38 years, range 17-72) underwent percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC), 138 with the Inoue balloon and 67 with double balloon-catheter techniques. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was detected in 10% of the cases prior to the procedure, and 37% after PTMC (p < 0.05), grade I in 45 patients (22%), grade II in 24 (12%), grade III in 4 (2%), and grade IV in 3 (1.5%) cases (p = 0.003, 0.002, N.S. and N.S., respectively. In 40% of the total group (83/205) there was no new or worsening MR; in 26.8% of the cases (55/205) new MR appeared (p = 0.004); in 23% (47/205) MR increased one grade (p = 0.002) and in 9.7% (20/205) two or more grades. The comparative incidence of MR was 40.5% (56/138) with the Inoue balloon, and 16.4% (11/67) with the double balloon technique (p = 0.03); the severity of MR was grade I in 27% vs 9% (p = 0.001), grade II in 9.4% vs 6% (p = 0.05), grade III in 2.1% vs 1.5% (N.S.), and grade IV in 2.1% vs 0% (N.S.). Only the presence of commissural calcification and echo-score > 8 points were found as independent predictors of severe MR. In conclusion, mild and moderate MR occur frequently after PTMC, with significantly greater incidence using the Inoue technique. Severe MR following PTMC is much less frequent, and the comparative incidence is somewhat greater with the Inoue balloon, though the difference is not significant.
GRAVIDEZ NA ADOLESCÊNCIA E CONDIÇÃO DE VIDA: DIFERENCIAIS NA DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL

Com o objetivo de analisar os diferenciais da gravidez na adolescencia e algumas de suas consequencias a partir da condicao de vida, em Recife, realizou-se um estudo ecologico, incluindo duas unidades de analise: bairro e estrato da condicao de vida. Utilizou-se o Indicador Composto de Condicao de Vida, obtido por meio de analise fatorial, e os indicadores referentes a gravidez na adolescencia. Com base no indicador composto, os bairros foram agrupados em tres estratos, pela tecnica de cluster. Para as variaveis dependentes, foram calculadas as razoes entre os indicadores dos estratos e a correlacao com o Indicador Composto de Condicao de Vida dos bairros. Para aqueles com correlacao significativa, aplicou-se regressao linear simples. A razao entre o estrato de pior e melhor condicao de vida foi em torno de 2,00 para a proporcao de maes adolescentes e taxa de fertilidade especifica, em todos os grupos etarios. As correlacoes reforcaram a relacao entre a gravidez na adolescencia e a condicao de vida (r entre 0,32 e 0,88). Nos modelos de regressao, a condicao de vida desempenhou um papel importante na predicao da gravidez na adolescencia. No geral, observou-se um gradiente crescente da gravidez na adolescencia com a piora da condicao de vida. Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE
A repeated measures study of changes in health-related quality of life during pregnancy and the relationship with obstetric factors.

AIMS To examine changes in health-related quality of life throughout the course of pregnancy and among three pairs of consecutive periods (pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy, early to middle pregnancy and middle to late pregnancy), as well as to identify associated obstetric factors during the entire period of pregnancy. BACKGROUND Only sparse data are available concerning the profiles of health-related quality of life throughout pregnancy. DESIGN A within-subject comparison was undertaken. METHODS In total, 358 women completed the Taiwanese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Questionnaire and a demographic-obstetric questionnaire at three stages of pregnancy at a medical centre. The participants were recruited between 2009-2010. A generalized estimating equation regression model was employed for the repeated measures. RESULTS The scores for physical component summary decreased significantly throughout early, middle and late pregnancy. The scores for mental component summary increased. The scores for physical, mental component summary and the eight domains of health-related quality of life decreased significantly from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, significant factors predicting physical component summary during pregnancy included stage of pregnancy and previous infertility. The factors predicting mental component summary included stage of pregnancy, parity and medical condition. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed the dynamic pattern of perceived health status by the Taiwanese pregnant women in their surrounding socio-cultural context and identified the stage of pregnancy and obstetric factors predicting health-related quality of life.
Acute pulmonary response to formaldehyde exposure in healthy nonsmokers.

The acute pulmonary response to three hours' exposure to 3 ppm formaldehyde (HCHO) during intermittent exercise was evaluated in nine healthy nonsmokers. The protocol consisted of clean air on the first day and HCHO on the second day with a 24-hour follow-up on the third day. Pulmonary function, nonspecific airway reactivity, and symptoms were assessed daily. Thirty minutes of HCHO exposure resulted in a 2% decrease in forced expiratory volume at one second (P less than .05) and a 7% decrease in forced midexpiratory flow rate 25%-75% (P less than .01); however, these effects were no longer present between 60 and 180 minutes. There was also a significant increase in odor (P less than .02), nose or throat irritation (P less than .01), and eye irritation (P less than .01) with exposure. No changes in pulmonary function or airway reactivity were observed 24 hours after exposure. Acute exposure to 3 ppm HCHO produced small, transient decreases in pulmonary function and mild to moderate eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.
Reamed or unreamed nailing for closed tibial fractures.

CORRESPONDENCE We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles which have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply. Letters should normally be under 300 words in length, double-spaced throughout, signed by all authors and fully referenced. The edited version will be returned for approval before publication. Sir, We read with interest the paper by Court-Brown et al 1 in the July 1996 issue (1996;78-B:580-3) comparing the use of the AO Unreamed Tibial Nail (UTN) with the Grosse-Kempf reamed tibial nail in the treatment of Tscherne type-C1 tibial diaphyseal fractures. They concluded that they could not support the use of the unreamed tibial nail in these fractures because of delayed time to union, an increased incidence of nonunion and malunion and a high rate of cross-screw breakage. We wish to raise two points in regard to this study. First, Figure 2 is shown as an example of cross-screw fracture with distal migration of the nail into the ankle. It is used to support the contention that the UTN is unsuitable in the treatment of diaphy-seal fractures. This figure shows a long oblique juxtametaphyseal fracture with the UTN singly locked distally. This does not represent most diaphyseal fractures of the tibia and we do not think that the authors are entitled to draw their conclusions on this basis. Secondly, it has been recommended that when using the UTN early weight-bearing should not be encouraged and that it should be preceded by dynamisation 2 or by removal of the cross-screws. 3-4 In following a protocol 'not recommended by the manufacturer' the authors are not using the implant in its appropriate context and therefore we feel that their conclusions may be invalid. The UTN is a useful device when used selectively and we do not think that there is yet sufficient evidence to abandon it. unreamed nailing for closed tibial fractures: a prospective study in Tscherne CI fractures. Sir, We read with interest the article in the July 1996 issue by Court Brown et al 1 entitled 'Reamed or unreamed nailing for closed tibial fractures' (1996;78-B:580-3). These authors have contributed considerably to the understanding of the healing of tibial fractures but we are concerned about two points which they raise. We believe that there is a difference in the healing …
Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Encoding Human MUC1 and IL2 as Immunotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer

Polymorphic epithelial mucin, encoded by the MUC1 gene, is present at the apical surface of glandular epithelial cells. It is over-expressed and aberrantly glycosylated in most breast tumors, resulting in an antigenically distinct molecule and a potential target for immunotherapy. This transmembrane protein, when produced by tumor cells, is often cleaved into the circulation, where it is detectable as a tumor marker (CA 15.3) by various antibodies, allowing for early detection of recurrences and evaluation of treatment efficacy. The objective of the current study was to examine the clinical and environmental safety and immunogenicity of a live recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the human MUC1 and IL2 genes (VV TG5058), referred to here as TG1031. The study was an open-label phase 1 and 2 trial in nine patients with advanced inoperable breast cancer recurrences to the chest wall. The patients were vaccinated intramuscularly with a single dose of TG1031; three patients were treated at each of three progressive dose levels ranging from 5×105 to 5×107 plaque-forming units. A boost injection at their original dose level was administered in patients responding immunologically, clinically, or both. Vaccination resulted in no significant clinical adverse effects, and there was no environmental contamination by live TG1031. All patients had been vaccinated as children, and patients treated at the highest dose level mounted a significant anti-vaccinia antibody response. None of the nine patients had a significant increase in MUC1-specific antibody titers after one single injection, whereas five patients had a detectable increase in vaccinia virus antibody titers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of one patient at the intermediate dose level showed a proliferative response to in vitro culture with vaccinia virus, with a stimulation index of 6. A second patient treated at the intermediate dose level had a stimulation index of 7 to MUC1 peptide and of 14 after a boost injection. This patient had a concomitant decrease in carcinoembryonic antigen serum levels and remained clinically stable for 10 weeks. Evidence of MUC1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes was detected in two patients. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in T memory cells (CD45RO) in tumor biopsies after vaccination. The absence of serious adverse events, together with the documentation of immune stimulations in vivo, warrant the further use of TG1031 in immunotherapy trials of breast cancer.
A longitudinal study of the relationship between early language development and play development

ABSTRACT Temporal correspondences between the attainment of specific milestones in play and language were examined through a longitudinal study of four Japanese children (aged 0;7 to 0;11 at the beginning of the study). There were developmental correspondences between the onset of six language landmarks (the emergence of first words, naming words, vocabulary spurts, word-chains, nonproductive two-word utterances, productive two-word utterances) and the onset of subcategories of play. Language and play both reflected the development of underlying symbolic ability, and both developed in a parallel manner at the single-word stage. After the emergence of word-chains, language and play developed interdependently. All the children proceeded through the same sequence of stages, but the rate of development was different depending on their environment.
Universal multiplex PCR and CE for quantification of SMN1/SMN2 genes in spinal muscular atrophy

We established a universal multiplex PCR and CE to calculate the copy number of survival motor neuron (SMN1 and SMN2) genes for clinical screening of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In this study, one universal fluorescent primer was designed and applied for multiplex PCR of SMN1, SMN2 and two internal standards (CYBB and KRIT1). These amplicons were separated by conformation sensitive CE. Mixture of hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose were used in this CE system. Our method provided the potential to separate two 390‐bp PCR products that differ in a single nucleotide. Differentiation and quantification of SMN1 and SMN2 are essential for clinical screening of SMA patients and carriers. The DNA samples included 22 SMA patients, 45 parents of SMA patients (obligatory carriers) and 217 controls. For evaluating accuracy, those 284 samples were blind‐analyzed by this method and denaturing high pressure liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Eight of the total samples showed different results. Among them, two samples were diagnosed as having only SMN2 gene by DHPLC, however, they contained both SMN1 and SMN2 by our method. They were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. Our method showed good agreement with the DNA sequencing. The multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used for confirming the other five samples, and showed the same results with our CE method. For only one sample, our CE showed different results with MLPA and DNA sequencing. One out of 284 samples (0.35%) belonged to mismatching. Our method provided a better accurate method and convenient method for clinical genotyping of SMA disease.
EEDC image compression using Burrows-Wheeler data modeling

This article analyses possibilities of preparing input image data to achieve high compression ratio by using edge enhancing diffusion image compression (EEDC). In this process without data transformation high compression ratio cannot be achieved with entropy coder (range coding in this case). Input data analysis and preparation for entropy coding can reduce the number of bits needed for the compressed images. Through Burrows-Wheeler image data modeling process the important space in sequence of bits is saved, i.e. the space in which we can add more data for better image interpolation.