Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NAFLD Recurrence in Liver Transplant Recipients

Background and Aims. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common indication for liver transplantation and can recur in the graft. To describe this recurrence, we performed a cohort study of individuals undergoing liver transplantation for NAFLD-related cirrhosis between 1993 and 2007. Predictors of NAFLD recurrence and outcomes in this cohort were also studied. Methods. Eighty-eight liver transplant recipients were included in this study. NAFLD recurrence was described by performing a blinded reevaluation of posttransplant liver biopsies and classified according to histologic activity (NAFLD activity score) and fibrosis. Results. Recurrent NAFLD was seen in 34 (39%) recipients with isolated steatosis in 9 and steatohepatitis in 25 recipients. Severe recurrence was seen in 3 of 34 recipients (NAFLD activity score ≥5) and advanced fibrosis in 3 recipients. NAFLD recurrence correlated with higher pretransplant (P=0.001) and posttransplant body mass index (P<0.0001) and increased triglyceride levels posttransplantation. Serum triglyceride levels at 6 and 12 months were 280±129 and 324±265 mg/dL, respectively, in those with NAFLD recurrence versus 206±96 mg/dL at 6 months and 190±103 mg/dL in those without NAFLD recurrence (P=0.007 at 6 months and P=0.005 at 12 months). Average steroid dose at 6 months posttransplant was also higher in those with NALFD recurrence than those without (11±8.5 and 7.2±5.7 mg/day, P=0.04). Posttransplant survival did not differ between those with and without NAFLD recurrence during the entire follow-up period (P=0.78). Posttransplant cardiovascular disease was significantly and adversely correlated with posttransplant survival. Conclusions. NAFLD recurrence is common in the first 5 years postliver transplantation and is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome. Although NAFLD recurrence was not associated with higher mortality in our cohort, cardiovascular mortality and morbidity were common, suggesting that the metabolic syndrome is an important link to NAFLD recurrence and cardiovascular deaths posttransplantation.
Clinically significant contrast induced acute kidney injury after non-emergent cardiac catheterization--risk factors and impact on length of hospital stay.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with clinically significant contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients undergoing non-emergent coronary angiography. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2005 to December 2007. METHODOLOGY Case records of patients who underwent coronary angiography with a serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl at the time of procedure were evaluated. Clinically significant contrast induced nephropathy (CSCIN) was defined as either doubling of serum creatinine from baseline value within a week following the procedure or need for emergency hemodialysis after the procedure. RESULTS One hundred and sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 64.0 ± 11.5 years, 72% were males. Overall prevalence of CIN was 17% (rise of serum creatinine by ≥ 0.5 mg/dl) while that of clinically significant CIN (CSCIN) was 9.5% (11 patients). Patients with CSCIN had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.03, OR: 0.24; 95% CI = 0.06 - 0.91) and higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease (p < 0.001, OR: 14.66; 95% CI = 3.30 - 65.08). Mean baseline serum creatinine was significantly higher, 3.0 ± 1.5 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1 mg/dl (p = 0.03, OR: 1.47; 95% CI = 1.03 - 2.11) whereas mean GFR estimated by Cockcroft-Gault formula was significantly lower at 25 ± 7.4 vs. 41.0 ± 14.6 ml/minute (p = 0.001, OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84 - 0.95) at the time of procedure in patients with CSCIN. Mean length of hospital stay was significantly higher in this group compared to those without CIN, 9.0 ± 5.1 vs. 3.0 ± 3.2 days (p = 0.001, OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12 - 1.54). Multivariate analysis revealed low GFR (p = 0.001, OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.82 - 0.95) and low ejection fraction (p = 0.03, OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.04 - 0.91) to be independent factors associated with CSCIN. No significant differences were noted between the two groups in patients with hypertension, diabetes and heart failure. CONCLUSION CSCIN is a significant concern in high risk groups despite prophylaxis. Patients with lower EF, cerebrovascular disease and low GFR at the time of procedure are more likely to have CIN.
In vitro gene delivery by degraded polyamidoamine dendrimers.

Transfection of cultured cells has been reported using complexes between DNA and spherical cationic polyamidoamine polymers (Starburst dendrimers) that consist of primary amines on the surface and tertiary amines in the interior. The transfection activity of the dendrimers is dramatically enhanced (> 50-fold) by heat treatment in a variety of solvolytic solvents, e.g., water or butanol. Such treatment induces significant degradation of the dendrimer at the amide linkage, resulting in a heterodisperse population of compounds with molecular weights ranging from the very low (< 1500 Da) to several tens of kilodaltons. The compound facilitating transfection is the high molecular weight component of the degraded product and is denoted as a "fractured" dendrimer. Transfection activity is related both to the initial size of the dendrimer and its degree of degradation. Fractured dendrimers exhibit an increased apparent volume change as measured by an increase in the reduced viscosity upon protonation of the terminal amines as pH is reduced from 10.5 to 7.2 whereas intact dendrimers do not. Dendrimers with defective branching have been synthesized and also have improved transfection activity compared to that of the intact dendrimers. For a series of heat-treated dendrimers we observe a correlation between transfection activity and the degree of flexibility, computed with a random cleavage simulation of the degradation process. We suggest that the increased transfection after the heating process is principally due to the increase in flexibility that enables the fractured dendrimer to be compact when complexed with DNA and swell when released from DNA.
Risk factors for hip fracture in european women: The MEDOS study

The aims of this study were to determine common international risk factors for hip fracture in women aged 50 years or more. We studied women aged 50 years or more who sustained a hip fracture in 14 centers from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey over a 1‐year period. Women aged 50 years or more selected from the neighborhood or population registers served as controls. Cases and controls were interviewed using a structured questionnaire on work, physical activity, exposure to sunlight, reproductive history and gynecologic status, height, weight, mental score, and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, calcium, coffee, and tea. Significant risk factors identified by univariate analysis included low body mass index (BMI), short fertile period, low physical activity, lack of sunlight exposure, low milk consumption, no consumption of tea, and a poor mental score. No significant adverse effects of coffee or smoking were observed. Moderate intake of spirits was a protective factor in young adulthood, but otherwise no significant effect of alcohol intake was observed. For some risks, a threshold effect was observed. A low BMI and milk consumption were significant risks only in the lowest 50% and 10% of the population, respectively. A late menarche, poor mental score, low BMI and physical activity, low exposure to sunlight, and a low consumption of calcium and tea remained independent risk factors after multivariate analysis, accounting for 70% of hip fractures. Excluding mental score and age at menarche (not potentially reversible), the attributable risk was 56%. Thus, about half of the hip fractures could be explained on the basis of the potentially reversible risk factors sought. In contrast, the use of risk factors to “predict” hip fractures had moderate sensitivity and specificity. We conclude that variations in lifestyle factors are associated with significant differences in the risk of hip fracture, account for a large component of the total risk, and may be of some value in selecting individuals at high risk.
‘Working Together’: Public Libraries Supporting Rural, Regional, and Remote Low-Socioeconomic Student Success in Partnership with Universities

ABSTRACT University students living in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas of Australia face unique challenges including geographical isolation, lack of access to face-to-face support, and technological barriers. Additionally, RRR students from low-socioeconomic (low-SES) backgrounds experience multiple forms of disadvantage compared to their on-campus peers, and require additional study, learning, and social support. Partnerships between universities and local public libraries can enhance RRR low-SES student success through increased access to face-to-face support, reliable technologies, and study facilities. This exploratory research, led by five regional universities, presents the first national-level empirical data exploring how Australian public libraries and universities can work together to facilitate success for RRR low-SES students. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with public librarians from RRR low-SES communities across Australia. Thematic analysis findings explore themes of librarians’ perceptions of students as persons; the role of regional librarians in supporting RRR low-SES students; RRR low-SES students’ access to learning support; and the critical elements of sustainable partnerships between RRR public libraries and universities. Key recommendations are provided to guide future partnerships between public libraries and universities, including building the foundations of partnerships; professional development to support partnerships; and recommendations for good partnership practices.
Synergistic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor on the proliferation and cord formation of bovine capillary endothelial cells within collagen gels.

BACKGROUND Angiogenesis occurs within the interstitial matrix. We therefore cultured endothelial cells within collagen gels rather than on the surface of culture dishes. We measured the effect of a human glioblastoma-derived factor, and the combined effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), on both the proliferative and morphologic changes exhibited by endothelial cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Bovine capillary endothelial (BCE) cells were cultured in a gel of type I collagen. Effects of growth factors were evaluated by the cell recovery from the gel and the morphologic changes of cells. The glioblastoma-derived factor was characterized by column chromatography, immunoblotting, and immunoadsorption with an anti-VEGF antibody. RESULTS After 4 days of culture in the collagen gel with 10% calf serum Dulbecco's minimum essential medium, most of the BCE cells died. Addition of glioblastoma-conditioned medium resulted in a change in morphology from a round shape to an elongated spindle shape; moreover, the number of BCE cells was enhanced. The major activity in the conditioned medium was VEGF. In the 3-dimensional gel, we found a higher activity associated with VEGF, compared with bFGF when the growth factors were added 24 hours after seeding. In this assay, the response to bFGF diminished within 24 hours, but that to VEGF continued for 48 hours. When the two factors were added to the culture simultaneously, the cell number was greater than the sum of those stimulated with either growth factor alone. In the presence of both bFGF and VEGF, cord-like structures became prominent in the BCE cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS A human glioblastoma cell line produced VEGF, which enhanced the proliferation of BCE cells and induced an elongated shape in collagen gels. VEGF and bFGF increased the rate of proliferation and the number of cord-like structures in a synergistic manner.
Src Kinase Determines the Dynamic Exchange of the Docking Protein NEDD9 (Neural Precursor Cell Expressed Developmentally Down-regulated Gene 9) at Focal Adhesions*

Background: Dynamic exchange provides a mechanism for rapidly reorganizing macromolecular structures. Results: Exchange of the focal adhesion-targeted protein NEDD9 between the cytoplasm and focal adhesions is faster in the absence of Src kinase activity. Conclusion: Src kinase modulates the transit time of NEDD9 at focal adhesion sites. Significance: This is a new function for Src kinase in cell migration. Dynamic exchange of molecules between the cytoplasm and integrin-based focal adhesions provides a rapid response system for modulating cell adhesion. Increased residency time of molecules that regulate adhesion turnover contributes to adhesion stability, ultimately determining migration speed across two-dimensional surfaces. In the present study we test the role of Src kinase in regulating dynamic exchange of the focal adhesion protein NEDD9/HEF1/Cas-L. Using either chemical inhibition or fibroblasts genetically null for Src together with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we find that Src significantly reduces NEDD9 exchange at focal adhesions. Analysis of NEDD9 mutant constructs with the two major Src-interacting domains disabled revealed the greatest effects were due to the NEDD9 SH2 binding domain. This correlated with a significant change in two-dimensional migratory speed. Given the emerging role of NEDD9 as a regulator of focal adhesion stability, the time of NEDD9 association at the focal adhesions is key in modulating rates of migration and invasion. Our study suggests that Src kinase activity determines NEDD9 exchange at focal adhesions and may similarly modulate other focal adhesion-targeted Src substrates to regulate cell migration.
Parasitic Inductance of Non-Uniform Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs) for Microwave Applications

In this letter, the parasitic inductance of tapered ground-signal-ground (GSG) type through-silicon via (TSV) pair used in high speed three-dimensional integrated circuits (3-D ICs) are proposed. Rigorous closed-form formulas of the inductance, exploiting loop and partial inductances, are derived based on the geometric information with frequency up to 20 GHz, which also cover the cylinder and GS-mode TSVs. The proposed models are in good agreement with the 3-D electromagnetic (EM) simulator and measurement results with maximum errors of 8%.
Experiencia formativa en habilidades básicas de interacción social en la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina

Objetivo: Proponer un programa de entrenamiento en habilidades basicas de interaccion social para los estudiantes hispanohablantes de la Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina, acorde con sus necesidades, enfoque intercultural y sustentado en los principios teorico-metodologicos de la ensenanza desarrolladora. Metodo:Se realizo un estudio con un enfoque mixto, por etapas. La primera, incluyo un diseno no experimental de tipo analitico-descriptivo, que privilegio la metodologia cuantitativa, en la determinacion del nivel de desarrollo de las habilidades basicas de interaccion social que poseen los estudiantes hispanohablantes de esta Escuela, a partir del analisis estadistico de la informacion recopilada y su interpretacion en correspondencia con los fundamentos teoricos asumidos. La segunda etapa utilizo los recursos de la investigacion-accion que como estrategia metodologica a seguir permitio, en la practica, la construccion, transformacion y perfeccionamiento del sistema de acciones que conformaba la propuesta de entrenamiento en habilidades basicas de interaccion social. Resultados: Los resultados del diagnostico inicial, revelaron un bajo nivel de desarrollo de las habilidades basicas de interaccion social en los estudiantes, siendo las menos favorecidas la habilidad de escucha, el inicio, mantenimiento y la finalizacion de las conversaciones. Luego de recibir el entrenamiento se constato la elevacion en el nivel de desarrollo de las habilidades. Conclusiones: La concepcion y estructuracion de los componentes del programa permiten reforzar las fortalezas y superar las debilidades identificadas en los estudiantes, con la consolidacion, el fortalecimiento y desarrollo de las habilidades basicas de la interaccion social.
Association of folate intake with the occurrence of depressive episodes in middle-aged French men and women

A low folate intake or a low folate status have been found to be associated with a higher frequency of depression in populations, but the existence and the direction of a causal link between folate intake or status and depression is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to seek the relation between the habitual folate intake in middle-aged men and women and the occurrence of depressive episodes. In a subsample of 1864 subjects (809 men and 1055 women) from the French SU.VI. MAX cohort, dietary habits have been measured at the beginning of the follow-up (six 24 h records) and declarations of antidepressant prescription, taken as markers of depressive episodes, have been recorded during the 8-year follow-up. No significant association was observed between folate intake and the risk of any depressive episode or of a single depressive episode during the follow-up, in both men and women. In contrast, the risk of experiencing recurrent depressive episodes (two or more) during the follow-up was strongly reduced in men with high folate intake (OR 0·25 (95 % CI 0·06, 0·98) for the highest tertile v. the lowest, P for trend 0·046). This association was not observed in women. These results suggest that a low folate intake may increase the risk of recurrent depression in men.
Understanding the Influence of Gender Role Identity on the Assumption of Family Caregiving Roles by Men

Previous explanations of limited participation by males as family caregivers assume that socialization to dominant gender stereotypes is a universal barrier among men. Overlooked are 1) variations in the degree of internalization of gender typed attitudes that enable intense participation in a wide variety of personal care tasks and the assumption of the chief caregiver role among some men, and 2) social psychological processes used to resolve cognitive dissonance among men considering caregiver activities and/or role enactment. The present examination of these processes is responsive to calls for enhancing our understanding of the personal meaning that caregiving has for men. The introduction of Risman's view that current experience influences socialized predispositions, allows the delineation of conditions under which husbands, sons, and other male relatives who have internalized stereotypical self images of masculinity can also assume caregiver roles in the family. Drawing on interview data from a purposive sample of thirty-two men who were chief caregivers for elderly relatives, case study material is presented to illustrate several pathways by which male respondents gained access to family caregiving roles.
¿Existe un mejor desarrollo local en los municipios con clúster?: el caso del estado de São Paulo en Brasil

Este articulo analiza la contribucion de los clusteres para el desarrollo local. Se analiza el caso de los Arreglos Productivos Locales (APL) en los municipios no metropolitanos del estado de Sao Paulo (Brasil). Mediante la tecnica de descomposicion de efectos de Oaxaca Blinder se examina si existe una brecha de desarrollo local o “mejor calidad de vida” en los municipios con APL respecto de aquellos donde no hay. Los resultados obtenidos corroboran que los municipios con APL presentan mejores niveles de desarrollo que aquellos sin APL. Sin embargo, tal diferencia responde a las caracteristicas demograficas y economicas de los municipios con APL, mas que a factores inobservables.
Respiratory function in patients with stable anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND The impact of undernutrition on lung physiology and respiratory muscle performance is still incompletely investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional consequences of malnutrition on the respiratory system in stable patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS Pulmonary function tests, maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax), maximal expiratory pressure (Pemax), and the parameters of control of breathing were obtained in 27 patients with AN (mean [+/- SD] age, 24 +/- 7 years; BMI, 16 +/- 1 kg/m(2); duration of disease, 6 +/- 6 years) and in a group of matched healthy subjects. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, significant reductions in the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) and lung diffusion capacity corrected for alveolar ventilation (p < 0.001), which progressively worsened with the duration of disease, were found in the AN group. Only the membrane diffusing capacity was reduced in patients with AN (p < 0.05), while pulmonary capillary blood volume was similar to that of control subjects. Lung density measurements based on CT scan analysis were normal in a subgroup of eight patients with AN with low Dlco. Both Pimax and Pemax were decreased in patients with AN (p < 0.001), but the mild-to-moderate impairment to generate force of the respiratory muscles did not progress with time. In these patients with AN, the parameters of control of breathing were in the normal range and were comparable to those of control subjects. CONCLUSIONS The functional alterations found in patients with AN indicate the presence of the progressive enlargement of peripheral lung units without relevant alveolar septa destruction. In the first 3 years of disease, appreciable weakness of respiratory muscles develops in patients with stable AN without further impairment over time.
Recent Contributions of Psychology to the Study of Criminogenesis

The author is a clinical psychologist and Lecturer in Abnormal Psychology at the City College of New York. From 1939 until 1942 he was Psychologist at Lincoln Hall, Lincolndale, New York, a school for delinquents. While in the Navy he served as Psychologist at the U. S. Naval Prison, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He has more recently been a consultant for the Society for the Prevention of Crime while a member of the faculty at New York University. He is president of Lie Detector Consultants, Inc., is a member of the American Psychological Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the International Society for the Detection of Deception. This report was prepared for the World Congress of Criminology. -EDITOR.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Anal Fistula by 360° Endoanal Ultrasound

Introduction: 360° endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) has become an effective imaging tool to diagnose anal fistulas for last three decades. Objectives: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of 360° endoanal ultrasound imaging comparing pre and peroperative diagnosis in anal fistulas. Methods: Between Jauary 2015 and June 2018, 240 patients with clinical anal fistula underwent endoanal sonographic assessment using a 360° endoanal transducer (7–15 MHz The sonographic findings, including the fistulas and other inflammatory lesions, were correlated with surgical results. The types of fistulas on endoanal sonography based on classification of Park and the internal opening of the fistula, both pre and peroperative, were compared to those of other studies. Results: The 240 patients studied included 165 male and 75 female patients. Endoanal sonography was able to show and track hypoechoic lesions, their locations, and internal openings of the fistulas. Compared with surgical results, endoanal sonography had sensitivity of 94.6%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 94.1% for the diagnosis of perianal fistulas. Also, endoanal sonography had accuracy of 86.1% for determining fistula types based on the Parks classification and 92.8% for identifying internal openings of the fistulas. Conclusions: Endoanal ultrasound is an accurate and noninvasive imaging modality for evaluation of fistulas. It is a very useful tool for preoperative management and surgical planning by providing precise and detailed information on fistulas. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2018, Vol.10(2); 66-69