Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of comorbidities on HIV medication persistence: a retrospective database study using US claims data

Medication persistence (MP) is important in HIV management as lifelong HIV therapy is needed and discontinuation of HIV therapy could represent a permanent loss of therapeutic options. Many factors have been shown to decrease HIV treatment persistence; however, the evidence for comorbidities has been conflicting [1,2]. This study was conducted to further explore the impact of comorbidities on HIV MP. Data from the IMS PharMetrics claims database was used. To be included, patients had to 1) be 18 years of age or older; 2) have a diagnosis code for HIV during the study period (Jan 2006–Sep 2011); 3) have a claim for at least one HIV medication during the index period (Jan 2007–Sep 2010); and 4) have continuous enrollment 12 months before and after the index date. Patients could not have a diagnosis code for pregnancy during the study period or a claim for an HIV medication during the 12 months prior to the index date. The index date was the date of the first claim of an HIV medication during the index period and all HIV medications recorded on the index date were included as the HIV index regimen. MP was defined as time to discontinuation of the HIV index therapy using a 90‐day grace period. Variables statistically significant (p<0.05) in bivariate testing were included in a Cox proportional hazard model to adjust for confounding. Gender, index year, insurance provider type, number of HIV pills/day, and number of comorbidities were included in the final Cox model. A total of 3,057 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 43.9 yrs and 76.3% were male. The average MP was 315 days (min 92–max 365). In the Cox model, patients with 1, 2 and≥3 comorbidities had a 6% (p=0.528), 28% (p=0.014) and 31% (p=0.002), respectively, higher risk of discontinuing HIV index regimens than patients with no comorbidities. Additionally, females had a 29% (p<0.001) higher risk of discontinuing HIV index regimens than males. The analysis supports prior evidence that comorbidities decrease HIV MP. This observation may be the result of patients switching HIV medications due to drug‐drug interactions from polypharmacy for managing HIV and comorbidities or due to HIV medication adverse effects. Further research should address the impact of specific HIV regimens on HIV MP among patients with comorbidities and potential differences between genders.
4-bit per cell NROM reliability

The realization of a 4-bit NROM cell is possible due to the two physically separated bits on each side of the cell. Only 4 Vt levels on each bit are required. Key features of a 4-bit product are optimized technology, accurate and fast programming algorithm (3MB/s write speed), no single bit failures and window sensing with moving reference as an error detection and correction scheme
Detrusor Muscle in TUR-Derived Bladder Tumor Specimens: Can We Actually Improve the Surgical Quality?

INTRODUCTION Published series of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) show high rates (18%-52%) of procedures resulting in no detrusor muscle (DM) layer being present in the pathologic specimen. This is of clinical importance since DM inclusion in surgical specimens is invariably associated with better oncologic results and is considered a surrogate marker of surgical quality. We sought to assess rates and predictors of DM absence (DM-) at a final pathology report in a series of consecutive TURBTs performed at a single tertiary-referral academic center. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively collected data from 437 TURBTs performed over 1 year. Complete endoscopic perioperative data were available for all patients; surgeons were categorized as either staff physicians or residents. Likewise, pathologic data, including tumor grade and stage, and DM status (present vs absent) were recorded. Only procedures with bladder cancer (BCa) at final pathology were included in the analyses. Logistic regression analyses tested potential predictors of DM-. Kaplan-Meier analyses were applied to assess the impact of DM- on postoperative tumor recurrence. RESULTS Overall, BCa was found in 302 (69.1%) specimens at final pathology; DM- occurred in 29 (9.6%) cases. A comparable rate of DM- was observed for procedures conducted by staff physicians and residents (9% [23/232] vs 12.8% [6/41], respectively; p = 0.6). Flat morphology emerged as the most informative predictor of DM- after adjusting for tumor size, number of lesions, tumor stage and grade, surgeon experience, and resection modality. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, DM- was not associated with worse outcomes in terms of postoperative recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Current findings showed a rate of roughly 10% of DM- at TURBT. Flat morphology emerged as the most significant predictor of DM-, whereas surgeon experience was not associated with DM-.
Crash Risk in Individual Stocks JOB MARKET PAPER

In this study, I develop a novel methodology to extract crash risk premia from options and stock markets. I document a dramatic increase in crash risk premia after the 2008/2009 financial crisis, indicating that investors are willing to pay high insurance to hedge against crashes in individual stocks. My results apply to all sectors but are most pronounced for the financial and industrial sectors. At the same time, crash risk premia on the market index remained at pre-crisis levels. I theoretically explain this puzzling feature in an economy where investors face short-sale constraints. Under short-sale constraints, prices are less informationally efficient which can explain the increase in downside risk in individual stocks. In the data, I document a strong link between proxies of short-sale constraints and crash risk premia.
Thalidomide–dexamethasone as primary therapy for advanced multiple myeloma

The value of thalidomide–dexamethasone was assessed in 26 consecutive, previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma of high tumor mass. All showed Hgb < 8.5 g/dL, serum calcium > 11.5 mg/dL, or both. The response rate was 73%, frequency of early death < 3 months was 5%, projected median survival was 30 months, and projected median remission time was 25 months. There were no occurrences of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, so that serious infection occurred in only 12% of patients. Thalidomide–dexamethasone was useful for these patients with advanced disease because of the high response rate and acceptable survival, with a low frequency of serious complications. Am. J. Hematol. 79:194–197, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The roles of resilience and nonmotor symptoms in adjustment to Parkinson’s disease

Resilience contributes to better chronic disease adjustment but is understudied in Parkinson’s disease. Although nonmotor symptoms affect quality of life, their effect on other aspects of Parkinson’s disease adjustment is less understood. Hierarchical regression analyses from a cross-sectional survey of 138 community-dwelling adults with Parkinson’s disease (mean (standard deviation) age = 64.15(10.09) years) investigated relationships between nonmotor symptoms and resilience on depression, apathy, life satisfaction, and quality of life. After controlling for demographic variables, functional status, and nonmotor symptoms, resilience was associated with all adjustment variables. Nonmotor symptoms were associated with depression and worse quality of life. Nonmotor symptoms and resilience appear to play critical roles in Parkinson’s disease adjustment.
Effect of starvation on pituitary and serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone following ovariectomy in the rat.

The concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum and pituitary glands was studied in intact female rats and rats that were ovariectomized on day 0 of the experiment and then starved or fed for 2, 4, 7, or 9 days. Ovariectomy resulted in enhanced rates of synthesis and release of FSH and LH as indicated by the significant (P < 0.01) rises in the concentration of both hormones in the pituitary gland and serum.Starvation resulted in a decrease in body and pituitary weight. The concentration of FSH and LH in pituitary glands of starved rats was higher (P < 0.05) than that in fed rats on days 7 and 9. The concentration of FSH and LH in serum of starved rats was increased after ovariectomy but the levels on days 7 and 9 were lower than those of fed rats.These results suggest that the synthesis of FSH and LH was enhanced in both starved and fed rats following ovariectomy while the rate of release of both hormones was decreased at 7 and 9 days of starvation in comparis.
Using Facebook to explore adolescent identities

This study examines the construction, deconstruction and reconstruction of adolescent identities through an exploration of their social practices within a digital landscape using mobile devices and Facebook for learning in the classroom and in their lives. Using a mixed methods research approach of qualitative case study analysis and quantitative surveying, the research investigates the relationship between a multiliteracies pedagogy and the development of adolescent digital literacies and identity. More specifically, it answers the following research questions: 1) How are adolescents’ identities shaped and performed, as they use new media tools and social media in the classroom? 2) How does the use of mobile devices and Facebook in the classroom potentially transform teaching and learning literacy practices? The researchers found that using social networking sites such as Facebook can motivate students to engage with the content and explore how they perform their identities to others, but privacy issues are still a concern to some students.
Intestinal gas: has diet anything to do in the absence of a demonstrable malabsorption state?

Purpose of review To summarize the relevant publications during the last 12 months supporting that diet can influence gas-related symptoms in the absence of a malabsorption state. Recent findings Gas symptoms during carbohydrate fermentation: a diet incorporating beans is well tolerated by a majority of individuals involved in a program of heart disease biomarkers. By contrast, in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a diet avoiding fermentable carbohydrates improved gas-related abdominal symptoms. The rate of fermentation determines the production of abdominal symptoms, and many slowly fermentable fibers have a rapid fermentation profile that can generate abdominal symptoms. Modulation of visceral sensitivity: diet can influence gas symptoms by increasing the tolerability of the intestine to gas. Capsaicin decreases visceral hyperalgesia and improved bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Changes in gas-producing bacteria: different strains of Lactobacillus have antimicrobial properties against gas-forming coliforms. New clinical studies show beneficial effects of prebiotics and probiotics on abdominal bloating. Summary Actual data suggest that diet could improve gas-related abdominal symptoms acting on several mechanisms: gas production, visceral hypersensitivity and modulation of gas-producing enteric bacteria.
A Profile of the Non-Executive Directors of Australia's Largest Companies

This paper presents a profile of the non-executive directors of Australia's largest public companies. Using descriptive data, it assesses the extent to which these companies adhere to the requirements set down in the Australian Stock Exchange's ‘Principles of Good Corporate Governance’. In particular, board structure and composition is evaluated, and levels of remuneration and independence among non-executive directors are assessed. The paper concludes with a discussion of perceived versus actual independence of non-executive directors and the benefits of having non-executive directors present on company boards.
Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage in patients with diabetes mellitus

Background: Left atrial appendage closure is a preventive treatment of atrial fibrillation–related thrombo-embolism. Patients with diabetes mellitus have increased risk for a negative outcome in percutaneous cardiac interventions. We assessed whether percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is safe and effective in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: We included 78 patients (mean age of 74.4 ± 8.3 years) with indication for left atrial appendage closure in an open-label observational single-centre study. Results: Patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 31) were at higher thrombo-embolic and bleeding risk (CHA2DS2-VASc: 4.5 ± 0.9, HAS-BLED: 4.7 ± 0.7) compared to patients without diabetes mellitus (n = 47, CHA2DS2-VASc: 3.5 ± 1.0, HAS-BLED: 4.1 ± 0.8; p < 0.001 for both). Pre- and periprocedural risk was elevated in patients with diabetes mellitus (Euro II-Score: 6.6 ± 3.7 vs 3.9 ± 1.9, p < 0.01; Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)-Score: 4.0 ± 2.5 vs 2.6 ± 1.2, p < 0.01). Procedural success was similar. Periprocedural major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events occurred in one patient from the control group (2.1%), whereas patients with diabetes mellitus had no events (p = 0.672). Follow-up of 6 months revealed no bleeding complication in both groups. No stroke occurred in follow-up, and left atrial appendage flow velocity reduction (55.6 ± 38.6 vs 51.4 ± 19.1 cm/s, p = 0.474) and rate of postinterventional leakage in the left atrial appendage were comparable (0% vs 2.1%, p = 0.672). Conclusion: Despite patients with diabetes mellitus are high-risk patients, the outcome of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure is similar to patients without diabetes mellitus.
Attempted suicide among living co-twins of twin suicide victims.

OBJECTIVE The authors hypothesized that significantly more living monozygotic than dizygotic co-twins of twin suicide victims would themselves have attempted suicide. METHOD They determined the absence or presence of an attempt at suicide at any time among 26 living monozygotic co-twins and nine living dizygotic co-twins of twins who had committed suicide. RESULTS They found that 10 of the 26 surviving monozygotic co-twins but none of the nine surviving dizygotic co-twins had themselves attempted suicide. CONCLUSIONS Although monozygotic and dizygotic twins may have some differing developmental experiences, these results contribute to findings of previous studies of suicide in twins in suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in suicidal behavior.
Inter-Group Complementary Codes for Interference-Resistant CDMA Wireless Communications

Spreading code plays an extremely important role on the overall performance of a CDMA system. The correlation properties and available number of spreading codes determine the interference-resist capability as well as system capacity. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics and limitations of traditional and recently reported spreading codes. Based on the analysis, we propose a new code design approach which will be used to generate inter-group complementary (IGC) codes. The correlation functions of the IGC codes possess definite and bi-valued interference-free windows. In addition, a corresponding code assignment algorithm and spreading scheme will be introduced to take advantage of the desirable properties of the IGC codes for their applications in CDMA systems. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results show that an IGC-CDMA system is interference-resistant and capable to offer a high spectral efficiency if compared with the ones based on other spreading codes.
Hepatic megalocytosis due to vanadium inhalation: participation of oxidative stress

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes, liver function test (LFT), and oxidative stress damage caused by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), in mice exposed to vanadium via inhalation. Male CD-1 mice were exposed to vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) via inhalation (0.02 M), 1 hour twice a week for 6 weeks. At the end of the protocol, controls and exposed mice were killed to evaluate the changes. Histological analysis and LFT were performed to detect the damage. TBARS detection was assessed for oxidative stress. Inflammatory infiltration, binucleation, and meganucleus were detected in the liver of V2O5-exposed mice (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were also significantly increased (p < 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was significantly higher in V2O5-exposed animals compared to controls (p < 0.05). V2O5 exposure induced inflammation and cell damage detected by the increase in ALT and AST levels, as well as histological changes that suggest regenerative changes, such as binucleation and meganucleus.
Theory of GaN Quantum Dots for Optical Applications

The optical properties of III-N wurtzite heterostructures are dominated by the built-in polarization potential. We first review the dependence of III-N bulk valence band structure on strain and the key factors determining the polarization vector in polar and nonpolar quantum wells, including electromechanical effects. We then present a surface integral technique to determine the built-in potential in quantum dots (QDs) of arbitrary shape. We show for polar QDs how the polarization potential spatially separates electrons and holes vertically but confines them laterally, causing the radiative recombination rate to decrease rapidly with increasing dot height and a strong blueshift with increasing carrier density. Finally, we show that although the polarization potential can be much reduced in nonpolar GaN/AlN QDs, it is likely to remain significant in nonpolar InN/GaN QD structures.
The potent bile acid sequestrant colesevelam is not effective in cholestatic pruritus: Results of a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial

Colesevelam is an anion‐exchange resin with a 7‐fold higher bile acid–binding capacity and fewer side effects than cholestyramine, the current first‐line treatment option for cholestatic pruritus. The aim of this trial was to compare the effects of colesevelam and a placebo in patients with cholestatic pruritus. In a randomized, double‐blind, investigator‐initiated, multicenter trial, patients with cholestatic pruritus, both treatment‐naive and previously treated, received 1875 mg of colesevelam or an identical placebo twice daily for 3 weeks. The effect on pruritus was assessed with daily visual analogue scales, quality‐of‐life scores, and evaluations of cutaneous scratch lesions. The predefined primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least a 40% reduction in pruritus visual analogue scale scores. Thirty‐eight patients were included, and 35 were evaluable: 17 took colesevelam, 18 took the placebo, 22 were female, 8 were treatment‐naive, 14 had primary biliary cirrhosis, and 14 had primary sclerosing cholangitis. The mean serum bile acid levels were comparable between the groups before treatment (P = 0.74), but they were significantly different after treatment (P = 0.01) in favor of patients treated with colesevelam. Thirty‐six percent of patients in the colesevelam group reached the primary endpoint versus 35% in the placebo group (P = 1.0). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to pruritus scores, quality‐of‐life scores, and severity of cutaneous scratch lesions. Mild side effects occurred in one colesevelam‐treated patient and four placebo‐treated patients. Conclusion: Although colesevelam significantly decreased serum bile acid levels, this trial was unable to demonstrate that it was more effective than a placebo in alleviating the severity of pruritus of cholestasis. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)
Low Chloride Stimulation of Prostaglandin E2Release and Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in a Mouse Macula Densa Cell Line*

Reducing luminal NaCl concentration in the macula densa region of the nephron stimulates renin secretion, and this response is blocked by a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (Traynor, T. R., Smart, A., Briggs, J. P., and Schnermann, J. (1999) Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 277, F706–710). To study whether low NaCl activates COX-2 activity or expression we clonally derived a macula densa cell line (MMDD1 cells) from SV-40 transgenic mice using fluorescence-activated cell sorting of renal tubular cells labeled with segment-specific fluorescent lectins. MMDD1 cells express COX-2, bNOS, NKCC2, and ROMK, but not Tamm-Horsfall protein, and showed rapid86Rb+ uptake that was inhibited by a reduction in NaCl concentration and by bumetanide or furosemide. Isosmotic exposure of MMDD1 cells to low NaCl (60 mm) caused a prompt and time-dependent stimulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release that was prevented by the COX-2 specific inhibitor NS-398 (10 μm). Reducing NaCl to 60 and 6 mm for 16 h increased COX-2 expression in a chloride-dependent fashion. Low NaCl phosphorylated p38 kinase within 30 min and ERK1/2 kinases within 15 min without changing total MAP kinase levels. Low NaCl-stimulated PGE2 release and COX-2 expression was inhibited by SB 203580 and PD 98059 (10 μm), inhibitors of p38 and ERK kinase pathways. We conclude that low chloride stimulates PGE2 release and COX-2 expression in MMDD1 cells through activation of MAP kinases.
Cutaneous‐Delayed Hypersensitivity in Nursing Home and Geriatric Clinic Patients

Cutaneous‐delayed hypersensitivity was studied by one and two‐step Mantoux‐type skin tests to four standard antigens in 33 elderly nursing home residents, 34 geriatric clinic patients, and 20 healthy young adult controls. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected to determine the effects of nutrition and other variables on cutaneous‐delayed hypersensitivity. Anergy (a lack of response greater than 5 mm of induration when read at 48 hours) to any of the four antigens occurred in 34% of nursing home residents, 17% of geriatric clinic patients, and none of the healthy young adults. Mean and maximal responses were less in the nursing home residents than the clinic patients or controls, even if anergic individuals were excluded from analysis, suggesting both a qualitative and quantitative decline in cell‐mediated immune function in this elderly population. Repeat testing with each antigen for which there was a negative initial response revealed a “booster” affect of 7 to 19% and occurred as commonly in the healthy young adults as in the nursing home residents or geriatric clinic patients. The mumps antigen elicited strong responses in the healthy young adults, but weak reactions in the nursing home residents. An unexpectedly high prevalence of positive tuberculin (PPD) responses occurred in the nursing home residents, suggesting recent exposure. Analysis of anthropometric and demographic characteristics show that neither nutritional status nor age alone can account for differences in cutaneous‐delayed hypersensitivity observed between populations. Cutaneous‐delayed hypersensitivity may vary widely between elderly populations and have important practical implications for the tuberculin test.