Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rotatory and Collic Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing in Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Children

Objectives: Vertigo and imbalance are often underestimated in the pediatric population, due to limited communication abilities, atypical symptoms, and relatively quick adaptation and compensation in children. Moreover, examination and interpretation of vestibular tests are very challenging, because of difficulties with cooperation and maintenance of alertness, and because of the sometimes nauseatic reactions. Therefore, it is of great importance for each vestibular laboratory to implement a child-friendly test protocol with age-appropriate normative data. Because of the often masked appearance of vestibular problems in young children, the vestibular organ should be routinely examined in high-risk pediatric groups, such as children with a hearing impairment. Purposes of the present study were (1) to determine age-appropriate normative data for two child-friendly vestibular laboratory techniques (rotatory and collic vestibular evoked myogenic potential [cVEMP] test) in a group of children without auditory or vestibular complaints, and (2) to examine vestibular function in a group of children presenting with bilateral hearing impairment. Design: Forty-eight typically developing children (mean age 8 years 0 months; range: 4 years 1 month to 12 years 11 months) without any auditory or vestibular complaints as well as 39 children (mean age 7 years 8 months; range: 3 years 8 months to 12 years 10 months) with a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were included in this study. All children underwent three sinusoidal rotations (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 Hz at 50 degrees/s) and bilateral cVEMP testing. Results: No significant age differences were found for the rotatory test, whereas a significant increase of N1 latency and a significant threshold decrease was noticeable for the cVEMP, resulting in age-appropriate normative data. Hearing-impaired children demonstrated significantly lower gain values at the 0.01 Hz rotation and a larger percentage of absent cVEMP responses compared with normal-hearing children. Seventy-four percent of hearing-impaired children showed some type of vestibular abnormality when examined with a combination of rotatory and cVEMP testing, in contrast to an abnormality rate of 60% with cVEMP and a rate of 49% with rotatory testing alone. Conclusions: The observed pediatric age correlations underscore the necessity of age-appropriate normative data to guarantee accurate interpretation of test results. The high percentages of abnormal vestibular test results in hearing-impaired children emphasize the importance of vestibular assessment in these children because the integrity of the vestibular system is a critical factor for motor and psychological development.
Purine Nucleoside Analogues in the Treatment of Myleoid Leukemias

The purine nucleoside analogues (PNA), fludarabine (FA), cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, 2-CdA) and 2'-deoxycoformycin (DCF), represent a novel group of cytotoxic agents with high activity in low-grade lymphoid malignancies. However, several investigations have revealed that these agents are active also in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Synergistic interaction between FA or 2-CdA with cytarabine (Ara-C) have been demonstrated in both preclinical and clinical studies. PNA enhance the cell concentration of Ara-CTP, which is active metabolite of Ara-C. It is likely that the addition of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) may further improve the effects of FA (FLAG) or 2-CdA (CLAG). The addition of anthracyclines to induction therapy does not appear to result in a substantial advantage in terms of CR achievement and duration. An alternative approach to increase FLAG activity might be the addition of investigational drugs with novel mechanism of action, such as topoiromerase I inhibitors. The addition of anthracyclines to induction therapy does not appear to result in a substantial advantage in terms of CR achievement and duration. Clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of PNA alone or in combination protocols in the treatment of AML. These regimens seem to produce superior results with acceptable toxicities in previously treated and relapsed, poor risk AML. However, early relapses remain a significant problem in a majority of refractory or relapsed patients in CR after treatment with PNA based regimens. To prolong remission duration or even cure AML, auto--or allo stem cell transplantation should be considered. However, FAMP or 2-CdA containing regimens may impair mobilization and collection of stem cells from peripheral blood for autotransplantation. Few studies have analyzed the role of PNA in CML. 2-CdA, FAMP and DCF can induce hematologic response in chronic phase of CML but cytogenetic responses have not been observed. Preliminary results suggest, that PNA used alone or in combination may be used as palliation in blast phase of the disease. However, currently, the role of these agents in CML is insignificant because of the high activity of Glivec in this disease. Finally, PNA, especially FA play an important role in non-myeloablative conditioning regimens for allogenic stem cell transplantation in high-risk patients, possibly also with myeloid malignancies.
Fruit yogurt: any erosive potential regarding teeth?

OBJECTIVE The capability of drinks and foods to resist pH changes brought about by salivary buffering may play an important role in the dental erosion process in children. The aim of the present study was to test fruit yogurt, a popular snack for children, and the degrees of saturation (pK-pl) with respect to hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite to determine their erosive potential. METHOD AND MATERIALS A variety of fruit yogurt was tested. To test the pH, 8 readings were taken with a pH electrode for each yogurt. Calcium content was detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, phosphorus by the inductively coupled plasma method, and fluoride content by ion chromatography. The degrees of saturation of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite were calculated by use of a computer program. Statistical analysis was performed using 2-tailed analysis of variance (P < .05) and a post hoc test (Tukey) to determine differences between groups. RESULTS The pH of each fruit concentrate was significantly different, except for banana yogurt. Except for the phosphorus content of raspberry yogurt, the calcium and phosphorus content for each fruit concentrate were significantly different. Fluoride levels were the same for all yogurts tested, and the degrees of saturation of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite was positive, indicating supersaturation. CONCLUSION It could be stated that fruit yogurt has no erosive potential.
Which Method of Rotator Cuff Repair Leads to the Highest Rate of Structural Healing?

Background The purpose of rotator cuff repair is to diminish pain and restore function, and this most predictably occurs when the tendon is demonstrated to heal. Recent improvements in repair methods have led to improved biomechanical performance, but this has not yet been demonstrated to result in higher healing rates. The purpose of our study was to determine whether different repair methods resulted in different rates of recurrent tearing after surgery. Hypotheses We hypothesized that (1) the rotator cuff repair method will not affect retear rate, and (2) the surgical approach will not affect the retear rate for a given repair method. Study Design Systematic review of the literature. Methods The literature was systematically searched to find articles reporting imaging study assessment of structural healing rates after rotator cuff repair, with data stratified according to tear size. Retear rates were compared for transosseous (TO), single-row suture anchor (SA), double-row suture anchor (DA), and suture bridge (SB) repair methods, as well as for open (O), miniopen (MO), and arthroscopic (A) approaches. Results Retear rates were available for 1252 repairs collected from 23 studies. Retear rates were significantly lower for double-row repairs when compared with TO or SA for all tears greater than 1 cm and ranged from 7% for tears less than 1 cm to 41% for tears greater than 5 cm, in comparison with retear rates for single-row techniques (TO and SA) of 17% to 69% for tears less than 1 cm and greater than 5 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference in retear rates between TO and SA repair methods or between arthroscopic and nonarthroscopic approaches for any tear size. Conclusion Double-row repair methods lead to significantly lower retear rates when compared with single-row methods for tears greater than 1 cm. Surgical approach has no significant effect on retear rate.
The Impact of Islamic Corporate Governance, Islamic Intellectual Capital and Islamic Financial Performance on Sustainable Business Islamic Banks

The objective of the study is to analyze the impact of Islamic corporate governance, Islamic intellectual capital and Islamic financial performance on sustainable business in Islamic banks. This research uses quantitative approach with secondary data, period 2010-2015. Sample use sensus method with the number of samples are 9 (nine) Islamic banks. Analysis of data testing use partial least square (PLS) supported by in-depth interview. The results showed: 1). Islamic corporate governance has a significant impact on Islamic financial performance. 2). Islamic intellectual capital has a significant impact on Islamic financial performance. 3) Islamic corporate governance has no significant impact on sustainable business. 4). Islamic intellectual capital has a significant impact on sustainable business. 5) Islamic financial performance has a significant impact on sustainable business. 6). Islamic financial performance full mediate the impact of Islamic corporate governance on sustainable business. 7). Islamic financial performance partial mediate the impact of Islamic intellectual capital on sustainable business.
The Slope of the Term Structure and Recessions: The Pre-Fed Evidence, 1857-1913

This paper studies the information content of the slope of the term structure for recessions, using monthly US data spanning 1857-1913. We find that the term spread predicts future recessions up to about 12 months ahead, as does the current value of the recession dummy. We also find that stock prices are significant in the probit models we use to predict future recessions, but that business failures and growth in industrial production are generally insignificant. Overall, the results give broad support to the findings of Bordo and Haubrich (2004, 2008a, 2008b), who use quarterly data from 1875 to study the ability of the term structure to forecast real GNP growth. C25
Renal Dysfunction With Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate-Containing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens Is Not Observed More Frequently: A Cohort and Case-Control Study

Background:Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF), the first nucleotide analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV infection, has been associated with renal dysfunction in isolated cases. We investigated the overall incidence and risk of renal dysfunction in individuals receiving tenofovir DF and compared this with other antiretrovirals. Methods:Data from the Chelsea and Westminster cohort were analyzed to reveal HIV-positive individuals with a creatinine value greater than 120 μmol/L at any time, the upper limit of normal used by our reference laboratory. These individuals were classified according to antiretroviral exposure and time exposed. A matched case-control study was performed comparing patients who had received tenofovir DF and subsequently developed a creatinine value greater than 120 μmol/L against controls who had been treated with tenofovir DF and had not experienced a creatinine elevation. Results:Of 4183 HIV-positive patients, 1175 were identified as having a recorded creatinine value >120 μmol/L. Comparison of antiretroviral-naive patients and patients exposed to tenofovir DF- and non-tenofovir DF-containing regimens revealed a lower rate ratio and probability of developing a creatinine value >120 μmol/L in patients exposed to tenofovir DF (rate ratio vs. no antiretrovirals = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.69; P < 0.001) with no significant difference between HAART regimens, corrected for duration of exposure. Of the 1058 individuals who were exposed to tenofovir DF, 84 (8%) patients experienced a creatinine value >120 μmol/L subsequent to exposure. An alternative etiology of renal dysfunction was found in 75 (90%) of these individuals. Conclusions:Tenofovir DF is not associated with renal dysfunction more frequently than other antiretroviral drugs, and the occurrence of renal dysfunction in this context is usually attributable to other causes.
YAP and TAZ modulate cell phenotype in a subset of small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignancy that shows rapid development of chemoresistance and a high rate of recurrence. Recent genome and transcriptome studies have provided the whole landscape of genomic alterations and gene expression changes in SCLC. In light of the inter‐individual heterogeneity of SCLC, subtyping of SCLC might be helpful for prediction of therapeutic response and prognosis. Based on the transcriptome data of SCLC cell lines, we undertook transcriptional network‐defined SCLC classification and identified a unique SCLC subgroup characterized by relatively high expression of Hippo pathway regulators Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) (YAP/TAZ subgroup). The YAP/TAZ subgroup displayed adherent cell morphology, lower expression of achaete‐scute complex homolog 1 (ASCL1) and neuroendocrine markers, and higher expression of laminin and integrin. YAP knockdown caused cell morphological alteration reminiscent of floating growth pattern in many SCLC cell lines, and microarray analyses revealed a subset of genes regulated by YAP, including Ajuba LIM protein (AJUBA). AJUBA also contributed to cell morphology regulation. Of clinical importance, SCLC cell lines of the YAP/TAZ subgroup showed unique patterns of drug sensitivity. Our findings shed light on a subtype of SCLC with YAP and TAZ expression, and delineate molecular networks underlying the heterogeneity of SCLC.
Elevation of serum KL-6 mucin levels in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS KL-6 mucin is a type of MUC1 mucin. Previous immunohistochemical studies by the authors revealed that, in liver cancer tissues, KL-6 mucin expressed only in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) but not in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study performed serological analysis to evaluate KL-6 mucin levels in sera from various liver cancer patients and healthy individuals. METHODOLOGY Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure KL-6 mucin levels in sera from 8 CC patients, 27 HCC patients, 30 metastatic liver cancer (MC) patients, and 19 healthy individuals. RESULTS Serum KL-6 mucin levels were significantly higher in CC patients than in healthy individuals (p<0.0001), HCC patients (p<0.0001), and MC patients (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined the cut-off level of serum KL-6 mucin levels to be 240 U/mL (CC vs. healthy, p<0.001) or 248 U/mL (CC vs. HCC, p<0.001). Using 248 U/mL as a cut-off value, the positive rate for CC patients, healthy individuals, and HCC patients was 100.0%, 15.8%, and 18.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Elevation of serum KL-6 levels was detectable in CC patients. Thus, KL-6 might be a useful serological marker to distinguish CC patients from HCC patients.
mTORC2 Deficiency in Myeloid Dendritic Cells Enhances Their Allogeneic Th1 and Th17 Stimulatory Ability after TLR4 Ligation In Vitro and In Vivo

The mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key integrative kinase that functions in two independent complexes, mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 and mTORC2. In contrast to the well-defined role of mTORC1 in dendritic cells (DC), little is known about the function of mTORC2. In this study, to our knowledge, we demonstrate for the first time an enhanced ability of mTORC2-deficient myeloid DC to stimulate and polarize allogeneic T cells. We show that activated bone marrow–derived DC from conditional Rictor−/− mice exhibit lower coinhibitory B7-H1 molecule expression independently of the stimulus and enhanced IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12p70, and IL-23 production following TLR4 ligation. Accordingly, TLR4-activated Rictor−/− DC display augmented allogeneic T cell stimulatory ability, expanding IFN-γ+ and IL-17+, but not IL-10+ or CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in vitro. A similar DC profile was obtained by stimulating Dectin-1 (C-type lectin family member) on Rictor−/− DC. Using novel CD11c-specific Rictor−/− mice, we confirm the alloreactive Th1 and Th17 cell-polarizing ability of endogenous mTORC2-deficient DC after TLR4 ligation in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that proinflammatory cytokines produced by Rictor−/− DC after LPS stimulation are key in promoting Th1/Th17 responses. These data establish that mTORC2 activity restrains conventional DC proinflammatory capacity and their ability to polarize T cells following TLR and non-TLR stimulation. Our findings provide new insight into the role of mTORC2 in regulating DC function and may have implications for emerging therapeutic strategies that target mTOR in cancer, infectious diseases, and transplantation.
Variations in the Incidence and Mortality of Ovarian Cancer and Their Relationship with the Human Development Index in European Countries in 2012

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) has high incidence and mortality rates among the reproductive system cancers. This study investigated the relationship between the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of OC and Human Development Index (HDI) in European countries in 2012. Methods: This ecological study assessed the correlation between the ASIR and ASMR of OC and HDI and its components including life expectancy at birth, average years of schooling, and gross national income (GNI) per capita. Bivariate correlation analysis was used for assessing the correlation between the ASIR and ASMR of OC and HDI and its components. All reported P values were two-sided. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 15.0, SPSS Inc.). Results: The maximum ASIR of OC was observed in Latvia, Bulgaria, and Poland. The highest ASMR of OC was observed in Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The incidence and mortality rates of OC are expected to increase between 2012 and 2035. This increase will be more pronounced in women ≥ 65 years. HDI had a weak negative correlation with the ASIR of OC (r=- 0.213; P=0.186) and a weak positive correlation with the ASMR of OC (r=0.072; P=0.659). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, health policy makers must make appropriate decisions to deal with the increasing morbidity and mortality of OC, especially in women over 65 years of age, in regions with lower access to prevention and treatment services.
Gene expression analysis by oligonucleotide microarray in oral leukoplakia.

BACKGROUND Oral leukoplakias (LP) are the most frequent types of oral pre-cancerous lesions, but there is no accurate assessment of this malignant transformation or even genetic diagnosis of the oral epithelial dysplasia. We need to identify the new genetic diagnosis system of the epithelial dysplasia. METHODS Oligonucleotide microarray was used to analyze expression patterns of 29,952 genes in 10 LP patients. We compared the different gene expressions between mild dysplasia cases and severe dysplasia cases. RESULTS Ninety-six genes expressed differentially were selected as candidates for up-regulated in severe dysplasia. Subsequently, we further selected 16 genes with highest differentially expression. By hierarchical clustering analysis, the 10 cases were divided mild dysplasia from severe dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS The 16 genes are suggested as biomarker gene sets of efficacy and quickly recognized in the development of oral epithelial dysplasia.
Evidence for a Solar System-Size Accretion Disk Around the Massive Protostar G192.16-3.82

Seven-millimeter continuum observations of a massive bipolar outflow source, G192.16–3.82, were made at a milli–arc-second resolution with a capability that links the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array radio interferometer with the Very Long Baseline Array antenna, located in Pie Town, New Mexico. The observations provide evidence for a true accretion disk that is about the size of our solar system and located around a massive star. A model of the radio emission suggests the presence of a binary protostellar system. The primary protostar, G192 S1, at the center of the outflow, with a protostar mass of about 8 to 10 times the solar mass, is surrounded by an accretion disk with a diameter of 130 astronomical units (AU). The mass of the disk is on the order of the protostar mass. The outflow is poorly collimated with a full opening angle of about 40 degrees; there is no indication of a more highly collimated jetlike component. The companion source, G192 S2, is located 80 AU north of the primary source.
TGF-β mediates early angiogenesis and latent fibrosis in an Emilin1-deficient mouse model of aortic valve disease

Aortic valve disease (AVD) is characterized by elastic fiber fragmentation (EFF), fibrosis and aberrant angiogenesis. Emilin1 is an elastin-binding glycoprotein that regulates elastogenesis and inhibits TGF-β signaling, but the role of Emilin1 in valve tissue is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that Emilin1 deficiency results in AVD, mediated by non-canonical (MAPK/phosphorylated Erk1 and Erk2) TGF-β dysregulation. Using histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, quantitative gene expression analysis, immunoblotting and echocardiography, we examined the effects of Emilin1 deficiency (Emilin1−/−) in mouse aortic valve tissue. Emilin1 deficiency results in early postnatal cell-matrix defects in aortic valve tissue, including EFF, that progress to latent AVD and premature death. The Emilin1−/− aortic valve displays early aberrant provisional angiogenesis and late neovascularization. In addition, Emilin1−/− aortic valves are characterized by early valve interstitial cell activation and proliferation and late myofibroblast-like cell activation and fibrosis. Interestingly, canonical TGF-β signaling (phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3) is upregulated constitutively from birth to senescence, whereas non-canonical TGF-β signaling (phosphorylated Erk1 and Erk2) progressively increases over time. Emilin1 deficiency recapitulates human fibrotic AVD, and advanced disease is mediated by non-canonical (MAPK/phosphorylated Erk1 and Erk2) TGF-β activation. The early manifestation of EFF and aberrant angiogenesis suggests that these processes are crucial intermediate factors involved in disease progression and therefore might provide new therapeutic targets for human AVD.