Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence and prevalence of pseudoexfoliation and open-angle glaucoma in northern Sweden: I. Baseline report.

PURPOSE To evaluate the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) among 66-year-old people in the municipality of Skellefteå in northern Sweden. METHODS A population-based study comprising 339 individuals, representing 40% of the age group and 87% of those randomly selected. The examination included tonometry, dilated slit-lamp biomicroscopy, optic disc evaluation and a visual field analysis if glaucoma was suspected. RESULTS The overall prevalence of PEX syndrome was 23%[95% confidence interval (CI): 20-26%], 29% (CI: 24-34%) in women and 15% (CI: 10-19%) in men (P < 0.01). The intraocular pressure (IOP) in PEX eyes was higher (17.3 mmHg, SD 4.5 mmHg) than in eyes without PEX [15.7 mmHg, SD 3.7 mmHg; P < 0.001]. IOP exceeded 22 mmHg in 17% (CI: 11-23%) of the PEX eyes and in 3.0% (CI: 1.9-4.1%) of the non-PEX eyes. Seven individuals (2.1%) had OAG. Six were associated with PEX, i.e. 7.7% of the PEX individuals. CONCLUSION PEX syndrome is common in northern Sweden, affecting every fourth individual reaching the age of 66 years. The prevalence in women is twice that in men. Elevated IOP is roughly six times more frequent in eyes with PEX than in eyes without PEX syndrome. The prevalence of OAG is 2.1%.
A review of porcine tonsils in immunity and disease

Abstract The porcine tonsils are a group of lymphoepithelial tissues located at the common openings of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The tonsils participate in a variety of functions involving innate, cellular and humoral immunity at the local and systemic levels. Among these immunological functions is the continuous surveillance for the presence of foreign antigens at the openings of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Within the pig, the movement of lymphocytes, cytokines and chemotactic molecules from the tonsils to other lymphoid organs confers immunity to other portals of pathogen entry and facilitates an efficient and rapid systemic immune response. In spite of the immunological nature of the tonsils, some microorganisms have acquired adaptations that allow them to circumvent the tonsillar immune defenses and utilize the tonsils as a site of entry, replication and colonization. Several bacterial and viral pathogens persist asymptomatically within the tonsils, making identification of asymptomatic carrier animals difficult in disease control and/or pathogen elimination. This paper reviews the current information on the anatomy, immunology and pathobiology of porcine tonsils and discusses the tonsils as a site of pathogen entry, replication and colonization using Salmonella spp. , classical swine fever virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus as examples.
ORAL DISEASE IN PRIMATES

The increasing use of primates for investigations of oral tissues is evident from a perusal of the literature. This is to be expected when one examines the many anatomic and physiological similarities found among the dentitions, supporting structures, and other oral tissues in nonhuman primates and humans. That many of these species are susceptible to the same oral diseases as is man enhances their value in the laboratory. An effort will be made in this presentation to cite the various pathological conditions that occur in the oral cavities of nonhuman primates.
Effects of Bunazosin Hydrochloride on Ciliary Muscle Constriction and Matrix Metalloproteinase Activities

Purpose:To clarify the mechanism by which bunazosin hydrochloride (BZ), a selective &agr;1-adrenoceptor antagonist, increases uveoscleral outflow. Methods:The effects of BZ on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities in cultured monkey ciliary muscle cells, and on phenylephrine hydrochloride-induced constriction in bovine ciliary muscles, were examined. Also, the possible additive ocular hypotensive effects of BZ and latanoprost (LP) were evaluated in ocular normotensive monkeys. Results:Although BZ at 10−7 to 10−5 M did not increase MMP-2, -3, and -9 activities in the culture medium of ciliary muscle cells, BZ at 10−7 to 10−5 M inhibited phenylephrine hydrochloride-induced constriction in ciliary muscles. The maximal reduction in intraocular pressure of concomitant administration of BZ and LP was greater than that of BZ alone and tended to be greater than that of LP alone. Conclusion: These findings, in normotensive monkeys, indicate that the mechanism whereby BZ increases uveoscleral outflow is independent of an effect on MMPs and is partly due to relaxation of the ciliary muscle. This effect is different from that of LP, which might help to explain the finding that topical concomitant administration of BZ and LP increased AUC(0–6h) value (IOP reduction) to 201% and 145% of BZ and LP given alone, respectively.
Reliance on Others for Food-Related Activities of Daily Living

Abstract Reliance on others for help with food related activities (grocery shopping and meal preparation) [FADL] can influence food intake and can be considered part of the concept of food security for older adults. Data collected from 193 community living seniors identified that 29.5% of these seniors required help with these activities. Covariates independently associated with FADL were: muscle strength/size, gender, avoidance of activities due to a fear of falling and occurrence of functionally limiting diagnoses. Mediation analysis identified variables that explain the „how and why” of the association between FADL and food intake. Mediators included informal supports, frequency of informal support, perceived health status, and number of medications. By specifically analyzing covariates and mediators of reliance for FADL, there is further understanding of the relationship between this reliance and food intake in older adults.
Activity based costing as a means to full costing- Possibilities and constraints for European universities

This paper presents possibilities and constraints for implementation of Activity Based Costing (ABC) method, as a full costing method, at European Universities. We investigated current practice and trends in developing cost allocation method at Universities in European Union. Precisely, we analyzed trends and current movements at Universities in EU countries and the major problems in setting ABC method at University. By using this information, we proposed guidelines for development of full costing system at University of Zagreb that is based on following parameters: categories of costs, main activities, cost objects and cost drivers. Our paper show that despite public demands for efficient managing within Universities still very small percentage of Universities has implemented full costing systems. The most important obstacles for that are: resistance to change, non reliable data in current account systems, lack of management will and legal barriers. Furthermore, our paper explains that one of challenges involved in implementing full costing systems seems to be the fact that Universities are still income oriented than cost oriented. Nevertheless, positive trends in implementing full costing method, respectively ABC method, are obvious. We highlighted Universities in Portugal and Liverpool as Universities that have successfully implemented ABC method as well as all drivers, barriers and benefits that came out from that implementation.
Assessment method influences the severity and type of symptoms reported after self-reported mild traumatic brain injury

Objective: To investigate the influence of assessment method (spontaneous report versus checklist) on the report of postconcussive syndrome (PCS) symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Setting: Community. Participants: Thirty-six participants (58% female) with postacute self-reported mTBI (i.e., sustained 1–6 months prior to participation) and 36 age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched controls with no history of mTBI. Design: Cross-sectional. Main measures: Spontaneous symptom report from open-ended questions and checklist endorsed symptoms from the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (both measures administered online). Results: Assessment method significantly affected individual symptom item frequencies (small to large effects), the number of symptoms reported, the total severity score, domain severity scores (i.e., somatic/sensory, cognitive, and affective symptom domains), and the number of participants who met a PCS caseness criterion (large effects; checklist > spontaneous report). The types of symptoms that were different between the groups differed for the assessment methods: Compared to controls, the nonclinical mTBI group spontaneously reported significantly greater somatic/sensory and cognitive domain severity scores, whilst no domain severity scores differed between groups when endorsed on a checklist. Conclusions: Assessment method can alter the number, severity, and types of symptoms reported by individuals who have sustained an mTBI and could potentially influence clinical decisions.
ESTIMATION FOLLOWING A GROUP SEQUENTIAL TEST FOR DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE ONE-PARAMETER EXPONENTIAL FAMILY

We consider unbiased estimation following a group sequential test for distributions in a one-parameter exponential family. We show that, for an estimable parameter function, there exists uniquely an unbiased estimator depending on the sufficient statistic and based on the truncation-adaptation criterion (Liu and Hall (1999)); moreover, this estimator is identical to one based on the Rao-Blackwell method. When completeness fails, we show that the uniformly minimum-variance unbiased estimator may not exist or might possess undesirable performance. A Phase-II clinical trial application with exponentially distributed responses is included.
Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients treated with hemodialysis--epidemiological analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in patients treated with hemodialysis (HD). The annual cardiovascular mortality rate in these patients is 9%. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease and heart failure are the most prevalent cardiovascular causes of death. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of traditional and nontraditional risk factors for cardiovascular complications, to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular complications and overall and cardiovascular mortality rate in patients on HD. METHODS We investigated a total of 115 patients undergoing HD for at least 6 months. First, a cross-sectional study was performed, followed by a two-year followup study. Beside standard biochemical parameters, we also determined cardiac troponins and echocardiographic parameters of LV morphology and function (LV mass index, LV fractional shortening, LV ejection fraction). The results were analyzed using the Student's t test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The patients with adverse outcome had significantly lower serum albumin (p < 0.01) and higher serum homocystein, troponin I and T, and LV mass index (p < 0.01). Hyperhomocysteinemia, anemia, hypertriglyceridemia and uncontrolled hypertension had the highest prevalence (86.09%, 76.52%, 43.48% and 36.52%, respectively) among all investigated cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertrophy of the LV was presented in 71.31% of the patients and congestive heart failure in 8.70%. Heart valve calcification was found in 48.70% of the patients, pericardial effusion in 25.22% and disrrhythmia in 20.87% of the investigated patients. The average annual overall mortality rate was 13.74%, while average cardiovascular mortality rate was 8.51%. CONCLUSION Patients on HD have high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
A 3-D Electromagnetic Thermal Coupled Analysis of Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor

In recent years, with permanent magnetic materials and motor manufacturing technique progressing, permanent magnet brushless DC motor power density enhances unceasingly. This means that the electromagnetic loads of the motor are continuously increasing, and the heat load is soaring. The motor thermal design is becoming more and more important. The thermal design is a complex problem of electromagnetic field and thermal field coupled. This paper proposes a new method of electromagnetic and thermal coupling analysis by calculating both the electromagnetic field and temperature field in motor. Simulation results and test data verify the rationality of the motor temperature field model and the accuracy of the calculation. Furthermore, the motor temperature field is analyzed at different ambient temperature and different ambient air velocity based on the method. This new analysis method proposed would be helpful for the optimization design of the motor.
1-Aminobenzotriazole Coincubated with (S)-Warfarin Results in Potent Inactivation of CYP2C9

1-Aminobenzotriazole (ABT) is a nonselective, mechanism-based inactivator of cytochrome P450 (P450) and a useful tool compound to discern P450- from non-P450-mediated metabolism. ABT effectively inactivates major human P450 isoforms, with the notable exception of CYP2C9. Here we propose that ABT preferentially binds to the warfarin-binding pocket in the CYP2C9 active-site cavity; thus, ABT bioactivation and subsequent inactivation is not favored. Therefore, coincubation with (S)-warfarin would result in displacement of ABT from the warfarin-binding pocket and subsequent binding to the active site, converting ABT into a potent inactivator of CYP2C9. To test this hypothesis, in vitro studies were conducted using various coincubation combinations of ABT and (S)-warfarin or diclofenac to modulate the effectiveness of CYP2C9 inactivation by ABT. Coincubation of ABT with (S)-warfarin (diclofenac probe substrate) resulted in potent inactivation, whereas weak inactivation was observed following coincubation of ABT with diclofenac [(S)-warfarin probe substrate]. The kinetic parameters of time-dependent inhibition of ABT for CYP2C9 in the absence and presence of (S)-warfarin (20 μM) were 0.0826 and 0.273 min−1 for kinact and 3.49 and 0.157 mM for KI, respectively. In addition, a 73.4-fold shift was observed in the in vitro potency (kinact/KI ratio), with an increase from 23.7 ml/min/mmol (ABT alone) to 1740 ml/min/mmol [ABT with (S)-warfarin (20 μM)]. These findings were supported by in silico structural modeling, which showed ABT preferentially binding to the warfarin-binding pocket and the displacement of ABT to the active site in the presence of (S)-warfarin.
Expanding access to emergency contraception through state systems: the Washington State experience.

Access to family planning and reduction of unintended pregnancy are long-standing priorities for Washington States Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Working together to ensure that all pregnancies are intended (consciously and clearly desired at the time of conception) the two agencies provide family planning counseling and a broad choice of contraceptive methods through a range of health and social service programs. When a dedicated product for emergency contraception became available in 1998 widespread integration of relevant information and services became one more strategy the agencies used to realize the goal of reducing unintended pregnancy in the state. Since 1997 the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) has collaborated with state colleagues to increase access to emergency contraception. In a series of interviews conducted in December 2003 PATH asked administrators managers and others who were involved in the initial process to describe the experience. The story that emerged described here is one of strong high-level support for family planning services that created an ideal platform for expanding emergency contraception services establishing collaborations between relevant agencies and increasing the number of state programs and the range of service providers offering emergency contraception services. The result was an innovative approach to service delivery that made it possible to reach underserved and low-income populations including those not served by Title X--funded clinics. Our objective in sharing Washington States experience is to stimulate further state-level innovation for expanding access to emergency contraception. (excerpt)
Immune evasion mechanisms and immune checkpoint inhibition in advanced merkel cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection and/or ultraviolet radiation–induced somatic mutations. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is evidence that an active immune response to MCPyV and tumor-associated neoantigens occurs in some patients. However, inhibitory immune molecules, including programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), within the MCC tumor microenvironment aid in tumor evasion of T-cell–mediated clearance. Unlike chemotherapy, treatment with anti–PD-L1 (avelumab) or anti–PD-1 (pembrolizumab) antibodies leads to durable responses in MCC, in both virus-positive and virus-negative tumors. As many tumors are established through the evasion of infiltrating immune-cell clearance, the lessons learned in MCC may be broadly relevant to many cancers.
Isolation, Histopathological and Molecular Detection of Yersinia Pseudotuberclosis Infection in Sheep in Turkey.

The aim of the present study was to detect causes of abortion in sheep and early neonatal death of lambs and treatment trial. Diagnososis of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was made on the basis of bacteriological from the stomach contents, lung, liver, and peritoneal fluid and pathological findings. Additionally, in order to confirm the presence of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis nested PCR was performed. In treatment trials Amoxycillin were given1ml/10kg BW. This is the first case report of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis causing abortion in sheep in Turkey. As a result of this study it is suggested that Yersinia pseudotuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of causes of ovine abortion and early neonatal death of lambs in this country.
Cooperative Breeding in Groups of Synchronously Mating Females and Evolution of Large Testes to Avoid Sperm Depletion in African Striped Mice1

Abstract Testis size has been related to the mating system of both vertebrates and invertebrates. These differences are regarded as adaptive responses to sperm competition in promiscuously mating species. However, not all variation in testis size can be explained by sperm competition. Here, we test the hypothesis that the evolution of large testes occurs when synchronously breeding females must be fertilized within a short period of time to avoid reproductive competition among the females. African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) males of a polygynous population with cooperative breeding and high risk of sperm depletion had testes and cauda epididymis twice as large as those of males of four different promiscuous populations with high risk of sperm competition. When paired with three females simultaneously in captivity, males of the polygynous population bred with three females within 8 days, leading to synchronous births in their harems, thereby potentially reducing the risk of infanticide. Males from the promiscuous population reproduced with only one or two females within 8 days, and births were not synchronous. We conclude that large testes are selected for in species with synchronously mating females, which is ultimately beneficial for the evolution of cooperative breeding.
Effect Of High Dose And Low Dose Aspirin On Survival Of Random Pattern Flaps In Rats

This paper studies which of the physiological effects of aspirin is responsible for increasing the survival of random flaps in rats, found in an earlier experiment. We wished to confirm that the antiaggregating-antithrombotic effect was responsible for the increased survival of flaps without microvascular anastomosis. Three groups of rats with standardised random pattern flaps were used. The first two were given aspirin 200 mg/kg (high dose, n = 27) or 40 mg/kg (low dose, n = 21) and the third (n = 28) acted as controls. The beneficial effects of aspirin were restricted to the high dose group. Since the low dose group also showed antiaggregation of platelets, but without the anti-inflammatory or vasodilatory effects, the results indicate that the antiaggregating effect alone was not responsible for the increased survival of the flaps.
Emotional Stress Triggers Intrahypothalamic But Not Peripheral Release of Oxytocin in Male Rats

Previous experiments have shown that an exposure to defined stressors activates not only the ‘classical’ endocrine stress response but also the intrahypothalamic and peripheral release of oxytocin. In the present study we investigated the effects of an acute social defeat experience on the release of oxytocin within the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus, just outside of the supraoptic nucleus toward the midline within the anterior ventro‐lateral part of the hypothalamus, and into plasma of adult male rats. Our results demonstrate that emotional stress triggers the release of oxytocin into the extracellular fluid of both the supraoptic nucleus and the anterior ventro‐lateral part of the hypothalamus (up to ≈320% and 170%, respectively). Interestingly, oxytocin release within the latter brain area, which is likely to originate from axons forming the hypothalamo‐neurohypophysial tract, was higher in absolute terms than that within the supraoptic nucleus itself, both under basal conditions and in response to social defeat. In contrast to intrahypothalamic release patterns, plasma oxytocin levels remained virtually unchanged upon stressor exposure. This demonstrates that the release of oxytocin within the hypothalamus is triggered by emotional stress. Furthermore, it indicates that under physiological conditions the release of oxytocin from the dendrites and somata upon axon terminals in the neurohypophysis is differentially regulated. Although not yet studied in detail, it may be hypothesized that the spatial and temporal release pattern of oxytocin is controlled by integrative neuronal networks at different brain levels (including hypothalamus and posterior pituitary) to ensure the appropriate involvement of this peptide in the stress response of the animal.
Primary lateral sclerosis with MR diffusion tensor image and tract tracking.

This report shows that magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking can identify changes of the corticospinal tract in clinically diagnosed primary lateral sclerosis patients. A 67-yr-old man presented with quadriparesis and dysarthria. Slowness and clumsiness of the left hand became evident at the age of 62 yrs. Spasticity involved the left arm and soon spread to all four limbs. In addition, spasticity caused spastic dysarthria. At age 65, he showed gait disturbance and occasional falling. He was unable to walk unaided by age 67. He showed respiratory distress and aspiration occasionally. On examination, there was motor weakness (MRC score of 4–5) of both upper and lower extremities, bilateral ankle clonus, bilateral Barbinski responses, and spasticity, but no atrophy or fasciculations were observed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral spinal fluid examination, and standard laboratory tests, including serum glucose, Hba1c, thyroid hormones, vitamin B12 and folate levels, viral (HIV, hepatitis B), and long-chain fatty acid were normal. Vasculitis markers (ANA, cANCA, pANCA, anti-DNA antibodies) and cerebral spinal fluid oligoclonal band were negative. Distal latencies, motor conduction velocities, F waves, and sensory nerve conduction were normal. Needle electromyography was performed in the muscles of both upper and lower extremities, tongue, and lower thoracic spine and showed normal resting potential and normal motor unit potential. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity of pyramidal tract were evaluated with magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging. The FA values were 0.452 and 0.460 at the left and right midbrain, 0.080 and 0.105 at the left and right ventral pons, and 0.074 and 0.110 at the left