Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical effects of Aβ immunization (AN1792) in patients with AD in an interrupted trial

Background: AN1792 (beta-amyloid [Aβ]1–42) immunization reduces Aβ plaque burden and preserves cognitive function in APP transgenic mice. The authors report the results of a phase IIa immunotherapy trial of AN1792(QS-21) in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease (AD) that was interrupted because of meningoencephalitis in 6% of immunized patients. Methods: This randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of IM AN1792 225 μg plus the adjuvant QS-21 50 μg (300 patients) and saline (72 patients) included patients aged 50 to 85 years with probable AD, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 15 to 26. Injections were planned for months 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Safety and tolerability were evaluated, and pilot efficacy (AD Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale [ADAS–Cog], MRI, neuropsychological test battery [NTB], CSF tau, and Aβ42) was assessed in anti-AN1792 antibody responder patients (immunoglobulin G titer ≥ 1:2,200). Results: Following reports of meningoencephalitis (overall 18/300 [6%]), immunization was stopped after one (2 patients), two (274 patients), or three (24 patients) injections. Of the 300 AN1792(QS-21)-treated patients, 59 (19.7%) developed the predetermined antibody response. Double-blind assessments were maintained for 12 months. No significant differences were found between antibody responder and placebo groups for ADAS–Cog, Disability Assessment for Dementia, Clinical Dementia Rating, MMSE, or Clinical Global Impression of Change, but analyses of the z-score composite across the NTB revealed differences favoring antibody responders (0.03 ± 0.37 vs -0.20 ± 0.45; p = 0.020). In the small subset of subjects who had CSF examinations, CSF tau was decreased in antibody responders (n = 11) vs placebo subjects (n = 10; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although interrupted, this trial provides an indication that Aβ immunotherapy may be useful in Alzheimer disease.
Healthcare Utilization Following Cognitive‐Behavioral Treatment for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

The aim of this study was to examine the overall changes in healthcare services utilization after providing an empirically supported cognitive‐behavioral treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia. Data on healthcare utilization were collected for a total of 84 adults meeting DSM‐IV criteria. Participants were completers of a cognitive‐behavioral treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia. Data on utilization of healthcare services and medication were obtained from semi‐structured interviews from baseline to 1‐year after treatment. Results of the Friedman non‐parametric analysis reveal a significant decrease in overall and mental health‐related costs following treatment. This study shows a significant reduction in healthcare costs following cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder with agoraphobia. More studies are needed to examine the potential long‐term cost‐offset effect of empirically supported treatments for panic disorder.
Non-Dipping Heart Rate and Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify factors which are independently associated with non-dipping heart rate (HR) in a type 2 diabetic population at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods: The study recruited 179 type 2 diabetic subjects with a mean diabetes duration of 18.3 years and with proliferative retinopathy. All underwent 24-hour blood pressure and HR monitoring, and were assessed for markers of inflammation, insulin resistance, albuminuria, presence of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Subjects whose night-time HR did not decrease by more than 10% as compared to daytime readings were classified as non-dippers. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that non-dippers had significantly higher logarithmic albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR; p = 0.001) and higher platelet count (p = 0.014). Also, non-dippers were more likely to be on β-blockers (p = 0.037). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that logarithmic ACR (p = 0.001) and platelet count (p = 0.026) were independent predictors of non-dipping HR, even when correcting for β-blocker use. Conclusions: In this high-risk type 2 diabetic population, non-dipping HR was independently associated with ACR and platelet count, suggesting that non-dipping HR might give an indication of underlying generalised atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. Also, non-dipping HR may represent a novel mechanism explaining the association of nephropathy with cardiovascular events. This merits further study.
Secretory Products of Breast Cancer Cells Specifically Affect Human Osteoblastic Cells: Partial Characterization of Active Factors

The pathogenesis of tumor‐induced osteolysis (TIO) following breast cancer metastases in bone remains unclear. We postulated that osteoblasts could be target cells for the secretory products of breast cancer cells. We previously showed that serum‐free conditioned medium (CM) of the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 inhibits DNA synthesis by 75% of control values in osteoblast‐like cells SaOS‐2 and that this effect is only in a minor part due to transforming growth factor β secretion. To establish the specificity of our observations and to look for other biologically active factors, we have tested the effects of medium conditioned by several cancer and noncancer cell lines (breast, colon, placenta, or fibrosarcoma) on the proliferation of osteoblast‐like cells (SaOS‐2, MG‐63), normal human osteoblasts, human fibrosarcoma cells, and normal human fibroblasts. Culture medium (1:2) of the breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7, T‐47D, MDA‐MB‐231, and SK‐BR‐3 inhibited by 25–50% the proliferation of osteoblast‐like cells SaOS‐2, MG‐63, and normal osteoblasts as evaluated by the MTT survival test or [3H]thymidine incorporation. MCF‐7 cells completely inhibited the proliferation of normal human osteoblasts in coculture. This inhibitory effect was reversible and not due to cytotoxicity. Moreover, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) of osteoblast‐like cells SaOS‐2 was also increased by 100–240% by the same CM. Such activities were, however, not detected in medium from the breast noncancer cell line HBL‐100 or in the medium conditioned by non–breast cancer cell lines (COLO 320DM, HT‐29, JAR, or HT‐1080). Medium from the breast cancer cells had no effect on normal human fibroblasts or fibrosarcoma cells (HT‐1080), suggesting the specificity of their action on human osteoblasts. After partial purification by ultrafiltration and size‐exclusion chromatography, we found that medium of T‐47D cells contained at least three nonprostanoid factors of low molecular weights (apparent MW of 700, 1500, and 4000 D) which affected human osteoblast‐like cells. These factors were heat stable and could be peptides without disulfide bonds. In summary, our data show that human breast cancer cells release soluble factors that inhibit osteoblast proliferation and increase their cAMP response to PTH, indicating that osteoblasts could be important target cells for breast cancer cells and could be involved in the process of TIO.
A Case Report of Subclinical Hypercortisolism Due to Adrenal Incidentaloma Complicated by Myasthenia Gravis after Adrenalectomy

A 62-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of an incidentally discovered adrenal mass and hypertension. CT scan revealed a 7 cm mass in the right adrenal gland. After careful examination, the patient was diagnosed with subclinical hypercortisolism (SH). Adrenalectomy was performed. Histopathological examination showed an adrenocortical adenoma. Symptoms and signs of myasthenia gravis appeared 5 months later. CT of the chest showed a solid tissue mass in the mediastinum. The patient underwent a sternotomy with excision of the tumor, which histologically proved to be a type 2B thymoma. We describe a rare case of SH due to an incidentally discovered adrenocortical adenoma in a patient who manifested myasthenia gravis after surgical remission of the cortisol excess.
Quantitation of the male and female types of mitochondrial DNA in a blue mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, using real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay

The system termed doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mitochondrial transmission to progeny has been reported in Mytilus. Under DUI, it has been thought that males have both paternally (M type) and maternally (F type) transmitted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and females have only F type. However, the presence of M type in females has been reported. To clarify the ratio of M type to F type mtDNA in female and male tissues to further our understanding of mitochondrial transmission, we developed a procedure to measure the copy numbers of the two types of mtDNA in Mytilus galloprovincialis using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. The following results were obtained by this method. In females, the copy numbers of M type mtDNA detected in adductor muscle, gonad and eggs were approximately 10 000‐fold lower than those of F type. In males, F type dominated in adductor muscle, as in the female tissue. However, copy numbers of M type mtDNA were approximately 1000‐fold higher than those of F type in gonad and 100 000‐fold higher than those of F type in sperm. We examined the quantity relationship between the two types of mtDNA and the transmission mechanism of mtDNA in M. galloprovincialis.
Studies on human sexual development. II. Fetal and maternal serum gonadotropin and sex steroid concentrations.

ABSTRACT Individual serum concentrations of FSH, “hCG-LH,” testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) were measured by radioimmunoassay in 46 male and 33 female human fetuses delivered by hysterotomy. Results were correlated with crownrump (CR) length and maternal serum concentrations of FSH, “hCG-LH” and E2. CR-lengths ranged from 4.2 to 24.0 cm corresponding to 9–25 weeks fetal age. Serum T levels in males (40–580 ng/100 ml) were significantly higher than those in females ( 800 ng/100 ml) in both sexes, but showed no apparent relationship to CR length. Overall mean E2 levels in the females were higher than in the males. Both fetal and maternal “hCG-LH” levels declined with fetal age, with no apparent sex difference.
Spontaneous bilateral subdural hematomas associated with chronic Ginkgo biloba ingestion

Extracts from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree have been used medicinally for centuries. [1] In China, tea is made from parts of the ginkgo tree for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. In Germany and France, because of reports that ginko biloba may increase blood flow in both systemic and cerebral vessels, [1,2] ginkgo extracts are currently used to treat peripheral vascular disease and for any of a number of CNS symptoms, including difficulties with concentration and memory, confusion, lack of energy, depressed mood, anxiety, tinnitus, dizziness, and headache. [1] In the United States, there has been a recent increase in the use of this herbal medication due to its popularity among proponents of "smart drugs,'' due to ginkgo's purported ability to improve mental alertness and overall brain function. [3] The major components of ginkgo are flavonoids (ginkgo-flavone glycosides) and terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilobalide). [1] Ginkgolides are divided into types A, B, C, and J. [1] Ginkgolide B is a potent inhibitor of platelet activating factor (PAF). [4] Biologic actions of PAF include induction of arachidonate-independent platelet aggregation, increased microvascular permeability, systemic vasodilation, increased cerebral blood flow, and granulocyte activation. [4,5] A recent multicenter …
Semitendinosus Tendon Augmentation for a Large Defect after Achilles Tendon Rupture: Two Case Reports

Acute Achilles tendon ruptures usually occur in people between the ages of 30 and 40 years who participate in sports-related activities. Operative repair has become the standard treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture in this group of patients. In chronic cases or if the gap is larger than 5 cm in revision surgery, end-to-end repair of the torn Achilles tendon is difficult and V-Y advancement will likely be insufficient. Often surgeons perform transfer of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon or use an Achilles tendon allograft, but it is difficult to harvest the FHL tendon in the deep midfoot area, and there are disadvantages to using commercial allograft. For this injury, we perform a V-Y advancement and a semitendinosus tendon transfer. Using a semitendinosus tendon in the repair of the Achilles rupture has to our knowledge not been reported. We report two patients in whom this operative technique was used. The procedure was simple and we had excellent results.
On the Persistence of Overconfidence: Evidence From Multi-Unit Auctions

We analyze pre- and post-task confidence in an experiment in which subjects bid in multiunit common value auctions. Subjects return for a second session, so we are able to assess how performance affects the evolution of confidence. Those with low confidence prior to the first session underestimate performance while those with high confidence overestimate performance. Although the average change in pre-experiment confidence from session one to session two is close to zero, the dispersion in confidence increases. For those with moderate initial confidence, the change in confidence depends significantly on performance in session one. For those with high initial confidence, the change in confidence does not depend on performance, and the correlation between confidence prior to session two and confidence prior to session one is significantly higher than for those with neutral or low confidence. Subjects with high initial confidence also base their perception of post-experiment relative performance primarily on pre-experiment confidence, an effect not present in the moderate and low confidence groups. Based on a pre-experiment survey, we also find that those with high initial confidence are more likely to have prior experience trading stocks or options.
Increased total number but impaired migratory activity and adhesion of endothelial progenitor cells in patients on long-term hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), derived from bone marrow, contribute to vessel repair and neovascularization. Because uremia is a state of endothelial dysfunction associated with high cardiovascular mortality, as well as a state of reduced hematopoiesis, we studied the number and function of EPCs in patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD) therapy. METHODS We counted the number of EPCs in 20 HD patients and 16 healthy volunteers. To assess EPC function, we measured migratory activity, adhesion to matrix proteins, and adhesion to endothelial cells. Furthermore, we measured blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, factors known to influence EPC kinetics. Circulating precursor cells (CD34+ , CD34+ /CD133+ , CD34+ /KDR+ cells) were counted by means of flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS The number of EPCs in HD patients was significantly elevated compared with controls (459.7 +/- 92 versus 364.8 +/- 77.4 EPC/high-power field). However, migratory activity was markedly decreased in HD patients (47.5 +/- 27.7 versus 84.7 +/- 3.2 EPC/high-power field). EPCs of HD patients showed impaired adhesion to extracellular matrix and endothelial cells. VEGF blood levels in HD patients were 2-fold greater compared with controls. The number of circulating CD34+ and CD34+ /133+ cells was reduced in HD patients. There were no differences in total numbers of CD34+ /KDR+ cells. CONCLUSION This study shows an elevated number, but pronounced functional impairment, of EPCs in patients on long-term HD therapy. The latter may result in limited endothelial repair, which, in turn, may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in this particular group of patients.
Relationships between on-farm tree stocks and soil organic carbon along an altitudinal gradient, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Abstract Understanding above-ground tree biomass carbon (AGC) and relationships to soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks across a landscape provide opportunities for better management of the carbon pools. This study determined relationships between on-farm AGC and SOC stocks along an altitudinal gradient on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Fifty plots (100 × 100 m) were established, whereby all trees ≥5 cm dbh, were recorded. Soil samples from top (0–20 cm) and subsoils (21–50 cm) were collected at the centre of the plots using four subplots. Tree inventory and soil analyses were performed and statistical tests were conducted to understand relationships between AGC and SOC stocks. Results indicated that stem density increased with altitude, however the upland and the midland did not differ significantly while the lowland differs with both the midland and the upland. A similar pattern was observed for basal area and above-ground tree biomass (AGB), with no significant difference between the midland and upland whereas the lowland differed significantly from both the upland and the midland. SOC stocks varied significantly, being the largest in the upland, amounting to almost twice the size recorded in the midland or the lowland. SOC stocks indicated poor correlation (Pearson’s: r = 0.327, df = 47, p = 0.023) and poor interaction (Wald = 0.0008, df = 1, p = 0.977) with AGC. This study concludes that the relationship between AGC and SOC stocks was masked by other factors including soil types, precipitation and land management. The protocol used to test the relationships might also have contributed further to current observation. Overall, the lowland area, having low AGC and SOC stocks, requires management interventions aimed at increasing SOC stocks.
WORD-OF-BLOG FOR MOVIES: A PREDICTOR AND AN OUTCOME OF BOX OFFICE REVENUE?

Social media has become an important avenue of Word-of-mouth (WOM) and a recent study has found blogging to be an important lead-generation source among social media options. This article examines the dynamic interrelationship between word-of-blog volume and sales by using the movie industry as the research context. By employing the Granger Causality test and modeling the interrelationship through simultaneous equations, the results show that the volume of word-of-blog and box office revenue for movies provide significant causality and explanatory power for each other, supporting word-of-blog volume is both a predictor and an outcome of sales. The results also highlight for retailers the importance of strategically managing word-of-blog to influence consumer purchase decisions and generate revenue as well as the value of the findings for forecasting.
Cost-effectiveness of recombinant human erythropoietin for reducing red blood cells transfusions in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE To examine the cost-effectiveness of using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to reduce red blood cells (RBC) transfusions in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS Decision analysis examining costs and effectiveness of using rHuEPO versus not using rHuEPO in a simulated adult medical/surgical/trauma (mixed) ICU. Two independent cost-effectiveness models were created based on the results of two multicenter studies that investigated the use of rHuEPO. Base case assumptions and estimates of effectiveness were obtained from these two studies. Mean cumulative doses of rHuEPO were 190,900 units and 102,400 units for studies 1 and 2, respectively. The models accounted for the deferral rate for allogeneic RBC transfusions, rHuEPO efficacy (the reduction in allogeneic RBC use), and adverse effects of rHuEPO and allogeneic RBC transfusions. Model estimates were obtained from published sources. Costs were expressed in 2002 US dollar (dollars) and effectiveness was measured using discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). A 3% discount rate was used. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted using second-order Monte Carlo simulation. RESULTS Incremental costs of using rHuEPO to reduce RBC transfusions amounted to 1918 dollars and 1439 dollars; incremental effectiveness values were 0.0563 QALYs and 0.0305 QALYs; and the cost-effectiveness ratios were 34,088 dollars and 47,149 dollars per QALY for studies 1 and 2, respectively. The model was most sensitive to the attributable risk of nosocomial bacterial infections per RBC unit. rHuEPO was cost-effective in 52.0% of the Monte Carlo simulations for a willingness to pay of 50,000 dollars/QALY. CONCLUSION rHuEPO appears to be cost-effective for reducing RBC transfusions in heterogeneous ICU populations, assuming RBC transfusions increase the risk of nosocomial bacterial infections.
Posterior ankle impingement syndrome: MR imaging findings in seven patients.

PURPOSE To report the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in seven patients with posterior ankle impingement (PAI) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven patients-three ballet dancers, one badminton player, one soccer player, one hockey player, and one construction worker-who presented with posterior ankle pain were assessed with MR imaging. Their clinical records and imaging studies were reviewed. The MR imaging studies were assessed for the presence of abnormal bone marrow signal intensity, osseous lesions, and soft-tissue abnormalities. RESULTS One patient was treated surgically. In all patients, MR imaging demonstrated abnormal bone marrow signal intensity in the os trigonum and/or lateral talar tubercle, consistent with bone contusions. Two patients had a fragmented os trigonum or lateral tubercle, and two had a pseudoarthrosis of the posterolateral talus. Increased signal intensity was seen with distention of the posterior recess of the tibiotalar joint in two patients and with distention of the posterior recess of the subtalar joint in four patients. Three patients had fluid accumulation in the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath. CONCLUSION Bone contusions of the lateral talar tubercle and os trigonum are prevalent MR imaging findings of PAI syndrome. MR imaging clearly depicts the osseous and soft-tissue abnormalities associated with PAI syndrome and is useful in the assessment of this condition.
Extraction of Propagation Delay-Correlated Mobility and Its Verification for Amorphous InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistor-Based Inverters

We found that field-effect mobility, which had been widely used in the evaluation of the mobility of an amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) failed to describe the effect of mobility on propagation delay (tPD) in an a-IGZO TFT-based circuit, and also proposed an extraction technique for the tPD-correlated mobility (μtPD) considering both the subgap density-of-states and the voltage-dependent charge density. It is verified that the proposed μtPD is the best correlated with the measured tPD in IGZO TFT-based inverters other than various mobilities in the literature. Our results have revealed that it is possible to predict tPD only with the measured current-voltage characteristic of the a-IGZO TFT without measuring tPD in IGZO-based circuits.
Accuracy improvement of Thai food image recognition using deep convolutional neural networks

To improve the performance of the convolutional neural networks, it is normally done by increase the deepness or put more layers to the network. By doing such, the number of parameters is increased. In this paper, NU-InNet, which was developed from GoogLeNet, is modified by adding more layers to the network in order to improve the accuracy of the network while keeping the number of the parameters to be suitable for being used in a smartphone. Testing the proposed model with a database containing 50 well-known kinds of Thai food, it is found that the processing time and size of the parameters of NU-InNet with a depth of 4 are less than those of BN-Inception network by 1.5 and 11 times, respectively. Importantly, the accuracy of NU-InNet with a depth of 4 is higher than that of BN-Inception network by 8.07%.