Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equation Accuracy in Predicting Peritoneal Dialysis-Delivered Creatinine Clearance

Introduction: Measuring total (residual kidney plus peritoneal) creatinine clearance (CrCl) with 24-h urine and dialysate collections is recommended for peritoneal dialysis (PD) adequacy evaluation. Prediction equations applied in this instance could simplify the approach. Cockcroft-Gault and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) four (MDRD-4) and six (MDRD-6) variables equations have been tested in this setting, and conflicting results have been reported. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation is currently considered to be more sensitive than the established equations for kidney function estimation. However, its performance in PD adequacy evaluation has not been studied. Our aim was to assess CKD-EPI equation’s performance in predicting total measured CrCl (MCC) in PD patients. Material and methods: A group of 23 consecutive PD patients, male/female: 5/18, median age: 66 (32–91) years, median time on PD 32 (2–126) months, were enrolled in the study. All were treated by automated PD (APD). Sixteen out of twenty-three had residual renal function (RRF). MCC was determined from 24-h dialysate and urine collections and also predicted by Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD (4 and 6), and CKD-EPI equations. Results: CKD-EPI and MDRD-6 estimation results were similar to MCC (9.01 ± 3.90 and 9.54 ± 2.98 vs. 8.64 ± 3.75 mL/min/1.73 m2 p = 0.49 and 0.09, respectively). Neither the presence nor the volume of residual urine affected the accuracy of prediction. Cockcroft-Gault and MDRD-4 equations differed significantly from MCC and were not accurately predictive. Conclusion: CKD-EPI equation could be used with accuracy for predicting MCC in PD patients. Only MDRD-6 showed similar accuracy, whereas MDRD-4 and Cockcroft-Gault equations were found to be inappropriate in this setting.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY : III Prognostic value of gated myocardial perfusion SPECT

Risk assessment has become increasingly important in this era of evidence-based medicine in which new and existing technology requires a well-defined body of evidence on its societal benefit in order to support resource utilization. Historically, test accuracy has been defined by using sensitivity and specificity for the detection of obstructive coronary disease. However, this measurement is fraught with bias and poorly reflects test performance. The focus on risk assessment in cardiovascular medicine is consistent with a shift toward integrative patient management approaches whereby the extent and severity of inducible ischemia are used to guide therapeutic decision making. This change in focus allows nuclear cardiology to play a central role in patient management decisions. The estimation of prognosis with any given imaging modality allows a more precise linkage with patient risk and therapeutic risk reduction efforts. In addition, a nuclear-based focus for decision making concentrates on the physiologic significance of the disease state and its relationship to event risk. This concept of medically guided care (including optimized anti-ischemic therapy and selective cardiac catheterization) is further promoted in our current era of cost-conscious health care. From nuclear-based strategies that provide information about patient risk, the ensuing posttest resource needs of any given patient group may also be estimated. The ensuing costs for tests that have established value in identifying prognostically significant disease states may be offset by the downstream savings in decreased morbidity and mortality. In the United States, annual expenditures for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease exceed $329 billion. Health care costs have risen dramatically and exceed the rate of inflation. Although rising costs reflect an increase in the prevalence of coronary heart disease and an aging population, new technology for cardiovascular disease is also a major contributor to high rates of resource utili-
Targeting FLT3 to treat leukemia

Introduction: Approximately 23% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients younger than 60 years of age carry a mutation in the transmembrane domain of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) gene (FLT3/internal tandem duplications [ITD]). In normal karyotype AML, the presence of a FLT3/ITD mutation is associated with poor prognosis, as mirrored by a high risk of relapse even after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The poor prognostic impact along with the observation that FLT3 is frequently overexpressed in the majority of AML cases has formed the platform for the development of FLT3-targeted strategies. To date, several FLT3 kinase inhibitors have been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. However, as of yet, none of the studied FLT3 inhibitors has received FDA approval for routine clinical use in AML. This is in part due to the ‘off target’ effects observed with most inhibitors when administered at concentrations needed to achieve sustained levels of FLT3 inhibition, which are required to exhibit substantial cytotoxic effects against leukemic blasts. Furthermore, the development of resistance mutations has emerged as a clinical issue posing a threat to successful FLT3 inhibitor therapy. Areas covered: In this review, the authors provide a brief summary of FLT3 inhibitors investigated thus far, and discuss current treatment approaches and strategies how to best incorporate FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) into therapy. Expert opinion: The combination of a FLT3 inhibitor with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens, epigenetic modifiers or inhibitors of FLT3 downstream and collateral effectors has emerged as a promising strategy to improve treatment outcome. The future of a tailored, molecular-based treatment approach for FLT3-mutated AML demands novel clinical trial concepts based on harmonized and aligned research goals between clinical and research centers and industry.
Seasonal Migration and the Effectiveness of Micro-credit in the Lean Period : Evidence from Bangladesh ∗

This paper investigates the relationship between access to micro-credit and temporary seasonal migration, an issue which is largely ignored in the standard ruralurban migration literature. Seasonal migration due to natural disasters or agricultural downturns is a common phenomenon in developing countries. Using primary data from a cross-sectional household survey from the northern part of Bangladesh, this study quantifies the factors that influence such migration decisions. Seasonal migration is a natural choice for individual suffering periodic hardship. However, due to strong loan repayment rules, those who have prior access to micro-credit have no such option. I find that there is no significant difference in income in lean period between those who have access to micro-credit and those who do not. Households that take the decision to migrate while having access to microcredit earn significantly more than households who only have micro-credit in the lean period. In addition, this paper finds that network effects play a significant role influencing the migration decision, with the presence of kinsmen at the place of destination having considerable impact. The results have numerous potential policy implications, including the design of typical micro-credit schemes.
The Financial Implications of Corporate Fraud

This paper explores the financial implications of corporate fraud by examining the impact of corporate fraud on fraudulent firms’ external financing cost and corporate cash holdings. Using a sample consist of 184 fraudulent firms that experience material litigation in securities class action, we find that firms’ cost of debt significantly increases associated with corporate fraud incident. In line with the costly external financing evidence, fraudulent firms accumulate more cash to keep liquidity and avoid underinvestment issues. Consistent with the precautionary motive argument, the value of cash increases after corporate fraud. In addition, corporate fraud contributes to financial constrains in the sense that fraudulent firms display a positive cash flow sensitivity of cash after corporate fraud. Our result indicates that corporate fraud can have a real impact on corporate outcomes by affecting the external financing cost and internal cash holdings.
Antigenic protein specific for C3H strain mouse is a mitochondrial stress-70 protein.

Cells derived from C3H strain mouse produce an antigenic protein (CSA) specific for this strain [Kusakabe, M. , et al. (1988) J. Cell Biol. 107, 257-265]. To examine the molecular basis of CSA, cDNA cloning of the antigenic protein was carried out. The deduced amino acid sequence demonstrates that CSA is the same protein as peptide-binding protein 74 (PBP74), a novel member of the stress-70 family. However, comparison of the PBP74/CSA sequences between C3H/HeN and BALB/c strain mice reveals the substitution of two amino acids in the substrate-recognition domain of the stress-70 protein. Western blot analysis indicates that one out of these two residues, arginine at residue 578 in the PBP74/CSA sequence of C3H mouse, contributes to the immunogenicity of CSA. Moreover, the subcellular localization of PBP74/CSA in mitochondria is also demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis using anti-CSA monoclonal antibody. Thus, it is interesting that a genetic marker sequence in mice is located on the gene encoding a mitochondrial stress-70 protein.
Analysis of genital Candida albicans infection by rapid microsatellite markers genotyping.

BACKGROUND Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection, often occurring in genital candidiasis, has increased dramatically recently. Developing an efficient C. albicans typing method may contribute to understanding its epidemiological characteristics and guiding efficient treatment. We used rapid microsatellite genotyping assay for interstrain differentiation of C. albicans isolates and explored some characteristics of its spread. METHODS DNA was extracted from C. albicans isolates from gentalia, recta and mouths of 39 female cases and 27 male cases of genital candidiasis. Three fluorescent primers for the microsatellite markers in conserved genes (CDC3, EF3 and HIS3) of C. albicans were used to amplify the isolates DNA by PCR. Fluorescent signals were read with an automatic sequencer and analyzed with GeneScan software. RESULTS Analysis of the three microsatellites markers showed 18 gene allelic associations in genital C. albicans infected patients: 10 allelic associations in female and 11 allelic associations in male, of which 3 allelic associations shared by both genders covered 71% of infections. The most dominant allele association of pathogenic strains for both genders was 116:124, 122:131, 160:200 that covered about 50% of infection. Gentalia and recta shared the same strains in 80% of female patients, but in only 3.8% of male patients. There were 2.7% female patients, but no males, with same strain in both gentalia and mouths. Five of seven genital C. albicans infected couples had the same allelic associations of which 4 were the dominant pathogenic C. albicans susceptible for both genders. CONCLUSIONS The predominant allelic association of the pathogenic strain in genital C. albicans infection is 116:124, 122:131, 160:200. Vaginal pathogenic strains are probably maintained from the rectal reservoir. Pathogenic strains of male patients are probably from frequent sexual intercourse. The aggressiveness of some strains varies with gender.
Relationship between customary physical activity, muscle strength and physical performance in older men and women: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

Sir—Maintenance of muscle strength and physical performance in later life is an important component of healthy ageing [1–4]. Reported influences include age, gender, size and physical activity [5–7]. Older age has been linked to lower strength [8, 9], but these studies have not considered how age-related decline in activity levels may contribute to these changes. A study of grip strength in older people found that it declined by 20% per decade but only 11% of this decline could be attributed to age alone [10]. Older people are encouraged to maintain levels of physical activity, but most evidence considers the benefits of exercise and strength training intervention programmes [11–13]. It is important to quantify activity levels corresponding to levels of benefit in general, as well as defining specific outcomes related to particular activities in both men and women. Epidemiological studies suggest that increased customary physical activity is associated with improved muscle strength and physical performance, but it is unclear whether men and women derive similar benefit [14–17]. For example Bassey et al. found a positive association between usual physical activity and muscle strength in both men and women [18], whereas Rantanen's study of everyday physical activity in older people showed the importance of activities such as housework, walking and gardening in maintaining independence for women [19]. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between customary physical activity, muscle strength and physical performance in older men and women.
Does Gibberellic Acid Stimulate Seed Germination via Amylase Synthesis?

Gibberellic acid is known to break dormancy of several types of seeds: (a) light-promoted seeds, such as Grand Rapids lettuce seed (Lactuca sativa L. var. Grand Rapids); (b) lightinhibited seeds, such as the seed of the honey-bee plant (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth; (c) seeds requiring stratification (storage at low temperatures in a moist condition), such as the hazel nut (Corylus avellana L.); (d) seeds requiring after-ripening (storage at room temperature in dry condition), such as the wild oat (Avena fatua L.). Recent findings indicate that when dormant hazel nut seeds are soaked at 5 C for 28 days, which is a natural means of breaking dormancy, the gibbereilin-synthesizing mechanism is activated and that actual synthesis of gibberellins takes place when the seeds are transferred to a suitably higher temperature. Accumulation of GA results in germination (10). It has also been suggested that in the phytochrome-controlled germination of Grand Rapids lettuce seeds, the role of Pfr is to activate GA biosynthesis (8). One biochemical reaction known to be enhanced by GA is the synthesis of hydrolases (especially a-amylase) in the endosperm of cereal grains, such as barley (2, 9, 13). Since starch is a major food reserve in the cereal grains, its breakdown is generally assumed to be an essential process of germination. Many writers have implied that GA stimulates seed germination via amylase synthesis (1, 7, 12). Drennan and Berrie (5) compared the time course of amylase development in dormant and nondormant wild oats (Avena spp.). Their results indicated that both types of seeds contained traces of amylases. When dormant seeds were soaked, there was neither germination nor a change in the level of amylases. When nondormant seeds were soaked (in water), they germinated in 4 days and from the 6th day, amylase activity increased. Thus, they concluded that buildup of amylases is a postgermination phenomenon, and a lack of amylase synthesis must be eliminated as a possible cause of dormancy. We have investigated the time course relationship of GAinduced germination and amylase development in an attempt to find out if GA-induced germination is mediated by amylase production. The seeds of Avena fatua L. (wild oat) type Montana were obtained from Dr. G. M. Simpson of the University of Saskatchewan. These seeds were field-harvested in 1968 and stored at -15 C prior to use. Dry storage at low temperatures
Cloning, nucleotide sequencing, and expression in Escherichia coli of a Rhizobium leguminosarum gene encoding a symbiotically repressed outer membrane protein

We describe the cloning of a gene from Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae strain 248 encoding protein IIIa, the 36-kDa outer membrane protein forming a part of the outer membrane protein antigen group III. The expression of this antigen group is repressed in the bacteroid form during symbiosis (R. A. de Maagd, R. de Rijk, I. H. M. Mulders, and B. J. J. Lugtenberg, J. Bacteriol. 171:1136-1142, 1989). A cosmid clone expressing the strain 248-specific MAb38 epitope of this antigen group in a nonrelated strain was selected by a colony blot assay. Sequencing revealed one large open reading frame encoding a 39-kDa protein. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the purified 36-kDa outer membrane protein IIIa revealed that the isolated gene, now designated ropA, is the structural gene for this protein and that the mature protein was formed by processing of the 22-residue N-terminal signal sequence. The gene is preceded by a promoter that was active in R. leguminosarum but not in Escherichia coli. This promoter, which showed no homology to known promoter sequences, was located approximately by determination of the transcription start site. The region upstream of the putative promoter was shown to contain two potential binding sites for integration host factor protein. Expression of protein IIIa under control of the inducible lac promoter in E. coli shows that, of its earlier described properties, the peptidoglycan linkage of protein IIIa is specific for R. leguminosarum but that outer membrane localization and calcium-stabilized oligomer formation can to a large extent also occur in E. coli.
Anesthesia for cesarean section in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the anesthetic management of a Cesarean section in a patient with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and to review the clinical features and management of various forms of CAH during pregnancy. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old primigravida, diagnosed with non-classic CAH, was admitted with intrauterine growth retardation at 28 weeks of gestation. Clinical features included morbid obesity, mild hypertension and chronic use of glucocorticoids. An emergency Cesarean section was performed at 29 weeks of gestation under uneventful spinal anesthesia with perioperative steroid coverage. Both mother and neonate had good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The management of patients with CAH presenting for labour or operative delivery should include the understanding of the effects of chronic steroid therapy, signs of adrenal insufficiency and perioperative steroid coverage. Anesthetic considerations should include issues related to obesity and hypertension. A multidisciplinary approach is required to ensure successful outcome.
Extended Biopsy Protocol Decreases Prostate Cancer Incidence and Risk of Aggressive Disease on Repeated Biopsies Compared with Initial Standard Procedure

Objectives: To compare prostate cancer detection rates in repeated biopsy depending on the number of cores at initial biopsy. Methods: Out of 3,000 consecutive patients, 534 underwent repeat extended biopsies. At first procedure, 345 patients had undergone standard biopsies (10–15 cores; SBx) whereas 189 other patients had already had a 21-core extended protocol (ExtBx). Clinicobiological and pathological parameters were compared between 2 groups. Results: The prostate cancer detection rate was significantly higher in the SBx group (37%) compared with the ExtBx group (16.8%, p < 0.001). Mean PSA level, mean percent free PSA and mean prostate volume were equivalent in both groups. Thirty-eight percent of cancers detected in the SBx group were graded Gleason 7 or more, compared with 19.3% in the ExtBx group (p = 0.018). Mean percent of core invasion was 25.3% in the SBx group compared to 15.9% in the ExtBx group (p = 0.004). Conclusions: A full evaluation of all prostate zones using ExtBx seems to be necessary to decrease the risk of undetected prostate cancer on repeated biopsies. For patients who had at their first biopsy an ExtBx, the risk of prostate cancer on the repeated biopsies and the risk of aggressive cancer were lower compared to standard biopsies.
The use of physiologically based models to integrate diverse data sets and reduce uncertainty in the prediction of perchlorate and iodide kinetics across life stages and species

The effects of perchlorate on the incorporation of iodide into thyroid hormones have been studied for more than 40 years in many species and under varying exposure conditions. Nevertheless, the database for this drinking water contaminant is still incomplete, particularly with regard to human developmental risk. A method for integrating the available data and forming meaningful conclusions for risk assessment is needed. To this end, an initial suite of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models has been developed, which incorporates physiological data for the relevant species and life stages and kinetic data for perchlorate and iodide, as well as the interaction between the two anions. The validated models successfully describe perchlorate-induced inhibition of thyroid iodide uptake and perchlorate and iodide kinetics in the male, pregnant, lactating, fetal, and neonatal rats and the adult humans. The relationships of model-predicted internal dose metrics and kinetic parameters allow a direct comparison of internal dose metrics across life stages in rats and humans. By incorporating all the available data, these models provide a framework for species and life stage extrapolation where the lack of specific data sets would otherwise limit predictive capability. This paper demonstrates two approaches for calculating life stage-specific equivalent doses in a risk assessment for perchlorate: the direct combination of validated model predictions, and the development of preliminary PBPK models for the human-sensitive populations based on the relationship of the parameters in the validated rat and human models. Either approach can be used to perform the needed dosimetry. However, the second approach provides the advantage of a preliminary human life stage-specific PBPK model that can be used for identification of key data gaps and estimation of uncertainty.
The evolving experience of illness for Chinese women with breast cancer: A qualitative study

The study of illness meaning in cancer in western communities has usually focused on causal attributions. We report a phenomenological study of 17 Hong Kong Chinese women with breast cancer, interviewed on completion of initial treatment, and describe how the illness experience and hence, meaning evolves for women in the Hong Kong Chinese culture. Themes arising from the identification and treatment of the disease include the difficulty of living in uncertainty and of maintaining and regaining normalcy in a superstitious society. The initial uncertainty of disease detection and the diagnostic process are characterized by shock and disbelief mingled with fear of death. Treatment choice presents women with difficulties arising from more uncertainty over the pressure to make quick decisions and the dilemma of death or mutilation. Following treatment, re‐evaluation, re‐prioritizing and positive life‐re‐evaluation occur. Changes in appearance proved problematic for those women who tried to hide their disease to protect themselves against stigmatization and social exclusion. In many ways, these findings parallel studies on western populations, suggesting that a common disease–medical care process is a predominant influence in shaping breast cancer experience. Implications for care are drawn from these data. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.