Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Getting pregnant after tubal sterilization: surgical reversal or IVF?

BACKGROUND When women regret having had a tubal sterilization, is the pregnancy rate higher with surgical reversal or IVF? METHODS This retrospective cohort study analyses the delivery rates of 163 patients undergoing IVF treatment (n = 79) or surgical reversal (n = 84). Pregnancy outcomes were obtained by reviewing medical records or contacting private physicians and patients. The life table method was used to calculate the chance of becoming pregnant and to construct cumulative pregnancy curves. Cumulative pregnancy curves are compared by log rank tests. A P-value of <0.05 is considered as statistically significant. The cost-effectiveness of the two strategies was also evaluated. RESULTS Patient characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The cumulative delivery rate during 72 months was 52.0% in the IVF group and 59.5% in the reversal group (ns). Age was the only factor that influenced delivery rates significantly. The cumulative delivery rate for patients aged < 37 years was 52.4% after IVF and 72.2% after reversal (P = 0.012), while cumulative delivery rates for patients aged 37 years or older were, respectively, 51.4 and 36.6%, a difference that did not reach statistical significance. The average cost per delivery was 11,707 euros for IVF, compared with 6015 euros for surgical reversal. However, in patients aged 37 years or older the difference in cost was smaller. CONCLUSION Considering the cumulative delivery rates involved, surgical reversal is recommended for patients younger than 37; older patients are advised to opt for IVF.
2010 final report on the performance of the northeast multispecies (groundfish) fishery (May 2010-April 2011)

CORRECTION November 2, 2011: In the first edition of this report, released on October 24, 2011, the values in Table 23 for live pounds (and associated percent of total) of allocated ACE for vessels 30’ to < 50’ were mistakenly switched with the values for vessels 75’ and greater. This error made it appear that vessels 75’ and greater caught more than their allocation. The error in Table 23 was corrected along with the text on page 18 (end of Section 5.1) that discusses Table 23 and a related figure (Figure 13). The yellow highlighted text indicates these corrections.
Relationships between serum leptin and bone markers during stable weight, weight reduction and weight regain in male and female judoists.

OBJECTIVE Despite a preliminary understanding of leptin-skeletal interactions, data in humans are inconsistent and the exact roles of leptin on bone metabolism have not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to examine the possible role of leptin in the regulation of bone metabolism in healthy, physically trained adults. METHODS AND DESIGN Body composition and bone mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), anthropometry, serum leptin, insulin, cortisol, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) and total plasma proteins were measured in judoists at normal body weight, after weight reduction and after weight regain. Physical training, weight cycling history, menstrual status and nutritional intake using a 7-day food record were assessed. RESULTS Precompetitive weight loss averaged 4 +/- 0.3% of bodyweight and resulted in a significant decrease in leptin levels of 64% (P < 0.001) and of 31% for insulin (P < 0.0001). CTx and cortisol concentrations rose by 33% (P < 0.0001) and 81% (P < 0.05) respectively. Osteocalcin and total plasma protein remained unaffected by weight loss. A 4 +/- 0.5% weight regain induced a 276% increase in leptin levels (P < 0.001) and an 18% increase in insulin (P < 0.001). CTx and cortisol decreased by 23% (P < 0.0001) and 27% (P < 0.05) respectively. Changes in leptin were significantly correlated with changes in bone resorption marker in response to both weight loss (r = 0.56, P < 0.01) and regain (r = 0.44, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that leptin is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism in healthy adults and might play a potential role in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Consumer perspective of omnichannel commerce

Summary The evolution of hypermedia space and growing saturation of the market with mobile devices, an increasing role of Big Data, which allow for multidimensional analysis of data from offline and online markets, growing popularization of solutions of Market Intelligence supported by Cloud Computing technology as well as development of potential and opportunities of adapting the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in commerce cause that customers and their experience become a major point of activity of companies/brands. Shopping experience of a buyer is an effect of multiple and multidimensional contacts, often conducted simultaneously in many channels and in the real time. It forces an increasingly growing number of challenges that companies/brands are presented with if they want to optimize a space of customer journey and have to ensure continuity, coherence and complexity of experiences for their customers. Searching or creating these benefits that customers expect and their constant development becomes a prerequisite in this situation so that variety of positive experiences resulting in customer satisfaction and happiness could be guaranteed. The paper is an attempt to verify the essence of omnichannel commerce from the consumer’s perspective. The author discusses a problem of omnichannel model while taking into consideration some elements that can influence building and intensification of buyers’ experiences and behavior in various channels of commerce. The discussion is supported with the results of own studies in that area.
Cryptic Appearance of a New Clone of Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O1 Biotype El Tor in Calcutta, India

In this study, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was applied to determine if the Vibrio cholerae O1 strains which reappeared after being temporarily displaced in Calcutta by the O139 serogroup were different from those isolated before the advent of the O139 serogroup. NotI digestion generated a total of 11 different patterns among the 24 strains of V. cholerae randomly selected to represent different time frames. Among the V. cholerae O1 strains isolated after July 1993, 4 PFGE banding patterns designated as H through K were observed with pattern H dominating. Pattern H was distinctly different from all other patterns encountered in this study including patterns A, B and C of V. cholerae O1 El Tor, which dominated before November 1992, and pattern F, which was the dominant V. cholerae O139 pattern. Further, pattern H was also different from the NotI banding patterns of the representative strains of the 4 toxigenic clonal groups of V. cholerae O1 El Tor currently prevailing in different parts of the world. NotI fragments of the new clone of V. cholerae O1 did not hybridize with an O139 specific DNA probe, indicating that there was no O139 genetic material in the new clone of V. cholerae O1. Hybridization data with an O1‐specific DNA probe again differentiated between the clones of V. cholerae O1 existing before the genesis of the O139 serogroup and the O1 strains currently prevalent.
Rapid degradation of the heavy chain of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens in the endoplasmic reticulum of human cytomegalovirus-infected cells

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection results in a marked reduction in the surface expression of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens on the host cells, which is thought to be one of the means for HCMV to evade the host immune system. To clarify the precise mechanism(s) of this phenomenon, we investigated the fate of the heavy chain of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens in HCMV-infected human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HEL) by pulse-chase analysis and immunocytochemical techniques. In HCMV-infected HEL, the heavy chain was synthesized at an increasing rate. However, instead of being transported to the cell surface through the Golgi apparatus, it was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) without acquisition of a complex-type N-linked oligosaccharide. In addition, it was rapidly degraded, with a half time of 20 min, and the amount of the heavy chain remaining at the end of 3 h of chase was 10% (or less) of that initially synthesized. ER degradation of host glycoproteins in HCMV-infected HEL was selective for the heavy chain, since the posttranslational processing of the transferrin receptor in these cells was not affected. The heavy chain degradation in infected cells was resistant to inhibitors of a lysosomal proteolytic pathway and to metabolic poisons. These observations suggest the presence of an energy-dependent nonlysosomal proteolytic pathway in the ER.
ALDH1A2 suppresses epithelial ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration by downregulating STAT3

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy worldwide. A better understanding of epithelial ovarian cancer pathogenesis and the molecular mechanism underlying its metastasis may increase overall survival rates. Previous studies have indicated that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2 (ALDH1A2) is a candidate tumor suppressor in epithelial ovarian cancer. However, the potential role of ALDH1A2 in the molecular mechanisms of epithelial ovarian cancer remains largely unclear. In the present study, we found lower expression of ALDH1A2 in high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer tissues than in low-grade epithelial ovarian cancer tissues. Overexpression of ALDH1A2 decreased the proliferation and migration of epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines, whereas ALDH1A2 knockdown significantly increased cell growth and migration. Moreover, upregulation of ALDH1A2 also reduced the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In conclusion, these findings suggest that ALDH1A2 suppresses epithelial ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration by downregulating STAT3.
Are false own-account workers less job satisfied than true ones?

ABSTRACT This article compares job satisfaction of true and false own-account workers. The latter group refers to own-account workers who are employed with the same tasks by the same employer for whom they previously worked as employees. To create a valid comparable group, the former workers are defined as paid employees who independently started a new business as own-account workers. Using data drawn from the European Community Household Panel for the EU-15 and controlling for possible self-selection issues, we observe that false own-account workers, compared with true ones, have less job satisfaction in terms of type of work, number of working hours, working times, and working conditions and environment. Our results are consistent with existing policies aimed to combat false self-employment developed by many OECD countries.
Antioxidants slow photoreceptor cell death in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of diseases in which one of a wide variety of mutations selectively causes rod photoreceptor cell death. After rods die, cone photoreceptors gradually die resulting in blindness. Antioxidants reduce cone cell death in rd1/rd1 mice indicating that cones die from oxidative damage in that model of rapidly progressive RP. In this study, we sought to determine if this observation could be generalized to models of other types of RP, rd10/rd10 mice, a model of more slowly progressive recessive RP, and Q344ter mice, a model of rapidly progressive dominant RP. Compared to appropriate vehicle‐treated controls, rd10/rd10 and Q344ter mice treated between P18 and P35 with a mixture of antioxidants previously found to be effective in rd1/rd1 mice showed significantly greater cone survival. Antioxidant‐treated rd10/rd10 mice showed preservation of cone function as shown by a significant increase in photopic ERG b‐wave amplitudes, and surprisingly showed temporary preservation of scotopic a‐wave amplitudes, prolonged rod survival, and slowed depletion of rhodopsin mRNA. These data suggest that oxidative damage contributes to cone cell death regardless of the disease causing mutation that leads to the demise of rods, and that in more slowly progressive rod degenerations, oxidative damage may also contribute to rod cell death. Protection from oxidative damage may be a broadly applicable treatment strategy in RP. J. Cell. Physiol. 213:809–815. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astrocyte-Specific Overexpression of Nrf2 Delays Motor Pathology and Synuclein Aggregation throughout the CNS in the Alpha-Synuclein Mutant (A53T) Mouse Model

Alpha synuclein (SYN) is a central player in the pathogenesis of sporadic and familial Parkinson's disease (PD). SYN aggregation and oxidative stress are associated and enhance each other's toxicity. It is unknown whether the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a role against the toxicity of SYN. To examine this, mice selectively overexpressing Nrf2 in astrocytes (GFAP-Nrf2) were crossed with mice selectively expressing human mutant SYN (hSYNA53T) in neurons. Increased astrocytic Nrf2 delayed the onset and extended the life span of the hSYNA53T mice. This correlated with increased motor neuron survival, reduced oxidative stress, and attenuated gliosis in the spinal cord, as well as a dramatic decrease in total hSYNA53T and phosphorylated (Ser129) hSYNA53T in Triton-insoluble aggregates. Furthermore, Nrf2 in astrocytes delayed chaperone-mediated autophagy and macroautophagy dysfunction observed in the hSYNA53T mice. Our data suggest that Nrf2 in astrocytes provides neuroprotection against hSYNA53T-mediated toxicity by promoting the degradation of hSYNA53T through the autophagy-lysosome pathway in vivo. Thus, activation of the Nrf2 pathway in astrocytes is a potential target to develop therapeutic strategies for treating pathologic synucleinopathies including PD.
The apelinergic system: a promising therapeutic target

Importance of the field: Apelin is a bioactive peptide known as the ligand of the G-protein-coupled receptor APJ. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence regarding the importance of apelin and APJ in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular, metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases, brain signalling, HIV infection and tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, the apelinergic system is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases that represent a major burden to our society. Areas covered in this review: The goal of this paper is to give an up-to-date review of existing information on apelin/APJ since the discovery of apelin in 1998, with particular focus on their involvement in the regulation of human body systems and potential therapeutic applications. What the reader will gain: An overview of the most important physiological functions of the apelinergic system and the diseases that may benefit in the future from its modulation as a therapeutic target. Take home message: Today, the established biological effects of apelin involve major cardiovascular actions, neoangiogenesis, immunologic modulation and insulinemia control as well as body fluid and glucose homeostasis. However, the physiological and pathophysiological role of endogenous apelin is still unsettled and a better and profound knowledge of this system in humans is necessary for the development of novel apelinergic-based therapeutic targets.
Continuity and quality of care in type 2 diabetes: a Residency Research Network of South Texas study.

OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship between continuity of care and the quality of care received by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN We used a cross-sectional patient survey and medical record review. POPULATION Consecutive patients with an established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to 1 of 6 clinics within the Residency Research Network of South Texas, a network of 6 family practice residencies affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. OUTCOMES MEASURED Continuity was measured as the proportion of visits within the past year to the patient's usual primary care provider. A quality of care score was computed based on the American Diabetes Association's Provider Recognition Program criteria from data collected through medical record review and patient surveys. Each patient was awarded points based on the presence or absence of each criterion. RESULTS The continuity score was associated significantly with the quality of care score in the anticipated direction (r =.15, P =.04). Patients who had seen their usual providers within the past year were significantly more likely to have had an eye examination, a foot examination, 2 blood pressure measurements, and a lipid analysis. CONCLUSIONS Continuity of care is associated with the quality of care received by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Continuity of care may influence provider and patient behaviors in ways that improve quality. Further research on how continuity contributes to improved quality is needed.
Fetal heart screening in low‐risk pregnancies

The aim of this study was to assess whether a screening program for fetal cardiac malformations is justified in a low‐risk population, and which factors influence its accuracy. The fetal heart was evaluated in 7024 pregnant women at 20–22 weeks, and evaluation was repeated at a more advanced gestational age in 9% of cases. Cardiological follow‐up was continued postnatally until 2 years of age. The overall prevalence of cardiac anomaly was 0.93% The incidences of major and minor defects were 0.44% and 0.48%, respectively. There were 23 true positives (0.33%). in 20 cases, the diagnosis was made in the second trimester, and 13 women (6.5%) chose termination of pregnancy. Seventeen of the 20 cases identified in the second trimester were serious malformations. There were 42 false negatives (0.60%). Of these, 12 had signs of cardiac dysfunction at birth or within the 1st month of life, and three of them died as a result of their cardiac anomaly. There were eight false positives (0.11%), all of a minor type. Six abnormal karyotypes, out of a total of 21 performed in the true‐positive group (28.5%) were found. In addition five of 42 newborns in the false‐negative group had trisomy 21. The overall sensitivity was 35.4% and 61.3% for major defects. The accuracy in two distinct periods was estimated because the level of experience of the operators was different: sensitivity was 45.2% in period 1 (1986–88) (77.8% for major defects) and 26.5% in period 2 (1989–92) (52.9% for major defects). We conclude that a fetal heart screening program in the obstetrics population is justified. It defines a high‐risk group for karyotyping, allows planning of delivery in a tertiary center or the choice of terminating the pregnancy for the parents and appears to have a positive cost‐benefit ratio. A crucial factor is the level of training and experience of the operators, who need specific teaching support. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Epidemiological correlates of nutritional anemia among children (6-35 months) in rural Wardha, Central India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nutritional anemia is associated with impaired performance of a range of mental and physical functions in children, along with increased morbidity. Iron supplementation at a later age may not reverse the adverse effects. National Nutritional Anemia Control Program was launched in India in 1970, but it failed to make any impact. The present study was undertaken to find out prevalence of anemia and its correlates in rural Wardha in children 6-35 months of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven hundred seventy-two children between 6 months and 35 months of age were studied for anemia by cluster-sampling method. The hemoglobin was estimated in the child by 'Filter paper cyanmethemoglobin method. ' Pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and other variables. Data was analyzed by SPSS 12.0. 1. RESULTS Mean hemoglobin level was 98.5+/-12.9 gm/L. Prevalence of anemia was 80.3%. Only 1.3% children had severe anemia (hemoglobin<70 gm/L). The univariate analysis showed that anemia is significantly associated with age of the child, education of mother and father, occupation of father, socioeconomic status, birth order and nutritional status as measured by weight for age. The final model suggested that only educational status of the mother, occupation of the father, birth order and nutritional status of the child were significantly associated with anemia. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION For short-term impact, appropriate nutritional interventions remain the only operational intervention as only the nutritional status (weight for age) is a modifiable factor. But for long-term sustained impact, policy makers need to focus on improving maternal education and reducing family size.
Frequency of adynamic bone disease and aluminum storage in Italian uraemic patients--retrospective analysis of 1429 iliac crest biopsies.

BACKGROUND Adynamic bone disease was initially attributed too aluminum intoxication in association with low circulating levels of parathyroid hormone. More recently adynamic bone disease has been described even in the absence of aluminum intoxication. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY It was the purpose of this retrospective analysis of 1429 iliac crest biopsies sent to our laboratory from 1985 to 1994 by 41 Italian nephrology and dialysis centres to assess the frequency of adynamic bone disease and aluminum accumulation. METHODS Adynamic bone disease was diagnosed by histological and histodynamic (tetracycline labelling) analysis, on the basis of predetermined criteria. Aluminum accumulation was assessed by aluminon histochemical staining. RESULTS The frequency of adynamic bone disease was fairly constant at approximately 15% from 1985 to 1994. In contrast, aluminum accumulation, defined as positive aluminon histochemical staining, decreased during the same period from 36% to 4%. CONCLUSIONS Our data clearly show a dissociation of the incidence of adynamic bone disease and aluminium accumulation in bone. At least today, given the low prevalence of aluminium intoxication, factors other than aluminium are the main cause of adynamic bone disease.
‘Less ticking the boxes, more providing support’: A qualitative study on health professionals’ concerns towards the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway

Background: Despite being widely used, research into the effectiveness of the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway (LCP) and associated cases of malpractice does not match dissemination. No study exists focusing on concerns voiced by professionals. Aim: To explore the views of professionals who, during the hospital implementation of the Italian version of the Liverpool Care of the Dying Pathway (LCP-I), voiced or showed concerns towards it. Design: A qualitative study nested within the LCP-I randomized cluster trial, with semi-structured interviews analysed using thematic analysis. Setting and participants: Six nurses and five physicians from six out of the eight hospital wards who completed the LCP-I implementation were interviewed. Eligibility criteria were having taken part in all steps of the LCP-I Programme, voiced or somehow shown concerns, or failed to fully engage with the implementation process. Results: A total of 12 categories were identified, referring to four topics: the Implementation Programme, the LCP-I clinical documentation, the hospital environment and the educational and professional background of hospital healthcare staff. Issues raised by participants concerned both ‘real’ characteristics of the LCP-I and a misinterpretation of the LCP-I approach and clinical documentation. Furthermore, difficulties were reported which were not linked to the Programme but rather to end-of-life care. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the experience of professionals with negative opinions of or concerns with the LCP-I. A more comprehensive approach to professional training in palliative care is needed and may envisage the development of new interventions aimed at improving the quality of care throughout the illness trajectory.