Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Ablative Therapy for Barrett Esophagus Affect the Depth of Subsequent Esophageal Biopsy as Compared With Controls?

Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are associated with high rates of complete eradication of Barrett esophagus (BE). However, if ablation were to induce fibrosis in the regenerated squamous epithelium, then postablation biopsies may not penetrate deeply enough to detect subsquamous intestinal metaplasia (SSIM) and, therefore, complete response rates could be over-estimated. Goals To assess the depth of esophageal biopsies from the squamous epithelium of ablation-naive controls and from the neosquamous epithelium of post-PDT and post-RFA patients to determine if prior ablation results in a reduced proportion of biopsies containing lamina propria (LP) as compared with controls. Study Review of archived esophageal specimens from a prospective multicenter cohort study (post-RFA) and 2 retrospective consecutive case series (ablation-naive controls, post-PDT). Setting Eight US centers and 1 US gastrointestinal pathology laboratory. Patients Ablation-naive controls with GERD, dyspepsia, and/or BE. Post-PDT and post-RFA BE patients with biopsies more than 6 months after achieving complete eradication of BE. Interventions Review of endoscopic biopsies from ablation-naive controls, post-PDT patients, and post-RFA patients. Main Outcome Measurements One GI pathology lab processed all tissue and slides. One expert GI pathologist, blinded to cohort, graded the depth of each esophageal specimen as: partial epithelium, full epithelium, LP, muscularis mucosae, or submucosa. Each specimen was also evaluated for SSIM. Results There were 82 patients [ablation-naive (12), post-PDT (10), post-RFA (60)] with 899 biopsy specimens. The proportion of specimens containing “LP or deeper” was similar between groups: ablation-naive (88%), post-PDT (88%), post-RFA (91%) (P>0.05). No SSIM was detected in any group. Conclusions There is no difference in esophageal biopsy depth between ablation-naive squamous epithelium and post-PDT/post-RFA neo-squamous epithelium, thus refuting the concern of ablation-induced mucosal resistance to procurement of adequate biopsy specimens. Most biopsies (88% to 91%) from both ablation cohorts were deep enough to detect SSIM, in that they included “LP or deeper. ”
Complications in surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars in relation to flap design: clinical and statistical evaluations.

OBJECTIVE The extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar may result in periodontal complications on the distal surface of the adjacent second molar. The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of three full-thickness flaps on the periodontal healing of the adjacent second molar after extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. METHOD AND MATERIALS Forty-five volunteers with bilateral impaction of the mandibular third molars were selected. Each patient was randomly assigned to one of three groups: group A (envelope flap modified by Thibauld and Parant), group B (Laskin triangular flap), and group C (envelope flap modified by Laskin). The periodontal health of the second molars was evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery via clinical measurements. RESULTS After 21 days, there was no correlation between postoperative complications (such as edema and alveolitis) and flap design. However, there was a statistically significant reduction of pocket probing depth (PPD) and increase of clinical attachment level (CAL) in group B compared to the other groups (P<.05) 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION The effect of the type of flap used for mandibular third molar surgery on the periodontal status of the second molars as well as the factors that influence this outcome remains uncertain. Regardless of the flap design, the periodontal conditions of the adjacent second molar deteriorated after 12 and 24 months. The decision to use a certain type of flap should be based on the surgeon's preference.
Evaluating the Immunogenicity of a Disulfide-Stabilized, Cleaved, Trimeric Form of the Envelope Glycoprotein Complex of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) complex comprises three gp120 exterior glycoproteins each noncovalently linked to a gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein. Monomeric gp120 proteins can elicit antibodies capable of neutralizing atypically sensitive test viruses in vitro, but these antibodies are ineffective against representative primary isolates and the gp120 vaccines failed to provide protection against HIV-1 transmission in vivo. Alternative approaches to raising neutralizing antibodies are therefore being pursued. Here we report on the antibody responses generated in rabbits against a soluble, cleaved, trimeric form of HIV-1JR-FL Env. In this construct, the gp120 and gp41 moieties are covalently linked by an intermolecular disulfide bond (SOS gp140), and an I559P substitution has been added to stabilize gp41-gp41 interactions (SOSIP gp140). We investigated the value of DNA priming and compared the use of membrane-bound and soluble priming antigens and of repeat boosting with soluble and particulate protein antigen. Compared to monomeric gp120, SOSIP gp140 trimers elicited approximately threefold lower titers of anti-gp120 antibodies. Priming with DNA encoding a membrane-bound form of the SOS gp140 protein, followed by several immunizations with soluble SOSIP gp140 trimers, resulted in antibodies capable of neutralizing sensitive strains at high titers. A subset of these sera also neutralized, at lower titers, HIV-1JR-FL and some other primary isolates in pseudovirus and/or whole-virus assays. Neutralization of these viruses was immunoglobulin mediated and was predominantly caused by antibodies to gp120 epitopes, but not the V3 region.
Differences in Perceptions and Perceived Knowledge Levels of Texas Superintendents Regarding Agriscience Programs and its Teachers

An agricultural science program’s success depends on the superintendent, a school district’s highest academic officer, recognizing the program as a vital part of the school. Recent studies by Pavelock (2001), Jackson & Herring (1998), and Hinkson and Kieth (1999) have shown administrators support agriscience, but revealed troubling insights. The primary purpose of this study was to determine differences in perceptions and perceived knowledge levels of agriscience by Texas school superintendents with various agriscience experience levels. A large majority (88.6%) of Texas school superintendents have no agriscience teaching experience. Most (58.6%) had not been enrolled in agriscience themselves and almost two-thirds (65.7%) had not had a child enrolled. Collectively, superintendents have a positive perception of agriscience and its teachers. Experience in agriscience was not found to have a significant effect on most perceptions and perceived knowledge levels. Differences found existed primarily in the need for more emphasis in various instructional areas, and whether all students should receive instruction in agriscience. Differences also existed in perceptions of agriscience being less vocational and more academic compared to other career and technology programs, and the inability of school districts to obtain waivers for certain agriscience courses to count for credit in related foundation courses.
Pengaruh Self Assessment System dan Pemeriksaan Pajak terhadap Penerimaan Pajak Penghasilan (PPh) (Studi pada Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Madya Malang Periode 2012-2014)

This study aims to determine the effect of Self Assessment System which is represented by the amount of Tax Payment Slip of Income Tax submitted and Periodic Tax Return of Income Tax reported, Tax Audit as represented by the amount of Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter and Added Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter against the Income Tax Revenue either simultaneously or partially. The explanatory research is a type of research that is selected in this study . The research data is secondary data, which is the amount of monthly Payment Slip of Income Tax submitted and Periodic Tax Return of Income Tax reported, Tax Audit as represented by the amount of Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter and Added Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter, and Income Tax Revenue for 36 months. Statistical analysis Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis is a method of data analysis used in this study . Here are the results obtained from this study : ( 1 ) the amount of Tax Payment Slip of Income Tax submitted, Periodic Tax Return of Income Tax reported , Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter and Added Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter has significant effect on income tax revenues simultaneously . ( 2 ) the amount of Tax Payment Slip of Income Tax submitted, Periodic Tax Return of Income Tax reported has significant effect on the amount of income tax revenue partially , while the amount of Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter and Added Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter doesn’t have significant effect on income tax receipts partially. Key word: Self Assement Sytem, Tax Payment Slip of Income Tax, Periodic Tax Return of Income Tax, Tax Audit, Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter, Added Underpayment Tax Assessment Letter, Income Tax Revenue ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar Self Assessment System yang diwujudkan dalam jumlah SSP dan jumlah SPT serta pemeriksaan pajak yang diwujudkan dalam jumlah SKPKB dan SKPKBT dapat mempengaruhi penerimaan PPh baik secara simultan maupun parsial. Penelitian penjelasan merupakan jenis penelitian yang dipilih dalam penelitian ini. Data penelitian merupakan data sekunder berupa data tiap bulan dari jumlah SSP, SPT, SKPKB dan SKPKBT serta penerimaan PPh selama 36 bulan. Analisis statistik deskriptif serta analisis statistik inferensial adalah metode analisis data yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini. Berikut ini adalah hasil yang didapatkan dari penelitian ini: (1) Jumlah SSP, jumlah SPT, jumlah SKPKB dan SKPKBT berpengaruh signifikan terhadap penerimaan PPh secara simultan. (2) Jumlah SSP, jumlah SPT berpengaruh signifikan terhadap penerimaan PPh secara parsial, sementara jumlah SKPKB dan SKPKBT tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap penerimaan PPh secara parsial. Kata kunci: Self Assessment System , SSP PPh, SPT PPh, Pemeriksaan Pajak, SKPKB, SKPKBT, Penerimaan PPh
Seroepidemiologic Survey for Chlamydia suis in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Populations in Italy

We used serology to estimate the prevalence of exposure to chlamydiae in Italian populations of wild boars (Sus scrofa). Sera from 173 hunter-killed wild boars harvested during the 2006–2009 hunting seasons in three Italian regions were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia suis, Chlamydophila pecorum, Chlamydophila abortus, and Chlamydophila psittaci by the microimmunofluorescence test. Antibody titers to chlamydiae ≥1:32 were detected in 110 of the 173 samples tested (63.6%). Specific reactivity could be assessed only in 44 sera with antibody titers to C. suis that were two- to threefold higher than antibody titers against the other chlamydial species; the other 66 sera had similar reactivity against all the chlamydia species tested. Antibody to C. suis was detected in sera from wild boar populations with rare or no known contact with domestic pigs. These results suggest that the wild boar could be a chlamydia reservoir and may acquire chlamydiae independent of contacts with the domestic pig.
Tissue factor – a therapeutic target for thrombotic disorders

Exposure of blood to tissue factor (TF) sets off the coagulation cascade. TF is a transmembrane protein that serves as an essential cofactor for activated coagulation factor VII (FVIIa). TF may be exposed locally by vascular injury (such as balloon angioplasty) or by spontaneous rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Expression of TF may also be induced on monocytes and endothelial cells in conditions like sepsis and cancer, causing a more generalised activation of clotting. TF may thus play a central role in thrombosis in a number of settings, and attention has turned to blocking TF as a means to prevent thrombosis. Inhibiting the inducible expression of TF by monocytes can be achieved by 'deactivating' cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, -10 and -13, or by certain prostanoids; by drugs that modify signal transduction, such as pentoxifylline, retinoic acid or vitamin D3, or by antisense oligonucleotides. Such approaches are for the most part at a preclinical stage. The function of TF can be blocked by antibodies that prevent the binding of FVIIa to TF; by active site-inhibited FVIIa, which competes with native FVIIa for binding; by antibodies or small molecules that block the function of the TF/FVIIa complex; and by molecules, such as TF pathway inhibitor or nematode anticoagulant peptide C2, which inhibit the active site of FVIIa in the TF/FVIIa complex after first binding to activated factor X. The latter two agents have entered Phase II clinical trials. Perhaps most intriguing is the use of anti-TF agents locally, which holds the promise of stopping thrombosis at a specific site of injury without the bleeding risk associated with systemic anticoagulation.
Gastrointestinal Tract Epithelial Changes Associated With Taxanes: Marker of Drug Toxicity Versus Effect

Background Microscopic findings associated with paclitaxel (Taxol) chemotherapy toxicity were described years ago but whether they are specific for toxicity remains unclear. Further, epithelial changes associated with taxanes can mimic high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in non-neoplastic gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosa. Similar changes associated with colchicine are only seen in patients with toxicity. Methods GI tract specimens were reviewed (221 total; 93 esophageal, 55 gastric cardiac, 48 oxyntic, 7 antral, 8 small bowel, 6 colonic, 3 appendiceal, 1 anal) from 71 patients (63M, 8F), 38 to 84 years (median, 55 y) undergoing chemotherapy for esophageal, breast, or lung cancer who had all received taxanes at some time [either paclitaxel (Taxol, 55 patients) or docetaxel (Taxotere, 16 patients)]. Epithelial changes (mitotic arrest/ring mitoses, apoptosis) associated with taxanes were graded on a scale of 0 to 3 (0=no mitotic arrest; 1=rare arrest; 2=scattered arrest; 3=striking mitotic arrest and apoptosis). Samples from the patients taken before administration of taxanes were also reviewed; all samples were reviewed without knowledge of the interval between drug doses and the biopsy/resection. Results Five samples had striking mitotic arrest mimicking HGD in non-neoplastic mucosa and were from the esophagus, gastric cardia, gastric body, gastric antrum, and appendix of 5 separate patients. All 5 had GI tract samples obtained 1 to 3 days after taxane administration. These patients had all taken Taxol (rather than Taxotere). On follow-up, in 3/5 patients with samples 1 day posttreatment, 1 had acute appendicitis (died 180 d postappendectomy), 1 died a day later of metastases, and 1 was asymptomatic (alive with metastatic disease at 126 d postbiopsy). The remaining 2 died of metastases at 90 and 210 days postbiopsy with no signs of drug toxicity at any time. Conclusions In contrast to colchicine-associated changes in non-neoplastic mucosa, the mitotic arrest mimicking HGD seen in GI tract specimens after taxane administration is not specific for toxicity, but may also reflect taxane effect. It can be encountered in asymptomatic patients who have recently had medication. If these findings are seen histologically, they merit correlation with the clinical impression, and should not be interpreted as toxicity in isolation.
Cooperative spectrum sharing in cognitive radio networks with proactive primary system

In this paper we investigate the cooperative spectrum sharing in cognitive radio networks with proactive primary system. In our scheme, Primary User (PU) is rewarded for sharing its licensed spectrum with Secondary Users (SUs) by charging their total throughput directly. The PU performs as the leader and chooses its interference-cap and transmit-power jointly to maximize its reward from spectrum-sharing with SUs. Meanwhile, the SUs perform as the followers and adapt their transmit-power according to the PU's decisions to maximize their net-utilities. We first explore the intrinsic property of this PU-SUs sharing problem and then utilize an efficient Simulated Annealing algorithm for the optimal solution. Our numerical results show that both the PU and the SUs gain from this spectrum-sharing cooperation and thus achieve a win-win situation. In addition, as its own transmission requirement increases, the PU limits the sharing of its channels gradually to maintain its own target quality of service. Correspondingly, both the net-profit of PU and the net-utility value of SUs decrease1.
A Better Three-Factor Model That Explains More Anomalies

The market factor, an investment factor, and a return-on-assets factor summarize the cross-sectional variation of expected stock returns. The new three-factor model substantially outperforms traditional asset pricing models in explaining anomalies associated with short-term prior returns, financial distress, net stock issues, asset growth, earnings surprises, and valuation ratios. The model’s performance, combined with its economic intuition based on q-theory, suggests that it can be used to obtain expected return estimates in practice.
[Total hip replacement after Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease].

BACKGROUND Total hip replacement (THR) is at present an accepted treatment in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the hip after Perthes disease. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the results of THR in patients suffering from secondary osteoarthritis, operated from 1990 to 2000 in the Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Department of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. MATERIAL Material included 9 patients, 3 females and 6 males, on whom 9 THR were performed, lateral approach was used in all cases. At the time of operation, the age of patients ranged from 41 to 69 years (mean 56). Follow-up ranged from 11 to 21 years (mean 15 years). Cemented total hip arthroplasty was used during 3 of the THR, 6 of them were cementless. METHOD The patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at final examination. The clinical state was evaluated with Harris hip score and WOMAC scale. We based our radiological examination on Hip Society system. RESULTS The average preoperative Harris score for the group of patients was 34, WOMAC score 77. After an average of 15-years follow-up all hips were considered excellent, with average Harris score of 93, WOMAC Score of 6. All patients had increased function and decreased pain. The radiograms of all patients revealed that the acetabular and femoral components were correctly positioned with no radiographic evidence of loosening in the last examination. The inclination angle of the acetabular component was 22-45 degrees (mean: 33 degrees) and the acetabular opening angle was 0-15 degrees (mean: 3 degrees). The stem was neutral-oriented in all hips. No ectopic ossification concentrations were found. CONCLUSION Clinical and radiological evaluation of our material showed that total hip replacement in the treatment of osteoarthritis secondary to Perthes disease allows regaining good lower limb function, which helps the patients staying less dependant on the surrounding environment. The results of THR are good regardless of the type of prosthesis and the type of fixation. Importantly, THR was carried out after a quite long time after Perthes disease in the childhood.
The Formation of Group Ties in Open Interaction Groups

We examine how task jointness and group incentive structures bear on the nature and strength of the affective and cognitive ties that people forge to a group. The argument is that affective group ties have stronger effects on social order than cognitive group ties. There are two general hypotheses. First, joint tasks generate stronger cognitive and affective ties to groups, whereas group incentives generate cognitive but not necessarily affective ties to the group. Second, affective ties more effectively solve two fundamental problems of social order in groups: (1) sustaining membership (also known as stay behavior) and (2) generating the joint gains of further collaboration (cooperation). The theoretical logic is that joint tasks promote a sense of shared responsibility, and this leads members to attribute their individual emotions to the group as an object, whereas alignment of individual and group incentives does not produce such effects. The theory and hypotheses are tested experimentally in four-person open interaction groups, manipulating task jointness (high, low, none) and incentives (individual based vs. group based). The results generally support the hypotheses underlying the theoretical logic. Affective ties to groups are based primarily on levels of task jointness, and such tasks have stronger effects than incentives on the capacity of groups to retain membership and induce cooperation in social dilemmas.
Discrimination, Subjective Wellbeing, and the Role of Gender: A Mediation Model of LGB Minority Stress

ABSTRACT The present study examined the link between discrimination and the three components of subjective wellbeing (positive and negative affect and life satisfaction) among a cisgender sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. Specifically, we investigated internalized homonegativity and expectations of rejection as potential mediators of the links between discrimination and subjective wellbeing among a sample of 215 participants. Results from our structural equation model demonstrated a strong, positive direct link between discrimination and negative affect. Discrimination also had small, negative indirect effects on life satisfaction through our two mediators. Interestingly, neither discrimination nor our two mediators were related with positive affect, demonstrating the need for future research to uncover potential buffers of this link. Finally, our model evidenced configural, metric, and scalar invariance, suggesting that our model applies well for both women and men. Practical implications and future directions for research are discussed.
Laxity and Function in Knee Replacements A Comparative Study of Three Prosthetic Designs

This study was designed to determine the influence of laxity on clinical function after knee replacement. Using a recently developed computerized method, anteroposterior laxities were measured in 29 Insall-Burstein posterior stabilized, 25 Kinemax Condylar (posterior cruciate retaining), and 10 Oxford bicompartmental (anterior and posterior cruciate retaining) knee replacements. Laxities of less than 5 mm, irrespective of implant design, were associated with an impaired range of passive motion and an increased likelihood of incurring a flexion deformity in excess of 4°. Clinical function, as reflected by the American Knee Society Clinical Rating system, demonstrated a particular sensitivity in the Oxford knee to anteroposterior laxity. It was concluded that anteroposterior laxity in excess of 5 mm in prosthetic knees is desirable for unimpaired joint function, although an upper limit of acceptable anteroposterior laxity could not be identified. These findings, which emphasize the need for attention to ligamentous tensions at the time of surgery, also indicate the need for appropriate weighting of anteroposterior laxity in the continuing evolution of clinical rating systems.