Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The nephrologist's role in the management of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), timely referral to a nephrologist has been shown to improve outcomes, but the specific care measures mediating these superior outcomes have not been sufficiently described. METHODS In a cohort of 3014 patients with CKD, we evaluated whether they had any indicators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism management prior to renal replacement therapy (RRT). These included measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or vitamin D metabolites, or receipt of calcitriol or calcium-containing phosphate binders (CCPB) prior to RRT. Control patients without such care were selected by risk-set matching. We used multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis to test whether use of these interventions was associated with prior nephrologist consultation. We then used Cox proportional hazards models to assess whether implementation of such care was associated with differences in 1-year mortality once RRT was instituted. RESULTS Only 3.4% of CKD patients had their PTH assessed prior to RRT, and 0.3% had vitamin D status measured. Use of calcitriol (12.2%) and CCPBs (16%) was slightly more prevalent. Seeing a nephrologist was highly associated with use of the tests and drugs studied (odds ratio, 1.28 to 6.46; all P values <0.001), but care by generalists or other specialists was not. Management of calcium-phosphorus metabolism was independently associated with a 35% decreased likelihood of death (hazards ratio=0.65; 95%CI, 0.51 to 0.84) in the first year of RRT. CONCLUSION Improvements in management of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in patients with CKD are attributable to nephrologist care and appear to mediate the survival benefit seen in patients who see a nephrologist relatively early in the course of their CKD.
Two-dimensional simulations of bulk heterojunction solar cell characteristics

We present a two-dimensional model of a bulk heterojunction solar cell in which we include the effects of optical interference, exciton diffusion, charge separation via the formation of polaron pairs, and charge transport in two separate interpenetrating phases. Our model shows that the current is increased by an order of magnitude with a full optical model compared to assuming that absorbed photons have a Lambertian profile, and depends much more strongly on applied bias when dissociation via polaron pairs is considered. We find a power efficiency at solar intensities of 1–3% depending on the morphology, and show that the fill factor decreases from 40% at low intensities to 20% at solar intensities because of the increase in the open circuit voltage and decreases much more rapidly at higher intensities due to the decrease in the power efficiency.
Biomechanics of the Right Ventricle in Health and Disease (2013 Grover Conference Series)

Right ventricular (RV) function is a major determinant of the symptomatology and outcome in pulmonary hypertension. The normal RV is a thin-walled flow generator able to accommodate large changes in venous return but unable to maintain flow output in the presence of a brisk increase in pulmonary artery pressure. The RV chronically exposed to pulmonary hypertension undergoes hypertrophic changes and an increase in contractility, allowing for preserved flow output in response to peripheral demand. Failure of systolic function adaptation (homeometric adaptation, described by Anrep's law of the heart) results in increased dimensions (heterometric adaptation; Starling's law of the heart), with a negative effect on diastolic ventricular interactions, limitation of exercise capacity, and vascular congestion. Ventricular function is described by pressure-volume relationships. The gold standard of systolic function is maximum elastance (Emax), or the maximal value of the ratio of pressure to volume. This value is not immediately sensitive to changes in loading conditions. The gold standard of afterload is arterial elastance (Ea), defined by the ratio of pressure at Emax to stroke volume. The optimal coupling of ventricular function to the arterial circulation occurs at an Emax/Ea ratio between 1.5 and 2. Patients with severe pulmonary hypertension present with an increased Emax, a trend toward decreased Emax/Ea, and increased RV dimensions, along with progression of the pulmonary vascular disease, systemic factors, and left ventricular function. The molecular mechanisms of RV systolic failure are currently being investigated. It is important to refer biological findings to sound measurements of function. Surrogates for Emax and Ea are being developed through bedside imaging techniques.
Attitudes towards drug legalization among drug users

Research shows that support for legalization of drugs varies significantly among different sociodemographic and political groups. Yet there is little research examining the degree of support for legalization of drugs among drug users. This paper examines how frequency and type of drug use affect the support for legalization of drugs after adjusting for the effects of political affiliation and sociodemographic characteristics. A sample of 188 drug users and non-drug users were asked whether they would support the legalization of marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Respondents reported their use of marijuana, crack, cocaine, heroin, speedball, and/or methamphetamines during the previous 30 days. Support for legalization of drugs was analyzed by estimating three separate logistic regressions. The results showed that the support for the legalization of drugs depended on the definition of “drug user” and the type of drug. In general, however, the results showed that marijuana users were more likely to support legalizing marijuana, but they were less likely to support the legalization of cocaine and heroin. On the other hand, users of crack, cocaine, heroin, speedball, and/or methamphetamines were more likely to support legalizing all drugs including cocaine and heroin.
Accessibility in context: understanding the truly mobile experience of smartphone users with motor impairments

Lab-based studies on touchscreen use by people with motor impairments have identified both positive and negative impacts on accessibility. Little work, however, has moved beyond the lab to investigate the truly mobile experiences of users with motor impairments. We conducted two studies to investigate how smartphones are being used on a daily basis, what activities they enable, and what contextual challenges users are encountering. The first study was a small online survey with 16 respondents. The second study was much more in depth, including an initial interview, two weeks of diary entries, and a 3-hour contextual session that included neighborhood activities. Four expert smartphone users participated in the second study and we used a case study approach for analysis. Our findings highlight the ways in which smartphones are enabling everyday activities for people with motor impairments, particularly in overcoming physical accessibility challenges in the real world and supporting writing and reading. We also identified important situational impairments, such as the inability to retrieve the phone while in transit, and confirmed many lab-based findings in the real-world setting. We present design implications and directions for future work.
Depression and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective This study investigated the relationship between depression and the risk of subsequent venous thromboembolism (VTE) development. Methods We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort analysis by using data for the period of 2000 to 2011 from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of Taiwan. A depression cohort comprising 35,274 patients and a nondepression cohort comprising 70,548 patients matched according to sex, age, and index year with no history of VTE were evaluated. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess the effects of depression and comorbidities, and the Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate the cumulative VTE incidence curves. Results Compared with individuals without depression, depressed patients had a 1.38-fold greater risk (95% confidence interval = 1.09–1.73) of developing VTE. This risk was significantly higher in male and younger (⩽49 years) patients. In addition, patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer had a higher risk of depression-associated VTE that was attenuated, although nonsignificantly, by antidepressant use. Conclusions The incidence of VTE in Taiwan is higher in depressed patients than in nondepressed patients. Moreover, men, people 49 years or younger, and patients with comorbidities have a significantly greater risk of VTE after depression.
Human mast cells capture, store, and release bioactive, exogenous IL‐17A

IL‐17A, a major proinflammatory cytokine, can be produced by a variety of leukocytes, but its exact cellular source in human inflammatory diseases remains incompletely understood. IL‐17A protein is abundantly found in mast cells in human tissues, such as inflamed synovium, but surprisingly, mechanistic murine studies failed to demonstrate IL‐17A production by mast cells. Here, we demonstrate that primary human tissue mast cells do not produce IL‐17A themselves but actively capture exogenous IL‐17A through receptor‐mediated endocytosis. The exogenous IL‐17A is stored in intracellular granules and can subsequently be released in a bioactive form. This novel mechanism confers to mast cells the capacity to steer IL‐17A‐mediated tissue inflammation by the rapid release of preformed cytokine.
Matriptase Expression and Zymogen Activation in Human Pilosebaceous Unit

Studies of human genetic disorders and mouse models reveal the important roles of matriptase in hair growth. Here, we investigate matriptase expression and zymogen activation in hair follicles. We show: 1) layer-dependent distribution patterns, with much higher matriptase expression in cells of the outer root sheath and matrix cells of the hair bulb than in cells of the inner root sheath; 2) cycle-dependent expression patterns, with matriptase expressed in the anagen and catagen phases of the hair lifecycle, but not in the telogen phase; 3) reduced expression of the matriptase inhibitor, HAI-1, in the catagen phase, suggesting increased proteolytic activity in this phase; and 4) definitive matriptase zymogen activation patterns, with the highest matriptase activation observed in matrix cells and outer root sheath cells in the isthmus/bulge region. In sebaceous glands, matriptase is highly expressed in basal and ductal cells, with much lower expression in the differentiated, lipid-filled cells of the interior. We also show that matriptase potently activates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in vitro, and that the HGF receptor, c-Met, is co-expressed in those cells that express activated matriptase. Our observations suggest that the matriptase-HGF-c-MET pathway has the potential to be engaged, primarily in proliferative cells rather than terminally differentiated epithelial cells of the human pilosebaceous unit.
Skin tolerance and effectiveness of two hand decontamination procedures in everyday hospital use

Background Hand decontamination is crucial to control nosocomial infections. The utility of hand decontamination is related not only to its antimicrobial effectiveness, but also to its acceptability by hospital staff. Objectives We aimed to assess skin tolerance and antimicrobial effects of two widely accepted hand hygiene measures under in‐use conditions. Methods Fifty‐two nurses were randomly assigned for an 8‐day period to either an alcohol‐based disinfectant or a hand wash with a non‐antiseptic soap. At baseline and at the end of the test period, microbiological hand samples were obtained both before and after a hand hygiene procedure, and skin tolerance was assessed using clinical scores and measurement of transepidermal water loss. Results Self‐assessment of skin condition and grade of skin damage worsened significantly more in the group using soap than in the group using alcoholic disinfectant (P = 0·004 and P = 0·01, respectively). The alcohol‐based rinse was significantly more effective than liquid soap in removing transient contaminant micro‐organisms (P = 0·016). Twenty of 50 hand washes with non‐antiseptic soap apparently resulted in bacterial contamination of the hands. At the end of the study, the total bacterial count increased with the increasing number of hand washes in the soap group (P = 0·003), and with the degree of skin damage (P = 0·005) in the antiseptic group. Conclusions In everyday hospital practice, alcohol‐based disinfectant is more effective and better tolerated than non‐antiseptic soap; soap is at risk of spreading contamination; and skin comfort strongly influences the number and the quality of hand hygiene procedures.
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord Blood

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is well known to be a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells with practical and ethical advantages. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow have been regarded as good materials for cell/gene therapy as well as for tissue engineering because of their multidifferentiation potential, a number of trials have been undertaken to isolate MSCs from UCB. However, the results have been controversial, and little has become known about the effect of cryopreservation on the isolation of these stem cells. In this study, we examined the ability of cryopreserved UCB-derived cells to produce MSCs.Various culture conditions, including the seeding concentrations of cells and the media used, were investigated. We were able to obtain adherent cell populations after 3 to 5 weeks in our culture conditions from UCB-derived mononuclear cell fractions that had undergone cryopreservation for 0.1 to 5 years.These cells exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology and typical mesenchymal-like immunophenotypes.The results indicate that cryopreserved human UCB fractions can be used as an alternative source of MSCs for experimental and clinical applications as well as for tissue engineering.
DNA methylation profiles in red blood cells of adult hens correlate with their rearing conditions

ABSTRACT Stressful conditions are common in the environment where production animals are reared. Stress in animals is usually determined by the levels of stress-related hormones. A big challenge, however, is in determining the history of exposure of an organism to stress, because the release of stress hormones can show an acute (and recent) but not a sustained exposure to stress. Epigenetic tools provide an alternative option to evaluate past exposure to long-term stress. Chickens provide a unique model to study stress effects in the epigenome of red blood cells (RBCs), a cell type of easy access and nucleated in birds. The present study investigated whether two different rearing conditions in chickens can be identified by looking at DNA methylation patterns in their RBCs later in life. These conditions were rearing in open aviaries versus in cages, which are likely to differ regarding the amount of stress they generate. Our comparison revealed 115 genomic windows with significant changes in RBC DNA methylation between experimental groups, which were located around 53 genes and within 22 intronic regions. Our results set the ground for future detection of long-term stress in live production animals by measuring DNA methylation in a cell type of easy accessibility. Summary: Differential DNA methylation occurs in red blood cells of adult hens reared under different conditions, i.e. in cages or open aviaries.
What drives Bitcoin price

The cryptocurrencies increased in popularity and have become nowadays well known to a wide audience. This article seeks to assess the issue of Bitcoin price formation from a novel perspective. We use a new technique called Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) with which a complicated data set can be disentangled into a small number of independent and concretely implicational intrinsic modes that admit well-behaved Hilbert transforms. Even though Bitcoin is usually labelled as a purely speculative asset, EMD views that it is extremely driven by long-term fundamentals (above one year)
C-Reactive Protein and Markers for Thrombophilia in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Chronic plaque psoriasis is associated to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of our study is to test patients with psoriasis for common markers of acquired and inherited thrombophilia. A cross-sectional study on 172 patients with psoriasis and 198 controls was carried out. The plasma levels of coagulation protein C, coagulation protein S, homocysteine, folic acid, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen as well as activated protein C resistance and antithrombin III activity, were measured. CRP and homocysteine levels were higher in patients with psoriasis than in controls (5.9 ± 7.1 vs 3.1 ± 2.4 mg/L, p=0.0003 and 16.3 ± 12.8 vs 10.4 ± 4.6 umol/L, p=0.0001; mean ± SD) whereas folic acid was lower in psoriatic patients compared to controls (4.3 ± 7.2 vs 12.6 ± 7.9 p=0.006). Levels of coagulation protein C, coagulation protein S, fibrinogen as well as activated protein C resistance, antithrombin III activity were within normal ranges both in cases and controls. In a multivariate regression analysis, psoriasis severity was an independent predictor of higher CRP. In conclusion, high levels of serum CRP and homocysteine were found in patients with psoriasis, related to the severity of the disease. These data suggest that the increased risk of thrombotic cardiovascular events observed in psoriasis patients should be ascribed to an acquired rather than inherited thrombophilic status.
An efficient transceiver design for superimposed waveforms with orthogonal polynomials

Generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) is considered as a candidate waveform for 5G wireless communication systems. It is the generalize form of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) that includes a number of subcarriers and subsymbols. An alternative waveform referred as the superimposed waveform in this study, was recently proposed to increase the data rate. The superimposed waveform is based on using orthogonal polynomial in each grid of time-frequency lattice structure. In this way, more than one symbols are transmitted with the different orthogonal pulses. While the proposed waveform showed promising results for the increasing data rate, there were some issues regarding the implementations. Motivated by this, we design transceiver structure as a low complex way with mathematical derivation by using inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) and DFT operations. The bandwidth efficiency is almost 2.4 much higher than GFDM with Gaussian pulses. The performances of the superimposed waveform over a Rayleigh Fading channel and its comparison over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel are done.
Association of past and recent major depression and menstrual characteristics in midlife: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the association of a history of major depression (MD) with menstrual problems in a multiethnic sample of midlife women. Methods Participants were 934 women enrolled in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, a multisite study of menopause and aging. The outcomes were menstrual bleeding problems and premenstrual symptoms in the year before study entry. The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnosis of DSM-IV Axis I Disorders was conducted to determine recent and past psychiatric diagnoses. Covariates included sociodemographic, behavioral, and gynecologic factors. Results One third of the participants reported heavy bleeding, 20% reported other abnormal bleeding, and 18% reported premenstrual symptoms. One third had past and 11% had recent MD. Past MD was associated with an increased likelihood of heavy bleeding (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.25-2.85), adjusting for recent MD, menopause status, and other covariates. Past MD was not associated with other abnormal bleeding or premenstrual symptoms in the final analysis that adjusted for recent MD. Conclusions Midlife women with a history of MD are more likely to report heavy bleeding.
Type 2 diabetes. Patient practices, and satisfaction with GP care.

OBJECTIVE To document patients' practices and management of DM2, their satisfaction with diabetes care and their quality of life and functional status. DESIGN Anonymous questionnaire completed by 467 patients recruited by 204 GPs in 124 practices in the Perth metropolitan area. RESULTS Patients reported an adequate amount of monitoring for stable DM2. However, they lacked awareness of diabetes risk factors and complications from which they already suffered. Some 90% of patients reported a high level of satisfaction with GP care and only 2.4% of patients had more than a moderate degree of functional disability. CONCLUSION Patients have a high level of satisfaction about the diabetes care received from their general practitioner. However, they lack awareness of their risk factors and complications of diabetes. A simple strategy is proposed to improve these deficits and to share the responsibility for diabetes care between patient and doctor.
Search and switching costs

This thesis analyses markets with search and with switching costs. It provides insights in several important issues in search markets, including how loss aversion may affect consumer behavior and firm conduct, and how prices, welfare, and profits may change when an intermediating platform orders sellers based upon the preferences of consumers. The thesis also advances our understanding of what happens in markets with switching costs when firms can make retention offers to potential switchers, and how the first step of partner switch in the marriage market, infidelity, may relate to impatience.
Utility of fine‐needle aspiration as a diagnostic technique in breast lumps

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, accurate, and safe procedure for the diagnosis of palpable breast lumps. The purpose of this study is to emphasis the utilization of FNAC in the Sudan and to evaluate our experience to identify the types of various breast lesions. A one year descriptive longitudinal study was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan. We obtained information (patient's personal data) and Fine‐Needle Aspiration (FNA) samples, for 200 patients with palpable breast lesions. Subsequent tissue biopsies were taken from 131 patients of the 200 studied patients. Data were analyzed using a computer's SPSS program. Pearson chi‐square test was used for statistical analyses. The diagnoses of the 200 breast FNAs were as follows: 61 (30.5%) were malignant, 5 (2.5%) were suspicious, and 134 (67%) were benign lesions. Subsequent histopathological examination was performed on 61 (100%) patients with malignant lesions, 5 (100%) of suspicious, and 65 (48.5%) patients of 134 patients with benign lesions. FNAC revealed a 92.6% sensitivity, a 95.2% specificity, a 95.5% positive predictive value, and a 92.2% negative predictive value. Of the 65 benign cases on cytology, five cases were found malignant on histopathology. FNAC of breast lesions is sensitive, specific, and highly accurate as the initial investigation of palpable breast lesions in a population of low resources and without screening program to diagnose breast cancer. We consequently encourage clinicians to embrace this procedure in the management of patients. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.