Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Tongjiang granule intervened non-erosive reflux disease patients of Gan-Wei incoordination syndrome: a curative effect observation].

OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of Tongjiang Granule (TJG) in treating non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) of Gan-Wei incoordination syndrome (GWIS). METHODS Totally 128 NERD patients of GWIS were recruited from outpatients or inpatients at Department of Digestive Disease, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from February 2009 to November 2010. They were randomly assigned to two groups using the block group in the ratio of 1:1, 64 cases in each group. Patients in the experiment group were treated with TJG, 10 g each time, three times a day, while those in the control group were treated with Omeprazole Tablet, 20 mg each time, two times a day. The treatment course of both groups was 4 weeks. The symptoms questionnaires and SF-36 quality of life scale were observed. RESULTS Finally 114 patients completed the trial. There was statistical difference in epigastric upset, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, abdominal swelling or abdominal pain, and integral of excrement between the two groups before treatment (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the rest indices between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, the scores of each symptom or the total symptoms were somewhat improved in the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). There was statistical difference in the rest scores (P > 0.05) except the score of mental health in the experiment group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). There was statistical difference in the rest scores (P > 0.05) except the score of physical function in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). There was statistical difference in post-treatment acid reflux, irritability, depression, body pain, roles of emotions (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The total effective rate was higher in the experimental group, showing no statistical difference when compared with that of the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS TJG had confirmative efficacy in treating NERD patients of GWIS. Meanwhile, it could improve their quality of life, with no obvious adverse reaction.
A single nucleotide polymorphism at nucleotide −1793 in the von Willebrand factor (VWF) regulatory region is associated with plasma VWF:Ag levels

von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a large multimeric glycoprotein involved in the transport and protection of factor VIII and in mediating platelet–subendothelium and platelet–platelet interactions. We have documented the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at nucleotide (nt) −1793 (G 0·36 or C 0·64) in the VWF 5′‐flanking sequence. This polymorphism is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the previously reported SNPs at nts −1234, −1185 and −1051 and, like this other group of polymorphisms, shows a significant association with plasma VWF levels. This association is more marked in subjects who are more than 40 years of age. Further, circumstantial evidence to support a role for the −1793 sequence in regulating VWF expression comes from our demonstration of differential binding of endothelial cell nuclear proteins, including the transcription factor NFκB, by this sequence. In summary, the association of the −1793 SNP with plasma VWF levels provides additional evidence for the role of the VWF regulatory region between nts −1793 and −1051 in controlling VWF expression.
Signal Decay through a Reverse Phosphorelay in the Arc Two-component Signal Transduction System*

Escherichia coli senses and signals anoxic or low redox conditions in its growth environment by the Arc two-component system. Under those conditions, the tripartite sensor kinase ArcB undergoes autophosphorylation at the expense of ATP and subsequently transphosphorylates its cognate response regulator ArcA through a His → Asp → His → Asp phosphorelay pathway. In this study we used various combinations of wild-type and mutant ArcB domains to analyze in vitro the pathway for signal decay. The results indicate that ArcA-P dephosphorylation does not occur by direct hydrolysis but by transfer of the phosphoryl group to the secondary transmitter and subsequently to the receiver domain of ArcB. This reverse phosphorelay involves both the conserved His-717 of the secondary transmitter domain and the conserved Asp-576 of the receiver domain of ArcB but not the conserved His-292 of its primary transmitter domain. This novel pathway for signal decay may generally apply to signal transduction systems with tripartite sensor kinases.
Incidence of schizophrenia in a nationwide cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

CONTEXT Patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, very few studies have dealt with the association of type 1 diabetes and schizophrenia. Preliminary evidence points to a possible inverse association. OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence of schizophrenia in a nationwide cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes born in 1950 through 1959 in Finland. DESIGN A cohort study of individuals born in 1950 through 1959 with a follow-up of 1969 through 1991. SETTING Finland. PATIENTS All individuals born in 1950 through 1959 with type 1 diabetes were identified through nationwide registers. The incidence of schizophrenia until 1992 among the total 1950-1959 cohort and in individuals with type 1 diabetes was calculated using information from 3 health care registers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Incidence of schizophrenia. RESULTS The incidence of schizophrenia was 0.21 per 10 000 person-years in the group with type 1 diabetes and 0.56 per 10 000 person-years in the group without type 1 diabetes (P < .001). CONCLUSION The incidence of schizophrenia is decreased in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Adolescents Girls in Srinagar City

The present study entitled "Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Adolescent girls in Srinagar city" was carried out in Srinagar. 100 adolescent girls from 5 schools, 20 from each, were selected randomly for the study. They were assessed through a structured questionnaire based on DSM IV criteria. It was found that the prevalence of eating disorders in our part of the world is very less as compared to the west as none of the adolescent girls in our study satisfied all the four criteria necessary for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. However, about 30% of the adolescent girls satisfied two and 6% satisfied up to three criterias. As per the results obtained it was found that the mean weight of the sample was 47.90 kg with standard deviation of 6.36. Twenty three percent (23%) of the sample had weight less than 80% of expected for their age i.e. were malnourished. Although the prevalence of the eating disorders is very less in our city but the adolescent girls are becoming body conscious and many are at risk of developing eating disorder. As in the west no significant relation was found between family income and eating disorders although lower income groups showed higher prevalence of different criteria of eating disorders. Likewise there was no significant relation between eating disorder risk factors and features like age group, fathers and mothers qualification. Only one criterion, that is importance of being thinner than one's friends, showed statistically significant relation with age, qualification of parents etc. As many of the adolescent girls are at high risk of developing eating disorders, it seems to be right time to take preventive measures. Health education seems to be the best way to counter this problem. Both parents and children need to be educated. Mass media has to play a major role in bringing awareness regarding the problem.
Lyme borreliosis: a European perspective on diagnosis and clinical management

Purpose of review Lyme borreliosis has been widely recognized in Europe, but diagnostic and therapy concepts are still a matter for discussion. False-positive microbiologic results can lead to unnecessary antibiotic treatment, which even in genuine cases is sometimes unnecessarily prolonged. This review addresses new research on diagnosis, treatment, and eco-epidemiology. Recent findings Recent research work in Europe since the last annual review has mostly dealt with diagnostic concepts. Improvement of serology has been achieved by use of multiple recombinant or peptide antigens, or of just the most frequently targeted antigen for detection of specific immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis. Concerning management of the disease, early work on the efficacy of oral treatment of Lyme neuroborreliosis has been confirmed. Studies on the ecology of the vectors and pathogens have elucidated aspects of epidemiology. Summary Widespread awareness of Lyme borreliosis in Europe continues to grow due to increasing numbers of medical publications, information on the Internet, and from the media and patient support groups. The emphasis in scientific and medical publications has been on improvements in laboratory diagnostics, confirmation of therapeutic protocols, and the ecology of the vectors and pathogens.
Differential expression of nitric oxide in serotonergic projection neurons: Neurochemical identification of dorsal raphe inputs to rodent trigeminal somatosensory targets

The dorsal raphe (DR) is invested with nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐expressing profiles. To characterize the connections of NO‐containing cells and further assess neurochemical relationships maintained by DR, the transmitter identity of the raphe projection to the trigeminal somatosensory system was examined. Rats were injected with retrograde tracer into vibrissae‐related target areas or with anterograde tracer into DR. NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry or NOS‐immunostaining was combined with serotonin (5HT)‐ or serotonin transporter (SERT)‐immunolabeling to examine: 1) the presence of NO in 5HT‐containing axons from DR; 2) the distribution of NO‐containing fibers with respect to other nitrergic profiles in the somatosensory system; and 3) the propensity for individual projection neurons in specific subdivisions of DR to colocalize 5HT and NO. Results confirm that “barrel‐like” patches can be identified in several adult trigeminal relay nuclei by NADPHd histochemistry and demonstrate that fibers from DR contain 5HT and NO. Observations include a high percentage of cortical midline projection neurons which contained NADPHd (70–80%) and coexpressed 5HT. In contrast, ∼40% of retrogradely labeled DR‐thalamus cells in the lateral wing demonstrated NADPHd or 5HT expression, but not both in the same neuron. Colocalization of NADPHd and 5HT within individual DR projection neurons indicates that: i) DR is a source of nitrergic input to trigeminal structures, and ii) NO and 5HT may be simultaneously released to influence information‐processing within somatosensory targets. Disparities in NADPHd expression between retrogradely labeled DR neuronal subpopulations further suggest functional differences in the impact of NO on cortical and subcortical targets. J. Comp. Neurol. 466:495–512, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability of Soluble Tissue Factor in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome

), independently of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies. Moreover, we demonstrated that “true” aPL antibodies are detectable in patients with SLE and PAPS and that anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti- b 2 -GPI have a different immunological profile (14). The present study was undertaken to analyze: 1) whether in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and PAPS sera autoantibodies target prothrombin, protein S “per se”; 2) the clinical features possibly associated with these antibody specificities; 3) the relationship between antibodies against prothrombin and autoantibodies recognizing “pure” phospholipid molecules.
Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Liposarcoma A Clinicopathologic Study of 10 Cases with a Comparison to Soft‐Tissue Counterparts

We report the clinicopathologic findings of 10 cases of primary laryngeal and hypopharyngeal liposarcoma. The tumors occurred in patients ranging in age from 37 to 77 years. They showed a marked male to female predominance of 9 to 1. The tumors, which occurred exclusively in the supraglottic larynx or hypopharynx (pyriform sinus), caused airway obstruction; this was the most common presenting symptom. All of the cases were welldifferentiated liposarcomas (grade I). Atypical cells, scattered lipoblasts, and infiltration differentiated malignant laryngeal fatty tumors from benign ones. To date, none of these tumors has metastasized; however, multiple recurrences are common. Surgery is the treatment of choice; radiotherapy should be decided on an individual basis.
Role of membrane potential in the response of rat small mesenteric arteries to exogenous noradrenaline stimulation.

1. We have made simultaneous measurements of membrane potential and wall tension in rat 200 microns mesenteric arteries. 2. The resting membrane potential was ‐59.2 +/‐ 0.4 mV and stable (218 measurements, fifty‐two vessels). 3. With maximal exogenous noradrenaline stimulation (10 microM) the membrane depolarized to about ‐34 mV. During the onset of tension development oscillations (period about 6 sec) in both tension and membrane potential were often seen; the membrane potential changes led the tension changes by about 1.2 sec. 4. In the presence of increased K+ (e.g. 40 mM), vessels had an increased noradrenaline sensitivity, and here noradrenaline stimulation produced little change in membrane potential. 5. With maximal K+ stimulation (85 mM), in the presence of phentolamine (1 microM), the membrane depolarized to about ‐17 mV, the tension being about 70% of the maximal noradrenaline response. 6. In the presence of phentolamine (1 microM), noradrenaline caused hyperpolarization without tension development. The hyperpolarization was inhibited by propranolol and mimicked by isoprenaline. 7. The results suggest that in these small vessels membrane potential variations are not essential to, but have an important modulating influence on, the tension response to exogenous noradrenaline.
Paclitaxel-eluting stents vs vascular brachytherapy for in-stent restenosis within bare-metal stents: the TAXUS V ISR randomized trial.

CONTEXT Restenosis within bare-metal stents is often treated with repeat percutaneous coronary intervention, although subsequent recurrence rates are high, with vascular brachytherapy (VBT) affording the best results. The effectiveness of drug-eluting stents in this setting has not been established. OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety and efficacy of the polymer-based, slow-release paclitaxel-eluting stent in patients with restenotic lesions after prior stent implantation in native coronary arteries. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Prospective, multicenter, randomized trial conducted between June 6, 2003, and July 16, 2004, at 37 North American academic and community-based institutions in 396 patients with in-stent restenosis of a previously implanted bare-metal coronary stent (vessel diameter, 2.5-3.75 mm; lesion length, < or =46 mm). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to undergo angioplasty followed by VBT with a beta source (n = 201) or paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation (n = 195). Clinical and angiographic follow-up at 9 months was scheduled in all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization at 9 months. RESULTS Diabetes mellitus was present in 139 patients (35.1%). Median reference vessel diameter was 2.65 mm and median lesion length was 15.3 mm. In the VBT group, new stents were implanted in 22 patients (10.9%) and in the paclitaxel-eluting stent group, multiple stents were required in 57 patients (29.2%), with median stent length of 24 mm. Follow-up at 9 months was complete in 194 patients in the VBT group and 191 patients in the paclitaxel-eluting stent group (96.5% and 97.9%, respectively). For VBT and paclitaxel-eluting stents, respectively, the number of events and 9-month rates for ischemic target lesion revascularization were 27 (13.9%) vs 12 (6.3%) (relative risk [RR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.86; P = .01); for ischemic target vessel revascularization, 34 (17.5%) vs 20 (10.5%) (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.36-1.00; P = .046); and for overall major adverse cardiac events, 39 (20.1%) vs 22 (11.5%) (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.93; P = .02), with similar rates of cardiac death or myocardial infarction (10 [5.2%] vs 7 [3.7%]; RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.28-1.83; P = .48) and target vessel thrombosis (5 [2.6%] vs 3 [1.6%]; RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.15-2.50; P = .72). Angiographic restenosis at 9 months was 31.2% (53 of 170 patients) with VBT and 14.5% (25 of 172 patients) with paclitaxel-eluting stents (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.30-0.71; P<.001). CONCLUSION Treatment of bare-metal in-stent restenotic lesions with paclitaxel-eluting stents rather than angioplasty followed by VBT reduces clinical and angiographic restenosis at 9 months and improves event-free survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00287573.
Deletions on chromosome 8p22 may predict disease progression as well as pathological staging in prostate cancer.

PURPOSE A recent report demonstrated that the deletion of chromosome 8p22 could predict disease progression in stage III (capsular penetrating) prostate cancer. We studied if the status of chromosomal deletions of 8p22 could reflect pathological stage as well as patient prognosis, thereby serving as a diagnostic tool to optimize the treatment strategy in prostate cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A total of 97 patients (41 Japanese and 56 Swedish) were studied by the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique. Seventy-seven patients (23 pT2, 18 pT3, and 36 pN+ tumors) underwent surgery (radical prostatectomy or lymph node dissection). The specimens were prepared by touch biopsy. From another 20 cases, fine-needle aspiration biopsies were obtained. RESULTS 8p22 deletions were detected in 47 (61%) and 11 (55%) specimens of 77 touch biopsies and 20 fine-needle aspiration biopsies, respectively. No significant difference was found in the frequency of 8p22 deletion between different preparations of specimens, as well as between different races (Japanese versus Swedish). The frequency of 8p22 deletion was statistically higher in patients with pT3 or more than in those with pT2 (P < 0.01). Disease progression was evaluated in 57 patients. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed 8p22 deletion to be the strongest parameter to predict disease progression (hazards ratio = 5.75; P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Studies on chromosomal deletions of 8p22 by fluorescence in situ hybridization technique may serve as a genetic marker to optimize the treatment strategy in patients with prostate cancer to the optimal treatment.
Antigenic similarity of toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum type C and D strains

Antisera against purified type C1 toxin of Clostridium botulinum and its heavy-chain component cross-neutralized type D toxin. Antisera against partially purified type D toxin cross-neutralized type C1 toxin. From the latter serum, a component which neutralized only type D toxin and a component which equally neutralized both C1 and D toxins were obtained. We concluded that the cross-neutralization was not due to the fact that type C and D strains produce both C1 and D toxins but rather to the fact that the toxins have an antigen(s) common to their molecules. The results of the agar gel-double-diffusion test also supported this conclusion.
K-band radar signature analysis of a flying mallard duck

Modern radar receivers are becoming more sensitive than their predecessors, which is believed to be a necessity for detection of low signature targets. As a result, it is assumed that birds will represent a potential problem for radars in the future. Both in a resource management context, where a large number of targets can overwhelm the system, as well as for discrimination between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and birds. This paper aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities of micro-Doppler extraction and analysis in the context of modern air defense surveillance radars.
The sensitivity of human event‐related potentials and reaction time to mobile phone emitted electromagnetic fields

There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to mobile phones (MPs) can affect neural activity, particularly in response to auditory stimuli. The current investigation (n = 120) aimed to test recent findings in this area, namely that N100 amplitude and latency would decrease, and that P300 latency and reaction time (RT) would increase under active relative to sham exposure during an auditory task. Visual measures were also explored. A double blind, counterbalanced, crossover design was employed where subjects attended two sessions 1 week apart. In both sessions participants (1) performed auditory and visual oddball tasks while electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded with a MP set to sham exposure mounted over the temporal region, and (2) performed the same tasks while the handset was set to active/sham. When active, the MP transmitted for 30 min at 895 MHz (average power 250 mW, pulse modulated at 217 Hz, average SAR 0.11 W/kg). Paired t‐tests compared difference scores from the sham/sham session to those from the sham/active condition. The study was designed to detect differences of ${1\over4}$ of a standard deviation with a power of 0.80. There was no significant difference between exposure conditions for any auditory or visual event related potential (ERP) component or RT. As previous positive findings were not replicated, it was concluded that there is currently no evidence that acute MP exposure affects these indices of brain activity. Bioelectromagnetics 27:265–273, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Empirical Dynamic Programming Algorithm for Continuous MDPs

We propose universal randomized function approximation-based empirical value iteration (EVI) algorithms for Markov decision processes. The `empirical' nature comes from each iteration being done empirically from samples available from simulations of the next state. This makes the Bellman operator a random operator. A parametric and a non-parametric method for function approximation using a parametric function space and the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) respectively are then combined with EVI. Both function spaces have the universal function approximation property. Basis functions are picked randomly. Convergence analysis is done using a random operator framework with techniques from the theory of stochastic dominance. Finite time sample complexity bounds are derived for both universal approximate dynamic programming algorithms. Numerical experiments support the versatility and effectiveness of this approach.