Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The outcomes of patients with ESRD and ANCA-associated vasculitis in Australia and New Zealand.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate dialysis and transplant outcomes of patients with ESRD secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS All ESRD patients who commenced renal replacement therapy in Australia and New Zealand between 1996 and 2010 were included. Outcomes were assessed by Kaplan-Meier, multivariable Cox regression, and competing-risks regression survival analyses. RESULTS Of 36,884 ESRD patients, 228 had microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and 221 had granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Using competing-risks regression, compared with other causes of ESRD, MPA patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.73-1.08; P=0.24) and GPA patients (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74-1.19; P=0.62) experienced comparable survival on dialysis. Forty-six MPA patients (21%) and 47 GPA (20%) patients received 98 renal allografts. Respective 10-year first graft survival rates in MPA, GPA, and non-AAV patients were 50%, 62%, 70%, whereas patient survival rates were 68%, 85% and 83%, respectively. Compared with non-AAV patients, MPA transplant recipients had higher risks of graft failure (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.07-3.25; P=0.03) and death (HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.02-3.69; P=0.04), whereas GPA transplant recipients experienced comparable renal allograft survival (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.43-1.93; P=0.81) and patient survival (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.23-2.27; P=0.58). AAV recurrence was observed in two renal allografts (2%). CONCLUSIONS Compared with ESRD patients without AAV, those with GPA have comparable renal replacement therapy outcomes, whereas MPA patients have comparable dialysis survival but poorer renal transplant allograft and patient survival rates.
Coordinated wage setting and social partnership under EMU. A framework for analysis and results from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands

Recent scholarship has found wage-setting practices to be a key ingredient in the eurozone crisis, but has yet to examine the specifics of individual wage-bargaining systems and how they behave under EMU. This article addresses this oversight, dissecting wage-bargaining systems by the mechanisms that deliver horizontal and vertical coordination, as well as the indicators to which they are calibrated. It then presents the results of a comparative study of the wage-bargaining systems in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Comparisons of the Dutch and Belgian systems find that calibration is an important component of wage-bargaining systems, while greater subtlety is needed with regard to the role of the state. While Belgium has clearly struggled because of its practice of indexing wages, the German and Dutch cases instead suggest that developments unconnected to monetary union may be limiting their ability to manage its pressures. The article concludes that in order to continue to function, these three systems require revisions.
Ancient DNA reveals male diffusion through the Neolithic Mediterranean route

The Neolithic is a key period in the history of the European settlement. Although archaeological and present-day genetic data suggest several hypotheses regarding the human migration patterns at this period, validation of these hypotheses with the use of ancient genetic data has been limited. In this context, we studied DNA extracted from 53 individuals buried in a necropolis used by a French local community 5,000 y ago. The relatively good DNA preservation of the samples allowed us to obtain autosomal, Y-chromosomal, and/or mtDNA data for 29 of the 53 samples studied. From these datasets, we established close parental relationships within the necropolis and determined maternal and paternal lineages as well as the absence of an allele associated with lactase persistence, probably carried by Neolithic cultures of central Europe. Our study provides an integrative view of the genetic past in southern France at the end of the Neolithic period. Furthermore, the Y-haplotype lineages characterized and the study of their current repartition in European populations confirm a greater influence of the Mediterranean than the Central European route in the peopling of southern Europe during the Neolithic transition.
[Esophageal manometry in patients with non cardiac chest pain].

BACKGROUND Non cardiac chest pain can be caused by esophageal problems such as gastroesophageal reflux or smooth muscle motor disorders. AIM To perform esophageal manometry in patients with non cardiac chest pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred patients with chest pain in whom coronary problems were discarded, were studied. A computerized esophageal manometry was performed in all and 24 hours esophageal pH measurement was done in 21 patients. RESULTS Esophageal manometry was normal in eight patients. Nutcracker esophagus was the most common finding, in 36 patients. Twenty eight had a hypotensive sphincter, 16 had unspecific motor disorders, nine had diffuse esophageal spasm, two had a non achalasic esophageal aperistalsis and one had a hypertensive sphincter. CONCLUSIONS Only eight of 100 patients referred to esophageal manometry for non cardiac chest pain, had a normal study.
Effects of Oral Creatine-Pyruvate Supplementation in Cycling Performance

A double-blind study was performed to evaluate the effects of oral creatine-pyruvate administration on exercise performance in well-trained cyclists. Endurance and intermittent sprint performance were evaluated before (pretest) and after (posttest) one week of creatine-pyruvate intake (Cr(pyr), 2 x 3.5 g x d-1, n = 7) or placebo (PL, n = 7). Subjects first performed a 1-hour time trial during which the workload could be adjusted at 5-min intervals. Immediately they did five 10-sec sprints interspersed by 2-min rest intervals. Tests were performed on an individual race bicycle that was mounted on an ergometer. Steady-state power production on average was about 235-245 W, which corresponded to blood lactate concentrations of 4-5 mmol x l -1 and heart rate in the range of 160-170 beats x min -1. Power outputs as well as blood lactate levels and heart rates were similar between Cr(pyr) and PL at all times. Total work performed during the 1-h trial was 872 +/- 44 KJ in PL versus 891 +/- 51 KJ in CR pyr. During the intermittent sprint test power peaked at about 800-1000 watt within 2-3 sec, decreasing by 15-20 % towards the end of each sprint. Peak and mean power outputs were similar between groups at all times. Peak lactate concentrations after the final sprint were approximately 11 mmol x l -1 in both groups during both the pretest and the posttest. It is concluded that one week of creatine-pyruvate supplementation at a rate of 7 g x d -1 does not beneficially impact on either endurance capacity or intermittent sprint performance in cyclists.
Language shift Amongst The Sindhis of Malaysia

This research focuses on three generations of Sindhi settlers in Malaysia with a view to determining their dominant language. A range of methodologies and constructs were used to disclose information which a domain based questionnaire approach in itself was not able to capture. The phenomena of codemixing and codeswitching not only of two but also of three languages emerged. Language choices varied not only across generations but also across gender within a generation. The functions for which the ethnic language was maintained also varied across generations.
Observational Study of Depression in Patients Undergoing Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Evidence of a Correlation between Pain Relief and Resolution of Depression

Background Depression has been associated with inferior outcomes following lumbar spine surgery. Our purpose was to investigate the prevalence of depression and its impact on the outcomes of a large sample of cervical disc arthroplasty patients and to examine the change in depression occurring in conjunction with changes in disability and pain. Methods A cohort of 271 patients who underwent single or multi-level cervical disc arthroplasty at a single orthopedic center filled out the Neck Disability Index, Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, numerical rating scales for neck pain and arm pain, preoperatively and 12-month postoperatively. Patients were classified as Depressed or Non-Depressed, based on their preoperative SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. Preoperative scores, 12-month postoperative scores, and change in scores (adjusted for preoperative scores, smoking status, and strenuous job) were compared between Depressed and Non-Depressed. Next, patients in the 2 groups were subdivided into 4 groups: Always Depressed, Never Depressed, No Longer Depressed, and Newly Depressed, based on their combined preoperative and postoperative MCS scores. The same score comparisons were conducted among the 4 groups. Results Forty-four percent (118 of 271) of the patients in our sample were Depressed. Despite a significant improvement after surgery, Depressed patients had poorer pre- and postoperative scores than Non-Depressed patients for NDI, MCS, neck pain and arm pain. Two-thirds (80 of 118) of the Depressed patients were No Longer Depressed at 12 months and had postoperative scores similar to the Never Depressed patients. Eight percent (12 of 153) of the Non-Depressed patients became Newly Depressed by 12 months and had postoperative scores similar to the Always Depressed patients. Conclusions Depression is a common occurrence in patients with cervical disorders. Relief from pain and disability after cervical disc arthroplasty can be associated with relief from depression, but poor outcomes may also result in patients becoming depressed.
Baseline C-Reactive Protein Level Predicts Survival of Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose The prognostic impact of baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is debated. To evaluate this issue, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the role of CRP value in predicting early-stage NSCLC survival. Methods Ten articles on early-stage NSCLC were eligible and included in our study. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis and assessed heterogeneity and publication bias. We pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) on mortality for the comparison between the study-specific highest category of CRP level versus the lowest one. Results In overall analysis, elevated pretreatment CRP values were significantly associated with poor overall survival (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.30-1.97, p<0.001, I2 = 71.9%). Similar results were observed across considered strata. However, higher mortality risk was reported in studies in which CRP was combined with other factors (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.58-2.45) and in those using a cutoff value of 3 mg/L (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.52-2.35). Conclusions Based on our analysis, baseline high CRP level is significantly associated with poor prognosis in early-stage NSCLC. Further prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these data.
Rapid virological response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells with an increase of hepatitis C virus-specific interferon-gamma production predisposes to sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 undergoing treatment with pegylated-interferon alpha 2a plus ribav

Abstract Objective. Viral load evaluation in plasma, after 1 month of treatment, represents one of the most important parameters to predict treatment response during interferon (IFN) treatment in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). It has been proven that hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA may be present in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) but few studies have investigated the viral load in PBMCs during treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCV RNA in PBMCs during therapy with pegylated-IFN-α2a plus ribavirin and whether its clearance in PBMCs may induce a treatment response. Furthermore, we also analyzed the IFN-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 responses of PBMCs during therapy. Material and methods. We studied 35 patients with CHC genotype 1 undergoing antiviral treatment with pegylated IFN-α2a 180 μg weekly plus ribavirin 1000 mg/daily. In these patients we evaluated HCV-RNA in plasma and PBMCs, IFN-γ and IL-4 before treatment, after 1, 3 and 12 months of treatment and 6 months after the end of treatment. Results. We found that rapid virological clearance of HCV-RNA in PBMCs with a restored and improved HCV-specific IFN-γ response was statistically significantly higher in those with a sustained virological response (SVR). Conclusion. Patients having a rapid virological response in PBMCs with an improved Th1 network achieve a complete SVR, whereas those having viral clearance only in plasma without a restored Th1 network have a relapse.
Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Rifampicin (Rifampin) in Neonates

Few reports have addressed neonatal rifampicin plasma concentrations and data on neonatal rifampicin pharmacokinetics are completely lacking. Therefore, plasma concentrations of rifampicin and its main metabolite 25-O-desacetylrifampicin (DES) were measured in 123 surplus plasma samples from routine vancomycin monitoring in 21 neonates using reversed-phase HPLC. Rifampicin peak and trough plasma concentrations were 4.66 ± 1.47 mg/L and 0.21 ± 0.20 mg/L, respectively, after a dose of 8.5 ± 2.1 (mean ± SD) mg/kg per day. A significant linear relationship between rifampicin dose and peak plasma concentrations was found, but inter-patient variability was high. Pharmacokinetic parameters of rifampicin were calculated according to a one-compartment open model with iterative two-stage Bayesian fitting (MW\PHARM 3.60, Mediware, The Netherlands). First-order elimination constant, volume of distribution corrected for weight, total body clearance corrected for weight (CL/W), and elimination half-life were 0.16 ± 0.06 h−1, 1.84 ± 0.59 L/kg, 0.28 ± 0.11 Lkg−1h−1, and 4.9 ± 1.7 h, respectively. A high Pearson correlation was found between CL/W rifampicin and the covariates plasma creatinine and CL/W gentamicin of a preceding gentamicin treatment course, r = 0.728 (n = 17) and r = 0.837 (n = 12), respectively. DES was detected in each plasma sample. Therefore, rifampicin seems to be eliminated by both renal and metabolic pathways in neonates. In 8 study patients, plasma concentrations of rifampicin and DES were measured again after two weeks of therapy. CL/W rifampicin was significantly higher (67 ± 50%). The authors suggest maintaining the current dose regimen of 10 mg/kg once a day. Because of the large inter-patient variability in rifampicin plasma concentrations and CL/W increase during therapy, the authors suggest monitoring rifampicin peak and trough plasma concentrations to avoid low plasma concentrations. More research is needed to determine well-founded dosing guidelines.
The Role of Top-team Diversity and Perspective Taking in Mastering Organizational Ambidexterity

ABSTRACT Although the role of top teams has been recognized in ambidextrous organizations, it remains unclear which characteristics and how the cognitive processes of top teams are used to address the dual cognitive challenges of ambidexterity. To address this puzzle, I developed a model in which I theorize that a top team with task-related diversity engaging in perspective taking will influence the achievement of an ambidextrous organization. Moreover, I further theorize that transformational leadership of the CEO will help diverse top teams master ambidexterity by influencing the team's cognitive processes. The results show that diverse teams can address the differentiating-integrating challenges of ambidexterity when they engage in perspective taking. The results also confirm that transformational leadership strengthens the relationship between a diverse top team's perspective taking and ambidextrous orientation.
Lane Change Maneuvers for Automated Vehicles

By considering a lane change maneuver as primarily a longitudinal motion planning problem, this paper presents a lane change maneuver algorithm with a pragmatic approach to determine an inter-vehicle traffic gap and time instance to perform the maneuver. The proposed approach selects an appropriate inter-vehicle traffic gap and time instance to perform the lane change maneuver by simply estimating whether there might exist a longitudinal trajectory that allows the automated vehicle to safely perform the maneuver. The lane change maneuver algorithm then proceeds to solve two loosely coupled convex quadratic programs to obtain the longitudinal trajectory to position the automated vehicle in the selected inter-vehicle traffic gap at the desired time instance and the corresponding lateral trajectory. Simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to select an appropriate inter-vehicle traffic gap and time instance to initialize the lateral motion of a lane change maneuver in various traffic scenarios. The real-time ability of the lane change maneuver algorithm to generate safe and smooth trajectories is shown by experimental results of a Volvo V60 performing automated lane change maneuvers on a test track.
JNK MAPK is involved in BMP-2-induced odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a multi-functional growth factor belonging to the transforming growth factor β superfamily that has a broad range of activities that affect many different cell types. BMP-2 induces odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (DPCs), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential role of the JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway in BMP-2-induced odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs. The levels of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated JNK MAPK were quantified by Western blot analysis following treatment with BMP-2 and the JNK inhibitor SP600125. The role of JNK MAPK in the BMP-2-induced odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs was determined by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and by examining the expression of odontoblastic markers using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effect of JNK MAPK silencing on odontoblastic differentiation was also investigated. BMP-2 upregulated the phosphorylation of JNK in DPCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Early markers of odontoblastic differentiation, including ALP activity, osteopontin and dentin matrix protein-1, were not inhibited by the JNK inhibitor. However, the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, significantly inhibited late-stage differentiation of odontoblasts, including the gene expression of osteocalcin, dentin sialophosphoprotein and bone sialoprotein, and also reduced the formation of mineralized nodules in BMP-2-treated DPCs. Consistent with this observation, silencing of JNK MAPK also decreased late-stage odontoblastic differentiation. Taken together, these findings suggest that JNK activity is required for late-stage odontoblastic differentiation induced by BMP-2.
Acute Effect of Black and Green Tea on Aortic Stiffness and Wave Reflections

Objective: While most studies have shown an inverse relation between tea consumption and cardiovascular risk, other studies have shown opposite results. Aortic stiffness and wave reflections are markers of cardiovascular disease and prognosticators of cardiovascular risk. Methods: The acute effect of black and green tea on aortic stiffness and wave reflections was assessed in 29 healthy volunteers in a randomized, single-blind, sham-procedure controlled, cross-over design. In the black tea sub-study, 16 subjects received 6 gm of tea, caffeine (175 mg), or hot water in 3 different sessions. In the green tea sub-study, 13 subjects received 6 gm of tea, caffeine (125 mg), or hot water. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and wave reflection indices were measured at baseline and for 3 hours after consumption. Results: Black tea increased pulse wave velocity during the first 90 min (increase by 0.49 m/sec, P < 0.05), showing a rapid return towards baseline values thereafter (P = 0.07 for the whole study period); in contrast, green tea had no effect. Both black and green tea increased augmentation index (by 5.0% and by 6.6%, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) throughout the study. These changes were less than the respective changes produced by caffeine. Both black and green tea had a significant pressor effect. No change in oxidant status was found with both types of tea. Conclusions: Both black and green tea increases acutely wave reflections and only black tea increases aortic stiffness. Tea flavonoids may play a role in the attenuation of the effects of caffeine contained in tea.
Evaluation of [18F]fluorinated sigma receptor ligands in the conscious monkey brain

PET‐imaging of the sigma receptors is very helpful to understand processes, e.g., several central nervous system (CNS)‐diseases in which the sigma receptors are involved. The [18F]fluoroethylated analogs of SA4503 and SA5845 ([18F]FE‐SA4503 and [18F]FE‐SA5845) were evaluated in conscious monkeys to estimate its suitability for human application for PET. Conscious monkeys (Macaca Mulatta) were either scanned with [18F]FE‐SA4503 or [18F]FE‐SA5845 (n = 3 for both groups, 220–802 MBq). After a dynamic study of 120 min, radioactivity was displaced by intravenous (i.v.) injection of haloperidol (1 mg/kg). One month later the same set of three monkeys were scanned with [18F]FE‐SA4503 for 120 min and “cold” SA4503 (1 mg/kg) was infused to displace the radioactivity, and the other three monkeys were pretreated with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) before the 120‐min PET‐scan with [18F]FE‐SA5845. Cortical areas (cingulate, frontal, occipital, parietal, temporal), striatum, and thalamus showed high radioactivity uptake. Infusion of haloperidol displaced the radioactivity levels of the two radioligands. The same effect was found for [18F]FE‐SA4503 after SA4503 displacement. Pretreatment with haloperidol blocked the [18F]FE‐SA5845 binding to give PET‐images with low and uniform uptake in the brain. The findings demonstrated the reversible binding of the two radioligands. Metabolite analysis showed that 14% and 23% parent compound of [18F]FE‐SA5845 and [18F]FE‐SA4503, respectively, at 120 min postinjection was present in plasma. Kinetic analysis showed that the binding potential of [18F]FE‐SA5845 was higher in all brain regions than that of [18F]FE‐SA4503 (4.75–8.79 vs. 1.65–4.04). The highest binding potential was found in the hippocampus, followed by the cortical regions, thalamus, cerebellar hemisphere, striatum and vermis. Both [18F]FE‐SA compounds bound specifically to cerebral sigma receptors of the monkey and have potential for mapping sigma receptors in the human brain. Synapse 52:29–37, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.