Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ten-year incidence of retinal vein occlusion in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the 10-year incidence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its predictors in an older population. METHODS The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 residents aged 49 years and older (82.4% response) from 1992 to 1994, reexamined 2335 residents (75.1% of survivors) from 1997 to 1999, and reexamined 1952 residents (75.6% of survivors) from 2002 to 2004. Incident RVO was assessed from stereoscopic retinal photographs. Kaplan-Meier cumulative 10-year incidence was calculated. RESULTS After excluding 47 residents with RVO at baseline and 171 residents with no photographs at either follow-up examination, 2346 residents were considered at risk of developing RVO. The cumulative 10-year incidence of RVO was 1.6%. Age was significantly associated with the incidence of RVO (P = .03, Mantel-Haenszel chi(2) test for trend). Factors predicting the incidence of RVO included mean arterial blood pressure (age-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.41 per 10-mm Hg increase), ocular perfusion pressure (OR, 1.71 per 10-mm Hg increase), obesity (OR, 2.16), and presence of retinal arteriolar wall signs (focal narrowing: OR, 3.37; arteriovenous nicking: OR, 4.09; and opacification: OR, 4.89). CONCLUSIONS Older age (> or =70 years), increasing mean arterial blood pressure, and atherosclerotic retinal vessel signs were significant predictors of incident RVO.
Changes in Barotolerance, Thermotolerance, and Cellular Morphology throughout the Life Cycle of Listeria monocytogenes

ABSTRACT Changes in barotolerance, thermotolerance, and cellular morphology throughout the life cycle of Listeria monocytogenes were investigated. For part 1 of this analysis, L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115 was grown to log, stationary, death, and long-term-survival phases at 35°C in tryptic soy broth with yeast extract (TSBYE). Cells were diluted in whole milk that had been subjected to ultrahigh temperatures (UHT whole milk) and then high-pressure processed (HPP) at 400 MPa for 180 s or thermally processed at 62.8°C for 30 s. As cells transitioned from the log to the long-term-survival phase, the D400 MPa and D62.8°C values increased 10- and 19-fold, respectively. Cells decreased in size as they transitioned from the log to the long-term-survival phase. Rod-shaped cells transitioned to cocci as they entered the late-death and long-term-survival phases. L. monocytogenes strains F5069 and Scott A showed similar results. For part 2 of the analysis, cells in long-term-survival phase were centrifuged, suspended in fresh TSBYE, and incubated at 35°C. As cells transitioned from the long-term-survival phase to log and the stationary phase, they increased in size and log reductions increased following HPP or heat treatment. In part 3 of this analysis, cells in long-term-survival phase were centrifuged, suspended in UHT whole milk, and incubated at 4°C. After HPP or heat treatment, similar results were observed as for part 2. We hypothesize that cells of L. monocytogenes enter a dormant, long-term-survival phase and become more barotolerant and thermotolerant due to cytoplasmic condensation when they transition from rods to cocci. Further research is needed to test this hypothesis and to determine the practical significance of these findings.
THE BROWN DWARF KINEMATICS PROJECT. II. DETAILS ON NINE WIDE COMMON PROPER MOTION VERY LOW MASS COMPANIONS TO NEARBY STARS,

We report on nine wide common proper motion systems containing late-type M, L, or T companions. We confirm six previously reported companions, and identify three new systems. The ages of these systems are determined using diagnostics for both stellar primaries and low-mass secondaries and masses for the secondaries are inferred using evolutionary models. Of our three new discoveries, the M3+T6.5 pair G 204-39 and SDSS J1758+4633 has an age constrained to 0.5–1.5 Gyr making the secondary a potentially useful brown dwarf benchmark. The G5+L4 pair G 200-28 and SDSS J1416+5006 has a projected separation of ∼25,000 AU making it one of the widest and lowest binding energy systems known to date. The system containing NLTT 2274 and SDSS J0041+1341 is an older M4+L0 (>4.5 Gyr) pair which shows Hα activity in the secondary but not the primary making it a useful tracer of age/mass/activity trends. Two of the nine systems have discrepant component ages that emerge from stellar or ultracool diagnostics indicating possible shortcomings in our understanding of the age diagnostics of stars and brown dwarfs. We find a resolved binary frequency for widely separated (>100 AU) low-mass companions (i.e., at least a triple system) which is at least twice the frequency found for the field ultracool dwarf population. The ratio of triples to binaries and quadruples to binaries is also high for this sample: 3:5 and 1:4, respectively, compared to 8 pc sample values of 1:4 and 1:26. The additional components in these wide companion systems indicates a formation mechanism that requires a third or fourth component to maintain gravitational stability or facilitate the exchange of angular momentum. The binding energies for the nine multiples discussed in this text are among the lowest known for wide low-mass systems, suggesting that weakly bound, low-to-intermediate mass (0.2 M☉ < Mtot< 1.0 M☉) multiples can form and survive to exist in the field (1–8 Gyr).
Pressure-Flow Measurements for Selected Oral and Nasal Sound Segments Produced by Normal Adults

Pressure-flow data are often used to provide information about the adequacy of velopharyngeal valving for speech. However, there is limited information available concerning simultaneous pressure-flow measurements for oral and nasal sound segments produced by normal speakers. This study provides normative pressure, flow, and velopharyngeal orifice area measurements for selected oral and nasal sound segments produced by 10 male and 10 female adult speakers. An aerodynamic categorization scheme of velopharyngeal function, including one typical category and three atypical categories (open, closed, and mixed) is proposed.
Factors Influencing Fellowship Selection, Career Trajectory, and Academic Productivity among Plastic Surgeons

Background: Several factors influence the career trajectory of graduating plastic surgeons, and the authors’ study sought to capture characteristics of plastic surgery trainees as they relate to outcomes, including fellowship selection, career choice, and academic productivity. Methods: Anonymous online survey data were obtained from members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Correlative analysis was performed implementing the Pearson chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the Kendall tau-b correlation to determine significant correlations defined by values of p < 0.05. Results: Of 4543 survey invitations sent, a total of 624 plastic surgeons (13.7 percent) completed the study. Greater numbers of publications on entering residency (p < 0.05) and on graduating from residency (p < 0.0001), stronger perceived mentorship during residency (p < 0.01), graduating from an integrated program (p < 0.01), and fellowship training (p < 0.001) were all correlated with a future career in academia. In addition, fellowship training and number of publications during and before residency were correlated with eventual academic productivity (p < 0.05). Lastly, individual tendency to prioritize economics (p < 0.01) or geographic location (p < 0.05) was associated with eventual private practice, whereas prioritization of research (p < 0.01) and culture of training institute (p < 0.001) predicted academic careers. Conclusions: Graduating plastic surgery residents from integrated programs, with greater numbers of publications, stronger mentor relationships, and fellowship training were more likely to become academic surgeons. Among this academic cohort, fellowship training and greater numbers of publications before and during residency were significantly correlated with increased academic productivity as an attending surgeon.
AGIX-4207 [2-[4-[[1-[[3,5-Bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]thio]-1-methylethyl]thio]-2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenoxy]acetic Acid], a Novel Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compound: Cellular and Biochemical Characterization of Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of Redox-Sensitive Inflammat

The pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, is regulated, at least in part, by modulation of oxidation-reduction (redox) homeostasis and the expression of redox-sensitive inflammatory genes including adhesion molecules, chemokines, and cytokines. AGIX-4207 [2-[4-[[1-[[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]thio]-1-methylethyl]thio]-2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenoxy]acetic acid] is a novel, orally active, phenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound with antirheumatic properties. To elucidate its anti-inflammatory mechanisms, we evaluated AGIX-4207 for a variety of cellular, biochemical, and molecular properties. AGIX-4207 exhibited potent antioxidant activity toward lipid peroxides in vitro and displayed enhanced cellular uptake relative to a structurally related drug, probucol. This resulted in potent inhibition of cellular levels of reactive oxygen species in multiple cell types. AGIX-4207 selectively inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-inducible levels of the redox-sensitive genes, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, with less inhibition of E-selectin, and no effect on intracellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in endothelial cells. In addition, AGIX-4207 inhibited cytokine-induced levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 from endothelial cells and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes as well as lipopolysaccharide-induced release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. AGIX-4207 did not inhibit TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of the κ-enhancer in B cells (NF-κB), suggesting that the mechanism of action is independent of this redox-sensitive transcription factor. Taken together, these results provide a mechanistic framework for understanding the anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic activity of AGIX-4207 and provide further support for the view that inhibition of redox-sensitive inflammatory gene expression is an attractive approach for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Origins and ancient history of wine

Part I: Ancient Sayings About Wine Part II: Grapes and Wine: Hypothesis and Scientific Evidence The Archaeological Evidence for Winemaking, Distribution, and Consumption at the Proto-Historical Godin Tepe, Iran Part III: The History and Archaeology of Wine: The Near East and Egypt The Earliest History of Wine and Its Importance in Ancient Egypt "Canaanite Jars" and the Late Bronze Age Aegeo-Levantine Wine Trade Wine Amphoras in Ancient Greek Trade The Domestication of the Grapevine Vitis Vinifera L. in the Near East Part IV: The Mediterranean An Enologist's Commentary on Ancient Wines Wine and the Vine in Ancient Mesopotamia: The Cuneiform Evidence Empty Cups and Empty Jugs: The Social Role of Wine in Minoan and Mycenaean Societies
Modeling of continuous-wave self-frequency-doubling microchip laser for Yb/sup 3+/:YAl/sub 3/(BO/sub 3/)/sub 4/ crystal

Based on a quasi-three-level system, a model of continuous wave (CW) self-frequency-doubling (SFD) laser for the end-pumped Yb/sup 3+/:YAl/sub 3/(BO/sub 3/)/sub 4/ (Yb/sup 3+/:YAB) microchip is proposed. The effect of fluorescence concentration quenching (FCQ), the temperature distribution in the microchip medium, and then the refractive index distribution resulting from the thermal effect in the medium, the absorption of host, and the spatial distribution of SFD beam have been taken into account in the model. The calculated results are compared with those of experiments, and it reveals that this model is reasonable. It can be applied not only to the CW SFD laser of the Yb/sup 3+/:YAB microchip, but also to the quasi-three-level CW SFD laser of other microchips.
Empiric Use of Ampicillin and Cefotaxime, Compared With Ampicillin and Gentamicin, for Neonates at Risk for Sepsis Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Neonatal Death

BACKGROUND. We reported previously that the use of cephalosporin among premature neonates increased the risk of subsequent fungal sepsis. As a result, we recommended that ampicillin and gentamicin be used as empiric coverage for early-onset neonatal sepsis while culture results are awaited. OBJECTIVES. To describe antibiotic use during the first 3 days after birth for neonates admitted to the NICU and to evaluate the outcomes for neonates treated with 2 different antibiotic regimens. METHODS. We assembled a cohort of inborn neonates, from our deidentified administrative database, who had documented exposure to ampicillin during the first 3 days after birth. Infants treated concurrently with cefotaxime or gentamicin were evaluated, to identify the factors that were associated independently with death before discharge, with both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS. There were 128914 neonates selected as the study cohort; 24111 were treated concurrently with ampicillin and cefotaxime and 104803 were treated concurrently with ampicillin and gentamicin. Logistic modeling showed that neonates treated with ampicillin/cefotaxime were more likely to die (adjusted odds ratio: 1.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.4–1.7) and were less likely to be discharged to home or foster care than were neonates treated with ampicillin/gentamicin. This observation was true across all estimated gestational ages. Other factors that were associated independently with death included immature gestational age, need for assisted ventilation on the day of admission to the NICU, indications of perinatal asphyxia or major congenital anomaly, and reported use of ampicillin/cefotaxime. CONCLUSIONS. For patients receiving ampicillin, the concurrent use of cefotaxime during the first 3 days after birth either is a surrogate for an unrecognized factor or is itself associated with an increased risk of death, compared with the concurrent use of gentamicin.
Dabigatran association with higher risk of acute coronary events: meta-analysis of noninferiority randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND The original RE-LY (Randomized Evaluation of Long-term Anticoagulant Therapy) trial suggested a small increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) with the use of dabigatran etexilate vs warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. We systematically evaluated the risk of MI or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with the use of dabigatran. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science for randomized controlled trials of dabigatran that reported on MI or ACS as secondary outcomes. The fixed-effects Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) test was used to evaluate the effect of dabigatran on MI or ACS. We expressed the associations as odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs. RESULTS Seven trials were selected (N = 30,514), including 2 studies of stroke prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation, 1 in acute venous thromboembolism, 1 in ACS, and 3 of short-term prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis. Control arms included warfarin, enoxaparin, or placebo administration. Dabigatran was significantly associated with a higher risk of MI or ACS than that seen with agents used in the control group (dabigatran, 237 of 20,000 [1.19%] vs control, 83 of 10,514 [0.79%]; OR(M-H), 1.33; 95% CI, 1.03-1.71; P = . 03). The risk of MI or ACS was similar when using revised RE-LY trial results (OR(M-H), 1.27; 95% CI, 1.00-1.61; P = . 05) or after exclusion of short-term trials (OR(M-H), 1.33; 95% CI, 1.03-1.72; P = . 03). Risks were not heterogeneous for all analyses (I(2) = 0%; P ≥ . 30) and were consistent using different methods and measures of association. CONCLUSIONS Dabigatran is associated with an increased risk of MI or ACS in a broad spectrum of patients when tested against different controls. Clinicians should consider the potential of these serious harmful cardiovascular effects with use of dabigatran.
Cutaneous TB profile in North West Punjab, India: a retrospective data analysis

Introduction: Previous studies from India concluded that the incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis has fallen from 2% to 0.15%, whereas more recent reports suggest that cutaneous tuberculosis is again becoming more prevalent. Aims: To study the patterns of clinical presentation of cutaneous tuberculosis, to correlate them with histopathology, Mantoux reactivity and BCG vaccination status in the north-west region of Punjab. Methods: Analysis of the records of patients with cutaneous tuberculosis who attended the hospital between Jan 2009 to Dec 2012. Results: A total of 36 (0.02%) of dermatology patients had cutaneous tuberculosis. The type of cutaneous tuberculosis in decreasing order of incidence was lupus vulgaris 16 (44.44%) followed by tuberculosis verrucosa cutis 10 (27.77%), scrofuloderma 7 (19.44%) and tuberculids 3 (8.33%). There were no cases of erythema nodosum or miliary tuberculosis. Multiple sites were involved in 17 (47.22%) patients. Face and neck were the most common sites affectedMost of the patients (52.77%) presented with single lesion. Active tuberculosis in other organs were observed in 8 (22.22%) patients. Mantoux test was positive in 23 (63.88%). BCG scar was present in 23 (63.8%) patients. 29 cases (80.55%) showed characteristic histopathological changes of cutaneous tuberculosis. Conclusions: The incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis in the present study was found to be 0.02% which is far lower as compared to previous reports. Reason for this observation could be the effective implementation of the National Program for tuberculosis at primary and secondary level leading to early diagnosis and treatment, hence lesser number of cases reaching to a tertiary center. This study also depicts the histopathological correlation evident in 80.55% of the histopathological specimens which is highly significant.
Nanopore arrays in a silicon membrane for parallel single-molecule detection: DNA translocation

Optical nanopore sensing offers great potential in single-molecule detection, genotyping, or DNA sequencing for high-throughput applications. However, one of the bottle-necks for fluorophore-based biomolecule sensing is the lack of an optically optimized membrane with a large array of nanopores, which has large pore-to-pore distance, small variation in pore size and low background photoluminescence (PL). Here, we demonstrate parallel detection of single-fluorophore-labeled DNA strands (450 bps) translocating through an array of silicon nanopores that fulfills the above-mentioned requirements for optical sensing. The nanopore array was fabricated using electron beam lithography and anisotropic etching followed by electrochemical etching resulting in pore diameters down to ∼7 nm. The DNA translocation measurements were performed in a conventional wide-field microscope tailored for effective background PL control. The individual nanopore diameter was found to have a substantial effect on the translocation velocity, where smaller openings slow the translocation enough for the event to be clearly detectable in the fluorescence. Our results demonstrate that a uniform silicon nanopore array combined with wide-field optical detection is a promising alternative with which to realize massively-parallel single-molecule detection.
Balancing the nutritional benefits of fish consumption against methylmercury toxicity , and evaluating the impact of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases on susceptibility to methylmercury in a Swedish population

5 Introduction Background of the study . 6 Objectives . 9 Hypothesis . 9 Scope and limitations. 10 Review of Literature Literature support for the hypothesis . 12 Preliminary evaluation of the hypothesis. 20 Methodology Human data set of mercury concentration and ω3 PUFA levels . 23 Simplification of the hypothesis into a working model . 23 Implementation of the Modified Biological Model . 23 Sensitivity testing of the Modified Biological Model. 24 Model simulation . 25 Scenario analysis. 25 Results Baseline behavior of the Modified Biological Model. 27 Scenario 1. Methylmercury exposure in the Swedish data set. 28 Scenario 2: The US-EPA reference dose . 32 Scenario 3: Increasing fish intake . 33 Scenario 4. Increasing fish intake by a smaller increment. 33 Scenario 5. Modeling the putative effect of GST polymorphisms . 34 Discussion Risks of methylmercury toxicity in the Swedish sample population . 36 Increasing fish intake . 36 Choosing between several estimates of the NOAEL . 37 Modeling the effect of genetic polymorphisms . 38 A systems approach to mercury toxicity. 39 Setting a new critical limit . 40 Summary and Conclusions . 42 Literature Cited. 43 Appendix A: STELLA Diagram of the Modified Biological Model. 46 Appendix B: STELLA Code of the Modified Biological Model . 47
Genetics of Platelet Glycoprotein Receptors: Risk of Thrombotic Events and Pharmacogenetic Implications

Platelet aggregation and coronary thrombosis have a central role in the development of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction (MI). Therapies aimed at inhibiting platelet aggregation have shown great benefit in individuals with coronary disease or with multiple risk factors for coronary disease. Genetic variation in platelet surface receptors mediating thrombus formation has been suggested to be associated with platelet hyperreactivity, with increased risk of MI and possibly with the benefit received from various antithrombotic drug treatments. This review focuses on discrepancies and their likely explanations in studies on platelet glycoprotein genetics. Current knowledge on important issues concerningcoronary event phenotypes and pharmacogenetics is analyzed. Possible future applicability of these data to patient treatment isalso discussed.
THE PHARYNGEAL FLORA OF AGED PATIENTS: EFFECT OF A PENICILLIN (SODIUM NAFCILLIN) ADMINISTERED ORALLY

This is a preliminary report. The objective of our study was to determine a general classification for the pharyngeal bacteria of aged patients, and to observe the effect on these bacteria of a penicillin (sodium nafcillin, Unipen ) administered orally. It has long been known that, with aging, patients beromc increasingly susceptible to bacterial infections, particularly pneumonia (1). Presumably, pneumonia-causing agents enter by way of the upper respiratory tract. We wished to ascertain if significant organisms and carrier states could be delineated in the aged. After identification of the organisms, the recognition of whether or not they arc normal in the pharynx remains one of the great problems in medicine (2). Since so many of the findings in our unpublished series of autopsy cases as well as data from the literature (3, 4) show that bacteremia is often present in patients dying from various causes, it seemed desirable to determine whether some type of oral antibiotic therapy would modify the flora of the upper respiratory passages and act as a prophylactic agent. Our findings are not definitive, but indicate that such modification is a possibility.