Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of transsphincteric pressure and proximal gastric volume in acid reflux before and after fundoplication.

BACKGROUND & AIMS This study was conducted to explore the role of proximal gastric volume and transsphincteric pressure on acid reflux during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) both before and after laparoscopic fundoplication. METHODS Twenty GERD patients were studied before and after fundoplication along with 20 healthy controls. High-resolution manometry and pH recording was performed for 1 hour before and 2 hours following meal ingestion (500 mL/300 kcal). Three-dimensional ultrasonographic images of the stomach were acquired before and every 15 minutes after meal ingestion. RESULTS Postprandial proximal to total gastric volume distribution ratios were significantly larger in GERD patients before fundoplication (0.57 +/- 0.01; P < .05) and smaller following fundoplication (0.37 +/- 0.01; P < .001) compared with controls (0.46 +/- 0.01). The percentage of TLESRs associated with acid reflux did not relate to proximal gastric volume in any subject group. The transsphincteric pressure profile was different for TLESRs with and without reflux in GERD patients as well as in healthy controls. The pressure gradient across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) (DeltaEGJp) was greater for TLESRs with acid reflux compared with TLESRs without acid reflux in both GERD patients (11.4 +/- 0.8 vs 8.0 +/- 0.5 mm Hg, respectively; P < .01) and controls (10.6 +/- 0.7 vs 7.1 +/- 0.8 mm Hg, respectively; P < .05). After fundoplication, DeltaEGJp during TLESRs was 7.9 +/- 0.9 mm Hg, and the transsphincteric pressure profile markedly changed. CONCLUSIONS Although proximal gastric volume plays a key role in eliciting TLESRs, it is not related to the incidence of acid reflux during TLESRs. The transsphincteric pressure gradient is greater in TLESRs associated with acid gastroesophageal reflux.
Vitamin C Supplementation Decreases Oxidative Stress Biomarker F2-Isoprostanes in Plasma of Nonsmokers Exposed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases in nonsmokers. Current research suggests that some of these diseases are associated with elevated oxidative stress. We investigated the effect of antioxidant (AO) intervention on the lipid peroxidation biomarker F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), an index of oxidative stress, in plasma of nonsmokers exposed to ETS (passive smokers). We measured free F2-IsoP concentrations in plasma of 67 passive smokers at baseline and after 2 mo of daily intervention with AOs or placebo. The study subjects (47 females, 20 males; mean age 46 ± 15) were randomized into one of three treatment groups: vitamin C, "mixture" (vitamin C, vitamin E, and α-lipoic-acid), and placebo. Investigated confounders included plasma baseline AO levels, lipid and total cholesterol profiles, transferrin saturation, and C-reactive protein. Plasma F2IsoP concentrations of subjects in the vitamin C and mixture groups decreased significantly by 17.2 pmol/l (P = 0.0105) and 19.2 pmol/l (P = 0.0083) when compared with the placebo group (11.4% and 12.7%, respectively). Daily AO supplementation (especially with vitamin C) decreases this oxidative stress biomarker in passive smokers. This finding might be of importance for the prevention of ETS-associated adverse health effects in nonsmokers.
Validity of DSM-IV ADHD predominantly inattentive and combined types: relationship to previous DSM diagnoses/subtype differences.

UNLABELLED Since 1980, three different diagnostic nomenclatures have been published regarding attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These changing conceptualizations and diagnostic criteria have generated considerable confusion. OBJECTIVE To examine the multidimensional DSM-IV ADHD criteria in relation to how children and adolescents with a previous DSM-III ADD diagnosis or a DSM-III-R ADHD diagnosis are diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. METHOD Children whose original diagnoses were according to DSM-III and DSM-III-R criteria received retrospective diagnoses according to DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS Predominantly inattentive (n = 30) and combined types (n = 26) were compared on their previous DSM-III and DSM-III-R diagnoses and on demographic, behavioral, cognitive, and comorbidity variables. Predominantly inattentive and combined type diagnoses corresponded with DSM-III ADD/WO and ADD/H diagnoses, respectively. The DSM-III-R ADHD diagnosis did not correspond with either DSM-IV subtype. Children with the combined type diagnosis had more externalizing codiagnoses, and their parents reported more externalizing, delinquent, and aggressive behaviors. Children with the predominantly inattentive type had more math learning disability codiagnoses. CONCLUSION Results support a multidimensional conceptualization of ADHD. There exists close correspondence between the DSM-III ADD/WO type and the DSM-IV predominantly inattentive type and between the DSM-III ADD/H type and the DSM-IV combined type.
Validation of the OMERACT Magnetic Resonance Imaging Joint Space Narrowing Score for the Wrist in a Multireader Longitudinal Trial

Objective. To assess the intrareader and interreader agreement and sensitivity to change of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Joint Space Narrowing (RAMRIS-JSN) score in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wrist in a longitudinal multireader exercise. Methods Coronal T1-weighted MR image sets of 1 wrist from 20 patients with early RA were assessed twice for JSN at 17 sites at baseline and after 36 or 60 months by 4 readers blinded to patient data but not time order. The joints were scored 0–4 according to the OMERACT RAMRIS-JSN score. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest detectable change (SDC), percentage exact/close agreement (PEA/PCA), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated. Results. Median baseline and change score was 10.3 and 1.9, respectively. Intrareader ICC for baseline and change scores was good (≥ 0.50) to very good (≥ 0.80) for all and 3 of 4 readers, respectively. Interreader ICC was very good for change (0.93), while poor for baseline score if all 4 readers were included (0.36), but very good if 1 reader was excluded (0.87). Intrareader and interreader SDC was low (2.34–3.18), except for the intrareader SDC for 1 reader (6.75). The mean PEA/PCA was high for baseline and change scores both within and between the readers (51.5–99.2), except for interreader baseline PEA (14.4). SRM was moderate for all readers (0.55–0.77). Conclusion. The OMERACT RAMRIS-JSN score showed high overall intrareader and interreader reliability, and moderate sensitivity to change, supporting inclusion of the measure as part of the OMERACT RAMRIS system.
Wild-type and attenuated influenza virus infection of the neonatal rat brain

Although influenza virus infection of humans has been associated with a wide spectrum of clinical neurological syndromes, the pathogenesis of influenza virus associated central nervous system (CNS) disease in humans remains controversial. To better study influenza virus neuropathogenesis, an animal model of influenza-associated CNS disease using human virus isolates without adaptation to an animal host was developed. This neonatal rat model of influenza virus CNS infection was developed using low-passage human isolates and shows outcomes in specific brain regions, cell types infected, and neuropathological outcomes that parallel the available literature on cases of human CNS infection. The degree of virus replication and spread in the rat brain correlated with the strains’ neurotoxicity potential for humans. In addition, using sensitive neurobehavioral test paradigms, changes in brain function were found to be associated with areas of virus replication in neurons. These data suggest that further evaluation of this pathogenesis model may provide important information regarding influenza virus neuropathogenesis, and that this model may have possible utility as a preclinical assay for evaluating the neurological safety of new live attenuated influenza virus vaccine strains.
Little Albert: A neurologically impaired child.

Evidence collected by Beck, Levinson, and Irons (2009) indicates that Albert B. , the "lost" infant subject of John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner's (1920) famous conditioning study, was Douglas Merritte (1919-1925). Following the finding that Merritte died early with hydrocephalus, questions arose as to whether Douglas's condition was congenital, rather than acquired in 1922, as cited on his death certificate. This etiology would imply that "Little Albert" was not the "healthy" and "normal" infant described by Watson and numerous secondary sources. Detailed analyses of Watson's (1923) film footage of Albert suggested substantial behavioral and neurological deficits. The anomalies we observed on film of Albert B. are insufficiently explained by his hospital upbringing but are consistent with findings from newly discovered medical records of Douglas Merritte. These documents revealed that the infant suffered from congenital obstructive hydrocephalus, iatrogenic streptococcal meningitis/ventriculitis, and retinal and optic nerve atrophy. The medical history also indicates that Albert's sessions with Watson occurred during periods when Douglas's clinical course was relatively stable. Further inquiries found ample sources of information available to Watson that would have made him aware of Douglas/Albert's medical condition at the times he tested the baby. Experimental ethics, Watson's legacy, and the Albert study are discussed in light of these new findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).
Prediction of soil moisture and rainfall induced landslides: A comparison of several PBL parameters in the WRF model

Rainfall intensity thresholds only do not take advantage of the awareness of the slope's hydrological processes, so they appear to produce large false and missed alert rates, decreasing the credibility of early warning systems for landslides. This study analyzes this dilemma by modeling the behavior of slopes to precipitation, including the potential effect of soil moisture uncertainty given by numerical modeling. For the simulation of soil moisture during the study period and event rainfall thresholds of an extreme event used to describe the intensity of a rainfall event, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used. The three days simulation conducted during a landslide event in Samigaluh, Kulon Progo on 28 November 2018. The four Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) parameters in the WRF model are compared to understand each character, i.e., Yonsei University (YSU), Mellor-Yamada-Janjic (MYJ), Shin-Hong (SH), and Bougeault-Lacarrère (BL). To evaluate the precipitation as simulated by WRF, we use observation data from rain gauge and the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS). In general, all parameters have an underestimation of precipitation. Each PBL parameter's response to rainfall is different. Both MYJ and SH schemes are closer to observation than others for day 1 and day 2 of simulation, daily precipitation. For all PBL schemes, increased soil moisture is seen, suggesting that the soil is wetter and more vulnerable to landslide events. As an early warning predictor of landslides in terms of rainfall parameters, the SH method is very useful in this analysis. For early warning of landslides, a short period (<6 hours) of precipitation with a high accumulation of precipitation would be very beneficial.
End-to-end throughput aware adaptive channel and route selection for enhancing system throughput in multi-hop radio networks

A distributed power, channel, and route selection scheme for multi-hop radio networks is proposed by extending multichannel asynchronous distributed pricing (MADP) algorithm, which is a power and channel selection scheme for single-hop radio networks. MADP algorithm achieves suboptimal system throughput in single-hop radio networks, however, since MADP algorithm allocates more resources to links with good quality, there may be a large difference in throughput among communication links. Particularly in multi-hop radio networks, MADP algorithm might not necessarily achieve high system throughput because the link with the lowest throughput limits the end-to-end throughput of a given multi-hop route. In order to achieve high system throughput in multi-hop radio networks, a modification of MADP algorithm named end-to-end throughput aware MADP (ETA-MADP) algorithm is proposed. It is proved that all links in a given multi-hop route have the same throughput through the use of ETA-MADP algorithm. Simulation results reveal that the introduction of the proposed algorithm achieves high spectral efficiency in multi-hop radio networks even with lower transmit power compared to that in single-hop radio networks.
[Paraneoplastic pemphigus revealing dendritic cell sarcoma originating from Castleman's disease of the neck].

INTRODUCTION Paraneoplastic pemphigus is associated with Castleman's disease. We report a case of paraneoplastic pemphigus at the stage of the sarcomatous transformation of Castleman's disease, present for many years but without concomitant paraneoplastic pemphigus. The pemphigus was manifested by the most unusual, exclusive, involvement of the mucosa of the mouth and lung. OBSERVATION A 32 year-old man suffering from extensive ulceration of the oral mucosa was hospitalized in December 2000 for alteration in his general status of health and acute respiratory failure. The search for intercellular anti-substance antibodies on rat spleen was positive, corresponding to anti-envoplakin IgG and leading to the diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus. The thoracic x-ray and scan revealed a hilum tumor, the histological examination of which confirmed the diagnosis of Castleman's disease concomitant to sarcomatous transformation. Following surgical treatment, the respiratory failure worsened. The patient improved with systemic corticosteroids at the dose of 2 mg/kg/d and chemotherapy was initiated. The patient died suddenly within the context of acute respiratory failure, three months after surgery. DISCUSSION This is a case of paraneoplastic pemphigus of unusual clinical and biological expression: exclusively mucosal involvement with obliterating bronchiolitis, explained by the isolated presence of antibodies recognizing envoplakin, without anti-desmoglein. The transformation of the Castleman tumor into a sarcoma may have unmasked intra-cellular antigens (plakins), initiating the specific immune reaction.
Testicular touch preparation cytology in the evaluation of male infertility

Background: Male infertility is traditionally evaluated by tissue core biopsies of the testes. Touch preparations (TP) of these biopsies have been infrequently used. The aim of this study is to report our experience with using testicular biopsy TP for the evaluation of male infertility. Materials and Methods: A retrospective search was performed for cases of testes biopsies with concurrent TP. These cases were evaluated for clinical information, specimen adequacy, and cytological–histological correlation. Results: A total of 39 cases were identified from men with a mean age of 34 years (range 23 to 50 years). TP slides were satisfactory for evaluation in 31 (89%) cases, and less than optimal in four due to low cellularity, obscuring blood or air drying artifact. Cytopathology showed concordance with the biopsy in almost all cases. In one discordant case where the biopsies showed no active spermatogenesis, a rare sperm were identified on the TP. Conclusions: TP of the testis is a helpful adjunct to biopsy because of its ability to clearly evaluate all stages of spermatogenesis. These data demonstrate that TP cytopathology of the testes in our experience has an excellent correlation with both normal testicular biopsies and those showing pathological spermatogenesis, and in rare cases may provide added benefit in evaluating the presence of spermatogenesis for male infertility. Albeit uncommon, cytopathologists may be required to identify and evaluate spermatogenic elements in cytology specimens being submitted from men with infertility.
Essential Role for Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 in Pancreatic β-Cell Death and Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes of Nonobese Diabetic Mice

OBJECTIVE—We have reported important roles for signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) in pancreatic β-cell death by cytokines in vitro. However, in vivo evidence supporting the role for STAT1 in natural type 1 diabetes has not been reported. We studied whether STAT1 plays an important role in the development of natural type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We produced nonobese diabetic (NOD)/STAT1−/− mice by backcrossing and studied the in vivo role of STAT1 in β-cell death and type 1 diabetes. RESULTS—STAT1−/− islet cells were resistant to death by interferon (IFN)-γ/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or IFN-γ/interleukin (IL)-1β combination. Cytochrome c translocation by IFN-γ/TNF-α was abrogated in STAT1−/− islet cells. The induction of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein by TNF-α was inhibited by IFN-γ in STAT1+/− islet cells but not in STAT1−/− islet cells. Inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase induction and NO production by IFN-γ/IL-1β were impaired in STAT1−/− islet cells. Strikingly, diabetes and insulitis were completely abrogated in NOD/STAT1−/− mice. Development of diabetes after CD4+ diabetogenic T-cell transfer was inhibited in those mice. STAT1−/− neonatal pancreata were not destroyed when grafted into diabetic NOD/BDC2.5 mice that developed CD4+ T-cell–dependent islet cell death. In NOD/STAT1−/− mice, autoreactive T-cell priming was not impaired, but Th1 differentiation was impaired. A janus kinase (JAK) 2 inhibitor upstream of STAT1 attenuated islet cell death by IFN-γ/TNF-α or IFN-γ/IL-1β and delayed diabetes onset in NOD/BDC2.5-SCID mice. CONCLUSIONS—These data demonstrate a critical role for STAT1 in β-cell death, T-cell immunoregulation, and type 1 diabetes in vivo and suggest potential therapeutic values of STAT1 or JAK inhibitors in the treatment/prevention of type 1 diabetes.
The Thatcher Illusion: Rotating the Viewer Instead of the Picture

Faces are difficult to recognise when presented upside down. This effect of face inversion was effectively demonstrated with the ‘Thatcher illusion’ by Thompson (1980 Perception 9 483–484). It has been tacitly assumed that this effect is due to inversion relative to retinal coordinates. Here we tested whether it is due to egocentric (ie retinal) inversion or whether the orientation of the body with respect to gravity also influences the face-inversion effect. A 3-D human turntable was used to test subjects in 5 different body-tilt (roll) orientations: 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. The stimuli consisted of 4 ‘normal’ and 4 ‘thatcherised’ faces and were presented in 8 different orientations in the picture plane. The subjects had to decide in a yes – no task whether the faces were ‘normal’ or ‘thatcherised’. Analysis of the d' values revealed a significant effect of stimulus orientation and body tilt. The significant effect of body tilt was due to a drop in d' values in the 135° orientation. This result is compared to findings of studies on the subjective visual vertical, where larger errors occurred in body-tilt orientations between 90° and 180°. The present findings suggest that the face-inversion effect relies mainly on retinal coordinates, but that in head-down body-tilt orientations around 135° the gravitational reference frame has a major influence on the perception of faces.
Standardisation of rapid in‐gel digestion by mass spectrometry

In‐gel digestion has been standardised using a poly(propylene) disposable. We designed a four‐step rapid and simple in‐gel digestion protocol which is carried out in one self‐contained reaction tube avoiding keratin contamination. In order to quantify the efficiency of in‐gel digestion, we developed a rapid on‐column peptide acetylation protocol. Results show that trypsin in‐gel uptake is increased and in‐gel digestion is 90% complete within 15 min. We further show that spectrum quality, peptide yield and sequence coverage for mass spectrometric analysis are enhanced. We utilise 2‐D PAGE separation of photosystem II from barley to demonstrate that the protocol facilitates identification of highly hydrophobic membrane proteins.
Learning How Programs Achieve their Impact: Embedding Theory-Driven Process Evaluation and Other Program Learning Mechanisms in Alive & Thrive

Background Traditionally, impact evaluations have focused primarily on answering what impact programs or interventions have, with less attention to how or why impacts are achieved, or not achieved. The Alive & Thrive initiative, a 6-year program that aims to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and reduce stunting in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, has a specific objective to generate learning on how to achieve and replicate Alive & Thrive's impact. Objective In Alive & Thrive, theory-driven process evaluation methods are the primary mechanism through which data are generated to address this objective. This paper focuses on the different methodological approaches that are being utilized, to answer the critical “how”; questions, and to generate information on the many processes and pathways to program impact. Methods We identify four key principles in our methodological approach that guides all process evaluation activities: 1) developing detailed program impact pathway (PIP) models, 2) linking data collection to PIPs utilizing mixed methods and multiple data sources, 3) linking evaluation activities with program implementation timelines, and 4) engaging with the program implementation and management teams. Results Beginning with the launch of the program, we outline the steps that have been taken in the design and implementation of the process evaluations of Alive & Thrive, and provide examples of how these steps have been operationalized in different country contexts. Conclusions This theory-driven and country- and component-specific approach, centered on careful analysis of PIPs, is intended to generate information on implementation and utilization pathways of Alive & Thrive's interventions, thereby answering the questions of how impacts are achieved, or why not. This evaluation approach is not without challenges, and we highlight some of these key challenges.
Testing Commitment Cost Theory in Choice Experiments

In choice experiments, it is commonly assumed that individuals make choices in static and certainty decision‐making conditions. Real‐world choices, however, are usually made in a dynamic setting. Committing a purchase decision under conditions of uncertainty might have a “Commitment Cost” (CC). In this study, we test CC theory using a nonhypothetical choice experiment. Specifically, we test whether choice behavior and willingness to pay estimates differ when individuals have the option to gain present or delayed information or reverse the transaction. Our results suggest that the construction of a dynamic decision context can be relevant in the design of choice experiments.