Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does atorvastatin influence serum C-reactive protein levels in patients on long-term hemodialysis?

BACKGROUND The increase in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is an independent determinant of cardiovascular events in long-term hemodialysis (HD) patients. Recently, statins have shown anti-inflammatory properties in addition to their lipid-lowering effect. METHODS We designed a 6-month, prospective, randomized, controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin in reducing serum CRP levels in long-term HD patients. Patients on HD therapy for at least 6 months, with autologous vascular access, were included. Patients presenting with illnesses and/or use of drugs that may affect CRP levels were excluded. After randomization, group A included 16 patients treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/d orally), and group B included 17 patients treated with placebo. Body mass index, Kt/V, normalized protein catabolic rate, mean blood pressure, and levels of hemoglobin, serum CRP, albumin, creatinine, lipids, and enzymes were recorded at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS Qualitative/quantitative parameters were homogeneous between the groups at baseline. In group A, median serum CRP levels decreased from 9 mg/L (range, 5 to 22 mg/L) at baseline to 5 mg/L (range, 3 to 16 mg/L) after 6 months (P = 0.004). In group B, values were 8 mg/L (range, 4 to 14 mg/L) at baseline and 7 mg/L (range, 3 to 17 mg/L) after 6 months (P = 0.98). Serum CRP levels were lower in group A than group B at month-4 (5 mg/L; range, 3 to 11 mg/L versus 7 mg/L; range, 3 to 10 mg/L, respectively; P = 0.054) and month-6 evaluations (5 mg/L; range, 3 to 16 mg/L versus 7 mg/L; range, 3 to 17 mg/L, respectively; P = 0.060). After 6 months, only in group A was there a significant decrease in serum cholesterol levels (P = 0.041) and a significant increase in serum albumin levels (P = 0.004). Enzyme levels were stable during the study in both groups. CONCLUSION Administration of atorvastatin is safe in patients on long-term HD therapy and, in addition to its beneficial effects on lipid levels, induces a significant decrease in serum CRP levels, with a consequential increase in serum albumin levels.
Colonization of Reproductive Organs and Internal Contamination of Eggs After Experimental Infection of Laying Hens with Salmonella heidelberg and Salmonella enteritidis

Internal contamination of eggs laid by hens infected with Salmonella enteritidis has been a prominent international public health issue since the mid-1980s. Considerable resources have been committed to detecting and controlling S. enteritidis infections in commercial laying flocks. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported a significant association between eggs or egg-containing foods and S. heidelberg infections in humans. The present study sought to determine whether several S. heidelberg isolates obtained from egg-associated human disease outbreaks were able to colonize reproductive tissues and be deposited inside eggs laid by experimentally infected hens in a manner similar to the previously documented behavior of S. enteritidis. In two trials, groups of laying hens were orally inoculated with large doses of four S. heidelberg strains and an S. enteritidis strain that consistently caused egg contamination in previous studies. All five Salmonella strains (of both serotypes) colonized the intestinal tracts and invaded the livers, spleens, ovaries, and oviducts of inoculated hens, with no significant differences observed between the strains for any of these parameters. All four S. heidelberg strains were recovered from the interior liquid contents of eggs laid by infected hens, although at lower frequencies (between 1.1% and 4.5%) than the S. enteritidis strain (7.0%).
MBARI's buoy based seafloor observatory design

There has been considerable discussion and planning in the oceanographic community toward the installation of long-term seafloor sites for scientific observation in the deep ocean. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has designed a portable mooring system for deep ocean deployment that provides data and power connections to both seafloor and ocean surface instruments. The surface mooring collects solar and wind energy for powering instruments and transmits data to shore-side researchers using a satellite communications modem. A specialty anchor cable connects the surface mooring to a network of benthic instrumentation, providing the required data and power transfer. Design details and results of laboratory and field testing of the completed portions of the observatory system are described
Reference Errors in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Literature

Objective Proper use of citation and quotation is crucial to the integrity of the medical literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of quotation and citation errors in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) journals and how they have changed over time. Study Design Literature review. Methods Fifty references were randomly selected from the first published issue of 2017 for 8 leading OHNS journals. These were analyzed for errors in citation (data elements by which the article is referenced) and quotation (factual inaccuracies of the reference). Citation errors were categorized as major, intermediate, or minor. Quotation errors were categorized as major or minor. Results were compared with data from 1997 articles. Results Citation errors occurred in 17% of all references studied, with 34% classified as major. Quotation errors occurred in 9%, with 69% classified as major. There was no association between journal impact factor and total number of errors (r = −0.33, P = .42). This compares with a 37% citation error rate (32% major) and 17% quotation error rate (65% major) from 1997. Conclusion Citation and quotation errors are still prevalent in the OHNS literature albeit decreased from previously reported data. Improvement in citation errors may be due to technological improvements in reference management. However, it is the continued responsibility of the authors, reviewers, and editors to further reduce error rates to maintain the integrity of our publications.
Dividend Policy, Stock Liquidity and Stock Price Informativeness

i Acknowledgement . ii Dedication . iii List of Tables . vii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1. Rationale of thesis . 1 1.2. Findings and contributions to literature . 5 1.2. 1. Dividend policy and stock liquidity . 6 1.2. 2. Dividend policy and systematic liquidity risk . 8 1.2. 3. Dividend policy, stock price informativeness and stock liquidity . 12 1.3. Structure of the thesis . 15 Chapter 2: Related Literature . 16 2.
Heterogeneity of left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction: results of the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardico-3 Echo Substudy.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular (LV) remodeling after acute myocardial infarction has still to be clarified in the thrombolytic era. METHODS To evaluate timing and the magnitude and pattern of postinfarct LV remodeling, a subset of 614 patients enrolled in the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto Miocardico-3 Echo Substudy underwent serial 2-dimensional echocardiograms at 24 to 48 hours from symptom onset (S1), at hospital discharge (S2), at 6 weeks (S3), and at 6 months (S4) after acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS During the study period the end-diastolic volume index (EDVi) increased (P <.001) and wall motion abnormalities (%WMA) decreased (P <.001), whereas ejection fraction (EF) remained unchanged. Nineteen percent of patients showed a > 20% increase in EDVi at S2 compared with S1 (severe early dilation), and 16% of patients showed a > 20% dilation at S4 compared with S2 (severe late dilation). Independent predictors of severe in-hospital LV dilation were relatively small EDVi (odds ratio [OR] 0.961, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.947-0.974, P =.0001) and relatively large %WMA (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.013-1.048, P =.0005). Similarly, smaller predischarge EDVi (OR 0.975, 95% CI 0. 963-0.987, P =.0001), greater %WMA (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.008-1.045, P =.0042), and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (OR 2.261, 95% CI 1.031-4.958, P = 0.0417) independently predicted severe late dilation. Importantly, 92% of the patients with severe early dilation did not have further dilation at S4, and 91% of patients with severe late dilation did not have in-hospital dilation. EF was unchanged over time in patients with early dilation, whereas it significantly decreased in those with late dilation. CONCLUSIONS Although in-hospital LV enlargement is not predictive of subsequent dilation and dysfunction, late remodeling is associated with progressive deterioration of global ventricular function over time: patients with extensive %WMA and not significantly enlarged ventricular volume before discharge are at higher risk for progressive dilation and dysfunction.
Metal-Free Deoxygenation and Reductive Disilylation of Nitroarenes by Organosilicon Reducing Reagents.

A metal-free deoxygenation and reductive disilylation of nitroarenes was achieved using N,N'-bis(trimethylsilyl)-4,4'-bipyridinylidene (1) under mild and neutral reaction conditions, and a broad functional group tolerance was possible in this reaction. Mono-deoxygenation, giving a synthetically valuable N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)phenylhydroxylamine (7 a) as a readily available and safe phenylnitrene source from nitrobenzene, and double-deoxygenation, giving N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)anilines 8, were easily controlled by varying the amounts of 1 and reaction temperature as well as adding dibenzothiophene (DBTP). Reaction of 2-arylnitrobenzenes with 1 resulted in the formation of the corresponding carbazoles 14 via in situ-generated phenylnitrene species derived by thermolysis of N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)phenylhydroxylamines 7, followed by their subsequent intramolecular C-H insertion. In addition, the intramolecular N-N coupling reaction proceeded in the reduction of 2,2'-dinitrobiphenyl derivatives by 1, giving the corresponding benzo[c]cinnolines.
INTERMITTENT EXOTROPIA COURSE IN FRONTONASAL DYSPLASIA AND SEVERE ORBITAL HYPERTELORISM: CASE REPORT.

INTRODUCTION Frontonasal dysplasia is a rare condition of congenital structure malformations of the midface. Ophthalmologic abnormalities have been estimated to occur in 87% of cases of frontonasal dysplasia. CASE REPORT We report a case of type I frontonsal dysplasia in a 15-year old boy after the correction of severe hypertelorism, median nasal cleft w~ith a broad nasal root and associated decompensated intermittent exotropia with overaction. of the inferior oblique muscles and V pattern. He underwent bilateral lateral rectus recessions of 6.0 mm for intermittent exotropia when he was six years old. The correction of hypertelorism was performed with orbital rotation surgery when he was thirteen years old. For some time after strabismus surgery, the ocular alignment improved, but it deteriorated gradually. The ocular alignment improved after the hipertelorismus correction; however, intermittent exotropia deteriorated gradually again six to seven months later. On the last ophthalmologic examination, he had the ocular alignment on the level of small angle exotropia and associated hypertropia and occasionally even.small angle esotropiaat near. There was bilateral overelevation in addiction and V pattern, which remained unchanged after extensive facial bones surgical procedures. CONCLUSION The high incidence of ocular abnormalities, particularly exodeviations, indicates that the early assessment by an ophthalmologist should be a part of the initial evaluation of patients with frontonasal dysplasia to detect treatable visual or ocular problems.
Propolis Protects Endotoxin Induced Acute Lung and Liver Inflammation Through Attenuating Inflammatory Responses and Oxidative Stress.

Propolis is a natural bee product, and it has many effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihepatotoxic, and anticancer activity. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential in vivo anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties of propolis extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in rats. Forty-two, 3- to 4-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats were used in six groups. LPS (1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to rats in inflammation, inflammation + propolis30, and inflammation+propolis90 groups. Thirty milligram/kilogram and 90 mg/kg of propolis were given orally 24 h after LPS injection. After the determination of the inflammation in lung and liver tissues by 18F-fluoro-deoxy-d-glucose-positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET), samples were collected. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO), and DNA fragmentation were determined. The decrease of MDA levels in inflammation + propolis30 and inflammation + propolis90 groups was determined compared to the inflammation group in lung and liver tissues. The increase of SOD% inhibition in inflammation + propolis90 group was determined in liver, lung, and hemolysate compared to the inflammation group. Increased CAT activities in inflammation + propolis30 and inflammation + propolis90 groups were observed in liver tissue and hemolysate compared to inflammation group. In lung tissue, NO levels were lower in inflammation group compared to the control group, but DNA fragmentation levels were higher. 18F-FDG uptake of tissues in inflammation + propolis30 and inflammation + propolis90 groups was decreased compared to the inflammation group. In conclusion, the data of this study indicate that the propolis application may serve as a potential approach for treating inflammatory diseases through the effect of reducing inflammation and free oxygen radical production.
Individualizing Growth Hormone Dosing in Children

Much has been learned over the last three decades regarding the management of growth hormone (GH) treatment in children and adolescents. Current GH therapy enables most GH-treated children to attain a final height within the normal range and close to their target height. However, an optimal outcome is not always achieved and the approach to GH dosing differs among physicians and between countries. Furthermore, the individual response to GH varies dramatically between children, depending on age, the primary disease for which GH is prescribed and its severity, and other factors. Thus, the necessity to individualize treatment according to the specific needs of each child is being recognized. Consensus does not currently exist as to how to formulate individualized treatment plans. Nonetheless, a clear role for biochemical as well as auxological monitoring approaches has been established. Accurate determination of height velocity and interval height increase (expressed as the change in height z-score) continue to be the most important parameters in monitoring response to treatment. The importance of routinely monitoring serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein-3 is an emerging paradigm. Roles have been firmly established for this approach in the assurance of compliance and safety (particularly to avoid long-term theoretical risks). IGF monitoring also has important potential utility as a tool to assess and optimize response to GH therapy through dose adjustment. In the years to come, we expect multiple optimization strategies including approaches such as prediction modeling as well as serum IGF monitoring and dose adjustment to evolve and improve. Currently, trials evaluating the utility of GH dose titration aiming to maintain the IGF-I level within a narrow range are being evaluated. The results of such large prospective randomized trials will surely help identify the value of individualizing GH dosing.
Plasma‐Derived C1 Esterase Inhibitor for Acute Antibody‐Mediated Rejection Following Kidney Transplantation: Results of a Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Study

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is typically treated with plasmapheresis (PP) and intravenous immunoglobulin (standard of care; SOC); however, there is an unmet need for more effective therapy. We report a phase 2b, multicenter double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled pilot study to evaluate the use of human plasma‐derived C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH) as add‐on therapy to SOC for AMR. Eighteen patients received 20 000 units of C1 INH or placebo (C1 INH n = 9, placebo n = 9) in divided doses every other day for 2 weeks. No discontinuations, graft losses, deaths, or study drug‐related serious adverse events occurred. While the study's primary end point, a difference between groups in day 20 pathology or graft survival, was not achieved, the C1 INH group demonstrated a trend toward sustained improvement in renal function. Six‐month biopsies performed in 14 subjects (C1 INH = 7, placebo = 7) showed no transplant glomerulopathy (TG) (PTC+cg≥1b) in the C1 INH group, whereas 3 of 7 placebo subjects had TG. Endogenous C1 INH measured before and after PP demonstrated decreased functional C1 INH serum concentration by 43.3% (p < 0.05) for both cohorts (C1 INH and placebo) associated with PP, although exogenous C1 INH–treated patients achieved supraphysiological levels throughout. This new finding suggests that C1 INH replacement may be useful in the treatment of AMR.
How specialized volatiles respond to chronic and short-term physiological and shock heat stress in Brassica nigra.

Brassicales release volatile glucosinolate breakdown products upon tissue mechanical damage, but it is unclear how the release of glucosinolate volatiles responds to abiotic stresses such as heat stress. We used three different heat treatments, simulating different dynamic temperature conditions in the field to gain insight into stress-dependent changes in volatile blends and photosynthetic characteristics in the annual herb Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Heat stress was applied by either heating leaves through temperature response curve measurements from 20 to 40 °C (mild stress), exposing plants for 4 h to temperatures 25-44 °C (long-term stress) or shock-heating leaves to 45-50 °C. Photosynthetic reduction through temperature response curves was associated with decreased stomatal conductance, while the reduction due to long-term stress and collapse of photosynthetic activity after heat shock stress were associated with non-stomatal processes. Mild stress decreased constitutive monoterpene emissions, while long-term stress and shock stress resulted in emissions of the lipoxygenase pathway and glucosinolate volatiles. Glucosinolate volatile release was more strongly elicited by long-term stress and lipoxygenase product released by heat shock. These results demonstrate that glucosinolate volatiles constitute a major part of emission blend in heat-stressed B. nigra plants, especially upon chronic stress that leads to induction responses.
Intellectual capital and firm performance

Purpose This study sheds light on the relation between intellectual capital and firm performance. The study argues that traditional performance measurement based on accounting is still able to explore the relation between intellectual capital and performance. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted at 198 firms from two Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kingdom of Bahrain for the period 2014–2016. To measure intellectual capital, the value added intellectual coefficient model was adopted along with two measures of performance: accounting-based performance which is return on assets and market-based performance which is Tobin’s Q, in addition to the Random-Effects Regression. Findings Study findings came up with evidences that support the relationship between intellectual capital and accounting-based performance, but negates any relation between intellectual capital and market-based performance. The findings also revealed different results, between Saudi Arabia’s and those of Bahrain. Originality/value The study contributes to the debate on the validity of relating intellectual capital to the traditional accounting-based performance.
HIV Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Introduction: Limited studies and differential risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Africa calls for population-specific studies. We present results from the largest integrated biobehavioral survey among MSM in Africa to inform programming. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling to recruit MSM aged 18 and above. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and HIV-related risks were collected and all participants were tested for HIV, herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis-B virus (HBV), and syphilis Results: A total of 753 MSM with a mean age of 26.5 years participated in the study and 646 (85.7%) provided blood for biological testing. The prevalence of HIV was 22.3%, HSV-2 40.9%, syphilis 1.1%, and HBV 3.25%. Significant risk factors for HIV were age above 25, having no children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4 to 4.2], low HIV-risk perception (aOR, 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.3), receptive position (aOR, 8.7, 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.3), and not using water-based lubricants (aOR, 2.6, 95% CI: 1.0 to 4.5) during the last anal sex. Also associated with HIV infection was, having sexual relationships with women (aOR, 8.0, 95% CI: 4.1 to 15.6), engaging in group sex (aOR, 3.8, 95% CI: 1.6 to 8.4), HSV-2 seropositivity (aOR, 4.1, 95% CI: 2.6 to 6.5), and history of genital ulcers (aOR, 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 7.2). Conclusions: HIV infection and HSV-2 were highly prevalent among MSM. Low perceived HIV risk, practice of risk behaviors, and infection with HSV-2 were significant predictors of HIV infection. Behavioral interventions, HSV-2 suppressive therapies, and pre-exposure prophylaxis are highly needed.
Diabetes Causation Beliefs Among Spanish-Speaking Patients

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore how the inquiry of cultural diabetes causation beliefs can improve Hispanic/Latino patient self-management. Methods Two semistructured focus groups were conducted with 13 Hispanic/Latinos adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prior to taking part in the group discussion, participants completed a demographic survey and the Illness Perception Questionnaire–Revised. Results The top 5 diabetes causation items endorsed by participants per the questionnaire included stress or worry, behavior, hereditary, diet/eating habits, and family problems/worries. The qualitative analysis revealed stress as a recurring theme for a cause of diabetes. Work stress was specifically identified as a contributor to unhealthy eating and diabetes. Most participants were aware of and believed in susto and referred to it as coraje (anger). Participants believed that asking patients about their diabetes causation beliefs and emotional status can help health professionals (1) better understand the patient and (2) identify and prioritize diabetes treatments. Participants also indicated that the role of doctors is important and the encouragement that they give to patients is clinically and spiritually valued. Conclusions Stress was identified as a cause of diabetes in addition to unhealthy diets and heredity. Asking patients about diabetes causation beliefs and emotional status may help prioritize treatment and management goals.
Light emitting diode mediated photobiomodulation therapy improves orthodontic tooth movement and miniscrew stability: A randomized controlled clinical trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of light‐emitting diode‐mediated‐photobiomodulation therapy (LPT) on the stability of miniscrews, rate of orthodontic tooth movement, and interleukin‐1β levels in gingival and peri‐implant crevicular fluid.