Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of polyomavirus type BK replication and nephropathy in renal-transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Nephropathy associated with the polyomavirus type BK (BKV) nephropathy has emerged as a cause of allograft failure linked to immunosuppressive regimens containing tacrolimus or mycophenolate mofetil. The presence of viral inclusions, known as "decoy cells," in urine and the presence of BKV DNA in plasma have been proposed as markers for the replication of BKV and associated nephropathy, but data from prospective studies have been lacking. METHODS In a prospective, single-center study, we followed 78 renal-transplant recipients who were receiving immunosuppressive therapy that included tacrolimus (37 patients) or mycophenolate mofetil (41 patients). Urine was tested for the presence of decoy cells at routine visits. BKV DNA was measured 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation and whenever decoy cells were detected. The viral load in plasma was quantified with the use of a real-time polymerase-chain-reaction method. Renal biopsy was performed if allograft function deteriorated. RESULTS Twenty-three patients had decoy-cell shedding a median of 16 weeks after transplantation (range, 2 to 69), 10 patients had BKV viremia at a median of 23 weeks (range, 4 to 73), and 5 had BKV nephropathy at a median of 28 weeks (range, 8 to 86). Kaplan-Meier estimates of the probability of decoy-cell shedding, viremia, and nephropathy were 30 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 20 to 40 percent), 13 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 5 to 21 percent), and 8 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 1 to 15 percent), respectively. Antirejection treatment, particularly with corticosteroids, was associated with BKV replication and nephropathy. The viral load in plasma was higher in patients with BKV nephropathy than in those without nephropathy (P<0.001 by the Mann-Whitney test). BKV antibodies were detected in 77 percent of the 78 patients before transplantation, including 4 of 5 with BKV nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS BKV nephropathy in renal-transplant recipients represents a secondary infection associated with rejection and its treatment in most cases and could be monitored by measuring the viral load in plasma.
Independent Association Between Improvement of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Reduced Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE Only a few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and none have examined whether NAFLD improvement reduces T2DM incidence. We investigated the association between NAFLD improvement and T2DM incidence. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Between 2000 and 2012, 4,604 participants who underwent a health check twice with >10 years between were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were positive hepatitis B surface antigen, positive hepatitis C antibody, ethanol intake >20 g/day, and diabetes. The 3,074 eligible participants were divided into an NAFLD group (n = 728) and a non-NAFLD group (n = 2,346) according to ultrasonography-detected fatty liver. The NAFLD group was categorized into an improved group (n = 110) and a sustained NAFLD group (n = 618) based on fatty liver disappearance at the second visit. Incident T2DM odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, BMI, impaired fasting glucose, family history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and physical exercise. RESULTS T2DM occurred in 117 participants (16.1%) in the NAFLD group and 72 (3.1%) in the non-NAFLD group. NAFLD at baseline was associated with T2DM incidence (multivariate OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.60–3.52]). T2DM occurred in 7 participants (6.4%) in the improved group and in 110 (17.8%) in the sustained NAFLD group. NAFLD improvement was associated with reduced T2DM incidence (multivariate OR 0.27 [95% CI 0.12–0.61]). CONCLUSIONS NAFLD improvement is associated with T2DM incidence reduction.
Exploring teacher influence on the lives of students fro m diverse elementary schools in a rural Midwestern community

Background. Student achievement and adequate yearly progress (AYP) have practitioners and researchers alike searching for strategies that will sustainable student academic growth. One area of study that may inform practitioners is furthering an understanding of student-teacher relationships for students of di! ering abilities and in di! erent types of schools and situations. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the level of teacher in"uence perceived by #fth grade students from poverty and a$uent schools in a rural midwestern community. Method. Research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with data collected from 24 semi-structured student interviews. Results. Results indicated similarities between the perceptions of teacher in"uence for students in poverty and a$uent schools on school-related issues, as well as di! erences in perceptions of overall teacher in"uence on their lives, especially on non-school related issues. Conclusions. An implication of the study is that students in poverty tend to have weaker foundational relationships with parents and lack trust of adults in general, and therefore may not have the emotional and psychological building blocks to naturally form strong relationships with teachers. Recommendations include concentrated e! orts in mentoring students of poverty, as well as promoting experiences with in"uential adults in order to build stronger positive relationships both in and out of school.
Competitive Structure of U.S. Grain Exporters in the World Market: A Dynamic Panel Approach

The objective of this study is to analyze the competitive structure of U.S. wheat, corn, and soybeans exporters in the world market. A dynamic twoiⓒway panel estimator is utilized in the analysis in place of typically used twoiⓒway fixed effects panel estimator. A broader (in terms of the number of destination markets) and more recent data sample is analyzed in this study in comparison to previous studies in order to reflect vast changes that occurred in world grain markets during the last twenty years. Results indicate the presence of pricingiⓒtoiⓒmarkets behavior by U.S. grain exporters overall, and toward some importing countries in particular.
Register-based studies on continuity, collaboration and equity in general practice

Background: Continuity of care, collaboration regarding patients and equity in service delivery are core values and quality elements in general practice. Aim: To assess how these core values are reflected in the practice of Norwegian general practitioners (GPs) and to explore the impact of GP-, listand population characteristics on the variation in practice concerning these core values. Method: Cross-sectional nationwide register based studies of GPs, GPs’ lists and GPs’ practice activities from different years in the period 2002–2009 Results: 78% of consultations in the list patients system were with the regular GP when this GP were in regular practice during a year. Personal continuity was highest for patient > 60 years, patients using GP most frequently and by GPs with larger list size. However, in a one fourth of lists > 32% of all consultations were with another GP. On average, GPs participated in 30 patient centred multidisciplinary meetings in one year and 54% of meetings concerned mental problems. Rates of participation varied considerably among GPs. GP age 20 minutes and use of medical procedures in consultations did not differ. The higher workload for GPs with more disadvantaged list populations was associated with shorter lists. Young people had low consultation rates. Markers of high workload by GPs were associated with lower rates of consultations with young people. Conclusion: Overall, the core values continuity, collaboration and equity are clearly reflected in Norwegian general practice, but with considerable variations between GPs. Improvements and more uniform practice are needed, especially regarding collaboration in teams and in GP services for young people.
Use of molecular subtyping in surveillance for Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium.

BACKGROUND Because Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium is the most common serotype isolated from persons with salmonellosis in the United States, it is difficult to detect unusual clusters or outbreaks. To determine whether molecular subtyping could be useful in public health surveillance for S. enterica serotype typhimurium, the Minnesota Department of Health initiated the routine use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of isolates. METHODS Beginning in 1994, all S. enterica serotype typhimurium isolates submitted by clinical laboratories to the Department of Health were subtyped by PFGE. A standard questionnaire was used to interview patients about possible sources of infection. RESULTS From 1994 through 1998, 998 cases of infection with S. enterica serotype typhimurium were reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (4.4 cases per 100,000 person-years). PFGE was performed on 958 of the isolates (96 percent), and 174 different patterns were identified. Sixteen outbreaks with a common source were identified, accounting for 154 cases. PFGE subtyping made it possible to confirm 10 outbreaks that involved small numbers of cases in institutional settings. Of six larger, community-based outbreaks, four would probably not have been recognized without PFGE subtyping. These four outbreaks accounted for 96 of the 154 culture-confirmed outbreak cases (62 percent). Fifty-six of 209 isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility (27 percent) were resistant to at least five antimicrobial agents. The multidrug-resistant isolates identified had unique PFGE patterns. CONCLUSIONS Routine molecular subtyping of S. enterica serotype typhimurium by PFGE can improve the detection of outbreaks and aid in the identification of multidrug-resistant strains. Combining routine molecular subtyping with a method of rapid communication among public health authorities can improve surveillance for S. enterica serotype typhimurium infections.
Executive remuneration in South Africa : key issues highlighted by shareholder activists

The growing wage gap in South Africa has far-reaching socio-economic consequences. This study investigated the nature of executive remuneration issues raised by shareholder activists in the country. An analysis of 24 510 votes cast by 17 investment managers at 347 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2013 revealed that the vote to endorse companies’ executive remuneration policies evoked the most opposition. Well-known shareholder activist, Theo Botha also criticized companies for failing to disclose sufficient details on their remuneration policies. A disconnect between the performance of companies and their executives’ pay was also noted. It is recommended that the non-binding vote on executive remuneration be revised and more investor education provided. The growing wage gap in South Africa has far-reaching socio-economic consequences. This study investigated the nature of executive remuneration issues raised by shareholder activists in the country. An analysis of 24 510 votes cast by 17 investment managers at 347 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2013 revealed that the vote to endorse companies’ executive remuneration policies evoked the most opposition. Well-known shareholder activist, Theo Botha also criticized companies for failing to disclose sufficient details on their remuneration policies. A disconnect between the performance of companies and their executives’ pay was also noted. It is recommended that the non-binding vote on executive remuneration be revised and more investor education provided.
Physical Activity, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Subfractions and Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase in Dialysis Patients

Background/Aims: Although a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease, the mechanism of HDL-C abnormality in hemodialysis (HD) as well as peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of physical activity with HDL-C subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in HD and PD patients. Methods: Thirty-five HD and 26 PD patients were studied. Physical activity was estimated as the average number of steps taken per day over 7 days (steps/day). Results: When possible confounding factors were included in the stepwise multiple regression analyses, in HD patients, steps/day was significantly positively related to HDL2-C and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, while it was significantly positively related to HDL3-C in PD patients. When subjects were subdivided into 3 groups according to steps/day, in HD patients, the highest category of steps/day had significantly higher HDL2-C and Apo A-I than the lowest category, while such results were not observed in PD patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that the associations of physical activity with HDL-C subfractions and Apo A-I that are known in the general population are more pronounced in HD patients than PD patients.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF LAMBLIA DUODENALIS. I. BODY SURFACE, SUCKING DISC AND MEDIAN BODIES.

SYNOPSIS. The body surface, sucking disc and median bodies of Lamblia duodenalis have been studied on ultrathin sections in the electron microscope. The body is covered by a pellicle, displaying a striated structure in the area of the sucking disc. The striation is due to 150 A thick dense ridges which are spaced in distances of 200–400 A. The ridges are formed by the internal pellicular membrane and have a triangular cross section with a very dense apex. They are arranged concentrically and run parallel to the surface of the sucking disc lobes. Anteriad to the nuclei in the median line a space is free of ridges. The margin of the sucker is elevated above the body forming a sharp crest of the ridged pellicle. This crest is the inner wall of a marginal groove delimiting the sucker from the body. The outer margin is circumscribed by a fold in the body tapering to the posterior end. A ventral groove containing the two ventral flagella lies in the median line. The movement of the ventral flagella pushes the medium through the marginal and ventral grooves thus producing vacuum in the sucker area. The median bodies are composed of numerous 150 A thick tubular fibrils. They differ in their ultrastructure from the parabasal apparatus in other flagellates and have nothing in common with the kinetoplasts. Their functional significance awaits elucidation.
Antigenotoxic activities of crude extracts from Acacia salicina leaves

For centuries, plants have been used in traditional medicines and there has been recent interest in the chemopreventive properties of compounds derived from plants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of extracts of Acacia salicina leaves on the genotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) and nifuroxazide in the SOS Chromotest. Aqueous, total oligomers flavonoids (TOF)‐enriched, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were prepared from powdered Acacia leaves, and characterized qualitatively for the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and sterols. All the extracts significantly decreased the genotoxicity induced by 1 μg B(a)P (+S9) and 10 μg nifuroxazide (−S9). The TOF‐enriched and methanol extracts decreased the SOS response induced by B(a)P to a greater extent, whereas the TOF‐enriched and the ethyl acetate extracts exhibited increased activity against the SOS response produced by nifuroxazide. In addition, the aqueous, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts showed increased activity in scavenging the 1,1‐diphenyl‐ 2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, while 100–300 μg/ml of all the test extracts were active in inhibiting ${\rm O}_2^{\cdot-}$ production in a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system. In contrast, only the petroleum ether extract was effective at inhibiting nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by the superoxide radical in a nonenzymatic ${\rm O}_2^{\cdot-}$‐generating system. The present study indicates that extracts of A. salicina leaves are a significant source of compounds with antigenotoxic and antioxidant activity (most likely phenolic compounds and sterols), and thus may be useful for chemoprevention. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebral Vein and Dural Sinus Thrombosis in Portugal: 1980–1998

There is insufficient information on the prognosis and safety of anticoagulation in acute cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVDST). To describe the clinical aspects and medical management of CVDST in Portuguese hospitals, to evaluate the safety of anticoagulation in this setting, and to identify subgroups of CVDST patients with different prognoses, we registered symptomatic CVDST patients admitted to Portuguese hospitals since 1980. Cases were collected from file review up to 6/95 and from consecutively admitted patients from 6/95 to 6/98. One hundred and forty-two patients were included from 20 centers (51 retrospectively and 91 prospectively). One hundred and twelve patients (79%) were anticoagulated. There were only 6 new intracranial hemorrhages (4 in anticoagulated patients) and 2 systemic hemorrhages. Nine (6%) patients died. At discharge, 96 (68%), had recovered completely and only 6 (4%) were dependent (Rankin ≧3). Significant multivariate predictors of death/dependency were central nervous system infection as a predisposing cause (odds ratio, OR = 15.4; 95% confidence interval CI = 111–1.1), encephalopathy on admission (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 18.7–1.5) and hemorrhage on admission CT/MR (OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 12.9–1). Significant predictors of complete recovery were no encephalopathy on admission (OR = 5; 95% CI = 12.5–2.1), age <45 years (OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 9.2–1.6) and anticoagulation (OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 9.6–1.5). It is possible to identify CVDST patients with potential bad or good prognosis in the acute phase. Anticoagulation was safe and a predictor of complete recovery in acute CVDST.
Influence of aspirin on post-extraction bleeding – A clinical study

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of aspirin on post-extraction bleeding in a clinical setup. Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients aged between 50 and 65 years who were indicated for dental extraction for endodontic reason were selected from the outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The patients were randomly divided into aspirin continuing group (group A) and aspirin discontinuing group (group B). After checking all the vital signs, the extractions were carried out. Bleeding time and clotting time were recorded for evaluation by Chi-square test. Results: Chi-square test revealed that the bleeding time increased (3.8 ± 0.75) in group A patients continued with the aspirin therapy where as group B discontinued aspirin. Similarly, the clotting time increased in group B patients and decreased in group A patients. But in both the groups, bleeding and clotting time remained within normal limits. Conclusion: Reviewing most of the dental and medical literature, it can be concluded that there is absolutely no need to discontinue antiplatelet therapy for any ambulatory dental procedure, and even if the practitioner wishes to discontinue, it should not be for more than 3 daAQ2ys. This is also stated in the guidelines of the American Heart Association.
The surgical experience with annuloaortic ectasia at the medical university of south carolina

Hemodynamically significant aortic insufficiency can result from dilitation of the aortic valve annulus in association with an ascending aortic aneurysm (annuloaortic ectasia). Controversy has centered around the optimal surgical management. This study evaluates the results of total replacement of the aortic valve and ascending thoracic aorta with a valved aortic prosthesis and reimplantation of the coronary arteries in a small series. In 7 patients with a mean preoperative New York Heart Association Classification (NYHAC) of III, there have been no operative or long‐term mortalities, and the average upgrade in NYHAC is 1.6. There have been no major complications or technical difficulties. The composite approach to the repair of patients with annuloaortic ectasia is described and advocated.
A Support for Developers Implement the Accessibility Guidelines Regarding to Web Menus

Web pages are composed of elements, such as menus that are responsible for assisting navigation on the website. However, many of the menus are not developed properly, which creates accessibility barriers and hinders access to the contents. This paper aims to present a method for creating accessible menus. Initially, we studied the different types of menus and the accessibility guidelines involving the creation of accessible menus. From the studies, we developed a meta-model that gave rise to AMenu language, where we included all the technical details regarding to accessibility. Then, we developed the AMeG tool to facilitate the use of language. Finally, we conducted a case study with developers, in order to verify the feasibility of the approach, arguing its efficiency and limitations. The results indicate a reduction in efforts to develop accessible web menus, since developers do not have to deal with technical details of accessibility.
Hemostatic Function and Progressing Ischemic Stroke: D-dimer Predicts Early Clinical Progression

Background and Purpose— Early clinical progression of ischemic stroke is common and is associated with increased risk of death and dependency. We hypothesized that activation of the coagulation system is an important contributor in some cases of deterioration. We aimed to characterize alterations in circulating hemostatic markers in patients with progressing stroke. Methods— Consecutive acute ischemic stroke admissions were recruited. Progressing stroke was defined by deterioration in components of the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. Hemostatic markers (coagulation factors VIIc, VIIIc, and IXc, prothrombin fragments 1+2 [F1+2], thrombin–antithrombin complexes [TAT], D-dimer, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor [vWF] and tissue plasminogen activator) were measured within 24 hours of symptom recognition. Results— Fifty-four (25%) of the 219 patients met criteria for progressing stroke. F1+2 (median 1.28 versus 1.06 nmol/L, P = 0.01), TAT (5.28 versus 4.07 μg/L, P < 0.01), D-dimer (443 versus 194 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and vWF (216 versus 198 IU/dL, P < 0.05) levels were higher in these patients than in stable/improving patients. In logistic regression analysis, with all important clinical and laboratory variables included, only natural log D-dimer (odds ratio [OR]: 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38 to 2.54; P = 0.0001) and mean arterial blood pressure (OR: 1.26 per 10 mm Hg change; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.51; P = 0.01) remained independent predictors of progressing stroke. Conclusions— There is evidence of excess thrombin generation and fibrin turnover in patients with progressing ischemic stroke. Measurement of D-dimer levels can identify patients at high risk for stroke progression. Further research is required to determine whether such patients benefit from acute interventions aimed at modifying hemostatic function.