Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forty Years of Faster Decline in Cigarette Smoking in California Explains Current Lower Lung Cancer Rates

Background: Declining lung cancer rates in California have been attributed to the California Tobacco Control Program, but may reflect earlier declines in smoking. Methods: Using state-taxed sales and three survey series, we assessed trends in smoking behavior for California and the rest of the nation from 1960 to 2008 and compared these with lung cancer mortality rates. We tested the validity of recent trends in state-taxed sales by projecting results from a model of the 1960 to 2002 data. Results: From 1960 to 2002, the state-taxed sales and survey data are consistent. Californians initially smoked more than the rest of the nation, but cigarette consumption declined earlier, dropping lower in 1971 with an ever widening gap over time. Lung cancer mortality follows a similar pattern, after a lag of 16 years. Introduction of the California Tobacco Control Program doubled the rate of decline in cigarette consumption. From 2002 to 2008, differences in enforcement and tax evasion may compromise the validity of the taxed sales data. In 2010, smoking prevalence is estimated to be 9.3% in California and 17.8% in the rest of the nation. However, in 2008, for the first time, both cigarette price and tobacco control expenditures were lower in California than the rest of the nation, suggesting that the gap in smoking behavior will start to narrow. Conclusion: An effective Tobacco Control Program means that California will have faster declines in lung cancer than the rest of the nation for the next 2 decades, but possibly not beyond. Impact: Tobacco control interventions need further dissemination. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2801–10. ©2010 AACR.
Anti-gene peptide nucleic acid specifically inhibits MYCN expression in human neuroblastoma cells leading to cell growth inhibition and apoptosis

We developed an anti-gene peptide nucleic acid (PNA) for selective inhibition of MYCN transcription in neuroblastoma cells, targeted against a unique sequence in the antisense DNA strand of exon 2 of MYCN and linked at its NH2 terminus to a nuclear localization signal peptide. Fluorescence microscopy showed specific nuclear delivery of the PNA in six human neuroblastoma cell lines: GI-LI-N and IMR-32 (MYCN-amplified/overexpressed); SJ-N-KP and NB-100 (MYCN-unamplified/low-expressed); and GI-CA-N and GI-ME-N (MYCN-unamplified/unexpressed). Antiproliferative effects were observable at 24 hours (GI-LI-N, 60%; IMR-32, 70%) and peaked at 72 hours (GI-LI-N, 80%; IMR-32, 90%; SK-N-KP, 60%; NB-100, 50%); no reduction was recorded for GI-CA-N and GI-ME-N (controls). In MYCN-amplified/overexpressed IMR-32 cells and MYCN-unamplified/low-expressed SJ-N-KP cells, inhibition was recorded of MYCN mRNA (by real-time PCR) and N-Myc (Western blotting); these inhibitory effects increased over 3 days after single treatment in IMR-32. Anti-gene PNA induced G1-phase accumulation (39–53%) in IMR-32 and apoptosis (56% annexin V–positive cells at 24 hours in IMR-32 and 22% annexin V–positive cells at 48 hours in SJ-N-KP). Selective activity of the PNA was shown by altering three point mutations, and by the observation that an anti-gene PNA targeted against the noncoding DNA strand did not exert any effect. These findings could encourage research into development of an anti-gene PNA–based tumor-specific agent for neuroblastoma (and other neoplasms) with MYCN expression.
The Burden of Unanticipated Government Spending

We study the impact of a government spending shock on the distribution of income and wealth between cohorts in a dynamic stochastic Overlapping Generations model with two types of households, Ricardian households and rule-of-thumb consumers. We demonstrate that an unexpected increase in government spending increases income inequality and decreases wealth inequality. In contrast to the conventional wisdom that the financing of additional expenditures by debt rather than taxes especially burdens young generations, we find that a debt-financed increase in government spending also harms Ricardian households during retirement, while workers close to retirement benefit. The crucial element in our analysis is a wealth effect that results from the decline in the price of capital due to higher government debt.
In vitro antimicrobial activity of Fill Canal, Sealapex, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Portland cement and EndoRez.

AIM To determine in vitro the antimicrobial activity of Fill Canal, Sealapex, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), Portland cement and EndoRez on various species of microorganisms. METHODOLOGY The diffusion method on Müller-Hinton agar (MH) was employed. A base layer was made using MH agar and five wells were made by removing agar at equidistant points. Sealers were placed into the wells immediately after manipulation. The microorganisms Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 were seeded by pour plate. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion and then incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Aliquots of 10 mL of 0.05% triphenyltetrazolium chloride gel were added for optimization and the zones of inhibition were measured. RESULTS Sealapex and Fill Canal demonstrated antimicrobial activity for all strains. For MTA and Portland cement, only E. coli was not inhibited. No antimicrobial activity was detected for EndoRez. CONCLUSIONS In this laboratory study, Fill Canal, Sealapex, MTA and Portland cement presented antimicrobial activity whilst EndoRez did not.
Randomized crossover comparison of the laryngeal mask airway classic with i-gel laryngeal mask airway in the management of difficult airway in post burn neck contracture patients

Purpose: The objective of the study was to compare the performance of i-gel supraglottic airway with cLMA in difficult airway management in post burn neck contracture patients and assess the feasibility of i-gel use for emergency airway management in difficult airway situation with reduced neck movement and limited mouth opening. Methods: Prospective, crossover, randomized controlled trial was performed amongst forty eight post burn neck contracture patients with limited mouth opening and neck movement. i-gel and cLMA were placed in random order in each patient. Primary outcome was overall success rate. Other measurements were time to successful ventilation, airway leak pressure, fiberoptic glottic view, visualization of square wave pattern. Results: Success rate for the i-gel was 91.7% versus 79.2% for the cLMA. i-gel required shorter insertion time (19.3 seconds vs. 23.5 seconds, P=0.000). Airway leak pressure difference was statistically significant (i-gel 21.2 cm H20; cLMA 16.9 cm H20; P=0.00). Fiberoptic view through the i-gel showed there were less epiglottic downfolding and better fiberoptic view of the glottis than cLMA. Overall agreement in insertion outcome for i-gel was 22/24 (91.7%) successes and 2/24(8.3%) failure and for cLMA, 19/24 (79.16%) successes and 5/24 (16.7%) failure in the first attempt. Conclusion: The i-gel is cheap, effective airway device which is easier to insert and has better clinical performance in the difficult airway management of the airway in the post burn contracture of the neck. Our study shows that i-gel is feasible for emergency airway management in difficult airway situation with reduced neck movement and limited mouth opening in post burn neck.
Stratifying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy: GCB/non-GCB by immunohistochemistry is still a robust and feasible marker

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive lymphomas that can be classified into three molecular subtypes by gene expression profiling (GEP): GCB, ABC and unclassified. Immunohistochemistry-based cell of origin (COO) classification, as a surrogate for GEP, using three available immunohistochemical algorithms was evaluated in TMA-arranged tissue samples from 297 patients with de novo DLBCL treated by chemoimmunotherapy (R-CHOP and R-CHOP-like regimens). Additionally, the prognostic impacts of MYC, BCL2, IRF4 and BCL6 abnormalities detected by FISH, the relationship between the immunohistochemical COO classification and the immunohistochemical expression of MYC, BCL2 and pSTAT3 proteins and clinical data were evaluated. In our series, non-GCB DLBCL patients had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), as calculated using the Choi, Visco-Young and Hans algorithms, indicating that any of these algorithms would be appropriate for identifying patients who require alternative therapies to R-CHOP. Whilst MYC abnormalities had no impact on clinical outcome in the non-GCB subtype, those patients with isolated MYC rearrangements and a GCB-DLBCL phenotype had worse PFS and therefore might benefit from novel treatment approaches.
Developing an Algorithm to Convert Routine Measures of Vision into Utility Values for Glaucoma

Purpose: Measures of quality of life called utility values (UVs) are needed to deliver the most cost-effective health care for glaucoma patients. UVs are rarely measured in clinical research and practice whereas clinical outcomes such as visual field are routinely collected. The aim of this study was to develop an algorithm that calculates UVs directly from combinations of routine measures of binocular visual field, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Methods: A total of 132 outpatients with primary open angle glaucoma were recruited. The Time Trade-off (TTO) question was administered during face-to-face interviews. Binocular ETDRS logMAR visual acuity (VAB), binocular Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity (CSB), and Humphrey 24-2 monocular visual field tests were performed on the same day. Integrated (binocular) visual field (IVF) scores were derived. Tobit regression analyses were used to model utility values based on combinations of IVF, VAB, CSB and other controlling factors. Results: UVs recorded for 123 cases correlated significantly with both clinical measures of binocular visual function (r = −0.47, IVF; r = −0.48, VAB; r = 0.50, CSB; P <0.0001) and measures of vision-specific quality of life (r = 0.54–0.6, P <0.0001). Two final models incorporate terms for IVF and VAB, with or without living arrangements, and explain 22% and 31% of variation in utilities. CSB was not included in either model due to co-linearity between CSB and VAB confounding the models. Conclusion: The models provide preliminary algorithms for predicting the expected UVs for glaucoma populations directly from clinical outcomes collected routinely in clinical practice.
On the Accuracy of the Gaussian Approximation for Performance Estimation in Optical DPSK Systems with In-Band Crosstalk

The Gaussian approximation is known to be quite accurate for estimating the system performance of an optically pre-amplified on-off keying (OOK) system in the presence of multiple in-band interferers. This paper assesses if similar accuracy can be also achieved in an optically pre-amplified differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) system. The probability density function of the decision variable at the receiver is computed as a function of the number of interferers, and it is observed that this variable statistic is clearly non-Gaussian even for a large number of interferers. It is also shown that, for a 1 dB power penalty and a 16 interferer scenario, the Gaussian approximation over-estimates the real value of the total crosstalk level by as much as 3.7 dB for DPSK signals, while for OOK signals this gap shrinks by approximately 2 dB.
N-Methyl-norsalsolinol, a putative dopaminergic neurotoxin, passes through the blood–brain barrier in vivo

In earlier studies the dihydroxylated tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives salsolinol and 2(N)-methyl-norsalsolinol (NMNorsal), a 2(N)-analogue of salsolinol, were identified as putative endogenous neurotoxins in patients with Parkinson's disease. Since a prominent blood–brain barrier (BBB) was described to exist for salsolinol, in the present study microdialysis experiments were performed to investigate the penetration of NMNorsal through the BBB into the caudate nucleus of the rat brain. After i.p. administration of NMNorsal (20 mg/kg), it could be detected in the dialysate of the caudate nucleus with a mean maximum after 40 min. There was no alteration in extracellular dopamine or 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels. Addition of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline (10 μM) to the perfusate did not modify NMNorsal levels in the caudate nucleus. To corroborate the microdialysis results, homogenates of the contralateral caudate nucleus were prepared and NMNorsal could also be detected. These findings indicate that NMNorsal is indeed able to pass through the blood–brain barrier of the rat brain.
Finding Paths in the Forest: A Meta-Analytic Study on Entry Mode Determination

A choice of mode to enter a new market will be determined by a variety of factors, which in the literature are normally categorised into three sets of exogenous variables: the Location, the Industry, and the Firm. Surprisingly given decades of research, the conclusion as to the exact impact of these variables has yet to be established. This study presents the findings of a synthesis of 85 primary studies via meta-analytic structural equation modelling that reveals the multivariate feature of entry mode decision. Our analysis demonstrates that: (1) the three variables do not directly determine the entry mode choice simultaneously, and (2) firm-specific variables may not have direct impact on the entry mode choice. This paper is concluded by suggesting paths for further research on internationalization decisions such as entry mode choice.
PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION IN RURAL RWANDA BASED ON SYMPTOM AND FUNCTIONAL CRITERIA

The authors’ objective was to estimate the prevalence of major depressive disorder among Rwandans 5 years after the 1994 genocidal civil war. They interviewed a community-based random sample of adults in a rural part of Rwanda using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and a locally developed functional impairment instrument. The authors estimated current rates of major depression using an algorithm based on the DSM-IV symptom criteria (A), distress/functional impairment criteria (C), and bereavement exclusionary criteria (E). They also examined the degree to which depressive symptoms compromise social and occupational functioning. Three hundred sixty-eight adults were interviewed, of whom 15.5% met Criteria A, C, and E for current major depression. Depressive symptoms were strongly associated with functional impairment in most major roles for men and women. The authors conclude that a significant part of this population has seriously disabling depression. Work on appropriate, feasible, safe, and effective mental health interventions should be a priority for this population.
The mediolateral temporomandibular joint disc position: an in vivo quantitative study.

AIMS Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs displaced simultaneously, dorsoventrally, and mediolaterally are assumed to be rotated. However, a pilot study performed with individualized oblique-axial scans on supposedly rotated discs did not show disc rotation consistently. The aim of this study was the quantitative evaluation of disc rotation on a larger sample size, assessing the mediolateral disc geometry and position by the use of a reference system determined by the condylar long axis. METHODS Eighty-five TMJs from 50 subjects were analyzed. One series of sagittal and 1 of 14 individualized oblique-axial magnetic resonance (MR) scans were taken for each joint. The dorsoventral disc position was diagnosed by means of the sagittal scans. The mediolateral disc width and position were then measured on every oblique-axial scan. The width and midline was computed for each disc and its deviation from the perpendicular to the condylar long axis was calculated. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed to study whether the disc width and the direction of the disc midline varied between discs normally positioned and anteriorly displaced. RESULTS The disc width varied significantly more within the anteriorly displaced discs than within the normal ones. The midline of the anteriorly displaced discs deviated more from the perpendicular to the condylar long axis than that of normally positioned discs and was mostly in a lateral direction. The disc midline also deviated more in the ventral than in the dorsal part of the disc. CONCLUSION Most anteriorly displaced discs were laterally displaced and showed a larger width variation than normally positioned discs. This fact seems to indicate disc deformation.
Accuracy of ultrasound imaging versus manual palpation for locating the intervertebral level

Background and Aims: Efficacy of epidural analgesia depends on placement of the epidural catheter at the appropriate level. Manual palpation using surface landmarks to identify the desired intervertebral level may not be a reliable method. Ultrasonography (USG) is an alternative technique but requires training and may increase procedure time. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasound (US) imaging with manual palpation for locating the intervertebral level. Material and Methods: We included postoperative adult patients without an epidural catheter who were scheduled to have a chest radiograph in the recovery room. A radio-opaque marker was placed at random at an intervertebral space along the thoracic or lumbar spine of the patient (in the field of the chest radiograph). The level of intervertebral space corresponding to the radio-opaque marker was determined by palpation technique by one anesthetist. Two other anesthetists (A and B) blinded to the result of manual palpation, independently used USG to determine the level of intervertebral space. A consultant radiologist assessed the radiographs to determine the correct position of the marker, which was judged to be the accurate space. Results: We recruited a total of 71 patients, of which 64 patients were included in the final analysis. Accurate identification by manual method was 31/64 (48%), by US A was 27/64 (42%) and by US B was 22/64 (34%). The difference in accuracy between manual palpation and US imaging was not statistically significant (P = 0.71). Conclusion: US imaging may not be superior to manual palpation for identifying intervertebral level.
Methadone disposition during the perinatal period in humans.

To determine clinical and analytical feasibility of studies of narcotic disposition in the perinatal period, an initial prospective study of methadone disposition in one female, in chronic methadone treatment for heroin addiction, throughout pregnancy and in her neonate have been carried out. Two additional methadone-maintained patients were studied to determine the levels of methadone in simultaneously obtained specimens of plasma and breast milk. A progressive lowering of plasma levels of methadone during late pregnancy was observed. Measurable amounts of methadone were found in amniotic fluid, but without evidence of significant accumulation in this fluid. The apparent excretory half-life of methadone in the neonate was 32.5 hr. Amounts of methadone in breast milk were very small; the ratio of milk to plasma concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 1.2 over multiple time points following a daily oral dose of methadone. The total amounts of methadone which could be delivered to a neonate during the first month of life in breast milk from a mother maintained on moderate doses of methadone (e.g., 50 mg) are very small (less than 60 micrograms/d).
Biological effects of sol–gel derived ZrO2 and SiO2/ZrO2 coatings on stainless steel surface—In vitro model using mesenchymal stem cells

The objective of this study was to determine biocompatibility of zirconia-based coatings obtained by the sol–gel method. Two matrices, ZrO2 and SiO2/ZrO2, were created and applied on stainless steel type 316L with dip-coating technique. The morphology and topography of biomaterials’ surface were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, while chemical composition was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, wettability and surface free energy were characterized. Biocompatibility of obtained biomaterials was evaluated using an in vitro model employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of adipose and bone marrow origin. Biological analysis included determination of proliferation activity and morphology of MSCs in cultures on synthesized biomaterials. Osteoinductive properties of biomaterials were determined both in non-osteogenic, as well as osteogenic conditions. The results showed that investigated biomaterials exerted different impact on MSCs. Biomaterial with ZrO2 layer was more biocompatible for adipose-derived MSCs, while SiO2/ZrO2 layer promoted proliferation of bone marrow derived MSCs. Moreover, hybrid coating exhibited greater osteoinductive properties than ZrO2 coating, both on cultures with adipose-derived stromal (stem) cells and bone marrow stromal cells. Observed biological effects may result not only from different chemical composition, but also from diverse wettability. The ZrO2 coating was characterized as hydrophobic layer, while SiO2/ZrO2 exhibited hydrophilic properties. The results obtained suggest that behavior of MSCs in response to the biomaterial may vary depending on their origin, therefore we postulate, that screening analysis of implants’ biocompatibility, should incorporate model applying both adipose- and bone marrow derived MSCs.
Inhibition of pathologic inflammation by leukocyte Ig‐like receptor B4 and related inhibitory receptors

Summary: Leukocyte immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like receptor B4 (LILRB4)(previously termed gp49B1) is a member of the Ig superfamily expressed constitutively on the surface of mast cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. LILRB4 inhibits IgE‐dependent activation of mast cells in vitro through its two immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) that recruit the src homology domain type‐2‐containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 into the cell membrane. Accordingly, Lilrb4−/− mice exhibit greater incidence and severity of IgE‐ and mast cell‐dependent anaphylactic inflammation compared with mice that express LILRB4. In addition, mast cell‐dependent inflammation induced by the interaction of stem cell factor (SCF) with its receptor Kit is also more severe in Lilrb4−/− mice, indicating that the counterregulatory function of LILRB4 extends beyond inflammation induced by Fc receptors, which signal through ITIMs, to responses initiated through a receptor tyrosine kinase. Indeed, pathologic inflammatory responses induced by activation of neutrophils with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone or with tissue‐specific autoantibodies are greatly exacerbated in Lilrb4−/− mice. The rapid upregulation of LILRB4 expression on neutrophils in Lilrb4+/+ mice in response to LPS suggests it is an innate counterregulatory response designed to reduce pathologic inflammation. Nevertheless, LILRB4 also serves a similar purpose for inflammation induced by the humoral adaptive immune response that is manifested through effector cells bearing Fc receptors.