Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The "horse-racing effect" and predicting decline in forced expiratory volume in one second from screening spirometry.

Longitudinal spirometric data on adults in a general population sample confirmed an overall relationship between rate of change in FEV1 (delta FEV1) and mean FEV1/Ht3. This relationship between FEV1 "slope" and "level" has been called a "horse-racing effect" and is the basis for the widely accepted concept that detecting a low FEV1 will predict a rapid decline in FEV1 and the development of clinically significant COPD. However, when both age and smoking habits were taken into account, the effect persisted only in male smokers. Even in them, it was dependent on the inclusion of part of the delta FEV1 in calculation of the mean FEV1 value. While neither a low initial FEV1/Ht3 nor percent predicted FEV1 significantly predicted a subsequent rapid fall in FEV1, presumably because of regression toward the mean, other initial spirometric variables proved better predictors, at least among male smokers. In them, a low FEV1/FVC ratio on entry was almost uniformly associated with a high rate of decline in FEV1. This was not seen in ex-smokers with similar initial spirometric findings. Also, delta FEV1 could not be predicted with any precision in women regardless of their smoking status. The findings strongly support the concept that detection of early airway disease by spirometric screening will identify those male smokers who are likely to develop clinically significant illness if they continue to smoke and that smoking cessation, even at this point, can markedly improve the prognosis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Increased vascular endothelial cell markers in patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance haemodialysis

Plasma levels of the vascular endothelial cell markers, thrombomodulin (TM), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured in 55 patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD). TM, PAI-1 and vWF antigen levels were significantly increased in patients before HD, but t-PA antigen was not. Compared with levels before HD, t-PA and vWF antigens were significantly increased 1 h after HD and at the end of HD. TM antigen was significantly increased 1 h after HD, and plasma PAI-1 antigen was decreased at the end of HD. TM and vWF antigen levels were negatively correlated with the time (years) on HD. It is concluded that HD may cause endothelial cell damage and that the increases in plasma TM, PAI-1 and vWF levels before HD, and the decrease in the release of TM and vWF antigens from vascular endothelial cells, might be caused by vascular endothelial cell damage from long-term HD.
Pricing and Timing Strategies for New Product Using Agent-Based Simulation of Behavioural Consumers

In this study, we are interested in the problem of determining the pricing and timing strategies of a new product by developing an agent-based product diffusion simulation. In the proposed simulation model, agents imitate behavioural consumers, who are reference dependent and risk averse in the evaluation of new products and whose interactions create word-of-mouth regarding new products. Pricing and timing strategies involve the timing of a new product release, the timing of providing a discount on a new product, and the relative rates of discounts. We conduct two experiments in this study. In both experiments, we consider the urban young person segment in the mobile phone market in Korea, in which three major new products - two smartphones and one convergence product - compete with one another. The first experiment is sensitivity analysis on the product life cycle and social influence. The objective is to observe how consumer agents behave as the product life cycle and the degree of sensitivity on social influence change. The second experiment is sensitivity analysis on time-to-market, time-to-discount, and amount-to-discount. The marketing strategy that maximises the sales volume (or revenue) of the new convergence product is sought from the sensitivity analysis. Based on the result, we provide pricing and timing implications for firms pursuing sales volumes (or revenue) increase.
Parallel multicentre randomised trial of a clinical trial question prompt list in patients considering participation in phase 3 cancer treatment trials

Objective To evaluate the effect of a clinical trial question prompt list in patients considering enrolment in cancer treatment trials. Setting Tertiary cancer referral hospitals in three state capital cities in Australia. Participants 88 patients with cancer attending three cancer centres in Australia, who were considering enrolment in phase 3 treatment trials, were invited to enrol in an unblinded randomised trial of provision of a clinical trial question prompt list (QPL) before consenting to enrol in the treatment trial. Interventions We developed and pilot tested a targeted QPL for patients with cancer considering clinical trial participation (the clinical trial QPL). Consenting patients were randomised to receive the clinical trial QPL or not before further discussion with their oncologist and/or trial nurse about the treatment trial. Primary and secondary outcomes Questionnaires were completed at baseline and within 3 weeks of deciding on treatment trial participation. Main outcome measure: scores on the Quality of Informed Consent questionnaire (QuIC). Results 88 patients of 130 sought for the study were enrolled (43 males), and 45 received the clinical trial QPL. 49% of trials were chemotherapy interventions for patients with advanced disease, 35% and 16% were surgical adjuvant and radiation adjuvant trials respectively. 70 patients completed all relevant questionnaires. 28 of 43 patients in the control arm compared with 39 of 45 patients receiving the clinical trial QPL completed the QuIC (p=0.0124). There were no significant differences in the QuIC scores between the randomised groups (QuIC part A p=0.08 and QuIC part B p=0.92). There were no differences in patient satisfaction with decisions or in anxiety levels between the randomised groups. Conclusions Use of a question prompt list did not significantly change the QuIC scores in this randomised trial. ANZCTR 12606000214538 prospectively registered 31/5/2006. Trial registration number Results, ACTRN12606000214538.
Raising the Bar: Reassessing Standards for Procedural Competence

Background: How often passing standards for clinical skills examinations should be reexamined is unknown. Purpose: The goal is to determine if improved resident performance affects the passing standard imposed by expert judges. Method: In 2006, we set a passing standard for a central venous catheter insertion clinical skills examination using an expert panel. From 2007 to 2010, trainee scores improved steadily. In 2010, a new expert panel provided judgments for the examination using 4 consecutive years of resident performance data. Interrater reliabilities and test–retest reliability (stability) were calculated. Passing standards from 2006 and 2010 were compared. Results: Judgments provided were reliable and stable. The new passing standard was 88% for internal jugular and 87% for subclavian central venous catheter insertion compared to 79% for both sites in 2006. Conclusions: Cumulative performance data influenced experts to set a more stringent minimum passing standard. Standards should be regularly reviewed to ensure they are fair and appropriately rigorous.
Prognostic significance of p27Kip1 expression in colorectal cancer: a clinico‐pathological characterization

This study has evaluated the expression of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 in 89 colorectal cancers (CRCs) using immunohistochemistry and has related p27 levels to clinico‐pathological characteristics, tumour cell proliferation, and the expression of other G1–S transition regulatory proteins. Low levels of p27 were common in CRCs; 11 per cent of the tumours expressed very low levels and 44 per cent had p27 labelling indices (LIs) below 50 per cent. Except for depth of tumour invasion, no significant correlation was found between p27 expression and Dukes' stage, differentiation, growth pattern, tumour type or lymphocytic infiltration. Interestingly, tumours expressing low or very low p27 LIs were predominantly found in the right colon (p=0·026). Expression of p27 was a strong predictor of survival, both in univariate and in multivariate survival analyses; patients with tumours of p27 LI less than 50 per cent had an impaired prognosis (p=0·0069). p27 expression did not correlate with tumour cell proliferation, or with expression of cyclin D1 or the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). These findings support the view that p27 not merely controls cell cycle progression, but might be associated with other mechanisms responsible for aggressive tumour behaviour in colorectal cancer. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association Between the Menstrual Cycle and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes

Anterior cruciate ligament injury rates are four to eight times higher in women than in men. Because of estrogen's direct effect on collagen metabolism and behavior and because neuromuscular performance varies during the menstrual cycle, it is logical to question the menstrual cycle's effect on knee injury rates. Of 40 consecutive female athletes with acute anterior cruciate ligament injuries (less than 3 months), 28 (average age, 23 11 years) met the study criteria of regular menstrual periods and noncontact injury. Details concerning mechanism of injury, menstrual cycle, contraceptive use, and previous injury history were collected. A chi-square test was used to compute observed and expected frequencies of anterior cruciate ligament injury based on three different phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular (days 1 to 9), ovulatory (days 10 to 14), and luteal (day 15 to end of cycle). A significant statistical association was found between the stage of the menstrual cycle and the likelihood for an anterior cruciate ligament injury (P 0.03). In particular, there were more injuries than expected in the ovulatory phase of the cycle. In contrast, significantly fewer injuries occurred in the follicular phase. These hormones may be a factor in the knee ligament injury dilemma in women.
Actions of propofol on substantia gelatinosa neurones in rat spinal cord revealed by in vitro and in vivo patch‐clamp recordings

Propofol, an intravenous general anaesthetic, exerts anaesthetic actions through interaction with γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in the supraspinal nervous system. However, whether propofol has any significant effects on synaptic transmission at the spinal level and whether it exhibits antinociceptive action is still not fully clarified. Spontaneous activity and stimulus‐evoked responses of substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurones to noxious pinch stimuli were recorded using spontaneously breathing rats under propofol anaesthesia using in vivo whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques. Precise actions of propofol on GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) as well as excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in SG neurones were also analyzed in spinal cord slice preparations. At clinical doses (5 mg/kg), propofol reversibly depressed action potentials elicited by noxious mechanical stimuli applied to the skin in the majority (6/8) of SG neurons recorded under in vivo conditions. This depression may have been caused by interactions of propofol with GABAA receptors, as decay time of GABAergic sIPSCs was prolonged after propofol injection (128 ± 11% of control, n = 5) with minimal effect on EPSCs. Although prolongation of IPSCs in vivo was reversible, IPSCs were progressively prolonged even after washout of propofol when the effect was tested using spinal cord slices. Propofol had a mild depressant effect on Aδ‐ and C‐afferent‐mediated EPSCs. We conclude that systemic bolus injection of propofol reversibly depressed nociceptive transmission, at least in part, by enhancing postsynaptic GABAA receptor‐mediated responses in the SG.
Abnormal Vessel Architecture Persists in the Microvasculature of the Massive Weight-Loss Patient.

INTRODUCTION: Research demonstrates a link between obesity and increased circulating infl ammatory cytokines, leading to changes in the microvasculature. Massive weight loss (MWL) patients often experience delayed wound healing following body contouring procedures, however no studies exist to explore the inflammatory response of MWL on microvasculature. This study hypothesized MWL patients undergoing body-contouring procedures maintain persistently elevated infl ammatory markers in the microvasculature that delay wound healing.
Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with a New Xenograft: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Insufficient residual alveolar bone height is a common deterrent in the placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla. The use of autografts, xenografts, allografts and alloplasts or a combination between them has been demonstrated to be effective for increasing bone height and bone volume in the deficient posterior maxilla. PURPOSE The aim of this clinical trial is to comparatively determine the density of newly formed in sinus floor augmentation bone after a 24-week healing period treatment with a new bovine xenograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sinus floor was grafted with Bio-Oss® (n = 10) and Osseous® (n = 10). Histological sections were examined with a focus on the presence of connective tissue (CT) and newly formed bone (NFB). The sections were histomorphometrically evaluated and the definitive crown was inserted after 3 months. RESULTS After 6 months, the mean value of new bone formation was 24.60 (±2.503), the CT was 42.60 (±4.006) and the remaining biomaterial was 25.40 (±2.547) in Bio-Oss group. In Osseous group, the mean value of new bone formation was 24.90 (±3.542), the CT was 45.70 (±7.040) and the remaining biomaterial was 22.90 (±3.247). CONCLUSIONS Both biomaterials afforded a favorable implant position and the prosthetic rehabilitation.
Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Hypothyroidism in Canadian Women.

CONTEXT Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in a wide range of products, resulting in widespread human exposure. Epidemiological studies in some populations reported exposure to PBDEs and thyroid hormone levels but little epidemiological data are available among women from the general population. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine the association of PBDEs with hypothyroidism. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey. PARTICIPANTS A total of 745 women representative of Canadian women aged 30-79 years participated in the study. Main Outcome and Methods: We estimated the prevalence ratios (PRs) for hypothyroidism in relation to plasma concentrations of BDE-47, -99, -100, and -153 and their sum (ΣPBDEs). Women were identified as cases if they reported a doctor-diagnosed thyroid condition and underwent thyroid hormone replacement therapy (n = 90). RESULTS Higher plasma levels of brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)-47 and -100 and ΣPBDEs were associated with an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism. The PR for a 10-fold increase in ΣPBDEs was 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0, 3.0). Associations were consistently higher among women aged 30-50 years than among those 51-79 years for ΣPBDEs and the other PBDE congeners, although the interaction was significant only for BDE-100. For instance, in the younger age group, women with detectable levels of BDE-100 had a PR of 3.8 (95% CI 1.2, 12.3) compared with women with undetectable levels; the corresponding PR in the older age group was 1.2 (95% CI 0.6, 2.3). No association was observed for BDE-99 and -153. CONCLUSION Plasma PBDE levels were associated with an increased prevalence of hypothyroidism in Canadian women aged 30-50 years. Although the cross-sectional design of the study limits inferences of causality, these findings have important implications, given the key role of thyroid hormones in several biological mechanisms during reproductive age.
Appetite responds to changes in meal content, whereas ghrelin, leptin, and insulin track changes in energy availability.

CONTEXT It is uncertain how between-meal variations in energy availability and physiological changes in ghrelin, leptin, and insulin affect appetite. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to examine the influence on human appetite of the meal size and its nutrient content or changes in energy availability and concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin. DESIGN We conducted a crossover study manipulating meal size and energy availability through exercise energy expenditure and iv nutrient replacement (TPN). SETTING The study was performed at a Clinical Research Center. PARTICIPANTS Ten healthy postmenopausal women (age, 59.7 +/- 1.5 yr; mean body mass index, 26 kg/m(2)) were studied. INTERVENTIONS We conducted trials based on different morning meal size (418 vs. 2090 KJ), presence or absence of exercise energy expenditure (2273 to 2361 KJ), energy replacement by TPN (1521 to 1538 KJ), and a midday ad libitum meal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in hunger, fullness, midday ad libitum food consumption, and concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and metabolic fuels were measured. We also performed midday meal tests for the presence of caloric compensation. RESULTS Appetite was influenced by the size and energy content of the meals, but not by variation in energy availability which also did not trigger consummatory compensation. Exercise reduced hunger and increased fullness. Ghrelin, leptin, and insulin responded to changes in energy availability but not to meal size. Appetite was unaffected by physiological changes in ghrelin, leptin, or insulin. CONCLUSIONS During rest, appetite is influenced by the size and energy content of meals, but it bears no homeostatic relationship to between-meal changes in energy availability due to small meals, exercise, or TPN, or concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin.
Early CD4+ T Cell Help Prevents Partial CD8+ T Cell Exhaustion and Promotes Maintenance of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Latency

HSV-specific CD8+ T cells provide constant immunosurveillance of HSV-1 latently infected neurons in sensory ganglia, and their functional properties are influenced by the presence of latent virus. In this study, we show that ganglionic HSV-specific CD8+ T cells exhibit a higher functional avidity (ability to respond to low epitope density) than their counterparts in noninfected lungs, satisfying a need for memory effector cells that can respond to low densities of viral epitopes on latently infected neurons. We further show that lack of CD4+ T cell help during priming leads to a transient inability to control latent virus, which was associated with a PD-1/PD-L1 mediated reduced functional avidity of ganglionic HSV-specific CD8+ T cells. CD4+ T cells are not needed to maintain CD8+ T cell memory through 34 d after infection, nor do they have a direct involvement in the maintenance of HSV-1 latency.
Unconventional Quasiparticle Lifetime in Graphite.

The influence of electron-electron scattering on quasiparticle lifetimes in graphite is calculated. In the limit when the Fermi surface is reduced to isolated points in the Brillouin zone, the suppression of screening leads to deviations from conventional Fermi liquid behavior. The inverse lifetime increases linearly with energy, in agreement with recent experiments. Similar features should also be present in narrow gap semiconductors and in carbon nanotubes. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society. }
Early Events in the Fibrillation of Monomeric Insulin*

Insulin has a largely α-helical structure and exists as a mixture of hexameric, dimeric, and monomeric states in solution, depending on the conditions: the protein is monomeric in 20% acetic acid. Insulin forms amyloid-like fibrils under a variety of conditions, especially at low pH. In this study we investigated the fibrillation of monomeric human insulin by monitoring changes in CD, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 8-anilinonaphthalenesulfonic acid fluorescence, thioflavin T fluorescence, dynamic light scattering, and H/D exchange during the initial stages of the fibrillation process to provide insight into early events involving the monomer. The results demonstrate the existence of structural changes occurring before the onset of fibril formation, which are detectable by multiple probes. The data indicate at least two major populations of oligomeric intermediates between the native monomer and fibrils. Both have significantly non-native conformations, and indicate that fibrillation occurs from a betarich structure significantly distinct from the native fold.
Wearability and physiological effects of custom-fitted vs self-adapted mouthguards.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to measure the comfort, wearability, physiological effects and its influence on athletes' physical performance, of custom-fitted compared with self-adapted mouthguards (MGs). METHODS Eleven rugby players were put under specific efforts similar to those of the competition. Each player made three consecutive tests randomly wearing a commercially available 'boil-and-bite' self-adapted mouthguard (MG2), a custom-fitted mouthguard (MG3), and no mouthguard (reference). Forced expiratory air volume at 1 s (FEV(1)), expiratory flow rates peak (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), rebound (RB) jump 15 s, and counter-movement jump (CMJ) were measured on each player before and after the training exercise tests. Subjective evaluations by means of a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire took place. Comforts, adaptability, stability, tiredness, thirst, oral dryness, nausea, ability to talk, breathe, and drink were evaluated. RESULTS The wearing of the self-adapted MG showed significant improvement in PEF (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significance differences regarding the others spirometer parameters. In CMJ, there were no differences between both the MGs. On RB power was similar with both MGs and control. However, RB height reduced significantly wearing MGs. MG3 showed superior properties in comfort, adaptability, stability, and ability to talk and to breathe. CONCLUSIONS MG3 showed the smallest range of changes in players' performance, suggesting improved fit, comfort, and acceptation compared with MG2. Furthermore, its greatest advantage is the individualized design according to the proper anatomy of the oral cavity. Greater efforts must be made to improve the comfort of MGs if their use is to be increased.