Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alprazolam attenuates vasopressin-stimulated adrenocorticotropin and cortisol release: evidence for synergy between vasopressin and corticotropin-releasing hormone in humans.

Alprazolam (APZ), a triazolobenzodiazepine with unique clinical utility, has potent inhibitory effects on the human hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Because APZ inhibits CRH secretion from isolated rat hypothalami and inhibits the probable CRH-mediated effect of naloxone on ACTH release, it is likely APZ acts as an inhibitor of hypothalamic CRH release in humans. The two principal physiological ACTH secretagogues are CRH and arginine vasopressin (AVP). We studied the ACTH and cortisol responses to an ACTH-releasing dose of AVP with and without preadministration of APZ in humans. Our hypothesis was that acute CRH deprivation by APZ would attenuate the ACTH response to vasopressin, as CRH and AVP act synergistically to control ACTH release. This synergy may depend on activation of subpopulations of corticotropes, some of which require both CRH and AVP together to elicit an ACTH response and/or intracellular "cross-talk" between second messenger pathways stimulated by the secretagogues. APZ (2 mg, orally) was given to eight healthy volunteers 90 min before AVP (0.0143 IU/kg BW, iv) in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled design during afternoon studies. ACTH and cortisol levels were measured at frequent intervals from 60 min before to 120 min after AVP injection. APZ reduced the mean integrated ACTH and cortisol responses to AVP by 67% and 70% respectively [ACTH, 161.6 +/- 59.7 vs. 53.0 +/- 20.9 pmol/min.L (P = 0.022); cortisol, 9314 +/- 3310 vs. 2763 +/- 1472 nmol/min.L (P = 0.020, AVP vs. APZ/AVP, respectively)]. APZ reduced the mean peak ACTH and cortisol responses to AVP by 57% (P = 0.023) and 40% (P = 0.0012), respectively. AVP levels were not significantly different in those who received APZ or placebo. This study provides further evidence of the potent inhibitory effects of APZ on ACTH and cortisol release in humans and is the first to find that APZ inhibits AVP-stimulated ACTH and cortisol release. This study also suggests that CRH/AVP synergy is an important physiological mechanism for ACTH release in humans, as indicated by the blunted ACTH response to AVP after APZ-mediated acute CRH deprivation. Inhibition of the pituitary-adrenal axis by APZ may explain its unique efficacy in psychiatric disorders thought to be associated with dysregulation of hypothalamic CRH release.
Governance Initiatives Creating a Demand-Driven E-Commerce Approach: The Case of Denmark

The Danish e-commerce strategy is a highly ambitious effort to become the world's leading IT nation. Instead of a production-led approach aimed at stimulating domestic hardware and software production, Denmark has pursued a demand-oriented approach focused on promoting the widespread adoption of e-commerce in the Danish society. The Danish government has developed a number of e-commerce initiatives via public-private sector partnerships--an approach we refer to as "governance. " So far, it appears that Denmark has been successful in promoting business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, with a number of Danish companies being global leaders in the use of B2B applications. On the other hand, Denmark has had less success in achieving widespread use of business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce. This article analyzes the Danish national environment for e-commerce, discusses four sets of governance initiatives aimed at the development of e-commerce, and analyzes the reasons for its success in B2B and relative failure in B2C adoption.
Expression of the Pax2 transcription factor is associated with vestibular phenotype in the avian inner ear

The paired‐domain transcription factor Pax2 is involved in many facets of inner ear development, but relatively little is known about the expression or function of Pax2 in the mature ear. In this study, we have used immunohistochemical methods to characterize the expression patterns of Pax2 in the sensory organs of inner ears from posthatch chicks. Immunoreactivity for Pax2 was observed in the nuclei of most hair cells and supporting cells in the vestibular organs. In contrast, Pax2 expression in thechick cochlea was limited to hair cells located in the very distal (low frequency) region. We then used organotypic cultures of the chick utricle to examine changes in Pax2 expression in response to ototoxic injury and during hair cell regeneration. Treatment with streptomycin resulted in the loss of most Pax2 immunoreactivity from the lumenal (hair cell) stratum of the utricle. During the early phases of regeneration, moderate Pax2 expression was maintained in the nuclei of proliferating supporting cells. Expression of Pax2 in the hair cell stratum recovered in parallel with hair cell regeneration. The results indicate that Pax2 continues to be expressed in the mature avian ear, and that its expression pattern is correlated with a vestibular phenotype. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
A benefit-cost analysis of nurse practitioner training.

take part of the clinical work currently performed by physicians. In this paper the economic returns to the program are assessed from the viewpoint of (i) the individual, (ii) society , and (iii) the government budget. The results indicate that the nurse practitioner program is economically profitable for the individual and society, but profitable for the government only if the nurse practitioners remain in the labour for ce for 30
Fatigue in systemic sclerosis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES To systematically review fatigue in systemic sclerosis (SSc) in terms of prevalence, features, correlates, predictors and management. METHODS We performed a literature search in PubMed (Medline), EBSCO and COCHRANE databases up to June 2017 selecting articles regarding fatigue in SSc. The articles finally selected fulfilled the following eligibility criteria: written in English, referred to fatigue in SSc, reporting original data, including validated questionnaires measuring fatigue. RESULTS A total of 43 records were included. Fatigue in SSc has a prevalence similar to that of other rheumatic diseases and is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptom experienced by SSc patients. Fatigue leads to a significant impairment of quality of life, parenting, household and work ability. Fatigue is associated with psychosocial factors (depression, pain and sleep disorders), sociodemographic factors and clinical manifestations of the disease (pulmonary and gastrointestinal involvement). Indeed, the relationship with scores of disease activity is uncertain. Pharmacological therapeutic approaches were broadly ineffective in reducing fatigue. More encouraging results concern physical activity, complementary and alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS Adequate management of fatigue could lead to a marked improvement of the patient's quality of life, also contributing to reduction in SSc indirect costs.
Health care costs in the last four years of life for private health plan beneficiaries in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To examine health care use and expenditures by Brazilians covered by private health care plans in the last four years of life. METHODS Health plan provider enrollee files and death certificate data were used for 274 health plan beneficiaries who died in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Resources used for a beneficiary in the year of death and in the three years prior to death were identified. Descriptive statistical analyses were used for clinical and socio-demographic characteristics and to describe the costs. RESULTS Of the 274 deaths included in this analysis, 92 occurred in 1998, 82 in 1999, and 100 in 2000. Most of the deceased were males (61.4%). Distribution in terms of type of health plan coverage (full versus hospitalization-only coverage) was similar among beneficiaries (53% had hospitalization only and 47% had full coverage). The total health plan expenditure in the last four years of life for the 274 decedents was US$ 26,300,283 (US$ 12,287,723 for beneficiaries with hospitalization-only and US$ 14,012,560 for those with full coverage). Expenditures increased progressively in the four years preceding death. About 70% of medical expenses for decedents in the four years of this analysis were incurred in the last year of life. CONCLUSION Relatively large amounts of health care resources are used by Brazilian private health plan participants in their last year of life, suggesting that specific strategies are needed to optimize the allocation of medical care resources for these patients.
Alteration of rCBF in Alzheimer's disease patients with delusions of theft

We investigated the neural substrate of the delusion of theft in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nine AD patients with only one type of delusion (delusions of theft) and nine age, cognitive function-matched AD patients without any type of delusions were selected from 334 consecutive outpatients of Ehime University Hospital. All subjects underwent 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT scanning, and SPECT images were analyzed by Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM). AD patients with delusions of theft showed significant hypoperfusion in the right medial posterior parietal region compared to patients without delusions. Our data suggest that attention impairment or lack of awareness of illness caused by right parietal dysfunction might play a role in producing the delusion of theft.
Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans

NovaSil clay (NS) provides significant protection from the adverse effects of aflatoxins (AFs) in multiple animal species by decreasing bioavailability from the gastrointestinal tract. It is postulated that NS clay can be safely added to human diets to diminish exposure and health risks from AF contaminated food. To determine the safety and tolerance of NS in humans and establish dosimetry protocols for long-term efficacy studies, a randomized and double-blinded phase I clinical trial was conducted. Volunteers (20–45 yr in age), were clinically screened for confirmation of their health status. Fifty subjects (23 males and 27 females) were randomly divided into two groups: The low-dose group received nine capsules containing 1.5 g/day, and the high-dose group received nine capsules containing 3.0 g/day for a period of 2 wk. NS capsules were manufactured in the same color and size and were distributed to each participant three times a day at designated sites where follow-up was taken to record any side effects and complaints. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the study for laboratory analysis. All participants completed the trial and compliance was 99.1%. Mild GI effects were reported in some participants. Symptoms included abdominal pain (6%, 3/50), bloating (4%, 2/50), constipation (2%, 1/50), diarrhea (2%, 1/50), and flatulence (8%, 4/50). No statistical significance was found between the two groups for these adverse effects (p > 0.25). No significant differences were shown in hematology, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, vitamins A and E, and minerals in either group. These results demonstrate the relative safety of NS clay in human subjects and will serve as a basis for long-term human trials in populations at high risk for aflatoxicosis.
Determination of homogeneous linewidth by spectral gain hole-burning in an erbium-doped fiber amplifier with GeO/sub 2/:SiO/sub 2/ core

Spectral gain hole-burning was observed at low temperatures in an erbium-doped fiber amplifier with GeO/sub 2/:SiO/sub 2/ core. At the peak wavelength lambda =1.535 mu m, homogeneous linewidths determined from the observed hole widths have a power-law dependence on temperature. At room temperature, the extrapolated homogeneous linewidth is 4 nm and the inhomogeneous linewidth is 8 nm. <<ETX>>
Phase 2, randomized, open‐label study of ramucirumab in combination with first‐line pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy in patients with nonsquamous, advanced/metastatic non–small cell lung cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–mediated angiogenesis plays an important role in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ramucirumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGF receptor 2. This phase 2 study investigated ramucirumab in combination with first‐line pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy in advanced/metastatic NSCLC.
Technetium‐99m‐labelled HL91 and technetium‐99m‐labelled MIBI SPECT imaging for the detection of ischaemic viable myocardium: a preliminary study

Purpose: The assessment of myocardial viability has become an important aspect of the diagnostic and prognostic work‐up of patients with coronary artery disease. Technetium‐99m labelled sestamibi (99mTc‐MIBI) myocardial perfusion imaging may underestimate the viability of ischaemic myocardium. Technetium‐99m labelled 4,9‐diaza‐3,3,10,10‐tetramethyldodecan‐2,11‐dione dioxime (99mTc‐HL91) is a hypoxia‐avid agent which can identify acutely ischaemic viable myocardium in a canine model using a standard gamma camera. The aim of this study was to evaluate uptake character of ischaemic viable myocardium and diagnostic performance of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging by 99mTc‐HL91 and 99mTc‐MIBI in detecting ischaemic viable myocardium in coronary heart disease.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Focus among Libyan Jews in Israel

A countrywide search for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Israel disclosed 29 cases with onset between 1963 and 1972. Incidence in various ethnic groups varied in the narrow range of 0.4 to 1.9 per million population except among Jewish immigrants from Libya, among whom the incidence was 31.3 per million. An extraordinary excess of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease exists in this ethnic group.
Deep-sequencing approach for minimal residual disease detection in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) during therapy is the strongest adverse prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We developed a high-throughput sequencing method that universally amplifies antigen-receptor gene segments and identifies all clonal gene rearrangements (ie, leukemia-specific sequences) at diagnosis, allowing monitoring of disease progression and clonal evolution during therapy. In the present study, the assay specifically detected 1 leukemic cell among greater than 1 million leukocytes in spike-in experiments. We compared this method with the gold-standard MRD assays multiparameter flow cytometry and allele-specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (ASO-PCR) using diagnostic and follow-up samples from 106 patients with ALL. Sequencing detected MRD in all 28 samples shown to be positive by flow cytometry and in 35 of the 36 shown to be positive by ASO-PCR and revealed MRD in 10 and 3 additional samples that were negative by flow cytometry and ASO-PCR, respectively. We conclude that this new method allows monitoring of treatment response in ALL and other lymphoid malignancies with great sensitivity and precision. The www.clinicaltrials. gov identifier number for the Total XV study is NCT00137111.
Experimental determination of mobility scattering mechanisms in Si/HfO/sub 2//TiN and SiGe:C/HfO/sub 2//TiN surface channel n- and p-MOSFETs

We demonstrate by an extensive experimental study of HfO/sub 2//TiN and SiO/sub 2//TiN gate stacked-transistors compared with the SiO/sub 2//poly-Si reference, that the hole mobility is mainly degraded by the surface roughness (SR) linked to the presence of TiN. We thus propose high mobility SiGe or SiGe:C surface channel pMOSFETs with HfO/sub 2//TiN gate stacks using an adequate valence band engineering near the dielectric/channel interface (up to 100% hole mobility enhancement at E/sub eff/ = 1 MV/cm). On the other hand, the electron mobility with HfO/sub 2//TiN gate stacks is reduced by remote Coulomb scattering (RCS).
Evidence of association of human papillomavirus with prognosis worsening in glioblastoma multiforme.

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor in adults, but its etiology still remains unknown. Recently, a role of viruses such as cytomegalovirus and JC virus in gliomagenesis has been suggested. Since human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the most common oncogenic virus in humans, we evaluated its occurrence in GBM samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-two formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary glioblastoma specimens were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of HPV genome on tumor DNA was assessed by MY/GP nested PCR. Confirmation of HPV detection was obtained by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with an antibody directed against the L1 capsidic protein. Finally, univariate and multivariate proportional-hazards models were used to compare the risk of death among HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. RESULTS Strikingly, viral DNA was detected after PCR in 12 cases (23%). HPV16 genome was present in 25% infected samples, whereas the remaining samples tested positive for HPV6. CISH confirmed positivity in all infected samples for which enough material was available. Moreover, IHC positivity suggested that production of viral proteins from HPV genome is an ongoing process in GBM cancer cells. Finally an association between HPV infection and a worse prognosis was found in patients upon age stratification with a univariate analysis (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.00-4.44; log-rank P = .045). CONCLUSIONS HPV infection status may be considered an independent prognostic factor in GBM patients and suggests that prevention may be considered, should HPV be recognized as a causative agent in gliomagenesis.
Delusional disorder, somatic type treated with aripiprazole—mirtazapine combination

Delusional disorder, somatic type (DDST) is a rare psychiatric disorder and the treatment is mostly based on observations, due to the lack of well-organized studies. Initially, antipsychotics and especially pimozide were considered to be the pharmacological approach of choice but, subsequently, tryciclic anti—depressants and selective serotonin re—uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were also suggested to be effective, implicating the serotonergic system in the pathophysiology of the disorder. We present the case of a female with DDST, who responded to aripiprazole—mirtazapine combination, a finding that is in accordance with the initial approach of this disorder as a part of the schizophrenic spectrum, but also supports the hypothesis of serotonin dysfunction in DDST.
Prevalence of and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection in a Canadian emergency department.

OBJECTIVE We sought to estimate the period prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) and evaluate risk factors for MRSA SSTI in an emergency department (ED) population. METHODS We carried out a cohort study with a nested case-control design. Patients presenting to our ED with a wound culture and a discharge diagnosis of SSTI between January 2003 and September 2004 were dichotomized as MRSA positive or negative. Fifty patients with MRSA SSTI matched by calendar time to 100 controls with MRSA-negative SSTI had risk factors assessed using multivariate conditional logistic regression. RESULTS Period prevalence of MRSA SSTI was 54.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.2%-59.4%). The monthly period prevalence increased from 21% in January 2003 to 68% in September 2004 (p < 0.01). Risk factors for MRSA SSTI were injection drug use (IDU) (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% CI 1.4-16.1), previous MRSA infection and colonization (OR 6.4, 95% CI 2.1-19.8), antibiotics in 8 weeks preceding index visit (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-8.1), diabetes mellitus (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.4-12.1), abscess (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.8-17.1) and admission to hospital in previous 12 months (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-11.2). CONCLUSION The period prevalence of MRSA SSTI between January 2003 and September 2004 was 54.8% at our institution. There was a marked increase in the monthly period prevalence from the beginning to the end of the study. Risk factors are IDU, previous MRSA infection and colonization, prescriptions for antibiotics in previous 8 weeks and admission to hospital in the preceding 12 months. On the basis of local prevalence and risk factor patterns, emergency physicians should consider MRSA as a causative agent for SSTI.
Temperature and Vibration Robustness of Reflecting All-Fiber Current Sensor Using Common Single-Mode Fiber

Temperature and vibration robustness of a reflecting all-fiber current sensor (AFCS) using a common single-mode fiber (SMF) are analyzed theoretically and experimentally. The effect of the birefringence condition of the sensing fiber on the temperature and vibration sensitivity of the AFCS is shown via theoretical models. The temperature and vibration sensitivity of the AFCS using an orthoconjugate retroreflector are almost entirely independent of the birefringence condition of the fiber. Thus, this configuration is preferable for a reflecting AFCS using an SMF. The experimentally observed temperature and vibration sensitivity of AFCSs using different fibers and configurations support this conclusion.
Is the strength of direct antiglobulin test important for the duration of phototherapy?

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the grades of positivity of the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and their effects on the duration of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice. DAT reactions of blood samples were graded as (1+), (2+), (3+) and (4+). DAT was positive in 80 neonates who were exposed to phototherapy due to jaundice. Patients with positive DAT reactions are classified in the study as follows: 34 newborns were DAT (1+), 18 newborns were DAT (2+), 16 newborns were DAT (3+) and 12 newborns were DAT (4+). We found that higher grades of positivity of DAT are associated with extended duration of phototherapy (r = 0.436, p < 0.05). Additionally, DAT (4+) reactions are more predictive for a prolonged duration of phototherapy requirement than the other grades (p < 0.0001).
Sex differences in serum lipids and lipoproteins at birth

Abstract. In a study of 1426 males and 1391 females at birth the mean concentrations of cholesterol in total serum, in the sum of very low density and low density lipoproteins and in high density lipoprotein were significantly higher in females than in males. No sex difference was present in the concentration of triglycerides either in total serum or in the lipoprotein fractions.
Minimizing Schedule Length Subject to Minimum Flow Time

The problem of scheduling n independent tasks on $m \geqq 1$ identical processors, with the objective of minimizing the schedule length under the constraint that it must have minimum flow time, is considered. For nonpreemptive scheduling, it is known that the problem is NP-hard. This paper shows that the problem is a lot easier for preemptive scheduling. Specifically, an $O(n\log n)$ time algorithm to find an optimal preemptive schedule is given. This algorithm generates schedules with at most $m - 1$ preemptions. It is also shown that an optimal nonpreemptive schedule can be almost twice as long as an optimal preemptive schedule. The results suggest that preemption is extremely beneficial in simultaneously minimizing the flow time and the schedule length.