Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical aspects of patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach operated on for cure.

BACKGROUND A retrospective study was performed to evaluate our recent results of curative gastric resections for adenocarcinoma. METHODS Between 1979 and 1988, 187 patients fulfilled study entry criteria. This group of patients composes 64% of all patients with tumors arising distal to the gastroesophageal junction. Tumors arising in the region of the gastroesophageal junction were excluded. Patients were classified according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification ( > or = 3, 56%) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ( > or = 2, 44%). Histologic characteristics were re-reviewed. INTERVENTIONS Subtotal and total gastrectomies were performed in 78% and 22% of the patients, respectively. Extended lymph node dissections were performed selectively (5%). Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were employed in 3% and 2% of patients, respectively. RESULTS Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 27% and 4%, respectively. Synchronous splenectomy (P = .06) and type of gastric resection (P = .06) showed a borderline association with postoperative complications, but did not affect postoperative mortality. With a median follow-up time of 47 months in all patients, and a median of 9 years in patients still alive, the 5- and 10-year overall survival rates (Kaplan-Meier method) were 48% and 32%, respectively. In univariate survival analysis, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, stage, tumor diameter, serosal extension of tumor lymph node metastases, and type of resection showed prognostic significance. In the Cox multivariate analysis, however, only serosal extension of tumor (P < .001) and lymph node metastases (P = .02) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS Despite the older age and comorbid conditions of patients with gastric cancer, 5-year survival was achieved in half the patients by standard radical operations. Until appropriate controlled prospective studies are performed, total gastrectomy, splenectomy, and extended lymph node dissection should not be routinely adopted, given their unproven efficacy and potentially increased morbidity and mortality.
Dynamic Multi-Connectivity Performance in Ultra-Dense Urban mmWave Deployments

Leveraging multiple simultaneous small cell connections is an emerging and promising solution to enhance session continuity in millimeter-wave (mmWave) cellular systems that suffer from frequent link interruptions due to blockage in ultra-dense urban deployments. However, the available performance benefits of feasible multi-connectivity strategies as well as the tentative service quality gains that they promise remain an open research question. Addressing it requires the development of a novel performance evaluation methodology, which should consider: 1) the intricacies of mmWave radio propagation in realistic urban environments; 2) the dynamic mmWave link blockage due to human mobility; and 3) the multi-connectivity network behavior to preserve session continuity. In this paper, we construct this much needed methodology by combining the methods from queuing theory, stochastic geometry, as well as ray-based and system-level simulations. With this integrated framework, both user- and network-centric performance indicators together with their underlying scaling laws can be quantified in representative mmWave scenarios. To ensure modeling accuracy, the components of our methodology are carefully cross verified and calibrated against the current considerations in the standards. Building on this, a thorough comparison of alternative multi-connectivity strategies is conducted, as this paper reveals that even simpler multi-connectivity schemes bring notable improvements to session-level mmWave operation in realistic environments. These findings may become an important reference point for subsequent standardization in this area.
Propranolol for migraine

Propranolol (Inderal - ICI), a β-blocking drug, has been successfully used to treat dysrhythmias, angina, hypertension, cardiomyopathies, thyrotoxicosis, essential tremor and anxiety states.1 Vascular changes are probably important in migraine,2 and because propranolol can alter vascular tone it has recently been tried as a prophylactic for this condition.
Non-binary classical error-correcting codes for quantum communication

We investigate the use of non-binary classical error-correcting codes in facilitating reliable, entanglement-assisted communication of classical information over quantum depolarising channels. A classical-quantum communication system is presented, which relies on error-correction in the classical domain to achieve an information rate that approaches the entanglement-assisted capacity of the quantum channel. Classical information is transmitted over the channel by means of the superdense coding protocol, and the impact of the noisy distribution of initial entanglement resources on the achievable information rate is considered. In this context, the transmission model is equivalent to a non-binary discrete symmetric classical channel, which motivates the use of non-binary error-correcting codes capable of exploiting correlations between the pairs of classical bits communicated via the superdense coding protocol. We illustrate this principle by showing that duo-binary turbo codes significantly outperform binary turbo codes in the considered scenarios.
Parathyroid hormone plus alendronate in osteoporosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases both bone formation (BMD) and bone resorption, whereas alendronate reduces bone resorption. It is possible that the combination therapy of PTH with alendronate will enhance their effects on BMD. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of the combination therapy of PTH with alendronate in the treatment of patients with osteoporosis. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relative studies. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCT), which assessed the efficacy of combination therapy in patients with osteoporosis. The outcomes included the mean percent increases in BMD of lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and distal radius. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using of random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the heterogeneity between the included studies. RESULTS Six RCTs with a total number of 833 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled estimates showed that, the combination therapy of PTH with alendronate resulted in a higher mean percent change of increased BMD in distal radius (WMD = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.58, 3.31; P = 0.000), but not in lumbar spine (WMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -3.48, 1.81; P = 0.538), femoral neck (WMD = -0.99, 95% CI: -2.04, 0.07; P = 0.068), and total hip (WMD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.93, 0.81; P = 0.892). The subgroup analysis based on the dosage and schedule of PTH, study duration, gender of patients, and anabolic agents, were conducted. And results revealed that among the patients in the combination therapy group, greater increases in the spine BMD were observed when the PTH was administered with a dosage of 20 μg (WMD = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.43; P = 0.000), or the treatment duration lasted more than 12 months (WMD = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.47; P = 0.000), or the combination therapy was used in osteoporosis women (WMD = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.63, 2.53; P = 0.001). However, the combination of PTH of 40 μg with alendronate produced a decrease in the BMD at spine (WMD = -4.56, 95% CI: -7.56, -1.56; P = 0.003) and femoral neck (WMD = -5.82, 95% CI: -9.91, -1.72; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that the addition of alendronate to PTH in the treatment of osteoporosis, reduced the ability of PTH therapy to increase the BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip.
Surgical coverage of exposed hydroxyapatite implant with retroauricular myoperiosteal graft

Background: With the increasing use of hydroxyapatite orbital implants, the complication of exposure has become apparent to oculoplastic surgeons. Many kinds of patch grafts, such as sclera, dermis, and hard palate mucosa, have been used to cover exposed hydroxyapatite implants with inconsistent results. In this study, the authors use a newly developed technique, autogenous retroauricular myoperiosteal graft, and the results are reported. Methods: A piece of retroauricular muscle together with its underlying periosteum was carefully harvested. This myoperiosteal graft was patched to the debrided hydroxyapatite exposure area with the periosteal surface facing outward. The margin of periosteal surface was secured with conjunctiva and left uncovered for the surrounding conjunctiva to epithelialise. Results: Nine eyes with hydroxyapatite exposure more than 3 mm were managed with autogenous retroauricular myoperiosteal grafts. Seven cases were successfully treated with single graft surgery. The other two cases needed an additional graft surgery, and there was no re-exposure noted thereafter. Five patients received a successful insertion of the motility peg. All nine patients have been fitted with prosthesis with reasonable motility. There were no complication noted during more than 1 year of follow up. Conclusion: The thick composite nature of the myoperiosteal graft provides a durable and vascularised coverage for exposed hydroxyapatite implants. This technique offers an encouraging alternative for the management of exposed hydroxyapatite implants.
Biotypes and serotypes of Haemophilus influenzae from patients with meningitis in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

A total of 1,094 Haemophilus influenzae isolates from cerebrospinal fluid were examined by biochemical and serological means. Most of them belonged to biotype I (70.9%) and to serotype b (99.4%). The relationship of biotypes I and II to the ages of the patients was shown to be significant (P < 0.001).
Drug safety is a barrier to the discovery and development of new androgen receptor antagonists

Androgen receptor (AR) antagonists are part of the standard of care for prostate cancer. Despite the almost inevitable development of resistance in prostate tumors to AR antagonists, no new AR antagonists have been approved for over a decade. Treatment failure is due in part to mutations that increase activity of AR in response to lower ligand concentrations as well as to mutations that result in AR response to a broader range of ligands. The failure to discover new AR antagonists has occurred in the face of continued research; to enable progress, a clear understanding of the reasons for failure is required.
Cross-sectional study of vitamin D and calcium supplementation effects on chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND A low dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium hastens bone loss and osteoporosis. Because vitamin D metabolites may also alter the inflammatory response and have antimicrobial effects, we studied whether the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements affects periodontal disease status. METHODS A cohort of 51 subjects receiving periodontal maintenance therapy was recruited from two dental clinics; 23 were taking vitamin D (>or=400 IU/day) and calcium (>or=1,000 mg/day) supplementation, and 28 were not taking such supplementation. All subjects had at least two interproximal sites with >or=3 mm clinical attachment loss. Daily calcium and vitamin D intake (from food and supplements) were estimated by nutritional analysis. The following clinical parameters of periodontal disease were recorded for the mandibular posterior teeth: gingival index, probing depth, cemento-enamel junction-gingival margin distance (attachment loss), bleeding on probing, and furcation involvement. Posterior photostimulable-phosphor bitewing radiographs were taken to determine cemento-enamel junction-alveolar crest distances (alveolar crest height loss). Data were analyzed with a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS Compared to subjects who did not take vitamin D and calcium supplementation, supplement takers had shallower probing depths, fewer bleeding sites, lower gingival index values, fewer furcation involvements, less attachment loss, and less alveolar crest height loss. The repeated-measures analysis indicated that collectively these differences were borderline significant (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS In these subjects receiving periodontal maintenance therapy, there was a trend for better periodontal health with vitamin D and calcium supplementation. More expanded longitudinal studies are required to determine the potential of this relationship.
Roles of Endogenous Gamma Interferon and Macrophage Microbicidal Mechanisms in Host Response to Chemotherapy in Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis

ABSTRACT In experimental visceral leishmaniasis, in which the tissue macrophage is the target, in vivo responsiveness to conventional chemotherapy (pentavalent antimony [Sb]) requires a T-cell-dependent mechanism. To determine if this mechanism involves gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-induced activation and/or specific IFN-γ-regulated macrophage leishmanicidal mechanisms (generation of reactive nitrogen or oxygen intermediates, we treated gene-deficient mice infected withLeishmania donovani. In IFN-γ gene knockout (GKO) mice, Sb inhibited but did not kill intracellular L. donovani(2% killing versus 76% in controls). Sb was active (>94% killing), however, in both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) knockout (KO) and respiratory burst (phagocyte oxidase)-deficient chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) mice. Sb's efficacy was also maintained in doubly deficient animals (X-CGD mice treated with an iNOS inhibitor). In contrast to Sb, amphotericin B (AmB) induced high-level killing in GKO mice; AmB was also fully active in iNOS KO and X-CGD animals. Although resolution of L. donovani infection requires iNOS, residual visceral infection remained largely suppressed in iNOS KO mice treated with Sb or AmB. These results indicate that endogenous IFN-γ regulates the leishmanicidal response to Sb and achieves this effect via a pathway unrelated to the macrophage's primary microbicidal mechanisms. The role of IFN-γ is selective, since it is not a cofactor in the response to AmB. Treatment with either Sb or AmB permits an iNOS-independent mechanism to emerge and control residual intracellular L. donovani infection.
Quality Control System Criticism Raised by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Non‐Us Jurisdictions and Earnings Quality of Non‐Cross‐Listed Clients

This study investigates the association between Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspection&#8208;related criticisms of an accounting firm's system of quality control and earnings quality of non&#8208;cross&#8208;listed clients in non&#8208;US jurisdictions. We also assess whether this association is different in subsamples where a local independent inspection regime is present compared with jurisdictions without such a regime. We use a difference&#8208;in&#8208;difference design to assess changes in accruals quality in pre&#8208; and post&#8208;inspection periods. Our sample includes 2006&#8211;2011 data on first&#8208;time, international PCAOB inspections of Big 4 accounting firms in 19 countries. Our findings indicate that earnings quality improvement of non&#8208;cross&#8208;listed clients after international PCAOB inspections is higher for inspections with (versus without) PCAOB&#8208;detected deficiencies of the system of quality control. We also find that this improvement occurs in countries with independent oversight of the audit profession.
Dividend Policy and payout practices in Malaysia: A qualitative analysis

Since stock prices reflect the firm’s future earnings potentials (Miller and Rock, 1985), dividends announcements therefore convey new information to the market about the future prospects of the corporation. As such, the objective of the current study is t potential role that dividend payouts play in influencing the fund managers and investors in recommending or selecting a stock, and for various stocks’ performance assessment. In addition, the study attempts to examine the possible effect of taxation on dividends payout. The study uses qualitative methods in form of semi structured interviews conducted with six Malaysian investment managers. The findings revealed that dividend payouts are not solely used as a basis for stock recommendation and assessment of companies’ performance by fund managers in Malaysia. Furthermore, taxation was found to be significant in determining dividend payouts by companies in Malaysia. These findings have great contributions to the dividend policy theory, as well as to the practitioners and policy makers that are discussed in details at the end of the paper. DOI: 10.32602/jafas.2019.
Early signal protein expression profiles in basophils: a population study

IgE‐mediated histamine release from peripheral blood basophils is highly variable within the general population. Recent studies have shown that the ability of anti‐IgE antibody to induce release can be predicted reasonably well by knowing the level of syk expression in the cells. The current study expands a previous survey to include 14 additional early elements known to be involved in activation and deactivation of basophils and showed that with the exception of syk, the variance of expression of 19 other elements (lyn, fyn, csk, cbp/PAG, CIN85, Bob1, c‐cbl, SHIP1, SHIP2, p85α, p110δ, btk, PLCγ1, PLCγ2, SHP‐1, PTEN, SOS2, CRACM1, and IL‐3Rα) was narrow despite a broad range of functional capability in the basophils under study. With syk as the only element with high variance and well‐correlated to maximum histamine release and cellular sensitivity, this survey examined the expression levels of two proteins thought to regulate syk expression: Bob1/OCA‐B and CIN85. Expression of CIN85 was not correlated to syk expression, but Bob1 expression was negatively correlated to expression of syk and maximum histamine release. However, the expected behavior for this protein should have been as a protector of post‐translational syk loss and therefore, positively correlated. Previous studies suggested that post‐translational control mechanisms regulated syk expression. However, in this study, steady‐state mRNA levels for syk in resting basophils showed a correlation with syk protein expression levels (r=0.593). It is concluded that with the exception of syk expression, the expression of 19 early signaling elements is tightly regulated and that a component of the regulation of syk may be related to control of transcription or processing of syk mRNA.
The Effects of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Input Costs of Productions: Leontief Input-Output Price Model

The study analyzes the impact of fuel subsidy removal policy on input costs of production sectors in Malaysia by applying the Input-output Price Model using Malaysia Input-output Table 2010. The elimination of subsidy on fuels such as RON95, RON97 and Diesel led to the increase in fuel prices by 32% on average. The increase in fuel prices led to an increase in production input costs for all 66 sectors, where the increase in the input costs of each sector exceeded the hike in fuel prices. There are 4 sectors whose production input costs are higher than the fuel subsidy removal policy namely fishing and aquaculture; transportation and storage; utilities; crops, animal production and hunting; and food products. Input-output price model application is an approach less commonly used in previous studies in Malaysia even though it is the most appropriate model for analyzing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on sectoral input costs. This study shows that the elimination of fuel subsidies has a major impact on the country's inflation and drastic global oil price changes can challenge the Malaysian economic sustainability.
Changes in the severity of compound drought and hot extremes over global land areas

Global warming has been shown to affect weather and climate extremes, such as droughts, floods, windstorms, cold waves, and heat waves. A number of studies have focused on the variability of different characteristics of these extremes, including their frequency, spatial extent, and severity. Recently, the study of compound extremes, defined by the co-occurrence of multiple events with extreme impacts, has attracted much attention. The compound dry and hot extreme is one type of compound extreme and may lead to detrimental impacts on the society and ecosystem. Most previous studies have focused on changes in the frequency or spatial extent of compound dry and hot extremes, while assessments of changes in the severity of compound extremes are lacking. This study evaluated changes in the severity of compound dry and hot extremes at the global scale, based on the Standardized Dry and Hot Index (SDHI). A significant increase in the severity of compound dry and hot extremes (or decrease of the SDHI value) during the warm season was found in western US, northern South America, western Europe, Africa, western Asia, southeastern Asia, southern India, northeastern China and eastern Australia. Moreover, a significant temporal increase in the average severity of the hottest month over global land areas was also observed. Results from this study highlight the increased severity of compound dry and hot extremes over global land areas and call for improved efforts on assessing the impact of compound extremes under global warming.
Fruit and vegetable consumption and prospective weight change in participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Physical Activity, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cessation of Smoking, Eating Out of Home, and Obesity study.

BACKGROUND Fruit and vegetable consumption might prevent weight gain through their low energy density and high dietary fiber content. OBJECTIVE We assessed the association between the baseline consumption of fruit and vegetables and weight change in participants from 10 European countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. DESIGN Diet was assessed at baseline in 373,803 participants by using country-specific validated questionnaires. Weight was measured at baseline and self-reported at follow-up in most centers. Associations between baseline fruit and vegetable intakes (per 100 g/d) and weight change (g/y) after a mean follow-up of 5 y were assessed by using linear mixed-models, with age, sex, total energy intake, and other potential confounders controlled for. RESULTS After exclusion of subjects with chronic diseases at baseline and subjects who were likely to misreport energy intakes, baseline fruit and vegetable intakes were not associated with weight change overall. However, baseline fruit and vegetable intakes were inversely associated with weight change in men and women who quit smoking during follow-up. We observed weak positive associations between vegetable intake and weight change in women who were overweight, were former smokers, or had high prudent dietary pattern scores and weak inverse associations between fruit intake and weight change in women who were >50 y of age, were of normal weight, were never smokers, or had low prudent dietary pattern scores. CONCLUSIONS In this large study, higher baseline fruit and vegetable intakes, while maintaining total energy intakes constant, did not substantially influence midterm weight change overall but could help to reduce risk of weight gain in persons who stop smoking. The interactions observed in women deserve additional attention.