Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation with Esophageal Cooling with a Cooled Water‐Irrigated Intraesophageal Balloon: A Pilot Study

Introduction: A left atrioesophageal fistula is an uncommon but devastating complication that may occur during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, and may be due to thermal injury occurring during the radiofrequency (RF) ablation. We examined the feasibility of an esophageal cooling (ECO) method using a cooled water‐irrigated intraesophageal balloon (IB).
Economic costs of aggressive climate policy

ABSTRACT Whether aggressive climate policy is warranted crucially depends on the economic costs of emission cuts. Different from previous studies, this study estimates the economic costs of emission costs with a reduced-form approach. The major advantages of this approach are its simplicity and less assumption dependence. Based on the study’s parameter estimates, it is found that a 25% aggressive reduction in CO2 emissions from 1990 levels will lead to a 3.69% decrease in the combined GDP of developed OECD countries. Although the cost is significant, in relation to the benefits of such policy, this study’s finding still suggests that nations should implement more aggressive climate policy.
Dynamics of Savings-Growth Interactions in Nigeria (1980-2013)

This study explores the relationship between savings and income growth in Nigeria over the period 1980 – 2013. Literature revealed that a relationship is expected to exist between both variables but that some sort of controversies surrounded the direction of causality between them. Using an error correction analysis, it was discovered that a relationship does exist between both variables in Nigeria. The co-integration and ECM test revealed that a long-run relationship exists between both variables and was also able to provide the dynamics of the relationship. The granger causality test revealed that causality runs from income growth to savings in Nigeria. Implying rejection of the Solow’s hypothesis of savings leads to income growth and acceptance the Keynesian hypothesis that income growth leads to savings. Keywords : Savings, Growth, Investment
Association of rs712 polymorphism in Kras gene 3'-luntranslated region and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE Mutation and polymorphism of Kras oncogene are considered as candidate risk factor and drug response predictor for cancer. However, the conclusions of accumulating reports related to the relationship of rs712 of Kras gene and risk of cancer remain nuclear. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis including 6 eligible studies containing 1661 cases and 2139 controls to explore the role of rs712 in the risk of cancer development. RESULTS Meta-analysis results showed that rs712 allele T (P(H)=0.08, odds ratio/OR=1.35, 95% confidence interval/ CI=1.17-1.55) and genotype TT (P(H)=0.174, OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.60-3.37), and allele T carrier genotype (GT/TT) (P(H)=0.14, OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.10-1.55) were strongly associated with cancer in Chinese population. No evidence of association was observed between rs712 and risk of cancer in overall population. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that allele T, genotype TT and allele T carrier (GT/TT) of rs712 may increase susceptibility to cancer risk in Chinese population, and can be used as a genetic factor for evaluating risk of cancer.
Asymmetric Atrophy of Multifidus Muscle in Patients With Unilateral Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Study Design. Prospective case-control study of multifidus muscle atrophy in 39 patients with unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy and lumbosacral disc herniation and 20 controls. Objective. To evaluate quantitatively the asymmetry of multifidus muscles in unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy with disc herniation (herniated intervertebral disc; HIVD) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Summary of Background Data. Histologic and morphologic changes of multifidus muscles have been reported in lumbosacral disc herniation, but there are few imaging studies on the changes of multifidus muscles in unilateral radiculopathy. Methods. Bilateral multifidus muscles in L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–S1 levels were detected in fast spin-echo T1 axial MRI images. The total cross-sectional area (CSA) of multifidus muscles (TMA) and the density of pure muscle CSA (PMA) were measured by a computerized analysis program, and the ratios of PMA to TMA (PMA/TMA) and the PMA ratios of involved to uninvolved sides (IMA/UMA) were calculated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the electrodiagnosis results: a radiculopathy (RAD) group and an HIVD group without definite radiculopathy. Results. Fourteen patients had lumbosacral radiculopathies (RAD group) while 25 had no radiculopathy (HIVD group). No significant difference was found between the RAD and HIVD groups in TMA, PMA, and PMA/TMA. In terms of the criteria for the upper limit of IMA/UMA, 78.6% in the RAD group had an abnormal IMA/UMA ratio in at least 1 level, compared with 24% in the HIVD group and 10% in the control group. Thus, more cases with less muscle volume in the involved side were seen in the RAD group than in the HIVD and control groups. Conclusion. Asymmetry of the multifidus muscles as seen in MRI was a useful finding to assess patients who had unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy with HIVD. This may reflect the denervation of multifidus muscles in lumbosacral radiculopathy.
Perceived Control and Anxiety in Portuguese Children

The central role of perceived control in the development of anxiety disorders is proposed by several theoretical models. The main objective of the present study was to examine the relation between perceived control and anxiety in Portuguese school-age children. To accomplish this objective we developed the Portuguese short form of the Anxiety Control Questionnaire for Children (ACQ-C, Weems, 2005; Pereira & Barros, 2010), whose psychometric studies are presented. The sample comprised 238 children, aged 8 to 15 years, from the general population attending Portuguese schools. Children completed measures of perceived control (ACQ-C) and their anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders – Revised, SCARED-R). The psychometric studies indicate good psychometric characteristics of the Portuguese ACQ-C short form, in particular a high internal consistency (α = .85) and an adequate temporal stability (r = .60, p = .002). Results show a significant negative association between perceived control and anxiety symptomatology, providing partial support for models that assign a central role to control beliefs in explaining the development of anxiety disorders. These results also suggest the importance of considering the perception of control as a prime target for preventive actions and intervention aimed at reducing anxiety in school aged children. Diferentes modelos teóricos sugieren un papel central de la percepción de control en el desarrollo de trastornos de ansiedad. El objetivo principal del presente estudio fue examinar la relación entre la percepción de control y la ansiedad en niños portugueses en edad escolar. Para lograr este objetivo desarrollamos una versión portuguesa del Cuestionario de Control de la Ansiedad para Niños – forma abreviada (ACQ-C, Weems, 2005; Pereira & Barros, 2010), cuyos estudios psicométricos se presentan. El estudio se realizó con una muestra de 283 niños de la población general que asisten a escuelas primarias, con edades comprendidas entre los 8 y los 15años. Los niños completaron colectivamente la forma abreviada del Cuestionario de Control de la Ansiedad para Niños (ACQ-C) y la versión revisada del Cuestionario de Evaluación de Trastornos Emocionales Relacionados con la Ansiedad en Niños (SCARED-R). Los estudios psicométricos indican buenas características psicométricas de la versión portuguesa de ACQ-C, en particular una alta consistencia interna (α = .85) y una adecuada estabilidad temporal (r = .60, p = .002). Los resultados muestran una asociación negativa significativa entre la percepción de control y la sintomatología de la ansiedad, proporcionando apoyo parcial a los modelos que asignan un papel central a la percepción de control en la explicación del desarrollo de los trastornos de ansiedad. Estos resultados también sugieren la importancia de considerar la percepción de control como un objetivo prioritario para las acciones preventivas y de intervención dirigidas a reducir la ansiedad en los niños en edad escolar.
Childhood maltreatment and obesity

The old idea that adverse psychosocial conditions during childhood have lasting influences on the risk of obesity, strongly promoted by Bruch (1), has recently proliferated. Last year the association between childhood maltreatment and risk of obesity was addressed in two systematic reviews and meta-analyses (2,3). Both found robust evidence for the association with similar odds ratios (OR) for obesity; Danese and Tan (2) analyzed 41 studies with 190,285 participants and found an OR of 1.36 (95% confidence interval of 1.26–1.47), and Hemmingson et al. (3) analyzed 23 studies with 112,708 participants and found an OR of 1.34 (1.24–1.45), although both also found a considerable unexplained heterogeneity between studies. Hemmingson suggested that the ORs may have been underestimated because of the difficulties in proper assessment of childhood maltreatment, and he requested more prospective studies with independent proxy data on the maltreatment, as used in the study showing the highest OR (4). The results inspired Hemmingson (5) to propose a comprehensive model of the pathway from socioeconomic disadvantages through adult distress, disharmonious family environment, offspring distress, psychological and emotional overload, and disrupted homeostasis that initiates weight gain, which through its various consequences creates a reinforcing feedback promoting further weight gain.
Environmental factors dominate over host genetics in shaping human gut microbiota composition

Human gut microbiome composition is shaped by multiple host intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but the relative contribution of host genetic compared to environmental factors remains elusive. Here, we genotyped a cohort of 696 healthy individuals from several distinct ancestral origins and a relatively common environment, and demonstrate that there is no statistically significant association between microbiome composition and ethnicity, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or overall genetic similarity, and that only 5 of 211 (2.4%) previously reported microbiome-SNP associations replicate in our cohort. In contrast, we find similarities in the microbiome composition of genetically unrelated individuals who share a household. We define the term biome-explainability as the variance of a host phenotype explained by the microbiome after accounting for the contribution of human genetics. Consistent with our finding that microbiome and host genetics are largely independent, we find significant biome-explainability levels of 16-33% for body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and lactose consumption. We further show that several human phenotypes can be predicted substantially more accurately when adding microbiome data to host genetics data, and that the contribution of both data sources to prediction accuracy is largely additive. Overall, our results suggest that human microbiome composition is dominated by environmental factors rather than by host genetics.
Neurodevelopmental Quotient of Healthy Term Infants at 4 Months and Feeding Practice: The Role of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

ABSTRACT: A direct influence of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) on the developmental quotient (DQ) of the healthy term infant remains unexplored. To test this hypothesis, we designed a prospective study of three types of diet. Twentynine infants received a LC-PUFA-supplemented formula, 31 received a standard infant formula, and 30 infants were breastfed exclusively. Neurodevelopmental response was measured by the Brunet-Lézine psychomotor development lest at 4 mo. The fatty acid status was also assessed among three diet subgroups (59 subjects) at 4 mo. Formula-fed infants who received LC-PUFA supplementation scored significantly higher (p < 0.01) on the Brunet-Lézine scale than infants who received the standard formula. Breast-fed infants also performed better than those fed the standard formula. Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid levels in circulating lipids and erythrocyte phospholipids were higher among breast-fed infants and among the group fed the arachidonic- and docosahexaenoic acid-supplemented formula. These findings are suggestive that formula supplementation with one or both of these fatty acids can benefit term infants in neurodevelopmental performance.
Does Partisanship Stop at Scandal’s Edge? Partisan Resiliency and the Survival of Political Scandal

The outbreak of political scandal depresses the approval ratings of the individuals involved, especially the president. Yet, less is known about the partisan effects of approval ratings during scandal, especially the “stickiness” of partisan ties to leaders involved in scandal. Using a survey experiment, we expose respondents to manufactured news coverage of both illegal and not illegal (mismanaged policy) activities involving President Obama. The results demonstrate that the President’s co-partisans are more likely to approve of the President and less likely to desire to impeach the president, even after being informed about illegal activity. In contrast, out partisans are more likely to demand the President’s impeachment for both illegal and not illegal activity. This article provides evidence of how partisanship persists (and even expands) during presidential scandals and how partisan linkages are important to surviving scandal.
bcl-2 vs p53 protein expression and apoptotic rate in human nonmelanoma skin cancers.

BACKGROUND A failure in the apoptotic response after severe genomic damage could facilitate cell transformation and tumor development, and a constitutive overexpression of either p53 or bcl-2 protein in nonapoptotic tumor cells could signify a defective bax-mediated apoptosis. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether a negative correlation occurs between these 2 proteins in nonmelanoma skin cancer and whether overexpression of either protein is associated with a low rate of spontaneous apoptosis. DESIGN Immunohistochemical study of nonmelanoma skin cancer archive material. SETTING University referral center. PATIENTS White patients with tumors on sun-exposed skin areas (ie, 17 basal cell carcinomas and 22 squamous cell carcinomas). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Positivity for p53 and bcl-2 were scored semiquantitatively on 4 levels, and the percentages of apoptotic cells were determined. RESULTS A significant negative correlation between p53 and bcl-2 expression was found in the basal cell carcinomas, but not in the squamous cell carcinomas, largely attributable to the low level of bcl-2 staining in the squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas have a significantly higher number of apoptotic cells than basal cell carcinomas: 1.1% vs 0.6%, respectively. This spontaneous apoptosis decreases with increasing bcl-2 (in basal cell carcinoma), whereas it does not appear to be related to p53 level expression. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that a disturbance in either p53 or bcl-2 suffices to enhance skin tumor formation by suppressing apoptosis; bcl-2 appears to reduce the rate of spontaneous apoptosis, but an aberrant p53 expression does not, and this factor may solely affect the apoptosis from exogenous genotoxicity.
Quality Improvement Foley Project to Reduce Catheter-Related Trauma in a Large Community Hospital

Indwelling catheter placement is a modifiable risk factor for urethral trauma. We implemented a multidisciplinary Foley Project protocol in June 2015, which consisted of a system-wide catheter education program, difficult urinary catheterization (DUC) algorithm, and skilled catheter nursing team to improve patient outcomes. A retrospective review of male DUC consults between June 2014 and September 2015 was performed. The preprotocol group includes consults received from June 2014 to May 2015. The postprotocol group includes consults received from June 2015 to September 2015. There were 74 patients in the preprotocol and 18 patients in the postprotocol group. The overall incidence rates of catheter-associated trauma during placement were 41.1% in the preprotocol and 5.9% in the postprotocol groups (p = .005). In the preprotocol group, 53.4% required a procedure by a urologist, whereas only 11.8% of patients in the postprotocol group required a procedure (p = .002). The Foley Project protocol reduced the frequency of catheter-associated trauma and procedures.
Hsp90 inhibitor celastrol reinstates growth plate angiogenesis in thiram-induced tibial dyschondroplasia

ABSTRACT Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is an important long bone defect of broiler chickens that disturbs the proximal growth plate and is characterized by non-vascularized cartilage, a distended growth plate and lameness. Celastrol, a medicinal root extract from the plant Tripterygium wilfordii, is reported widely as a well-known heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor. Recently, Hsp90 inhibition in chondrocyte differentiation and growth-plate vascularization were effective in restoring the morphology of the growth plate. The present study was aimed at investigating Hsp90 inhibition in TD using celastrol. The broiler chicks were divided into three groups; Control; TD induced (40 mg/kg thiram) and celastrol treatment. Hsp90, vascular endothelial growth factor and Flk-1 expressions were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the protein levels of Hsp90 were measured by Western blot analysis. Antioxidant enzymes were determined to assess the liver damage caused by thiram and the protective effects of the medicine were evaluated by levels of serum biomarkers. The expression levels of Hsp90 and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA transcripts were increased while Flk-1 receptor was decreased in TD-affected chicks. Celastrol therapy inhibited Hsp90 mRNA and protein levels and up-regulated the expressions of receptor Flk-1 in TD-affected tibial growth plates significantly (P < 0.05) in addition to rectifying the damaging effects of thiram on the liver by decreasing the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and malondialdehyde and correcting the oxidative imbalance. In conclusion, administering celastrol to dyschondroplastic chicks prevented un-vascularized growth plate, lameness and reinstated angiogenesis. Celastrol may be efficacious for the treatment of TD through the inhibition of Hsp90 expression and limiting the liver damage caused by thiram in broiler chickens.
Broad and Narrow Country-of-Origin Effects and the Domestic Country Bias

ABSTRACT Across three studies and three countries, this research specifies the effect of consumer ethnocentrism on domestic country bias. Extending extant research, it distinguishes the moderating effects of broad (country image, country production image) and narrow (country product category image) country-of-origin effects, demonstrating that the latter mitigate domestic country bias more strongly than the former. Moreover, nationality emerges as an antecedent of consumer ethnocentrism and domestic country bias. The findings enable international marketers to predict domestic country bias in different country markets. Additionally, this research advocates using a finer-grained, narrow view of country-of-origin effects, instead of a broad perspective.
High resolution AFM topographs of the Escherichia coli water channel aquaporin Z

Aquaporins form a large family of membrane channels involved in osmoregulation. Electron crystallography has shown monomers to consist of six membrane spanning α‐helices confirming sequence based predictions. Surface exposed loops are the least conserved regions, allowing differentiation of aquaporins. Atomic force microscopy was used to image the surface of aquaporin Z, the water channel of Escherichia coli. Recombinant protein with an N‐terminal fragment including 10 histidines was isolated as a tetramer by Ni‐affinity chromatography, and reconstituted into two‐dimensional crystals with p4212 symmetry. Small crystalline areas with p4 symmetry were found as well. Imaging both crystal types before and after cleavage of the N‐termini allowed the cytoplasmic surface to be identified; a drastic change of the cytoplasmic surface accompanied proteolytic cleavage, while the extracellular surface morphology did not change. Flexibility mapping and volume calculations identified the longest loop at the extracellular surface. This loop exhibited a reversible force‐induced conformational change.
A New Intraurethral Sphincter Prosthesis With a Self Contained Urinary Pump

An intraurethral sphincter prosthesis with a self contained urinary pump for the management of atonic bladder in women was developed and tested. The prosthesis is comprised of a short, self retaining silicone catheter in which there is a valve and pump. Available in a range of lengths and diameters according to urethral size, its insertion is similar to that of a urethral catheter. The prosthesis is secured by a novel fixation method that has soft expandable silicone fins at the bladder neck and a flexible flange at the external meatus. It is activated by a small hand-held control device. To urinate, the activator is placed on the lower abdomen area and the “on” button is pressed, providing energy to the pump by a magnetic coupling method. Once activated, the valve opens and the pump rotates at a high speed, drawing urine from the bladder and pushing it forward, allowing the patient to “void” with a urine flow of 10 to 12 cc/sec. When the bladder is completely evacuated, the pumping ceases and the valve closes, restoring continence. The device was evaluated clinically in 17 women. Fifteen of the patients had a range of use of 2 weeks to 16 months during which they were dry and had complete bladder emptying. Two patients did not tolerate the device because of uninhibited detrusor contractions and, in both cases, it was removed without complication after 5 days.
Mind-body medicine : Practical applications in dermatology

It is only recently that Western physicians are rediscovering the link between thought and health. The spectrum of causative factors in inflammatory dermatoses are often multifactorial. Stress and negative thoughts are major factors in dermatologic conditions. This article begins with some basic information on the ways that thoughts affect health. Practical methods of intervention including meditation, journal writing, affirmations, prayer, biofeedback, and hypnosis are presented.