Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Session 2 : Pathogenesis and Progression of Endometriosis 2

Peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis contains an increased number of activated macrophages that secrete a variety of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and tumor necrosis factor-· (TNF-·). Cytokines may be involved in the control of implantation and the growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. In addition, several cytokines have been implicated in or directly associated with angiogenic activity in endometriosis. There could be a relationship between the levels of cytokines in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis and the status of the lesions in such patients. Peritoneal endometriosis can be classified as having red, black, or white lesions. Red lesions are known to be an active form of early endometriosis, because vascularization and mitotic activity are shown to be most prominent in these lesions. We found that the peritoneal fluid levels of TNF-· and IL-8 were significantly higher in patients with endometriosis, and correlated with the size and number of active lesions. In addition, TNF-· and IL-8 stimulated the growth of ectopic endometrial stromal cells. These cytokines with angiogenic activity may therefore have significant roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Pathogenesis of Endometriosis The pathogenesis of endometriosis is poorly understood, despite a long history of research and experience with this disease. Previous studies have suggested that peritoneal fluid in women with endometriosis contains an increased number of activated macrophages that secrete a variety of local products, also known as growth factors or cytokines. Halme and others have shown that macrophages that are present in the peritoneal cavity are potent producers of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-· and interleukin-6 [1, 2]. Harada and coworkers found increased levels of interleukin-6 in the peritoneal fluid of infertile patients with active endometriosis [3]. Halme and coworkers also suggest that growth factors are involved in the control of implantation and the growth of endometrial cells outside of the uterus [2, 4]. Koutsilieris and colleagues found heparin-sepharose-binding growth
Note on Recorded vs “Actual” Model Behavior and Observer Performance

The effects of instructions that the model (M) in the adjacent room was a taped voice as opposed to instructions that the unseen M was an “actual” person were explored. The finding that Ss respond at least as well to the former instructions suggests the parsimonious procedure of informing Ss that the M is, indeed, a recorded voice.
The clinical outcome of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura patients is related to their T cell immunodeficiency

Summary. In this work we have furthered the understanding of the alterations of T lymphocytes from 29 patients with active autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) and the clinical significance of their lymphocytes. An increased percentage of in vivo activated (CD25+ and DR+) T lymphocytes was found in ATP patients with respect to that found in 22 healthy controls. The function of these T cells measured as the proliferative response to polyclonal mitogenic signals is heterogeneously impaired in ATP patients. T lymphocytes from 65·5% (19/29) of the ATP patients showed a decreased proliferative response to these mitogenic signals. This functional alteration is associated with a redistribution of the T cell compartment in these patients' peripheral blood since a significant decrease of CD4+ T lymphocytes was found.
LMI approximation of pole-region for discrete-time linear dynamic systems

Pole-placement belongs to efficient tools in control system design, guaranteeing both stability and performance of closed loop system. In robust control design, so called LMI regions and the respective D-stability conditions have been developed recently. Concerning continuous-time systems, the pole regions respective to prescribed stability degree and damping factor are convex and can be directly described by LMIs. However, the discrete-time counterpart for the latter case is no more convex. In this paper, the inner convex approximation of discrete-time pole region for prescribed stability degree and damping factor is developed. The respective LMI region is then described and several examples are provided.
The effect of delayed scanning of storage phosphor plates on occlusal caries detection.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine (1) the effect of various scan delays on pixel intensity measurements and (2) the diagnostic accuracy of occlusal caries detection. METHODS 72 non-cavitated extracted human permanent molar teeth with sound and carious occlusal surfaces were radiographed using the DIGORA® storage phosphor plates (SPPs) (Soredex Corporation, Helsinki, Finland). Plates were scanned immediately and 10 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min after exposure. Three different plates were used for each scan delay. An aluminium (Al) wedge was used to evaluate the change in mean grey values (MGVs) for scan delays. Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection was performed by scoring all the digital images. The true presence of caries was determined by stereomicroscopy. Comparison of MGVs of the Al wedge for immediate and delayed scans was made using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer tests. The accuracy was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (A(z)). A(z)s were compared using two-way ANOVA and t-tests. Kappa was used to measure inter and intraobserver agreement. RESULTS The mean A(z)s of immediately scanned plates were higher than the A(z)s of plates scanned with four different delays (p < 0.05). The A(z) of immediately scanned images was significantly higher than the A(z)s of images with 60 min and 120 min scan delays (p < 0.05) but not for 10 min and 30 min delays (p > 0.05). MGVs of immediately scanned plates were significantly higher than the plates scanned with four different delays (p < 0.05). Agreement decreased with increasing scan delays. CONCLUSION Scanning of DIGORA SPPs should not be delayed beyond 30 min for accurate occlusal caries diagnosis.
Asymmetric Dominance Effect with Multiple Decoys for Low- and High-Variance Lotteries

The asymmetric dominance effect refers to the phenomenon according to which the choice probability of an alternative increases when an inferior alternative - the decoy - is included into the choice set. The objective of this experimental study is twofold. First, we investigate the asymmetric dominance effect on two-outcome lotteries with almost equal expected values. We find that the impact of a decoy on low-variance lotteries (LVLs) is much higher than on high-variance lotteries (HVLs). Second, we examine the asymmetric dominance effect in the presence of two decoys. While the asymmetric dominance effect persists when the choice set includes two decoys, the effect is not always further enhanced compared to the setting with one decoy and again much stronger for LVLs than for HVLs. Controlling for subjects’ degrees of risk aversion, we find support for consistency between individual risk preferences and choice behavior among the lotteries. However, we observe decoy effects of equal strength irrespective of the subjects’ degree of risk aversion. Thus, our analysis indicates that to a substantial extent the presence of decoys subtly makes decision-makers choose against their risk preferences by favoring lotteries that entail risks contrary to their elicited individual risk-taking profile.
Randomized trial with ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) plus whole body hyperthermia versus ICE chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

7288 Background: Previously, we have reported the results of phase II trial with ICE w/ Whole body hyperthermia (WBH) for malignaunt pleural mesothelioma (MPM), showing a 1 year survival of 68%, a median survival of 19.1 months and a progression free survival of 7.4 months in 25 evaluable pts. These pts had achived PR:20%, MR:12%, NC:44% and PD:24% of cases. These promising results are consistent with continued clinical investigation as a randomized clinical trial. METHODS In this randomized trial we compare ICE (ifosfamide 4.5 g/m2, day1; carboplatin 270 mg/m2, day1; etoposide 135 mg/m2, day2 and 3 and neulasta, day 4, w/ or w/o WBH, every 4 weeks for pts with MPM. RESULTS From 2001 to 2003, 31 chemonäive pts were enrolled. 27pts are evaluable for response, 14 pts randomized to ICE w/ WBH, 13 pts to ICE. Median age is 58 year and WHO PS 0-II. Response rates (PR+NC) for ICE w/ WBH are 72% (PR:15%; NC:57%) and for ICE are 69% (PR:31%; NC:38%). Major treatment toxicites include grade 3/4 neutropenia (ICE w/WBH: 36%; ICE: 30%) and thrombocytopenia (ICE w/WBH: 37.7% and ICE: 15.3%). The median survival for all pts is for ICE w/WBH: 345 days versus ICE: 451 days and a progression free survival for ICE w/ WBH: 167 versus ICE: 275 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS ICE chemotherapy is a active regimen for MPM. Although a phase II study for ICE w/WBH showed good results, this randomized study moderate good responeses for ICE w/o WBH.This preliminary data from a randomized study show little, it any, beneficial effect mediated through hyperthermia. Conclusive judgement has to be postponed until completion of this trial. Support: The Cancer Research Institute, Inc. NYC, NY; Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, St. Augustin, Germany. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Outcome of surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in Washington state workers’ compensation

Objective: To determine the predictors of outcome of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) surgery in a population-based cohort of injured workers. Methods: All injured workers in the Washington State Workers’ Compensation system who received TOS surgery during 1986 to 1991 were identified by computerized bill payment records and validated by medical record review (n = 158). The main outcome measure was work disability status 1 year after surgery. Additional functional status and quality of life outcomes were determined by telephone survey an average of 4.8 years after operation. A sample of workers with a TOS diagnosis who did not receive surgery during 1987 to 1989 were identified as a comparison group (n = 95). Results: Sixty percent of workers were still work disabled 1 year after surgery. The strongest predictors of remaining disabled were the amount of work disability before surgery (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.28), longer time between injury and TOS diagnosis (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.64), and older age at injury (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.13). There was no relationship between type of surgery, presence of any provocative tests, or experience of surgeon and work disability outcome. In follow-up surveys an average of 4.8 years after surgery, 72.5% of workers still reported they were “limited a lot” in vigorous activities. Compared with a nonsurgical sample of TOS patients, those receiving surgery had 50% greater medical costs and were three to four times more likely to be work disabled. Conclusions: The outcome of TOS surgery among injured workers is worse than has generally been reported. The nonspecific neurogenic TOS diagnosis, the complexity of workers’ compensation cases, and the adverse event profile are likely substantial contributors to the worse outcomes reported here. Well-designed prospective studies and randomized trials are required to elucidate any role of TOS surgery in nonspecific TOS.
Construction of multivariate copulas in $n$-boxes

In this paper we give an alternative proof of the construction of $n$-dimensional ordinal sums given in Mesiar and Sempi [17], we also provide a new methodology to construct $n$-copulas extending the patchwork methodology of Durante, Saminger-Platz and Sarkoci in [6] and [7]. Finally, we use the gluing method of Siburg and Stoimenov [20] and its generalization in Mesiar et al. [15] to give an alternative method of patchwork construction of $n$-copulas, which can be also used in composition with our patchwork method.
Prior history of testing for syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C among a population-based cohort of HIV-positive individuals and their HIV-negative controls

ABSTRACT Understanding patterns of serological testing for hepatitis B & C, and syphilis among HIV-positive individuals, prior to HIV diagnosis, can inform HIV diagnosis, engagement and prevention strategies. This was a population-based, retrospective analysis of prior serological testing among HIV-positive individuals in Manitoba, Canada. HIV cases were age-, sex- and region-matched to HIV-negative controls at a 1:5 ratio. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine previous serological tests and HIV status. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. A total of 193 cases and 965 controls were included. In the 5 years prior to diagnosis, 50% of cases had at least one test, compared to 26% of controls. Compared to those who did not have serological testing in the 5 years prior to HIV infection, those who had one serological test were at twice the odds of being HIV positive (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–2.9), while those with 2 or more tests were at even higher odds (OR: 5.5, 95%CI: 3.7–8.4). HIV cases had higher serological testing rates. Interactions between public health and other healthcare providers should be strengthened.
Efficient phase sequence generation for SLM scheme without side information

Selected mapping (SLM) scheme without side information (SI) using specially designed phase symbols to reduce peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) was recently published. The PAPR reduction performance was achieved at the cost of degraded bit error rate (BER) performance. This paper will present a new pilot phase symbol generation improving the PAPR reduction performance without BER performance deterioration.
Long-term modulations in the vertebral transcriptome of adolescent-stage rats exposed to binge alcohol.

AIMS Dangerous alcohol consumption practices are common in adolescents, yet little is known about their consequences on attainment of peak bone mass and long-term skeletal integrity. We previously demonstrated that binge alcohol-exposed adolescent rats showed site-specific reductions in accruement of bone mineral density and bone strength, which were incompletely recovered following prolonged alcohol abstinence. Currently, we analysed the vertebral transcriptome of adolescent rats following alcohol treatment and abstinence to identify long-term molecular changes in the lumbar spine. METHODS Sixty male adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of six treatment groups receiving binge alcohol (3 g/kg) or saline i.p., 3 consecutive days (acute binge), 4 consecutive weekly (3-day) binge cycles (chronic binge) or 4 weekly binge cycles followed by a 30-day abstinence period (chronic binge with abstinence). Following treatment, lumbar vertebrae were assayed for global transcriptional changes using gene array technology. RESULTS Analysis of the adolescent rat vertebral transcriptome identified clusters of binge alcohol-sensitive genes displaying differential expression patterns starting before bone damage was seen and persisting after alcohol treatment was discontinued. Functional grouping of these gene clusters identified candidate cellular pathways affected following acute and chronic binge treatment, as well as pathways remaining modulated following abstinence. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that binge alcohol exposure can produce disruptions of normal bone gene expression patterns in the adolescent rat that persist well beyond the period of active intoxication. This data may have relevance to peak bone mass attainment and future risk of skeletal disease in adolescents engaging in repeated binge-drinking episodes.
Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrates and peptides on postoperative endocrine response, mobilization, nutrition and muscle function in abdominal surgery

Background: Surgery is succeeded by long‐lasting state of relative peripheral insulin resistance, which is reduced by giving glucose infusion or oral carbohydrate‐rich drinks immediate before operating instead of fasting. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oral carbohydrate or carbohydrate with peptide drinks preoperatively instead of fasting would improve postoperative voluntary muscle strength, nutritional intake and ambulation, decrease postoperative fatigue, anxiety and discomfort, and reduce the endocrine response to surgery.
A Novel TCAD-Based Thermal Extraction Approach for Nanoscale FinFETs

Self-heating and thermal modeling in fin-shaped FETs (FinFETs) are studied in this brief using calibrated 3-D TCAD simulations. Using the second order <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{\textrm {th}}{C}_{\textrm {th}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> network extraction, we demonstrate for the first time a simple method for the modeling of thermal resistances and capacitances for BSIMCMG compact models using small-signal ac capacitance method. We show that the extraction of thermal time constants using the second-order <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${R}_{\textrm {th}}{C}_{\textrm {th}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> method is superior to the other techniques used in the literature. Using this technique, we extract the thermal time constants for FinFETs to be in the order of a few nano/pico seconds.
The Long-term Outcomes of Sibutramine Effectiveness on Weight (LOSE Weight) study: evaluating the role of drug therapy within a weight management program in a group-model health maintenance organization.

OBJECTIVE To assess the benefit of sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate within a weight management program. STUDY DESIGN Prospective randomized controlled trial in a health maintenance organization. PATIENTS AND METHODS Obese patients (n = 588) starting a weight management program were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to participate in the program alone or to participate in the program and receive sibutramine for 12 months. Outcome measures were change in weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, serum lipids, serum glucose, and blood pressure. RESULTS At baseline, there was a younger age and higher weight, BMI, and waist circumference in the drug group. There was more degenerative joint disease in the nondrug group. The mean weight loss at 6 months was 6.8 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], -7.4 to -6.1 kg) in the drug group vs 3.1 kg (95% CI, -3.8 to -2.4 kg) (P < .001) in the nondrug group. Weight loss was maintained at 12 months. Significant reductions in BMI, body fat, and waist circumference occurred in the drug group. There were no significant changes in laboratory values or blood pressure. Patients taking sibutramine experienced a significant increase in heart rate (1.7 beats/min [95% CI, 0.5-2.9 beats/min] vs -0.4 beats/min [95% CI, -1.5 to 0.8 beats/min]; P <.004). CONCLUSION In this managed care setting, the effectiveness and safety of sibutramine were similar to those observed in randomized, double-blind clinical efficacy trials.
Five‐year results of renal transplantation on immunosuppressive triple therapy with mycophenolate mofetil

Abstract: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with cyclosporine and prednisolone significantly lowers acute rejection frequency in the early post‐renal transplantation phase. To date only registry data with very high transplant numbers have shown that MMF significantly influences long‐term outcome. A comparative retrospective analysis of the 5‐yr results with MMF in a single transplant center was thus undertaken vs. other standard immunosuppressive regimens. The results of 1579 renal transplantations were grouped by treatment modality, subjected to Kaplan–Meier analysis, and compared using the log rank test. Both the total population and subgroups showed a non‐significant trend towards better graft survival with MMF, evident at 2 yr and persisting for 5 yr. Extrapolation indicates that on combination therapy with MMF vs. azathioprine, approximately 10% more patients will be alive at 10 yr with a functional graft.
Social Discrimination and Tolerance in Intergroup Relations: Reactions to Intergroup Difference

In this article, we present a theoretical approach to social discrimination on the one hand and intergroup relations characterized by tolerance and plurality on the other hand. Central to the analysis is the question of how members deal with intergroup difference. If the outgroup's difference is judged to be nonnormative and inferior, devaluation, discrimination, and hostility are likely responses toward the outgroup. Judging the outgroup's difference to be normative or positive leads to acceptance and appreciation of this group. Following self-categorization theory, the criteria—being norms and values for judging intergroup differences—are derived from the superordinate category that is perceived to include both groups. More specifically, they are derived from the prototype, or representation, of this inclusive category. Social discrimination results from the generalization of ingroup attributes to the inclusive category, which then become criteria for judging the outgroup. Tolerance, on the other hand, is conceptualized as either a lack of inclusion of both groups in a higher order category or as the representation of the inclusive category in such a way as to also include the other group and designate it as normative.
Evaluation of VZV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity in adults infected with HIV‐1 by using a simple IFN‐γ release assay

The development of herpes zoster is associated with reduced varicella zoster virus (VZV)‐specific cell‐mediated immune (CMI) reactions. In this study, VZV‐specific CMI reactions in 42 anti‐VZV‐IgG antibody‐positive adults infected with HIV‐1 were evaluated by measuring the IFN‐γ production levels in whole blood in response to stimulation with ultraviolet light‐inactivated live attenuated VZV vaccine. The median VZV‐specific IFN‐γ production level in all patients was 63 pg/ml. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve patients with an AIDS‐defining illness (HIV classification category C) had significantly lower IFN‐γ production than ART‐naïve patients in categories A and B and patients receiving ART (P = 0.0194 and P = 0.0046, respectively). IFN‐γ production increased significantly in patients within 1 month of the onset of recurrent VZV disease and at more than 1 year from onset, compared with patients who had never had recurrent VZV disease (P = 0.0396 and P = 0.0484, respectively). In multivariate analyses, category C and history of recurrent VZV disease were significant factors affecting IFN‐γ production. Levels of IFN‐γ were measured before and after ART in seven ART‐naïve patients with no history of recurrent VZV disease, and no significant changes were observed. The results indicate that VZV‐specific CMI reactions were reduced in patients with an AIDS‐defining illness and enhanced in patients with a history of recurrent VZV disease, but not enhanced by ART alone. Vaccination may be necessary to inhibit the development of herpes zoster in patients receiving ART; this IFN‐γ releasing assay is one useful method for evaluating VZV‐specific CMI reactions in clinical settings. J. Med. Virol. 85:1313–1320, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.