Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, computed tomography, and transabdominal ultrasound in the detection and staging of primary ampullary tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIMS To compare the accuracy between EUS (endoscopic ultrasound), ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), CT (computed tomography), and transabdominal US (ultrasound) in the detection and staging of primary ampullary tumors. We will also try to discuss the influence of endobiliary stent on EUS in staging ampullary tumors. METHODOLOGY Twenty-one patients with ampullary tumors were evaluated by EUS, ERCP, CT, and US before operation. The accuracy was assessed with TNM staging and compared with the surgical-pathological findings. RESULTS EUS was superior to CT and US in detecting ampullary tumors, but EUS and ERCP are of similar sensitivity (EUS 95%, ERCP 95%, CT 19%, US 5%). EUS was superior to CT and US in T staging (EUS 75%, CT 5%, US 0%) and detecting lymph node metastasis (EUS 50%, CT 33%, US 0%) of ampullary tumors. The accuracy of EUS in T and N staging of ampullary tumors tended to be decreased in the presence of endobiliary stent (stenting: T 71%, N 75%; nonstenting T 83%, N 100%), but there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS EUS was superior to CT and US in assessing primary ampullary tumors, but it was not significantly superior to ERCP in detecting ampullary tumors. The presence of endobiliary stent may decrease the accuracy of EUS in staging ampullary tumors.
Variation of the vectorial capacity of some anophelines in western Venezuela.

The vectorial capacities of Anopheles nuneztovari, An. albitarsis s.l. , and An. triannulatus to transmit Plasmodium vivax in western Venezuela were estimated in different seasons. In general, there was a decrease in the vectorial capacities of the three species during the dry season, which seems to be due mainly to a reduction in the mosquito biting populations. Comparing the observations made during the two wet seasons, there was a decrease in the vectorial capacities of the three species due to different factors for each species. In An. nuneztovari, the reduction in vectorial capacity seems to be due to a reduction in the human blood index (HBI); in An. albitarsis, it is probably due to a reduction in the HBI and a slight reduction in parity, whereas in An. triannulatus, the cause is probably a reduction in the mosquito biting population and in parity. The overall reduction in vectorial capacities of the three anopheline species in 1989 compared with the vectorial capacities in 1988 could partly explain the marked reduction in prevalence from 46.2 per 1,000 population in 1988 to 7.5 per 1,000 population in 1989.
Peritoneal Equilibration Test Reference Values Using a 3.86% Glucose Solution During the First Year of Peritoneal Dialysis: Results of a Multicenter Study of a Large Patient Population

Background: The original peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was used to classify peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using a 2.27% glucose solution. It has since been suggested that a 3.86% glucose solution be used because this provides better information about ultrafiltration (UF) capacity and the sodium (Na) sieving of the peritoneal membrane. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine reference values for a PET using a 3.86% glucose solution (PET-3.86%). Methods: We evaluated the PET-3.86% in a large population of incident PD patients attending 27 Italian dialysis centers. Results: We evaluated the results of 758 PET-3.86% in 758 incident PD patients (1 test per patient). The mean duration of PD was 5 ± 3 months. The ratio of the concentrations of creatinine in dialysate/plasma (D/PCreat) was 0.73 ± 0.1 (median 0.74). The ratio between the concentrations of glucose at the end/beginning of the test (D/D0) was 0.25 ± 0.08 (median 0.24). Ultrafiltration uncorrected and corrected for bag overfill was respectively 776 ± 295 mL (median 781 mL) and 675 ± 308 mL (median 689 mL). Sodium sieving was 8.4 ± 3.8 mmol/L (median 8.0 mmol/L). Conclusion: The results of the study provide PET-3.86% reference values for the beginning of PD that can be used to classify PD patients into transport classes and monitor them over time.
PATHOGENESIS OF METHYLAZOXYMETHANOL‐INDUCED LESIONS IN THE POSTNATAL MOUSE CEREBELLUM

Previous studies have shown that methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) and methylazoxymethanol glucoside (cycasin) cause destruction of differentiating cells in the postnatal mouse cerebellum. The major features of the resulting architectural disarray were Purkinje cell misalignment and granule cell deletion along with cerebellar dysfunction. Although it was clear from a number of studies that destruction of differentiating cells in the immediate postnatal period was the primary lesion, several important facets of the pathogenesis of the lesions remained unexplained. For example, the cellular response to the injury was incompletely described. The relationship of the cellular response to the subsequent pathological alterations was not completely evaluated. Also, the presence of unattached Purkinje cell dendritic spine postsynaptic sites suggested that their development had occurred without presynaptic parallel fiber terminal differentiation. The possibility of early synaptogenesis and degeneration was not, however, completely ruled out. In this study, the early reaction to MAM-induced differentiating cell necrosis and its relationship to the resulting abnormal cerebellar architecture was evaluated. Concomitantly, an attempt was made to clarify whether Purkinje cell postsynaptic sites differentiated with certainty in the absence of parallel fiber contacts or resulted from selective degeneration of previously formed synaptic contacts. As in previous studies, cellular necrosis and a wide range of nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations in the differentiating cells of the cerebellum were demonstrated within forty-eight hours following MAM administration. Many necrotic elements were engulfed by astrocytes, by unaffected undifferentiated cells or by macrophages. Necrotic debris was rapidly and completely cleared by five days after treatment. Response to the injury induced by MAM was, largely confined to in situ cellular elements. The destruction and repair of the differentiating cells contributed to the pattern of the altered architecture regularly observed following MAM-induced injury to the postnatal cerebellum. Except for their abnormal orientation, Purkinje cells showed no significant alterations. Astrocytic reaction rather than destruction of differentiating cells appeared to be primarily responsible for Purkinje cell misalignment. A few undisturbed parallel fiber-Purkinje cell contacts were identified by electron microscopic study indicating earlier differentiation than described elsewhere. No evidence of presynaptic degeneration was, however, present.
Single-Mode 850-nm VCSELs for 54-Gb/s ON–OFF Keying Transmission Over 1-km Multi-Mode Fiber

By combing Zn-diffusion and oxide-relief apertures with strong detuning (>20 nm) in our demonstrated short-cavity (λ/2) 850-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), wide electrical-to-optical bandwidth (29-24 GHz), low-differential resistance (~100 Q), and (quasi) single-mode (SM) with reasonable output power (~1.4 mW) performances can be simultaneously achieved. Error-free ON-OFF keying transmission at 54-Gb/s data rate through 1-km OM4 multi-mode fiber can be achieved by using highly SM device with forward error correction and decision feedback equalization techniques. As compared with the reference device with a larger oxide-relief aperture and a multi-mode performance, the SM device exhibits lower bit-error rate (1 × 10-5 versus 1 × 10-2) at 54 Gb/s. This result indicates that modal dispersion plays more important role in transmission than that of output power does. We benchmark these results to an industrial 50-Gb/s SM VCSEL. It shows a higher bit-error-rate value ~3.5×10-3 versus ~1.4×10-4 under the same received optical power.
Premedication before intubation in UK neonatal units

AIMS To establish the extent and type of premedication used before intubation in neonatal units in the United Kingdom. METHODS A structured telephone survey was conducted of 241 eligible units. Units were subdivided into those that routinely intubated and ventilated babies (routine group) and those that transferred intubated and ventilated babies (transfer group). RESULTS Of the units contacted, 239 (99%) participated. Only 88/239 (37%) gave any sedation before intubating on the unit and only 34/239 (14%) had a written policy covering this. Morphine was used most commonly (66%), with other opioids and benzodiazepines used less frequently. Of the 88 units using sedation, 19 (22%) also used paralysis. Suxamethonium was given by 10/19 (53%) but only half of these combined it with atropine. Drug doses varied by factors of up to 200, even for commonly used drugs. CONCLUSION Most UK neonatal units do not sedate babies before intubating, despite evidence of physiological and practical benefits. Only a minority have written guidelines, which prohibits auditing of practice. Key messages There is good evidence of physiological and practical benefit when neonates are sedated before intubation, and no evidence that it is harmful. Only 37% of UK neonatal units routinely sedate babies before intubating them on the unit. Only 14% of units have formal guidelines for sedation before intubation, prohibiting audit of practice.
Formation of extracellular haemolysin by Aeromonas hydrophila in relation to protease and staphylolytic enzyme.

Summary: Aeromonas hydrophila strain B3646 produced extracellular haemolysin in various complex or defined liquid media. The haemolytic activity in all media investigated was proportional to the bacterial dry weight at the end of exponential growth, and there is probably no way to stimulate the production of haemolysin specifically. The haemolytic activity appeared late in the autolytic part of the stationary phase. Inhibition of protein and DNA synthesis by chloramphenicol or nalidixic acid revealed that the haemolysin was synthesized during the late logarithmic phase and released into the medium by lysis. Attempts to release the haemolysin from the bacteria by various disintegration methods were all negative. Cyclic AMP did not affect the synthesis or release of haemolytic activity. The haemolysin is probably bound to some bacterial constituent in the cytoplasm and activated upon lysis. Malate dehydrogenase and protease activity accumulated in the medium simultaneously during this lytic phase, while staphylolytic enzyme was released during the logarithmic phase.
Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children.

BACKGROUND Public debate over the safety of the trivalent measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and the resultant drop in vaccination rates in several countries, persists despite its almost universal use and accepted effectiveness. OBJECTIVES We carried out a systematic review to assess the evidence of effectiveness and unintended effects associated with MMR. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2004), EMBASE (1974 to December 2004), Biological Abstracts (from 1985 to December 2004), and Science Citation Index (from 1980 to December 2004). Results from reviews, handsearching and from the consultation of manufacturers and authors were also used. SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible studies were comparative prospective or retrospective trials testing the effects of MMR compared to placebo, do-nothing or a combination of measles, mumps and rubella antigens on healthy individuals up to 15 years of age. These studies were carried out or published by 2004. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We identified 139 articles possibly satisfying our inclusion criteria and included 31 in the review. MAIN RESULTS MMR was associated with a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, a higher incidence of irritability, and similar incidence of other adverse effects compared to placebo. The vaccine was likely to be associated with benign thrombocytopenic purpura, parotitis, joint and limb complaints, febrile convulsions within two weeks of vaccination and aseptic meningitis (mumps) (Urabe strain-containing MMR). Exposure to MMR was unlikely to be associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autism or aseptic meningitis (mumps) (Jeryl-Lynn strain-containing MMR). We could not identify studies assessing the effectiveness of MMR that fulfilled our inclusion criteria even though the impact of mass immunisation on the elimination of the diseases has been largely demonstrated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The design and reporting of safety outcomes in MMR vaccine studies, both pre- and post-marketing, are largely inadequate. The evidence of adverse events following immunisation with MMR cannot be separated from its role in preventing the target diseases.
Adalimumab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Adalimumab (ADA), a fully human monoclonal antibody against TNF-α is indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis. In RA, it may be prescribed in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or as monotherapy. Studies comparing ADA with other TNF-α inhibitors are limited and are based mainly on meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and large observational cohorts. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of ADA is compared with that of etanercept and infliximab.
The Neurologic Development of the Newborn and Young Child in Relation to Maternal Thyroid Function

A prospective observational study was performed in pregnant women with known thyroid disease. We studied the effect of maternal thyroid function in the first half of pregnancy on the neurologic development of the infant in the first 2 y of life. Clinical and thyroid function data were collected from 20 pregnant women with known thyroid disease and their newborn children. Infants were divided into three groups according to their maternal thyroid function within the first half of pregnancy: Group A (n = 7): maternal subclinical hypothyroidism, Group B (n = 6): maternal euthyroidism, and Group C (n = 7): maternal hyperthyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism. Neurophysiologic, i.e. motor nerve conduction velocity and somatosensory evoked potentials and neurologic and developmental (Bayley scales) assessments were done. One infant, born to a mother with Graves' disease, developed transient hyperthyroidism. At the age of 6 and 12 mo, the mean mental developmental index (MDI) score was 16 points lower for infants in Group A than for those in Group B (p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). At the age of 24 mo, the mean MDI score was 6 points lower, which was not statistically significant. Neurophysiologic and neurologic assessments and the mean Psychomotor Developmental scores did not differ among the three groups. In conclusion, maternal subclinical hypothyroidism in the first half of pregnancy was associated with a lower mean MDI score in their infants during the first year of life.
An analysis of the impact of socio-economic disadvantage and school quality on the probability of school dropout

This paper combines the Australian Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) micro-level data with its longitudinal continuation, the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Youth data, to measure the association between individual PISA scores and early school dropouts. We use multilevel modelling to distinguish between student and school factors when estimating school dropout propensity for 15–18-year olds. We model attrition and deal with the possibility that PISA scores are endogenous in the dropout decision. We find that PISA scores predict well early dropout, especially so for bottom achievers, and that individual and social disadvantage plays a crucial role in this relationship, both directly and indirectly.
A Novel Mutation (K378X) in the Sequestosome 1 Gene Associated With Increased NF‐κB Signaling and Paget's Disease of Bone With a Severe Phenotype

Sequestosome 1/p62 (p62) mutations are associated with PDB; however, there are limited data regarding functional consequences. We report a novel mutation in exon 7 (K378X) in a patient with polyostotic Paget's disease of bone. p62 mutants increased NF‐κB activation and significantly potentiated osteoclast formation and bone resorption in human primary cell cultures.
EVALUATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ELDERLY SUBJECTS, WITH A COMPARISON BETWEEN FALL AND SPRING *

Much concern has been expressed in recent years regarding the nutritional status of the older age segment of our population. Increasing numbers of our senior citizens are now living on incomes greatly reduced from those enjoyed during their years of employment, while at the same time they face a continually rising cost of living. This combination of circumstances, combined with other health aspects of aging such as chronic disease, dental problems and boredom, has brought focus on the nutritional as well as the total needs of the elderly. Unfortunately, very little information has been available about the food patterns of elderly people in general, and there has been an even greater lack of quantitative knowledge regarding the nutritional status of presumably healthy persons living in their own households, either alone or with a spouse. Therefore, as part of a study to collect information relative to the nutritional status of subjects over 50 years of age, volunteer residents in public housing units specifically established for senior citizens were surveyed for information on food intake, biochemical values and, when possible, additional information on socio-economic status and background.
Results of a randomized trial in children with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: Medical Research Council AML12 trial

The Medical Research Council Acute Myeloid Leukaemia 12 (MRC AML12) trial (children) addressed the optimal anthracenedione/anthracycline in induction and the optimal number of courses of consolidation chemotherapy. 504 children (<16 years) with AML were randomized between mitoxantrone/cytarabine/etoposide or daunorubicin/cytarabine/etoposide as induction chemotherapy and 270 entered a second randomization between a total of four or five courses of treatment. Ten‐year event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was 54% and 63% respectively; the relapse rate was 35%. There was no difference in complete remission rate between the induction regimens, but there was a benefit for mitoxantrone with regard to relapse rate [32% vs. 39%; Hazard ratio (HR) 0·73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·54, 1·00] and disease‐free survival (DFS; 63% vs. 55%; HR 0·72; 95% CI 0·54, 0·96). However, this did not translate into a better EFS or OS (HR 0·84; 95% CI 0·63, 1·12). Results of the second randomization did not show a survival benefit for a fifth course of treatment (HR 1·01; 95% CI 0·63, 1·62), suggesting a ceiling of benefit for conventional chemotherapy and demonstrating the need for new agents. EFS was superior compared to the preceding trial AML10, partly due to fewer deaths in remission, highlighting the importance of supportive care.
KIN28, a yeast split gene coding for a putative protein kinase homologous to CDC28.

We have isolated, in yeast, a nuclear gene named KIN28 which presents significant sequence homology with the cell‐division‐cycle CDC28 gene, with members of the protein‐tyrosine kinase family (src, erb, abl, epidermal growth factor, etc.) and those of the family of protein kinases phosphorylating serine and threonine. This strongly suggests that KIN28 is endowed with a protein kinase activity. In contrast with CDC28, KIN28 is interrupted by an intervening sequence. The KIN28 gene failed to complement cdc28 mutations and was shown to be essential for cell proliferation.
Social-Democratic Government and Health Policy in Europe: A Quantitative Analysis

Although health policy ultimately depends on political decision making, empirical evidence of the impact of politics on implementation of health policies and their population health outcomes is scarce. In this study, we assess the effects of social-democratic government participation on indicators of preventive health policy (tobacco, alcohol, food, mother and child health, infectious diseases, hypertension, cancer screening, road traffic safety, air pollution) in Europe. Cumulative years of social-democratic government differed widely between European countries, as did indicators of current health policy performance, but the latter are not associated with recent social-democratic government. However, there is a positive association with social-democratic government cumulated over five decades. Positive effects of social-democratic government are mainly seen on indicators of tobacco and alcohol control. We conclude that long-term social-democratic government participation may have had a positive impact on some areas of preventive health policy, perhaps through the creation of strong public health institutions or a strong public health workforce.
A split-face comparison of low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG laser plus 1550 nm fractional photothermolysis vs. Q-switched Nd: YAG monotherapy for facial melasma in Asian skin

Abstract Background: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder which poses substantial therapeutic challenge. Combined therapy may be beneficial in Asians, where mixed type melasma is dominant. Objective: We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd: YAG (1064 QSNY) and a nonablative 1550 nm erbium-doped fractional photothermolysis (NFP) treatment in Asian melasma. Methods: This was a split face study, in which 26 patients were treated with the 1064 QSNY (6 mm spot size, 1.2–1.4 J/cm2 fluence) for 10 sessions at 2-week intervals to the entire face, and with the NFP (dynamic mode, pulse energy 6–8 mJ/microthermal zone (MTZ); total density 300 MTZs/cm2) for five sessions at 4-week intervals to the experimental side of the face. Efficacy variables were modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), the physician's global assessment (PhGA), and patient's subjective global assessment (PGA). Safety was evaluated through the reporting of adverse events. Results: The percentage of subjective improvement was virtually identical on both sides. The mMASI corroborated the patients’ subjective estimate, both in terms of the degree of improvement and the lack of difference between the 1064 QSNY + NFP and the 1064 QSNY treated sides. No serious side effects were reported in either side. Conclusions: Our findings do not support the hypothesis of NFP providing a substantial benefit in treating the melasma when compared with the lone treatment of the 1064 QSNY.
Short-term topical therapy of experimental tinea pedis in guinea pigs with lanoconazole, a new imidazole antimycotic agent

The therapeutic efficacy of short-term treatment with a 1% cream of lanoconazole, a new imidazole antimycotic agent, in comparison with that of a 1% cream of terbinafine was evaluated in the guinea pig model of tinea pedis. Each agent was topically applied once a day for 3 or 7 consecutive days, starting on day 10 postinfection, and a culture study was conducted on day 5 after the last treatment with each agent. The 1% cream of lanoconazole was as highly effective as the 1% cream of terbinafine in terms of eradicating the fungi from the infected feet.