Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The burden of dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury among hospitalized adults with HIV infection: a nationwide inpatient sample analysis

Objective:The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (’dialysis-requiring AKI’) and the impact on in-hospital mortality among hospitalized adults with HIV infection. Design:A longitudinal analysis of a nationally representative administrative database. Methods:We reviewed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database, a large, nationally representative sample of inpatient hospital admissions, to identify all adult hospitalizations with an associated diagnosis of HIV infection from 2002 to 2010. We analysed temporal trends in the incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI and the associated odds of in-hospital mortality. We also explored potential reasons behind temporal changes. Results:Among 183 0041 hospitalizations with an associated diagnosis of HIV infection, the proportion complicated by dialysis-requiring AKI increased from 0.7% in 2002 to 1.35% in 2010. This temporal rise was completely explained by changes in demographics and an increase in concurrent comorbidities and procedure utilization. The adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality associated with dialysis-requiring AKI also increased over the study period, from 1.45 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.97–2.12] in 2002 to 2.64 (95% CI 2.04–3.42) in 2010. Conclusion:These data suggest that the incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI among hospitalized adults with HIV infection continues to increase, and that severe AKI remains a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality in this population. The increased incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI was largely explained by ageing of the HIV population and increasing prevalence of chronic non-AIDS comorbidities, suggesting that these trends will continue.
Guided bone regeneration around endosseous implants with anorganic bovine bone mineral. A randomized controlled trial comparing bioabsorbable versus non-resorbable barriers.

BACKGROUND Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a viable treatment for osseous defects surrounding dental implants. Controversy exists regarding the choice of barrier membrane used and the method of membrane fixation to achieve GBR. METHODS This study compared the efficacy of a porcine-derived bioabsorbable collagen membrane and an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (non-resorbable) for GBR using a bovine bone xenograft/autograft bone composite in defects surrounding dental implants. The study also examined the effect of primary barrier fixation on GBR. Defect size was recorded at Stage 1 and 2 surgeries (performed 6 months apart). Forty-eight subjects (41% males, 59% females) requiring GBR were treated with either collagen (23) or ePTFE (25) barriers, respectively. Implants were titanium self-tapping screw-type. In 34 GBR sites, barrier fixation was achieved with polylactic acid resorbable pins. The remaining barriers were secured with the implant cover screw and/or embedded beneath the flaps. RESULTS At 6 months, a decrease in defect width (collagen barrier 1.95 +/- 0.60 mm, ePTFE barrier 2.65 +/- 0.56 mm), length (collagen barrier 2.65 +/- 0.61 mm, ePTFE barrier 2.26 +/- 0.66 mm), and circumference (degrees) (collagen barrier 57.7 +/- 18.7, ePTFE barrier 80.2 +/- 19.9) was observed for both membranes. A significant number (chi2, P = 0.041) of postoperative complications occurred when barrier fixation was lacking at initial surgery. Furthermore, a significant difference (P <0.05) in the success of GBR with respect to defect size was observed when barrier fixation was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, both collagen and ePTFE barriers proved suitable for achieving GBR of osseous defects surrounding dental implants. The results of this study stress the importance of barrier fixation at the time of initial surgery.
Perception of the risk of adverse drug reactions: differences between health professionals and non health professionals.

AIMS To investigate how risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of several drug classes is perceived by health vs non health professionals. METHODS Four hundred health professionals (i.e. 278 general practitioners, 76 pharmacists and 46 pharmacovigilance professionals) and 153 non health professionals were interviewed. Visual analogue scales were used to define a score of perceived risk of ADRs associated with each drug class (ranking from 0 to 10). RESULTS Anticoagulants were ranked as the most dangerous drugs by general practitioners [median score (25th-75th centiles): 7.9 (6.7-9.0)], pharmacists [8.7 (7.8-9.7)] and pharmacovigilance professionals [8.1 (7.2-9.0)]. For non health professionals, the class ranked first was sleeping pills [8.7 (7.2-9.4)] followed by tranquillisers [8.2 (6.4-9.2)] and antidepressants [8.0 (5.9-9.1)]. Aspirin was listed in the last position by non health professionals [3.4 (1.5-5.4)]. CONCLUSIONS There are major differences in the perception of risk of ADRs between health professionals and non health professionals.
The Development of Innovative Chemistry Learning Material for Bilingual Senior High School Students in Indonesia

The development of innovative chemistry learning material for bilingual Senior High School (SHS) students in Indonesia is explained. The study is aimed to obtain an innovative chemistry learning material based on national curriculum in Indonesia to be used as a learning media in the teaching and learning activities. The learning material is developed by enhancing the chemistry topics to meet the requirement of a national curriculum followed by integration of laboratory experiments, learning media, and contextual application of the relevant chemistry topics. The material is then designed in printed and electronic bases. The performance of developed chemistry material is standardized to meet good quality learning material for class purposes. The results showed that the performance of developed chemistry materials is categorized as very good. The developed learning material is found effective to be used in teaching and learning process, and be able to motivate the students to learn chemistry. The facilities provided in the material are adequate to guide the student to study chemistry independently that make learning activities moving from teacher centre learning become students centre learning. Students achievements in experimental class (M = 83.0) is found higher than that with control class (M = 73.5), where both are significantly different. There is a positive correlation between the student’s motivations with the student’s achievement in chemistry subject, where the correlation in experimental class (R² = 0.711) is better than in control class (R² = 0.467).
Self-control training leads to enhanced cardiovascular exercise performance

Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of two weeks of self-control strength training on maximum cardiovascular exercise performance. Forty-one participants completed a cognitive self-control depletion task (Stroop task) followed by a maximal graded cycling test and were randomized to training (maximal endurance contractions of spring handgrip trainers, twice daily) or no-treatment control groups. At follow-up (2 weeks), half of each group completed either a time-matched or trial-matched Stroop task followed by another maximal graded cycling test. Results showed a significant 2-way (training X time) interaction (P < 0.001), and a trend for the 3-way (training X time X cognitive task) interaction (P = 0.07). Decomposition of the interactions revealed that across sessions cycling performance increased in both training groups, did not change in the trial-matched cognitive task control group, and declined in the time-matched control group. We conclude that isometric handgrip training leads to self-control strength adaptations that enhance maximal cardiovascular exercise performance or tolerance of exercise at maximal levels of effort.
Cell–cell interactions during transendothelial migration of tumor cells

A key event in cancer metastasis is the transendothelial migration of tumor cells. This process involves multiple adhesive interactions between tumor cells and the endothelium. After adhering to the surface of endothelial cells, tumor cells must penetrate the endothelial junction, which contains high concentrations of the cell adhesion molecules VE‐cadherin and PECAM‐1. Studies using an in vitro model system, consisting of melanoma cells which are seeded onto a monolayer of endothelial cells cultured on Matrigel, have revealed reorganization of the cytoskeleton and dynamic changes in the cell shape of both tumor and endothelial cells. The initial stages of transmigration are characterized by numerous membrane blebs protruding from the basolateral surfaces of the melanoma cells. Contact regions also show an abundance of microfilaments arising from the underlying endothelial cells. These adhesive interactions lead to the redistribution of both VE‐cadherin and PECAM‐1 and, consequently, a localized dissolution of the endothelial junction. The penetration of the endothelial junction is initiated by melanoma pseudopods. Despite the disappearance of VE‐cadherin from the retracting endothelial junction, heterotypic contacts between the tumor cell and its surrounding endothelial cells show a high concentration of pan‐cadherin staining, suggesting that transmigration of melanoma cells might yet be facilitated by interactions with another member of the cadherin family. Upon adhesion to the Matrigel, melanoma cells begin to spread and invade the matrix material, while the endothelial cells extend processes over the melanoma cells to reform the monolayer. Interestingly, the leading margins of these endothelial processes contain a high concentration of N‐cadherin. VE‐cadherin and PECAM‐1 reappear only when the advancing endothelial processes meet to reform the endothelial junction. Together, these observations suggest that endothelial cells actively participate in the transmigration of tumor cells and specific cadherins are involved in different steps of this complex process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 43:265–275, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tubal Metaplasia of the Uterine Cervix: A Prevalence Study in Patients With Gynecologic Pathologic Findings

SummaryTubal metaplasia (TM) of endocervical epithelium may be confused with endocervical dysplasia or adenocarcinoma in histologic or cytologic specimens. However, the potential magnitude of this problem is unknown, because the prevalence of endocervical TM in routine surgical pathology material is undefined. To determine the prevalence, distribution, and associated features of endocervical TM, we retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of cone biopsy specimens (n = 82) and hysterectomy specimens in which the entire cervix had been sectioned (n = 26), obtained over 28-months. Tubal metaplasia was defined as epithelium containing all three cell types (ciliated, secretory, and intercalary) found in the normal fallopian tube. The mean patient age was 41 years (range, 21–79). Endocervical TM was present in 33 of 108 patients (31%) and was evenly distributed among all age groups. Its prevalence was related to the number of sections examined (23% of cases with ≤ 12 blocks of the cervix; 52% of cases with > 12 blocks; p < 0.01) and was greater in hysterectomy than in cone specimens (62 vs. 21%, p < 0.001). Although most frequent in the upper endocervix and in deep portions of glands, TM involved the surface in 36%, the superficial parts of glands in 64%, and the lower endocervix in 30% of positive cases. There was no association with phase of the menstrual cycle, inflammatory changes, or low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), but TM was inversely related to high-grade CIN in glands, presumably due to replacement of metaplastic cells by neoplastic cells. In conclusion, TM is frequent in patients with lower genital tract pathologic findings and is often present in locations easily sampled by cytologic or biopsy techniques. Awareness of its presence may avoid overinterpretation of TM as endocervical neoplasia.
Recent developments in urologic oncology: positron emission tomography molecular imaging

Purpose of review Traditional morphologically based imaging modalities in uro-oncology are now being complemented by the functional and molecular imaging technique positron emission tomography (PET). This review highlights the most important recent developments. Recent findings Prostate cancer: PET imaging with the new radiotracers 11C-choline, 18F-fluorocholine, and 11C-acetate show promising results. The role of anti-1-amino-3-18F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid remains to be elucidated further. 18F-fluoride PET is useful for the detection of bone metastases. Bladder cancer: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT with delayed images after a diuretic and oral hydration may improve detection of locally recurrent or residual bladder tumours. Both 18F-FDG PET and 11C-choline PET may be useful for staging of bladder cancer. Renal cancer: 18F-FDG PET has a role in staging and restaging of the disease. Recently, 124I-cG250 PET has shown promising results in the detection of clear-cell renal carcinoma. Testicular cancer: 18F-FDG PET is useful in staging and follow-up after treatment. There are no important recent developments with new radiopharmaceuticals in testicular cancer. Summary The utility of PET molecular imaging in uro-oncology expanded due to the new metabolic PET tracers with more favourable properties.
Aberrant p16 promoter methylation among Greek lung cancer patients and smokers: correlation with smoking

Genetic and environmental factors (dietary and smoking) influence lung cancer epidemiology and induce epigenetic modifications that should be assessed in individual populations. We analyzed p16 methylation among Greek non-small cell lung carcinoma patients and smokers using two-stage methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and fifty specimens from cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissue, bronchial washings and sputum from patients and 48 specimens, mostly sputum, from disease-free smokers were included. p16 methylation was very frequent in biopsies (82.85%) and bronchial washings (non-small cell lung carcinoma, 80.35%; small cell lung carcinoma, 16.66%) from patients, but also in adjacent non-cancerous tissue (45.71%). Concordance of p16 methylation and positivity by cytological examination was 51.78%. Methylation was also observed in sputum from asymptomatic cytology-negative smokers (22.5%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (three of eight). Among disease-free individuals, methylation correlated only with heavy smoking (>50 pack-years, P<0.001) and differed among male and female disease-free smokers. In summary, p16 methylation is very frequent among non-small cell lung carcinoma patients, and correlates with heavy cigarette consumption only in disease-free smokers.
Creation of radiofrequency lesions in a porcine model: correlation with sonography, CT, and histopathology.

OBJECTIVE We studied the correlation between sonographic and CT appearances of radiofrequency thermal lesions created in porcine liver and histopathologic findings to evaluate the accuracy of these techniques in revealing the extent of tissue necrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used sonographic guidance and a 2.0-cm-diameter, eight-prong retractable radiofrequency electrode to view 12 hepatic lesions that were created in five pigs. Biphasic helical CT was performed 12-48 hr after ablation. The animals were sacrificed immediately after CT, and their livers were histopathologically examined. The maximum lesion size in the long and short axes as measured on CT and sonography was then correlated with the histopathologically determined lesion size. RESULTS On sonography, lesions changed rapidly within 5 min after the termination of ablation. An early echogenic cloud became peripherally hypoechoic with a variable thin echogenic rim. Early (0-2 min after ablation) sonograms led to an underestimation of true lesion sizes on histopathology (r = 0.3-0.49; p < 0.05). Delayed (2-5 min after ablation) sonograms also led to an underestimation of true lesion size (r = 0.5-0.62; p < 0.05); however, lesions were larger and better demarcated. Biphasic contrast-enhanced helical CT revealed avascular lesions surrounded by hyperemic rims that closely correlated with true pathologic lesions size (r = 0.93-0.95; p < 0. 05). Lesions with hyperemic rims that were measured on CT led to overestimations of true lesion size. CONCLUSION Sonography led to underestimations of the true size of ablated lesions within the first 5 min after creation; however, delayed images provided better results. The avascular lesion measured on contrast-enhanced helical CT closely correlated with the size of ablated tissue; therefore, contrast-enhanced CT is preferred for serially monitoring the effect of radiofrequency ablation.
The economy of probabilistic stress: interplay of controlling activity and threat reduction.

In this paper, we examine salient properties of control in stressing situations; the degree of control varies with the number of alternatives available to an individual within a situation. Simulated conditions of control indicate that as alternatives become more available, so does potential reduction of the probability that aversive events will occur. The simulations indicate, further, that realizing this potential rests on predictive judgements surrounding the alternatives; such judgements represent ‘cognitive demands’ which are regarded as stressing in their own right. After being demonstrated quantitatively, the inverse relation between aversive-event probability and requisite predictive judgements is examined empirically. Mathematical models of preference and choice are then used to identify implications of the inverse relation for the relative ‘appeal’ held by alternate conditions of control. Both strengths and limitations of the current formulation and its supporting evidence are noted. Finally, the present type of control regarding stressing events is compared to other types, followed by discussion of their respective roles.
Intensity perception. I. Preliminary theory of intensity resolution.

An attempt is made to develop a quantitative theory of intensity resolution that is applicable to a wide variety of experiments on discrimination, identification, and scaling. The theory is composed of a Thurstonian decision model, which separates sensitivity from response bias, and an internal‐noise model, which separates sensory limitations from memory limitations. It is assumed that the subject has two memory operating modes, a sensory‐trace mode and a context‐coding mode, and that the use of these two modes is determined by the characteristics of the experiment. In one‐interval paradigms, it is assumed that the context‐coding mode is used, and the theory relates resolution to the total range of intensities in the stimulus set. In two‐interval paradigms, it is assumed that the two modes are combined, and the theory relates resolution to both the total intensity range and the duration between the two intervals. The theory provides, among other things, a new interpretation of the 7 ± 2 phenomenon.
Statistical performance evaluation of ECG transmission using wireless networks

Abstract This paper presents simulation of the transmission of biomedical signals (using ECG signal as an example) over wireless networks. Investigation of the effect of channel impairments including SNR, pathloss exponent, path delay and network impairments such as packet loss probability; on the diagnosability of the received ECG signal are presented. The ECG signal is transmitted through a wireless network system composed of two communication protocols; an 802.15. 4- ZigBee protocol and an 802.11b protocol. The performance of the transmission is evaluated using higher order statistics parameters such as kurtosis and Negative Entropy in addition to the common techniques such as the PRD, RMS and Cross Correlation.
Invariance on a reading comprehension test in European Portuguese: A differential item functioning analysis between students from rural and urban areas

The aim of this study was to determine whether the items from a reading comprehension test in European Portuguese function differently across students from rural and urban areas, which biases the test validity and the equity in assessment. The sample was composed of 653 students from second, third and fourth grades. The presence of differential item functioning (DIF) was analysed using logistic regression and the Mantel–Haenszel procedure. Although 17 items were flagged with DIF, only five items showed non-negligible DIF in all effect-size measures. The evidence of invariance across students with rural or urban backgrounds for most of the items supports the validity of the test though the five identified items should be further investigated.
Delusional disorder: the predictive validity of the concept

A sample of 72 first‐admitted patients with delusional disorder was personally re‐examined after a mean of 10 years, and 42 of them after an average of 27 years. The mean observation period for all patients from admission to last follow‐up was 20 years (3–39). There was a trend that patients with delusions of jealousy did better on course variables, but similar outcomes were revealed in groups with delusions of jealousy, persecution and a mixed group with different main delusions. Duration of symptoms prior to admission was a significant predictor of outcome, indicating dividing lines of 1 and 6 months at 10‐year follow‐up and 3 and 6 months at long‐term follow‐up. Based on the data, a minimal duration of 6 months is proposed for persistent delusional disorder.
Experimental photodynamic therapy with MESO‐tetrakisphenylporphyrin (TPP) in liposomes leads to disintegration of human amelanotic melanoma implanted to nude mice

Liposomal meso‐tetrakis‐phenylporphyrin (TPP) was tested for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of human amelanotic melanomas implanted in nude mice. After intratumoural TPP application (15 mg.kg−1) followed by PDT lamp irradiation (600–700 nm, 635 nm peak), tumours retained their original volume up to the 23rd day post‐PDT, whereas volumes increased 6 times in controls. PDT with intravenously (i.v.) administered liposomal (3.2 mg.kg−1) TPP mostly disintegrated tumours to zero volumes. Melanoma remissions were accompanied by tumour surface necroses and were documented by the appearance of nontumourous cells with nonpycnotic nuclei. Spatial arrangement of capillaries in remissing tumour was the same as in healthy surrounding tissue. Lower TPP doses (1, 0.3 and 0.1 mg.kg−1) were more or equally efficient than hydrophilic TPPS4 (3.2 mg.kg−1, i.e., sulfonated TPP), i.v. administered also in liposomes. Liposomal TPPS4 only delayed the onset of subsequent tumour growth. Commercial Photosan 3 disintegrated tumours only in doses of approx. 7.5 mg.kg−1; in lower doses it was less efficient than TPPS4. The second PDT cycle (3.2 mg.kg−1 TPP or 7.5 mg.kg−1 Photosan 3), performed in a few unsuccessfully cured mice, predominantly led again to tumour remissions. Since the measured TPP and TPPS4 content in melanomas was similar, these results demonstrate the advantage of PDT with a hydrophobic photosensitizer such as TPP. Photophysical properties of TPP and TPPS4 are equal, but TPP has probably more favorable intracellular distribution, as documented by our studies, which leads to more efficient PDT. Consequently, liposomal TPP is suggested as a potentially suitable efficient preparation for PDT. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.