Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analyses in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Their Methodologies

Background: The number and quality of well-designed scientific studies in the orthopaedic literature are limited. The purpose of this review was to determine the methodological qualities of published meta-analyses on orthopaedic-surgery-related topics. Methods: A systematic review of meta-analyses was conducted. A search of the Medline database provided lists of meta-analyses in orthopaedics published from 1969 to 1999. Extensive manual searches of major orthopaedic journals, bibliographies of major orthopaedic texts, and personal files identified additional studies. Of 601 studies identified, forty met the criteria for eligibility. Two investigators each assessed the quality of the studies under blinded conditions, and they abstracted relevant data. Results: More than 50% of the meta-analyses included in this review were published after 1994. We found that 88% had methodological flaws that could limit their validity. The main deficiency was a lack of information on the methods used to retrieve and assess the validity of the primary studies. Regression analysis revealed that meta-analyses authored in affiliation with an epidemiology department and those published in nonsurgical journals were associated with higher scores for quality. Meta-analyses with lower scores for quality tended to report positive findings. The meta-analyses that focused upon fracture treatment and degenerative disease (hip, knee, or spine) had significantly lower mean quality scores than did meta-analyses that examined thrombosis prevention and diagnostic tests (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The majority of meta-analyses on orthopaedic-surgery-related topics have methodological limitations. Limitation of bias and improvement in the validity of the meta-analyses can be achieved by adherence to strict scientific methodology. However, the ultimate quality of a meta-analysis depends on the quality of the primary studies on which it is based. A meta-analysis is most persuasive when data from high-quality randomized trials are pooled.
Cross Talk between Angiotensin II and Alpha 1 Adrenergic Receptors in Rabbit Aorta: Role of Endothelium

Interaction between the renin-angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system has been proposed to be like a physiological regulation mechanism. The present work was designed to study the cross talk between angiotensin II and adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle contractile response and the endothelium influence in this phenomenon. Homologous and endothelium independent desensitization of angiotensin II-contractile response was observed. Treatment with noradrenaline between two cumulative doses response curves (CDRC) to angiotensin II caused a rightward shift of the second CDRC in unrubbed arteries and increased the maximal response in rubbed arteries. Prazosin blocked these effects. No homologous desensitization of noradrenaline contractile response was found. Treatment with angiotensin II between two CDRC to noradrenaline caused a loss of affinity in the second CDRC in unrubbed arteries. Losartan was able to avoid this phenomenon. Maximal response was enhanced both in arteries with and without endothelium treated or not with angiotensin II. Results demonstrate homologous and endothelium-independent desensitization of the contractile response to angiotensin II but not to noradrenaline. In addition, heterologous and endothelium-dependent desensitization induced by noradrenaline and angiotensin II on the contractile response to each other was found. Furthermore, results provided the first evidence that there is an endothelium-dependent cross talk between &agr;1-adrenergic and angiotensin II receptors in smooth muscle of rabbit aorta.
Identification of tubulins as substrates of serine protease HtrA1 by mixture‐based oriented peptide library screening

Serine protease HtrA1 belongs to a family of chymotrypsin‐like proteases that were first identified in bacteria and later in mammalian systems. These proteases were identified as components of protein quality control in prokaryotic systems and as regulators of diverse signaling pathways in mammalian systems. In particular, HtrA1 is implicated in trophoblast cell migration and invasion, tumor progression, chemotherapy‐induced cytotoxicity, osteoarthritis, age‐related macular degeneration, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, systematic analysis of its potential substrates in biological system is still lacking. Therefore, we performed a mixture‐based oriented peptide library screening to identify putative substrates of HtrA1. We identified [AEGR]‐[LAGR]‐[IAMLR]‐[TVIAL] as consensus residues for P1 to P4 sites. We identified several putative substrates of HtrA1 involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In this study, we report on the identification of tubulins as potential substrates of HtrA1, and validated tubulins as in vitro and intracellular substrates of HtrA1. These results provide initial insights into substrate identification and functional characterization of HtrA1 in pathogenesis of various diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 253–263, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Aberrant methylation of NF2, TIMP-3 and THBS1 genes and their diagnostic values in meningiomas].

OBJECTIVE To explore the functions of NF2, TIMP-3 and THBS1 genes in the tumorigenesis or progression of meningiomas and analyze the values of these genes in early diagnosis, therapy and prognostic evaluation in meningiomas. METHODS A total of 66 cases with histological sections of meningiomas, including solitary (SMs, n = 30) and multiple meningiomas (MMs, n = 36), were retrieved from our departmental archives. All cases were regrouped as benign, atypical and anaplastic (malignant) by hematoxylin & eosin staining according to the recently published WHO classification of nervous system tumors. Genomic DNA was extracted from tumor sections and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) performed to detect the CpG methylation status. Normal brain tissue was used as the control group. And then the differences of methylation rate between SMs and MMs tissues and among different subgroups were analyzed by statistical analyses. RESULTS The results of methylation in different types of meningiomas demonstrated that the rates of NF2, TIMP-3 and THBS1 methylation were 26.7% (8/30), 16.7% (5/30) and 36.7% (11/30) in 30 SMs tissues and 30.6% (11/36), 22.2% (8/36) and 22.2% (8/36) in 36 MMs tissues respectively. But no aberrant methylation of NF2, TIMP-3 and THBS1 genes was found in normal brain tissue. No significant differences in three types of gene methylation rates existed between SMs and MMs in the I-III grade meningiomas. Nevertheless, there was great difference between grades I, II and III in SMs and MMs while no significant difference was found between grades II and III. CONCLUSION The methylation of NF2, TIMP-3 and THBS1 is correlated with the tumorigenesis of meningiomas (grade II and III). As an important pathogenetic cause of meningiomas, it may be used as a clinical tool for an early diagnosis of meningiomas.
Saskatoon in motion: class- versus home-based exercise intervention for older adults with chronic health conditions.

BACKGROUND The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a class-based (CB) and home-based (HB) exercise program for older adults with chronic health conditions. METHODS 172 sedentary older adults with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or osteoarthritis were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS A significant increase was seen in the CB group in the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores and SF-12 Physical and Mental Health scores. In both groups, significant increases were seen in 6-minute walk distance, Physical Performance Test (PPT), and Functional Fitness Test (FFT), and significant reductions were seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure but not body mass index or waist circumference. Except for a greater increment in the FFT in the CB group, the degree of improvement was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION After a 3-month intervention, both the CB and HB program produced comparable significant improvements in outcome measures.
The changing face of acoustic neuroma management in the USA: Analysis of the 1998 and 2008 patient surveys from the acoustic neuroma association

Abstract Objective. A recent review of the national cancer center registry Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database revealed that in the United States, 25% of Acoustic Neuromas (AN) are managed with observation. Several articles have questioned the aggressive treatment of these slow growing tumors. Concern has been raised that data from the SEER database might be biased towards treatment as patients who chose observation are less likely to be seen at a cancer center. To try and adjust for this potential bias, we decided to investigate management trends of AN in the United States using patient surveys conducted by the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA). Study design. Database review. Methods. Data from the 1998 and 2008 ANA patient's surveys were analyzed to detect trends between tumor size and treatment modality. Management trends including observation, microsurgical resection and radiation were examined as well based on tumor size criteria. Results. During this study period, tumor size at diagnosis decreased significantly (1966–1998: 23.8% ≤ 1.5 cm; 1999–2008: 45.3% ≤ 1.5 cm). The use of microsurgery decreased from 92.7% to 53.4%, while the use of radiosurgery/radiotherapy increased from 5% to 24.2% and observation increased to 22.4%. Conclusion. Review of data from the ANA confirmed that radiosurgery, and watch and wait are gaining popularity as treatment options. Regardless of this shift in tumor management, microsurgery continues to be the primary method of treatment across tumor sizes in the United States of America and observation remains the least common management modality.
Myocardial morphometric changes related to decreased contractility after endotoxin.

Decreased ventricular contractility during sepsis lasts much longer than the half-lives of inflammatory mediators that have been suggested to be myocardial depressant factors. Our hypothesis is that blood-borne factors may also cause myocardial structural changes, including damage and death of myocytes, associated with decreased ventricular contractility. We tested this hypothesis in an isolated rabbit heart perfused by a support rabbit. Support rabbits received 1 mg/kg endotoxin i.v. over 30 min (endotoxin group, n = 7) or vehicle (control group, n = 6). The slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, Emax, was used to measure contractility of the isolated heart. Five hours after endotoxin infusion, Emax decreased by 17 +/- 7% (P < 0.03) compared with 0 +/- 2% in the control group. Quantitative morphometric analysis of isolated hearts from the endotoxin group demonstrated an increased volume fraction of myocardial capillaries occupied by leukocytes (15.7 +/- 3.5 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.7% in the control group, P < 0.05), structurally abnormal myocytes (7.6 +/- 3.6 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.4%, P < 0.05), and interstitial edema (23.2 +/- 5.2 vs. 14.3 +/- 2.1%, P < 0.05). We conclude that blood-borne factors cause myocardial structural changes that may contribute to decreased ventricular contractility and may explain the prolonged decrease in ventricular contractility during sepsis.
Does Educational Diversity of Managers Matter for the Performance of Team‐Managed Funds?

We study the effect of the educational diversity of managers on the performance of team-managed mutual funds using a large sample of U.S. equity funds from 1994 to 2013. We consider diversity in terms of both final educational degree and field of educational specialisation. We find that, in general, both types of diversity have a positive impact on fund performance, and our results are robust over a wide range of performance metrics and changes in market conditions.
Short-Term Efficacy of Intravenous Pulse Glucocorticoids in Acute Discogenic Sciatica. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Design. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Objective. To test the short-term efficacy of a single intravenous (IV) pulse of glucocorticoids on the symptoms of acute discogenic sciatica. Summary of Background Data. The use of glucocorticoids in the treatment of acute discogenic sciatica is controversial. A potential advantage of the IV pulse therapy is the ability to distribute high glucocorticoid concentrations to the area surrounding the prolapsed disc without the risks and inconveniences of an epidural injection. Methods. Patients with acute sciatica (<6-week duration) of radiologically confirmed discogenic origin were randomized to receive either a single IV bolus of 500 mg of methylprednisolone or placebo. Clinical evaluation was performed in a double-blind manner on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 10, and 30. The primary outcome was reduction in sciatic leg pain during the first 3 days following the infusion; secondary outcomes were reduction in low back pain, global pain, functional disability, and signs of radicular irritation. The analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis using a longitudinal regression model for repeated measures. Results. A total of 65 patients were randomized, and 60 completed the treatment and the follow-up assessments. A single IV bolus of glucocorticoids provided significant improvement in sciatic leg pain (P = 0.04) within the first 3 days. However, the effect size was small, and the improvement did not persist. IV glucocorticoids had no effect on functional disability or clinical signs of radicular irritation. Conclusions. Although an IV bolus of glucocorticoids provides a short-term improvement in leg pain in patients with acute discogenic sciatica, its effects are transient and have small magnitude.
A Systematic Review of Oral Health Behavior Research in American Adolescents

Despite improvements in prevention, oral diseases are a problem among adolescents, linked to poor health outcomes and poor school performance. Little is known about adolescent oral health behavior. This systematic review describes factors that influence oral health behavior in adolescents. Inclusion criteria for the literature search were American children aged 12–19 and research on oral health behavior. Articles (n = 353) were retrieved, eight met the inclusion criteria, and of these, six were descriptive and two were experimental studies. The matrix method, critical appraisal, and content analysis produced themes across the studies. Participants were primarily African Americans and Hispanics of both genders, of lower socioeconomic status, aged 12–19. Findings suggest that ethnicity, race, and gender may influence oral health behavior in adolescents and that interventions have an effect. Research is needed to explore what other factors may influence oral health behavior in adolescents, long-term health outcomes, and school performance.
Effects of relaxin and IGF-I on capacitation, acrosome reaction, cholesterol efflux and utilization of labeled and unlabeled glucose in porcine spermatozoa

AimRelaxin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I have pronounced effects on the male and female reproductive tracts. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of relaxin and IGF-I on the motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, cholesterol efflux and utilization of glucose in porcine spermatozoa.MethodsSwim-up separated spermatozoa that had been washed twice were incubated at 37°C for 1 or 4 h in modified Tyrode’s albumin lactate pyruvate (mTALP) medium supplemented without (control) or with relaxin (20 ng/mL) or IGF-I (20 ng/mL) or both (10 + 10 ng/mL). ResultsProgressive motility and the induction rate of capacitation and acrosome reaction were increased (P < 0.05) by relaxin and IGF-I alone or in combination, especially after 4 h of incubation. Relaxin alone or combined with IGF-I enhanced (P < 0.05) the cholesterol efflux after 4 h, whereas IGF-I alone did not show any significant effect on the cholesterol efflux compared with the control at any time point. The utilization rates of labeled and unlabeled glucose increased (P < 0.05) in spermatozoa incubated with relaxin or IGF-I alone or in combination compared with the control.ConclusionThus, supplementation of relaxin alone or combined with IGF-I into the medium possibly plays a beneficial role in porcine spermatozoal prefertilization events in vitro.
The Politics of Sovereign Credit Spreads

ABSTRACT Using a large sample of 35 developing countries for the period 1993–2009, we provide strong and robust evidence that the political institutions in place play a significant role in explaining sovereign spreads. In particular, we find that unconstrained presidential systems increase spreads, while political stability and higher competition for political contest decrease spreads. In addition, political cohesion (political fragmentation) depresses (increases) spreads. Instead, the latter are insignificantly related to political orientation.
Psychological distress and loneliness in caregiver of advanced oncological inpatients

The objective of this study is to compare and examine the relationships between levels of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other variables on primary caregivers and cancer inpatients. The study involved 100 Turkish primary caregivers of inpatients with advanced or terminal stages of cancer. Loneliness and anxiety scores were significantly higher for the primary caregivers of inpatients with terminal stage of cancer than primary caregivers of inpatients with advanced stage of cancer. Excluding the cancer stage, loneliness and anxiety were primarily associated with the socio-demographic factors of primary caregivers rather than the characteristics of patients.
Composition of Object-Oriented Software Design Models

In practice, object-oriented design models have been less useful throughout the lifetime of software systems than they should be Design models are often large and monolithic, and the structure of designs is generally quite different from that of requirements. As a result, developers tend to discard the design, especially as the system evolves, since it is too difficult to keep its relationship to requirements and code accurate, especially when both are changing. This thesis identifies a number of key, well-defined problems with current object-oriented design methods and proposes new techniques to solve them. The new techniques present a different approach to designing systems, based on flexible decomposition and composition. The existing decomposition mechanisms of object-oriented designs (based on class, object, interface and method) are extended to include decomposing designs in a manner directly aligning design with requirements specifications. Composition mechanisms for designs are extended to support the additional decomposition mechanisms. The approach closely aligns designs with both requirements specifications and with code. It is illustrated how this approach permits the benefits of designs to be maintained throughout a system’ s lifetime.
Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic and Endoscopic-Assisted Resection of Inverted Papillomas: A 15-Year Experience

Background The endoscopic resection of sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) has been well described. However, the majority of published reports in the literature are small case series with limited clinical follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the experience with the endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted resection of IPs at a major academic tertiary care facility and assess long-term outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted resections of IP was performed. Charts were reviewed for standard demographic data, operative technique, adjuvant approaches, complications, and postoperative follow-up times. Results One hundred fourteen patients (average age, 56 years) underwent endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection for IPs with a mean disease-free follow-up of 40 months (7–135 months). Seventeen patients developed disease after endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection for a recurrence rate of 15%. Average time to recurrence was 23 months. Combined approaches were used when indicated in 34% (39/114) of patients, including adjuvant osteoplastic flap, midface degloving, trephine, or Caldwell-Luc approaches. Four patients (4%) had cerebrospinal fluid leaks that were successfully repaired endoscopically. Conclusion In this large series of endoscopically resected IPs with extensive clinical follow-up, recurrences occurred an average of 23 months after the procedure. This emphasizes the importance of long-term endoscopic follow-up to detect recurrences in all patients. Endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection of IPs is a valid technique in this series with recurrence rates comparable with open approaches.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the timing of tracheostomy in adult patients undergoing artificial ventilation

Abstract Objective To compare outcomes in critically ill patients undergoing artificial ventilation who received a tracheostomy early or late in their treatment. Data sources The Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, the National Research Register, the NHS Trusts Clinical Trials Register, the Medical Research Council UK database, the NHS Research and Development Health Technology Assessment Programme, the British Heart Foundation database, citation review of relevant primary and review articles, and expert informants. Study selection Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled studies that compared early tracheostomy with either late tracheostomy or prolonged endotracheal intubation. From 15 950 articles screened, 12 were identified as “randomised or quasi-randomised” controlled trials, and five were included for data extraction. Data extraction Five studies with 406 participants were analysed. Descriptive and outcome data were extracted. The main outcome measure was mortality in hospital. The incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia, length of stay in a critical care unit, and duration of artificial ventilation were also recorded. Random effects meta-analyses were performed. Results Early tracheostomy did not significantly alter mortality (relative risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 1.39). The risk of pneumonia was also unaltered by the timing of tracheostomy (0.90, 0.66 to 1.21). Early tracheostomy significantly reduced duration of artificial ventilation (weighted mean difference –8.5 days, 95% confidence interval –15.3 to –1.7) and length of stay in intensive care (–15.3 days, –24.6 to –6.1). Conclusions In critically ill adult patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation, performing a tracheostomy at an earlier stage than is currently practised may shorten the duration of artificial ventilation and length of stay in intensive care.