Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of lymph vascular space invasion on prognosis of patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE In the past decade, no remarkable improvement has been made in the 5-year survival of cervical cancer patients. This study was to explore the influence of lymph vascular space invasion (LVSI) on the prognosis of patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS A total of 111 eligible patients with FIGO stage IB and IIA cervical squamous cell carcinoma underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 1995 and December 2002. The histopathological slides of the 111 patients were reviewed by a senior gynecological pathologist. LVSI, invasion depth, tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis were evaluated. RESULTS LVSI was present in 62 patients. The univariate analysis showed that the risk factors of overall survival (OS) included positive LVSI (P = 0.019) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002), while the risk factors of progression-free survival (PFS) included LVSI (P = 0.029), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002), SccAg value (P = 0.018), invasion depth (P = 0.022) and positive surgical margin (P = 0.002). The multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was the independent prognostic factor of OS (P = 0.015), while lymph node metastasis and positive surgical margin were the independent factors of PFS (P = 0.006, P = 0.006). LVSI was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION Whether LVSI is an independent prognostic factor of early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma cannot be determined currently while LVSI is a risk factor of metastasis and relapse.
On interaction between internal converter dynamics and current control of high-performance high-power AC motor drives with modular multilevel converters

The modular multilevel converter (M2C) is a promising converter technology for various high-voltage high-power applications. The reason to this is that low-distortion output quantities can be achieved with low average switching frequencies per switch and without output filters. With the M2C the output voltage has such a low harmonic content that high-power motors can be operated without any derating. However, the apparent large number of devices, requires more complex converter control techniques than a two-level counterpart. Even though there have been several ways suggested to control the converter itself, it is still a challenge to investigate the interaction of these controllers with an external motor current controller. It is shown in the paper that the anticipated interaction will not result in any problems neither for the converter nor for the motor control itself.
Is Smart Beta Really Smart?

There is a popular new investment strategy in portfolio management called smart beta. With a catchy title and a promise of improved portfolio performance, the strategy has already attracted hundreds of billions of dollars and is growing by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, according to the author smart beta portfolios do not consistently outperform and when they do produce appealing results, they flunk the risk test.
Prevalence of Goitre among primary school children in the Mewat area of Haryana

Iodine is one of the essential micronutrients required for the normal mental and physical well being of human beings. Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) has been considered as major public health problem in India including Mewat. The present goiter survey was done in Mewat district with the objective of estimating the prevalence of goiter in primary school children, of age six to twelve years. 1050 children from six to twelve years were clinically examined for the presence of goitre during survey. Overall goitre prevalence rate was 15.2%. Prevalence was significantly higher among females than males (P=0.039). Age-specific prevalence rate (ASPR) was higher in 9 to 12 yrs age group as compared to 6 to 8 yr age group and it was statistically significant.
The relative myocardial blood volume differentiates between hypertensive heart disease and athlete's heart in humans.

AIMS The adaptation of the myocardial microcirculation in humans to pathologic and physiologic stress has not been examined in vivo so far. We sought to test whether the relative blood volume (rBV) measured by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) can differentiate between left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive heart disease and athlete's heart. METHODS AND RESULTS Four groups were investigated: hypertensive patients with LVH (n = 15), semi-professional triathletes with LVH (n = 15), professional football players (n = 15), and sedentary control individuals without cardiovascular disease (n = 15). MCE was performed at rest and during adenosine-induced hyperaemia. The rBV (mL mL(-1)), its exchange frequency (beta, min(-1)), and myocardial blood flow (mL min(-1) g(-1)) were derived from steady state and refill sequences of ultrasound contrast agent. Hypertensive patients had lower rBV (0.093 +/- 0.013 mL mL(-1)) than triathletes (0.141 +/- 0.012 mL mL(-1), P < 0.001), football players (0.129 +/- 0.014 mL mL(-1), P < 0.001), and sedentary individuals (0.126 +/- 0.018 mL mL(-1), P < 0.001). Conversely, the exchange frequency (beta) was significantly higher in hypertensive patients (11.3 +/- 3.8 min(-1)) than in triathletes (7.4 +/- 1.8 min(-1)), football players (7.7 +/- 2.3 min(-1)), and sedentary individuals (9.0+/-2.5 min(-1)). An rBV below 0.114 mL mL(-1) distinguished hypertensive patients and triathletes with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION Pathologic and physiologic LVH were differentiated non-invasively and accurately by rBV, a measure of vascularisation assessed by MCE.
Serum zinc-α2-glycoprotein concentrations in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract Background: Evidence suggests that zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) might serve as a biomarker for human metabolic alterations. We measured serum ZAG in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, and examined its association with clinical, biochemical, and histological phenotypes. Methods: Serum ZAG was determined using ELISA in 90 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 81 controls. Results: Serum ZAG concentrations did not differ in patients with NAFLD (median 61 μg/mL; interquartile range: 56–73 μg/mL) compared with healthy controls (median 66 μg/mL; interquartile range: 56–78 μg/mL, Mann-Whitney U-test, p=NS). However, among patients with NAFLD serum ZAG concentrations were significantly higher in males and in those with the metabolic syndrome. After stepwise linear regression analysis, serum ZAG concentrations were the only independent predictor of the number of metabolic syndrome components in patients with NAFLD (β=0.22; t=2.001, p<0.05). Conclusions: In summary, the hypothesis of an association between NAFLD and serum ZAG concentrations is not supported by the present results. However, ZAG remains an interesting molecule for further research in the field of human metabolic disorders.
Children and Their Parents&Apos; Labor Supply: Evidence from Exogenous Variation in Family Size

Although theoretical models of labor supply and the family are well developed, there are few credible estimates of key empirical relationships in the work-family nexus. This study uses a new instrumental variable, the sex composition of the first two births in families with at least two children, to estimate the effect of additional children on parents' labor supply. Instrumental variables estimates using the sex mix are substantial but smaller than the corresponding ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates. Moreover, unlike the OLS estimates, the female labor supply effects estimated using sex-mix instruments appear to be absent among more educated women and women with high-wage husbands. We also find that married women who have a third child reduce their labor supply by as much as women in the full sample, while there is no relationship between wives' child-bearing and husbands' labor supply. Finally results to estimates produced using twins to generate instruments. Estimates using twins instruments are very close to the estimates generated by sex-mix instruments, once the estimators are corrected for differences in the ages of children whose birth was caused by the instruments. The estimates imply that the labor supply consequences of child-bearing disappear by the time the child is about 13 years old.
Intestinal factors in the control of insulin secretion.

Arterial blood glucose and plasma insulin levels following intrajejunal infusion of glucose were compared with those obtained after intravenous infusion of glucose at the same rate. Despite the lower blood glucose levels there was a much higher plasma insulin response to glucose given jejunally than to glucose given intravenously. Rapid administration of glucose by both routes led to an exaggeration of the inverse relationship between the blood glucose and plasma insulin levels. Similar results were obtained in 2 patients with cirrhosis of the liver who had had end-to-side portacaval shunts performed. Possible explanations of these findings are discussed and reasons are given for believing that a humoral substance is released from the jejunal wall during glucose absorption which acts by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreatic islet cells.
Whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion‐weighted imaging, for diagnosing bone marrow involvement in malignant lymphoma

T. Kwee, R. Fijnheer, I. Ludwig, H. Quarles van Ufford, C. Uiterwaal, M. Bierings, T. Takahara, and R-J. Nievelstein Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Hematology, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, Netherlands, Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, Department of Pediatric Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Sublingual Buprenorphine and Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A Three-Year Follow-Up of Quality of Life Assessment

This study was conducted to compare long-term outcome effects on the quality of life (QOL) of oral methadone with sublingual buprenorphine maintenance treatment. The QOL status of opioid-dependent patients was assessed using the German version (“Berlin Quality of Life Profile”) of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. Physical symptoms were measured using the Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OWS). Urine tests were carried out randomly to detect additional consumption. In the first study period, 53 opioid-dependent subjects were enrolled and 25 could be reached after 3 years. The retention rate was 50% for methadone and 45% for buprenorphine (p = 0.786). Baseline values of the total sample (completers and noncompleters) QOL and somatic complaints did not show significant differences between the two treatment groups. QOL characteristics at 6 months of treatment of the buprenorphine completer and noncompleter groups differed significantly regarding job (p = 0.013), family, and total score of physical symptoms (p = 0.002), in which the completer group showed the more favorable values. Concerning physical symptoms at 36 months, logistic regression revealed significantly less stomach cramps (p = 0.037) and fatigue and tiredness (p = 0.034) in buprenorphine compared to the methadone. Moreover, the buprenorphine-maintained group showed significantly less additional consumption of benzodiazepines (p = 0.015) compared with methadone participants. It is concluded that opioid addicts improved their QOL and health status when treated with methadone or buprenorphine. In summary, regarding QOL and health status, the present data indicate that buprenorphine is also a useful long-term alternative for maintenance treatment of opioid-dependent patients.
Prevalence, Development, and Molecular Mechanisms of Bacteriocin Resistance in Campylobacter

ABSTRACT Bacteriocins (BCNs) are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria with narrow or broad spectra of antimicrobial activity. Recently, several unique anti-Campylobacter BCNs have been identified from commensal bacteria isolated from chicken intestines. These BCNs dramatically reduced C. jejuni colonization in poultry and are being directed toward on-farm control of Campylobacter. However, no information concerning prevalence, development, and mechanisms of BCN resistance in Campylobacter exists. In this study, susceptibilities of 137 C. jejuni isolates and 20 C. coli isolates to the anti-Campylobacter BCNs OR-7 and E-760 were examined. Only one C. coli strain displayed resistance to the BCNs (MIC, 64 μg/ml), while others were susceptible, with MICs ranging from 0.25 to 4 μg/ml. The C. coli mutants resistant to BCN OR-7 also were obtained by in vitro selection, but all displayed only low-level resistance to OR-7 (MIC, 8 to 16 μg/ml). The acquired BCN resistance in C. coli could be transferred at intra- and interspecies levels among Campylobacter strains by biphasic natural transformation. Genomic examination of the OR-7-resistant mutants by using DNA microarray and random transposon mutagenesis revealed that the multidrug efflux pump CmeABC contributes to both intrinsic resistance and acquired resistance to the BCNs. Altogether, this study represents the first report of and a major step forward in understanding BCN resistance in Campylobacter, which will facilitate the development of effective BCN-based strategies to reduce the Campylobacter loads in poultry.
Fabrication and characterization of p-NiO/n-ZnO heterojunction towards transparent diode

The aim of our work was to produce p-n heterojunction with the high level of optical transmission. P-type NiO and n-type ZnO:Al films deposited by magnetron sputtering were used to fabricate p-n diodes. These were thermally processed in Ar ambient at 400°C in order to obtain high optical transmission and better electrical characteristics. The best diode's parameters were rectifying ratio of 6.7·104 and reverse current at the level of 6·10-7A at -3 V of bias. The best obtained optical transmission of the bilayer was near 20% in the visual wavelength region.
IVIG induces dose-dependent amelioration of ITP in rodent models.

We have read with interest the paper from Hansen and Balthasar[1][1] regarding the amelioration of thrombocytopenia in a rat model of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The authors induce thrombocytopenia with a monoclonal antiplatelet antibody and find that pretreatment with IVIG (intravenous
Raise the Curtains: The Effect of Awareness About Targeting on Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions

We investigate the effect of awareness about targeting on users’ attitudes towards a targeted ad and behavioral intentions towards the advertised product. Specifically, we study the effect of a notice that makes individuals aware that a particular advertisement has been targeted to them on their attitudes about the product and intentions to purchase the product. We find that, among individuals who have negative opinions about the practice of targeted advertising, awareness about targeting significantly worsens attitudes towards the targeted product and reduces the likelihood of purchasing the targeted product. Among individuals who have positive and neutral opinions about targeted advertising, awareness about targeting does not impact attitudes or purchase intentions towards the targeted product. We develop a scale to measure opinions about targeted ads and find that a substantial proportion (at least 33%) of our participants have negative opinions about targeted ads. This suggests that the self-regulated advertising industry is not incentivized to follow recommendations from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to make consumers aware about their targeted advertising practices.
Acute optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis

Acute optic neuritis (ON) with unknown etiology, seen at the Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe University Hospital, was reviewed. A statistical survey of ON revealed severe visual disturbances at the worst periods and a better recovery of visual acuity when compared with other studies. Analysis of clinical features of multiple sclerosis (MS) following ON showed a low rate of dissemination of ON (8.3%), frequent involvement of the spinal cord, and MS with a benign nature.
Pharmacy Student Anxiety and Success With Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Objective. To evaluate whether a relationship exists between the degree of student state-anxiety and pass rates on moderate-to-high stakes objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE). Methods. Third-professional year (P3) students were assessed using the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) three weeks prior to their first moderate-to-high stakes OSCEs. Students’ OSCE station pass rates, individual station analytical scores, and the overall pass rate for the class were compared with student responses on STAI surveys to measure their association. Results. Seventy-three students (100%) provided consent to participate in the research; 64 (87%) sufficiently completed the STAI survey. Degree of student state-anxiety or train-anxiety was not associated with any of the outcomes assessed in this study. Overall pass rate, individual station pass rates, and station analytical checklist scores were not inversely correlated with state- or trait-anxiety scores. Conclusions. Efforts to assist students in OSCE performance should focus on means other than reducing associated anxiety. Future research in this area should focus on what interventions beyond instruction could be put in place to help students be more successful during OSCEs.
Decrease of Charge Collection Due to Displacement Damage by Gamma Rays in a 6H-SiC Diode

Charge collection efficiency (CCE) of 6H-SiC diodes was evaluated before and after gamma irradiation using a Co-60 source. After gamma irradiation of 96 Mrad(SiC), CCE at a bias of 150 V decreased from 95% to 70%. The degradation of diffusion length of minority carriers was evaluated from the change in the applied bias dependence of CCE due to gamma irradiation. We also discuss whether non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) analysis can be applied to evaluate the diffusion length degradation of 6H-SiC as well as the carrier removal rate.
Integrated optimization of fish oil microencapsulation process by spray drying

An integrated approach through coupling response surface method (RSM) and genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to optimize the spray dryer operational condition for production of fish oil microcapsules. The inlet drying air temperature, aspirator rate, and peristaltic pump rate were independent and encapsulation efficiency (EE) and exergy efficiency were dependent variables. RSM was applied to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables followed by integrating the developed models using three mathematical approaches and measure the fitness value of GA. Consequently, the optimal drying condition for microencapsulation of fish oil was: inlet drying air temperature = 177.23°C, aspirator rate = 63.93%, and peristaltic pump rate = 14.04% yielding exergy efficiency of 8.10% and EE of 79.14%. The results of confirmation experiments for selected drying condition proved the capability of utilized approach for determination of sustainable and qualified process in fish oil microencapsulation by spray drying.
[The predictive value of DSM-IV criteria in the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and its cultural differences].

INTRODUCTION The most common method used to diagnose attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on the Diagnostic and statistic manual of mental disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Nevertheless, it is more likely that the categorical system postulated by DSM-IV is not the most appropriate method as it does not consider the possible differences between the diagnostic capacity of the 18 proposed criteria. AIM. To analyze the predictive power of each DSM-IV diagnostic symptoms/criteria for ADHD using DuPaul's ADHD Parent and Teacher Rating Scales. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a prospective, poblational study to evaluate the prevalence of ADHD the positive predictive power of each item was analyzed for each subtype and informant. A kappa index was applied for positive predictive power to correct the number of accurate predictions based on chance factors, and a ranking of items was established to determinate which ones offered the highest predictive power, comparing parent and teacher ratings. RESULTS The results suggest that not all DSM-IV criteria are equal with regard to their ability to predict ADHD. The predictive power varies as a function of the informant. Parent and teachers agreed more on hyperactivity and impulsivity items, and showed more significant differences with regard to the American sample. CONCLUSIONS The approach that aggregates any combination of items will not be the more effective strategy for ruling in a diagnosis of ADHD. To improve the clinical value of these scales making item combinations is recommended, the ones that will have attached a higher clinical weight for ruling in a diagnosis of ADHD.
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration mimicking development of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in a patient with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare non-metastatic complication of cancer mediated by T lymphocytes and auto-antibodies directed against Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. We report a patient with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis who developed a progressive cerebellar syndrome with dysarthria, ataxic gait and vertigo mimicking development of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis but caused by anti-Yo antibody positive PCD associated with ovarian cancer, presenting an unusual diagnostic challenge.
Concurrent treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence: Predictors and moderators of outcome.

OBJECTIVE The present study examined predictors and moderators of treatment response among 165 adults meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria for comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence (AD), who were randomized to 24 weeks of Naltrexone (NAL), NAL and prolonged exposure (PE), pill placebo, or pill placebo and PE. All participants received supportive counseling for alcohol use. METHOD Six domains of predictors or moderators (23 variables) were evaluated using measures of PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Scale Interview) and AD (days drinking from the timeline follow-back interview) collected every 4 weeks throughout treatment. Multilevel modeling with the Fournier approach was used to evaluate predictors and moderators of rates of symptom improvement and posttreatment outcomes. RESULTS Combat trauma, sexual assault trauma, and higher baseline anxiety sensitivity predicted slower improvement and poorer PTSD outcome. Combat trauma, White race, and higher baseline drinking severity predicted poorer drinking outcome. PTSD severity moderated the efficacy of PE on PTSD outcomes, such that the benefit of PE over no-PE was greater for participants with higher baseline PTSD severity. Baseline depressive severity moderated the efficacy of PE on drinking outcomes, whereby the benefit of PE over no-PE was greater for participants with higher depressive symptoms. NAL effects were most beneficial for those with the longest duration of AD. CONCLUSION These results suggest that concurrent, trauma-focused treatment should be recommended for PTSD-AD patients who present with moderate or severe baseline PTSD and depressive symptoms. Future research should examine the mechanisms underlying poorer outcome among identified subgroups of PTSD-AD patients.