Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A population-based morphometric MRI study in patients with first-episode psychotic bipolar disorder: comparison with geographically matched healthy controls and major depressive disorder subjects.

OBJECTIVES Many morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that have investigated the presence of gray matter (GM) volume abnormalities associated with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) have reported conflicting findings. None of these studies has compared patients with recent-onset psychotic BD with asymptomatic controls selected from exactly the same environment using epidemiological methods, or has directly contrasted BD patients against subjects with first-onset psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD). We examined structural brain differences between (i) BD (type I) subjects and MDD subjects with psychotic features in their first contact with the healthcare system in Brazil, and (ii) these two mood disorder groups relative to a sample of geographically matched asymptomatic controls. METHODS A total of 26 BD subjects, 20 subjects with MDD, and 94 healthy controls were examined using either of two identical MRI scanners and acquisition protocols. Diagnoses were based on DSM-IV criteria and confirmed one year after brain scanning. Image processing was conducted using voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS The BD group showed increased volume of the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex relative to controls, while the MDD subjects exhibited bilateral foci GM deficits in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). Direct comparison between BD and MDD patients showed a focus of GM reduction in the right-sided dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons) and a trend (p < 0.10, corrected) toward left-sided GM deficits in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of MDD patients. When analyses were repeated with scanner site as a confounding covariate the finding of increased right anterior cingulate volumes in BD patients relative to controls remained statistically significant (p=0.01, corrected for multiple comparisons). CONCLUSIONS These findings reinforce the view that there are important pathophysiological distinctions between BD and MDD, and indicate that subtle dorsal anterior cingulate abnormalities may be relevant to the pathophysiology of BD.
Calcium sensitization produced by G protein activation in airway smooth muscle.

We determined whether activation of G proteins can affect the force developed for a given intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]; i.e., the Ca(2+) sensitivity) by mechanisms in addition to changes in regulatory myosin light chain (rMLC) phosphorylation. Responses in alpha-toxin-permeabilized canine tracheal smooth muscle were determined with Ca(2+) alone or in the presence of ACh, endothelin-1 (ET-1), or aluminum fluoride (AlF; acute or 1-h exposure). Acute exposure to each compound increased Ca(2+) sensitivity without changing the response to high [Ca(2+)] (maximal force). However, chronic exposure to AlF, but not to chronic ACh or ET-1, increased maximal force by increasing the force produced for a given rMLC phosphorylation. Studies employing thiophosphorylation of rMLC showed that the increase in force produced by chronic AlF exposure required Ca(2+) during activation to be manifest. Unlike the acute response to receptor agonists, which is mediated solely by increases in rMLC phosphorylation, chronic direct activation of G proteins further increases Ca(2+) sensitivity in airways by additional mechanisms that are independent of rMLC phosphorylation.
The Effects of Executive Compensation Contracts on Corporate Investment: An Analysis from the Angle of Inefficient Securities Market

Based on the dynamic panel data of listed companies in China from 2004 to 2010,this paper studies the effect of executive compensation on corporate investment under inefficient securities market.The results show that there is an interaction of the effect of executive compensation,monetary compensation or equity incentives,on corporate investment and the effect of stock mispricing on corporate investment,and the speculation in stock market induces the executives to invest more in order to obtain more equity incentive income.And this interaction differs in firms with different real controllers.
Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft in periodontal infrabony defects: A randomized controlled clinical study

Introduction: Several bone graft materials have been used in the treatment of infrabony defects. Demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) has been histologically proven to be the material of choice for regeneration. However, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been said to have several properties that aid in healing and regeneration. Hence, this study focuses on the regenerative capacity of PRF when compared with DFDBA. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 sites with intrabony defects were selected and were assigned to the test group (open flap debridement [OFD] and PRF, n = 20) and the control group (OFD + DFDBA, n = 20). At the test sites, two PRF plugs were placed in the intrabony defect after debridement of the site and flap was sutured in place. The parameters measured were probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), and gingival marginal level (GML). These parameters were measured just before surgery (baseline) and at 6 months postsurgery. The changes in PD, RAL, and GML were analyzed at baseline and postsurgically after 6 months in each group with paired t-test and between the two groups with unpaired t-test. Results: The mean reduction in PD after 6 months in the test PRF group is 3.67 ± 1.48 mm where in control DFDBA group is 3.70 ± 1.78 mm. Gain in RAL in the test PRF group is 2.97 ± 1.42 mm where in control DFDBA group, it is 2.97 ± 1.54 mm. Gingival margin migrated apically in the test PRF group by 0.43 ± 1.31 mm where in control DFDBA group by 0.72 ± 2.3 mm. It was seen that the differences in terms of PD (P = 0.96), RAL (P = 1.00) and GML (P = 0.62) were not significant. Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin has shown significant results after 6 months, which is comparable to DFDBA for periodontal regeneration in terms of clinical parameters. Hence, it can be used in the treatment of intrabony defects.
Effect of acute and chronic administration of the GABAB agonist baclofen on 24 hour pH metry and symptoms in control subjects and in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Background and aims: The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAB) agonist baclofen has been shown to reduce reflux episodes during the first three postprandial hours in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and in normal controls. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of acute (one day) and chronic (four weeks) administration of baclofen on 24 hour pH metry and symptoms in GORD patients and normal controls. Patients and methods: Acute study: 28 patients with GORD with none or mild oesophagitis at endoscopy and 15 controls underwent oesophageal and gastric 48 hour pH metry in which baclofen or placebo was given for 24 hours in a double blinded manner. Chronic study: 16 GORD patients received baclofen (10 mg four times daily) or placebo for four weeks. Twenty four hour oesophageal pH metry and reflux symptom scores were evaluated before and at the end of treatment. Results: Acute study: the number of reflux episodes and per cent time with pH <4 was significantly lower after baclofen in GORD patients and controls (p<0.003; p<0.0007). Gastric pH increased significantly in GORD patients and controls (p<0.001; p<0.05). Chronic study: four weeks after initial administration of baclofen, the number of reflux episodes and percentage of time with pH <4 significantly decreased in all GORD patients (p<0.003; p<0.02). Symptom scores significantly improved after treatment with baclofen (p<0.0007). Conclusions: The GABAB agonist baclofen reduces 24 hour gastro-oesophageal reflux and increases gastric pH in GORD patients and controls. When given for one month to GORD patients, baclofen reduces oesophageal acid refluxes and significantly improves symptoms. Baclofen may be useful in the therapy of GORD.
Characterization and modelling of effects of clear air on multipath fading in terrestrial links.

The increased application of digital terrestrial microwave radio links in communication networks has renewed attention in techniques of estimating the probability of multipath fading distributions. Nevertheless, the unpredictable variation of the wireless transmission medium remains a challenge. It has been ascertained that the refraction of electromagnetic waves is due to the inhomogeneous spatial distribution of the refractive index, and causes adverse effects such as multipath and diffraction fading. The knowledge of the characteristics of such causes of these fading phenomena is essential for the accurate design of terrestrial line of sight (LOS) links of high performance and availability. Refractivity variation is random in space and time and cannot be described in a deterministic manner and has to be considered as a random variable with probabilistic characteristics. In this dissertation, radiosonde soundings data is used in characterizing the atmospheric conditions and determining the geoclimatic factor K used in predicting the distribution of multipath fading for five locations in South Africa. The limitations of radiosonde measurements are lack of time resolution and poor spatial resolution. The latter has been reduced by spatial interpolation techniques in our study, specifically, the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method. This is used in determining the point refractivity gradient not exceeded for 1 % of the time from which the geoclimatic factor is estimated. Fade depth and outage probability due to multipath propagation is then predicted from the International Telecommunications Union Recommendations (ITU-R) techniques. The results are compared with values from Central Africa. The results obtained using the ITU-R method are also compared with region-based models of Bannett-Vigants of USA and Morita of Japan. Three spatial interpolation techniques (Kriging, Thin-Plate Spline and Inverse Distance Weighting) are then used in interpolating the geoclimatic factor K in places where radiosonde data is not available. The estimated values have been used to develop contour maps for geoclimatic factor K for South Africa. Statistical assessment of these methods is done by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute error (MAE) between a set of control points and the interpolated results. The best performing method is used to map the seasonal geoclimatic factor K for the entire study region. The estimated values of geoclimatic factor will improve accuracy in predicting outage probability due to multipath propagation in LOS links in the region which is a key contribution of this work.
Body build and body composition of high ability female dancers.

Abstract A series of body build and body composition variables were determined on a group of 29 female ballet and modern dancers. Comparisons were made between the dancers and other types of female athletes. The body build of the dancers was definitely different from that of nondancers. The dancers had lower body weights, lower LBW, smaller bideltoid, biacromial, bi-iliac, bi-trochanteric, and wrist diameters, and less body fat than the nondancers. Compared to other types of female athletes, the dancers had more body fat and less LBW. Somatograms of the dancers indicated that their body builds exhibited good symmetry.
Optimal vitamin D plasma levels are associated with lower bacterial DNA translocation in HIV/hepatitis c virus coinfected patients

Objective:Vitamin D has been linked to the immune response modulation and the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Therefore, vitamin D might be involved in bacterial translocation related to HIV infection. Our major aim was to analyze the association between plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] and bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA (bactDNA) in 120 HIV/hepatitis c virus (HCV) coinfected patients. Design:Cross-sectional study. Methods:Plasma 25(OH)D levels were quantified by enzyme immunoassay. The vitamin D status was defined as deficient (<25 nmol/l), insufficient (25–74 nmol/l), and optimal (≥75 nmol/l) plasma levels. Plasma bactDNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. For bactDNA levels the cutoffs used were as follows: low [<p25th (46 copies/&mgr;l)], moderate [p25th to p50th (78 copies/&mgr;l)], high [p50th to p75th (159 copies/&mgr;l)], and very high (>p75th). Results:Eighteen (15%) patients had 25(OH)D deficiency, 93 (77.5%) had insufficiency and nine (7.5%) had 25(OH)D optimal values. The bactDNA levels were lower in patients with 25(OH)D at least 75 nmol/l [37 copies/&mgr;l] than in patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency [84.2 copies/&mgr;l; P = 0.042]. Conversely, low bactDNA levels (<p25th) were found in 66.7% of patients with 25(OH)D optimal levels, whereas bactDNA levels above p25th were found only in 11.1% of them (P = 0.029). The plasma 25(OH)D not less than 75 nmol/l was associated with low bactDNA levels (<p25th) [adjusted OR = 8.13 (95% confidence interval = 1.82; 36.67); P = 0.006)]. The patients with optimal vitamin D status [25(OH)D ≥75 nmol/l] had lower plasma levels of CCL7 (P = 0.047) and basic fibroblast growth factor (P = 0.042). Conclusion:The optimal vitamin D status was associated with low bacterial translocation and inflammation in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.
Augmentation colocystoplasty for improving bladder filling capacity in dogs

Article history Received: 10 Nov, 2016 Revised: 30 Dec, 2016 Accepted: 2 Jan, 2017 Abstract A total of 14 apparently healthy male Mongrel dogs were studied in two parts: the experimental and the clinical part. The experimental part was divided into group 1 (7 dogs) subjected to apical cystectomy with colocystoplasty and group 2 (3 dogs) were subjected to apical cystectomy with cystorrhaphy as a control group. The clinical part was consisted of 4 dogs: two were suffering from urinary bladder (UB) mass and two suffering from ruptured UB were subjected to colocystoplasty after total excision of masses and necrosed wall trimming. Colocystoplasty was performed by using 6 cm loop of descending colon with its own mesentery. The stability of the augmentation technique was evaluated via clinical findings, ultrasonographic examination, positive contrast retrograde cystography and kidney function test before surgery and at 1 st , 3 rd , 7 th , 15 th and 30 th days postoperation. Postoperation follow up of the group 1 and the clinical part revealed gradual improvement of urination frequency from 2-3 urinations/hour during the first week to 1-2 urinations/4 hours between the 20 th and 30 th days. The mean UB capacity at 30 th day showed non-significant (P≤0.05) difference with the normal mean. Ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations at 30 th day showed fully distended UB, superiorly located augmented colon segment and intact line of anastomosis. No signs of leakage were noted ultrasonographically or radiographically and there were no signs of rejection. In conclusion, colocystoplasty as a technique for bladder augmentation provides promising results in compensating impaired filling capacity and subsequent incontinence as a result of partial cystectomy.
Identification of B-lymphotropic papovavirus-coded proteins

The lymphotropic papovavirus (LPV)-specific mRNAs were translated in vitro in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. The specific products were 84,000-dalton (84K), 41K, 35K, and 26K proteins. Immunoprecipitation with anti-LPV hamster sera and analysis of partially purified LPV virions showed that the last three proteins were the LPV capsid proteins, and we designated the 41K, 35K, and 26K proteins VP1 (major capsid protein), VP2, and VP3, respectively. Several characteristics, such as the small amount of mRNA for the 84K protein at late stages of infection, its absence from partially purified virus preparations, no common tryptic peptides between the 84K and 41K proteins, and the pattern of in vivo phosphorylation, suggest that the 84K protein is not a simple dimer of the 41K protein. Normal human sera and sera from certain leukemic patients positive for antibody to LPV viral antigens immunoprecipitated the 41K protein.
Positron emission intensities in the decay of 64Cu, 76Br and 124I

The relatively long-lived positron emitters 64Cu (t1/2 = 12.7 h), 76Br (t1/2 = 16.2 h) and 124I (t1/2 = 4.18 d) are finding increasing applications in positron emission tomography (PET). For precise determination of their positron emission intensities, each radionuclide was prepared via a charged particle induced reaction in a “no-carrier-added” form and with high radionuclidic purity. It was then subjected to γ-ray and X-ray spectroscopy as well as to anticoincidence beta and γγ-coincidence counting. The positron emission intensities measured were: 64Cu (17.8 ± 0.4)%, 76Br (58.2 ± 1.9)% and 124I (22.0 ± 0.5)%. The intensity of the weak 1346 keV γ-ray emitted in the decay of 64Cu was determined as (0.54 ± 0.03)%. Some implications of the precisely determined nuclear data are discussed.
Review of Data Describing Outcomes That Are Used to Assess Changes in Quality of Life after Reduction Mammaplasty

Although plastic surgeons have empirically “known” of the benefits of reduction mammaplasty for their patients, a paucity of outcome studies have been reported. For this study, an attempt to perform a meta‐analysis of outcomes in reduction mammaplasty was undertaken. A computer literature search was performed of the MEDLINE database for the period between 1966 and September of 1997 for the Medical Subject Headings mammaplasty and outcome measures. Reference lists were used for additional reports. No trials were identified that met the criteria for meta‐analysis. Seventeen publications met less restrictive review criteria that evaluated quality‐of‐life outcome measures. A systematic evaluation of patient‐focused outcome measures demonstrated that consistent improvement in physical symptoms was found across most studies, as was a high degree of patient satisfaction (78 to 95 percent very or moderately satisfied), and some have shown improvement in body image and psychological well‐being. However, although this review does identify consistent improvements in patient quality of life after reduction mammaplasty, inconsistencies among study designs do not allow formal meta‐analysis. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 108: 62, 2001.)
Value of pre-treatment biomarkers in prediction of response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive postmenopausal breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE To determine the predictive ability of biomarkers for responses to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) in postmenopausal breast cancer. METHODS Consecutive 160 postmenopausal women with T1-3N0-1M0 hormone receptor (HR)-positive invasive breast cancer were treated with anastrozole for 16 weeks before surgery. New slides of tumor specimens taken before and after treatment were conducted centrally for biomarker analysis and classified using the Applied Imaging Ariol MB-8 system. The pathological response was evaluated using the Miller & Payne classification. The cell cycle response was classified according to the change in the Ki67 index after treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the combined index of the biomarkers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine whether parameters may predict response. RESULTS The correlation between the pathological and cell cycle responses was low (Spearman correlation coefficient =0.241, P<0.001; Kappa value =0.119, P=0.032). The cell cycle response was significantly associated with pre-treatment estrogen receptor (ER) status (P=0.001), progesterone receptor (PgR) status (P<0.001), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) status (P=0.050) and the Ki67 index (P<0.001), but the pathological response was not correlated with these factors. Pre-treatment ER levels [area under the curve (AUC) =0.634, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.534-0.735, P=0.008] and combined index of pre-treatment ER and PgR levels (AUC =0.684, 95% CI, 0.591-0.776, P<0.001) could not predict the cell cycle response, but combined index including per-treatment ER/PR/Her-2/Ki67 expression levels could (AUC =0.830, 95% CI, 0.759-0.902, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The combined use of pre-treatment ER/PgR/Her-2/Ki67 expression levels, instead of HR expression levels, may predict the cell cycle response to NET.
Correlation of clinical features and skin barrier function in adolescent and adult patients with atopic dermatitis

Background Xerotic changes in atopic skin are considered to be related to a decrease in the water permeability barrier. Whether abnormal skin barrier function is the main cause of atopic dermatitis (AD) or a secondary change of the disease is still controversial. Noninvasive bioengineering methods, including the measurement of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and water capacitance, have been commonly used to evaluate skin barrier function.
Outcome of Hemodialysis Patients Who Had Failed Peritoneal Dialysis

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) are often regarded as equivalent choices of renal replacement therapy. However, little is known about the outcome of patients who failed PD and converted to long-term HD. Methods: We reviewed 197 patients who received long-term HD after failed PD in a University hospital from 1994 to 2008 (the PD-first group) and 140 patients who received long-term HD as their initial therapy during that period (the primary-HD group). Their survival rates are compared. Results: The two groups are highly comparable in terms of baseline demographic data. The PD-first group required more temporary dialysis catheters than the primary-HD group (3.1 ± 3.4 vs. 1.5 ± 1.8, p < 0.0001). At 5 years, the actuarial survival of the PD-first group was significantly lower than that of the primary-HD group (39.9 vs. 59.7%, p < 0.0001), while technique survival was similar (30.4 vs. 30.1%, p = 0.7). When analysis on actuarial survival was performed for patients who survived the first 12 months on HD, the 5-year survival became similar (65.2 vs. 68.8%, p = 0.5). During the first 12 months on HD, independent predictors of actuarial survival of the PD-first group were duration of PD, Charlson’s comorbidity score, type of permanent access and serum albumin before conversion; after 12 months, independent predictors of actuarial survival were Charlson’s comorbidity score, total Kt/V, residual renal function, fat-free edema-free body mass before conversion and baseline peritoneal transport. Conclusion: Patients who were converted to long-term HD after failed PD had a higher mortality than patients who used HD as the primary modality of renal replacement therapy. The excessive mortality, however, was limited to the first 12 months after conversion, and the technique survival was similar between the two groups. Vascular access is a common problem in patients who failed PD.