Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A critical clinical analysis of acute pancreatitis.

Clinical studies of acute pancreatitis have been hampered by the fact that the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis is often questionable. 2,14,17 Although recent reviews have been more critical of cases selected for analysis, 4 a more complete retrospective study of proved examples of acute pancreatitis seemed desirable in order to evaluate more precisely the diagnostic criteria, the development of serious complications, and the influence of various forms of therapy. A review was made of the records of 354 patients admitted to the San Francisco General Hospital between 1942 and 1961 who had a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. In order for a patient to be included in our study group, at least one of the following strict criteria had to be met: (1) the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was confirmed or made at operation; (2) the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was established at autopsy; or (3) the presence of a
Effects of Sildenafil Citrate and Heparin Treatments on Placental Cell Morphology in a Murine Model of Pregnancy Loss

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections during pregnancy are well established as models for pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), thrombophilia, preterm labor and abortion. Indeed, inflammation, as induced by LPS injection has been described as a pivotal factor in cases of miscarriage related to placental tissue damage. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil (Viagra®) is currently used to treat FGR cases in women, while low-molecular weight heparin (Fragmin®) is a standard treatment for recurrent miscarriage (RM). However, the pathways and cellular dynamics involved in RM are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of sildenafil and dalteparin in a mouse model of LPS-induced abortion. Histopathology, ultrastructural analysis and immunofluorescence for P-selectin were studied in two different placental cell types: trophoblast cells and labyrinth endothelial cells. Treatment with sildenafil either alone or in combination with heparin showed the best response against LPS-induced injury during pregnancy. In conclusion, our results support the use of these drugs as future therapeutic agents that may protect the placenta against inflammatory injury in RM events. Analyses of the ultrastructure and placental immunophysiology are important to understand the mechanism underlying RM. These findings may spark future studies and aid in the development of new therapies in cases of RM.
Noninvasive ventilation in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure caused by obesity hypoventilation syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is widely used in episodes of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there is no evidence on the efficacy of NIV during similar episodes in obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of NIV in episodes of AHRF caused by OHS and COPD. METHODS We prospectively assessed 716 consecutive patients (173 with OHS and 543 with COPD) with AHRF (arterial pH < 7.35 and Pa(CO(2)) > 45 mm Hg) treated with a similar protocol of NIV. We defined successful NIV as avoidance of intubation and intensive care unit survival at least 24 hours in the ward. Hospital survivors were followed for 1 year to assess hospital readmission and survival. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Both groups had similar (mean ± SD) baseline respiratory acidosis (arterial pH, 7.22 ± 0.08; Pa(CO(2)), 86 ± 21 mm Hg). Patients with OHS were older (74 ± 11 vs. 71 ± 10 yr; P < 0.001); were more frequently female (134, 77% vs. 66, 12%; P < 0.001); had less late NIV failure (12, 7% vs. 67, 13%; P = 0.037); had lower hospital mortality (10, 6% vs. 96, 18%; P < 0.001); and had higher 1-year survival (odds ratio, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.69; P = 0.002). However, survival adjusted for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-2.83; P = 0.34), NIV failure (11, 6% vs. 59, 11%; P = 0.11), length of stay, and hospital readmission were similar in both groups. Among patients with COPD, obesity was associated with less late NIV failure and hospital readmission. CONCLUSIONS Patients with OHS can be treated with NIV during an episode of AHRF with similar efficacy and better outcomes than patients with COPD.
Local Extinction and the Evolution of Dispersal Rates: Causes and Correlations

We present the results of individual‐based simulation experiments on the evolution of dispersal rates of organisms living in metapopulations. We find conflicting results regarding the relationship between local extinction rate and evolutionarily stable (ES) dispersal rate depending on which principal mechanism causes extinction: if extinction is caused by environmental catastrophes eradicating local populations, we observe a positive correlation between extinction and ES dispersal rate; if extinction is a consequence of stochastic local dynamics and environmental fluctuations, the correlation becomes ambiguous; and in cases where extinction is caused by dispersal mortality, a negative correlation between local extinction rate and ES dispersal rate emerges. We conclude that extinction rate, which both affects and is affected by dispersal rates, is not an ideal predictor for optimal dispersal rates.
Moment Stability of Nonlinear Stochastic Systems With Time-Delays Based on ${\cal {H}}$-Representation Technique

In this note, moment stability of nonlinear stochastic systems with time-delays is investigated. Based on a kind of Kronecker algebra and the H-representation technique, we obtain the second order moment equations of nonlinear stochastic systems with time-delays. By the comparison principle and the established moment equations, we get the comparative systems of the nonlinear stochastic systems with time-delays. Then we establish moment stability theorems for the systems with the stability properties of the comparative systems. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the efficiency of our results.
Virological response and resistances over 12 months among HIV-infected children less than two years receiving first-line lopinavir/ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy in Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso: the MONOD ANRS 12206 cohort

Introduction: Lopinavir/ritonavir‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for all HIV‐infected children less than three years. However, little is known about its field implementation and effectiveness in West Africa. We assessed the 12‐month response to lopinavir/ritonavir‐based antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of West African children treated before the age of two years.
Investor sentiment, chairman-CEO duality and R&D investment

With a sample of Chinese listed firms during 2007-2010, the paper studies the impact of the investor sentiment on firm's R&D investment, and the results suggest that the firms' management do not catering investor sentiment significantly. But when the study import the variable of chairman-CEO duality and its interaction with investor sentiment, it is suggested that the stock mispricing which induced by investor sentiment and chairman-CEO duality have a positive effect on firms' R&D investment. Furthermore, the coefficient of the interaction of investor sentiment and chairman-CEO duality is negative significantly, which suggests that the firms with board member act as CEO will cater investor sentiment through R&D investment, while the firms which separate of chairman and CEO will make investment decisions more rationally.
Anaerobic digestion potential of urban organic waste: a case study in Malmö

A study of existing organic waste types in Malmö, Sweden was performed. The purpose was to gather information about organic waste types in the city to be able to estimate the potential for anaerobic treatment in existing digesters at the wastewater treatment plan (WWTP). The urban organic waste types that could have a significant potential for anaerobic digestion amount to about 50 000 tonnes year-1 (sludge excluded). Some of the waste types were further evaluated by methane potential tests and continuous pilot-scale digestion. Single-substrate digestion and co-digestion of pre-treated, source-sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste, waste-water sludge, sludge from grease traps and fruit and vegetable waste were carried out. The experiments showed that co-digestion of grease sludge and WWTP sludge was a better way of making use of the methane potential in the grease trap sludge than single-substrate digestion. Another way of increasing the methane production in sludge digesters is to add source-sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste (SSOFMSW). Adding SSOFMSW (20% of the total volatile solids) gave a 10-15% higher yield than could be expected by comparison with separate digestion of sludge respective SSOFMSW. Co-digestion of sludge and organic waste is beneficial not just for increasing gas production but also for stabilizing the digestion process. This was seen when co-digesting fruit and vegetable waste and sludge. When co-digested with sludge, this waste gave a better result than the separate digestion of fruit and vegetable waste. Considering single-substrate digestion, SSOFMSW is the only waste in the study which makes up a sufficient quantity to be suitable as the base substrate in a full-scale digester that is separated from the sludge digestion. The two types of SSOFMSW tested in the pilot-scale digestion were operated successfully at mesophilic temperature. By adding SSOFMSW, grease trap sludge and fruit and vegetables waste to sludge digesters at the wastewater treatment plant, the yearly energy production from methane could be expected to increase from 24 to 43 GWh.
Investigation of a Q Fever Outbreak in a Scottish Co‐Located Slaughterhouse and Cutting Plant

Outbreaks of Q fever are rare in the UK. In 2006, the largest outbreak of Q fever in Scotland occurred at a co‐located slaughterhouse and cutting plant with 110 cases. Preliminary investigations pointed to the sheep lairage being the potential source of exposure to the infective agent. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among workers along with environmental sampling to guide public health interventions. A total of 179 individuals were interviewed of whom 66 (37%) were migrant workers. Seventy‐five (41.9%) were serologically confirmed cases. Passing through a walkway situated next to the sheep lairage, a nearby stores area, and being male were independently associated with being serologically positive for Q fever. The large proportion of migrant workers infected presented a significant logistical problem during outbreak investigation and follow up. The topic of vaccination against Q fever for slaughterhouse workers is contentious out with Australasia, but this outbreak highlights important occupational health issues.
Renal Safety of CT Angiography and Perfusion Imaging in the Emergency Evaluation of Acute Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Multimodal CT imaging with contrast-enhanced CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP) is increasingly being used to guide emergency management of acute stroke. However, little has been reported about the safety of intravenous contrast administration associated with these studies in the acute stroke population, including cases in which baseline creatinine values are unknown. We investigated the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), defined as a 25% or more increase in baseline creatinine levels within 72 hours of contrast administration and chronic kidney disease in patients receiving CTA±CTP at our regional stroke center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 198 patients who underwent contrast CT studies for evaluation of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at our center (2003–2007). Through retrospective chart abstraction, we analyzed serial creatinine levels (baseline to day 3) and later values (≥day 4) where available. The incidences of CIN and/or chronic kidney disease were documented. After power analysis, CIN and non-CIN groups were compared by using the unpaired t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: None of the 198 patients developed chronic kidney disease or required dialysis. Of 175 patients with serial creatinine measurements between baseline and day 3, 5 (2.9%) developed CIN. The incidence of CIN was 2% in patients who were scanned before a baseline creatinine level was available. CONCLUSION: The incidence of renal sequelae is relatively low in acute stroke patients undergoing emergent multimodal CT scanning. Prompt CTA/CTP imaging of acute stroke, if indicated, need not be delayed in those with no history of renal impairment.
Pollen and phytoliths in stone mounds at Pouerua, Northland, New Zealand: implications for the study of Polynesian farming

High-resolution pollen and phytolith analyses can provide direct evidence for farming in archaeological landscapes. This is demonstrated here in the analysis of two mounds at Pouerua, northern New Zealand, where evidence indicates both functional and temporal differences between the structures, and the presence of gourd Lagenaria siceraria provides direct, unequivocal evidence that this crop was cultivated and that the site was used as a garden.
Do Self-Report Instruments Allow Meaningful Comparisons Across Diverse Population Groups?: Testing Measurement Invariance Using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis Framework

Comparative public health research makes wide use of self-report instruments. For example, research identifying and explaining health disparities across demographic strata may seek to understand the health effects of patient attitudes or private behaviors. Such personal attributes are difficult or impossible to observe directly and are often best measured by self-reports. Defensible use of self-reports in quantitative comparative research requires not only that the measured constructs have the same meaning across groups, but also that group comparisons of sample estimates (eg, means and variances) reflect true group differences and are not contaminated by group-specific attributes that are unrelated to the construct of interest. Evidence for these desirable properties of measurement instruments can be established within the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) framework; a nested hierarchy of hypotheses is tested that addresses the cross-group invariance of the instrument's psychometric properties. By name, these hypotheses include configural, metric (or pattern), strong (or scalar), and strict factorial invariance. The CFA model and each of these hypotheses are described in nontechnical language. A worked example and technical appendices are included.
Quality of life in patients with endocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract: patient and staff perceptions.

Patient and staff perceptions regarding the importance of selected quality-of-life (QoL) aspects and patient ratings of their present QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) were investigated. The study comprised 17 patients with endocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and their staff, paired in dyads. Both patients and staff rate physical aspects of life (e.g., "wash yourself, dress, eat, etc.," "have a good health," "not have pain") as most important for experiencing a good QoL. Staff considered work as more important for experiencing a good QoL than did patients. Patients rated their QoL as relatively good and were more satisfied with certain QoL aspects than staff perceived them to be. Staff did not accurately judge a certain patient's satisfaction with various QoL aspects, which suggests that there is room for staff to improve their understanding of these aspects. There were no significant mean value differences between patient and staff ratings of patient anxiety and depression, but no significant correlations within dyads. This suggests that the communication between patients and staff could be improved in this respect.
Morphometric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Psychiatry

Although advances in the clinical criteria of various axis I psychiatric disorders are continually being made, there is still considerable overlap in the clinical features, and diagnosis is often challenging. As a result, there has been substantial interest in using morphometric magnetic resonance imaging to better characterize these diseases and inform diagnosis. Region of interest and voxel-based morphometry studies are reviewed herein to examine the extent to which these goals are being met across various psychiatric disorders. It is concluded based on the studies reviewed that specific patterns of regional loss, although present in certain axis I disorders, are not, as yet, diagnostically useful. However, advances in outcome and treatment monitoring show considerably more promise for rapid application in psychiatry.
Australian Backyard Gardens and the Journey of Migration*

Gardens have been an important site of environmental engagement in Australia since the British colonization. They are places where immigrant people and plants have carried on traditions from their homelands and have worked out an accommodation with new social and biophysical environments. We examined the backyard gardens of three contemporary migrant groups—Macedonian, Vietnamese, and British born—in suburban Australia and a group of first‐generation Australians with both parents born overseas. In Macedonian backyards, emphasis was strong on the production of vegetables; in Vietnamese backyards, on herbs and fruit. British backyards were more diverse, some focusing on non‐native ornamental flowers and others favoring native plants. The cohesiveness of the respective groups was partly an artifact of our sampling strategy. The Macedonian and Vietnamese migrants shared an affinity for productive, humanized landscapes that reflected their rural, subsistence backgrounds and crossed over into their attitudes toward the broader environment and national parks. The rural and village backgrounds help explain why intensive backyard food production has broken down among the next generation in (sub)urban Australia, becoming part of heritage rather than everyday practice.
Low-dose cytarabine and aclarubicin in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CAG regimen) for previously treated patients with relapsed or primary resistant acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and previously untreated elderly patients with AML, secondary AML, and refractory anemia wit

We used the CAG regimen (low-dose cytarabine [10 mg/m2 per 12 hours, days 1-14], aclarubicin [14 mg/m2 per day, days 1-4], and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [200 micrograms/m2 per day, days 1-14]) for the treatment of patients with primary resistant acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and previously untreated elderly patients with AML, secondary AML, and refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) in addition to relapsed AML. Forty-three of 69 (62%) patients achieved complete remission (CR), including 29 of 35 (83%) patients with relapsed AML, 1 of 8 patients with primary resistant AML, 5 of 8 elderly patients with previously untreated AML, and 8 of 18 patients with previously untreated secondary AML or RAEB-T. Ten of 22 (45%) patients > or = 65 years old achieved CR. The patients who achieved CR received at least 1 course of modified CAG therapy as the first consolidation therapy, followed by various second consolidation and intensification therapies. The median disease-free survival and overall survival were 8 and 15 months, respectively, for relapsed AML; 11 and 8 months for the elderly patients; and 8 and 17 months for secondary AML and RAEB-T. Myelosuppression was mild to moderate, and other than fever, severe nonhematologic toxicity was rare. CAG as the induction therapy seems promising for the treatment of various categories of poor-prognosis AML.
A 98%-Effective Lot-Sizing Rule for a Multi-Product, Multi-Stage Production / Inventory System

We study a multi-product, multi-stage production inventory system in continuous time. In-process and finished goods are referred to as products and inventories of a single item held at different locations are treated as different products. External demand can occur for any or all of the products at a constant, product-dependent rate. When an order is placed for a product it is instantly delivered. The set-up cost is a function of the set of products being ordered at that point in time. The goal is to schedule orders for each of the products over an infinite horizon so as to minimize the long-run average cost. We define a new class of policies in which each product uses a stationary interval of time between successive orders, and the ratio of the order intervals of any two products is an integer power of two. We show that there is always a policy in this class that is within 2% of optimal. This extends a similar result for the one-warehouse, multi-retailer system. For assembly systems we show how to compute such a policy in 0N log N time. For general systems a sequence of max-flow, min-cut computations is required. The algorithm is efficient for very large systems.
Comparative histologic study of 43 metastasizing and nonmetastasizing adrenocortical tumors

A series of 43 adrenocortical tumors was analyzed using nine histologic features. Mitotic activity, especially with atypical forms, and venous invasion correlated best with metastasizing or recurring tumors; however, no single criterion was useful alone. The combination of the following nine criteria was most useful in distinguishing malignant from benign tumors: nuclear grade III or IV; mitotic rate greater than 5/50 high-power fields; atypical mitoses; clear cells comprising 25% or less of the tumor; a diffuse architecture; microscopic necrosis; and invasion of venous, sinusoidal, and capsular structures. None of the 24 tumors with two or less of these criteria metastasized or recurred, while all but one of the 19 tumors with four or more of these criteria either recurred or metastasized.
Application of the recent American practice resources for risk stratification system for patients presenting to a Japanese emergency department because of syncope.

BACKGROUND The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recently published practice guidelines and recommendations for evaluation of patients with syncope based on historical, physical, and ECG findings. The objective of the present study was to determine if risk stratification using these practice resources is valid in a series of Japanese patients. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 912 consecutive patients brought to our emergency department between 1988 and 1997 because of syncope were identified. Follow-up information about mortality was obtained for 707 patients by means of mailed questionnaires and from medical records, and the mortality data were analyzed by the actuarial life-table method. A total of 187 patients who fulfilled the admission criteria according to the ACP guidelines were found to have higher overall and cardiac mortality than the other 520 patients (P < 0.0001), and 153 patients who fulfilled the admission criteria according to the ACEP recommendations also had higher overall and cardiac mortality than the other 554 patients (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The recent American practice recommendations can be used for risk stratification of syncope patients in Japan. Historical, physical, and ECG findings available on presentation can be used to stratify the risk of mortality in patients brought to Japanese emergency departments because of syncope.