Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of low dose radiation therapy on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats.

PURPOSE Substantial clinical evidence shows the efficacy of low dose radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis. Experimental investigations into these empirically clinical observations remain scarce. This study investigated in vivo the effects of daily 5 x 1.0 Gy versus 5 x 0.5 Gy on adjuvant induced arthritis in rats in order to explore whether there is a dose dependence of anti-inflammatory efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adjuvant arthritis in female Lewis rats was induced by intradermal injection of heat inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis on day 0. Both hind paws were X-irradiated daily from days 15 to 19 after induction according to four protocols (15 animals/group): group 1, 5 x 1.0 Gy (non-arthritic animals); group 2, sham-irradiated control; group 3, 5 x 1.0 Gy; group 4, 5 x 0.5 Gy. The clinical parameters arthritis score (AS), hind paw volume (HPV), body weight, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. On days 21 and 30 histological sections of at least 12 ankle joints per group were analysed semi-quantitatively. RESULTS Local irradiation of non-arthritic rats (group 1) with 5 x 1 Gy did not induce any arthritic signs. Sham-irradiated arthritic rats (group 2) showed a full-blown arthritic syndrome. Treatment of arthritic rats with 5 x 1 Gy (group 3) or 5 x 0.5 Gy (group 4) led to a reduction of mean AS from day 21 to 29 compared with group 2 (days 27-29--group 3: p=0.037; group 4: p=0.034), with no differences in efficacy between groups 3 and 4. Concurrently, following radiation treatment there was no further increase in HPV. At the end of the observation period, this effect demonstrated a dose-dependent level of significance (days 27-29--group 3: p=0.0036; group 4: p=0.039). A significant decrease in the ESR was noted in both irradiated arthritic groups on day 21 (group 3: p=0.015; group 4: p=0.006). The histopathological analysis revealed a highly significant reduction of cartilage and bone destruction on day 30 in both irradiated groups. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms by objective criteria the anti-inflammatory efficacy of low dose RT and gives some indication for a dose dependence of its efficacy.
Genetic susceptibility and gastric cancer risk

The aim of the present paper is to review and evaluate, in a comprehensive manner, the most recent published evidence on the contribution of genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer risk in humans. We have identified all studies available in MEDLINE published up to October 2001. Only studies carried out in humans and comparing gastric cancer cases with at least 1 standard control group were included in the analysis. We were able to find 31 articles based on 25 case‐control studies carried out in Caucasian, Asian and African populations. Most of the studies assess the effect of genes involved in detoxifying pathways (n = 12) and inflammatory responses (n = 7). The most widely studied is the GSTM1 null polymorphism. Only a very few studies have evaluated the risk of gastric cancer associated with genes acting on mucosa protection, oxidative damage and DNA repair. The most consistent results are the increased gastric cancer risk associated with IL1B and NAT1 variants, which may account for up to 48% of attributable risk of gastric cancer. Only polymorphisms at HLA‐DQ, TNF and CYP2E genes may confer some protective effect against gastric cancer. The most important limitations that preclude definitive conclusions are (i) the lack of appropriate control of potential sources of bias (only 5 population‐based studies have been published so far); (ii) the low number of cases analyzed (14 studies included fewer than 99 cases); and (iii) the low number of studies (n = 3) offering concomitant analysis of genetic susceptibility and exposure to relevant cofactors (Helicobacter pylori infection, diet and smoking). We conclude that the scientific data on the role of genetic factors in gastric cancer risk are promising. The lack of association reported so far should be considered with caution due to significant limitations in study design. Cohort studies taking into account simultaneously the different genetic and environmental factors potentially involved in gastric tumorigenesis are needed to ascertain not only the relative contribution of these factors to tumor development but also the contribution of their putative interactions. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A clinicopathological study of primary central nervous system lymphomas & their association with Epstein-Barr virus

Background & objectives: Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) are relatively uncommon, accounting for 2-3 per cent of primary brain tumours. Majority of these are diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCL) occurring both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. We undertook this study to classify PCNSL into germinal centre (GC) and non-germinal centre (NGC) type based on Hans classification and to find the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in pathogenesis both by conventional immunohistochemistry (IHC) and chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). Methods: The consecutive cases of PCNSL during a 10 years period were analysed by IHC for CD45, CD20, CD3, B-cell lymphoma 2 and 6 (Bcl-2 and Bcl-6), B-cell specific octamer binding protein-1 (BOB-1), multiple myeloma oncogene-1 (MUM-1), EBV latent-membrane protein 1 (LMP-1), cyclin-D1, CD10, CD5 and CD23, as well as by CISH for EBV. Results: During a period of 10 years, 65 PCNSL were diagnosed which comprised 0.69 per cent (65/9476) of all intracranial tumours. The mean age of presentation was 49 yr with sex ratio (M:F) of 1.4:1. Most common location was supratentorial region with predominant involvement of frontal lobe. Single lesions were seen in 38 (58.4%) and multifocal lesions in 27 (41.5%) patients. None of the patients were immunocompromised. All cases were B cell immunophenotype and were DLBCL except one case of follicular lymphoma. According to Hans classification, majority of them were NGC (n=51, 79.6%) and 13 (20.3%) were GC type. Bcl-2 expression was noted in 34 (52.3%) tumours. EBV was positive in three (4.6%) cases; two were detected both by IHC and CISH and one case by CISH only. Interpretation & conclusions: In Indian population, PCNSL occurs mainly in immunocompetent patients, and a decade earlier than in western population. Immunophenotyping revealed that all cases were DLBCL with predominance of NGC type. No prognostic difference was seen between GC and NGC DLBCL. Association of EBV was rare and this virus was possibly not involved in the pathogenesis of PCNSL in immunocompetent individuals. CISH was an easy, economical and less cumbersome method for detection of EBV in PCNSL.
Determinants of FDI and FPI volatility: An E-GARCH approach

This study examined the determinants of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) volatility in Nigeria. The study used annual data covering the periods 1986 to 2016 and the EGARCH approach was employed. The study observed that trade openness and world GDP were the significant determinants of FDI volatility, while domestic interest rate and stock market capitalization were significant determinants of FPI volatility in Nigeria. Other variables were insignificant in influencing volatility in FDI and FPI. Consequently, the study recommends the need for the prudent management of these determinants (with particular reference to indigenous variables) to ensure reduced volatilities in these capital flows which are essential for the growth of the domestic economy, particularly at this time when the Nigerian economy is in great need of foreign investment owing to the continuous variation in international crude oil price.
Perceptual and Physiological Responses to Recovery from a Maximal 30-Second Sprint

Abstract Glaister, M, Pattison, JR, Dancy, B, and McInnes, G. Perceptual and physiological responses to recovery from a maximal 30-second sprint. J Strength Cond Res 26(10): 2850–2857, 2012—The aims of this study were to evaluate perceptions of postexercise recovery and to compare patterns of perceived recovery with those of several potential mediating physiological variables. Seventeen well-trained men (age: 22 ± 4 years; height: 1.83 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 78.9 ± 7.6 kg; and body fat: 11.1 ± 2.2%) completed 10 sprint trials on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. Trial 1 evaluated peak power via a 5-second sprint. The remaining trials evaluated (a) the recovery of peak power after a maximal 30-second sprint using rest intervals of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 seconds; (b) perceived recovery via visual analog scales; and (c) physiological responses during recovery. The time point in recovery at which individuals perceived they had fully recovered was 163.3 ± 57.5 seconds. Power output at that same time point was 83.6 ± 5.2% of peak power. There were no significant differences between perceived recovery and the recovery processes of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 or minute ventilation (VE). Despite differences in the time courses of perceived recovery and the recovery of power output, individuals were able to closely predict full recovery without the need for external timepieces. Moreover, the time course of perceived recovery is similar to that of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and VE.
CYP2D6 predicted metabolizer status and safety in adult patients with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder participating in a large placebo‐controlled atomoxetine maintenance of response clinical trial

Atomoxetine, which is indicated for treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is predominantly metabolized by genetically polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). Based on identified CYP2D6 genotypes, individuals can be categorized into 4 phenotypic metabolizer groups as ultrarapid, extensive, intermediate, and poor. Previous studies have focused on observed differences between poor and extensive metabolizers, but it is not well understood whether the safety profile of intermediate metabolizers differs from that of ultrarapid and extensive metabolizers. This study compared safety and tolerability among the different CYP2D6 metabolizer groups in the 12‐week open‐label phase of an atomoxetine study in adult patients with ADHD. Genotyping identified 1039 patients as extensive/ultrarapid metabolizers, 780 patients as intermediate metabolizers, and 117 patients as poor metabolizers. Common (≥5% frequency) treatment‐emergent adverse events did not significantly differ between extensive/ultrarapid and intermediate metabolizers (odds ratios were <2.0 or >0.5). Poor metabolizers had higher frequencies of dry mouth, erectile dysfunction, hyperhidrosis, insomnia, and urinary retention compared with the other metabolizer groups. There were no significant differences between extensive/ultrarapid and intermediate metabolizers in changes from baseline in vital signs. These results suggest that data from CYP2D6 intermediate and extensive/ultrarapid metabolizers can be combined when considering safety analyses related to atomoxetine.
Interobserver reproducibility of The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology

Background: The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology represents a significant improvement in classification of urinary specimens. The system acknowledges the difficulty in cytologically diagnosing low-grade urothelial carcinomas and has developed categories to deal with this issue. The system uses six categories: unsatisfactory, negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC), atypical urothelial cells, suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma, high-grade urothelial carcinoma, other malignancies and a seventh subcategory (low-grade urothelial neoplasm). Methods: Three hundred and fifty-seven urine specimens were independently reviewed by four cytopathologists unaware of the previous diagnoses. Each cytopathologist rendered a diagnosis according to the Paris System categories. Agreement was assessed using absolute agreement and weighted chance-corrected agreement (kappa). Disagreements were classified as low impact and high impact based on the potential impact of a misclassification on clinical management. Results: The average absolute agreement was 65% with an average expected agreement of 44%. The average chance-corrected agreement (kappa) was 0.32. Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 1902 comparisons between rater pairs were in agreement, but 12% of comparisons differed by two or more categories for the category NHGUC. Approximately 15% of the disagreements were classified as high clinical impact. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the scheme recommended by the Paris System shows adequate precision for the category NHGUC, but the other categories demonstrated unacceptable interobserver variability. This low level of diagnostic precision may negatively impact the applicability of the Paris System for widespread clinical application.
Bank Leverage Ratios, Risk and Competition - An Investigation Using Individual Bank Data

Following experience in the global financial crisis (GFC), when banks with low leverage ratios were often in severe difficulty, despite high-risk-adjusted capital measures, a leverage ratio was introduced in Basel III to complement the risk-adjusted capital ratio (RAR). Empirical testing of the leverage ratio, individually and relative to regulatory capital is, however, sparse. More generally, the capital/risk/competition nexus has been neglected by regulators and researchers. In this paper, we undertake empirical research that sheds light on leverage as a regulatory tool controlling for competition. We assess the effectiveness of a leverage ratio relative to the risk-adjusted capital ratio (RAR) in predicting bank risk given competition for up to 8216 banks in the EU and 1270 in the US, using the Fitch-Connect database of banks’ financial statements. On balance, US banks tend to behave in a manner consistent with “skin in the game” (a negative relation of competition to risk) while European banks tend to follow the “regulatory hypothesis” (positive relation), although there are exceptions to these generalisations. Accordingly, the expected effect of changes in capital on risk needs careful attention by regulators. There is a tendency for the leverage ratio to be more often significant than the risk-adjusted measure in a number of the regressions. This observation favours its use in macroprudential policy. The effect of capital on risk varies considerably over time and cross sectionally for Europe vis a vis the US; effects often differ between low-leverage and high-leverage ratio banks as well as pre- and post-crisis and for individual EU countries. The overall results are robust to a number of variations in sample and specification. We consider the inclusion of competition as a control variable to be a major contribution that adds to the relevance of our study. The results show that bank competition, allowing for capital, is a significant macroprudential indicator in virtually all regressions and hence more note should be taken of this by regulators, notably in the US where there is mainly evidence of competition-fragility (a positive link of competition to risk). On the other hand we note that exclusion of competition does not markedly change the effect of capital. Finally there are differences in the relation of risk both to competition and capital adequacy for banks at different levels of risk that need to be taken into account by regulators both in Europe and the US. There is some evidence of greater vulnerability of weaker banks to low capital and high competition than would be shown by the sample average or median.
An IEC 61000-4-30 class a — Power quality monitor: Development and performance analysis

Power Quality assessment is today one of the main ways to improve energy efficiency. International standards tend to restrict the way this assessment is done, by defining the measurements methods that should be adopted by an instrument. This work describes some of the constrictions and requirements assumed for the design of the high performance Power Quality data logger PQ1000, taking into account the international standards IEC 61000-4-30 Class A and the IEC 61000-4-15 published in August 2010. Trough it, the most important demands of the IEC 61000-4-30 class A instruments are exposed. Details of the hardware components are also shown, and the most important points of the signal processing path are explained. The performance in the RMS values determination is given, also the frequency response for harmonics measurement are shown, and a detailed analysis of fulfillment of the tests given in the IEC 61000-4-15 ed. 08-2010 are given in the final section. Before the publication of this ed.08-2010 the Cigre C4.1. 01/CIRED 2 CC02/UIE WG2 - 2004 protocol was the reference document that in addition with the IEC standard was used for the evaluation of digital flicker meters. This protocol aim is to guarantee a higher degree of compatibility between instruments of different manufacturers and models. The tests here presented intend to submit the equipments to a more real situation, and try to show possible hardware or firmware defects. The results given by the PQ1000 widely surpasses the standards exigencies.
Preliminary evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of D-003: Mixture of very long chain fatty acids.

D-003 is a mixture of very long chain aliphatic acids purified from sugar cane wax, wherein octacosanoic acid represents the major component. Previous experimental studies have shown that D-003 inhibits platelet aggregation in rodents. Also, its lowers total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in normocholesterolemic rabbits in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in fibroblast cultures. The present study was performed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic potential effects of D-003 assessed through two tests: the neutral red (NR) assay and the Ames test. Positive and negative controls were included in each experimental series. Compared with controls, no cytotoxicity was evident after 24 and 72 h of treatment with doses up to 1,000 microg/ml in the NR assay. On the other hand, D-003 (5-5,000 microg/plate) did not increase the frequency of reverse mutations in the Ames test in both alternatives with or without S9 mix metabolic activation and a pre-incubation step. The positive control chemicals included in each experiment, namely, treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in the NR assay and sodium azide (NaAz), 2-aminofluorene (AF), and dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) in the Ames test, induced the expected changes, such as a decrease in optical density (OD) values in the NR assay and an increase in the frequency of reverse mutations in the Ames test. The present results indicate that D-003 did not show evidence of cytotoxic or genotoxic potential in tests able to detect the ability of chemicals to disrupt cells (NR assay) or to induce gene mutations (Ames test).
In vitro efficacy of antiseptics to control Candida albicans present in the oral mucosa of apparently healthy patients

Candida species are present in the flora of the skin and mucosa of man, and are of common occurrence in the oral cavity of healthy individuals, Candida albicans being the predominant species in the oral microbiota. Therefore, this study was to verify in vitro the effectiveness of oral antiseptics such as chlorhexidine digluconate 0.12%, Cepacol ®, Flogoral ® and Melaleuca 0.2% in the control of Candida albicans. We selected 30 strains of Candida albicans stored in specific culture medium. To the Mueller Hinton Agar - Biobras ® was added sterile paper disks impregnated with the antiseptics studied, and then the samples were incubated at 37 ° C for 24 - 48 hours. Evidence of antifungal activity was the formation of inhibition zone around the paper disk, and evaluated by measuring the halos with a millimeter ruler. According to the results, it is clear that Chlorhexidine was startled on the other oral antiseptics because it has a broad spectrum of activity against various microorganisms. The Cepacol ® also stands out from others because it has a certain efficacy against the some microrganisms. The Flogoral ® and Melaleuca is not observed as effective in the treatment of C. albicans.
Decisions to limit life-sustaining treatment for critically ill patients who lack both decision-making capacity and surrogate decision-makers*

Objective:Many intensive care unit (ICU) physicians have withdrawn life-support from a patient who lacked decision-making capacity and a surrogate decision-maker, yet little is known about the decision-making practices for these patients. We sought to determine how often such patients are admitted to the ICU of a metropolitan hospital and how end-of-life decisions are made for them. Design:Prospective, observational cohort study. Patients and Setting:Consecutive adult patients admitted to the medical ICU of a metropolitan West Coast hospital during a 7-month period in 2003 to 2004. Measurements:Attending physicians completed a questionnaire about the decision-making process for each patient for whom they considered limiting life-support who lacked decisional capacity and a legally recognized surrogate decision-maker. Main Results:Of the 303 patients admitted during the study period, 49 (16%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12–21%) lacked decision-making capacity and a surrogate during the entire ICU stay. Compared with all other ICU patients, these patients were more likely to be male (88% vs. 69%; p = .002), white (42% vs. 23%; p = .028), and ≥65 yrs old (29% vs. 13%; p = .007). Physicians considered withholding or withdrawing treatment from 37% (18) of the 49 patients who lacked both decision-making capacity and a surrogate decision-maker. For 56% (10) of these 18 patients, the opinion of another attending physician was obtained; for 33% (6 of 18), the ICU team made the decision independently, and for 11% (2 of 18), the input of the courts or the hospital ethics committee was obtained. Overall, 27% of deaths (13 of 49) during the study period were in incapacitated patients who lacked a surrogate (95% CI, 15–41%). Conclusions:Sixteen percent of patients admitted to the medical ICU of this hospital lacked both decision-making capacity and a surrogate decision-maker. Decisions to limit life support were generally made by physicians without judicial or institutional review. Further research and debate are needed to develop optimal decision-making strategies for these difficult cases.