Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic therapy for dysplastic Barrett esophagus and early esophageal adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate our results using photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of dysplasia or superficial cancer (T1 N0 M0) in patients with Barrett esophagus. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our clinical experience with 48 patients (34 patients with high-grade dysplasia and 14 patients with superficial cancer in Barrett esophagus) who had been referred for PDT. Initial evaluation included computed tomography and standard and high-frequency catheter endosonography. Follow-up endoscopy was performed 4 to 6 weeks after PDT with ablation of any residual glandular mucosa, using the argon plasma coagulator. Patients were then followed up indefinitely every 3 to 6 months with computed tomography, endosonography, and endoscopic surveillance. RESULTS The median series follow-up was 18.5 months (range, 1-56 months). Apparent complete photoablation of Barrett mucosa and/or superficial neoplasm was documented in 47 of 48 cases. Complications included symptomatic strictures (11 patients), photosensitivity (7 patients), atrial fibrillation (1 patient) or recurrent congestive heart failure (1 patient), and self-limited esophageal perforation (1 patient). Failure to ablate T1 N0 M0 adenocarcinoma occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS Porfimer sodium PDT appears to eradicate dysplastic Barrett mucosa and neoplasia. These results are promising; however, long-term studies are needed to document the efficacy of PDT in reducing the morbidity and mortality in such patients.
On the use of ICESAT‐GLAS measurements for MODIS and SEVIRI cloud‐top height accuracy assessment

This study reports on the first attempt to use cloud boundary and optical depth retrievals from the GLAS lidar to assess the accuracy of cloud‐top heights obtained with MODIS (onboard NASA‐TERRA and AQUA) and SEVIRI (onboard METEOSAT‐8). Over the period from 25 September to 18 November 2003, MODIS‐GLAS coincidences were only found in the Polar Regions, whilst SEVIRI‐GLAS coincidences were available for a larger range of latitudes. For both passive instruments, cloud‐top heights were overestimated by about 300–400 m when clouds were low and opaque. For high and thin clouds, MODIS and SEVIRI cloud‐top heights were underestimated, and the bias increased with decreasing optical depth. For optical depths below 0.3, the number of misdetections increased significantly and the bias in cloud‐top height increased from 1 to 2 km. The bias was found to be larger when lower cloud layers were present.
The Role of Accruals in Asymmetrically Timely Gain and Loss Recognition

We investigate the role of accrual accounting in the asymmetrically timely recognition (incorporation in reported earnings) of gains and losses. Timely recognition requires accruals when it precedes complete realization of the gains and losses in cash. We show that nonlinear accruals models incorporating the asymmetry in gain and loss recognition (timelier loss recognition, or conditional conservatism) offer a substantial specification improvement, explaining substantially more variation in accruals than equivalent linear specifications. Conversely, conventional linear accruals models, by omitting the loss recognition asymmetry, exhibit substantial attenuation bias and offer a comparatively poor specification of the accounting accrual process. Linear specifications also understate the ability of current earnings to predict future cash flows. These findings have implications for our understanding of accrual accounting and conservatism, as well as for researchers estimating discretionary accruals, earnings management, and earnings quality. Copyright University of Chicago on behalf of the Institute of Professional Accounting, 2006.
Inhibition of Interleukin-10 Signaling Induces Microbiota-dependent Chronic Colitis in Apolipoprotein E Deficient Mice

Background:Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mediates potent antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in addition to its roles in regulating cholesterol transport and metabolism. However, its role in the intestine, specifically during inflammation, is largely unknown. Methods:Mice (C57BL/6 or ApoE-deficient [ApoE-KO] mice) were administered either single or 4 injections (weekly) of anti-interleukin (IL)-10 receptor monoclonal antibody (1.0 mg/mouse; intraperitoneally) and euthanized 1 week after the last injection. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed in fecal samples to analyze the gut bacterial load and its composition. Microbiota was ablated by administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics in drinking water. IL-10KO mice were cohoused with ApoE-KO mice or their wild-type littermates to monitor the colitogenic potential of gut microbiota harbored in ApoE-KO mice. Results:ApoE-KO mice developed severe colitis upon neutralization of IL-10 signaling as assessed by every parameter analyzed. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the ApoE-KO mice display elevated and altered gut microbiota that were accompanied with impaired production of intestinal antimicrobial peptides. Interestingly, microbiota ablation ameliorates colitis development in ApoE-KO mice. Exacerbated and accelerated colitis was observed in IL-10KO mice when cohoused with ApoE-KO mice. Conclusions:Our study highlights a novel interplay between ApoE and IL-10 in maintaining gut homeostasis and that such crosstalk may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Gut sterilization and the cohousing experiment suggest that microbiota play a pivotal role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease in mice lacking ApoE.
Determination of carboxyhaemoglobin in humans following low-level exposures to carbon monoxide

This study proposes to estimate carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels in the blood of men and women of various ages exposed to common concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) using a model with only one free parameter while integrating alveoli–blood and blood–tissue CO exchanges. The model retained is essentially that of with two important additions: an alveoli compartment for the dynamics of CO exchanges between alveoli and blood, and a compartment for the significant amounts of CO bound to heme proteins in extravascular spaces. The model was validated by comparing its simulations with various published data sets for the COHb time profiles of volunteers exposed to known CO concentrations. Once the model was validated, it was used to simulate various situations of interest for their impact on public health. This approach yields reliable estimations of the time profiles of COHb levels resulting from different levels of CO exposure over various periods of time and under various conditions (resting, exercise, working, and smoking). The non-linear kinetics of CO, observed experimentally, were correctly reproduced by simulations with the model. Simulations were also carried out iteratively to determine the exposure times and CO concentrations in ambient air needed to reach the maximum levels of COHb recommended by Health Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for each age group of the general population. The lowest CO concentrations leading to maximum COHb levels of 1.5, 2, and 2.5% were determined.
Declines of Aerial Insectivores in North America Follow a Geographic Gradient

North American birds that feed on aerial insects are experiencing widespread population declines. An analysis of the North American Breeding Bird Survey trend estimates for 1966 to 2006 suggests that declines in this guild are significantly stronger than in passerines in general. The pattern of decline also shows a striking geographical gradient, with aerial insectivore declines becoming more prevalent towards the northeast of North America. Declines are also more acute in species that migrate long distances compared to those that migrate short distances. The declines become manifest, almost without exception, in the mid 1980s. The taxonomic breadth of these downward trends suggests that declines in aerial insectivore populations are linked to changes in populations of flying insects, and these changes might be indicative of underlying ecosystem changes. RESUME. Les populations d’oiseaux nord-americains qui se nourrissent d’insectes aeriens montrent un declin a grande echelle. Une analyse des donnees de tendance du Releve des oiseux nicheurs (BBS) en Amerique du Nord de 1966 a 2006 indique que les declins dans cette guilde sont plus importants que ceux qui sont observes chez les passereaux en general, et ce, de facon significative. Le profil des declins montre egalement un gradient geographique frappant, la diminution des insectivores aeriens devenant plus frequente vers le nord-est de l’Amerique du Nord. La baisse est aussi plus marquee chez les especes qui migrent sur de longues distances, comparativement a celle observee chez les especes qui migrent sur de courtes distances. Ces declins sont devenus evidents, presque sans exceptions, dans le milieu des annees 1980. L’ampleur taxinomique de ces tendances a la baisse donne a penser que le declin des populations d’insectivores aeriens est lie aux changements dans les populations d’insectes volants, ces derniers etant possiblement le reflet de modifications au plan de l’ecosysteme.
Modern trends in biliary surgery

stricture formation and in the latter two diseases especially stenosis is a rare event. From neither clinical nor histological points of view is there reason to incriminate any and they need no further discussion. Syphilis is a rare cause of tubular stricture formation but clinically it would appear unlikely whilst histologically it can be ruled out by the limited area of inflammation and fibrosis being confined almost entirely to the submucosa. Non-specific ulceration of the jejunum has been described in detail by Ebeling (1933), and of the ileum by Brown and Pemberton (1936). The aetiology of this uncommon condition remains unknown but amongst the recorded cases a few have progressed to stricture formation. This has been narrow in type, similar to that found following tuberculous ulceration and quite dissimilar to the non-specific strictures recorded here.
Specific Immune Adherence Assay for Human Hepatitis A Antibody. Application to Diagnostic and Epidemiologic Investigations

Summary A specific immune adherence (IA) test for hepatitis A antibody in human serum was described employing liver extract of marmosets infected with CR326 strain human hepatitis A virus. Persons with hepatitis A, but not hepatitis B, developed hepatitis A IA antibody soon after onset of the acute illness and this persisted thereafter. There was very close agreement in the tests for human hepatitis A immune adherence, complement fixing (CF) and neutralizing antibodies. IA antibodies appeared to develop somewhat later than CF or neutralizing antibody. A limited epidemiologic study of a family outbreak of hepatitis A and B in Costa Rica showed simultaneous occurrence of the two diseases and was supportive of the concept that susceptible persons in a country with high hepatitis A prevalence generally acquire their infections at an early age and are immune thereafter. Most persons of high socioeconomic level in an area of low hepatitis A incidence may proceed to adulthood without experience with hepatitis A. Persons of low socioeconomic level, however, such as commercial blood bank donors and prisoners, show high incidence of hepatitis A antibody. Hepatitis IA and CF antibodies persisted in human subjects for at least 7 hr after hepatitis A virus infection. Captive chimpanzees and grivet and rhesus monkeys, not given hepatitis A virus, showed evidence of previous experience with human hepatitis A or an antigenically related virus based on tests for hepatitis A antibody. Other subhuman primates, rodents, and swine, not given hepatitis A virus, were without hepatitis A antibody. The IA test provides an excellent tool for diagnostic and epidemiologic investigations of hepatitis A and should be of considerable value to detect hepatitis A virus in attempts to propagate the virus in cell culture. There was considerable difference in hepatitis A IA antibody content of different lots of commercial human immune globulin, though the majority titered 1:4000 or 1:8000.
Biomechanical interaction between cap thickness, lipid core composition and blood pressure in vulnerable coronary plaque: impact on stability or instability

BackgroundA ‘thin’ fibrous cap atheroma is the typical morphological characteristic of vulnerable plaque. Yet the very pathological studies that have provided these descriptions have also shown the actual prediction of plaque rupture to be rather less exact. Other relevant characteristics must be involved in the mechanisms of plaque rupture—blood pressure loading (P) and the material properties of the soft atheromatous core—as predictors of the distribution of the peak circumferential stress (PCS) locations. Methods and ResultsWe used a computational structural analysis based on three typical in-vivo intravascular ultrasound images of fibrous cap atheroma in which we decreased the cap thickness (CTh). With different soft atheromatous core Young's moduli (Ecore), 414 simulations were performed under eight different physiological loading blood pressures. The transition from plaque stability to plaque instability was defined by a threshold of 300 kPa and is a feature of vulnerability. It was found that (1) irrespective of plaque geometry and composition, CTh <60 μm exposed the plaque to PCSs in excess of 300 kPa; (2) the exponential variations in PCS with change in CTh and Ecore values show that very slight structural changes are enough to tilt a vulnerable plaque from stability to instability or vice versa; and (3) the relationship between P and PCS is proportional with P acting as trigger or as protector. ConclusionThe present study shows why, in clinical practice, mere morphological detection by imaging techniques of thin-cap fibro-atheroma is not in itself enough for the prediction of future rupture.
Characteristics of Lower Extremity Work During the Impact Phase of Jumping and Weightlifting

Abstract Moolyk, AN, Carey, JP, and Chiu, LZF. Characteristics of lower extremity work during the impact phase of jumping and weightlifting. J Strength Cond Res 27(12): 3225–3232, 2013—Jumping and weightlifting tasks involve impact phases, where work is performed by the lower extremity to absorb energies present at contact. This study compared the lower extremity kinematic and kinetic strategies to absorb energy during the impact phase of jumping and weightlifting activities. Ten women experienced in jumping and weightlifting performed 4 tasks (landing from a jump, drop landing, clean, and power clean) in a motion analysis laboratory. Work performed at the hip, knee, and ankle were calculated during the landing and receiving phases of jumping and weightlifting tasks, respectively. Additionally, segment and joint kinematics and net joint moments were determined. The most lower extremity work was performed in the clean and drop landing, followed by landing from a jump, and the least work was performed in the power clean (p < 0.05). For all tasks, work performed by the knee extensors was the greatest contributor to lower extremity work. Knee extensor net joint moment was greater in the power clean than jump and drop landings, and greater in the clean than all other tasks (p < 0.05). Knee flexion angle was not different between the power clean and jump landing (p > 0.05) but greater in the drop landing and clean (p < 0.05). A common characteristic of the impact phase of jumping and weightlifting tasks is a large contribution of knee extensor work. Further, the correspondence in kinematics between impact phases of jumping and weightlifting tasks suggests that similar muscular strategies are used to perform both types of activities. Weightlifting tasks, particularly the clean, may be important exercises to develop the muscular strength required for impact actions due to their large knee extensor net joint moments.
Test Anxiety in Elderly and Young Adults

Test anxiety in elderly and young adult college students was measured by the Anxiety Achievement Test following a free-recall memory experiment. As expected, the elderly had higher levels of debilitating test anxiety than the younger adults. A large proportion of older persons showed behavioral manifestations of test anxiety either by refusing to participate in the study, or by their reactions during the testing. Test anxiety was related to memory performance among both age groups, suggesting that an older person's performance on a cognitive task may be influenced by affective reactions to the testing situation itself.
Clinical Studies on the Action of Bemegride in Barbiturate Overdosage*

The foregoing is likely to be oversimplified, for improved analysis may reveal new protein fractions and functions. Hypersensitivity and immune response to tuberculosis may then be found to be shared by leucocytes (and other body cells) and some serum protein fraction other than y-globulin. In short, there may be some combined function of leucocytes and serum proteins. The door is open to a more comprehensive conception of the immunology of tuberculosis.
Does hypoglycaemia increase the risk of cardiovascular events? A report from the ORIGIN trial.

AIMS Hypoglycaemia caused by glucose-lowering therapy has been linked to cardiovascular (CV) events. The ORIGIN trial provides an opportunity to further assess this relationship. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 12 537 participants with dysglycaemia and high CV-risk were randomized to basal insulin glargine titrated to a fasting glucose of ≤ 5.3 mmol/L (95 mg/dL) or standard glycaemic care. Non-severe hypoglycaemia was defined as symptoms confirmed by glucose ≤ 54 mg/dL and severe hypoglycaemia as a requirement for assistance or glucose ≤ 36 mg/dL. Outcomes were: (i) the composite of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke; (ii) mortality; (iii) CV mortality; and (iv) arrhythmic death. Hazards were estimated before and after adjustment for a hypoglycaemia propensity score. During a median of 6.2 years (IQR: 5.8-6.7), non-severe hypoglycaemic episodes occurred in 41.7 and 14.4% glargine and standard group participants, respectively, while severe episodes occurred in 5.7 and 1.8%, respectively. Non-severe hypoglycaemia was not associated with any outcome following adjustment. Conversely, severe hypoglycaemia was associated with a greater risk for the primary outcome (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.24-2.02, P < 0.001), mortality (HR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.39-2.19, P < 0.001), CV death (HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.27-2.30, P < 0.001) and arrhythmic death (HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.17-2.67, P = 0.007). Similar findings were noted for severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia for the primary outcome and mortality. The severe hypoglycaemia hazard for all four outcomes was higher with standard care than with insulin glargine. CONCLUSION Severe hypoglycaemia is associated with an increased risk for CV outcomes in people at high CV risk and dysglycaemia. Although allocation to insulin glargine vs. standard care was associated with an increased risk of severe and non-severe hypoglycaemia, the relative risk of CV outcomes with hypoglycaemia was lower with insulin glargine-based glucose-lowering therapy than with the standard glycaemic control. Trial Registration (ORIGIN ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00069784).
Associated factors for age-related maculopathy in the adult population in southern India: the Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study

Background: To assess prevalence, potential risk factors and population attributable risk percentage (PAR) for age-related maculopathy (ARM) in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Methods: A population-based study, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India during 1996 and 2000. Participants from 94 clusters in one urban and three rural areas representative of the population of Andhra Pradesh underwent a detailed interview and a detailed dilated ocular evaluation by trained professionals. This report presents the prevalence estimates of ARM and examines the association of ARM with potential risk factors in persons aged 40–102 years (n = 3723). ARM was defined as per the international classification and grading system. Results: ARM was present in 327 subjects, an age–gender–area-adjusted prevalence of 8.9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.1% to 9.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that, the adjusted prevalence of ARM was significantly higher in those 70 years of age or older (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 3.65; 95% CI 2.24 to 5.94) and in subjects with hypertension OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.65). The presence of any cataract and urban residence were significantly associated with increased prevalence of ARM (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.21 and 2.30; 95% CI 1.79 to 2.96) respectively. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and increased cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) were also significantly associated with increased prevalence of ARM (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.002 to 1.06 and 2.25; 95% CI 1.10 to 4.67) respectively. The PAR for hypertension and any cataract was 12% and 18% respectively in this population. Conclusion: The prevalence of ARM in this south Indian population is similar to those reported from other developed countries. Increased age, increased IOP and increased CDR were significantly associated with the increased risk of ARM.
Effects of potassium sorbate and other antibotulinal agents on germination and outgrowth of Clostridium botulinum type E spores in microcultures

The effects of potassium sorbate, sodium hypophosphite, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium nitrite, and linoleic acid on the germination and outgrowth of Clostridium botulinum type E spores were studied in microcultures. At pH 5.8 to 6.0 in liver veal agar, the germination rate was decreased to nearly zero with 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0% sorbate. At pH 7.0 t 7.2, these levels of sorbate afforded germination and outgrowth of abnormally shaped cells that were defective in cell division. At the high pH range, 0.5 or 1.0% hypophosphite had effects similar to those of sorbate. The use of 0.05% sodium nitrite with sorbate enhanced the lysis of outgrowing cells at pH 7.2 or lower. Emergence and elongation were inhibited by 0.05% linoleic acid with or without 1.0% sorbate at pH 7.0 to 7.2. The addition of 0.5% tripolyphosphate to media containing 1.5% sorbate at pH 7.1 prevented normal cell growth to an extent greater than with sorbate alone.
Hypervitaminosis A‐induced liver fibrosis: stellate cell activation and daily dose consumption

Abstract: Hypervitaminosis A‐related liver toxicity may be severe and may even lead to cirrhosis. In the normal liver, vitamin A is stored in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which are prone to becoming activated and acquiring a myofibroblast‐like phenotype, producing large amounts of extracellular matrix.