Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary acid load and risk of hypertension: the Rotterdam Study.

BACKGROUND Mild metabolic acidosis, which can be caused by diet, may result in elevated blood pressure (BP). DESIGN The analyses included 2241 participants aged ≥55 y who were free of hypertension at baseline (1990-1993) and who had complete dietary and BP data. Dietary data were obtained from a 170-item food-frequency questionnaire. We used 2 measures to characterize dietary acid load: (1) potential renal acid load (PRAL) by using an algorithm including protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and (2) estimated net endogenous acid production (NEAP) based on protein and potassium. HRs for 6-y incidence of hypertension were obtained in tertiles of PRAL and NEAP with adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, education, and intakes of alcohol, fiber, and total energy. RESULTS We identified 1113 incident cases of hypertension during 8707 person-years of follow-up. The median dietary acid load ranged from -14.6 to 19.9 mEq/d across categories of PRAL. Hypertension risk was not significantly associated with dietary acid load. The multivariate HRs (95% CIs) in consecutive tertiles of PRAL were 1.00 (reference), 1.01 (0.87, 1.17), and 1.02 (0.88, 1.18) (P trend = 0.83). The median dietary acid loads were 30.4, 36.7, and 43.7 mEq/d, respectively, in consecutive tertiles of NEAP. Corresponding HRs for NEAP were 1.00 (reference), 0.92 (0.80, 1.07), and 0.94 (0.81, 1.10) (P-trend = 0.46). CONCLUSION The findings from this prospective cohort study provided no evidence of an association between dietary acid load and risk of hypertension in older adults.
MtrC, an outer membrane decahaem c cytochrome required for metal reduction in Shewanella putrefaciens MR‐1

Shewanella putrefaciens is a facultative anaerobe that can use metal oxides as terminal electron acceptors during anaerobic respiration. Two proteins, MtrB and Cct, have been identified that are specifically involved in metal reduction. Analysis of S. putrefaciens mutants deficient in metal reduction led to the identification of two additional proteins that are involved in this process. MtrA is a periplasmic decahaem c‐type cytochrome that appears to be part of the electron transport chain, which leads to Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction. MtrC is an outer membrane decahaem c‐type cytochrome that appears to be required for the activity of the terminal Fe(III) reductase. Membrane fractions of mutants deficient in MtrC exhibited a decreased level of Fe(III) reduction compared with the wild type. We suggest that MtrC may be a component of the terminal reductase or may be required for its assembly.
A real-time high resolution passive WiFi Doppler-radar and its applications

The design and implementation of a real-time passive high Doppler resolution radar system is described in this paper. Batch processing and pipelined processing flow are introduced for reducing the processing time to enable real-time display. The proposed method is implemented on a software defined radio (SDR) platform. Two experiments using this system are described: one based on small human body motions and another one on hand gesture detection. The results from these experiments show that the proposed system can be used in a range of application scenarios such as eHealth, human-machine interaction and high accuracy indoor target tracking.
Target decomposition analysis of SIR-C imagery for characterization of scattering mechanisms and their dependence on observation parameters

Multitemporal Shuttle Imaging Radar C (SIR-C) images taken over the Sarobetsu test site were analyzed using target decomposition to characterize the scattering mechanisms and relate them with the target conditions. Analysis results indicate a change in the dominant scattering mechanism with a change in the observation parameters, which is reasonably related with the surface conditions estimated from aerial photographs.
Repair of bone defects around dental implants with bone morphogenetic protein/fibroblast growth factor-loaded porous calcium phosphate cement: a pilot study in a canine model.

OBJECTIVES To study the effects of the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)/fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-loaded porous calcium phosphate cement (CPC) on the repair of bone defects around dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty critical-sized bone defects in beagle dogs were repaired with engineered bone composed of autologous bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), BMP-2, bFGF and CPC. Repairs were divided into six groups: BMSC/BMP-2/bFGF/CPC, BMSC/BMP-2/CPC, BMSC/bFGF/CPC, BMSC/CPC, CPC and no treatment. Polychrome sequential fluorescent labels were also performed post-operatively. Fluorescence histological examinations of undecalcified sections at post-operative week 12 were performed to clarify changes in the new bone around the dental implants. RESULTS The animals exhibited a perfect post-operative course, with none experiencing any infection. Undecalcified sections showed that new bone was actively formed in the BMP-2/bFGF group after 12 weeks. The bone mineralization apposition rate was better in the BMP-2/bFGF group than in the other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION BMP-2 and bFGF together are more effective than either one alone in promoting the formation of new bone and may exert a synergistic activity at bone defects around dental implants.
Successful transplantation of rat hearts subjected to extended cold preservation with a novel preservation solution

Since prolonged cold preservation of the heart deteriorates the outcome of heart transplantation, a more protective preservation solution is required. We therefore developed a new solution, named Dsol, and examined whether Dsol, in comparison to UW, could better inhibit myocardial injury resulting from prolonged cold preservation. Syngeneic heterotopic heart transplantation in Lewis rats was performed after cold preservation with UW or Dsol for 24 or 36 h. In addition to graft survival, myocardial injury, ATP content, and Ca2+ ‐dependent proteases activity were assessed in the 24‐h preservation group. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of H9c2 cardiomyocytes after 24‐h cold preservation was assessed. Dsol significantly improved 7‐day graft survival after 36‐h preservation. After 24‐h preservation, Dsol was associated with significantly faster recovery of ATP content and less activation of calpain and caspase‐3 after reperfusion. Dsol diminished graft injury significantly, as revealed by the lower levels of infarction, apoptosis, serum LDH and AST release, and graft fibrosis at 7‐day. Dsol significantly inhibited Ca2+ overload during cold preservation. Dsol inhibited myocardial injury and improved graft survival by suppressing Ca2+ overload during the preservation and the activation of Ca2+ ‐dependent proteases. Dsol is therefore considered a better alternative to UW to ameliorate the outcome of heart transplantation.
Carry Cost Rate Regimes and Futures Hedge Ratio Variation

This paper tests whether the traditional futures hedge ratio (hT) and the carry cost rate futures hedge ratio (hc) vary in accordance with the Sercu and Wu (2000) and Leistikow et al. (2019) “hc” theory. It does so, both within and across high and low spot asset carry cost rate (c) regimes. The high and low c regimes are specified by asset across time and across currency denominations. The findings are consistent with the theory. Within and across c regimes, hT is inefficient and hc is biased. Across c regimes, hc’s Bias Adjustment Multiplier (BAM) does not vary significantly. Even though hc’s bias-adjusted variant’s BAM is restricted to old data that is from a different c regime, the hedging performance of hc and its bias-adjusted variant (=hc × BAM), are superior to that for hT. Variation in c may account for the hT variation noted in the literature and variation in c should be incorporated into ex ante hedge ratios.
Epidemiological Investigation of Metabolic Syndrome and Analysis of Relevant Factors in North-Eastern China

This epidemiological study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in Chinese subjects from Dehui in northeastern China. Using a random sampling method, a questionnaire was completed by 3785 permanent residents aged 18-72 years and relevant clinical data were collected from each subject. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Based on the International Diabetes Federation definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 22.4%, which is higher than that of the general Chinese population. Metabolic syndrome occurred more frequently in females and the prevalence gradually increased with age. Living in an urban setting and being female, > 50 years old, overweight, having total cholesterol ≥ 5.18 mmol/l, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 3.1 mmol/l, and a fatty liver were significant risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.
Survival After Radiofrequency Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases: 10-Year Experience

Objective:To assess factors affecting long-term survival of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of colorectal hepatic metastases, with attention to evolving chemotherapy regimens. Methods:Prospective evaluation of 235 patients with colorectal metastases who were not candidates for resection and/or failed chemotherapy underwent laparoscopic RFA. Preoperative risk factors for survival and pre- and postoperative chemotherapy exposure were analyzed. Results:Two hundred and thirty-four patients underwent 292 RFA sessions from 1997 to 2006, an average of 8 months after initiation of chemotherapy. Twenty-three percent had extrahepatic disease preoperatively. Patients averaged 2.8 lesions, with a dominant diameter of 3.9 cm. Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival was 24 months, with actual 3 and 5 years survival of 20.2% and 18.4%, respectively. Median survival was improved for patients with ≤3 versus >3 lesions (27 vs. 17 months, P = 0.0018); dominant size <3 versus >3 cm (28 vs. 20 months, P = 0.07); chorioembryonic antigen <200 versus >200 ng/mL (26 vs. 16 months, P = 0.003). Presence of extrahepatic disease (P = 0.34) or type of pre/postoperative chemotherapy (5-FU-leucovorin vs. FOLFOX/FOLFIRI vs. bevacizumab) (P = 0.11) did not alter median survival. Conclusions:To our knowledge, this is both the largest and longest follow-up of RFA for colorectal metastases. The number and dominant size of metastases, and preoperative chorioembryonic antigen value are strong predictors of survival. Despite classic teaching, extrahepatic disease did not adversely affect survival. In this group of patients who failed chemotherapy, newer treatment regimens (pre- or postoperatively) had no survival benefit. The actual 5-year survival of 18.4% in these patients versus near zero survival for chemotherapy alone argues for a survival benefit of RFA.
Predictions for the decision‐to‐delivery interval for emergency cesarean sections in Norway

Background. To explain the variation in decision‐to‐delivery intervals in emergency cesarean sections in Norway. Methods. A seven‐month prospective registration of all emergency cesareans provided by 24 maternity units. The clinician in charge filled in a predesigned form for each delivery that obtained detailed information about obstetric history, the pregnancy, indication, the date and time of delivery, decision‐to‐delivery interval, seniority of the surgeon, and neonatal outcome until hospital discharge. To take account of the clustered nature of our observations, data were analyzed by multilevel regression. Results. 1,511 singleton emergency cesarean sections with known decision‐to‐delivery interval were included. The average decision‐to‐delivery interval for all emergency cesarean sections was 52.4 min, for acute cesarean sections 58.7 min, and for urgent emergency operations 11.8 min. Most of the decision‐to‐delivery interval variation was at patient level, not between departments. Several significant decision‐to‐delivery interval predictors were identified: 1. abruptio placentae (−54 min), umbilical cord prolapse (−37 min), and fetal stress (−35 min); 2. general anesthesia (versus regional) (−15 min), 3. cesarean sections performed during night‐time (−10 min), 4. seniority of the surgeon (−6 min), and 5. cervical opening (for each cm: −6 min). Conclusions. The variance in the decision‐to‐delivery interval was mainly explained by the different nature of the cesarean sections. The most important predictors, which all acted to reduce decision‐to‐delivery interval, were the three indications abruptio placentae, cord prolapse, and fetal stress. Sections performed during night‐time had significantly reduced decision‐to‐delivery interval. The size of the maternal units as measured by number of deliveries per year was not a significant predictor.
Intraindividual Interleukin-6 Variations on the Cardiovascular Prognosis of Patients with Chronic Renal Disease

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 levels predict mortality better than other markers. Impact of intraindividual changes of inflammatory markers on cardiovascular (CV) events in CKD patients is unknown. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the relation between CV outcomes and variations of C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in CKD. Ninety patients (mean age: 68.5 ± 12.8 years) at different stages (1–4) of CKD were evaluated. Serum CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured basally and after taking statins or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Three patterns were defined for each marker (baseline, mean of two measurements, and variation of the marker: increase or decrease after 6 months). During follow-up (mean time: 72.7 ± 19.8 months), 14 patients died, 11 were included on dialysis program, and 29 suffered a CV event. Patients with persistently elevated IL-6 values had higher risk to develop CV events [OR = 1.21 (1.11–1.32), p = 0.001]. Mean of two measurements of IL-6 was a better predictor for events than a single measurement of IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-1β. A mean of two determinations of plasma IL-6 greater than 6 pg/mL and previous peripheral vascular disease was related to an increased risk for CV events [2.34 (1.05–5.22), p = 0.037 and 2.95 (1.27–6.93), p = 0.011, respectively] in an adjusted Cox regression model. IL-6 is a better inflammatory marker than CRP, TNF-α, and IL1β at predicting CV events in CKD nondialysis patients. Mean of two measurements is better than simple determinations at predicting CV outcome.
Patients' Adoption of WSN-Based Smart Home Healthcare Systems: An Integrated Model of Facilitators and Barriers

Background: Patient-centered care emphasizes care coordination and communication through active involvement of patients, their families, physicians, and other professionals to improve decision making. Smart telecommunication technology and the Internet of Things, such as wireless-sensor-network-based smart home healthcare systems (WSN-SHHS) facilitate communication and collaboration among these different roles. Research problem: Despite the great potential of such systems to improve the quality and experience, and lower the cost of health care, the technology has not been widely adopted partly due to an inadequate understanding of user expectations, needs, and preferences. This study addresses facilitators and barriers with regard to WSN-SHHS adoption by identifying important sociotechnical, cognitive, affective, and contextual factors. Research questions: What are the main facilitators and barriers of patients' adoption of WSN-SHHS? How can we contextualize a generic technology adoption model for WSN-SHHS that takes into account unique characteristics of the domain? Literature review: We surveyed the literature in WSN-SHHS research and application, technology adoption theories, and the pleasure-arousal-dominance emotional state model. We discovered that WSN-SHHS research has focused on technology development but has given little attention to the issue of patients' adoption. Methodology: We used a mixed method design that combined an interview and survey over two studies. Participants were recruited from home healthcare agencies in the eastern US. In semistructured interviews, we collected data from 15 home healthcare patients and medical professionals, and analyzed the data using Kvale's approach. In our online- and paper-based surveys, we analyzed the data from 140 respondents using partial least square. Results and conclusions: We identified several new constructs in relation to WSN-SHHS adoption, including human detachment concerns, privacy concerns, life-quality expectancy and cost concerns. In addition, we confirmed the constructs from the general adoption model. Based on the findings of the qualitative study, the researchers created a research model. The quantitative study provided empirical support for the model, which has substantial predictive power accounting for more than half of the variance in WSN-SHHS adoption. In particular, our findings reveal that human detachment concerns rather than performance expectancy is the strongest predictor of patients' adoption of WSN-SHHS.
Geographic Location, Foreign Ownership, and Cost of Equity Capital: Evidence from Privatization

Motivated by recent research on the link between geographic proximity and information risk, we examine the impact of geographic location on a firm's ownership structure and cost of equity capital using a large sample of newly privatized firms from 47 countries. We find that the greater the firm's distance from domestic financial centers, the lower foreign investors' participation and ownership. We also find that strong country-level institutions governing investor protection mitigate the information disadvantage of foreign investors. In additional analyses, we find that investors require higher cost of equity capital for distant privatized firms, especially in countries with weak governance institutions. We conclude that geographic location is an important determinant of post-privatization ownership structure and cost of equity capital. Our results are robust to alternative explanations and suggest that improving country-level governance institutions can mitigate the adverse effect of location in remote areas.
Antioxidants Attenuate Oxidative Stress-Induced Hidden Blood Loss in Rats

Objective: Hidden blood loss (HBL), commonly seen after total knee or hip arthroplasty, causes postoperative anemia even after reinfusion or blood transfusion based on the visible blood loss volume. Recent studies demonstrated that oxidative stress might be involved in HBL. However, whether the antioxidants proanthocyanidin (PA) or hydrogen water (HW) can ameliorate HBL remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PA and HW on HBL. Materials and Methods: A rat HBL model was established through administration of linoleic acid with or without treatment with PA or HW. The levels of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and ferryl Hb were measured. Results: RBC and Hb values as well as the activity of SOD and GSHPX were reduced after administration of linoleic acid, which was ameliorated by treatment with PA or HW. In addition, the quantity of MDA was significantly decreased with the administration of PA or HW. Conclusion: PA and HW could ameliorate HBL in a rat model by reducing oxidative stress, suggesting that they might be used as a novel therapeutic approach in the prophylaxis or treatment of HBL in clinics.
Studies with Brugia pahangi. 15. Cobalt 60 irradiation of the worm

ABSTRACT Infective larvae of Brugia pahangi were irradiated at 10, 25 or 45 krads by means of a Cobalt 60 source. In cats, 10 krads caused the worms to be stunted and sterile but allowed them to become 5th stage, migrate posterioly into the afferent lymphatic, and produce pathology. 25 krads prevented the worms from developing beyond the early fourth stage and from migrating away from the popliteal lymph node. No gross pathological reactions were evident. 45 krads produced the same effects as 25 krads but the longevity of the worms was much reduced.
Substrate oxidation and GH responses to exercise are independent of menstrual phase and status.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which growth hormone (GH) and energy substrate utilization are influenced by basal sex steroid levels during prolonged submaximal exercise across menstrual phase and status. Also the 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone responses during prolonged exercise were compared according to menstrual phase and menstrual status. Six amenorrheic (AMc) athletes and seven eumenorrheic (EUc) athletes ran at 60% VO2max for 90 min and serial blood samples were taken at rest, every 10 min throughout exercise, and 5 and 15 min post-exercise. The EUc athletes were tested in the early follicular phase (EF) (days 3-5), the late follicular phase (LF) (days 14-16) and the mid-luteal phase (ML) (days 22-25). The incremental GH response to exercise, measured by area under the curve, was consistent with previous reposts and was not altered according to menstrual phase or status (EF-37.5 +/- 11.5, LF-61.9 +/- 11.5, ML-48.1 +/- 12.8 micrograms.1-1.90 min-1). Furthermore, carbohydrate and fat utilization during exercise were not influenced by basal sex steroid levels associated with menstrual phase or status. The incremental E2 response to exercise in AMc athletes was significantly smaller than seen in EUc athletes (AMc-208.1 +/- 44.0, EF-383.0 +/- 116.4, LF-204.7 +/- 84.1, ML-45.1 +/- 18.4 pmol.1(-1). 90 min-1), although the pattern of release is similar between groups. In conclusion, GH levels and substrate utilization are independent of both menstrual phase and status; hence, menstrual phase has no negative ramifications on metabolism during exercise. Amenorrhea does not result in metabolic consequences during prolonged exercise by influencing substrate utilization.
A Structured Approach to Intentional Interprofessional Experiential Education at a Non-Academic Community Hospital

Objective. To develop and implement a multimodal structured approach to intentional interprofessional experiential education at a non-academic community hospital, and to evaluate students’ perceptions of the program. Methods. A multimodal structured approach to intentional interprofessional experiential education was designed that consisted of medical and pharmacy students participating together in daily pre-rounds, daily teaching rounds, and once or twice weekly lunch-and-learn sessions at a non-academic community hospital. Pre- and post-experience surveys were administered to assess students’ perceptions of physician and pharmacist collaboration in interprofessional education (IPE). The survey instrument included the Student Perceptions of Physician-Pharmacist Interprofessional Clinical Education, Version 2 (SPICE-2) survey. Results. Thirty-nine students, including 18 fourth-year student pharmacists from Mercer University College of Pharmacy and 21 third-year medical students from three medical schools in the Caribbean, provided informed consent and were enrolled in the eight-month study. Students’ perceptions of items related to the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies, including values/ethics for interprofessional practice, roles/responsibilities, and teams and teamwork, significantly improved from the pre- to the post-experience survey. Conclusion. A multimodal structured approach to intentional interprofessional experiential education had positive effects on students’ perceptions of interprofessional clinical education targeting key components of the (IPEC) competencies. This approach may be a useful tool for implementing intentional IPE in the experiential setting.