Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partial compliance and risk of rehospitalization among California Medicaid patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between compliance with an antipsychotic medication regimen and risk of hospitalization in a cohort of California Medicaid patients with schizophrenia. METHODS Compliance behavior was estimated by using a retrospective review of California Medicaid pharmacy refill and medical claims for 4,325 outpatients for whom antipsychotics were prescribed for treatment of schizophrenia from 1999 to 2001. Compliance behavior was estimated by using four different definitions: gaps in medication therapy, medication consistency and persistence, and a medication possession ratio. Patients were followed for one year and had an average of 19.1 dispensing events. Logistic regression models using each compliance estimate were used to determine the odds of hospitalization. RESULTS Risk of hospitalization was significantly correlated with compliance. With all definitions, lower compliance was associated with a greater risk of hospitalization over and above any other risk factors for hospitalization. For example, the presence of any gap in medication coverage was associated with increased risk of hospitalization, including gaps as small as one to ten days (odds ratio [OR]=1.98). A gap of 11 to 30 days was associated with an OR of 2.81, and a gap of more than 30 days was associated with an OR of 3.96. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a direct correlation between estimated partial compliance and hospitalization risk among patients with schizophrenia across a continuum of compliance behavior.
An historical analysis of disclosure of terminal status.

PURPOSE To examine the concept of disclosure of terminal status and trace its development and implementation over time. An individual's ability to make appropriate end-of-life decisions, exert some control over the place and manner of death, and prepare self and significant others for this loss depends on knowing that life is drawing to a close. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK An analysis of disclosure of terminal status was performed within the context of American social, political, and cultural history from 1930 to 1990. METHODS A combination of manual and computerized search mechanisms was performed utilizing popular, nursing, medical, sociological, psychological, and thanatological literature from 1930 to 1990. The articles and books obtained through these searches were scanned and those articles and books that dealt with health care disclosure issues were selected. Works included in the review were 149 articles and 22 books. FINDINGS A long-standing tradition of nondisclosure exists in the medical profession. Societal events in the 1950s and 1960s influenced individuals' perceptions of death, individual rights, and physician responsibility, and culminated in some change in this tradition in the 1970s. The magnitude of this change is unknown. Current practice has not been investigated. This topic is rarely addressed in nursing literature even though nursing care is influenced by physicians' practice. CONCLUSIONS A tradition of nondisclosure prohibits patients from managing the end of their lives and making choices about their manner of death. Nursing care of terminally ill patients is compromised when patients are uninformed.
Brix from Xenopus laevis and Brx1p From Yeast Define a New Family of Proteins Involved in the Biogenesis of Large Ribosomal Subunits

Abstract A clone was isolated from a cDNA library from early embryos of Xenopus laevis that codes for a highly charged protein containing 339 amino acids. Two putative nuclear localization signals could be identified in its sequence, but no other known motifs or domains. Closely related ORFs are present in the genomes of man, C. elegans, yeast and Arabidopsis. A fusion protein with GFP expressed in HeLa cells or Xenopus oocytes was found to be localized in the nucleolus and coiled (Cajal) bodies. Moreover, immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that the new Xenopus protein interacts with 5S, 5.8S and 28S RNAs of large ribosomal subunits. The name Brix (biogenesis of ribosomes in Xenopus) is proposed for this protein and the corresponding gene. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the essential gene YOL077c, now named BRX1, codes for the Brix homolog, which is also localized in the nucleolus. Depletion of Brx1p in a conditional yeast mutant leads to defects in rRNA processing, and a block in the assembly of large ribosomal subunits.
Bacteriology of chronic suppurative otitis media – a multicenter study

Conclusions. Bacterial predominance and antibiotic sensitivity have changed over time, making continuous and periodic surveillance necessary in guiding appropriate antibacterial therapy. Objectives. With the development and widespread use of antibiotics, the types of pathogenic microorganisms and their resistance to antibiotics have changed. Knowledge of the species and resistance rates of current pathogens is important for determining the appropriate antibiotics for patients with chronic suppurative otitis media. We investigated the current bacteriology of chronic suppurative otitis media. Subjects and methods. This was a retrospective study of 1102 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media seen at six hospitals in Korea from January 2001 to December 2005. Results. The most commonly identified pathogenic bacterial species was Pseudomonas, with the next most prevalent being methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
A First Look at the Prevalence and Persistence of Middleboxes in the Wild

Recent years have seen an uprise in the development of middleboxes functionalities (CGNATs, proxies, accelerators, etc), participating so in the ossification of the Internet. In parallel, various solutions have been developed to detect or circumvent unwanted middleboxes interferences such as UDP-based middlebox-proof transports (Google’s QUIC, PLUS), middleboxproof extensions to TCP (HICCUPS, TCPcrypt), and middlebox traversal mechanisms (STUN, ICE, PLUS) [1]. ,, All those solutions make the assumption of ubiquitous middleboxes. However, a view of their actual deployment in the wild, in IPv4 wired networks, is missing. In particular, knowing how autonomous systems (ASes) deploy middleboxes in terms of prevalence and persistence would provide additional relevant information to Internet topology models. In this paper, we aim at filling this gap. Based on a large-scale measurement campaign, we highlight different characteristics of middlebox deployment within ASes to elicit middleboxes profiles.
Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A.W. Hill, Apiaceae) extracts on some biochemical parameters of oxidative stress in mice treated with CCl4

The in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of different extracts of leaves and root of parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex A.W. Hill, Apiaceae) were studied. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) was evaluated measuring the scavenging activity on the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and OH radicals. Also, the effects on lipid peroxidation (LP) were evaluated. The results obtained showed that all examined extracts act as good scavengers of DPPH and OH radicals and reduce the intensity of LP. The in vivo effects were evaluated on some antioxidant systems (activities of LPx, GSH‐Px, Px, CAT and XOD, and GSH content) in the mice liver and blood after treatment with the examined parsley extracts, or in combination with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that the examined extracts exhibited a certain protective effect. However, combined treatments with CCl4 and the examined extracts showed both positive and negative synergism, inducing or suppressing the influence of CCl4 alone. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual Interactions of the b Subunits within the Stator of the Escherichia coli ATP Synthase*

Background: The peripheral stator stalk of Escherichia coli ATP synthase contains two b subunits. Results: Using disulfide bond formation, one b subunit was cross-linked to a, α, and δ and the other to β. Conclusion: The b subunits adopt distinct positions within the stator to generate stability. Significance: The different positions imply different roles in counteracting the torque generated by the rotor. FOF1 ATP synthases are rotary nanomotors that couple proton translocation across biological membranes to the synthesis/hydrolysis of ATP. During catalysis, the peripheral stalk, composed of two b subunits and subunit δ in Escherichia coli, counteracts the torque generated by the rotation of the central stalk. Here we characterize individual interactions of the b subunits within the stator by use of monoclonal antibodies and nearest neighbor analyses via intersubunit disulfide bond formation. Antibody binding studies revealed that the C-terminal region of one of the two b subunits is principally involved in the binding of subunit δ, whereas the other one is accessible to antibody binding without impact on the function of FOF1. Individually substituted cysteine pairs suitable for disulfide cross-linking between the b subunits and the other stator subunits (b-α, b-β, b-δ, and b-a) were screened and combined with each other to discriminate between the two b subunits (i.e. bI and bII). The results show the b dimer to be located at a non-catalytic α/β cleft, with bI close to subunit α, whereas bII is proximal to subunit β. Furthermore, bI can be linked to subunit δ as well as to subunit a. Among the subcomplexes formed were a-bI-α, bII-β, α-bI-bII-β, and a-bI-δ. Taken together, the data obtained define the different positions of the two b subunits at a non-catalytic interface and imply that each b subunit has a different role in generating stability within the stator. We suggest that bI is functionally related to the single b subunit present in mitochondrial ATP synthase.
Earnings quality and cost of debt: evidence from Portuguese private companies

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between earnings quality and the cost of debt for private companies in a “code-law” country (Ball Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses the ordinary least squares regression technique to test the relationship between earnings quality and the cost of debt. Findings - The collected empirical evidence shows a negative relationship between earnings quality and the cost of debt and controls for company size and debt level. Such a relationship is stronger when the company information is audited. Research limitations/implications - Similar to other studies, this paper has two main limitations. There was no access to specific data on the interest rates charged on bank loans, implying that the cost of debt is measured by the ratio of the interest expense to interest-bearing debt. The research only uses earnings quality measures based on abnormal accruals. Practical implications - The collected evidence suggests that earnings quality have economic consequences for private companies by affecting their cost of debt, similar to those observed in previous studies for listed companies. This evidence can be seen as an incentive for private companies to increase their financial information quality. For debt providers, namely, financial institutions, the findings can be of interest to help them price properly the loans they make available to private companies. In general, the findings of this research can be of interest for company managers and financial institutions in countries with an institutional environment similar to that of Portugal. Originality/value - The relation between earnings quality and the cost of debt has been so far studied for listed companies in “common law” countries. This paper provides new and complementary evidence about such relation for private companies and “code-law” country.
The role of allergy in recurrent otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE To compare the OME groups that improved when treated with adenoidectomy, VT and medication, and which of them recurred. METHODS Twenty-two consecutive children with recurrent OME (11%) were selected among 200 children who had adenoidectomies and had been inserted a ventilation tube (VT) for OME. The patients were selected for allergy evaluation because of recurrent OME not responsive to medical therapy and adenoidectomy, requiring more than one myringotomy with tubes. The control group consisted of 24 healthy children that were treated with adenoidectomy and VT, and had no recurrence. RESULTS Eight (36.4%) patients had positive skin tests for inhalant and food allergens. Two subjects of the control group (8.3%) had positive skin tests for inhalant and food allergens. This was statistically significant (p:0.032). A pattern to multiple positive nasal and food reactions was shown in the study group rather than in the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS The possibility of allergy should be considered in OME cases that did not improve with drug treatment and adenoidectomy and VT insertion but recurred, and a thorough search for allergen was made for proper diagnostic and therapeutic management.
Coupling between Na+, Sugar, and Water Transport across the Intestine

Abstract: Water is absorbed across the small intestine in the absence of external driving forces. However, it has been established that water transport is secondary to active sodium transport. In the upper intestine both sodium and water absorption are largely dependent on the presence of D‐glucose. The link between active sodium transport and glucose is the coupled transport of sodium and glucose across the brush border membrane of enterocytes by the Na+/ glucose cotransporter (SGLT1). Na+ that enters the cells with glucose is pumped out towards the blood by 3Na+/2K+ pumps on the basolateral membrane, and glucose passes out across the basolateral membrane by facilitated diffusion, the net result being that glucose and sodium are transported across the epithelium. The coupling between Na+, glucose, and water transport is less well understood. It is commonly thought that Na+ transport increases the local osmotic pressure in the lateral intercellular spaces, and that this in turn generates osmotic water flow across the epithelium. Recent work suggests a more direct link between Na+, glucose, and water transport; that is, water is cotransported along with Na+ and sugar through SGLT1. Here we review the evidence for Na+/glucose/water cotransport.
Betaine is accumulated via transient choline dehydrogenase activation during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation

Betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) plays key roles in mouse eggs and preimplantation embryos first in a novel mechanism of cell volume regulation and second as a major methyl donor in blastocysts, but its origin is unknown. Here, we determined that endogenous betaine was present at low levels in germinal vesicle (GV) stage mouse oocytes before ovulation and reached high levels in the mature, ovulated egg. However, no betaine transport into oocytes was detected during meiotic maturation. Because betaine can be synthesized in mammalian cells via choline dehydrogenase (CHDH; EC 1.1.99.1), we assessed whether this enzyme was expressed and active. Chdh transcripts and CHDH protein were expressed in oocytes. No CHDH enzyme activity was detected in GV oocyte lysate, but CHDH became highly active during oocyte meiotic maturation. It was again inactive after fertilization. We then determined whether oocytes synthesized betaine and whether CHDH was required. Isolated maturing oocytes autonomously synthesized betaine in vitro in the presence of choline, whereas this failed to occur in Chdh−/− oocytes, directly demonstrating a requirement for CHDH for betaine accumulation in oocytes. Overall, betaine accumulation is a previously unsuspected physiological process during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation whose underlying mechanism is the transient activation of CHDH.
Tolerance to staphylococcal enterotoxin B initiated Th1 cell differentiation in mice infected with Candida albicans

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a bacterial superantigen that specifically activates T cells bearing V beta 8 T-cell receptor domains, which eventually leads to a long-lasting state of clonal anergy accompanied by selective cell death in the targeted CD4+ subset. Because the superantigen is known to promote Th1 cell differentiation in vitro, we have investigated the effect of SEB treatment on the course of Th2-associated progressive disease in mice infected systemically with Candida albicans. On the basis of the kinetics of SEB-induced changes in CD4+ cells and production in sera of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-10, and gamma interferon, we obtained evidence that V beta 8+ cell anergy concomitant with infection abolished the early IL-4/IL-10 response of the host to the yeast, ultimately leading to a state of resistance characterized by gamma interferon secretion in vitro by antigen-specific CD4+ cells. In contrast, SEB administered near the time of challenge resulted in accelerated mortality. Significant resistance to infection was also afforded by exposure of mice to a retrovirally encoded endogenous superantigen. These data suggest that CD4+ V beta 8+ T cells play an important role in vivo in the initiation of a Th2 response to C. albicans and that suppression of their activity may alter the qualitative development of the T-cell response and the outcome of infection.
Post operative infection, pyrexia and perioperative antimicrobial drug use in surgical colic patients.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Infections are common complications in post operative colic patients. It is the impression of some surgeons that pyrexia in the early post operative period is a sign of infection and appropriate timing of perioperative antimicrobials will decrease the incidence of post operative infection. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between 1) post operative pyrexia and development of infection and 2) perioperative antimicrobial drug use and infection rate in post operative colic patients. METHODS Medical records of patients undergoing surgical treatment for colic were reviewed. Horses recovering from surgery and surviving >48 h were included. Data relating to case details, duration of surgery, post operative infection, peri- and post operative antimicrobial administration, presence, intensity and duration of pyrexia, were recorded. Data were analysed using standard statistical methods for simple comparisons between groups and by logistic regression for more complex comparisons. RESULTS One-hundred-and-thirteen horses were included in the final analyses, 48 (43%) of which were diagnosed with a post operative infection. Duration of surgery and anaesthesia were associated with post operative infection. Eighty-five percent of horses (n = 96) exhibited pyrexia (rectal temperature >38.3°C) post operatively. Peak temperature >39.2°C, time post surgery to peak temperature >48 h and duration of pyrexia >48 h were significantly associated with infection. In a combined model, time to first pyrexic >48 h post surgery, peak temperature and time to peak >48 h were equally weighted and the model's positive predictive value for post operative infection was 72%. Timing and dose rate of preoperative antimicrobials were not associated with infection but duration of post operative antimicrobial drug use was. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Slight to mild pyrexia (38-39.4°C) in the early post operative period is not necessarily associated with impending bacterial infection in colic patients and the use of antimicrobials in these patients may be costly and unnecessary.
Increased ACE and Decreased ACE2 Expression in Kidneys from Patients with IgA Nephropathy

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 forms angiotensin-1–7 which may protect kidney in a counterregulatory manner to angiotensin II. Recent studies revealed increased ACE and decreased ACE2 expression in kidneys of patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, these changes may not be specific for diabetic nephropathy. We studied ACE and ACE2 expression in patients with IgA nephropathy. Methods: Renal ACE and ACE2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in 30 patients with IgA nephropathy and 21 healthy controls. Correlation between ACE and ACE2 expression and levels of various biochemical parameters was also assessed. Gene expression was also assessed in minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and membranous nephropathy (MN) as disease controls. Results: Reduced ACE2 expression (p < 0.01) and increased ACE expression in glomeruli (p < 0.001), and reduced ACE2 expression in tubulointerstitium (p < 0.001) were observed in patients with IgA nephropathy compared to healthy controls, although the changes in ACE2 mRNA were not statistically significant. Reduced renal ACE2 expression was also found in MN but not in MCNS. Correlation between renal ACE and ACE2 expression and proteinuria was not observed in IgA nephropathy. Conclusion: IgA nephropathy is associated with increased ACE and decreased ACE2 expression in kidneys, as in diabetic nephropathy.
Nested polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis, and monitoring treatment response in AIDS patients with tuberculous meningitis

ObjectiveTo investigate the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for rapid diagnosis, and assessing treatment response of tuberculous meningitis (IBM) in AIDS patients. PatientsForty-four CSF samples from 10 patients with TBM confirmed by autopsy or by a culture of CSF (41 samples), and from two patients with highly probable TBM (three samples) were analysed. CSF specimens were collected before, and during standard antituberculous treatment. CSF samples from 24 AIDS patients with autopsy evidence of other neurologic diseases were studied as controls. MethodsA nested PCR amplifying a 123 base-pair fragment of the IS6770 sequence was developed. Heating to 95±C for 15 min was used for pre-PCR treatment of samples. ResultsDetection limit was 102 colony-forming units per ml or 10fg purified Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA. M. tuberculosis DNA was detected in CSF from all the 12 confirmed or highly probable TBM cases. CSF was positive by nested PCR in 17 of 17 (100%), and 18 of 27 (67%) samples collected before, and during therapy, respectively. Clinical, and microbiological follow-up ≥2 weeks was available for seven patients. PCR-positive CSF converted to M. tuberculosis DNA negative in four patients that showed improvement during treatment, but it remained positive in three patients who died of disseminated tuberculosis. All the CSF samples from the non-TBM controls were negative by nested PCR. ConclusionsNested PCR for detection of M. tuberculosis DNA is specific for diagnosis of TBM, and more sensitive than conventional bacteriology. Moreover, nested PCR could be a useful method for assessing treatment response in AIDS patients with TBM.
Fluid Core Size of Mars from Detection of the Solar Tide

The solar tidal deformation of Mars, measured by itsk 2 potential Love number, has been obtained from an analysis of Mars Global Surveyor radio tracking. The observedk 2 of 0.153 ± 0.017 is large enough to rule out a solid iron core and so indicates that at least the outer part of the core is liquid. The inferred core radius is between 1520 and 1840 kilometers and is independent of many interior properties, although partial melt of the mantle is one factor that could reduce core size. Ice-cap mass changes can be deduced from the seasonal variations in air pressure and the odd gravity harmonicJ 3, given knowledge of cap mass distribution with latitude. The south cap seasonal mass change is about 30 to 40% larger than that of the north cap.