Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postmenopausal hormone therapy as a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms among female twins.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Female sex hormones have been suggested to increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms via a relaxing effect on the lower esophageal sphincter. We investigated the relationship of oral contraceptives and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) to risk of reflux symptoms, controlling for genetic factors and body mass. METHODS Information on exposures and reflux symptoms was obtained by telephone interviews conducted in 1998-2002 among women in the Swedish Twin Registry. Use of oral contraceptives was also assessed in 1973 by questionnaires. Both cross-sectional and prospective nested case-control designs were used, each with external control analysis. The cross-sectional design was further submitted to monozygotic co-twin control analysis. RESULTS The cross-sectional study design comprised 4365 twins with reflux and 17,321 without. In ever users of estrogen HT, the risk of reflux symptoms was increased by 32% (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.47). This association remained in the nested case-control analyses and increased slightly with higher body mass index. A similar pattern was observed for the use of progestin in the cross-sectional design, but no association remained in the nested case-control analysis. Use of oral contraceptives was not associated with an increased risk of reflux symptoms. Generally, the risk estimates remained virtually unchanged after adjustments for potential confounding factors, including genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS This population-based twin study indicates that estrogen HT is an independent risk factor for reflux symptoms, while the influence of progestin HT and oral contraceptives is less consistent.
[Ropivacaine 0.2% versus bupivacaine 0.125% plus sufentanil for continuous peridural analgesia following extended abdominal operations].

OBJECTIVE An improved opioid-free analgesia concept using thoracic epidural anlgesia with a low concentrated local anaesthetic alone could be of practical interest for hospitals which are unable to guarantee continuous monitoring on the wards. METHODS We have compared in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, the analgesic effects and side effects of ropivacaine 0.2% (Group 1) with bupivacaine 0.125% plus 0.5 microgram ml-1 sufentanil (Group 2) via a thoracic epidural catheter during the first 24 hours after major abdominal surgery in 28 gynaecological tumour patients. Assessments were performed 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS No differences were seen in duration of surgery, intraoperative opioid and supplemental analgesic requirements. As a main result VAS values for pain during mobilisation were higher in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 (p < 0.01) after 20 and 24 hours of continuous epidural infusion (10 ml h-1) whereas VAS values at rest were comparable (p < 0.1) at all measurepoints. Intensity of motor block and side effects did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION The present study shows that continuous epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine alone provides comparable analgesia at rest, but less profound pain relief during mobilisation within the first 24 hours after major abdominal surgery than bupivacaine 0.125% with sufentanil.
MOMETASONE-BASED TRIPLE COMBINATION THERAPY IN MELASMA: IS IT REALLY SAFE?

Background: Kligman's triple combination formula has been one of the most popular treatment options in melasma over the last three decades. The original Kligman's formula has been modified in many ways over the years and the most recent modification that has been introduced is a triple combination of 2% hydroquinone, 0.025% tretinoin, and 1% mometasone. The use of this triple combination in patients with melasma has seen a sharp rise over the last few years and with this rampant use the side-effect profile of this triple combination has also come to the fore. Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the overall safety of the mometasone-based triple combination treatment in the management of melasma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed on 60 patients of melasma who had used a mometasone-based triple combination treatment for at least 3 weeks anytime in the previous 1 year. The patients were given a preformed questionnaire wherein they assessed the overall effect of the triple combination treatment on their melasma during its use as well as after its withdrawal. The patients were specifically asked about the status of their disease as well as the sun sensitivity of their skin before and after the use of triple combination treatment. In addition, the patients were assessed by a single trained dermatologist for the presence of any adverse effects arising out of the triple combination treatment in the form of telangiectasia, hypertrichosis, acne, skin atrophy, etc. Results: Majority of patients (51.7%) had used the combination treatment well beyond the recommended duration. About one-third (36.7%) of the patients rated their melasma as worse at the time of filling the questionnaire as compared with their disease before the use of triple combination treatment. On clinical examination, the evidence of steroid side effects was seen in 26 patients (43.3%). Steroid-induced telangiectasia was the commonest finding, seen in all of these 26 patients. Steroid-induced skin atrophy, hypertrichosis, and acneiform eruption were seen in 19, 17, and 11 patients, respectively. Conclusions: The propensity of a mometasone-based triple combination treatment to cause steroid adverse effects on the facial skin should always be borne in mind when the same is prescribed as a treatment option in melasma.
A Proposed Framework to Understand the Intrinsic Motivation Factors on University Students' Behavioral Intention to Use a Mobile Application for Learning

Accepted by Editor Beth Thomsett-Scott │Received: November 15, 2016│ Revised: February 3, 2017 │ Accepted: March 24, 2017. Cite as: Shroff, R. H. , & Keyes, C. J. (2017). A proposed framework to understand the intrinsic motivation factors on university students’ behavioral intention to use a mobile application for learning. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 16, 143-168. Retrieved from http://www.informingscience. org/Publications/3694
Degradation of Mitochondrial Phospholipids During Experimental Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Changes in content of brain mitochondrial phospholipids were examined in rats after 30 and 60 min of decapitation ischemia compared with controls, to explore the degradation of the mitochondrial membrane and its relation to dysfunction of mitochondria. Activities of respiratory functions and respiratory enzymes (cytochrome c oxidase; F0F1‐ATPase) decreased significantly during ischemia. Considerable decreases in cardiolipin and phosphatidylinositol content were observed after 60 min, and other phospholipids showed similar but nonsignificant decreases in content. The amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid chains, such as arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids, was reduced in each phospholipid, in some cases significantly, after 30 and 60 min of ischemia in time‐dependent manners. Degradation of mitochondrial phospholipids during ischemia associated with the deterioration of mitochondrial respiratory functions suggested the significance of such changes in phospholipid content in disintegration of cellular energy metabolism during cerebral ischemia.
Mathieu functions, a visual approach

The behavior of the Mathieu functions is illustrated by using a variety of plots with representative examples taken from mechanics. We show how Mathieu functions can be applied to describe standing, traveling, and rotating waves in physical systems. Some background is provided on notation and analogies with other mathematical functions. Our goal is to increase the familiarity with Mathieu functions in the scientific and academic community using visualization. For this purpose we adopt a strategy based on visual recognition rather than only looking at equations and formulas.
Comparative analysis of current diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus

Background To compare current guidelines for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to identify the ones that are the most relevant for application among pregnant Bulgarian population. Methods A total of 800 pregnant women at high risk for GDM underwent 75 g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation as antenatal screening. The results were interpreted and classified according to the guidelines of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG), American Diabetes Association (ADA), Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, New Zealand Society for the study of Diabetes and World Health Organization. Results The application of different diagnostic criteria resulted in prevalences of GDM between 10.8% and 31.6%. Using any two sets of criteria, women who were classified differently varied between 0.1% and 21.1% (P < 0.001). The IADPSG criteria were the most inclusive criteria and resulted in the highest prevalence of GDM. There was a significant difference in the major metabolic parameters between GDM and control groups, regardless of which of the diagnostic criteria applied. GDM diagnosed according to all criteria resulted in increased proportion of delivery by caesarean section (CS). However, only ADA and IADPSG criteria identified both increased macrosomia (odds ratio, 2.36; 2.29) and CS rate. Conclusion The need for GDM screening is indisputable. In our view, the new IADPSG guidelines offer a unique opportunity for a unified national and global approach to GDM.
The effect of multiple processing speed training on age-related cognitive decline

The processing-speed theory of cognitive aging proposed by Salthouse supposed that processing speed is the single mechanism which mediates cognitive aging. Measurements of processing speed involve a spectrum of speed measures from very simple perceptual-motor response tasks to high level executive functions. We supposed multiple processing speed training derived from modified speed measurements could broaden the training effects into a wider range of cognitive functions rather than restricted in very-near and near tasks. In study 1, 15 traditionally used processing speed tasks were analyzed and categorized into two categories according to results of factor analysis (perceptual-motor processing speed and central processing speed). In study 2, 41 elderly over 60 years old participated in 8 sessions of multiple processing speed training. Each participants joined either perceptual-motor processing speed training (PMPS) or central processing speed training (CPS). Processing speed performance of the elderly could be improved to the average level of the young adults' first performance after training, and PMPS abilities are easier to be improved compared to CPS abilities. Multiple processing speed training couldn't improve all the performance of processing speed, especially high level cognitive function.
An enzyme‐linked immunoassay for the 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor protein

In this paper, we detail an enzyme‐linked immunoassay for the 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor protein. The receptor protein of cell and tissue homogenates is bound between two monoclonal antibodies specific for different epitopes on the receptor protein. The first antibody is bound to the well of an ELISA plate and the second is biotinylated. The receptor‐antibody complex is detected with avidin‐alkaline phosphatase and p‐nitrophenyl phosphate. The amount of receptor in each sample is determined by comparison with a standard curve made from purified receptor protein. This assay is highly sensitive, measuring as little as 2 fmol of receptor, and has an intra‐assay coefficient of variation of 6.6% and an interassay coefficient of variation of 13.8%. The assay can be used to measure the receptor from mammalian and avian species and is independent of the presence of hormone. By eliminating the need for a radio‐iodinated monoclonal antibody and incorporating the ease of a plate assay, we have a significantly improved method for measuring the vitamin D receptor protein. This paper also presents Western analysis of the antibodies used to demonstrate that they do not recognize other steroid hormone receptors.
Geographical patterns of the standing and active human gut microbiome in health and IBD

Objective A global increase of IBD has been reported, especially in countries that previously had low incidence rates. Also, the knowledge of the human gut microbiome is steadily increasing, however, limited information regarding its variation on a global scale is available. In the light of the microbial involvement in IBDs, we aimed to (1) identify shared and distinct IBD-associated mucosal microbiota patterns from different geographical regions including Europe (Germany, Lithuania) and South Asia (India) and (2) determine whether profiling based on 16S rRNA transcripts provides additional resolution, both of which may hold important clinical relevance. Design In this study, we analyse a set of 89 mucosal biopsies sampled from individuals of German, Lithuanian and Indian origins, using bacterial community profiling of a roughly equal number of healthy controls, patients with Crohn's disease and UC from each location, and analyse 16S rDNA and rRNA as proxies for standing and active microbial community structure, respectively. Results We find pronounced population-specific as well as general disease patterns in the major phyla and patterns of diversity, which differ between the standing and active communities. The geographical origin of samples dominates the patterns of β diversity with locally restricted disease clusters and more pronounced effects in the active microbial communities. However, two genera belonging to the Clostridium leptum subgroup, Faecalibacteria and Papillibacter, display consistent patterns with respect to disease status and may thus serve as reliable ‘microbiomarkers’. Conclusions These analyses reveal important interactions of patients’ geographical origin and disease in the interpretation of disease-associated changes in microbial communities and highlight the added value of analysing communities on both the 16S rRNA gene (DNA) and transcript (RNA) level.
Re‐assigned diagnosis of D4ST1‐deficient Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (adducted thumb‐clubfoot syndrome) after initial diagnosis of Marden‐Walker syndrome

We report on a 16‐year‐old female originally diagnosed with Marden‐Walker syndrome due to features such as facial dysmorphism, several musculoskeletal anomalies, and atrial septal defect in addition to hypoplasia of the inferior vermis with normal‐sized cerebellum and absence of the septum pellucidum. However, an SNP array performed at age 15 years detected a total of 142 Mb of long runs of homozygosity (ROH), and put the diagnosis in doubt. Using the Genomic Oligoarray and SNP array evaluation tool (http://www.ccs.miami.edu/ROH), CHST14 provided a “hit” as a gene mapping to the largest ROH region associated with a phenotype matching our patient's (if mutated). At that time, she was a cognitively intact, thin female with growth parameters below the 3rd percentile. Craniofacial features included microcephaly, midface hypoplasia, blepharophimosis, entropion, myopia, microretrognathia, and dental malocclusion. Musculoskeletal features included kyphoscoliosis, arachnodactyly, camptodactyly, and rocker‐bottom feet with interphalangeal contractures. Her skin displayed large ecchymoses and poorly healed atrophic scars. Sequencing of CHST14 revealed a complex homozygous frameshift mutation involving a 7‐bp deletion and an 11‐bp insertion predicted to produce a truncated protein. This mutation was not seen in 100 controls of various ethnicities. Thus, our patient represents not only a novel (homozygous) mutation in CHST14, but is also the first patient with dermatan 4‐O‐sulfotransferase 1‐deficient Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (adducted thumb‐clubfoot syndrome) (DD‐EDS ATCS) documented in the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, our patient's central nervous system anomalies have not before been described in DD‐EDS (ATCS). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive Approach toward Understanding Element Speciation and Leaching Behavior in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Electrostatic Precipitator Ash.

A comprehensive approach was used to characterize speciation and leaching behavior of major, minor, and trace elements in electrostatic precipitator (ESP) ash from a Canadian MSW incinerator. Neutron activation analysis (NAA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy/X-ray microanalysis (SEM/XRM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to quantify elements, describe particles and phase associations, identify bulk and surface mineral phases, and identify the speciation of elements. SEM/XRM showed a complex polycrystalline material covering aluminosilicate spheres. XPS, as a surface technique, provided information on speciation at the particle surface where leaching first occurs. SIMS showed molecular fragments indicative of speciation and enrichment of volatile species (K, Zn, Cl, S, Pb) in the fine polycrystalline material. Many of these phases readily dissolve during leaching. Dissolution behavior and pH-dependent leaching could be modeled with the geochemical thermodynamic equilibrium model MINTEQA2. The abilityto model leaching behavior provides an opportunity to examine possible disposal or treatment behavior.
Porphyromonas gingivalis invasion of gingival epithelial cells

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen, can invade primary cultures of gingival epithelial cells. Optimal invasion occurred at a relatively low multiplicity of infection (i.e., 100) and demonstrated saturation at a higher multiplicity of infection. Following the lag phase, during which bacteria invaded poorly, invasion was independent of growth phase. P. gingivalis was capable of replicating within the epithelial cells. Invasion was an active process requiring both bacterial and epithelial cell energy production. Invasion was sensitive to inhibitors of microfilaments and microtubules, demonstrating that epithelial cell cytoskeletal rearrangements are involved in bacterial entry. P. gingivalis, but not epithelial cell, protein synthesis was necessary for invasion. Invasion within the epithelial cells was not blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase activity. Invasion was inhibited by protease inhibitors, suggesting that P. gingivalis proteases may be involved in the invasion process. Low-passage clinical isolates of P. gingivalis invaded with higher efficiency than the type strain. Serum inhibited invasion of the type strain but had no effect on the invasion of a clinical isolate. Invasion of gingival epithelial cells by P. gingivalis may contribute to the pathology of periodontal diseases.
Respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease: long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND The clinical and physiologic features of respiratory bronchiolitis (RB)-interstitial lung disease (ILD) have been previously described; however, the natural history and outcome have not been systematically evaluated. The majority of published reports consider RB-ILD to be a nonprogressive ILD that clinically improves with smoking cessation and antiinflammatory treatment. In this study, we sought to determine the outcome of RB-ILD patients with and without smoking cessation and with and without corticosteroid therapy. METHODS Thirty-two RB-ILD cases confirmed by surgical lung biopsy were identified from a prospectively enrolled cohort of subjects with ILD. Initial and follow-up data on symptoms, physiology, treatment, and outcome were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that at least 75% of RB-ILD patients survived > 7 years after diagnosis. Clinical improvement occurred in only 28% of cases, and physiologic improvement occurred in 10.5% of cases. One patient died of progressive ILD, and two patients died of non-small cell lung cancer. While physiologic improvement was limited to those who had ceased smoking, corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive therapy had little effect on symptoms or physiology. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that prolonged survival is common in RB-ILD. However, symptomatic and physiologic improvement occurs in only a minority of patients, and neither smoking cessation nor immunosuppressive therapy is regularly associated with clinically significant benefit.
Wavelength Dependence of Efficiency Limiting Mechanisms in Type-I Mid-Infrared GaInAsSb/GaSb Lasers

The efficiency limiting mechanisms in type-I GaInAsSb-based quantum well (QW) lasers, emitting at 2.3, 2.6 and 2.9 μm, are investigated. Temperature characterization techniques and measurements under hydrostatic pressure identify an Auger process as the dominant nonradiative recombination mechanism in these devices. The results are supplemented with hydrostatic pressure measurements from three additional type-I GaInAsSb lasers, extending the wavelength range under investigation from 1.85 to 2.90 μm. Under hydrostatic pressure, contributions from the CHCC and CHSH Auger mechanisms to the threshold current density can be investigated separately. A simple model is used to fit the nonradiative component of the threshold current density, identifying the dominance of the different Auger losses across the wavelength range of operation. The CHCC mechanism is shown to be the dominant nonradiative process at longer wavelengths (> 2 μm). At shorter wavelengths (< 2 μm), the CHSH mechanism begins to dominate the threshold current, as the bandgap approaches resonance with the spin-orbit split-off band.
Effects of repetitive shortwave diathermy for reducing synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis: an ultrasonographic study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Shortwave (SW) diathermy can be used to improve vascular circulation and reduce inflammation and pain for patients with osteoarthritis. However, reduction in synovial inflammation has never been explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether repetitive SW diathermy, using ultrasonographic examination, could reduce synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty subjects with 44 osteoarthritic knees participated in this study. Eleven subjects received SW, and 10 subjects received SW and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nine subjects received no treatment and served as a control group. Synovial sac thickness superior, medial, and lateral to the patella was measured using ultrasonography. The sum of these 3 measurements was taken as the total synovial sac thickness. Subjects in the treatment groups underwent ultrasonographic examination before and after 10, 20, and 30 treatments, whereas control subjects underwent ultrasonographic examination before the experiment and then once every 2 or 3 weeks for a total of 3 follow-up measurements. RESULTS After 10 SW diathermy treatments, the total synovial sac thickness in both treatment groups was significantly less than the initial thickness, and the synovial sac continued to become significantly thinner with 20 sessions of treatment. These observations were not made in the control subjects. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results indicate that SW diathermy in patients with knee osteoarthritis can significantly reduce both synovial thickness and knee pain. Such reductions of synovial sac thickness and pain index continue over treatment sessions.