Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum proteins profile as an indicator of malignancy: multivariate logistic regression and ROC analyses

Abstract The electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins of 85 patients carrying different types of neoplasia and 85 matched healthy adults were comparatively studied by agarose gel electrophoresis, to find out if there is a specific protein pattern common to different types of cancer. Each protein fraction was analyzed quantitatively by densitometry. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed using SPSS software. When total protein and albumin were measured by colorimetric methods, cancer patients, compared to controls, had a decreased concentration of total protein (66.0±11.5g/L vs. 76.4±6.8g/L, p≤0.0001) and of albumin (39.0±8.1g/L vs. 46.0±4.3g/L, p≤0.0001). The electrophoretic data of serum proteins showed that the ratio of albumin to globulin (0.92±0.30 vs. 1.21±0.16, p≤0.0001), percent of the fractions albumin (46.7±8.5% vs. 54.4±3.5%, p≤0.0001) and β-globulin (11.6±4.4% vs. 13.0±1.9%, p≤0.001) were decreased and α 1- (5.3±2.5% vs. 2.9±0.8%, p≤0.0001), α 2- (13.5±4.8% vs. 11.3±2.1%, p≤0.0001) and γ-globulins (23.0±7.7% vs. 18.3±3.1%, p≤0.0001) were significantly increased in cancer patients relative to controls. Cancer patients also had higher counts of leukocytes (7.98±3.11, ×10 9cells/L vs. 6.33±1.68 ×10 9 cells/L, p≤0.0001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (35.9±23.5mm/h vs. 14.1±9.5 mm/h, p≤0.0001). On the basis of univariate analysis, a protein profile out of the normal ranges was more prevalent in cancer patients than in controls. Analysis of the data using multiple logistic regression indicated that the prevalence of cancer was strongly associated with the serum proteins' profile, and α 1-globulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total protein and the ratio of albumin to globulin were the best parameters to discriminate between malignant and healthy states. The area under the ROC curves were the same for most components of the serum proteins' profile at about 0.75±0.09, p≤0.001. We conclude that the profile of serum proteins indicates high diagnostic values for discriminating between cancer patients and healthy individuals and may be useful as an adjunct diagnosis for detection of malignancy.
Does Nefazodone Improve Both Depression and Parkinson Disease? A Pilot Randomized Trial

Some of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)-induced motor side effects are mediated by stimulating 5-HT2 receptors in the basal ganglia, probably because serotonin inhibits the subsequent neuronal dopamine release. We hypothesized that nefazodone, a serotonin 2 antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that selectively blocks 5-HT2 receptors, could disrupt the aforementioned inhibitory pathway. Therefore, increased dopamine levels in the postsynaptic milieu and an improvement in the motor symptoms in depressed patients with Parkinson disease (PD) should be observed. This study was designed to determine whether nefazodone has a dual activity as an antidepressant and as an agent capable of reducing the extrapyramidal symptoms in depressed parkinsonian patients. Depressed patients with PD were randomly assigned to 2 therapeutic groups: nefazodone or fluoxetine. Patients were evaluated by a psychiatrist and were blindly assessed by a neurologist with an array of scales. Patients on nefazodone (n = 9) showed a significant improvement over time in the total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale score (UPDRS) (part II + part III) (P = 0.004) and in the UPDRS subscore part III (P = 0.003). None of these scores changed over time in the fluoxetine group (n = 7). Both, nefazodone and fluoxetine were equally effective as antidepressants: Beck Depression Inventory scores significantly improved (P < 0.001), with no significant differences between treatment groups (P = 0.97). If our results can be confirmed in a larger clinical trial, nefazodone ought to be considered over fluoxetine given its secondary beneficial effects regarding the reduction of extrapyramidal symptoms in depressed PD patients.
The relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and injury.

AIMS AND DESIGN A case-control design was employed to quantify the risk of injury after the recent consumption of alcohol. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 797 cases and 797 controls were interviewed throughout 1997. A response rate of 82% was calculated for eligible cases who were approached by an interviewer. The rate for interviews conducted of all people presenting with an injury during the study period was 67%. Cases were injured patients from a hospital emergency unit. Controls were matched on suburb and were interviewed at home regarding activities leading up to the time of their matched case's injury. MEASUREMENTS Cases and controls were questioned about the injury event and alcohol and other drug use consumed in the 6 hours prior to the injury. They were also breath-tested and medical records were checked for validation purposes. FINDINGS Logistic regression analysis produced an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI: 1.8-6.4) for the risk of sustaining an injury after consuming more than 60 g of alcohol in a 6-hour period, after controlling for demographic variables. The risk of injury at different levels of alcohol use was substantially higher for females with a significant odds ration of 9.6 at greater than 60 g of alcohol compared to 2.1 for men. CONCLUSIONS These results need to be interpreted cautiously, but provide additional support that the risk of injury increases with the quantity of alcohol consumed and that the risk of injury is significantly higher for women.
Looking for translator's fingerprints: a corpus-based study on Chinese translations of Ulysses

This study investigates the translator’s fingerprints as manifested in their style of translation. It reports a case study of two Chinese translations of Ulysses, adopting a corpus-assisted approach. The parallel subcorpora comprise Joyce’s Ulysses and the Chinese versions by Xiao (Tran. Ulysses. Yilin Press, Nanjing, 1994) and Jin (Tran. Ulysses. People’s Literature Publishing House, Beijing, 1997), and the comparable subcorpora include Xiao’s original writings in Chinese. Comparison shows that Xiao leaves some traces of lexical idiosyncrasy in his composition and translation. On the syntactic level, comparison reveals that Xiao post-positions more adverbial clauses in translation than in composition. This indicates that the translator’s fingerprints are left on the translated text, as a result both of their linguistic idiosyncrasy and of the interference and constraints of the language they are dealing with in translation.
Definition of a visuospatial dimension as a step forward in the diagnostic puzzle of nonverbal learning disability

ABSTRACT Although clinically recognized for almost 50 years, the categorical distinction of specific learning disabilities due to an impairment of the nonverbal domain (nonverbal learning disability [NLD]) is still debated and controversial. Unsolved issues involve theoretical models, diagnostic criteria, rehabilitative interventions, and moderator factors. These issues are briefly overviewed to sustain the need for a shift toward dimensional approaches, as suggested by research domain criteria, as a step forward in the diagnostic puzzle of NLD. With this aim, a visuospatial dimension, or spectrum, is proposed, and then clinical conditions that may fit with its impaired side are systemized, while specifying in which conditions a visuospatial impairment may be considered an NLD.
Variability of foraging and roosting activities in adult females of Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii) in different seasons

We radio-tracked fifteen reproductive females (5 pregnant, 5 lactating, 5 in post-lactation) of the Daubenton’s bat in summer 2005 in order to reveal the effect of reproductive state on their foraging and roosting activity. Spatial activity of females decreased from pregnancy to lactation and increased again in the post-lactation period. Overall time spent foraging did not differ among the three study periods. However, while pregnant and lactating females spent similar proportion of the night length foraging, females in the post-lactation period were foraging for shorter part of night. The frequency of nightly visits to roosts was highest during lactation but there was a trend towards shortening of particular visits during that period. All but one roost were in tree hollows excavated by woodpeckers in spatially restricted area of ca 0.7 km2. Tree cavities used during pregnancy were located higher on a tree trunk and had larger entrance area than the cavities used in the two later periods. Bats switched roosts every 2–3 days (range 1–8) and moved to a new roost up to 800 m apart. Pregnant females tended to switch roosts more frequently than females in the two later periods. We did not observe a significant effect of minimum nightly temperature on the activity of radio-tracked Daubenton’s bats. Therefore, we suggest that observed seasonal changes in the pattern of behaviour of Daubenton’s bat females were driven by their changing energetic demands rather than by some extrinsic factors (e.g. weather conditions).
Assessment of the Learning Curve for Lumbar Microendoscopic Discectomy

OBJECTIVE:An understanding of the learning curve of a new surgical procedure is essential for its safe clinical integration, teaching, and assessment. This knowledge is currently deficient for lumbar microendoscopic discectomy (MED). The present article aims to profile the learning curve for MED of an individual surgeon in a hospital not previously exposed to this procedure. METHODS:The first 35 cases of MED for posterolateral lumbar disc prolapse causing radiculopathy performed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, were studied prospectively. The learning curve was assessed using surgery time, conversion rate, complication rate, surgeon “comfort,” and key learning steps. RESULTS:The duration of surgical operating time decreased over the course of the study, initially rapidly and then more gradually. There were three conversions to open discectomy in the first 7 cases and none in the next 28 cases. The complexity of cases increased over the series, and the complication rate decreased. The asymptote of the learning curve seems to be approximately 30 cases. The specific learning tasks of MED include lateral lamina radiology, scope vision, visuospatial orientation, smaller field of view, angle of approach and tube position, and care and handling of endoscope equipment. CONCLUSION:A learning curve for MED has been demonstrated. Further assessment of this curve for a population of surgeons is necessary before a clinical assessment of open discectomy versus MED can be embarked upon.
Design of cross-linked semicrystalline poly(ε-caprolactone)-based networks with one-way and two-way shape-memory properties through Diels-Alder reactions.

Cross-linked poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based polyesterurethane (PUR) systems have been synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions by reactive extrusion. The Diels-Alder and retro-Diels-Alder reactions proved to be useful for enhancing the molecular motion of PCL-based systems, and therefore their crystallization ability, in the design of cross-linked semicrystalline polymers with one-way and two-way shape-memory properties. Successive reactions between α,ω-diol PCL (PCL(2) ), furfuryl alcohol, and methylene diphenyl 4,4'-diisocyanate straightforwardly afforded the α,ω-furfuryl PCL-based PUR systems, and subsequent Diels-Alder reactions with N,N-phenylenedimaleimide afforded the thermoreversible cycloadducts. The cross-linking density could be modulated by partially replacing PCL-diol with PCL-tetraol. Interestingly, the resulting PUR systems proved to be semicrystalline cross-linked polymers, the melting temperature of which (close to 45 °C) represented the switching temperature for their shape-memory properties. Qualitative and quantitative measurements demonstrated that these PUR systems exhibited one-way and two-way shape-memory properties depending on their cross-linking density.
Impaired Processing of Famous Faces in Alzheimer’s Disease Is Related to Neurofibrillary Tangle Densities in the Prefrontal and Anterior Cingulate Cortex

To examine the neuroanatomical correlates of impaired processing of famous faces in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we performed an anterograde clinicopathological study of 25 patients with clinically and neuropathologically confirmed AD. Famous face recognition, identification and naming was assessed using the Famous Face Test. The assessment of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) and senile plaque (SP) densities was performed in ten cortical areas in both hemispheres, and statistical analysis was made using forward stepwise logistic regression models. A statistically significant relationship was found between NFT densities in Brodmann’s areas 9 and 24 in both hemispheres and impaired famous face naming and identification. SP counts did not correlate with any of the neuropsychological parameters. These data suggest that NFT formation in prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortex, two areas involved in semantic memory processes, is a key event in famous face naming and identification deficits. In agreement with previous studies, they also indicate that SP densities are not a good pathological correlate of neuropsychological deficits in AD.
Association of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferases genotypes with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.

AIM The aim of the present study was to test the association between genetic polymorphisms with functional effects on redox regulation: Ala16Val of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD or SOD2), polymorphic deletions of glutathione S-transferases M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) and Ile105Val of the GSTP1 and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS The study enrolled 287 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Carotid atherosclerosis was quantified by ultrasonography as carotid intima-media thickness (CITM), plaque score from 0 to 6 and plaque type from 1 to 5. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS The highest triglyceride level was observed in patients with MnSOD Val/Val genotype. Other polymorphisms did not show significant association with clinical parameters. We did not observe significant differences in MnSOD, GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotypes distribution according to CIMT, plaque type or plaque score. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, BMI, lipid parameters and duration of hypertension and diabetes carriers of GSTT1-0 genotype showed an increased risk for higher plaque score (OR=2.29; p=0.012), but no association with CIMT and plaque stability was observed. Carrying of both GSTM1-0 and GSTT1-0 did not influence clinical parameters but increased risk for higher plaque score (OR=2.59; P=0.018). CONCLUSION We did not find a significant association between the MnSOD, GSTM1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms and carotid atherosclerosis. The GSTT1-0 genotype and GSTT1-0/GSTM1-0 haplotype might be a potential determinants of susceptibility to advanced atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Plasma Renin Activity and Hypertension in Diabetes Mellitus

Plasma renin activity (PRA) was determined in 48 patients with diabetes mellitus in sodium balance on a 10-20 mEq. Na diet. Nine were normotensive (group I), 11 were hypertensive without diabetic nephropathy (group II), and 28 had hypertension and nephropathy (group III). Results were compared with those in 16 normal subjects and 49 nondiabetic patients with essential hypertension in similar Na balance. Mean supine PRA did not differ significantly among groups I and II, normal subjects, and patients with essential hypertension. Group III diabetics had a supine PRA of 2.4 ± 0.4 ng. /ml. /hr. ( ± S.E.M.), significantly lower than the other diabetic groups (P < 0.005) and normal subjects (P < 0.05). Upright PRA was 12.8 ± 2.2 in group I diabetics, similar to that in normal subjects (13.3 ± 2.3), and 8.1 ± 1.4 in group II diabetics, similar to that in essential hypertensives (6.8 ± 0.8). In group III diabetics, upright PRA was 4.0 ± 0.5, significantly lower than that in any other group. These results suggest that (1) PRA is normal in normotensive diabetics, (2) upright PRA in diabetics with hypertension but no nephropathy is similar to that in essential hypertension, and (3) patients with diabetes, hypertension, and nephropathy have “low renin hypertension,” explaining the virtual absence of malignant hypertension in this group. Although the major mechanism for this low PRA may be volume expansion, indicating the need for potent diuretics, other mechanisms include hyalinization of the afferent arteriole, decreased cathecholamine stimulation of renin release, and inadequate conversion of prorenin to renin.
Medicamentos psicotrópicos dispensados em unidade básica de saúde em grande município do estado de São Paulo

Resumo : Objetivando conhecer o consumo de psicotropicos de populacao em regiao periferica de municipio de grande porte, foram levantadas 800 prescricoes dispensadas em uma Unidade Basica de Saude, para uma avaliacao em relacao aos topicos da Portaria 344/98-SVS/MS, do ciclo de assistencia farmaceutica. No periodo analisado, a dispensacao e controle eram feitos de forma manual. Foram 1371 medicamentos prescritos, sendo 1134 controlados, totalizando 64.513 unidades, uma media de 107 unidades com 1,7 medicamentos por receita, sendo que 82,1% provinham de servicos publicos. O total de medicamentos prescritos por receita teve como maioria (60,0%) um medicamento; 20,3%, dois medicamentos; 11,6% tres medicamentos; 6,6% quatro ou mais medicamentos, incluidos os nao controlados (14%). Vinte medicamentos nao constavam da lista padronizada. Dos controlados, 78,4% pertenciam a lista C1 e 21,6%, a lista B1. Observa-se um grande consumo de medicamentos psicotropicos por essa populacao vulneravel, com predominio de antidepressivos. A posterior implantacao do sistema informatizado reduziu significativamente a quantidade de medicamentos dispensados, indicando que formas de gestao sao fatores a serem consideradas no uso racional de medicamentos, como o uso de tecnologias e tambem as abordagens de educacao em saude, como a formacao continua de profissionais da saude, incluindo dos prescritores.
Investigation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among male kitchen workers in South India

Objective. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and risks among male kitchen workers in the catering industry. Method. Data were collected with the help of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and by direct observations. Results. In total, 114 male kitchen workers from various hostels of a college in South India were considered for this study. The average age and mean years of employment of the workers are 26.4 (SD 7.7) and 7.8 respectively. The statistical analysis carried out reveals that 67.5% of male kitchen workers reported MSDs during the past 12 months. The highest prevalence rate has been found in the lower back (65.8%) and shoulder region (62.3%). Among different categories of kitchen work analyzed, it is evident that chief cooks suffer more from MSDs (79.2%) than assistant cooks (74.3%) and kitchen aides (30.0%). Workers in the older group, i.e., ≥41 years, and workers with 6–10 years of experience suffer with higher risk of MSDs, i.e., 93.9% and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusion. The male kitchen workers who participated in this research were found to possess both MSDs and ergonomic hazards.
A New, Wider-Diameter Crawford Tube for Stenting in the Lacrimal Drainage System

Purpose To determine whether technology is available to secure a larger-diameter Crawford tube swedged onto the metal Crawford introducer and to use the system in a closed intubation to treat a failed dacryocystorhinostomy. Methods A metal ferrule has been developed to swedge a larger-diameter Crawford tube onto the standard Crawford probe. Seven patients with failed dacryocystorhinostomy procedures were treated with probing and intubation with the use of this larger-tube Crawford system. Results Six of the 7 patients had patent lacrimal systems after the tubes were removed, a result comparable to open revision after a failed dacryocystorhinostomy. In each case, on insertion, the tube remained firmly attached to the Crawford probe and did not dislodge. Conclusions The technology of using a metal ferrule at the junction of the standard Crawford probe and a larger silicone tube was successful in creating a Crawford system with greater dilation capability than the standard Crawford system. The technique of probing and intubation with this larger Crawford system may be a simple alternative to open revision of a failed dacryocystorhinostomy procedure.
Economic Opportunity, Health Behaviors, and Mortality in the United States.

OBJECTIVES We assessed whether economic opportunity was independently associated with health behaviors and outcomes in the United States. METHODS Using newly available, cross-sectional, county-level data from the Equality of Opportunity Project Database and vital statistics, we estimated associations between all-cause mortality rates (averaged over 2000-2012) and economic opportunity, adjusting for socioeconomic, demographic, and health system covariates. Our measure of economic opportunity was the county-average rank in the national income distribution attained by individuals born to families in the bottom income quartile. Secondary outcomes included rates of age- and race-specific mortality, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. RESULTS An increase in economic opportunity from the lowest to the highest quintile was associated with a 16.7% decrease in mortality. The magnitudes of association were largest for working-age adults and African Americans. Greater economic opportunity was also associated with health behaviors and risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Economic opportunity is a robust, independent predictor of health. Future work should investigate underlying causal links and mechanisms.
Biomechanics of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion in Elderly: System Tilt and Back Recline Angles

Aissaoui R, Arabi H, Lacoste M, Zalzal V, Dansereau J: Biomechanics of manual wheelchair propulsion in elderly: System tilt and back recline angles. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:94–100. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the system tilt and back recline angles on the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion for a group of older, disabled patients. It was hypothesized that increasing both the system tilt and backrest recline angles would have a positive effect on the biomechanical efficiency of manual wheelchair propulsion. DesignThree kinetic variables were estimated during a 10-m, steady-state propulsion between 0.96 m/sec and 1.01 m/sec. The fraction of the mechanical effective force is defined by the ratio between the tangential and the total force applied to the pushrim: It expresses the directionality of force application. The mechanical use is defined as the ratio between the total force generated during wheelchair propulsion and that generated during maximal isometric contraction. The biomechanical efficiency is defined as the product of mechanical effective force and the mechanical use. ResultsOn average, the fraction of the mechanical effective force was found to be low when compared with other studies. Tilting the system by 10 degrees and reclining the back by 10 degrees increase significantly the biomechanical efficiency of the subject by 10%. The biomechanical efficiency variable was more sensitive to the system tilt than to the back recline adjustment. ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm the hypothesis that system tilt angle but not back recline significantly affects biomechanical efficiency. The findings of this study will help in designing and adjusting a wheelchair intended for self-propelled, older people.