Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suicide risk in relation to socioeconomic, demographic, psychiatric, and familial factors: a national register-based study of all suicides in Denmark, 1981-1997.

OBJECTIVE Suicide risk was addressed in relation to the joint effect of factors regarding family structure, socioeconomics, demographics, mental illness, and family history of suicide and mental illness, as well as gender differences in risk factors. METHOD Data were drawn from four national Danish longitudinal registers. Subjects were all 21,169 persons who committed suicide in 1981-1997 and 423,128 live comparison subjects matched for age, gender, and calendar time of suicide by using a nested case-control design. The effect of risk factors was estimated through conditional logistic regression. The interaction of gender with the risk factors was examined by using the log likelihood ratio test. The population attributable risk was calculated. RESULTS Of the risk factors examined in the study, a history of hospitalization for psychiatric disorder was associated with the highest odds ratio and the highest attributable risk for suicide. Cohabiting or single marital status, unemployment, low income, retirement, disability, sickness-related absence from work, and a family history of suicide and/or psychiatric disorders were also significant risk factors for suicide. Moreover, these factors had different effects in male and female subjects. A psychiatric disorder was more likely to increase suicide risk in female than in male subjects. Being single was associated with higher suicide risk in male subjects, and having a young child with lower suicide risk in female subjects. Unemployment and low income had stronger effects on suicide in male subjects. Living in an urban area was associated with higher suicide risk in female subjects and a lower risk in male subjects. A family history of suicide raised suicide risk slightly more in female than in male subjects. CONCLUSIONS Suicide risk is strongly associated with mental illness, unemployment, low income, marital status, and family history of suicide. The effect of most risk factors differs significantly by gender.
Recruitment of pericytes and astrocytes is closely related to the formation of tight junction in developing retinal vessels

During retinal development, retinal vascularization begins in the inner retinal layer and sprouts radially from the optic nerve to reach the periphery of the retina. Subsequently, retinal vessels sprout into the deep retinal layer to form three parallel of the nerve fiber layer and two plexiform layers. In this process, endothelial cells are closely related to astrocytes and pericytes with strict chronological order. Here, we provide that the recruitment of pericytes and astrocytes to vascular tube of endothelial cells is closely associated with the formation of tight junction in developing retinal vessels. At P4, endothelial cells of retinal vessels behind the invading front directly contact to pericytes, but not to foot processes of astrocytes, where ZO‐1 was already weakly immunoreactive along retinal endothelial cells. With the progression of retinal development, foot processes of astrocytes are gathered around retinal vessels and the maturation of tight junction in endothelial cells is clearly defined, which was temporally and spatially accordant to the expression of a tight junction protein, ZO‐1. In addition, tight junction could be formed with contact of pericytes to endothelial cells without the prominent ensheathment of astrocytic foot processes, which coincided with the appearance of a tight junction protein, ZO‐1. Therefore, these data demonstrate that the tight junction of endothelial cells in the blood–retina barrier could be developed by cellular interactions between pericytes, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. Moreover, ZO‐1 as well as occludin or claudin might demonstrate the tightness of blood–retina barrier in developing retina. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Somatostatin Receptor SSTR-2a Expression Is a Stronger Predictor for Survival Than Ki-67 in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

AbstractSomatostatin receptors (SSTR) are commonly expressed by neuroendocrine tumors. Expression of SSTR-2a and SSTR-5 may impact symptomatic management; however, the impact on survival is unclear. The aim of this study is to correlate SSTR-2a and SSTR-5 expression in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) with survival.This study is designed to determine the prognostic significance of somatostatin receptors SSTR-2a and SSTR-5 in PNETs.This retrospective cohort study included cases of resected PNETs between 1992 and 2014. Clinical data, histopathology, expression of SSTR and Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry, and long-term survival were analyzed.A total of 99 cases were included in this study. The mean age was 57.8 years (18–87 years) and median tumor size was 25 mm (range 8–160 mm). SSTR-2a and SSTR-5 expression was scored as negative (n = 19, 19.2%; n = 75, 75.8%, respectively) and positive (n = 80, 80.1%; n = 24, 24.2%). The median follow-up was 49 months. SSTR-2a expression was associated with improved overall survival, with cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years being 97.5%, 91.5%, and 82.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated better survival in SSTR-2a positive patients (log rank P = 0.04). SSTR-5 expression was not associated with survival outcomes (log rank P = 0.94). Multivariate analysis showed that positive SSTR-2a expression is a stronger prognostic indicator for overall survival [Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.2, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.1–0.8] compared to high Ki-67 (HR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1–5.7). Expression of SSTR-2a is an independent positive prognostic factor for survival in PNETs.
Scar Endometriosis in the Abdominal Wall: a Predictable Condition for Experienced Surgeons

Abstract Purpose: Endometriosis in surgical scars develops in 0.1% of those women who undergo Caesarean section or other obstetric surgery. Herein we analyse and discuss the clinico-pathological characteristics of 15 patients with scar endometriosis in the abdominal wall. Methods: Fifteen cases of scar endometriosis in the abdominal wall that were treated surgically in our department between 2003 and 2009 were examined retrospectively. Age, parity, complaint, medical or surgical history, pre/postoperative hormonotherapy, size of the mass, surgical procedure, follow-up and disease recurrence were analysed. Results: This retrospective study included 15 patients presenting with 17 postoperative abdominal wall masses. The mean age of the patients was 32.1 ± 6.0 years (range, 23–48). Eleven of the patients had a painful mass that became bigger before menstruation, two had palpable masses only, and two were hospitalised because of a mass with persistent pain. The locations of the masses were as follows: eight were close to the right side and three were close to the left side; two were in the middle of the Pfanenstiel incision and two were in trocar tracts. The patients’ surgical histories included Caesarean section in thirteen, bilateral laparoscopic ovarian cyst excision in one, and laparoscopic appendectomy in one. Conclusions: If a patient presents with incision pain and a palpable mass after gynaecologic surgery, an incisional endometrioma should be considered. Surgical excision and hormone therapy are effective treatment approaches in these patients.
Loss of inwardly rectifying potassium currents by human retinal glial cells in diseases of the eye

We compared the inward K+ currents of Müller glial cells from healthy and pathologically changed human retinas. To this purpose, the whole‐cell voltage‐clamp technique was performed on noncultured Müller cells acutely isolated from human retinas. Cells originated from retinas of four healthy organ donors and of 24 patients suffering from different vitreoretinal and chorioretinal diseases. Müller cells from organ donors displayed inward K+ currents in the whole‐cell mode similar to those found in other species. In contrast, this pattern was clearly changed in the Müller cells from patient retinas. In whole‐cell recordings many Müller cells had strongly decreased inward K+ current amplitudes or lost these currents completely. Thus, the mean input resistance of Müller cells from patients was significantly increased to 1,129 ± 812 MΩ, compared to 279 ± 174 MΩ in Müller cells from healthy organ donor retinas. Accordingly, since the membrane potential is mainly determined by the K+ inward conductance in healthy Müller cells, a large amount of Müller cells from patient retinas had a membrane potential which was significantly lower than that of Müller cells from control eyes. The mean membrane potentials were −37 ± 24 mV and −63 ± 25 mV for patient and donor Müller cells, respectively. The newly described membrane characteristic changes of Müller cells from patient eyes are assumed to interfere severely with normal retinal function: (1) the retinal K+ homeostasis, which is partly regulated by the Müller cell‐mediated spatial buffering, should be disturbed, and (2) the diminished membrane potential should influence voltage‐dependent transporter systems of the Müller cells, e.g., the Na+‐dependent glutamate uptake. GLIA 20:210–218, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Causes and Solutions of Endovascular Treatment Failure

In a meta-analysis of individual patient data from 5 randomized controlled trials, endovascular treatment (EVT) mainly using a stent retriever achieved successful recanalization in 71.1% of patients suffering from acute stroke due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO). However, EVT still failed in 28.9% of LAO cases in those 5 successful trials. Stent retriever failure may occur due to anatomical challenges (e.g., a tortuous arterial tree from the aortic arch to a target occlusion site), a large quantity of clots, tandem occlusion, clot characteristics (fresh versus organized clots), different pathomechanisms (embolic versus non-embolic occlusion), etc. Given that recanalization success is the most important factor in the neurological outcome of acute stroke patients, it is important to seek solutions for such difficult cases. In this review, the basic technique of EVT is briefly summarized and then various difficult cases with diverse conditions are discussed along with suggested solutions.
Predictive biomarkers for programmed death-1/programmed death ligand immune checkpoint inhibitors in nonsmall cell lung cancer

Purpose of review Immune checkpoint inhibitors, antiprogrammed death receptor 1 (anti-PD-1)/antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1), are new therapeutic regimens for managing advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer patients, giving an overall response rate of approximately 20% as monotherapy in second-line treatment. The use of predictive biomarkers for identifying patients suitable for these therapies is an important issue not only for making treatment decisions, but also from a medical economic point of view. Recent findings Among potential predictive biomarker candidates for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatments in nonsmall cell lung cancer, the expression of PD-L1 (as determined by immunohistochemistry) is currently the most studied. PD-L1 positivity has been associated with higher response rate to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. However, several observations suggest that the predictive value of PD-L1 expression is not clear-cut. We review other potential predictive biomarkers, including programmed death-ligand 2, IFN-&ggr;, and genetic signatures. Summary Standardized techniques and conditions for evaluating PD-L1 expression (tissue quality and age, percentage positivity threshold, managing heterogeneous and dynamic expression) are critical for establishing the use of this protein as a predictive marker. Care should be also taken when using anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in combination with other therapies, which may impact the predictive value of PD-L1 expression.
Changes in cardiac dimensions and indices of cardiac function during deconditioning in horses.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of deconditioning on cardiac dimensions and indices of cardiac function in horses. ANIMALS Thirteen 3-to 4-year-old Standardbred geldings. PROCEDURE All horses had echocardiographic measurements performed at the conclusion of 9 months of intense training and at weeks 1.5, 4, 8, and 12 of deconditioning. Direct echocardiographic measurements included interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular internal dimensions, left ventricular freewall thickness, left atrial dimension, aortic diameter, diameter of the pulmonary artery, slopes of the mitral valve, heart rate, preejection period, and ejection time. Derived indices of cardiac function included fractional shortening, fractional area change, and cardiac output. RESULTS Cardiac dimensions did not change significantly for the first 4 weeks of deconditioning but decreased significantly by week 8 and continued to decrease until week 12. Indices of cardiac function increased significantly during the first 10 days of deconditioning, remaining stable until week 4 of deconditioning. After week 4, indices of cardiac function decreased significantly until week 12. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Deconditioning resulted in a general reduction in cardiac dimensions and indices of cardiac function over 12 weeks. However, results of the study reported here indicate that following an intense period of training, cardiac function may be maintained during the first 4 weeks of deconditioning. Results indicate that trained horses may rest for up to 4 weeks without a substantial reduction in cardiac capacity as reflected by echocardiographic indices.
Analysis of Factor VIII polymorphic markers as a means for carrier detection in Brazilian families with haemophilia A

Summary. Haemophilia A is an X‐linked, recessively inherited bleeding disorder of varying severity, which results from the deficiency of procoagulant factor VIII f(8). Linkage diagnosis using polymorphic markers in the f8 gene is widely used to detect carriers. The objective of this study was to verify the informativeness of three polymorphic markers in the Brazilian population, to evaluate the usefulness of such markers in carrier detection procedures. Sixty‐three unrelated healthy volunteers and 10 haemophilic families were studied. Two microsatellite repeats and one HindIII RFLP markers were used. Carrier and non‐carrier status could be determined in 80% of females investigated. Intron 13 markers presented the highest heterozygosity rate (79%) followed by intron 22 (68%) and intron 19 (57%). When all three markers were used together, linkage analysis informativeness increased significantly. We conclude that these markers are suitable for carrier detection in the Brazilian population and we recommend their use in combination to maximize diagnostic efficiency.
Acute effects of the skeletal muscle-specific immunotoxin ricin-mAb 35 on extraocular muscles of rabbits.

PURPOSE To determine the acute histologic and ultrastructural effects of a recently developed muscle-specific immunotoxin, ricin-mAb 35. METHODS Graduated doses of ricin-mAb 35, composed of ricin conjugated to a monoclonal antibody against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of skeletal muscle, were injected into one superior rectus muscle in rabbits. After 3, 7, and 14 days, both superior rectus muscles were removed and prepared for electron microscopy and histologic examination, by using a number of immunohistochemical markers to identify inflammatory cell infiltration, muscle fiber loss, and muscle regeneration. RESULTS Myotoxicity of the ricin-mAb 35 was focal and dose related. At the highest dose tested, there was substantial inflammatory cell infiltrate by 3 days, which largely disappeared by 7 days. Significant muscle loss was apparent by 7 days after ricin-mAb 35 treatment. Both the inflammatory reaction and muscle fiber loss were confined to the immediate injection site. Surrounding muscle appeared to be normal. At 14 days after treatment, early signs of muscle regeneration were evident within the tissue sections. No evidence of orbital or systemic toxicity was seen in any animal. CONCLUSIONS Direct injection of ricin-mAb 35 into the extraocular muscles of rabbits results in a dose-related focal injury to the muscles, with a self-limited inflammatory component and significant muscle fiber loss. This novel immunotoxin may be useful in the treatment of strabismus if chronic studies show a sustained histologic and electrophysiologic effect.
Soft tissue preservation and pink aesthetics around single immediate implant restorations: a 1-year prospective study.

PURPOSE (1) To document soft tissue aspects using a specific protocol for immediate implant treatment (IIT) following single-tooth removal; (2) to evaluate whether this protocol allows preservation of pink aesthetics as objectively assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with a thick gingival biotype and intact buccal bone wall upon extraction of a single tooth in the aesthetic zone (15-25) were consecutively treated. The protocol included flapless extraction and implant surgery, socket grafting, immediate nonocclusal loading with a screw-retained provisional crown, and replacement by a permanent crown 6 months thereafter. The outcome was assessed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Cases demonstrating major alveolar process remodeling and/or advanced midfacial recession (>1 mm) at 3 months were additionally treated with a connective tissue graft (CTG). The emergence profile of the provisional crown was replicated for all permanent crowns. RESULTS Twenty-two patients (12 men, 10 women; mean age 50) were treated after tooth extraction for nonperiodontal reasons using a novel bone condensing implant with variable-thread design, conical connection, and platform switch (NobelActive®, Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden). One implant failed and mean marginal bone loss was 0.1 mm (p = .059). Temporary mesial papilla reduction occurred, whereas distal papilla reduction was permanent (mean 0.5 mm; p = .001). At 3 months, five cases demonstrated major alveolar process remodeling and two advanced midfacial recession. Hence, slight initial decline in the pink esthetic score (PES) (p = .053) was observed. CTG resulted in a steady improvement of the PES after 3 months (p ≤ .037). At 12 months, pink aesthetics (mean PES 12.15) was comparable to the preoperative status (mean PES 11.86; p = .293). Distal papillae had significantly deteriorated (p = .020) in this time span, whereas midfacial contour had significantly improved (p = .005). CONCLUSIONS Preservation of pink aesthetics is possible following IIT. However, to achieve that, CTG may be necessary in about one-third of the patients. Major alveolar process remodeling is the main reason for additional treatment.
An Inquiry In To Chinese Alumni Attitudes Towards Their University of Pittsburgh Experience

Over 300,000 Chinese students are studying in the U.S., making China the top country of international origin with 31.2 percent of all U.S. international students (IIE, 2015). In addition, 2015 saw a 10 percent increase in international students in the U.S., a statistic that underscores the assumption that globally mobile students regard the U.S. as a destination of choice (IIE, 2015). In the fall of 2015, 1,758 Chinese students were studying at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) (University of Pittsburgh Fact Book, 2016). The number of Chinese alumni will increase as these matriculated students graduate from U.S. universities. However, Chinese alumni university philanthropy has lagged behind domestic and international alumni philanthropy (Zi, 2014). The need for private philanthropy is clear. Higher education in the United States is in a financial crisis. Decreased funding from state and federal governments combined with rising costs have led higher education institutions to enhance efforts to raise funds from private philanthropic sources (Pew Charitable Trust, 2015). In order to develop a philanthropic relationship between Chinese students and their U.S. host institutions, it is necessary to understand their student experience. Very little is known about this population by university departments that regularly interact with Chinese students, including the Office of International Services (OIS) at Pitt. OIS works closely with all international students during their tenure at university and is responsible for securing a student’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) following graduation. Institutional Advancement (IA), the fundraising arm of a university, also has a vested interest in better understanding Chinese students. This study employs a mixed-methods research design that employs a survey with Likert-style and open-ended responses. It asks Pitt’s Chinese alumni about their experiences as undergraduate or graduate students. The findings may help universities better serve Chinese students and develop strong alumni ties. The two key findings from this study found that predictors of Chinese students’ overall satisfaction and thus future engagement potential were (1) tied to students’ ability to gain work or career building skills through their classes, a university teaching experience, and/or internships, and (2) students’ satisfaction with their interaction with OIS is tied to the amount of time allocated to their appointments.
A PET study of the pathophysiology of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Positron emission tomography.

OBJECTIVE Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to compare cerebral metabolic patterns in schizophrenic subjects with predominantly negative symptoms (alogia, affective flattening, avolition, and attentional impairment) and in those with predominantly positive symptoms. METHOD Fourteen right-handed male subjects with DSM-IV schizophrenia were assigned to groups with predominantly negative or predominantly positive symptoms on the basis of their post-drug-washout scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The patients were compared to seven age- and gender-matched normal volunteers. PET scans with [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose were obtained during a degraded Continuous Performance Task to measure absolute glucose metabolic rates. Statistical parametric mapping was used to estimate the regional metabolic differences between groups. RESULTS The subjects with predominantly negative symptoms had significant differences in glucose metabolic rates, compared to both the subjects with predominantly positive symptoms and the normal subjects. Negative symptom subjects had a lower glucose metabolic rate in the right hemisphere, especially in the temporal and ventral prefrontal cortices, compared to the other groups, and higher metabolic rates in the cerebellar cortex and in the lower deep cerebellar nuclei. Negative symptom subscale scores were negatively correlated with glucose metabolic rates for most of the brain areas that differentiated subjects with predominantly negative symptoms from those with predominantly positive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Schizophrenic subjects with predominantly negative symptoms have greater metabolic abnormalities than subjects with predominantly positive symptoms, particularly in frontal, temporal, and cerebellar circuitry. These results are consistent with abnormalities in corticocortical, corticobasal ganglia, mesocortical dopamine, and cerebellar-thalamic-prefrontal circuits, which may underlie the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.