Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wound healing after revascularization for critical limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND Wound healing is one of the most important endpoints after revascularization for critical limb ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for wound healing after revascularization for critical limb ischemia (CLI). METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at a single university hospital, and data were collected retrospectively between January 2005 and September 2016. All admitted patients who were diagnosed with CLI and underwent revascularization for the first time were enrolled. The risk factors for wound healing were analyzed. RESULTS The risk factors for wound healing were analyzed in 153 patients. The cumulative rate of wound healing at 12 months after revascularization was 79%. The independent risk factors for wound healing were non-ambulatory status (hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% CI [1.22-3.21], P=0.004), and wound, ischemia and foot infection (WIfI) stage 4 (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% CI [1.25-2.91], P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS In our study, non-ambulatory status and WIfI stage 4 were independent risk factors for wound healing after revascularization. WIfI criteria well reflected the prognosis of patients with CLI in wound healing, as well as limb salvage.
Prognostic importance of histologic grading in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background. The influence of various clinicopathologic features on survival of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma has been examined. In particular, histologic grade, which was obtained by a combined assessment of nuclear atypia, tumor necrosis, and vascular invasion (VAN score) was studied. According to this, histologic grade is independent of growth pattern and differentiation of the tumor cells.
Brain cytochrome‐c‐oxidase as a marker of mitochondrial function: A pilot study in major depression using NIRS

Brain mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Brain cytochrome‐c‐oxidase (COX) activity is associated with the mitochondrial function. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) noninvasively measures oxidized COX (oxCOX) and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) reflecting cerebral blood flow and oxygenation.
The Taxonomy and Phylogeny of the Poorly known Heterotrich Ciliate Ampullofolliculina lageniformis Hadži, 1951 (Ciliophora: Heterotrichea)

Ampullofolliculina Hadži, 1951 is a monotypic genus, the only species being A. lageniformis which was first discovered in estuarine habitats in the U.S. and has never been redescribed. In the present study, we investigated the taxonomy and phylogeny of A. lageniformis Hadži, 1951 based on analyses of a population collected from a brackish wetland in Ningbo, China. The main characteristics of this species are as follows: trophont about 450–700 μm long in vivo with two short, rounded peristomial lobes of equal size; lorica flask‐shaped, transparent and smooth with a short, wide neck at the base of which two transparent valves are asymmetrically inserted; cortex with brownish to reddish cortical granules and greenish pigment granules; about 80 somatic kineties evenly arranged; moniliform macronucleus with 4–8 ellipsoidal nodules; swarmer dark green, vermiform in shape, about 200–350 μm long in vivo, with about 60 adoral membranelles and 85 somatic kineties, no mouth nor paroral membrane. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from SSU rDNA sequences show that A. lageniformis is closely related to Folliculina and Eufolliculina which nest within a large clade that comprises five families, i.e. Stentoridae, Blepharismidae, Fabreidae, Maristentoridae, and Folliculinidae.
Molecular Carcinogenesis

Funding information U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Grant/ Award Number: I01‐BX003762; United States Veterans Administration Abstract A variety of evidence suggests that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ agonists may represent a potential pharmacologic target in the prevention or treatment of skin cancer. In particular, recent reports suggest that PPARγ activation may exert at least some of its anti‐neoplastic effects through the suppression of tumor promoting chronic inflammation as well as by strengthening antitumor immune responses. This activity is thought to occur through a distinct mode of ligand interaction with PPARγ that causes transrepression of transcription factors that are involved in inflammatory and immunomodulatory signaling. However, current thiazolidinedione (TZD)‐type PPARγ agonists have significant safety concerns that limit their usefulness as a preventive or therapeutic option. Due to the relatively large ligand binding pocket of PPARγ, a diverse group of ligands can be seen to interact with distinct modes of binding to PPARγ, leading to the phenomenon of partial agonist activity and selective PPARγ modulators (SPPARγM). This has led to the development of ligands that are tailored to deliver desired pharmacologic activity, but lack some of the negative side effects associated with full agonists, such as the currently utilized TZD‐type PPARγ agonists. In addition, there is evidence that a number of phytochemicals that are currently being touted as antineoplastic nutraceuticals also possess PPARγ activity that may partially explain their pharmacologic activity. We propose that one or more of these partial agonists, SPPARγMs, or putative phytochemical PPARγ ligands could presumably be used as a starting point to design more efficacious anti‐neoplastic PPARγ ligands that lack adverse pharmacological effects.
Traumatic Brain Injury as a Risk Factor for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: Critical Review of Study Methodologies.

Despite much previous research stating that traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been confirmed as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), findings from observational studies are mixed and are of low methodological quality. This review aimed to critically evaluate the methodologies used in previous studies. Relevant literature was identified by examining reference lists for previous reviews and primary studies, and searches in MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar and Research Gate. Sixty-eight identified reports, published between 1982 and August 2018, met inclusion criteria. Common methodological weaknesses included self-reported TBI (62%); poor TBI case definition (55%); low prevalence of TBI in samples (range .07 - 28.7%); reverse causality (86% moderate to high risk of reverse causality); not controlling for important confounding factors. There were also key areas of methodological rigour including use of individual matching for cases and controls (57%); gold standard dementia and AD criteria (53%); symmetrical data collection (65%); large sample sizes (max = 2,794,752); long follow-up periods and controlling of analyses for age (82%). The quality assessment revealed methodological problems with most studies. Overall, only one study was identified as having strong methodological rigour. This critical review identified several key areas of methodological weakness and rigour, and should be used as a guideline for improving future research. This can be achieved by using longitudinal prospective cohort designs, with medically confirmed and well characterised TBI sustained sufficient time prior to the onset of dementia; including appropriate controls and informants, and considering the impacts of known protective and risk factors.
A Qualitative Approach on Motives and Aspects of Risks in Freeriding

Recent research has shown that there are multiple motives for participation in high-risk sport; however these results have come from studies that consider a number of different sports. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to better understand the motives and risk-related aspects of freeriding, using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 professional and semi-professional freeride skiers and snowboarders. All freeriders were highly experienced, of different age (19–44 years; 27.5 ± 4.5 years), gender (female = 13), and profession (professional athletes = 11). Analyses were done using MAXQDA software following a code theme approach. Mixed methods analyses using χ2-tests were computed for age (<25 years ≥) and gender (female/male) on motives and risk factors. Five emerging themes were found, namely Challenge (n = 36), Friends (n = 31), Nature (n = 27), Balance (n = 26), and Freedom (n = 26). A sixth theme Habit (n = 13) was allocated as a subtheme due to minor responses. With regard to risk management, participants decided upon a risk calculation strategy which included multiple factors (e.g., planning, conditions, current situation, knowledge, and experience). Trusting in one's own abilities, avoiding negative fear and having trusted partners were among the risk factors. Deliberately seeking out dangerous situations was not a motive. χ2-tests revealed no gender or age differences regarding aspects of risk (range of p-scores: p = 0.17–1.00) or motives (p = 0.16–1.00). Freeriding was shown to provide positive effects through participation. Some important factors seem to be motivational drivers for freeriders: challenging oneself, experiencing nature, contributing to deep friendships, freeriding as a counterbalance to everyday life and escape from restrictions. Contrary to prior research reports on sensation seeking, experienced freeriders do not search the risk; they seem to minimize it based on knowledge and experience. Analyses of the present data did not show any gender or age differences, which may suggest that experience plays a more important role in high-risk sports than age or gender. Future research should qualitatively investigate further terrain based activities and implement motives and risk-related factors in quantitative research.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-EFFICACY AND ATTITUDES OF CHEMISTRY TEACHER CANDIDATES

This study has been carried out with the aim of investigating the relationship between the attitudes of chemistry teacher candidates towards chemistry in laboratory classes and their self-efficacy beliefs. Teacher candidates composed of undergraduate students who have already taken or are currently taking laboratory classes and study Chemistry Teaching have participated in this study. Relational survey model has been used in this study. Chemistry Attitude Scale (CAS) developed by Geban, Ertepınar, Yılmaz, Altın & Şahbaz (1994) and Chemistry Self-efficacy Scale (CSS) were used as data collection tools. Simple cor relation and one-way analysis of variance in independent groups have been used in order to analyse data. According to the results from study data, there is a meaningful linear relationship between self-efficacy scores and attitude scores of teacher candidates. An increase in self-efficacy scores and attitude scores of teacher candidates with regard to consecutive grade levels has also been observed. Self-efficacy and attitude scores of the students have been compared by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). However, a meaningful difference in self-efficacy scores and attitude scores of students with regard to grade levels has not been observed.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in healthcare settings

Purpose of review Attracting global attention, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continues to cause sporadic cases and a potential risk of healthcare-associated infections. In this review, we highlight what is known about the risk of transmission within healthcare facilities and discuss interventions to halt its transmission within healthcare. Recent findings MERS-CoV causes a wide range of infections from asymptomatic infections, mild or moderately symptomatic cases, to fatal disease. Two years after the initial reported case, MERS-CoV has caused limited disease outside the Arabian Peninsula with several cases in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Epidemiologically, these infections are linked to exposures from the region and their diagnosis outside is related to travel. Several reported clusters of disease report multiple transmissions of MERS-CoV within healthcare settings that have been attributed to poor compliance with the basic infection control measures. Factors contributing to the spread and control of MERS-CoV within healthcare settings have not been elucidated so far. Data suggest the overcrowding, late recognition of MERS-CoV cases, and inadequate infection control practices contribute significantly to the transmission. Summary Understanding factors contributing to the spread and the dynamic of MERS-CoV transmission within healthcare settings would further enhance the control of the disease in and outside the healthcare setting.
Time Estimation and Production in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)

Abstract The ability to accurately perceive the passage of time relies on several neurocognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and executive functions, which are domains commonly affected in persons living with HIV disease. The current study examined time estimation and production and their neurocognitive correlates in a sample of 53 HIV+ individuals with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), 120 HIV+ individuals without HAND, and 113 HIV− individuals. Results revealed a moderate main effect of HAND on time estimation and a trend-level effect on time production, but no interaction between HAND and time interval duration. Correlational analyses revealed that time estimation in the HIV+ group was associated with attention, episodic memory and time-based prospective memory. Findings indicate that individuals with HAND evidence deficits in time interval judgment suggestive of failures in basic attentional and memory processes. (JINS, 2015, 21, 175–181)
Effects of Short Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion on Biomechanics of Neighboring Unfused Segments

Study Design Segmental mobility and intradiscal pressure were measured and the data compared in six cadaveric lumbar spine specimens before and after in vitro simulated single level L4‐5 and double level L4‐5‐S1 anterior interbody fusions. Objective The experimental objective was to study the biomechanical effects of single level L4‐5 and double level L4‐5‐S1 anterior interbody fusions on the neighboring unfused segments. Summary of Background Data The relationship between the local rigidity created by fusion mass and accelerated degeneration reported at the neighboring unfused intervertebral discs is not clear. Methods Six cadaveric lumbar spine specimens were biomechanically tested in flexion and extension. Segmental mobility and intradiscal pressure of the specimens were measured before and after in vitro simulation of single level L4‐5 and double level L4‐5‐S1 anterior interbody fusions. Results The mobility of the motion segments immediately above and below an L4‐5 fusion was increased in flexion. When the L5‐S1 segment was also fused, the loss of segmental motion in both flexion and extension at the L4‐5 and L5‐S1 were compensated for by increased motion in all levels above the fusion. In both flexion and extension, the intradiscal pressures of all unfused intervertebral discs were increased after a single level L4‐5 fusion and this increase was even more marked after a double level L4‐5‐S1 fusion. Conclusions There is no evidence that the neighboring unfused segments are loaded beyond their physiological limits due to the fusion. However, the neighboring unfused segments have to work more frequently toward the extremes of their functional ranges of motion after fusion and these effects will be more marked after a double level L4‐5‐S1 fusion.
Effects of genetic polymorphisms at the growth hormone gene on milk yield in Serra da Estrela sheep

The five exons and the 5′ and 3′-untranslated regions (5′-UTR and 3′-UTR) of the oGH gene were screened for mutations using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) procedures in 523 Serra da Estrela ewes and were found to be highly polymorphic. The region extending across and between the GH2-N and GH2-Z copies was sequenced allowing the design of primers for the specific PCR amplification of each copy. These were cloned and sequenced in 20 animals representative of all SSCP patterns. The corresponding genotypes were established for each copy following nucleotide sequencing of SSCP alleles. Twenty-four polymorphic sites were found at the GH2-N (or GH1) and fourteen at the GH2-Z copies. Eight amino acid substitutions were predicted at the GH2-N and six at the GH2-Z copies. Milk yield adjusted to 150 lactation days was analysed for the genotype of each oGH gene copy taken separately or together (associated genotypes) by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) through a univariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) animal model with repeated measures. Significant associations between genotypes and milk yield were observed. Within GH2-N genotypes there was a milk yield differential of 21·4±0·2 l/150 d between the most (N7) and the least (N5) productive ones. Within GH2-Z genotypes there was a differential of 21·6±0·2 l/150 d between the most (Z8) and the least (Z1) productive ones. The effect of associated GH2-N and GH2-Z genotypes revealed a differential of 39·6±0·3 l/150 d between the most (N1+Z7) and the least (N3+Z2) productive associated genotypes. The results show that GH2-N and GH2-Z genotypes significantly affect milk yield in Serra da Estrela ewes. Moreover, the apparent joint effect of GH2-N and GH2-Z genotype could improve milk yield in 25% as compared with the mean milk production of the analysed population.
Effect of laser photocoagulation on the retinal vessel diameter in branch and macular vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the response of retinal vessel diameters to photocoagulation treatment and their role for the success of laser treatment in patients with retinal vein occlusion. METHODS The study included 14 patients with branch vein occlusion or macular vein occlusion. The ophthalmologic examination included best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography. Retinal vessel diameters were quantified before and after laser photocoagulation using a retinal vessel analyzer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Retinal vessel diameters. RESULTS In cases manifesting macular vein occlusions, no significant change of the vessel diameter in any vessel was observed during the follow-up period. In the group with branch vein occlusion, all vessels tended to constrict after the laser photocoagulation. The effect of laser treatment on retinal vessel diameters was significant for superotemporal (P =.045, analysis of variance [ANOVA]) and inferotemporal branch veins (P =.03, ANOVA). Vasoconstriction was more pronounced in the occluded branch veins (P =.009, ANOVA) compared with the nonaffected veins (P =.12; ANOVA). The change of visual acuity after 3 months was correlated with the change of vessel diameter 3 months after laser treatment for occluded venular branches (r = 0.78, P =.02, linear regression). There was no correlation between the number of laser burns and the change of vessel diameters in the affected veins in this period (r = 0.12, P =.75, linear regression). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that retinal photocoagulation in patients with branch vein occlusion has a vasoconstrictive effect on occluded veins. The correlation between the change in visual acuity and the change in vessel diameter indicates that branch vein constriction after photocoagulation may be an early indicator of the success of laser treatment.
Systems Software for Fast Inter-Machine Page Faults

Cloud computing abstracts the underlying hardware details from the user. As long as the customer Service Level Agreements (SLA) are satisfied, cloud providers and operators are free to make infrastructural decisions to optimize business objectives, such as operational efficiency of cloud data centers. By adopting a holistic view of the data center and treating it as a single system, a cloud provider can migrate application components and virtual machines within the system according to policies such as load balancing and power consumption. We contribute to this vision by removing architectural barriers for workload migration and reducing the downtime of migrating processes. We combine the post-copy approach to workload migration with a novel specialized low latency interconnect for handling resulting remote page faults. In this work, we introduce a cross-architecture workload migration system, specify the requirements towards the specialized interconnect, discuss design trade-offs and issues, and present our proposed SW-HW co-design. Keywords—cloud; post-copy; migration; page fault; low latency; interconnect
Preliminary and Incomplete Comments Welcome Information: Hard and Soft

Information is an essential component of all financial markets and transactions. However information can arrive in multiple forms. In this paper, I begin to define what is meant by hard and soft information. Hard information is quantitative, easy to store and transmit in impersonal ways, and its content is independent of the collection process. Technology is changing the way we communicate and thus must fundamentally change the way financial markets and institutions operate. One of these changes is a greater reliance on hard relative to soft information in financial transactions. This paper discusses the advantages and costs of this substitution and the possible consequences of the hardening of information on both financial markets and institutions as well as those who study them. 2 I. Introduction: The History of Soft and Hard Information.
Apprehension About COTIl-lllunicating With Supervisors : A Test of a Theoretical Relationship Between Types of COlllIDunication Apprehension

The purpose of the present study was to provide a test of one component of the theoretical relationships among the various types of communication apprehension (CA) as advanced by McCroskey (1984). The results of the study were supportive ofthe theory in that traitlike CA was found to be a modest predictor of a form of audience-based CA, subordinate communication with her/his supervisor, while a situational component, affect toward supervisor, was a much stronger predictor.