Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Economic Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Managed Care Setting

Goals To compare the healthcare resource consumption of patients who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with an age-, gender-, and comorbidity-matched cohort of patients without IBS from a managed care perspective. Study Retrospective cohort analysis. Data were obtained electronically through the Henry Ford Health System corporate data warehouse. Patients with IBS were eligible if they had at least one primary diagnosis of irritable colon (ICD-9-CM 564.1). The control cohort was identified from an age, gender, and comorbidity population-matched (5:1) sample. The index date for the IBS and control cohorts was defined as the first initial diagnosis and first clinical encounter in 1998, respectively. The charges per patient by resource use type were collected for the 12 months before and after the index date. Results A total of 501 patients with IBS and 2505 controls fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria (70% female, 58% between 40 and 65 years). The IBS cohort, before the IBS diagnosis, had significantly higher total charges (p < 0.001), drug charges (p < 0.001), and outpatient charges (p < 0.001) than the control cohort. During the postindex (postdiagnosis period), the patients with IBS had higher total charges (p < 0.006), outpatient charges (p < 0.022), and drug charges (p < 0.001) than the control population. The control cohort had higher procedure charges (p < 0.001) during both periods. Conclusions Patients with an IBS diagnosis represent a substantial cost to managed care before and after the diagnosis of IBS. Costs associated with these patients result mainly from non-IBS conditions. Further research is warranted to identify these patients earlier, and to prevent the economic burden associated with them.
Malignancy and mortality in people with coeliac disease: population based cohort study

Abstract Objective To quantify the risks of malignancy and mortality in people with coeliac disease compared with the general population. Design Population based cohort study. Setting General practice research database. Participants 4732 people with coeliac disease and 23 620 matched controls. Main outcome measures Hazard ratios for malignancy and mortality. Results Of the 4732 people with coeliac disease, 134 (2.8%) had at least one malignancy and 237 (5.0%) died. The overall hazard ratios were: for any malignancy 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.55), for mortality 1.31 (1.13 to 1.51), for gastrointestinal cancer 1.85 (1.22 to 2.81), for breast cancer 0.35 (0.17 to 0.72), for lung cancer 0.34 (0.13 to 0.95), and for lymphoproliferative disease 4.80 (2.71 to 8.50). The increased risk was primarily in the first year after diagnosis, with the risk for only lymphoproliferative disease remaining significantly raised thereafter. After excluding events in the year after diagnosis, the hazard ratio for malignancy was 1.10 (0.87 to 1.39) and for mortality was 1.17 (0.98 to 1.38), giving absolute excess rates of 6 and 17 per 10 000 person years, respectively. Conclusions People with coeliac disease have modest increases in overall risks of malignancy and mortality. Most of this excess risk occurs in the year of follow up after diagnosis. People with coeliac disease also have a noticeably reduced risk of breast cancer. The mechanism of this merits further attention as it may provide insights into the cause of this common malignancy.
Convergence analysis and error estimates for mixed finite element method on distorted meshes

In [2] we introduced a new type of mixed finite element approximations for two- and three-dimensional problems on distorted polygonal and polyhedral meshes that consist of cells having different forms. Additional degrees of freedom that arise in the process are excluded by a special condition that is natural for the mixed finite element approximations considered. This paper is devoted to the error analysis of the respective finite element solutions. We show that under certain assumptions on the regularity of the exact solution the convergence rate for the new approximations is the same as for the Raviart–Thomas finite element approximations of the lowest order.
Comparative Bioavailability Study with Two Gemfibrozil Tablet Formulations in Healthy Volunteers

Summary Objective: To assess the bioequivalence of gemfibrozil (CAS 25812-30-0) 900 mg tablet formulation from EMS Farmaceutica as test formulation versus a 900 mg tablet formulation as reference in 36 healthy volunteers of both sexes. Methods: The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with a 1-week washout interval. Plasma samples were obtained over a 24-h period. Plasma gemfibrozil concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with negative ion electrospray ionization using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). From the gemfibrozil plasma concentration vs time curves, the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUClast, AUC0–inf and Cmax. Results: The limit of quantification was 0.05 µg/mL for plasma gemfibrozil analysis. The geometric mean and respective 90 % confidence interval (CI) of Test/ Reference percent ratios were 90.29 (81.39-100.17) for Cmax, 96.26 (90.33-102.59) for AUClast, 96.04 (90.21-102.23) for AUC0– 24h and 96.62 (90.82-102.78) for AUC0–∞. Conclusion: Since the 90 % CI for AU-Clast, AUC0-inf and Cmax ratios were within the 80-125 % interval proposed by the US FDA, it was concluded that gemfibrozil 900 mg tablet (test formulation) was bioequivalent to the 900 mg tablet reference formulation for both rate and extent of absorption.
Manufacturing Yield for Multiple Lines Gold Bumping Processes With Asymmetric Tolerances

Development of touch display driver IC (TDDI) has enabled slimmer smartphone design by virtue of the integration of touch controller and display driver ICs (DDIs) into a single chip. TDDI plays an important role in touch integrated display panels. Compared to conventional DDI, TDDI requires more bonding pads for touch applications, thus increasing the usage of gold. The requirement to keep costs down forces manufacturers to look for ways to reduce the usage of gold. In order to reduce the usage of gold, gold bumping processes with asymmetric tolerances are considered, in which deviations from the target are less tolerable in lower specification limits than in upper specification limits. In addition, due to economies of scale considerations, gold bumping processes involving multiple manufacturing lines are commonly considered in Taiwan. However, no yield index has been developed for multiple-line gold bumping processes with asymmetric tolerances. In this paper, we propose a new yield index C"pkM and derive an approximate distribution of Ĉ"pkM. In addition, the lower confidence bounds and critical values are provided for the multiple-line gold bumping processes with asymmetric tolerances. For illustration purposes, a real-world application in a gold bumping factory which is located in the Science-Based Industrial Park in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is presented.
A backwards glance at words: Using reversed-interior masked primes to test models of visual word identification

The experiments reported here used “Reversed-Interior” (RI) primes (e.g., cetupmor-COMPUTER) in three different masked priming paradigms in order to test between different models of orthographic coding/visual word recognition. The results of Experiment 1, using a standard masked priming methodology, showed no evidence of priming from RI primes, in contrast to the predictions of the Bayesian Reader and LTRS models. By contrast, Experiment 2, using a sandwich priming methodology, showed significant priming from RI primes, in contrast to the predictions of open bigram models, which predict that there should be no orthographic similarity between these primes and their targets. Similar results were obtained in Experiment 3, using a masked prime same-different task. The results of all three experiments are most consistent with the predictions derived from simulations of the Spatial-coding model.
Comparison of sensitivity between UHF method and IEC 60270 for onsite calibration in various GIS

It is more important to obtain the sensitivity line, which is defined as a correlation between the ultra-high-frequency (UHF) signal (mV) and apparent charge (pC), for onsite calibration regarding partial discharge (PD). Synchronous measurement of the UHF method and IEC 60270 enables us to obtain the sensitivity line and to estimate the apparent charge in on-site substations. The sensitivity line of 3-phase gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) is compared to that of single-phase GIS, and differences in defects are also discussed. The fundamental data in this paper contribute to on-site insulation diagnosis of GIS
The 5 Ps of Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment: Parenchyma, Pipes, Perfusion, Penumbra, and Prevention of Complications

Stroke is a treatable disease. Despite the therapeutic nihilism of the past, the advent of thrombolysis has changed the way stroke is approached. Acute ischemic stroke is a challenging and heterogeneous disease. Treatment needs to be based on an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ischemia. Interventions are designed to improve neuronal salvage and outcome. The underlying tenets of stroke therapy focus on the brain parenchyma, arterial flow (pipes), perfusion, the ischemic milieu or penumbra, and prevention of complications. This article focuses on the practical issues of ischemic stroke care, with a brief review of supporting literature.
Intelligence and Neurosis in Old Age

In a previous study of old people living in the community, those with functional psychiatric disorders (usually neuroses) were found to have relatively low IQs on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) (Britton et al., 1967). This observation required confirmation and was open to a number of interpretations.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Biochemical Parameters of Bone Turnover and Vitamin D Metabolites in Healthy Dutch Children and Young Adults

Aim: To provide reference data of biochemical markers of bone turnover and vitamin D metabolites for children and young adults. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 176 healthy Dutch children and young adults (age range 7.6–25.3 years) to assess serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphate, osteocalcin, collagen type I cross-linked N-telopeptide, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen , 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen and carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen were assessed in 286 subjects (age range 1.4–25.3 years). Results: Calcium and vitamin D levels were independent of age. The peak concentrations for collagen type I cross-linked N-telopeptide, cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen, carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin were found during puberty, in girls approximately 2.5 years earlier than in boys. Strong correlations were found between the markers of bone turnover, while no correlation was found between the markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Conclusions: Single measurements of bone markers cannot predict bone density. Reference data according to gender, age, and Tanner stage are given which allow calculating standard deviation scores adjusted for age and gender.
Oral bioavailability of digoxin is enhanced by talinolol: Evidence for involvement of intestinal P‐glycoprotein

Recent data indicated that disposition of oral digoxin is modulated by intestinal P‐glycoprotein. The cardioselective β‐blocker talinolol has been described to be secreted by way of P‐glycoprotein into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract after oral and intravenous administration. We therefore hypothesized that coadministration of digoxin and talinolol may lead to a drug‐drug interaction based on a competition for intestinal P‐glycoprotein.
Connexin43 is involved in the effect of endothelin‐1 on astrocyte proliferation and glucose uptake

In previous studies, we showed that endothelin‐1 increased astrocyte proliferation and glucose uptake. These effects were similar to those observed with other gap junction inhibitors, such as carbenoxolone (CBX). Because 24‐h treatment with endothelin‐1 or CBX downregulates the expression of connexin43, the main protein forming astrocytic gap junctions, which can also be involved in proliferation, in this study, we addressed the possible role of connexin43 in the effects of endothelin‐1. To do so, connexin43 was silenced in astrocytes by siRNA. The knock down of connexin43 increased the rate of glucose uptake, characterized by the upregulation of GLUT‐1 and type I hexokinase. Neither endothelin‐1 nor CBX were able to further increase the rate of glucose uptake in connexin43‐silenced astrocytes. In agreement, no effects of endothelin‐1 and CBX on GLUT‐1 and type I hexokinase were observed in connexin‐43 silenced astrocytes or in astrocytes from connexin43 knock‐out (KO) mice. Our previous studies suggested a close relationship between glucose uptake and astrocyte proliferation. Consistent with this, connexin43‐silenced astrocytes exhibited an increase in Ki‐67, a marker of proliferation. The effects of ET‐1 on retinoblastoma phosphorylation on Ser780 and on the upregulation of cyclins D1 and D3 were affected by the levels of connexin43. In conclusion, our results indicate that connexin43 participates in the effects of endothelin‐1 on glucose uptake and proliferation in astrocytes. Interestingly, although the rate of growth in connexin43 KO astrocytes has been reported to be reduced, we observed that an acute reduction in connexin43 by siRNA increased proliferation and glucose uptake. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NMDA evokes an L-NAME sensitive spinal release of glutamate and citrulline.

This study measured release of glutamate (GLU) and citrulline (CIT), an amino acid co-product of nitric oxide synthesis in response to spinal administration of NMDA. Rats were implanted with intrathecal (IT) catheters and microdialysis probes. Intrathecal NMDA evoked release of GLU and CIT (mean peak response 207 +/- 36 s.e.m. and 223 +/- 50% baseline, respectively). IT pretreatment with L-NAME (mean peak response 104 +/- 16 and 121 +/- 5% baseline, respectively), but not D-NAME, blocked evoked release of both GLU and CIT. Thus, activation of NMDA receptors results in extracellular release of GLU and nitric oxide. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase blocked evoked increases in extracellular GLU suggesting that augmented GLU release occurs secondary to nitric oxide production.
Exposure to Prolonged Socio-Political Conflict and the Risk of PTSD and Depression among Palestinians

Little is known about the impact of traumatic experiences and stressful life conditions on people in low-income countries who live in conditions of ongoing political violence. In order to determine the prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MD) among Palestinians subjected to chronic political violence and upheaval, we used a stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling strategy to interview a representative sample of 1,200 Palestinian adults living in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Prevalence of PTSD/MD for men living in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem was 25.4%/29.9%, 22.6%/27.6%, and 16.1%/16.1%, respectively. For women, the prevalence of PTSD/MD was 23.8%/29.0%, 23.9%/28.9%, and 19.7%/27.6%. Among men, PTSD was significantly positively associated with age group, two or more incidences of political violence (compared to none), greater intrapersonal resource loss, and loss of faith in government. MD was positively associated with experiencing exposure to one, or two or more, incidences of political violence (compared to none), and greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss. Among women, PTSD was positively associated with greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss, and MD was positively associated with death of a loved one, two or more socio-political stressors (compared to none) previous to the past year, one or more socio-political stressors (compared to none) in the past year, and greater interpersonal and intrapersonal resource loss. Interpersonal and intrapersonal resource losses were consistently associated with PTSD and MD, suggesting potential targets for intervention and prevention efforts and thus provide important keys to treatment in areas of ongoing conflict.
Video‐on‐Demand (VoD) deployment over hospitality networks

Video‐on‐Demand (VoD) deployment over existing IP networks has recently gained significant popularity. Typically, the deployment of VoD is done in an arbitrary manner, without utilizing a proper engineering approach. In this paper, we present an engineering approach to deploy VoD services over IP‐based hospitality networks, such as those networks seen in hotels and hospitals. In particular, our approach aims to determine the total number of VoD sessions that can be sustained by an existing hospitality network, while satisfying the QoS requirements of all network services, and at the same time leaving adequate capacity for future growth. We gauge the capacity of the hospitality network to sustain VoD services using both analysis and simulation. The capacity is gauged considering VoD quality of service requirements of throughput and delay constraints. Our analysis utilizes the principles of queuing theory, and our simulation is performed using OPNET simulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidence interval construction for proportion difference in small‐sample paired studies

Paired dichotomous data may arise in clinical trials such as pre‐/post‐test comparison studies and equivalence trials. Reporting parameter estimates (e.g. odds ratio, rate difference and rate ratio) along with their associated confidence interval estimates becomes a necessity in many medical journals. Various asymptotic confidence interval estimators have long been developed for differences in correlated binary proportions. Nevertheless, the performance of these asymptotic methods may have poor coverage properties in small samples. In this article, we investigate several alternative confidence interval estimators for the difference between binomial proportions based on small‐sample paired data. Specifically, we consider exact and approximate unconditional confidence intervals for rate difference via inverting a score test. The exact unconditional confidence interval guarantees the coverage probability, and it is recommended if strict control of coverage probability is required. However, the exact method tends to be overly conservative and computationally demanding. Our empirical results show that the approximate unconditional score confidence interval estimators based on inverting the score test demonstrate reasonably good coverage properties even in small‐sample designs, and yet they are relatively easy to implement computationally. We illustrate the methods using real examples from a pain management study and a cancer study. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A STUDY ON THE HEALING EFFECT OF HONEY ON INFECTED OPEN FRACTURE WOUNDS

Objective: Failure of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of open wounds that result from acute complicated traumatic orthopedic injuries is a clinical problem. In this study, honey was used in the control of infections. Methodology: One hundred two patients who suffered traumatic open fractures with grade II or III on Castillo scale and despite treatment with classical antibiotics, the wounds did not heal were included. The wounds were initially washed with normal saline and a layer of honey, obtained commercially, was applied and covered with sterile gauze. The patients were instructed to follow the same dressing pressure on discharge. Follow up was on weekly basis, until complete wound healing. Results: Almost in all, except two, discharge from wounds stopped within two weeks, with a production of healthy granulation tissue in the wound beds. The duration for complete wound closure was between 2 to 5 months, which was related to the initial wound size. Two cases, both had large wounds, required re-deridement, suturing and grafting and took 11 and 13 months for complete wound closure. Conclusion: The findings suggest that honey is useful in the control and treatment of infected wounds that follow complicated traumatic orthopedic injuries.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation Is Associated With Reduced Activity and Expression of the Cationic Amino Acid Transport Systems y+/hCAT-1 and y+/hCAT-2B and Lower Activity of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with vascular complications leading to hypoxia and abnormal fetal development. The effect of IUGR on l-arginine transport and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was investigated in cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). IUGR was associated with membrane depolarization and reduced l-arginine transport (Vmax= 5.8±0.2 versus 3.3±0.1 pmol/&mgr;g protein per minute), with no significant changes in transport affinity (Km=159±15 versus 137±14 &mgr;mol/L). l-Arginine transport was trans-stimulated (8- to 9-fold) in cells from normal and IUGR pregnancies. IUGR was associated with reduced production of l-[3H]citrulline from l-[3H] arginine, lower nitrite and intracellular l-arginine, l-citrulline, and cGMP. IUGR decreased hCAT-1 and hCAT-2B mRNA, and increased eNOS mRNA and protein levels. IUGR-associated inhibition of l-arginine transport and NO synthesis, and membrane depolarization were reversed by the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-l,d-penicillamine. In summary, endothelium from fetuses with IUGR exhibit altered l-arginine transport and NO synthesis (l-arginine/NO pathway), reduced expression and activity of hCAT-1 and hCAT-2B and reduced eNOS activity. Alterations in l-arginine/NO pathway could be critical for the physiological processes involved in the etiology of IUGR in human pregnancies.
Correlates of African American college students' condom use to prevent pregnancy, STDs, or both outcomes.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to compare African American college students who reported condom use for pregnancy prevention only, disease prevention only, and both pregnancy and STD prevention (i.e., dual prevention) in terms of their AIDS-related health beliefs, conventional sexual behavior, and unconventional sexual behavior. It was hypothesized that dual-prevention adolescents would express more health protective attitudes and behaviors than single-prevention individuals. METHOD The sample consisted of 171 African American, undergraduate, single, heterosexual, and sexually active students with at least one partner in the past six months and who used condoms. A self-report questionnaire was administered-including items related to demographic and background information, sexual activity, condom use behavior, and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS, to participants in groups of 10-30 students in university classroom settings. RESULTS The main between-group differences were in comparisons of pregnancy-prevention-only condom users and dual-prevention condom users. Participants who used condoms to prevent pregnancy only were less likely to be female, perceived themselves to be less susceptible to HIV/AIDS, perceived fewer barriers to condom use, and reported fewer vaginal sex partners. CONCLUSIONS Intervention programs must address the relation between African American adolescents' beliefs about susceptibility to HIV/AIDS and unintended pregnancy, as well as their views of involvement in monogamous relationships. Integrated prevention services may allow for discussions of similarities and differences in the issues relevant to condom use for pregnancy prevention versus disease prevention.