Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arterial to end‐tidal CO2 tension difference after bilateral lung transplantation

ObjectivesTo assess ventilation/perfusion mismatch with high ventilation/perfusion ratios (i.e., alveolar deadspace) and to assess capnography as a noninvasive method of monitoring ventilation after bilateral lung transplantation. DesignClinical, prospective study. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was done to assess the time course of the arterial to end-tidal CO2 tension difference. SettingUniversity hospital operating theater and intensive care unit. PatientsSeven consecutive patients aged 25 to 64 yrs who underwent bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage lung disease. InterventionsNone. Measurements and Main ResultsThe arterial to end-tidal CO2 tension difference was determined using infrared absorption capnography during postoperative day 1. Measurements were done at 10 mins, and at 1, 3, 12, and 24 hrs after bilateral lung transplantation (timing of measurements determined from the time ‘when both lungs were perfused and mechanically ventilated). An arterial to end-tidal CO2 tension difference, ranging from 6 to 21 torr (0.8 to 2.8 kPa), mean 16 ± 5 torr (2.2 ± 0.7 kPa), was observed immediately after the transplantation. This difference rapidly decreased to 9 ± 4 torr (1.2 ±0.6kPa;p < .01) after 3 hrs and to 5 ± 3 torr (0.6 ± 0.4 kPa;p < .01) after 24 hrs. ConclusionsOur data suggest marked alveolar deadspace ventilation immediately after bilateral lung transplantation. The presence and rapid improvement of this ventilation/perfusion mismatch may reflect the presence of ischemia-reperfusion lung injury and its improvement in the first hours of reperfusion. In five of seven patients, capnography was not a good measure of Paco2 during the first hours after bilateral lung transplantation.
Fibrinogen kinetics in patients with neoplastic disease

Fibrinogen half‐life was determined in 30 patients with active or inactive malignancies by monitoring survival of administered 125I‐labeled autologous fibrinogen. Six patients had no evidence of active disease and served as controls having fibrinogen levels and half‐lives within the normal range reported in the literature. Twenty‐six studies were conducted on 24 patients with various active malignancies. Significantly shorter fibrinogen half‐lives were found in patients with active malignancies. The fractional catabolic rates calculated from both the plasma data and the urinary isotope excretion were significantly increased in patients in this group. Although there is some evidence that exposure to intensive chemotherapy may further shorten fibrinogen survival, there is no significant difference between treated and untreated or responding and nonresponding groups. The major determinant of fibrinogen survival appears to be the presence of active malignant disease, in addition to the specific type of malignancy involved.
English Through the Filter of the Mother Tongue in Economics Studentsâ€™ Formal Writing

This study presents an analysis of a series of errors made in English by Romanian economics students, which are due to associations with the mother tongue. The study specifically dwells on formal misselection, misformations and distortions. 125 papers were used in the study, which were collected in the academic year 2016/2017 from 59 first year finances and banking students, 26 third year marketing students and 40 first year management students. Finances and banking students wrote a report starting from a chart, marketing students wrote a cover letter, while management students wrote a business email. Different topics were provided in order not to limit the studentsâ€™ vocabulary to one topic only.
Physician visits, hospitalizations, and socioeconomic status: ambulatory care sensitive conditions in a canadian setting.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether rates of physician visits for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) conditions are lower for people of low-socioeconomic status than of high-socioeconomic status in an urban population with universal health care coverage. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Physician claims and hospital discharge abstracts from fiscal years 1998 to 2001 for urban residents of Manitoba, Canada. The 1996 Canadian Census public use database provided neighborhood household income information. The study included all continuously enrolled urban residents in the Manitoba Health Services Insurance Plan. STUDY DESIGN Twelve ACS conditions definable using 3-digit ICD-9-CM codes permitted cross-sectional and longitudinal comparison of ambulatory visits and hospitalizations. Neighborhood household income data provided a measure of socioeconomic status. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Files were extracted from administrative data housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS All conditions showed a socioeconomic gradient with residents of the lowest income neighborhoods having both more visits and more hospitalizations than their counterparts in higher income areas. Six of nine conditions with a sufficient N showed individuals living in the lowest income neighborhoods to have significantly more ambulatory visits before hospitalization for an ACS condition than did those in the most affluent neighborhoods. Many conditions showed a gradient in rate of hospitalization even after controlling for the number of ambulatory care visits. CONCLUSIONS In the Canadian universal health care plan, the poor have reasonable access to ambulatory care for ACS conditions. Ambulatory care may be more effective in preventing hospitalizations among relatively affluent individuals than among the less well off.
Measuring activity in children and adolescents using self-report: PAQ-C and PAQ-A.

PURPOSE This study examined the psychometric properties of two versions of a commonly used physical activity 7-d self-report, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). METHODS We longitudinally examined the internal consistency, stability, and situational effects of the PAQ-C and PAQ-A in a cohort of children (N = 210) at ages 11 and 13 yr. Statistical analysis included factor loading and standardized Cronbach coefficient alphas. We cross-sectionally examined concurrent validity of the PAQ-A in a subsample of our cohort (N = 49) at age 13 by comparing it with concurrently measured physical activity using an activity monitor (Actigraph). Spearman correlation coefficients were used for this analysis. RESULTS Standardized Cronbach alphas ranged from 0.72 to 0.88. A subsample analysis suggested that completing the questionnaires during the summer months slightly reduced the standardized alpha for the PAQ-C, but not the PAQ-A. Associations between the PAQ-A (revised) summary score and activity monitor variables were rho = 0.56 for total PA and rho = 0.63 for moderate through vigorous activity (P < 0.05). Associations between individual PAQ-A questions and activity monitor variables for the same time frame ranged from rho = 0.41 to 0.62 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The PAQ-C and PAQ-A show good internal consistency. The PAQ-A has acceptable validity.
Debt Overhang and Investment Efficiency

Using a pan-European dataset of 8.5 million firms, we find that firms with high debt overhang invest relatively more than otherwise similar firms if they are operating in sectors facing good global growth opportunities. At the same time, the positive impact of a marginal increase in debt on investment efficiency disappears if firm debt is already excessive, if it is dominated by short maturities, and during systemic banking crises. Our results are consistent with theories of the disciplining role of debt, as well as with models highlighting the negative link between agency problems at firms and banks and investment efficiency. JEL Classification: E22, E44, G21, H63
Glomerular and Tubular Function in Renal Transplant Patients Treated with and without Ciclosporin A

The present study evaluated whether chronically administered low-dose (<5 mg/kg) ciclosporin A (CsA) affects renal haemodynamics and tubular function in renal transplant recipients (RTx) when studied at nadir CsA blood levels. The renal clearance of lithium was used as an index of proximal tubular outflow of sodium and water. Effective renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and renal clearance of lithium were studied in 67 stable non-diabetic RTx and 44 healthy controls. Forty-eight of the RTx were treated with CsA, prednisone, and azathioprine. Nineteen were treated exclusively with prednisone and azathioprine. In RTx with a good graft function (serum-creatinine <125 µmol/l), no specific CsA-induced renal haemodynamic and tubular dysfunctions were evident. In CsA-treated RTx with a slightly reduced renal function (serum creatinine 125–180 µmol/l) a decrease in fractional proximal tubular reabsorption was found. The renal clearances of urate and magnesium were comparable between RTx treated with or without CsA, and a significant correlation between glomerular filtration rate and renal clearance of urate was found. CsA-treated RTx had a significantly higher blood pressure, independent of glomerular filtration rate and segmental tubular function. In conclusion, at nadir CsA blood levels, no specific CsA-induced tubular dysfunction evaluated by the renal lithium clearance method could be demonstrated in RTx receiving chronically low-dose CsA. The hyperuricaemia commonly seen in RTx seems to be mainly caused by the reduced glomerular filtration rate.
Immunological profiling of molecularly classified high-risk endometrial cancers identifies POLE-mutant and microsatellite unstable carcinomas as candidates for checkpoint inhibition

ABSTRACT High-risk endometrial cancer (EC) is an aggressive disease for which new therapeutic options are needed. Aims of this study were to validate the enhanced immune response in highly mutated ECs and to explore immune profiles in other EC subgroups. We evaluated immune infiltration in 116 high-risk ECs from the TransPORTEC consortium, previously classified into four molecular subtypes: (i) ultramutated POLE exonuclease domain-mutant ECs (POLE-mutant); (ii) hypermutated microsatellite unstable (MSI); (iii) p53-mutant; and (iv) no specific molecular profile (NSMP). Within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) EC cohort, significantly higher numbers of predicted neoantigens were demonstrated in POLE-mutant and MSI tumors compared with NSMP and p53-mutants. This was reflected by enhanced immune expression and infiltration in POLE-mutant and MSI tumors in both the TCGA cohort (mRNA expression) and the TransPORTEC cohort (immunohistochemistry) with high infiltration of CD8+ (90% and 69%), PD-1+ (73% and 69%) and PD-L1+ immune cells (100% and 71%). Notably, a subset of p53-mutant and NSMP cancers was characterized by signs of an antitumor immune response (43% and 31% of tumors with high infiltration of CD8+ cells, respectively), despite a low number of predicted neoantigens. In conclusion, the presence of enhanced immune infiltration, particularly high numbers of PD-1 and PD-L1 positive cells, in highly mutated, neoantigen-rich POLE-mutant and MSI endometrial tumors suggests sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Seasonal and yearly variations in light use and nitrogen use by seedlings of four deciduous broad-leaved tree species invading larch plantations.

Several deciduous broad-leaved tree species, differing in leaf phenology, invade larch (Larix kaempferii (Lamb.) Carrière) plantations in Japan. The understory light environment of larch forests changes drastically between the leafy and leafless periods. To determine how the invading seedlings exploit the changing light environment, and if phenological differences reflect the light- and nitrogen-use traits of the seedlings, we measured leaf phenology, seasonal changes in light-saturated photosynthetic rate (P(sat)), leaf nitrogen (N) content (N(area)), chlorophyll/nitrogen ratio (Chl/N), specific leaf area (SLA) and N remobilization rate (NRMR) over 3 years. The mid-successional or gap-phase species, Magnolia hypoleuca Siebold & Zucc. , had a short leafy period and high P(sat) and NRMR. In contrast, two late-successional tree species, Prunus ssiori Friedr. Schmidt, which undergoes leaf flush before larch, and Carpinus cordata Blume, which maintains green leaves until frost, both had low P(sat) and NRMR but exploited the opportunity for growth during the period when the larch canopy trees were leafless. Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. var. crispula (Blume) Ohashi, a mid-late-successional species that underwent leaf flush at the same time as the overstory larch, had values of photosynthetic parameters between those of the gap-phase and late-successional species. Among species, M. hypoleuca and Q. mongolica had higher photosynthetic rates and photosynthetic N-use efficiencies. In all species, the relationship between N(area) and P(sat) showed species-specific yearly fluctuations; however, there was no yearly fluctuation in the relationship between N(area) and P(sat) at CO2 saturation. Yearly fluctuations in the N(area)-P(sat) relationship appeared to be induced by changes in SLA and N-use characteristics, which in turn are affected by climatic variations.
Non-Fragile Exponential Stability Assignment of Discrete-Time Linear Systems With Missing Data in Actuators

This technical note is concerned with the non-fragile exponential stabilization for a class of discrete-time linear systems with missing data in actuators. The process of missing data is modeled by a discrete-time Markov chain with two state components. When no uncertainty exists in the controllers, a necessary and sufficient condition, which not only guarantees the exponential stability but also gives a lower bound on the decay rate, is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Based on this condition, an LMI-based approach is provided to design a non-fragile state-feedback controller such that the closed-loop system is exponentially stable with a prescribed lower bound on the decay rate for the known missing data process and all admissible uncertainties in controllers. A numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Intravenous Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature regarding the efficacy and safety of intravenous ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-September 2011) was performed using the terms treatment-resistant depression and ketamine. The search was restricted to articles published in English and reporting on use of ketamine in humans. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles identified from the data search were evaluated. Data were eligible for inclusion if they were primary literature and evaluated the efficacy of ketamine for depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant MDD. One case report, 3 case series, 3 open-label trials, and 1 randomized crossover trial were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Several medications are available for treatment-resistant MDD; however, they are often limited by a slow onset of therapeutic effect and tolerability. It has been suggested that ketamine, a rapid-acting, N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, may have antidepressant effects. Case reports, case series, and select trials evaluating ketamine use for depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant MDD have demonstrated a rapid effect for reductions of scores on a number of depression scales; however, its sustainability effect remains unknown. Several studies reported a large or moderate to large effect size for ketamine. Additionally, these studies showed that ketamine use in this patient population is associated with relatively well-tolerated adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine for treatment-resistant MDD requires further evaluation before it can be considered a viable treatment option.
Synchronous multi-decadal climate variability of the whole Pacific areas revealed in tree rings since 1567

Oceanic and atmospheric patterns play a crucial role in modulating climate variability from interannual to multi-decadal timescales by causing large-scale co-varying climate changes. The brevity of the existing instrumental records hinders the ability to recognize climate patterns before the industrial era, which can be alleviated using proxies. Unfortunately, proxy based reconstructions of oceanic and atmospheric modes of the past millennia often have modest agreements with each other before the instrumental period, raising questions about the robustness of the reconstructions. To ensure the stability of climate signals in proxy data through time, we first identified tree-ring datasets from distant regions containing coherent variations in Asia and North America, and then interpreted their climate information. We found that the multi-decadal covarying climate patterns of the middle and high latitudinal regions around the northern Pacific Ocean agreed quite well with the climate reconstructions of the tropical and southern Pacific areas. This indicates a synchronous variability at the multi-decadal timescale of the past 430 years for the entire Pacific Ocean. This pattern is closely linked to the dominant mode of the Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) after removing the warming trend. This Pacific multi-decadal SST variability resembles the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation.
Who Pays the Toll for Solving the Enigma of Corneal Herpes?

Abstract: In herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), herpes simplex virus type-1 DNA fragments and herpes simplex virus-immunoglobulin G immune complexes are present in corneas long after the infective virus has disappeared. These viral components are highly immunogenic and potentiate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines via Toll-like receptors expressed on corneal cells and macrophages. In addition, angiogenic factors, such as the vascular endothelium growth factor and the tissue-damaging enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase 9, are induced by corneal cells and macrophages through the recognition of these viral components in the pathogenesis of HSK. Upon neovascularization, robust infiltration of leukocytes via leaky new vessels is elicited. Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) secrete hydrogen peroxide and myeloperoxidase, which inhibit viral growth. PMNs also produce tumor necrosis factor, monokine-induced by interferon-&ggr; (CXCL9), and nitric oxide. These factors provide a local environment that can induce the differentiation of peripheral CD4+ T cells to induce Th1-predominant immunopathology. Thus, strategies developed to alter these pathways should lead to new preventative and therapeutic measures for the treatment of HSK.
Human Umbilical Vein Smooth Muscle Cells as a Model to Study Thrombin Generation and Function: Effect of Thrombin Inhibitors

Summary The aim of the present work was to study how human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMC) can initiate the coagulation process and to investigate the responses of these cells to thrombin. Exposure of HUVSMC to recalcified human plasma led to a time-dependent production of thrombin, measured both as amidolytic activity and as release of fibrinopeptide A. Thrombin activity was dose-dependently reduced by an anti-human tissue factor antibody (76 ± 3% at 10 Μg/ml) and by inhibitors like heparin, rec-hirudin, hirulog-1, Napap and hiru-norm, a novel hirudin-like thrombin inhibitor (IC50 = 2 ± 0.4, 8 ± 1, 130 ± 22, 199 ± 29 and 68 ± 8nM, respectively). The release of fibrinopeptide A was similarly prevented (IC50 = 14 ± 1,132 ± 25 and 50 ± 8 nM for rec-hirudin, Napap and hirunorm, respectively). Exogenously added thrombin increased thymidine incorporation into HUVSMC to 240 ± 30% of basal (EC50 = 0.49 ± 0.09 nM) and thrombin inhibitors blocked this effect (IC50 = 10 ± 3, 37 ± 17, 343 ± 165 and 1402 ± 758 nM for rec-hirudin, hirunorm, Napap and hirulog-1, respectively). Also recalcified human plasma was mitogenic for HUVSMC and its effect was mainly due to endogenously generated thrombin, as shown by the use of thrombin inhibitors. In conclusion, HUVSMC are capable of initiating the extrinsic coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of thrombin which promotes clotting and stimulates DNA synthesis. Thrombin inhibitors prevent both coagula-tive and cellular effects of thrombin.
Inpatients' Ratings of Care in 5 Common Clinical Conditions

Objective Using the dimensions of patient-centered care defined by the Institute of Medicine, this study examined patient satisfaction within 5 clinical conditions. Method Items from the Press Ganey Inpatient Questionnaire were mapped onto the Institute of Medicine dimensions of patient-centered care. A standardized mail-out/mail-back methodology was used to collect data from random samples of patients within 5 days of discharge. Sample Patients hospitalized for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, pneumonia, or childbirth were included in the study. The sample contained 10,000 patients at 210 hospitals. Results Patients hospitalized for different clinical conditions expressed different levels of satisfaction. There may be different care needs, expectations, and evaluations of care based on these clinical conditions. However, it is probable that an all-encompassing patient-centered focus would improve care for all of these groups. Conclusions Quality improvement professionals should attend to 2 Institute of Medicine dimensions: (1) respect for patient's values, preferences, and expressed needs and (2) emotional support, relieving fear and anxiety. It is in these areas that improved performance will be associated with the greatest increases in patient satisfaction. Four specific issues were identified as quality improvement priorities, regardless of condition: response to complaints; sensitivity to the inconvenience of hospitalization; including patients in decision making; addressing emotional and spiritual needs.
Handwriting analysis for writer verification

This communication deals with the writer verification task. This task consists in deciding whether two handwritten samples have been written by the same writer or not. Handwritings are first characterized by the graphemes that have been segmented by a segmentation procedure. Handwritten samples are then analysed according to two different procedures. Text samples are described in a feature space common to the two writers. The statistic of a mutual information criteria allows to build a robust hypothesis test. In the case of small samples of handwritings such as single words, the Levenstein distance is used to build a second hypothesis test. The two approaches are evaluated on a PSI database as well as the IAM database.