Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A prospective randomised trial of different doses of intravitreal triamcinolone for diabetic macular oedema

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of different doses of intravitreal triamcinolone (ivTA) in treating clinically significant diabetic macular oedema (CSMO). Methods: 63 eyes of 63 patients with CSMO and central foveal thickness (CFT) of ⩾250 μm on optical coherence tomography were randomised to receive 4 mg (n = 23), 6 mg (n = 20) or 8 mg (n = 20) ivTA. Patients were followed up for 6 months, and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography CFT, standardised change in macular thickness (SCMT), and side effects such as intraocular pressure and cataractogenesis were compared between the three groups. Results: After ivTA injection, improvements of BCVA and CFT occurred in all groups. The mean BCVA improvement at 6 months was significantly higher for the 8 mg group compared with the 4 mg group, with 9.9 and 3.1 improvement in letters on the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, respectively (p = 0.047). The mean SCMT at 6 months for the 4, 6 and 8 mg groups was 28.7%, 42.3% and 60.5%, respectively (p = 0.06). The proportion of eyes with SCMT ⩾75% at 6 months was higher in the 8 mg group, but the difference failed to reach significance (p = 0.06). Ocular hypertensive responses (>21 mm Hg) occurred in 39%, 30% and 55% of eyes in the 4, 6, and 8 mg groups, respectively (p = 0.27). Conclusions: Higher doses of ivTA may prolong the duration of visual benefit in diabetic CSMO and seemed to result in more sustained reduction in macular oedema. Further studies are warranted to investigate the optimum dose of ivTA in treating diabetic CSMO.
The Impact of Child and Adult Disabilities on the Duration of Welfare Spells

The Impact of Child and Adult Disabilities on the Duration of Welfare Spells I lenrv H. Bradv [Department o f Politicai Science and Goldman School o f Public Policy University o f California, Berkeley Marcia Mcyers School o f Social Work Columbia University Samantha Luks Department o f Politicai Science University o f C'alifornia, Berkeley February 22, 1998 A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s : The authors w i s h to thank the Public P o l i c y Institute ot C a l i f o r n i a and the Office o f the Assistant Secretary o f P l a n n i n g and e v a l u a t i o n , 1 )cpartment o f I leal lb and 1 l u m a n Services for support o f this research. The C a l i f o r n i a Department o f Social Services, especially Werner S e h i n k , also p r o v i d e d invaluable aid in the preparation o f the data. We thank A n n a I . ukemeyer and Judy W a l l a c e for comments and help w i t h data analysis. We w o u l d also l i k e to thank those w h o p r o v i d e d c o m m e n t s at the \9'-)6 meetings o f the A s s o c i a t i o n for Public Policy' and M a n a g e m e n t and at (he January-, I99H Public f i n a n c e Seminar o f (he Department o f Heonomics o f the U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a . N o n e ol'these i n d i v i d u a l s or organizations, endorses or is responsible for the analyses and conclusions in this paper. however,
Photorefractive keratectomy and LASIK for the correction of hyperopia: 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK in the correction of hyperopia. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 100 eyes of 56 patients with a mean hyperopia of +2.85 +/- 1.1 diopters (D) undergoing PRK and 100 eyes of 50 patients with a mean hyperopia of +4.49 +/- 1.2 D undergoing LASIK. A Zeiss Meditec MEL 70 G scan laser was used. RESULTS After 24-month follow-up in the PRK group (100 eyes), the mean manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was +0.34 +/- 0.92 D (36% +/- 0.5 D). Mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.87 +/- 0.1; 8 (8%) eyes gained 1 line, 80 (80%) eyes had no loss or gain of lines, 10 (10%) eyes lost 1 line, and 2 (2%) eyes lost 2 lines. In the LASIK group (100 eyes), at 24-month follow-up, the mean MRSE was +0.29 +/- 0.66 D (70% +/- 0.5 D). Mean UCVA was 0.89 +/- 0.1; 6 (6%) eyes gained 2 lines, 10 (10%) eyes gained 1 line, 78 (78%) eyes had no loss or gain of lines, and 6 (6%) eyes lost 1 line. CONCLUSIONS Photorefractive keratectomy and LASIK were both effective and safe in the correction of hyperopia. However, PRK manifested an initial temporary myopic overshoot followed by a hyperopic regression over 24-month follow-up (P < .01) whereas LASIK was associated with a faster refractive stability.
Injuries in competitive youth bandy: an epidemiological study of a league season.

PURPOSE Bandy, with a century-long tradition in northern Europe, is a winter team-sport similar to ice hockey. To investigate the occurrence of injuries during competitive youth bandy games, injury incidence, injury types, and age-related risks were analyzed for one youth league season. METHODS The National Athletic Injury/Illness Reporting System (NAIRS) definition of sports injury was used for the injury registration. All 416 games during the 1999-2000 season in the Swedish southeastern youth bandy league were included in the study. Primary data was collected by a questionnaire and completed by the team coaches after each game. At the end of the season, physician interviews with each team coach were performed to assure that no injuries had been missed as well as to ascertain whether there was any remaining disability. RESULTS In total, 2.0 injuries (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.9 injuries) per 1000 player game hours were recorded. Sixty-eight percent of the injuries caused the injured player to be absent from bandy play for more than a week. Collision was the most common cause of injury (36%), and contusion was the most common injury type (41%). The injury incidence in the leagues for older players (Youth 14 -Youth 16) was slightly higher than in the leagues for the younger players (Youth 12 -Youth 13), while participation by under-aged players in games organized for older players led to an almost four-fold increase of injury risk. For severe injuries, the mean rehabilitation time away from bandy practice or competition was 27 d (range 8-56 d). CONCLUSION The overall injury incidence during youth bandy games is low, but the injuries that occur cause extensive absences from the only four months long bandy season. From a public health perspective, bandy can be recommended for consideration when physical exercise is to be promoted among school-age children in countries with a winter climate.
Distribution of Biopsy-Proven Presumed Primary Glomerulonephropathies in 2000-2011 Among a Racially and Ethnically Diverse US Population.

BACKGROUND The incidence and distribution of primary glomerulonephropathies vary throughout the world and by race and ethnicity. We sought to evaluate the distribution of primary glomerulonephropathies among a large racially and ethnically diverse population of the United States. STUDY DESIGN Case series from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2011. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) of an integrated health system who underwent native kidney biopsy and had kidney biopsy findings demonstrating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), minimal change disease (MCD), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and other. OUTCOMES Rates and characteristics of the most common primary glomerulonephropathies overall and by race and ethnicity. RESULTS 2,501 patients with primary glomerulonephropathy were identified, with a mean age 50.6 years, 45.7% women, 36.1% Hispanics, 31.2% non-Hispanic whites, 17.4% blacks, and 12.4% Asians. FSGS was the most common glomerulonephropathy (38.9%) across all race and ethnic groups, followed by MGN (12.7%), MCD (11.0%), IgAN (10.2%), and other (27.3%). The FSGS category had the greatest proportion of blacks, and patients with FSGS had the highest rate of poverty. IgAN was the second most common glomerulonephropathy among Asians (28.6%), whereas it was 1.2% among blacks. Patients with MGN presented with the highest proteinuria (protein excretion, 8.3g) whereas patients with FSGS had the highest creatinine levels (2.6mg/dL). Overall glomerulonephropathy rates increased annually in our 12-year observation period, driven by FSGS (2.7 cases/100,000) and IgAN (0.7 cases/100,000). MGN and MCD rates remained flat. LIMITATIONS Missing data for urine albumin and sediment, indication bias in performing kidney biopsies, and inexact classification of primary versus secondary disease. CONCLUSIONS Among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort from a single geographical area and similar environment, FSGS was the most common glomerulonephropathy, but there was variability of other glomerulonephropathies based on race and ethnicity.
The contribution of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections to transmission - a model-based analysis of the Diamond Princess outbreak

Background: Some key gaps in the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection remain. One of them is the contribution to transmission from individuals experiencing asymptomatic infections. We aimed to characterise the proportion and infectiousness of asymptomatic infections using data from the outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Methods: We used a transmission model of COVID-19 with asymptomatic and presymptomatic states calibrated to outbreak data from the Diamond Princess, to quantify the contribution of asymptomatic infections to transmission. Data available included the date of symptom onset for symptomatic disease for passengers and crew, the number of symptom agnostic tests done each day, and date of positive test for asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals. Findings: On the Diamond Princess 74% (70-78%) of infections proceeded asymptomatically, i.e. a 1:3.8 case-to-infection ratio. Despite the intense testing 53%, (51-56%) of infections remained undetected, most of them asymptomatic. Asymptomatic individuals were the source for 69% (20-85%) of all infections. While the data did not allow identification of the infectiousness of asymptomatic infections, assuming no or low infectiousness resulted in posterior estimates for the net reproduction number of an individual progressing through presymptomatic and symptomatic stages in excess of 15. Interpretation: Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections may contribute substantially to transmission. This is essential to consider for countries when assessing the potential effectiveness of ongoing control measures to contain COVID-19.
Echocardiography, not chest radiography, for evaluation of cannula placement during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation*

Objective: Optimal cannula position is essential during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We hypothesize that echocardiography is superior to chest radiography in diagnosing abnormal cannula position during ECMO. Design: Retrospective. Setting: Pediatric hospital. Patients: 100 pediatric patients requiring ECMO. Measurements and Main Results: We reviewed the medical records of all ECMO patients (n = 100), including reports of all echocardiograms (n = 326), during the years 2002–2004. Of the 91 patients who had echocardiograms while on ECMO, 33 had at least 1 echocardiogram for cannula-position evaluation. Of the remaining 58 patients with echocardiograms for reasons other than cannula-position evaluation, 4 (7%) were found to have abnormal cannula position. These included arterial cannula (AC) within 2–4 mm of the aortic valve (n = 2), AC across the aortic valve into the left ventricle (n = 1), and venous cannula (VC) abutting the atrial septum (n = 1). Of the 33 patients with echocardiograms for evaluation of cannula position, 8 (24%) required intervention. Of those 8 patients, 4 required cannula repositioning due to VC in the coronary sinus (n = 1), VC abutting atrial septum (n = 1), AC in left subclavian artery (n = 1), and AC within 3 mm of aortic valve (n = 1). The remaining 4 with normal cannula position required upsizing of the VC (n = 2), increased circuit flow (n = 1), or intravascular volume administration (n = 1). Overall, 12 of 91 patients (13%) required intervention based on echocardiographic findings. Chest radiography did not detect abnormalities of ECMO cannula position in any of the 8 patients with this problem, nor were any additional patients with abnormal cannula position identified by chest radiography. Conclusions: Echocardiography appears to be superior to chest radiography for assessing ECMO cannula position in our institution. A prospective study, including cost analysis, comparing chest radiography and echocardiography, is needed to definitely determine the preferred diagnostic test or sequence of tests to establish ECMO cannula position.
Relationship between MOSFET degradation and hot-electron-induced interface-state generation

Device degradation due to hot-electron injection in n-channel MOSFET's is mainly caused by mobility degradation and reduced mobile charges in the channel introduced by interface-state generation. With the use of simple gradual-channel approximation (GCA), a linear relationship is derived between the threshold shift, relative transconductance reduction, and the number of interface states generated. This model provides a link between the electrical characteristics of a degraded device and its physical damages and, therefore, is a vital tool in the study of hot-electron-induced device degradation mechanisms.
The Major Vault Protein Is a Novel Substrate for the Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-2 and Scaffold Protein in Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling*

The catalytic activity of the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase, SHP-2, is required for virtually all of its signaling effects. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of SHP-2 signaling, therefore, rests upon the identification of its target substrates. In this report, we have used SHP-2 substrate-trapping mutants to identify the major vault protein (MVP) as a putative SHP-2 substrate. MVP is the predominant component of vaults that are cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein complexes of unknown function. We show that MVP is dephosphorylated by SHP-2 in vitro and it forms an enzyme-substrate complex with SHP-2 in vivo. In response to epidermal growth factor (EGF), SHP-2 associates via its SH2 domains with tyrosyl-phosphorylated MVP. MVP also interacts with the activated form of the extracellular-regulated kinases (Erks) in response to EGF and a constitutive complex between tyrosyl-phosphorylated MVP, SHP-2, and the Erks was detected in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Using MVP-deficient fibroblasts, we demonstrate that MVP cooperates with Ras for optimal EGF-induced Elk-1 activation and is required for cell survival. We propose that MVP functions as a novel scaffold protein for both SHP-2 and Erk. The regulation of MVP tyrosyl phosphorylation by SHP-2 may play an important role in cell survival signaling.
Multiple abnormalities in the transfer of phospholipids from VLDL and LDL to HDL in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes

Transfers or exchanges of cholesterol esters and triglycerides between lipoproteins are mediated by a specialized protein referred to as cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), whereas those of phospholipids (PLs) are facilitated by both CETP and a specific phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). In the present study, the authors compared phospholipid transfer (PLT) in normal subjects and in patients with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes (NIDD), which is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. PLT was measured in different recombination experiments using an isotopic assay in which the transfer of labelled PLs from very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDLs) and low‐density lipoproteins (LDLs) to high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) was determined. This allowed discrimination between the roles of VLDLs+LDLs, HDLs, and plasma PLT activity (PLTA). VLDL+LDL‐dependent PLT, HDL‐dependent PLT and PLTA were decreased in NIDD. VLDL+LDL‐dependent PLT was found to be negatively correlated with the PL/apolipoprotein B ratio, whereas HDL‐dependent PLT was positively correlated with the HDL2/HDL3 and PL/apolipoprotein A‐I ratios and negatively correlated with the flow activation energy at the HDL surface. The HDL2/HDL3 ratio was positively correlated with PLTA but not with CETP, which confirms previous reports suggesting that PLTP might act as an HDL conversion factor. These data show that several abnormalities in PLT occur in NIDD and raise the question as to whether a lowered PLT might be a new characteristic of dis factors associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
The relationship between executive function abilities, adaptive behaviour, and academic achievement in children with externalising behaviour problems.

BACKGROUND Specific domains of adaptive behaviours and academic achievement may, in part, depend on executive function capacities. Executive function deficits have been found to be associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), not Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD). METHOD Using a sample of 110 adolescents, comprising four groups, ADHD only, co-morbid ADHD and ODD/CD, ODD/CD only, and a normal community control group, we assessed socialisation and communication skills with the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, along with reading ability, and executive functioning. RESULTS Poorer adaptive communication skills were specifically associated with ADHD when compared with either ODD/CD or the control group, and the social competence of adolescents with ADHD was as low as the levels associated with ODD/CD. Presence of ADHD was associated with lower word recognition scores, while the reading levels of adolescents with ODD/CD were equivalent to those without behaviour problems. Executive function test scores correlated with all adaptive behaviour outcomes. Multiple regression analyses indicated that verbal ability predicted communication and reading scores, with executive function abilities contributing significant variance to the prediction in the adaptive behaviour, communication, and socialisation domains. CONCLUSIONS Further research with other samples, both community and clinical groups, is needed to assess the generalisability of the findings. Small numbers of girls in the groups gave us insufficient power to adequately address potential gender differences.
Effects of nitrous oxide on myocardial contractility as evaluated by the preload recruitable stroke work relationship in chronically instrumented dogs.

Assessment of the effects of nitrous oxide on myocardial contractile function in vivo has been complicated by lack of a reliable, easily quantified, load-independent index of contractility and by the presence of intact autonomic nervous system reflexes. Although several previous investigations in humans and experimental animals have demonstrated that nitrous oxide possesses direct negative inotropic effects, this conclusion remains controversial. This investigation reexamined the effect of nitrous oxide on myocardial contractile function when this agent was combined with baseline isoflurane or sufentanil anesthesia in chronically instrumented dogs. Contractility was evaluated with the use of the regional preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW)-end-diastolic segment length relationship, a method that provides an accurate, relatively afterload-independent assessment of inotropic state in conscious and anesthetized dogs. Because autonomic nervous system tone may influence the response of systemic hemodynamics to anesthesia in vivo, experiments were performed in the presence of pharmacologic blockade of the autonomic nervous system. Two groups of experiments, consisting of a total of 15 experiments, were performed with 12 dogs. Dogs, chronically instrumented for measurement of systemic hemodynamics, including left ventricular pressure and subendocardial segment length, were anesthetized with isoflurane or sufentanil. Thirty percent and 70% nitrous oxide were then administered in a random fashion. Left ventricular pressure-segment length loops were generated after 30 min of equilibration after each anesthetic intervention with the use of preload reduction by partial inferior vena caval constriction, and regional PRSW was calculated. Regional PRSW versus end-diastolic length slope reflected decreases in contractile state when nitrous oxide was added to isoflurane (50 +/- 5 for isoflurane alone to 28 +/- 2 erg.cm-2 x 10(-3). min-1 with 70% added nitrous oxide) or sufentanil (73 +/- 8 for sufentanil alone to 52 +/- 5 erg.cm-2 x 10(-3). mm-1 with 70% added nitrous oxide). Similar decreases in left ventricular positive dP/dt50 were observed as well, reflecting decreases in contractile function. The results further suggest that the degree of functional depression produced by nitrous oxide is nearly equal when isoflurane and sufentanil groups are compared. This study demonstrates that nitrous oxide possesses direct negative inotropic actions independent of changes in autonomic nervous system tone in the chronically instrumented dog.
Potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions among elderly nursing home residents: their scope and associated resident and facility characteristics.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the scope of potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions (PIRx) among elderly residents in U.S. nursing homes (NHs), and to examine associated resident and facility characteristics. DATA SOURCES The 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Nursing Home Component (MEPS NHC), a survey of a nationally representative sample of NHs and residents. STUDY DESIGN The PIRx, defined by Beers's consensus criteria (1991, 1997), was identified using up to a year's worth of NH prescribed medicine data for each resident. The study sample represented 1.6 million NH residents (n=3,372). RESULTS At a minimum, 50 percent of all residents aged 65 or older, with an NH stay of three months or longer received at least one PIRx in 1996. The most common PIRx involved propoxyphene, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, oxybutynin, amitriptyline, cyproheptadine, iron supplements, and ranitidine. Resident factors associated with greater odds of PIRx were Medicaid coverage, no high school diploma, and nondementia mental disorders. Facility factors were more beds and lower RN-to-resident ratio. Factors associated with lower odds of PIRx were fewer medications, residents with communication problems, and being in an accredited NH. Onsite availability of pharmacists or mental health providers was not related. IMPLICATIONS With quality of care and patient safety as major public health concerns, effective policies are needed to avoid PIRx occurrences and improve the quality of prescribing among elderly residents in NHs. Additional studies are needed to determine the impact of PIRx on this NH population.
Oxidative stress and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

RATIONALE Even though oxidative stress has been proposed as an underlying mechanism for the symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), little information is available on the effects of anti-oxidant treatment on their improvement. OBJECTIVES To observe the effects of anti-oxidant treatment on polysomnographic parameters and oxidative stress markers in OSAS patients. METHODS Polysomnography (PSG) was performed on 20 male patients. They were administered continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for two nights followed by oral intake of vitamin C (100 mg BD) [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] and vitamin E (400 IU BD) for 45 days and a repeat PSG was done. Ten healthy normal subjects underwent the same protocol excepting the CPAP therapy. RESULTS In OSAS patients, plasma lipid peroxidation increased significantly and whole blood reduced glutathione decreased significantly. The CPAP therapy as well as anti-oxidant treatment reduced the lipid peroxidation and restored the reduced glutathione concentrations. After anti-oxidant intake, OSAS patients slept better with decrease in Epworth sleepiness score and the number of apnoeic episodes. They spent more time in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. The optimum pressure of CPAP device was significantly lowered also. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress contributes to sleep behaviour in OSAS patients, and anti-oxidant intake improves the quality of sleep in them.