Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cost and Consequences of Nonadherence With Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy

Background: Adherence to osteoporosis treatment remains poor despite available treatments and physician and patient education. This study aims to determine the effect of low adherence in real-world data. Objective: To examine the association between adherence with oral bisphosphonate therapy and fracture risk as well as health care resource utilization. Methods: Women included in this retrospective analysis were 55 years or older and had started oral bisphosphonate therapy between 2005 and 2011 in a large not-for-profit health care center in Israel. Adherence to therapy was measured by the medication possession ratio (MPR) during the first year from therapy initiation. Patients with MPR lower than 70% were considered nonadherent. Study outcomes were osteoporotic fracture events and health care utilization (including physician visits and hospitalizations) during the second year from therapy initiation. Results: Among the 17 770 women included in the analysis (mean age = 66.5 years; SD = ±8.3 years), 48.9% were nonadherent to therapy during the first year of treatment. Osteoporotic fracture risks during the second year among adherent and nonadherent patients were 2.1% and 2.5%, respectively (P = 0.1). When analysis was limited to patients 75 years or older, nonadherence with bisphosphonates was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.49 (95% CI = 1.08-2.04) for osteoporotic fractures compared with adherent patients. Nonadherent patients had 13.4% higher medical costs than their adherent counterparts among patients 75 years and older (P = 0.002). Conclusions: In patients 75 years and older, nonadherence with oral bisphosphonates can be associated with significantly greater short-term risk of osteoporotic fractures and higher utilization of health care services.
Analysts' Strategic Distortion During IPO Waves

We study analysts' strategic distortion during different stages of initial public offering (IPO) waves. We find analysts affiliated with leading underwriters time the market and “speak in two tongues” in recommendations and forecasts when they balance between conflicting interests of corporate finance clients and brokerage clients. They are more optimistic than nonaffiliated analysts in recommendations, but not in earnings forecasts in the early stages of IPO waves. More positive recommendations help them win a larger share of the booming IPO business. This distortion is absent in the late stages of IPO waves. We also find that the market discounts strong‐buy recommendations from affiliated analysts in the early stages of IPO waves.
Mass Spectrometric Analysis of GAP-43/Neuromodulin Reveals the Presence of a Variety of Fatty Acylated Species*

GAP-43 (neuromodulin) is a protein kinase C substrate that is abundant in developing and regenerating neurons. Thioester-linked palmitoylation at two cysteines near the GAP-43 N terminus has been implicated in directing membrane binding. Here, we use mass spectrometry to examine the stoichiometry of palmitoylation and the molecular identity of the fatty acid(s) attached to GAP-43in vivo. GAP-43 expressed in either PC12 or COS-1 cells was acetylated at the N-terminal methionine. Approximately 35% of the N-terminal GAP-43 peptides were also modified by palmitate and/or stearate on Cys residues. Interestingly, a variety of acylated species was detected, in which one of the Cys residues was acylated by either palmitate or stearate, or both Cys residues were acylated by palmitates or stearates or a combination of palmitate and stearate. Depalmitoylation of membrane-bound GAP-43 did not release the protein from the membrane, implying that additional forces function to maintain membrane binding. Indeed, mutation of four basic residues within the N-terminal domain of GAP-43 dramatically reduced membrane localization of GAP-43 without affecting palmitoylation. These data reveal the heterogeneous nature of S-acylation in vivo and illustrate the power of mass spectrometry for identification of key regulatory protein modifications.
Implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework in Enhancing Business Performances in Oil and Gas Sector

This study empirically investigated the ERM Implementation model and proposed framework to identify and manage risks in Oil and Gas Sector in Malaysia. The study examined the role of ERM framework implementation in improving business performance by utilizing Economic Value Added as a measurement tool. The study also provides insights to the Oil and Gas Sector to gain higher profit returns, reduce cost of capital, and improve shareholders value. Moreover, it contributes significantly in the field of Enterprise risk management in Malaysia. The identification and management of risk is significant to organizations in managing risks efficiently. Expectations of stakeholders of the organization are high from executives and board of directors in managing the risk effectively. Linear regression analysis is utilized in analyzing the data obtained from the data collection performed for this paper. Purposive sampling has been employed in order to select the firms that are operating in Malaysian oil and gas sector. Primary data has been utilized to collect data with the help of structured questions and interview techniques that involve semi structured questions. The results of the regression analysis conducted for in this study suggested that a significant and positive relationship between Enterprise Risk Management with operational risk; market risk; political risk; health, safety and environmental risk; and, also business performance.
Different patterns of illness-related interaction in couples coping with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To learn more about the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on couples' relationships and how couples manage the illness within their dyad. METHODS Eight women with RA (ages 31-60 years) and their partners, and 4 men with RA (ages 43-75 years) and their partners were recruited from the rheumatology case load of a hospital in the UK. Interpretative phenomenologic analysis was used for data collection and analysis. During semistructured interviews, couples were asked about the effect of RA on their lives and relationship. RESULTS This study found clear differences in the way couples managed the illness of one partner and in the nature of their illness-related interactions. Based on these differences, the couples were allocated to 1 of 3 groups: the shared illness management group (SIM), the ill partner in charge group (IPIC), or the conflict over management group (COM). In the SIM group, both partners attended appointments and shared decisions about illness management. In the IPIC group, the ill person claimed and was conceded the right to make autonomous decisions about illness management. In the COM group, the well partner was dissatisfied with the way the ill person was managing the illness, and conflict resulted. CONCLUSION Heterogeneity exists in the intradyad management of RA. Identifying each couple's style of illness management could make medical consultations and education programs more responsive to the needs and preferences of patients and their partners. Dissatisfaction of either partner with illness management and resulting conflict could be addressed, with benefits for both partners and possible improvement in disease management.
Regulation of keratinocyte growth factor and scatter factor in cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth.

BACKGROUND Epithelial proliferation is a histological characteristic of drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and scatter factor (SF) are fibroblast-derived growth factors with potent mitogenic and motogenic effects on epithelial cells, and, therefore, could be involved in the pathogenesis of gingival overgrowth. The aims of this study were to investigate: (i) the effects of cyclosporin on KGF and SF expression by gingival fibroblasts; and (ii) the expression levels of KGF and SF mRNA in normal and overgrown gingival tissue. METHODS The KGF and SF protein production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Relative levels of KGF and SF mRNA expression were determined using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels in biopsies of normal and overgrown gum were also determined. RESULTS In overgrown fibroblasts, 500 ng/ml cyclosporin significantly inhibited KGF and SF mRNA and protein while 2000 ng/ml cyclosporin induced a stimulatory effect. In normal cells cyclosporin significantly increased both KGF and SF. KGF and SF mRNA was detected in both normal and overgrown tissues with a tendency towards increased expression levels in overgrown tissue. CONCLUSION These results suggest that KGF and SF may have an important role in cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth.
Simian virus 40 small t antigen activates the carboxyl-terminal transforming p53-binding domain of large T antigen

Expression of the simian virus 40 large T antigen (large T) in F111 rat fibroblasts generated only minimal transformants (e.g., F5 cells). Interestingly, F111-derived cells expressing only an amino-terminal fragment of large T spanning amino acids 1 to 147 (e.g., FR3 cells), revealed the same minimal transformed phenotype as F111 cells expressing full-length large T. This suggested that in F5 cells the transforming domain of large T contained within the C-terminal half of the large T molecule, and spanning the p53 binding domain, was not active. Progression to a more transformed phenotype by coexpression of small t antigen (small t) could be achieved in F5 cells but not in FR3 cells. Small-t-induced progression of F5 cells correlated with metabolic stabilization of p53 in complex with large T: whereas in F5 cells the half-life of p53 in complex with large T was only slightly elevated compared with that of (uncomplexed) p53 in parental F111 cells or that in FR3 cells, coexpression of small t in F5 cells led to metabolic stabilization and to high-level accumulation of p53 complexed to large T. In contrast, coexpression of small t had no effect on p53 stabilization or accumulation in FR3 cells. This finding strongly supports the assumption that the mere physical interaction of large T with p53, and thus p53 inactivation, in F5 cells expressing large T only does not reflect the main transforming activity of the C-terminal transforming domain of large T. In contrast, we assume that the transforming potential of this domain requires activation by a cellular function(s) which is mediated by small t and correlates with metabolic stabilization of p53.
Cell salvage during coronary artery bypass surgery and allogenic blood exposure

Aim Our primary aim was to assess the impact of intraoperative cell saver usage on patient exposure to allogenic blood transfusion during elective coronary artery bypass. The secondary endpoint was the impact of cell savage on the units of blood and blood products transfused perioperatively. Methods A prospective observational cohort study with a historical cohort as a control group was performed in a single tertiary care center. One hundred and twenty-four patients undergoing primary on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were included. Intraoperative cell salvage was performed in 60 patients (study group) but not in the control group (n = 64). Transfusion data, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and postoperative complications were evaluated in the cell saver and control groups. Results The number of patients exposed to allogenic red blood cell transfusion was significantly less in the study group (55% vs. 82.8%; p = 0.001) and the units per patient was also less in the study group (1.10 ± 1.7 vs. 2.25 ± 2.289 units; p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in terms of units of purified plasma fraction, platelets, or cryoprecipitate transfused. Intensive care unit stay, total hospital stay, number of reexplorations, complications, readmissions, and 28-day mortality were similar in both groups. Conclusions Intraoperative cell salvage with a cell saver in patients undergoing primary elective coronary artery bypass decreases the proportion of patients exposed to allogenic red cell transfusions and the number of units of red blood cells transfused.
A novel sleep optimisation programme to improve athletes’ well-being and performance

Abstract Objectives: To improve well-being and performance indicators in a group of Australian Football League (AFL) players via a six-week sleep optimisation programme. Design: Prospective intervention study following observations suggestive of reduced sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness in an AFL group. Methods: Athletes from the Adelaide Football Club were invited to participate if they had played AFL senior-level football for 1–5 years, or if they had excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] >10), measured via ESS. An initial education session explained normal sleep needs, and how to achieve increased sleep duration and quality. Participants (n = 25) received ongoing feedback on their sleep, and a mid-programme education and feedback session. Sleep duration, quality and related outcomes were measured during week one and at the conclusion of the six-week intervention period using sleep diaries, actigraphy, ESS, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Profile of Mood States, Training Distress Scale, Perceived Stress Scale and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task. Results: Sleep diaries demonstrated an increase in total sleep time of approximately 20 min (498.8 ± 53.8 to 518.7 ± 34.3; p < .05) and a 2% increase in sleep efficiency (p < 0.05). There was a corresponding increase in vigour (p < 0.001) and decrease in fatigue (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Improvements in measures of sleep efficiency, fatigue and vigour indicate that a sleep optimisation programme may improve athletes’ well-being. More research is required into the effects of sleep optimisation on athletic performance.
Correction for Lack of Coincidence of Normal and Abnormal Calibration Slopes in ISI Determination

Summary An underlying assumption of the WHO orthogonal regression model for prothrombin time standardisation is that a single line describes the relationship between PT of abnormal and normal plasmas. The aim was to evaluate Tomenson’s correction for lack of coincidence using the model of the ECAA human reagent with lyophilized plasma calibrations. Local ISI calibrations using ECAA lyophilized normal and abnormal plasmas were performed on coagulometers with the ECAA human thromboplastin. They gave a high incidence of non-linearity of the two calibration slopes. The mean percentage deviation from assigned values of the target coumarin plasmas coagulometer INR at 45 centres before local ISI correction was 16.6% and 11.9% respectively in two studies. After local ISI calibration, the unsigned deviation was reduced to 5.54% and 6.61% respectively. Tomenson’s correction for non-linearity further reduced the mean deviation to 3.08% and 2.96 % respectively in the two studies demonstrating the value of the procedure.
Museomics resolve the systematics of an endangered grass lineage endemic to north-western Madagascar

Background and Aims Recent developments in DNA sequencing, so-called next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, can help the study of rare lineages that are known from museum specimens. Here, the taxonomy and evolution of the Malagasy grass lineage Chasechloa was investigated with the aid of NGS. Methods Full chloroplast genome data and some nuclear sequences were produced by NGS from old herbarium specimens, while some selected markers were generated from recently collected Malagasy grasses. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the upper floret and cross-sections of the rachilla appendages followed by staining with Sudan IV were performed on Chasechloa to examine the morphology of the upper floret and the presence of oils in the appendages. Key Results Chasechloa was recovered within tribe Paniceae, sub-tribe Boivinellinae, contrary to its previous placement as a member of the New World genus Echinolaena (tribe Paspaleae). Chasechloa originated in Madagascar between the Upper Miocene and the Pliocene. It comprises two species, one of them collected only once in 1851. The genus is restricted to north-western seasonally dry deciduous forests. The appendages at the base of the upper floret of Chasechloa have been confirmed as elaiosomes, an evolutionary adaptation for myrmecochory. Conclusions Chasechloa is reinstated at the generic level and a taxonomic treatment is presented, including conservation assessments of its species. Our study also highlights the power of NGS technology to analyse relictual or probably extinct groups.
Single-access laparoscopic sigmoidectomy as definitive surgical management of prior diverticulitis in a human patient.

HYPOTHESIS Single-access laparoscopic surgery should offer minimal scarring without compromising surgical outcome. It is enhanced by both innovative port technology and technical expertise learned by developing natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). DESIGN Sigmoidectomy in a human via a single laparoscopic port. SETTING University hospital. Patient A 40-year-old woman with previously documented diverticular abscess. INTERVENTIONS The multichannel single port (Triport; Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) was placed at the umbilicus. The sigmoid was retracted by both intraluminal sigmoidoscopy and magnetic anchoring. Mesenteric dissection between the mid-descending colon and the colorectal junction was carried out close to the colon using a Ligasure Advance (Covidien, Valley lab, Norwalk Connecticut). The stapler anvil was passed retrogradely per ano to lie within the descending colon. A linear stapler effected proximal and distal sigmoidal transection. Magnetic attraction then delivered the in situ anvil pike into a colotomy placed adjacent to the proximal staple line. After its position was secured with an endoloop, the pike was mated with its stapler head positioned in the rectal stump. This allowed creation of a double-stapled colorectal anastomosis 10 cm from the anal verge. Specimen retrieval was performed via the umbilical port site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Extent of scarring, occurrence of surgical complications, technical adequacy, and clinical outcome. RESULTS No intraoperative complications occurred during the 90-minute procedure. A total of 40 cm of sigmoid was resected. The patient convalesced without complication and went home 4 days after surgery. At the 1-month review, she was fully recovered and her single umbilical scar was well healed. CONCLUSIONS With advancing surgical technology and technique, truly minimally invasive surgical procedures are feasible. Understanding of NOTES can therefore extend beyond its experimental application into contemporary surgical practice.
Linear accuracy and reliability of volume data sets acquired by two CBCT-devices and an MSCT using virtual models: A comparative in-vitro study

Abstract Objective. To discriminate clinically relevant aberrance, the accuracy of linear measurements in three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed datasets was investigated. Materials and methods. Three partly edentulous human skulls were examined. Landmarks were defined prior to acquisition. Two CBCT-scanners and a Quad-slice CT-scanner were used. Actual distances were physically measured with calipers and defined as a reference. Subsequently, from digital DICOM datasets, 3D virtual models were generated using maximum intensity projections (MIPs). Linear measurements were performed by semi-automated image analysis. Virtual and analogue linear measurements were compared using repeated measurements in a mixed model (p ≤ 0.05). Results. No significant difference was found among all of the digital measurements when compared to one another, whereas a significant difference was found in matched-pairs analysis between CBCT and calipers (p = 0.032). All digitally acquired data resulted in lower mean values compared to the measurements via calipers. A high level of inter-observer reliability was obtained in the digital measurements (inter-rater correlation = 0.988–0.993). Conclusions. The reconstructed datasets led to highly consistent values among linear measurements. Yielding sub-millimeter precision, these modalities are assumed to reflect reality in a clinically irrelevant altered manner. During data acquisition and evaluation, a maximum of precision must be achieved.
Partial cholecystectomy is a safe and efficient method.

AIM When there is excess inflammation, fibrosis and portal hypertension around gall bladder or in presence of Mirizzi syndrome, bile ducts and hepatic artery may be possibly damaged during dissection of Calot triangle. In this study, we examined safety and efficiency of partial cholecystectomy operation which we perform when dissection of Calot triangle is challenging. METHOD AND MATERIAL Eighteen patients who were undergone partial cholecystectomy in our clinic between 1996 and 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. Mean age of patients was 66 years (range: 55-88 years) and ratio of male/female was 2/1 (12 men, 6 women). Fourteen patients were undergone general anesthesia, whereas 4 patients were operated under epidural anesthesia. Partial cholecystectomies were performed by right subcostal incision in 16 patients and by right paramedian incision in 2 patients. RESULTS No intra-operative or early post-operative mortality was found among patients. Post-operative subhepatic abscess occurred in one patient (5.5%) and superficial wound site infection occurred in 4 patients (22,2%). Controlled bile fistula occurred in early post-operative period in two patients (11.1%) and fistula spontaneously closed without requiring additional surgical procedure. Escherichia coli were most common microorganism found in bile culture. Mean hospitalization period of patients was 8 days (range: 15-14 days) and mean follow-up period was 80 months (8-150 months). During follow up, hepatobiliary ultrasonography could be re-performed in 8 patients and no new stone formation was observed. In 7 patients, it was understood verbally that no postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms were present. CONCLUSION Where dissection of Calot triangle is changeling, partial cholecystectomy can be safely and efficiently performed.
Elasticity of substitution between labor and capital: robust evidence from developed economies

This paper provides estimates of the aggregate elasticity of substitution between labor and capital (σ) in developed economies. Our empirical strategy consists in estimating two- and three-equation supply-side systems which combine a normalized CES production function and first order conditions for factors of production. Using a panel of 12 advanced economies between 1980 and 2006, it is found that capital and labor are gross complements and σ is on average around 0.7. Moreover, we also document net labor-augmenting technical progress. Our main findings remain robust to various assumptions on time-varying factor-augmenting technical change. Furthermore, we replicate the benchmark results with two alternative datasets. To strengthen these findings a systematic evidence of capital-labor substitution is provided at the country level. Although substantial cross-country variation in σ can be found, a wide range of estimates confirms that labor and capital are gross complements and technical change is net labor-augmenting.
The effects of repeated high intensity Wattbike sprints on lower body horizontal power and power endurance in rugby union players

Table of contents . List of figures . List of tables . List of appendices . List of abbreviations . Attestation of authorship . Acknowledgements . Ethics approval . Chapter 1: Introduction and rationale . Background and importance Significance and purpose