Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis treatment patterns with etanercept and adalimumab in a United States health plan population

Abstract Background: A retrospective study utilizing administrative claims from a US commercial health plan was performed to examine etanercept and adalimumab treatment patterns among patients with psoriasis (PSO). Methods: Biologic-naïve PSO patients initiating etanercept or adalimumab therapy between 18 January 2008 and 31 December 2008 were identified. Patients continuously enrolled in the health plan for 6 months before and ≥12 months after therapy initiation were followed until disenrollment from the plan or 31 December 2009. Persistence was defined as continuous use of index TNF blocker without a gap in therapy ≥60 days. Patients with gaps in index therapy ≥60 days were classified as discontinuing, switching, or restarting the index therapy. Results: In total, 497 patients initiated etanercept and 330 the adalimumab therapy. Mean age for both groups was 43 years. Approximately 40–42% of patients were persistent on their index TNF blocker for 1 year. Among patients with a ≥60-day gap in therapy, discontinuation without restart or switch occurred in 37% of etanercept and 45% of adalimumab patients (p = 0.04). Differences in therapy restart or switching between the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions:TNF-blocker therapy persistence is low among PSO patients in this health plan. More than one-third of patients restarted their index TNF blocker after a gap in therapy.
Association of Bacteroides fragilis with childhood diarrhea.

Enterotoxigenic strains of Bacteriodes fragilis (ETBF) have recently been found to be associated with diarrheal illness in Apache and Bangladeshi children. This study was conducted to define the role of ETBF in diarrhea of children in an urban setting. Fecal specimens from 991 children with diarrhea and 581 asymptomatic age-matched controls were cultured for B. fragilis (BF). The isolates were tested for enterotoxin production using a human colonic epithelial cell line. BF was isolated from 318 (32.1%) of the patients and 123 (21.2%) of the controls (p < 0.001). In children < 1 year old which comprised about 50% of both patients and controls, the BF isolation rates were comparable (26.5% vs 25.7%; p = 0.812), contrasting with the significant difference in isolation rates for children > or = 1 year (37.6% vs 16.5%; p = < 0.001). Overall, ETBF were identified in 4.4% of patients and 3.1% of controls (p = 0.2). However, ETBF were significantly associated with diarrheal disease in children 1-5 years (5.4% vs 1.8%; p = 0.033) and 1-10 years (4.8% vs 1.5%; p = 0.021) in age. ETBF were isolated the year round and comprised 14.4% and 15% of the BF isolated from the patients and controls, respectively, suggesting that part of the indigenous BF are inherently enterotoxin producers. In this study, BF and ETBF were associated with diarrheal illness in children 1-10 years old.
Cyclosporin A combined with vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) compared with VAD alone in patients with advanced refractory multiple myeloma: an EORTC–HOVON randomized phase III study (06914)

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) refractory to alkylating agents frequently express P‐glycoprotein (Pgp), which is associated with the multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. We have conducted a randomized phase II/III study of the MDR reversal agent cyclosporin A combined with VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone) compared with standard VAD in patients with MM stage IIA/IIIA who were refractory to or progressive after treatment with alkylating agents. Out of 81 patients who were randomized, 75 were eligible and evaluable: 34 in the VAD + cyclosporin A arm versus 41 in the VAD arm. Toxicities of grade 2–3 were observed more often with VAD + cyclosporin A than with VAD only: nausea (30% versus 8%, P = 0·015), mucositis (18% versus 5%, P = 0·13), infection (45% versus 35%, P = 0·50). The treatment results were similar in the two arms: 53% versus 49% responded [95% CI (−18·5%, 26·9%)]. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 8·6 months (VAD + cyclosporin A) versus 5·8 months (VAD): [log rank P = 0·16, hazard ratio = 0·71, 95% CI (0·44, 1·15)], and median overall survival was 13 months versus 14·6 months [log rank P = 0·89, hazard ratio = 0·96, 95% CI (0·62, 1·72)]. The cause of death was progressive disease (85%), toxicity (10%) or other (5%). Bone marrow analysis performed in 23 patients showed that the response rate was 67% in Pgp‐positive versus 55% in Pgp‐negative patients. Cyclosporin A combined with VAD is relatively well tolerated. There is no effect of cyclosporin A on the overall response rate, PFS and overall survival with VAD.
Investigating thermal inertia in lightweight buildings for demand response

This paper presents the use of buildings' thermal inertia as virtual thermal energy storage (TES) in smart home energy management systems (SHEMS). TES provides residential users with an additional degree of flexibility and helps them scheduling the energy usage in the off-peak periods to reduce the energy expenditure. Phase change materials (PCM) are added in the insulation of a lightweight building to increase its thermal inertia. We show through simulations that the addition of the PCM makes it possible to significantly shift the operation of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system while still meeting the residents' comfort requirements. In the SHEMS, TES is treated an additional distributed energy resource. We develop the mathematical model of the underlying thermody-namical system and analyse the impact of the PCM layer. Due to the inherent properties of the PCM, the resulting optimisation problem becomes non-convex, which requires the use of heuristic optimisation tools. In this paper, we used genetic algorithm to minimise the energy expenditure. The results show that the use of PCMS effectively sheds and shifts the demand to off-peak periods thus reducing the cost for the user.
Patellar height on sagittal MR imaging of the knee.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine if the radiographic assessment of patella alta using the patellar tendon:patella ratio can be applied to sagittal MR images of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sagittal T1-weighted MR images of 46 knees were reviewed with corresponding radiographs. After lengths of the patella and patellar tendon were measured on the lateral radiographs and on the sagittal mid patellar images, the tendon:patella ratios were calculated. RESULTS We found the mean tendon:patella ratio on radiographs to be 1.0 +/- 0.2 (SD) and on MR imaging, 1.1 +/- 0.1. These two values were not significantly different (p = .01) and had good-to-excellent correlation (r = .7). We found no statistical difference between the sexes on either radiographs or MR imaging, nor did we find statistical differences on MR imaging between the tendon:patella ratios of straight and wavy patellar tendons. CONCLUSION As on radiographs, patellar height can be reliably assessed on sagittal MR imaging using the patellar tendon:patella ratio. On sagittal MR imaging, patella alta is suggested at values greater than 1.3 (1.1 + 2 SD).
Checkpoint molecule expression by B and T cell lymphomas in dogs

Immunotherapies targeting checkpoint molecule programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) protein were shown to be effective for treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in people, but little is known about the expression of PD-1 or its ligand PD-L1 by canine lymphoma. Therefore, flow cytometry was used to analyse expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in canine lymphoma, using fine-needle aspirates of lymph nodes from 34 dogs with B cell lymphoma (BCL), 6 dogs with T cell lymphoma (TCL) and 11 dogs that had relapsed. Furthermore, fine-needle aspirates were obtained from 17 healthy dogs for comparison. Lastly, the impact of chemotherapy resistance on expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was assessed in vitro. These studies revealed increased expression of PD-L1 by malignant B cells compared to normal B cells. In the case of TCL, tumour cells and normal T cells both showed low to negative expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. In addition, tumour infiltrating lymphocytes from both BCL and TCL had increased expression of both PD-1 and PD-L1 expression compared to B and T cells from lymph nodes of healthy animals. In vitro, chemotherapy-resistant BCL and TCL cell lines exhibited increases in both PD-1 and PD-L1 expression, compared to non-chemotherapy selected tumour cells. These findings indicate that canine lymphomas exhibit upregulated checkpoint molecule expression, though the impact of checkpoint molecule expression on tumour biological behaviour remains unclear.
Purification and Characterization of a Dipeptidase from Lactobacillus helveticus SBT 2171

A metal-dependent dipeptidase was purified to homogeneity from a cell extract of Lactobacillus helveticus SBT 2171 by fast protein liquid chromatography. The enzyme was purified 237-fold from the extract, with a yield of 1.8%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme showed a single protein band with a molecular weight of 50,000. The dipeptidase hydrolyzes a range of only dipeptides. Dipeptides containing proline, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid are not hydrolyzed. The enzyme was shown to be a metalloenzyme with a pH optimum of 8.0 and a temperature optimum of 55(deg)C. Dithiol-reducing reagents exert strong inhibition on enzyme activity. Kinetic studies indicated that the enzyme has a relative average affinity for leucyl-leucine (K(infm), 0.5 mM). The negative immunoresponse of the purified enzyme with monoclonal antibodies raised against a dipeptidase from Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris Wg2 shows that both enzymes can be immunologically distinguished.
NTP NOMINATION FOR USNIC ACID AND USNEA BARBATA HERB

What is it? • Usnic acid is a complex polycyclic chemical compound produced naturally by certain lichens species. • Lichens containing usnic acid have been used as traditional medicines and crude drugs in other countries. • Usnic acid as a pure substance has been formulated in creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants and sunscreen products, either as an active principle or a preservative. FDA has not received any certification from industry on the safety or use of this substance in cosmetic products. • In recent years, usnic acid and its salt form, sodium usniate, have been marketed in the US as an ingredient in dietary supplement products (mostly with claims as weight-loss aides, though some as antimicrobial agents).
The Effects of Probiotics and Symbiotics on Risk Factors for Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review

Alterations in the levels of intestinal microbiota, endotoxemia, and inflammation are novel areas of interest in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Probiotics and symbiotics are a promising treatment option for HE due to possible beneficial effects in modulating gut microflora and might be better tolerated and more cost-effective than the traditional treatment with lactulose, rifaximin or L-ornithine-L-aspartate. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted for randomized controlled clinical trials in adult patients with cirrhosis, evaluating the effect of probiotics and symbiotics in changes on intestinal microflora, reduction of endotoxemia, inflammation, and ammonia, reversal of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), and improvement of quality of life. Nineteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Probiotics and symbiotics increased beneficial microflora and decreased pathogenic bacteria and endotoxemia compared with placebo/no treatment, but no effect was observed on inflammation. Probiotics significantly reversed MHE [risk ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 2.05; P=0.005] and reduced OHE development (risk ratio, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.80; P=0.0002) compared with placebo/no treatment. Symbiotics significantly decreased ammonia levels compared with placebo (15.24; 95% CI: −26.01, −4.47; P=0.006). Probiotics did not show any additional benefit on reversal of MHE and prevention of OHE development when compared with lactulose, rifaximin, and L-ornithine-L-aspartate. Only 5 trials considered tolerance with minimal side effects reported. Although further research is warranted, probiotics and symbiotics should be considered as an alternative therapy for the treatment and management of HE given the results reported in this systematic review.
Stock Price Index and Exchange Rate Nexus in African Markets

ABSTRACT This paper examines the relationship between stock price index and exchange rate in six African markets using monthly data for the period January 2007 to October 2015. A quantile regression approach is used. This methodology is shown to perform better than the ordinary least squares estimators, particularly when the conditional distribution is heterogeneous. Our empirical evidence reveals an interesting pattern in the association of these two financial markets in Africa, which shows that the negative relationship between stock and foreign exchange markets is more apparent when exchange rates are extremely low or high. The negative relationship between the two variables is in line with the portfolio balance effect.
A Meta-Analysis for Comparison of the Two-Layer and University of Wisconsin Pancreas Preservation Methods in Islet Transplantation

Conflicting results have been reported on the effectiveness of the two-layer method (TLM) compared with the University of Wisconsin (UW) method for preserving pancreata. The objective of this study was to compile the evidence for or against any difference in human islet yield and viability between these two. PubMed (January 2000 to May 2008) and Cochran Library searches were performed and 17 studies were included for the meta-analysis. Data on donor characteristics, preservation time, and outcomes were abstracted. Studies were subgrouped based on how TLM was used (UW + TLM or TLM alone), on mean cold ischemic time (CIT) (>20 h or <20 h), and on whether special chemical was used (yes or no). Meta-analysis of all studies and subgroups was performed and the pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Overall, the use of TLM significantly increased islet yield [SMD, 0.74 (0.44–1.04)] and viability [SMD, 0.63 (0.14–1.12)]. The beneficial effects of TLM on islet yield were more evident when TLM was used following UW storage or when prolonged CIT was used. TLM used alone, shorter CIT, and no chemical use all resulted in similar islet viability between TLM and UW groups. Beneficial effects of TLM on islet viability were demonstrated only when TLM was used following UW storage, or with prolonged CIT, or with chemical use. In conclusion, the TLM was beneficial for prolonged pancreas preservation before human islet isolation; however, benefit of the TLM for short-term preservation was not clear.
How digital trust powers the sharing economy

Over the centuries, each significant economic expansion has been enabled by the accompanying creation of new trust systems -- from village-based trade and informal trader networks, through contracts, government standards and financial institutions, to today's corporate brands. Emerging digital platforms are catalyzing a new expansion that will reintegrate into our economic interactions the social aspects of commerce that were marginalized by 20th century capitalism, creating a new form of crowd-based capitalism powered by the digital trust grid. This article shares the findings of an ongoing research collaboration between New York University and BlaBlaCar. The authors identify the mechanics of online trust and the resulting level of trust created. They show that, with the right digital tools, many of which are encapsulated in their D.R. E.A.M.S. framework, individuals can achieve high levels of trust without ever having met in person. This signals a radical move toward a friendlier, more personal, more connected, more empowered world of trust.
Cemented versus cementless fixation in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract The question of whether to use cemented or cementless fixation for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still debated. Discouraging preliminary results of cementless TKAs have determined the worldwide use of cemented implants. However, with the development of biotechnologies and new biomaterials with high osteoconductive properties, biological fixation is now becoming an attractive option for improving the longevity of TKAs, especially in young patients. There is no evidence in the current literature to support the use of one method of fixation. The extensive clinical experience with cemented implants gathered over the years justifies their widespread use. New randomized clinical trials are necessary to compare cementless fixation based on the new ingrowth surfaces with standard cemented implants.
Chemopreventive effects of ferulic acid on oral and rice germ on large bowel carcinogenesis.

Effects of ferulic acid (FA) known as a major constituent of rice bran or germ on 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced oral carcinogenesis were examined in 4 groups of male rats. The incidences of tongue carcinomas and preneoplastic lesions (severe dysplasia) in rats of the group given FA in the diet at a dose of 500 ppm after exposure to 4NQO for 5 weeks in drinking water at a dose of 20 ppm, was significantly lower on termination of the experiment (32 weeks) in the group with the carcinogen alone (P < 0.005 and P < 0.001 respectively). The results suggest chemopreventive activity for this phenolic compound on oral cancer. Modifying effects of rice germ on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were also examined, in 8 groups of male F344 rats. Numbers of ACF/colon, ACF/cm2 and aberrant crypts/colon in the group treated with AOM (15 mg/kg s.c. once a week for 3 weeks) and gamma-amino butylic acid (GABA)-enriched defatted rice germ (2.5% in diet) or the group with AOM and rice germ (2.5% in diet) were smaller than those of the group with AOM alone (P < 0.005). Exposure to defatted rice germ or rice germ during the initiation phase or the post-initiation phase also decreased incidences of AOM-induced large bowel neoplasms (P < 0.05). These results suggest chemopreventive potential for rice germ on colonic neoplasia.
Effects of Experimental Diabetes, Uremia, and Malnutrition on Wound Healing

The strength of linear wounds was studied in normal and diabetic rats in the first 8 wk after wounding. The strength of wounds from diabetic animals was found to be reduced compared with normal controls but could be improved by insulin treatment, especially when excellent metabolic control was achieved. There appeared to be both quantitative and qualitative defects in the formation of wound tissues in diabetic animals, because wound strength was not normalized when the thinner skin of diabetic animals was takeninto consideration. This was different from the findings in rats with renal failure or malnutrition: in these two conditions, wound strength appeared reduced but was normalized when adjusted for skin thickness. Increased activity of aldose reductase did not appear to be an important factor in the impairment of wound healing in diabetes, because wound strength was not corrected by treatment with sorbinil, an aldose reductase inhibitor. The precise mechanism of abnormal wound strength in diabetes remains to be studied further, but careful control of diabetes, maintenance of nutrition, and treatment of systemic illness are important factors in the promotion of wound healing.
The effect of heavy resistance exercise on repeated sprint performance in youth athletes

Abstract This investigation assessed whether prior heavy resistance exercise would improve the repeated sprint performance of 16 trained youth soccer players (Age 17.05 ± 0.65 years; height 182.6 ± 8.9 cm; body mass 77.8 ± 8.2 kg). In session 1, individual 1 repetition max was measured utilising a squat movement. In sessions 2 and 3, participants performed a running-based repeated anaerobic sprint test with and without prior heavy resistance exercise of 91% of their 1 repetition max. Times were recorded for each of the 6 sprints performed in the repeated sprint test and summed to provide total time. T-tests compared the two exercise conditions via differences in corresponding sprint times and total time. Analysis revealed significantly reduced total time with use of heavy resistance exercise (33.48 (±1.27) vs. 33.59 (±1.27); P = 0.01). Sprints 1 (P = 0.05) and 2 (P = 0.02) were also faster in the heavy resistance exercise condition (5.09 (±0.16) vs. 5.11 (±0.16) and 5.36 (±0.24) vs. 5.45 (±0.26) seconds respectively) although no other differences were shown. Findings demonstrate improved sprint times of trained adolescent soccer players after heavy resistance exercise although benefits appear not as sustained as in adult participants.
[Study on the collagen constitution of hyperplastic scar in different ages and its influencing factors].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the collagen constitution of hyperplastic scar (HS) in different ages and the change of relative factors. METHODS Thirty cases with HS were divided into two groups according to patients' age: group 1 (1 - 19 years, A) and group 2 (20 - 50 years, B). The normal skin (NS) from corresponding age of volunteers was employed as control group. The changes in TGFbeta1, collagenase (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1beta) and the collagen ratio were observed by means of in situ hybridization technique and SABC (Strept-Avidin-Biotin complex) immunohistochemistry and image analysis. RESULTS The ratio of type I to type III collagen in A group was 6.48 in average and 3.76 in B group, but there was no evident difference in the ratio during the disease process in both groups. The expression of TGFbeta1 in A group was much higher than that in B group (P < 0.01). The TIMP-1 mRNA expression showed no difference among all age groups in HS patients, but it was much higher than that in NS group. The MMP-1 expression was evidently lower than TIMP-1 expression, and there was no difference in MMP-1 expression compared with NS group. CONCLUSION (1) The TGFbeta1 expression in HS patients was negatively correlated with age, and the increased expression of TGFbeta1 produced an increase ratio of type I to type III collagen. (2) High level expression of TIMP-1 led to the formation of HS by inhibiting MMP-1 expression, and the expression was not related to age.