Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Resource utilization in asthma:combined fluticasone propionate/salmeterol compared with inhaled corticosteroids

ABSTRACT Background: Asthma management guidelines recommend low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for initial treatment of mild persistent asthma. Instead, data from primary care practice show that many patients start on combination therapy with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FPS) for mild asthma. The consequences of this variance from guideline recommendations are not well described. Objective: Compare healthcare utilization and asthma-related outcomes for patients with mild asthma who began treatment with FPS or ICS alone. Design and data source: A retrospective analysis of asthma-related insurance claims. Patients initially treated with FPS or ICS were identified from an administrative health insurance claims database and followed for 1 year. Analyses of resource utilization 6 months before therapy initiation identified patients with mild asthma. Propensity score matching managed between-group differences in clinical characteristics and controlled for selection bias. Outcome measures: Resource use was determined for asthma-related outpatient visits, emergency room services, hospitalizations, and medications. Results: Demographic characteristics and comorbidities were similar for each group (FPS, n = 1888; ICS, n = 1888). During the 12‑month follow-up period, total asthma-related costs were significantly higher for FPS versus ICS ($1206 vs. $804; p < 0.0001), owing primarily to significantly higher drug costs for FPS versus ICS ($677 vs. $357; p < 0.0001). The percentage of patients experiencing an exacerbation (14.0% FPS, 13.5% ICS) and the average number of exacerbations in each group (0.175 FPS, 0.164 ICS) were similar. Conclusions: Healthcare costs were found to be lower in patients receiving ICS than in those receiving FPS, with similar health outcomes in both groups. Study limitations included the use of claims data and a proxy definition of asthma severity, and potential confounding by unobserved factors.
Evaluating the usability of basic symbols for television, telephone and robot: For localizing and internationalizing graphics and visual information for robotics

A major contribution of this study is to demonstrate the evaluation of effectiveness of symbols for television, telephone, and robot. For television and telephone symbols, the author has compared with the results presented in professional communication society. For robot, the author presents that the participants selected a typical humanoid robot, a R2-D2 type and a C-3PO type as the top three. The movie ldquoStar wars seriesrdquo may have impact on robotics. In addition, the author shows that female participants and male participants may have a few different images for the robot.
H2AX Is Required for Cell Cycle Arrest via the p53/p21 Pathway

ABSTRACT Phosphorylation of H2AX (γH2AX) is an early sign of DNA damage induced by replication stalling. However, the role of H2AX in the repair of this type of DNA damage is still unclear. In this study, we used an inactivated adeno-associated virus (AAV) to induce a stalled replication fork signal and investigate the function of γH2AX. The cellular response to AAV provides a unique model to study γH2AX function, because the infection causes pannuclear H2AX phosphorylation without any signs of damage to the host genome. We found that pannuclear γH2AX formation is a result of ATR overactivation and diffusion but is independent of ATM. The inhibition of H2AX with RNA interference or the use of H2AX-deficient cells showed that γH2AX is dispensable for the formation and maintenance of DNA repair foci induced by stalled replication. However, in the absence of H2AX, the AAV-containing cells showed proteosome-dependent degradation of p21, followed by caspase-dependent mitotic catastrophe. In contrast, H2AX-proficient cells as well as H2AX-complemented H2AX−/− cells reacted by increasing p21 levels and arresting the cell cycle. The results establish a new role for H2AX in the p53/p21 pathway and indicate that H2AX is required for p21-induced cell cycle arrest after replication stalling.
Chemotherapy sensitivity recovery of prostate cancer cells by functional inhibition and knock down of multidrug resistance proteins

In several cancer types, expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins has been associated with lack of chemotherapy response. In advanced prostate cancer (PCa) the use of chemotherapy is mainly palliative due to its high resistance. Previously, we described that MDR phenotype in PCa could be related with high basal and drug‐induced expression of MDR proteins P‐Glycoprotein (P‐Gp), MRP1, and LRP.
The local impacts of large-scale land acquisitions: a review of case study evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT Large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) are controversially discussed with respect to their local impacts. On the one hand, they are regarded as an opportunity for employment creation and a transfer of knowledge and technology, which enhances productivity and output in agriculture. On the other hand, they are said to impair food security and to foster land conflicts and environmental degradation. Despite the existence of numerous case studies, systematic evidence on the impact of LSLAs on local communities is not available. In this paper we review the existing literature in order to provide a summary of the characteristics of LSLAs and of the impact they have on local livelihoods. We find that while positive effects arise through employment creation and the provision of public goods and services, these benefits are offset by inadequate compensation, land conflicts, and environmental degradation. Overall, most case studies find a negative impact of LSLAs on local livelihoods.
The effect of various mixing techniques on the surface microhardness of mineral trioxide aggregate.

AIM To evaluate the influence of various mixing procedures including ultrasonic vibration, trituration of customized encapsulated mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and condensation on the Vickers surface microhardness of MTA. METHODOLOGY ProRoot MTA Original, ProRoot MTA (white), MTA-Angelus (grey) and MTA White Angelus (white) were prepared using several mixing techniques including ultrasonic vibration, trituration of customized encapsulated MTA and conventional condensation. Twelve experimental groups (four materials: three techniques) were evaluated, each with 35 samples. All samples were incubated after preparation and subjected to Vickers surface microhardness testing after 4 and 28 days. Data was were subjected to a two-way anova. RESULT At 28 days, the surface microhardness value was significantly greater for all experimental groups compared to 4 days after mixing (P < 0.00001). The application of ultrasonic energy to MTA produced significantly higher surface microhardness values compared to the other mixing techniques at both 4 and 28 days (P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference existed between condensation and trituration techniques at both time intervals. Regardless of the mixing technique employed, a significant difference (P < 0.0001) was observed in surface microhardness value between all types of MTA apart from between Angelus grey and ProRoot white at both 4 and 28 days, both of which produced the highest values. CONCLUSION Compared to trituration and condensation techniques, the application of ultrasonic energy to MTA produced a significantly higher surface microhardness value at both 4 and 28 days. Irrespective of mixing technique, ProRoot white and Angelus grey had the highest surface microhardness values. Trituration of encapsulated, premeasured MTA and water provides a standardiszed method of mixing that produces MTA slurries with more controllable handling characteristics.
Tourist satisfaction with souvenir shopping: evidence from Indonesian domestic tourists

This study proposes new insight into theoretical concepts and evaluates the empirical evidence of tourist satisfaction with souvenir shopping experience and its relationship to tourist post-purchase behaviour. This study applies variance-based structural equation modelling by means of partial least squares with a sample of 192 domestic tourists in Bandung, Indonesia. The results suggest that tourist satisfaction with souvenir shopping experience is an important determinant of tourist perception on destination image and tourist loyalty toward a destination. Further, this study discloses that tourist satisfaction with store and collectability attributes are crucial factors in determining tourists’ satisfaction with souvenir shopping experience. These findings provide a better understanding for both scholars and managers of retail businesses in a tourist destination of tourist satisfaction with souvenir shopping experience and with the visit.
How are food value video clips effective in promoting food tourism? Generation Y versus non–Generation Y

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a food tourism video clip created by a destination marketing organization on potential tourists’ perceptions of the destination’s food values, familiarity with the destination’s food, behavioral involvement with the destination’s food, and intention to visit the destination for food tourism. A number of important findings were generated. First, of the five food values, “global food” and “attractive food” significantly influenced the respondents’ familiarity with Hong Kong food. Second, for the Generation Y group, Hong Kong food values such as “global food”, “attractive food”, and “realistic restaurants” had strong effects on the viewers’ behavioral involvement with Hong Kong food, while no such relationship was found between food value and behavioral involvement with Hong Kong food among the non-Generation Y group. Third, comparison of two generation groups showed that “realistic restaurants” had significantly more influence on behavioral involvement with Hong Kong food in the Generation Y group than in the non-Generation Y group. Overall, the results showed that the efficacy of the video clip in persuading potential tourists to visit the destination differed according to the generation.
Silicone Tubing is not Necessary after Primary Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) is an effective procedure when treating saccal and postsaccal obstructions of the nasolacrimal pathway. The benefit of silicone tubing after DCR is still controversial. We conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the necessity of bicanalicular silicone tubes after primary EN-DCR. Methods Forty-six consecutive primary EN-DCR procedures were performed in 42 patients during 2004-2007. The patients were randomized into two study groups according to whether silicone tubing was used or not. Results The overall success rate after primary EN-DCR was 89%: with silicone tubes it was 78%, and without silicone tubes it was 100%. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.049). The follow-up period was 6 months and included three follow-up visits: 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months postoperatively. If inserted, the silicone tubes were removed at the 2-month visit. Conclusion The results of our prospective, randomized study showed that the use of silicone tubes after primary EN-DCR is not necessary.
Risk factors for under-nutrition among children aged one to five years in Udupi taluk of Karnataka, India: A case control study.

BACKGROUND Despite her apparent economic success, India is plagued by a high burden of under-nutrition among children under five. This study was aimed at understanding some of the risk factors for under-nutrition in a region with favourable maternal and child health indicators. METHOD A case control study was carried out among children aged one to five years attending the paediatric outpatient department in six rural health care centres in Udupi taluk of Karnataka in Southern India. A total of 162 children were included in the study, of which 56 were cases. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the caregivers of the children and the nutritional status was graded according to the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) grading of protein-energy malnutrition. RESULTS Under-nutrition was associated with illness in the last one month [OR- 4.78 (CI: 1.83 -12.45)], feeding diluted milk [OR-14.26 (CI: 4.65 - 43.68)] and having more than two children with a birth interval ≤2 years [OR- 4.93 (CI: 1.78 - 13.61)]. Lack of exclusive breast feeding, level of education of the caregiver and environmental factors like source of water did not have an association. CONCLUSION Childhood illness, short birth interval and consumption of diluted milk were some of the significant contributory factors noted among this population. Information, Education, Communication (IEC) campaigns alleviating food fads and promoting birth spacing is needed.
Mycophenolate mofetil in renal allograft recipients: a pooled efficacy analysis of three randomized, double-blind, clinical studies in prevention of rejection. The International Mycophenolate Mofetil Renal Transplant Study Groups.

BACKGROUND The search for more effective and less toxic immunosuppressive agents to control transplant rejection has led to the extensive testing of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in clinical renal transplantation. METHODS A pooled analysis of three phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trials conducted in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia was performed to further characterize the efficacy of MMF in renal allograft recipients. The three studies enrolled a total of 1493 patients. Triple- and quadruple-therapy regimens of cyclosporine, corticosteroids, and standardized MMF dosages with and without antilymphocyte induction were used: MMF in twice-daily doses of 1.0 g or 1.5 g (MMF 2 g or 3 g) was compared with placebo (PLA) or azathioprine (AZA). The primary efficacy endpoint in the individual trials was biopsy-proven rejection or treatment failure at 6 months. This pooled analysis focused on graft loss, patient death, incidence and treatment of rejection episodes, and graft function (serum creatinine) at 1 year. RESULTS At 1 year, the graft survival rate was 90.4% and 89.2% in the MMF 2 g and 3 g groups, respectively, compared with 87.6% in the PLA/AZA group. This difference was not statistically significant. MMF significantly reduced the incidence of rejection episodes: 40.8% for PLA/AZA patients versus 19.8% and 16.5% for the MMF 2 g and MMF 3 g groups, respectively. Renal function was consistently better for both MMF treatment groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS MMF proved superior to AZA as a posttransplant immunosuppressant in conjunction with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. MMF-treated groups showed reduced incidence and severity of rejection episodes, similar graft survival, and better graft function over 12 months.
Dispersion Relation of Leaky Modes in Nonhomogeneous Waveguides and Its Applications

For a nonhomogeneous waveguide, whose refractive index is not a constant, the problem is very complicated since the nonlinear eigenvalue problems are unable to reduce to algebraic equations yet. When the refractive index is varied, the dispersion relation cannot be derived by using the analytic expressions of the solutions in each layer. In this paper, this problem is solved by using the differential transfer matrix method, which is introduced to deduce the dispersion relations of leaky modes for TE and TM cases, respectively. Moreover, for the waveguide whose refractive index is gradually varied, the dispersion relations can be approximated by some simpler algebraic equations, which are close to the exact relations and very easy to analyze. Asymptotic solutions are used as initial guesses, and followed by Newton's method, to give very accurate solutions. This paper is a generalization of the asymptotic method of slab waveguides; all the results therein are consistent with the analysis here.
Renal Transplantation in a Case of Acute Intermittent Porphyria

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) results from a deficiency of the porphobilinogen deaminase enzyme of heme biosynthesis. The disease is exacerbated by a wide variety of drugs. Only steroids and azathioprine (Aza) have so far been considered safe in patients with AIP, and cyclosporine is listed as contraindicated. From the transplantation point of view, it is well known that cyclosporine (CsA) is a superior immunosuppressive agent compared to azathioprine. This case report presents a female patient evaluated for renal transplantation. A test dose of CsA was given, and no symptoms of AIP occurred. Renal transplantation with a cadaveric donor was performed, and the patient was immunosuppressed with CsA, Aza, and prednisolone. Following three acute rejections, Aza was replaced by mycophenolate mofetil. Nevertheless, graft function deteriorated slowly, necessitating return to dialysis 3 years after transplantation. No symptoms of AIP were observed while the patient was on cyclosporine and/or mycophenolate mofetil therapy, and the authors conclude that these drugs can be safely administered to at least some patients with AIP.
Shall we play again? The effects of repetitive gameplay and self-efficacy on behavioural intentions to take earthquake precautions

ABSTRACT Playing serious games may allow individuals to acquire essential disaster preparedness knowledge and skills. Playing such games repeatedly could generate self-efficacy, and consequently lead to behavioural intentions to take precautions. This study examines the effects of repetitive-play of an earthquake preparedness game on behavioural intentions, and the role of self-efficacy in mediating these positive outcomes. An experimental study was conducted, where repetitive-play was manipulated in a laboratory setting. An online self-administered survey was used to measure self-efficacy and behavioural intentions. Results showed that those in the repetitive-play condition had significant intentions to take precautions compared only to those in the no-play condition. The gradual increase in intentions from no-play to single-play to repetitive-play was not significant. Earthquake preparedness self-efficacy mediated the relationship between repetitive-play and behavioural intentions. Results of this study suggest that serious games should encourage repetitive-play while allowing players to progressively gain content self-efficacy, highlighting the important role of design and game features in serious games on risk communication.
[Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery for pain palliation of bone metastases: early experience of clinical application in China].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) in treatment for pain palliation of bone metastases. METHODS Eighty-one patients of painful bone metastases were volunteered to screen for this study in Shanghai General Hospital from June 2014 to February 2015. Twenty-three patients among them were treated by MRgFUS, who was more than 18-years old, having the ability to fully understand the informed consent of the research, suffering with pain of numeric rating scale (NRS) ≥ 4, non-received radiotherapy or chemotherapy for pain palliation of bone metastases in the past two weeks. The NRS, the standard question of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-QoL), and the standard question of Europe Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire- Bone Metastases 22 (EORTC QLQ-BM22) were respectively recorded before and 1-week, 1-month, 3-month after the treatment. The related adverse events of MRgFUS were observed and recorded in 3 months after the treatment as well. RESULTS (1)Twenty-three metastatic bone tumor lesions of 23 patients were treated by MRgFUS, the treatment data was as follows: the mean treatment time was (88 ± 33) minutes, the mean sonication number was 13 ± 8. (2) Adverse events included: pain in therapy area 3/23, which spontaneous relieving within one week; numbness in lower limb (1/23), which relieved after physiotherapy. (3) The NRS of before treatment and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month after treatment respectively was 6.0 ± 1.5, 3.7 ± 1.7,3.1 ± 2.0, and 2.2 ± 1.0,which significantly decreased after the treatment (P<0.01). (4) The BPI-QoL score of before treatment and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month after treatment respectively was 39 ± 16, 27 ± 18, 26 ± 18, and 21 ± 18, which significantly decreased after the treatment (P<0.01). (5) The EORTC QLQ-BM22 score of before treatment and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month after treatment respectively was 52 ± 13, 44 ± 12, 42 ± 12, and 39 ± 12, which also significantly decreased after the treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS MRgFUS can be used as a non-invasive, safe, and effective method for treating painful bone metastases. Its clinical benefits of pain palliation and patient's quality of life improving are sustained after the treatment at least to 3 months.
New‐Onset Diabetes After Transplantation: Results From a Double‐Blind Early Corticosteroid Withdrawal Trial

New‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is an important complication following kidney transplantation. Data from the 5‐year early steroid withdrawal double‐blind randomized trial were analyzed to determine if steroid avoidance reduced the NODAT risk. Incidence, timing and risk factors for NODAT were evaluated using eight definitions. By American Diabetes Association definition, 36.3% of patients on chronic corticosteroids (CCS) and 35.9% on early corticosteroid withdrawal (CSWD) were diagnosed with NODAT by 5 years. The definition combining fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL on two occasions or treatment identified slightly more cases of NODAT: CCS (39.3%) and CSWD (39.4%). Through 5 years posttransplant, the proportion of NODAT patients requiring treatment were similar (CSWD 22.5% vs. CCS 21.5%); however, insulin therapy was lower with CSWD (3.7% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.049). By multivariate analysis, only age, but not corticosteroid use, was a significant risk factor for NODAT for more than one definition. Numerical, but not statistically significant trends toward lower NODAT rates with CSWD were observed through 5 years for insulin use, HbA1c ≥6.0% and ≥6.5% on two occasions. This prospective, randomized trial of CSWD indicates that CSWD has a limited impact in reducing NODAT when compared to low‐dose prednisone (5 mg/day from month 6 to 5 years).