Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myopia, axial length, and OCT characteristics of the macula in Singaporean children.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between macular volume and thickness, as assessed by optic coherence tomography (OCT), with refraction and axial length (AL) in children. METHODS A total of 104 Chinese school children (51 girls and 53 boys) 11 to 12 years of age were randomly selected from one school during the 2005 examination in the Singapore Cohort Study of the Risk Factors for Myopia (SCORM). Cycloplegic autorefraction was performed to obtain refraction (defined as spherical equivalent [SE]) and ultrasound biometry performed to obtain the AL. Macular volume and thickness were then measured (StratusOCT3; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). RESULTS Children with moderate myopia (SE at least -3.0 D) tended to have smaller total macular volume and thinner quadrant-specific macular thickness (except in the inferior and superior inner quadrants), followed by children with low myopia (-0.5<or=SE<-3.0 D), compared with children with no myopia (SE>-0.5 D). Total macular volume was positively associated with SE (beta=1.58, 95% CI, 0.84 to 2.32, standardized beta=0.14, P<0.001) and negatively associated with AL (beta=-1.20, 95% CI, -1.62 to -0.79, standardized beta=0.45, P<0.001) in multiple linear regression models controlling for age and gender. CONCLUSIONS In children, increasing axial myopia was associated with reduced macular volume and thickness. These findings suggest that early anatomic changes may be present in the retinas of children with axial myopia.
A rationale for expanding the endpoints for clinical trials in advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Using classical endpoints, such as response rate and survival, as the sole measures of benefit, little progress has been made in the treatment of advanced pancreatic carcinoma in the past 30 years. We challenge the assumption that response rate and survival are the only appropriate endpoints for clinical trials in this disease setting. METHOD. A review of the literature and roundtable discussion were undertaken. RESULTS. Using current imaging techniques, it is inherently difficult to distinguish pancreatic tumor from normal pancreas, inflammatory tissue, local fibrosis, and unopacified bowel. As a result, objective tumor measurements are often imprecise, unreliable, and irreproducible. This difficulty may explain the wide variation in response rates reported in clinical trials even when the same therapies are used. Tumor‐related symptoms, such as anorexia, weight loss, severe pain (requiring opioid analgesia), and impaired functional status, are prevalent and debilitating characteristics of this disease. Tools that can assess these symptoms in a consistent fashion over time have been developed and have been integrated into clinical trials to evaluate new drugs in this setting. CONCLUSIONS. Systematic assessment of the impact of a new therapy on tumor‐related symptoms may provide a sensitive and accurate way to identify useful new treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma. Such analyses can be a useful complement to the classical endpoints of response rate and survival. Cancer 1996;78:627‐32.
Exposed necrotic bone in 183 patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Associated clinical characteristics

Background The main objective of our study was to identify oral symptoms and signs most likely to be associated with the exposure of necrotic bone in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Material and Methods The study group consisted of 183 patients with BRONJ. We recorded data on the underlying disease, bisphosphonate used, location of osteonecrosis, symptoms, pain, fistula development, suppuration, infection, exposed necrotic bone, and BRONJ stage. Results The mean age of the patients was 68.22 ± 12.19 years. The sample included 118 (64.5%) women. Breast cancer and multiple myeloma were the most common underlying diseases, and 50 patients received oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Dental extractions (69.4%) and mandibular location (74.3%) predominated. The only two variables influencing the possibility of necrotic bone exposure were intravenous bisphosphonate administration and the presence of an intraoral fistula (p >0.05). Conclusions Intravenous bisphosphonate use and intraoral fistula presence were associated with a major predisposition to bone exposure in patients with BRONJ. Key words:Bisphosphonate, Osteonecrosis, Jaw.
Schwann cells express IP prostanoid receptors coupled to an elevation in intracellular cyclic AMP

We have shown previously that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) are each produced in an explant model of peripheral nerve injury. We report that IP prostanoid receptor mRNA and protein are present in primary rat Schwann cells. IP prostanoid receptor stimulation using prostacyclin produced an elevation in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration ([cAMP]i) in primary Schwann cells. Peak [cAMP]i was observed between 5–15 min of stimulation followed by a gradual recovery toward basal level. Phosphorylation of cyclic AMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) on Ser133 was also detected after IP prostanoid receptor stimulation and CREB phosphorylation was inhibited completely by the protein kinase A inhibitor, H‐89. Intracellular calcium levels were not affected by IP prostanoid receptor stimulation. Unlike forskolin, IP prostanoid receptor stimulation did not significantly augment Schwann cell proliferation in response to growth factor treatment. However, IP prostanoid receptor stimulation increased the number of Schwann cells that were able to generate a calcium transient in response to P2 purinergic receptor activation. These findings suggest that signaling via the IP prostanoid receptor may by relevant to Schwann cell biology in vivo. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generalizability and persistence of a multifaceted intervention for improving quality of care for rural patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Most quality improvement efforts for type 2 diabetes have neglected cardiovascular risk factors and are limited by a lack of information about generalizability across settings or persistence of effect over time. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We previously reported 6-month results of a controlled study of an intervention that improved cardiovascular risk factors for rural patients with type 2 diabetes. We subsequently provided the identical intervention to the control region after the main study was completed. The primary outcome was 10% improvement in systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, or HbA(1c). We compared the previously reported 6-month effect of the original intervention with the effect of the crossed-over intervention to the former control region and remeasured outcomes in the original intervention region 12 months later. RESULTS Our analysis included 200 original intervention and 181 crossed-over intervention subjects. The age of the population was 62.4 +/- 12.4 years (mean +/- SD), and 54.3% were women. A similar proportion of patients in the crossed-over intervention group achieved improvement in the primary composite outcome compared with the original intervention group (38 vs. 44%, respectively; P = 0.29). In adjusted analyses, we observed less improvement in blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio 0.40 [95% CI 0.17-0.75]) but greater improvements in total cholesterol (1.86 [0.93-3.7]) with the crossed-over intervention compared with the original intervention. We observed sustained improvements in total cholesterol and HbA(1c) levels in the original intervention group, whereas previous large gains in control of blood pressure diminished over time. CONCLUSIONS We found that our intervention was generalizable across settings, and its effect persisted over time. Nevertheless, without ongoing intervention or reinforcement, we noted some loss of the original benefits that had accrued. Future translational work should incorporate interventions such as ours into ongoing systems of rural care.
Analyzing Destination Choice Preferences in Bicycle Sharing Systems: An Investigation of Chicago’s Divvy System

In recent years, there has been increasing attention on bicycle-sharing systems (BSS) as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation for short trips. However, due to relatively recent adoption of BSS there is very little research exploring how people consider these systems within the existing transportation alternatives. Given the recent growth of BSS across the world, there is substantial interest in identifying contributing factors that encourage individuals to use these systems. The current study contributes to the growing literature by examining BSS behavior at a trip level to analyze bicyclists’ destination preferences. Specifically, the authors study the decision process involved in identifying destination locations after picking up a bicycle at a BSS station using a random utility maximization approach in the form of a multinomial logit model (MNL). The quantitative frameworks developed have been estimated using data from Chicago’s Divvy system for 2013. In their modeling effort, they distinguish between BSS users with annual membership and short-term customers with daily passes. The developed model will allow bicycle-sharing system operators to better plan their services by examining the impact of travel distance, land use, built environment and access to public transportation infrastructure on use destination preferences. Using the estimated model the authors generate utility profiles as a function of distance and various other attributes allowing us to visually represent the trade-offs that individuals make in their decision process. To further illustrate the applicability of the proposed framework for planning purposes, destination station choice probability prediction is undertaken.
Association Between Maternal Weight Gain and Birth Weight

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between maternal weight gain and birth weight less than 3,000 g and greater than or equal to 4,000 g in underweight (body mass index [BMI] less than 19.8 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 19.8–26.0 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 26.1–29.0 kg/m2), and obese (BMI greater than 29.0 kg/m2) women, with emphasis on the use of the American Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations in Denmark. METHODS: We analyzed data from 2,248 women with singleton, term pregnancies. The relationship between weight gain and risk of birth weight less than 3,000 g and greater than or equal to 4,000 g was examined in the four BMI groups, and use of IOM recommendations was tested by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: We found an inverse relationship between maternal weight gain and the proportion of infants with a birth weight less than 3,000 g. Birth weight greater than or equal to 4,000 g increased with an increasing weight gain in underweight and normal-weight women, but the association was less apparent in overweight and obese women. Underweight women seemed to benefit from gaining more weight than recommended by the IOM, because the odds ratio (OR) of birth weight less than 3,000 g was 0.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.9) and the OR was 1.7 for birthweight greater than or equal to 4,000 g (95% CI 0.8–3.6). The normal-weight women had an increased risk of birth weight less than 3,000 g (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5–3.7) if weight gain was below the recommended range, and the OR of birth weight greater than or equal to 4,000 g was 1.9 (95% CI 1.5–2.5) when the women gained more than recommended. CONCLUSION: The IOM recommendations may provide a basis for Danish recommendations to pregnant women, although the upper recommended limit for underweight women may have to be increased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Mining, Political Settlements and Inclusive Development in Peru

This paper examines how economic and political factors have influenced mineral extraction, governance and development in Peru since the late 19th century. It argues that the legacies of the past have weighed heavily in contemporary mining governance, but also points to moments in which shifting political alliances and agency aimed to alter past legacies and introduce positive institutional change. The authors identify three historical periods characterised by relatively stable arrangements for the distribution of power, each with implications for state-building and extractive governance. For the most recent period (post-2000), they discuss how the response of democratic governments to socio-environmental conflict has included the creation of institutions to redistribute mining rents, regulate environmental impacts and promote indigenous participation. However, they argue that political instability and fragmentation have inhibited the effectiveness and legitimacy of these institutions and of longer-term policymaking in general, which in turn helps explain Peru’s persistent reliance on natural resource extraction and the challenges to more inclusive and sustainable development.
Oral delivery of human growth hormone: Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics

Daily subcutaneous injection of human growth hormone has been used for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency and growth failure but has led to poor patient compliance and renal toxicity. Thus, it is crucial to develop favorable growth hormone delivery systems to improve patient compliance. In the present study, to increase the oral bioavailability of growth hormone and improve patient compliance, enteric-coated capsules filled with monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles were prepared to facilitate oral growth hormone delivery. The nanoparticles were less than 100 nm in size, exhibited narrow polydispersity indices < 0.3, and showed a zeta potential of −4.87 mV. The highest efficiency of growth hormone encapsulation achieved in this study was nearly 70%. An in vitro release experiment showed that adequate amounts of growth hormone were retained under simulated gastric conditions and significant amounts of growth hormone were released under simulated intestinal conditions. The bioavailability of encapsulated growth hormone relative to subcutaneously injected growth hormone in Sprague-Dawley rats was 11.06%. Thus, the use of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles yielded promising results, and these agents should be investigated further regarding their potential as an oral growth hormone delivery system in the future.
The Japanese Quail: A Review

The Japanese quail belongs to the order Galformes, family Phasidae, genus Coturnix and species japonica. Several aspects account for the utility of this bird. First, it has attained economic importance as an agricultural species producing eggs and meat that are enjoyed for their unique flavor. Egg production is important in Japan and Southeast Asia, while meat is the main product in Europe. Second, the low maintenance cost associated with its small body size (80-300 g) coupled with its short generation interval, (3-4 generation per year), resistance to diseases and high egg production, rendered it an excellent laboratory animal. Third, Japanese quail also is the smallest avian species farmed for meat and egg production. It has thus been used extensively in many studies. The Japanese quail is bred for egg and meat production. Few studies have been published on egg production but, reports on quail growth and body composition are numerous. Some of the estimated genetic parameters for various traits of Japanese quail were reported by several workers.
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for a Rare 14-cm Adrenal Schwannoma

Laparoscopic surgery for adrenal tumors is the gold standard for benign tumors; however, its role for adrenal cancer, metastases, and large suspicious lesions remains controversial. This aspect becomes clinically more important as larger incidentaloma are being detected with increasing frequency. Here, we discuss a rare case of a giant 14-cm adrenal schwannoma, which presented as an incidentaloma and was excised laparoscopically. Epidemiology, histology, and surgical treatment options were reviewed. An abdominal computerized tomography scan of a 30-year-old female weighing 130 kg revealed a large left adrenal mass. Preoperative biochemical and endocrine workup confirmed that it was nonfunctioning. The patient had a laparoscopic adrenalectomy without complication. The nodular tumor measured 145×100×80 cm in size and weighed 312 g. Histopathology showed myxoid areas and spindle cells arranged in a palisading manner. Mitoses were not observed. Tumor cells were immunohistochemically strongly positive for S-100, but negative for CD117, desmin, and muscle-specific actin. There was no evidence of malignancy. The diagnosis was of a benign schwannoma. Adrenal schwannoma is an extremely rare entity and can grow considerably in size. So far, this is the largest adrenal schwannoma reported in literature. In agreement with a growing number of publications, laparoscopic adrenalectomy can also be used for potentially malignant tumors larger than 10 cm in diameter provided the tumor does not infiltrate into other organs, conversion to open surgery is carefully considered, and resection occurs within the anatomic planes, thus ensuring the intactness of the tumor capsule.
Negative Investment Returns in a Developing Market Context

Financial theory posits a positive relationship between the value of investment that firms undertake and subsequent shareholder returns. Surprisingly, recent studies on United States data have found a negative relationship between investment and subsequent shareholder return. This anomaly contravenes the basic theory of investment, as well as traditional capital asset-pricing models, and several conflicting risk-related and behavioural explanations have been suggested by other researchers. South Africa’s developing market is characterised by relatively high arbitrage costs, and high risk conditions, and offers a suitable context to re-examine this anomaly. This study confirms a negative relationship between the value of investment that firms undertake and subsequent shareholder returns in a developing market context. Over the period from December 2004 to December 2016, shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with lower investment rates consistently outperform shares with higher investment rates. The explanation for this anomaly requires further study.
Detection of Specific Immunoglobulin E during Maternal, Fetal, and Congenital Toxoplasmosis

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in 664 serum samples were evaluated by using an immunocapture method with a suspension of tachyzoites prepared in the laboratory in order to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of acute Toxoplasma gondiiinfection during pregnancy, congenital infection, and progressive toxoplasmosis. IgE antibodies were never detected in sera from seronegative women, from patients with chronic toxoplasma infection, or from infants without congenital toxoplasmosis. In contrast, they were detected in 86.6% of patients with toxoplasmic seroconversion, and compared with IgA and IgM, the short kinetics of IgE was useful to date the infection precisely. For the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, specific IgE detected was less frequently than IgM or IgA (25 versus 67.3%), but its detection during follow-up of children may be interesting, reflecting an immunological rebound. Finally, IgE was detected early and persisted longer in progressive toxoplasmosis with cervical adenopathies, so it was also a good marker of the evolution of toxoplasma infection.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Objective: Long-term outcomes of patients treated with venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute decompensated heart failure (i.e., cardiogenic shock complicating chronic cardiomyopathy) have not yet been reported. This study was undertaken to describe their outcomes and determine mortality-associated factors. Design: Retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected. Setting: Twenty-six–bed tertiary hospital ICU. Patients: One hundred five patients implanted with venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute decompensated heart failure. Intervention: None. Measurements and Main Results: From March 2007 to January 2015, 105 patients were implanted with venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute decompensated heart failure in our ICU (67% of them had an intraaortic balloon pump to unload the left ventricle). Their 1-year survival rate was 42%; most of the survivors were transplanted either directly or after switching to central bilateral centrifugal pump, ventricular-assist device, or total artificial heart. Most deaths occurred early after multiple organ failure. Multivariable analyses retained (odds ratio [95% CI]) pre–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of more than 11 (3.3 [1.3–8.3]), idiopathic cardiomyopathy (0.4 [0.2–1]), cardiac disease duration greater than 2 years pre–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.8 [1.2–6.9]), and pre–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation blood lactate greater than 4 mmol/L (2.6 [1.03–6.4]) as independent predictors of 1-year mortality. Only 17% of patients with pre–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores of 14 or more survived, whereas 52% of those with scores less than 7 and 60% of those with scores 7 or more and less than 11 were alive 1 year later. Conclusions: Among this selected cohort of 105 patients implanted with venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute decompensated heart failure, 1-year survival was 42%, but better for patients with pre–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores of less than 11. Venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be considered for patients with acute decompensated heart failure, but timing of implantation is crucial.
Worker Influence on Capital Account Policy: Inflow Liberalization and Outflow Restrictions

ABSTRACT How do workers impact openness to international investment flows? This article distinguishes between two types of openness: openness to inflows and openness to outflows of investment. Workers benefit from inflow openness due to increases in wages, productivity, and efficiency and due to reductions in borrowing costs, which are associated with investment inflows. Workers are hurt by outflow openness, as investors gain investment options, and therefore bargaining power, when outflows are permitted. Labor rights help workers overcome collective action problems, and democratic institutions increase policymakers’ responsiveness to labor organizations and make their commitment to labor rights credible. The theory thus predicts that, particularly under democratic institutions, labor rights are positively correlated with inflow openness and negatively correlated with outflow openness. Evidence from time-series, cross-sectional data is consistent with the theoretical expectations.