Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive decline is faster in Lewy body variant than in Alzheimer's disease

Objectives: To quantify the rate of cognitive decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in autopsy-diagnosed Lewy body variant (LBV) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases. We hypothesized that LBV patients would have a faster cognitive decline and shorter survival compared with patients with pure AD. Background: Prior reports have shown extrapyramidal signs to be associated with a poorer prognosis in AD. It has been suggested that LBV is often characterized by a rapidly progressive course. Few data are available regarding the rate of cognitive decline in autopsy-confirmed LBV dementia cases. Methods: We searched the databases of the University of California-San Diego Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Consortium to Establish a Registry in Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) for dementia cases with 1) an autopsy diagnosis of definite or probable AD (CERAD criteria) with concomitant Lewy bodies and 2) longitudinal MMSE assessments. This resulted in a series of 40 LBV cases and 148 AD cases without Lewy bodies, with comparable baseline MMSE scores, age, and education. The rate of cognitive decline was calculated as the baseline MMSE - final MMSE. Methods were devised to reduce floor effects on the MMSE. Results: The average rate of cognitive decline was -5.8 ± 4.5 points/y in LBV and -4.1 ± 3.0 points/y in AD (t-test, p< 0.01). The LBV group declined a similar amount on the MMSE (means, -10.0 versus -9.6 points) over a significantly shorter time interval (1.9 versus 2.7 years; p = 0.005) than did AD patients. At baseline, the mean MMSE scores were nearly identical (18.2 in LBV; 17.8 in AD), but on follow-up examinations approximately 1, 2, and 3 years later, there were intergroup mean differences of 1.8 points (two-tailed p = 0.19), 4.2 points (p = 0.04), and 5.6 points (p = 0.03), respectively. The LBV cases had shorter survival time from the onset of cognitive symptoms (7.7 ± 3.0 years versus 9.3 ± 3.5 years; p = 0.007) and a shorter mean survival after entry/baseline, which was of marginal significance (3.6 versus 4.1 years; p = 0.11). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that LBV is characterized by a faster cognitive decline and accelerated mortality compared with AD.
Systems of Mating. II. the Effects of Inbreeding on the Genetic Composition of a Population.

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Higher-Education Administrators: When the Future Does Not Make a Difference

The relationships between administrative actions and their long-term consequences were investigated in 14 people beginning training to become high-level college and university administrators, 19 people who had just finished that training, and 44 provosts (chief academic officers) at colleges and universities in the northeastern United States. The experienced administrators (those who had completed the training plus the provosts) were significantly more likely than the trainees to mention long-term consequences when describing their past and possible future administrative actions. However, in hypothetical choice situations, the experienced administrators were also significantly more likely than the trainees to choose smaller amounts of funds available immediately for their units versus larger amounts of promised future funds. With experience, administrators may both become more aware of their actions' long-term consequences and learn that they are unlikely to receive promised future funds. The contingencies in effect for higher-education administrators may lead them to make choices that do not result in their institutions meeting the highest standards.
Primary HIV Drug Resistance and Efficacy of First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy Guided by Resistance Testing

Background: Primary HIV drug resistance has been associated with poor treatment outcome of first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in several trials. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of first-line HAART guided by resistance testing. Methods: In a prospective multicenter study in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, chronically HIV-infected patients underwent genotypic resistance testing and were monitored for 48 weeks after initiation of HAART. Results: Primary drug resistance was found in 30 of 269 patients'entering the study between January 2001 and December 2003 [11.2%; 95% confidence interval, 7.4-14.9]. In intent-to-'treat analysis, the proportion of patients with viral load below 50 copies/mL after 24 and 48 weeks was 70.0% and 66.7%, respectively, in patients with resistance and 74.1% and 73.6%, respectively, in patients without (P = 0.66 and 0.51). In on-treatment analysis, the proportions were 80.8% and 83.3%, respectively, in patients with resistance and 81.9% and 85.0%, respectively, in patients without (P'= 0.79 and 0.77). These results were also valid considering a detection limit of 400 copies/mL. Conclusions: The prevalence of primary drug resistance was 11.2% in chronically HIV-infected patients. HAART guided by resistance testing had similar efficacy in patients with primary drug resistance as compared with patients with wild-type virus. Based on these facts, resistance-adapted first-line HAART is suggested as routine practice.
Surgical management of chemotherapy-resistant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) are a broad spectrum of placental lesions. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for GTN and the vast majority of women with GTN are cured with their initial chemotherapy treatment. However, some patients become chemotherapy-resistant and fail to achieve a complete remission following initial chemotherapy and need salvage chemotherapy. A small minority of patients are still unresponsive to salvage multidrug chemotherapy. Currently, adjuvant surgical procedures could be excellent adjuncts to salvage chemotherapy in removing known foci of chemotherapy-resistant disease in selected patients with persistent GTN. This article will review the surgical management of chemotherapy-resistant GTN, focusing on the relevant indication of surgery, factors affecting efficacy and the use of surgical procedures in selected patients.
Poor perinatal outcome associated with vasa previa: is it preventable? A report of three cases and review of the literature

We describe three cases of vasa previa and review the English‐language literature for all cases reported since 1980. Antenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with decreased fetal mortality (p = 0.033). A low‐lying placenta is a risk factor for vasa previa, as it occurred in 81% of patients. Copyright © 1998 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Homogeneous interconnected systems: An example

Large systems with special invariance properties appear in many engineering problems, e.g. solar arrays, cascades of reactors, flexible structures, etc. In this paper we are concerned with a class of such systems, exhibiting a linear lattice structure. Following some observations on the algebraic structure of such systems we focus on the analytic aspects of associated control problems. Our motivation for this exercise derives from problems of controlling seismic cables used in offshore oil exploration.
Effect of lectins on hepatic clearance and killing of Candida albicans by the isolated perfused mouse liver

The isolated perfused mouse liver model was used to study the effects of various lectins on hepatic trapping and killing of Candida albicans. After mouse livers were washed with 20 to 30 ml of perfusion buffer, 10(6) C. albicans CFU were infused into the livers. At the time of recovery, 63% +/- 2% (mean +/- standard error of the mean) of the infused C. albicans CFU were recovered from the liver and 14% +/- 1% were recovered from the effluent for a total recovery of 77% +/- 2%. This indicated that 86% +/- 9% of the original inoculum was trapped by the liver and that 23% +/- 2% was killed within the liver. When included in both preperfusion and postperfusion buffers (0.2 mg of lectin per ml), Ulex europeaus lectin (binding specificity for fucose) decreased hepatic trapping of C. albicans by 37% and eluted trapped C. albicans from the liver only when included in postperfusion buffer. By comparison, treatment of C. albicans with U. europeaus lectin before infusion had no effect on the trapping or killing of yeast cells. When Lens culinaris lectin (binding specificity for mannose) was included in the perfusion buffers, hepatic killing of C. albicans increased by 16% with no significant effect on hepatic killing when yeast cells were treated with L. culinaris lectin before infusion. Forty to 55% of the infused C. albicans were killed when concanavalin A (binding specificities for mannose and glucose), Glycine max (binding specificity for N-acetylgalactosamine), or Arachis hypogea (binding specificity for galactose) lectin was included in the perfusion buffer or when yeast cells were treated with these lectins before their infusion. When C. albicans was treated with concanavalin A at a concentration of less than 0.02 mg/ml, hepatic killing of yeast cells was not significantly increased. The data suggest that a fucose-containing receptor on the surface of either sinusoidal endothelial cells or Kupffer cells is involved in the trapping of C. albicans by the perfused mouse liver. Moreover, lectins with binding specificities for mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, and galactose increased hepatic killing of C. albicans.
Continuous Trastuzumab Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients With Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND Adjuvant trastuzumab is a highly effective targeted treatment that improves survival for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. However, trastuzumab interruption is recommended for patients who develop treatment-induced cardiotoxicity (i.e., decline in left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], with or without symptoms) and can lead to an incomplete course of treatment. We studied the cardiac safety of continuous trastuzumab therapy among patients with asymptomatic declines in LVEF. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with adjuvant trastuzumab at our institution between 2005 and 2010. Treatment-induced cardiotoxicity was defined by an absolute decrease in LVEF of ≥10% to below 55% or an absolute decrease of ≥16%. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between candidate risk factors and treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. RESULTS Among 573 patients, 92 (16%) developed treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. Trastuzumab was continued without interruption in 31 of 92 patients with treatment-induced cardiotoxicity—all were asymptomatic with LVEF of ≥50% at cardiotoxicity diagnosis with median LVEF of 53% (range, 50%-63%), and none developed heart failure during follow-up. Risk factors associated with treatment-induced cardiotoxicity included age (p = .011), anthracycline chemotherapy (p = .002), and lower pretrastuzumab LVEF (p < .001). CONCLUSION Among patients who develop asymptomatic treatment-induced cardiotoxicity with LVEF of ≥50%, continuous trastuzumab therapy appears to be safe.
Evaluation of a Behaviour Analysis and Treatment of Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy, Type Unverricht-Lundborg: A Case Study

This case study evaluates the clinical effectiveness of a psychological treatment within a behaviour medicine approach to epilepsy of a subject with progressive myoclonic epilepsy. The pattern of seizure behaviour was identified in the behaviour analysis. Self-management skills were taught to the client and in vivo exposure was subsequently used in a desensitization process. The main findings in this study were that the debilitating effects of the myclonic jerks can be reduced and functioning level improved when fear of seizures is reduced. These results indicate that psychological treatment can increase the level of functioning in clients with progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
Differences between child and adult large‐scale functional brain networks for reading tasks

Reading is an important high‐level cognitive function of the human brain, requiring interaction among multiple brain regions. Revealing differences between children's large‐scale functional brain networks for reading tasks and those of adults helps us to understand how the functional network changes over reading development. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 17 adults (19–28 years old) and 16 children (11–13 years old), and graph theoretical analyses to investigate age‐related changes in large‐scale functional networks during rhyming and meaning judgment tasks on pairs of visually presented Chinese characters. We found that: (1) adults had stronger inter‐regional connectivity and nodal degree in occipital regions, while children had stronger inter‐regional connectivity in temporal regions, suggesting that adults rely more on visual orthographic processing whereas children rely more on auditory phonological processing during reading. (2) Only adults showed between‐task differences in inter‐regional connectivity and nodal degree, whereas children showed no task differences, suggesting the topological organization of adults’ reading network is more specialized. (3) Children showed greater inter‐regional connectivity and nodal degree than adults in multiple subcortical regions; the hubs in children were more distributed in subcortical regions while the hubs in adults were more distributed in cortical regions. These findings suggest that reading development is manifested by a shift from reliance on subcortical to cortical regions. Taken together, our study suggests that Chinese reading development is supported by developmental changes in brain connectivity properties, and some of these changes may be domain‐general while others may be specific to the reading domain.
Adaptive increases in drug-metabolizing enzymes induced by phenobarbital and other drugs.

Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital, barbital, aminopyrine, phenylbutazone, orphenadrine and 3,4-benzpyrene causes a marked increase in the activity of various drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver microsomes. Evidence is presented that phenobarbital induces the synthesis of these enzymes and stimulates liver protein synthesis. Administration of certain drugs enhances the ability of liver microsomes to metabolize the same or a closely related cornpound. Thus the administration of phenylbutazone, aminopyrine, 3,4-benzpyrene or phenobarbital will respectively increase the ability of rat liver microsomes to metabolize phenylbutazone, aminopyrine, 3,4-benzpyrene or hexobarbital. The ability of drugs to stimulate drugmetabolizing enzymes is paralleled in vivo by an accelerated rate of drug metabolism and by a shortened duration of drug action. Pretreatment of rats with several drugs shortened considerably the duration of zoxazolamine paralysis and hexobarbital hypnosis.
Pharmacodynamics of Rituximab in Kidney Transplantation

The B-cell depleting anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has become a therapeutic alternative in renal transplantation. However, understanding of the pharmacodynamics is limited. We have therefore studied the effect of single-dose rituximab, in combination with conventional triple immunosuppressive therapy, on the B-cell population in peripheral blood as well as in tissues, in kidney transplant recipients. Forty-nine kidney recipients received single-dose rituximab. The prevalence of B cells was assessed in peripheral blood, kidney transplant tissue, and in lymph nodes. In 88%, complete depletion of B cells in peripheral blood was observed and, 15 months after treatment, B cells were still undetectable in the majority of patients. In kidney tissue, B cells were also completely eliminated. In contrast, the B cells were not eliminated in lymph nodes, although a reduction was observed. In conclusion, single-dose rituximab in kidney transplant recipients evokes a long-term elimination of B-cells in peripheral blood as well as within the kidney transplant.
Surgical anatomy of the inferior vena cava ligament.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The inferior vena cava ligament is a fibrous membrane located around the inferior vena cava. Few reports exist on the ligament's location, attachment to the liver, or the inferior vena cava. METHODOLOGY We obtained 16 specimens of human liver and inferior vena cava from cadavers. The inferior vena cava ligament was photographed and then dissected for histological examination. Relationships among the ligament, inferior vena cava, and liver were examined microscopically. The numbers and diameters of veins, arteries, and lymph vessels at least 1 mm in diameter were recorded. RESULTS The cranial margin of the inferior vena cava ligament was ended in a blind loop. The cranial portion above the mid-portion of the Spiegel lobe was thicker than the caudal portion. The ligament was attached to the right and left hepatic veins. The mean length of the right side of the inferior vena cava ligament was 37.0 mm and the mean width 15.6 mm. The inferior vena cava ligament had a mean thickness of 0.8 mm (thin end) and 2.5 mm (thick end). Although the inferior vena cava ligament was usually tightly continuous with the liver capsule, microscopically the attachment between the ligament and the inferior vena cava was loose. The mean number and diameter of veins in the inferior vena cava ligament was 1.0 and 1.4 mm, respectively. The mean number and diameter of arteries was 0.2 and 2.4 mm, respectively. The mean number and diameter of lymphatic vessels was 2.8 and 1.7 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS After dissection of the inferior vena cava ligament, major hepatic veins can be dissected extrahepatically. Because the ligament is wider caudally, the forceps should be inserted caudocranially during separation. Since both the number and diameters of lymphatic vessels in the ligament are large, the ligament should be ligated and cut.
Domperidone: A Peripherally Acting Dopamine2-Receptor Antagonist

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of domperidone in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders and emesis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and Excerpta Medica online databases were searched to identify published reports. STUDY SELECTION: Domperidone has been marketed worldwide outside the US since 1978, and extensive clinical data for this drug are available. This review focuses on the clinical experience from controlled studies of domperidone in the treatment of motility disorders, particularly diabetic gastroparesis. Also, case reports are used in summarizing safety. The control comparator groups included placebo or other prokinetic drugs (metoclopramide and cisapride). Controlled clinical trials of domperidone's efficacy and safety as an antiemetic are also briefly examined. Although a variety of domperidone dosage forms have been marketed, data generated from trials using the 10-mg tablet are highlighted because this is the only dosage form available in Canada and is under investigation in the US. DATA EXTRACTION: Because symptoms do not correlate with objective measures of gastrointestinal motility and they are the primary reason that patients with motility disorders seek treatment, the primary outcome extracted from the clinical studies was symptomatic response to treatment. Safety and efficacy between domperidone and placebo, metoclopramide, or cisapride were compared. DATA SYNTHESIS: Domperidone, a peripheral dopamine2-receptor antagonist, regulates the motility of gastric and small intestinal smooth muscle and has been shown to have some effects on the motor function of the esophagus. It also has antiemetic activity as a result of blockade of dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. In controlled clinical trials, domperidone provided better relief of symptoms (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, early satiety, bloating, distension) than placebo in patients with symptoms of diabetic gastropathy; symptomatic improvement was similar with domperidone and metoclopramide or cisapride. Domperidone also provided short-term relief of symptoms in patients with dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux, prevented nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic chemotherapy, and prevented the gastrointestinal and emetic adverse effects of antiparkinsonian drugs. Because very little domperidone crosses the blood–brain barrier, reports of central nervous system adverse effects, such as dystonic reactions, are rare. CONCLUSIONS: Domperidone is a unique gastrokinetic and antiemetic drug. Because of its favorable safety profile, domperidone appears to be an attractive alternative to metoclopramide. In the management of diabetic gastropathy, domperidone's antiemetic activity distinguishes it from cisapride.
A revised map of chromosome 1

The genetic map of chromosome 1 reported by Keats, Morton & Rao (1981) has been updated using recent recombination data and regional assignments from the Galton Laboratory (King, 1982a) and from the current literature. A maximum likelihood mapping technique using pairwise recombination data without a chiasma map was developed, based on the principles of Rao et al. (1979) and Keats et al. (1981). The development of this new method was found to be necessary when inconsistencies were encountered using a method which combines recombination data and physical data through the chiasma map. These inconsistencies could be due to appreciable chiasma movement, incorrect physical assignments or technical and biological variation in lod scores.
Hypertension Prevention and Control : Effects of a Community Health Nurse-led Intervention

The concern over cardiovascular disease is especially relevant in the healthcare of a developing nation like Nigeria. In Nigeria, 57 million people are estimated to be hypertensive with many still undiagnosed. Hypertension is a disease that is both common in urban and rural populace [1,2]. It has been linked to unhealthy lifestyles habits (lack of exercise and rest, consumption of alcohol, tobacco products, excess fatty foods and dietary sodium) which are common in our society today [3]. According to Das either due to poverty or affluence our lifestyle (nutrition pattern, social habits and working culture) has changed and thus increased the predisposition to hypertension [4]. Hypertension is identified as the leading cause of Target Organ Damage (TOD) like blindness, kidney failure and coronary artery diseases. Emerging data from hospital studies show that hypertension or its complication is the most common non-communicable disease in Nigeria [5].
Effectiveness of cognitive therapy with coping training for persistent auditory hallucinations a retrospective study of attenders of a psychiatric out‐patient department

Recent studies have suggested positive effects of cognitive therapy on psychotic symptoms. However, the effects of coping training are less clear, and generalization to daily functioning has not been attempted for either intervention. A total of 40 patients with therapy‐refractory auditory hallucinations received standard care plus cognitive therapy with coping training. In a retrospective, descriptive study, multiple assessments of outcome were measured. The experimental therapy seems to improve both overall symptomatology and quality of life, and is acceptable to both patients and relatives. Generalization to daily functioning and continuation over time was observed. Improvements with regard to the occurrence of hallucinations, fear, disturbance of thought, social interactions and daily activities were significant. Complete disappearance of hallucinations occurred in 20% of participants, and in 40% of those who were regularly discharged from treatment. The level of satisfaction with therapy was high (78%), and the drop‐out rate was low (9%). Improvement was not significantly correlated with psychiatric diagnosis (schizophrenia vs. other diagnoses), and was sustained at follow‐up after 1 year.