Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes among Interracial Couples in Korea

Although the prevalence of interracial marriages in Korea is increasing, little is known regarding the pregnancy outcomes of interracial couples. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in pregnancy outcomes between Korean and interracial Korean-foreign couples. Data for infants born in 2011 and 2012 were obtained from the national birth registry of the Korean Statistical Office. The couples were subdivided into Korean father-Korean mother, Korean father-foreign mother, and foreign father-Korean mother groups. Pregnancy outcomes included neonates with low birth weight (< 2,500 g) and those with high birth weight (> 4,000 g). In 2010 and 2011, 888,447 Korean father-Korean mother, 36,024 Korean father-foreign mother, and 4,955 foreign father-Korean mother neonates were delivered in Korea. After adjustment for parental age, educational level, parity, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal sex, the birth weights were found to be different between groups, with the highest number of foreign father-Korean mother and lowest number of Korean father-foreign mother pregnancies. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of low and large birth weights was higher in the Korean father-foreign mother and foreign father-Korean mother groups, respectively, compared with that in the Korean father-Korean mother group. There are significant differences in pregnancy outcomes including birth weights between Korean and interracial Korean-foreign couples.
The expression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma and their clinicopathological significance.

OBJECTIVE Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) and Cyclin D1 is associated with tumorigenesis and progression. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 in human bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) and explore their clinical and pathological significance. METHODS The expression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 protein were detected in 85 cases of human BUC and 16 cases of tumor-adjacent tissues by the immunohistochemical method. RESULTS The positive expression level of AEG-1 was 61.2% in human BUC which was higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (18.8%), P=0.002. The high expression of AEG-1 protein was correlated with the recurrence group (P=0.004). The positive rate of AEG-1 protein in superficial carcinoma group was lower than that of invasive cancer group (P=0.014). The positive expression level of Cyclin D1 was 56.5% in BUC, which was higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (12.5%). P=0.001. The high expression of Cyclin D1 protein was correlated with the recurrence group (P=0.024). The positive rate of Cyclin D1 protein in low grade group was lower than that of high grade group (P=0.001). The positive rate of Cyclin D1 protein in superficial carcinoma group was lower than that of invasive carcinoma group, (P=0.012). AEG-1 protein was positively correlated with Cyclin D1 protein (r=0.567, P<0.001). The log-rank test statistical analysis suggested that patients with higher AEG-1 or Cyclin D1 expression had shorter overall survival time, while patients with lower AEG-1 or Cyclin D1 expression had better survival. CONCLUSION Overexpression of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 are markedly correlated with TNM stage and recurrence of BUC. Cyclin D1 are markedly correlated with grade of BUC. Detection of AEG-1 and Cyclin D1 may be helpful to evaluate prognosis and infiltrative capability of BUC.
An overview of the antifungal properties of allicin and its breakdown products – the possibility of a safe and effective antifungal prophylactic

Reports about the safe and successful intravenous (i.v.) use of garlic derivatives in China against invasive fungal infections have been made, but little has been done to seriously investigate the in vivo use of these derivatives in the West. Laboratories have demonstrated impressive in vitro MICs using allitridium, one of these derivatives, against a range of medically important fungi. In addition, it has been demonstrated that allitridium shows in vitro synergy with amphotericin B, one of the main i.v. antifungal agents. Some of the breakdown products of allicin, the main parent antifungal compound in garlic, have been investigated for their general antimicrobial, anticancer and anticholesterol properties, and it appears that there is a common mode of action that underlies these activities. It appears that these small molecules have the ability to cross cell membranes and combine with sulfur‐containing molecular groups in amino acids and proteins, thus interfering with cell metabolism. It has been suggested that the reason human cells are not poisoned by allicin derivatives is that they contain glutathione, a sulfur‐containing amino acid that combines with the allicin derivative, thus preventing cell damage. In addition to their biochemical mechanism, these derivatives appear to stimulate cellular immunity, an important ability lacking in conventional antifungal chemotherapy. These derivatives appear to be safe, cheap, wide‐spectrum and immunostimulatory, as well as possibly synergistic with conventional antifungal therapy, making them ideal candidates for investigation into their use as prophylactic antifungal agents.
Comparison between ticlopidine and clopidogrel in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with coronary stenting

Summary Controversy still surrounds the question, which antiplatelet drug should be added to aspirin in patients undergoing coronary stent implantation. The aim of the current study was to compare ticlopidine and clopidogrel in a consecutive series of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary stenting. Our population is represented by 883 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing primary stenting from April 1997 to October 2001. All clinical, angiographic, and follow-up data were prospectively collected. A total of 523 patients on clopidogrel were compared with 360 patients on ticlopidine after primary stenting. Except for age and statin therapy, no difference in demographic and clinical characteristics was observed between the two groups. Patients on clopidogrel had a higher rate of successful reperfusion (80.7% vs 73.1%, p = 0.008). No difference was observed between the two groups at both 30-day and 1-year follow-up. These data were confirmed after correction for age, successful reperfusion and statin therapy. This study shows no difference in long-term clinical outcome between clopidogrel and ticlopidine as adjunctive antiplatelet therapy in patients with STEMI undergoing stent implantation.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization in infants with hydrocephalus: a retrospective Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network study.

OBJECT The use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) has been advocated as an alternative to CSF shunting in infants with hydrocephalus. There are limited reports of this procedure in the North American population, however. The authors provide a retrospective review of the experience with combined ETV + CPC within the North American Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN). METHODS All children (< 2 years old) who underwent an ETV + CPC at one of 7 HCRN centers before November 2012 were included. Data were collected retrospectively through review of hospital records and the HCRN registry. Comparisons were made to a contemporaneous cohort of 758 children who received their first shunt at < 2 years of age within the HCRN. RESULTS Thirty-six patients with ETV + CPC were included (13 with previous shunt). The etiologies of hydrocephalus were as follows: intraventricular hemorrhage of prematurity (9 patients), aqueductal stenosis (8), myelomeningocele (4), and other (15). There were no major intraoperative or early postoperative complications. There were 2 postoperative CSF infections. There were 2 deaths unrelated to hydrocephalus and 1 death from seizure. In 18 patients ETV + CPC failed at a median time of 30 days after surgery (range 4-484 days). The actuarial 3-, 6-, and 12-month success for ETV + CPC was 58%, 52%, and 52%. Time to treatment failure was slightly worse for the 36 patients with ETV + CPC compared with the 758 infants treated with shunts (p = 0.012). Near-complete CPC (≥ 90%) was achieved in 11 cases (31%) overall, but in 50% (10 of 20 cases) in 2012 versus 6% (1 of 16 cases) before 2012 (p = 0.009). Failure was higher in children with < 90% CPC (HR 4.39, 95% CI 0.999-19.2, p = 0.0501). CONCLUSIONS The early North American multicenter experience with ETV + CPC in infants demonstrates that the procedure has reasonable safety in selected cases. The degree of CPC achieved might be associated with a surgeon's learning curve and appears to affect success, suggesting that surgeon training might improve results.
Follow-up of 89 asymptomatic patients with adrenoleukodystrophy treated with Lorenzo's oil.

OBJECTIVES To identify asymptomatic boys with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy who have a normal magnetic resonance image (MRI), and to assess the effect of 4:1 glyceryl trioleate-glyceryl trierucate (Lorenzo's oil) on disease progression. METHOD Eighty-nine boys (mean +/- SD baseline age, 4.7 +/- 4.1 years; range, 0.2-15 years) were identified by a plasma very long-chain fatty acids assay used to screen at-risk boys. All were treated with Lorenzo's oil and moderate fat restriction. Plasma fatty acids and clinical status were followed for 6.9 +/- 2.7 years. Changes in plasma hexacosanoic acid levels were assessed by measuring the length-adjusted area under the curve, and a proportional hazards model was used to evaluate association with the development of abnormal MRI results and neurological abnormalities. RESULTS Of the 89 boys, 24% developed MRI abnormalities and 11% developed both neurological and MRI abnormalities. Abnormalities occurred only in the 64 patients who were aged 7 years or younger at the time therapy was started. There was significant association between the development of MRI abnormalities and a plasma hexacosanoic acid increase. (For a 0.1-microg/mL increase in the length-adjusted area under the curve for the hexacosanoic acid level, the hazard ratio for incident MRI abnormalities in the whole group was 1.36; P = .01; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.72.) Results for patients aged 7 years or younger were similar (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS In this single-arm study, hexacosanoic acid reduction by Lorenzo's oil was associated with reduced risk of developing MRI abnormalities. We recommend Lorenzo's oil therapy in asymptomatic boys with X-linked adrenoleukodystophy who have normal brain MRI results.
Functional Impact of a Minor Thoracic Injury: An Investigation of Age, Delayed Hemothorax, and Rib Fracture Effects

Objective: To investigate whether minor thoracic injuries (MTIs) relate to subsequent functional limitations. Background: Approximately 75% of patients with an MTI are discharged after an emergency department (ED) visit, whereas significant functional limitations can occur in the weeks that follow. Methods: A 19 months’ prospective cohort study with a 90-day follow-up was conducted at 4 university-affiliated EDs. Patients 16 years and older with an MTI were assessed at initial ED visit, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after injury. Functional outcome was measured using the SF-12 scale. General linear model were used to assess outcome. Results: A total of 482 patients were included, of whom 127 (26.3%) were 65 or older. Overall, 147 patients (30.5%) presented with at least 1 rib fracture and 59 subjects (12.2%) with delayed hemothorax. At 90 days, 22.8% of patients still had severe or moderate disabilities on global physical health score. Patients with solely delayed hemothorax and no rib fracture had the lowest global physical health score (46.4 vs 61.1, P < 0.01, effect size = −2.60) than patients with simple MTI. Generally, functional limitations also increase with increments of number of rib fracture detected on radiograph. Outcomes were not different among patients 65 years or older when compared to their younger counterparts. Conclusions: In this prospective study of MTIs, severe to moderate disabilities were present in nearly 1 patient out of 5 at 90 days. The presence of delayed hemothorax and the number of rib fracture were associated with increased functional limitations after a MTI.
Maternity care monitoring: the case of the unbooked patient.

The results of an investigation of 333 unbooked maternal patients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu are reviewed. Most of the patients were referred by maternity homes. 37% of emergency admissions were cephalo-pelvic disproportion involving obstructed labor and ruptured uteri. Although only 13% lacked antenatal care, the care received by the majority of patients may not have been adequate. 48.9% of the deliveries were laparotomy followed by normal (25.5%), breech (7.8%), vacuum (4.8%), and forceps (1.5%). The maternal mortality rate was determined to be 45/1000. Causes of death include cephalo-pelvic disproportion and complication, retained placenta and postpartum hemorrhage, antepartum hemorrhage, severe anemia, and perforated duodenal ulcer. The perinatal death rate for unbooked patients was 360/1000. Emphasis must be placed on proper antenatal care. Antenatal care and its importance can be implemented through general education, health education, improved health status, improved transport facilities and communication, improved antenatal care services and facilities, and improved health care. Maternal health care delivery should of 3 different degrees. Primary care should involve maternity homes and primary health care centers staffed by trained midwives supervised by obstetricians. Secondary care should involve hospitals directed by obstetricians and capable of emergency services. Tertiary care should be available in university teaching hospitals promoting health care worker training and research.
Design of a Fault-Tolerant Controller Based on Observers for a PMSM Drive

This paper presents a specific controller architecture devoted to obtain a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive that is robust to mechanical sensor failure. In order to increase the reliability which is a key issue in industrial and transportation applications (electric or hybrid ground vehicle or aerospace actuators), two virtual sensors (a two-stage extended Kalman filter and a back-electromotive-force adaptive observer) and a maximum-likelihood voting algorithm are combined with the actual sensor to build a fault-tolerant controller (FTC). The observers are evaluated through simulation and experimental results. The FTC feasibility is proved through simulations and experiments on a 1.1-kW PMSM drive.
Development of a Polymerase Chain Reaction Procedure for Detection and Differentiation of Duck and Goose Circovirus

Abstract This article reports the complete nucleotide sequences of four duck circovirus (DuCV) isolates from sick ducks in Taiwan and development of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection and differentiation of goose circovirus (GoCV) and DuCV. Sequence comparison showed that Taiwanese DuCV isolates had 82.5%–83.8% nucleotide sequence identity to the German and North American DuCV isolates. This is the first report on the presence of DuCV and its associated diseases outside Germany. A PCR test was developed using a universal primer pair based on conserved sequences present in the genomes of GoCV and DuCV. This PCR test could detect and differentiate between GoCV and DuCV by the size of PCR product each virus produced (256 bp for GoCV and 228 bp for DuCV). Application of this PCR test to samples of bursa of Fabricius from sick birds in the field showed that 9 of 26 goose samples contained GoCV, while 13 of 34 duck samples contained DuCV. This PCR test could serve as a fast and sensitive method for detection and differentiation of DuCV and GoCV.
The Displacement Effect of Compulsory Pension Savings on Private Savings: Evidence from the Netherlands, Using Institutional Differences Across Occupations

We study the displacement effect of mandatory occupational pension saving on private household wealth in the Netherlands, separately for wage-employed and self-employed. We use rich administrative data on (pension) wealth and income and apply a range of identification strategies, from IV regressions to propensity score matching and difference-in-differences analyses, to determine the displacement effects. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we merge pension funds balance sheet data to the micro data of their members. We set up a quasi-natural experiment, based on the differential impact of the financial crisis on the separate pension funds in the Netherlands, and we find that those whose pension fund did not need to apply a recovery plan accumulated about 3,500 euro less household wealth over de period 2007-2010. Our preferred regression analyses on couples show a displacement effect of -33% for wage-employed and a higher one of -61% for self-employed. Self-employed are arguably more aware of their pension accrual, or lack thereof, because they are responsible for the payment of their pension premiums. Also, the self-employed are on average less risk-averse than wage-employed, and can thus be expected to hold less precautionary savings.
Survival and Neurologic Outcome after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Results One Year after Regionalization of Post-Cardiac Arrest Care in a Large Metropolitan Area

Abstract Background. Post-resuscitation care of cardiac arrest patients at specialized centers may improve outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA). This study describes experience with regionalized care of resuscitated patients. Methods. Los Angeles (LA) County established regionalized cardiac care in 2006. Since 2010, protocols mandate transport of nontraumatic OOHCA patients with field return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to a STEMI Receiving Center (SRC) with a hypothermia protocol. All SRC report outcomes to a registry maintained by the LA County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency. We report the first year's data. The primary outcome was survival with good neurologic outcome, defined by a Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score of 1 or 2. Results. The SRC treated 927 patients from April 2011 through March 2012 with median age 67; 38% were female. There were 342 patients (37%) who survived to hospital discharge. CPC scores were unknown in 47 patients. Of the 880 patients with known CPC scores, 197 (22%) survived to hospital discharge with a CPC score of 1 or 2. The initial rhythm was VF/VT in 311 (34%) patients, of whom 275 (88%) were witnessed. For patients with an initial shockable rhythm, 183 (59%) survived to hospital discharge and 120 (41%) had survival with good neurologic outcome. Excluding patients who were alert or died in the ED, 165 (71%) patients with shockable rhythms received therapeutic hypothermia (TH), of whom 67 (42%) had survival with good neurologic outcome. Overall, 387 patients (42%) received TH. In the TH group, the adjusted OR for CPC 1 or 2 was 2.0 (95%CI 1.2–3.5, p = 0.01), compared with no TH. In contrast, the proportion of survival with good neurologic outcome in the City of LA in 2001 for all witnessed arrests (irrespective of field ROSC) with a shockable rhythm was 6%. Conclusion. We found higher rates of neurologically intact survival from OOHCA in our system after regionalization of post-resuscitation care as compared to historical data.
Do the most skillful managers herd?

Abstract This paper analyzes whether herding and skillful managers may coexist. When herding appears, managers tend to present poor timing abilities; however, a weak herding level (a result commonly found in pension funds) may evidence a mixed scenario, where some managers develop skills, and others follow the herd. Additionally, when informational cascades emerge, some managers may act as leaders, anticipating others’ movements. Nonetheless, this anticipatory skill does not mean that leaders also anticipate market movements and present timing skills. Our results show herding and inter-temporal herding in a sample of Spanish pension funds, though the imitation behavior is not strong. We also find evidence of a mixed scenario, in which some non-herding managers present timing skills, while herding funds are not able to develop these abilities. Finally, we find successful timing for certain leaders, showing that the anticipation of others’ movements does not show real timing abilities.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a rapid diagnostic marker and its potential in the prevention of acute renal rejection

Several investigators have reported that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) may be related to the protection or reconstruction of the kidney during acute renal rejection. To address this question, we examined the relationship between HGF and acute rejection in the following two studies with rat renal transplantation models. In study 1, the relationship between serum HGF levels and acute renal rejection in iso-, allo- and allograft with cyclosporine (CsA)-treated models was examined. In study 2, the focus was whether or not the injection of recombinant HGF can prevent acute renal rejection. Our results demonstrated that HGF levels were rapidly increased during acute rejection and that recombinant HGF effectively protected the kidney from acute rejection. These results suggest that HGF may be induced as a counter-response to the renal injury and that it can be used as a reliable indicator for the diagnosis of acute rejection. We suggest that recombinant HGF suppresses the onset of the pathological changes of acute rejection.
Spelling Ability Selectively Predicts the Magnitude of Disruption in Unspaced Text Reading

We examined the effect of individual differences in written language proficiency on unspaced text reading in a large sample of skilled adult readers who were assessed on reading comprehension and spelling ability. Participants’ eye movements were recorded as they read sentences containing a low or high frequency target word, presented with standard interword spacing, or in one of three unsegmented text conditions that either preserved or eliminated word boundary information. The average data replicated previous studies: unspaced text reading was associated with increased fixation durations, a higher number of fixations, more regressions, reduced saccade length, and an inflation of the word frequency effect. The individual differences results provided insight into the mechanisms contributing to these effects. Higher reading ability was associated with greater overall reading speed and fluency in all conditions. In contrast, spelling ability selectively modulated the effect of interword spacing with poorer spelling ability predicting greater difficulty across the majority of sentence- and word-level measures. These results suggest that high quality lexical representations allowed better spellers to extract lexical units from unfamiliar text forms, inoculating them against the disruptive effects of being deprived of spacing information.