Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of patients with stage T1b incidental prostate cancer

Objective To study the characteristics of patients with incidental prostate cancer. Material and methods The proportion of incidentally diagnosed prostate cancer was investigated in patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at our clinic over a 5-year period. “True” incidental prostate cancer was defined as cases where the preoperative digital rectal examination (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value were normal. Patients with known malignancy of the prostate were excluded, together with those with PSA >4 ng/ml and/or a positive DRE. The characteristics of these patients were compared to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients and the group as a whole. Results Of the 786 patients operated on between 1999 and 2003, 34 (4.3%) had a positive pathology report for “true” incidental prostate cancer. An increased frequency of poorly differentiated tumors (32.3%) was noted. Of the 34 patients, 17 were stage T1a and 17 T1b; 11 patients had a Gleason sum of 7–10, all of them in the T1b group. In the T1b group the mean age was 74 years, the mean PSA level 2.9 ng/ml and the mean weight of tissue resected 11.1 g. Corresponding values in the T1a patients were 70.1 years, 3.32 ng/ml and 18.2 g. Conclusions Compared to previous studies, we noticed a low incidence of “true” incidental prostatic carcinoma but a high ratio of poorly differentiated tumors (all stage T1b). Compared to the group as a whole, patients with incidental prostate cancer were older and had smaller prostate and transition zone volumes. Further research is needed to identify parameters that may aid in the earlier identification of incidental prostate cancer, as patients may benefit from curative treatment.
Waves and Determinants in Mergers and Acquisitions: The Case of Latin America

ABSTRACT This article contributes to the current literature on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by identifying the existence of waves and the determinants of M&A activity in the economies of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. From a sample of 2,391 M&A announcements reported by Thomson One on these countries, applying the methodology proposed by Harford (2005), evidence of M&A waves is found for the periods 1995–2002 and 2003–2010, as reported for other regions in various international studies. After controlling for economic and business environment variables, as well as for profitability and book-to-market variables at the industry level, we find evidence that supports neoclassical theory as a main explanation for M&A activity but not for the misvaluation effect.
Characterization of the Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT) Domain of a Bifunctional Protein with Activable O-GlcNAcase and HAT Activities*♦

Histones and transcription factors are regulated by a number of post-translational modifications that in turn regulate the transcriptional activity of genes. These modifications occur in large, multisubunit complexes. We have reported previously that mSin3A can recruit O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) along with histone deacetylase into such a corepressor complex. This physical association allows OGT to act cooperatively with histone deacetylation in gene repression by catalyzing the O-GlcNAc modification on specific transcription factors to inhibit their activity. For rapid, reversible gene regulation, the enzymes responsible for the converse reactions must be present. Here, we report that O-GlcNAcase, which is responsible for the removal of O-GlcNAc additions on nuclear and cytosolic proteins, possesses intrinsic histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in vitro. Free as well as reconstituted nucleosomal histones are substrates of this bifunctional enzyme. This protein, now termed NCOAT (nuclear cytoplasmic O-GlcNAcase and acetyltransferase) has a typical HAT domain that has both active and inactive states. This finding demonstrates that NCOAT may be regulated to reduce the state of glycosylation of transcriptional activators while increasing the acetylation of histones to allow for the concerted activation of eukaryotic gene transcription.
Paradigm shift in the effective treatment of caries in schoolchildren at risk.

BACKGROUND Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective agent for the arrest of caries in children, is easy to apply and can be used outside the clinical environment. Interim restorative treatment (IRT) using glass ionomer cement has also been claimed to be a simple and effective method to arrest caries in deciduous teeth. OBJECTIVE To examine whether, for underprivileged schoolchildren with cavities, treatment with 30% SDF gives better results than IRT for carries arrest. METHOD This randomised controlled study compares the effect of IRT (FUJI IX) with 30% SDF in 91 children aged 5-6 years. RESULTS After 1 year, treatment with SDF was more effective [relative risk (RR) = 66.9%] than IRT (RR = 38.6%) for the arrest of caries; this was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The SDF technique showed better results than IRT for the arrest of cavities in deciduous teeth, indicating that its use for underprivileged communities may justify a paradigm shift in paediatric dentistry.
Electrical parameters identification of hermetic Refrigeration compressors with Single-Phase Induction Machines using RLS algorithm

This paper presents a methodology for parameter identification of a Single-Phase Induction Machine (SPIM) of an air conditioning compressor. From the machine model two classical Recursive Least Square (RLS) algorithms are applied at qd axes based on current measurements with standstill rotor. The identification is achieved with standstill rotor due the fact that this methodology allow to be implemented in hermetic refrigeration compressor driven by SPIM. Then, the identified parameters can improve the performance of the Field Oriented Control (FOC) and sensorless techniques used in these systems. Furthermore, the correct parameters of Single-Phase Induction Machine allow a better representation of dynamic simulation behavior of compressor driven by SPIM. Experimental results are presented to provide the effectiveness of the method.
Incidence of Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma in Mexico by Histologic Subtypes and Socioeconomic Regions

Background: Incidence rates of the histologic subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) differed with socioeconomic conditions. Materials and Methods: HL cases from the Register of Childhood Cancer (below 15 y of age) for 2 socioeconomic regions were analyzed. Central region has a high socioeconomic index; and the southern region a low index. The incidence rates (cases per million children/year) were estimated according to histologic subtypes, age groups, sex, clinical stages, time to diagnosis, and overall survival by regions. Results: The overall incidence was greater in the south (6.8 vs. 4.6), principally due to higher incidence of mixed cellularity subtype (3.8 vs. 1.0). In the south, the highest incidence was found in the 5- to 9-year-old group (9.2), whereas in the central region it was found in the 10- to 14-year-old group (7.4). There was a delay of ∼3 weeks in the time to diagnosis (P=0.36) in the south, but no difference in the percentage of advanced stages, adjusted by histologic subtype (61%, III and IV). The overall survival was 71%, differences were identified only for mixed cellularity cases (center=89.2 vs. south=61.5%, P=0.03). Conclusions: Incidences of HL subtypes differed in relation to socioeconomic conditions in Mexico. In the south, the incidence of mixed cellularity was higher and there was an earlier peak of presentation.
Core drivers of quality: a remote health example from Australia.

CONTEXT In July 2005 the National Rural Health Alliance released a discussion paper on advanced nursing practice in rural and remote areas of Australia. The paper called for more debate and research about advanced nursing practice roles, especially on how the roles contribute to quality care and patient health outcomes. Monash University School of Rural Health, Victoria, Australia, completed two studies exploring the role and practice of remote area nurses working autonomously in bush nursing centres in East Gippsland, Victoria. The studies confirmed the nursing role as advanced and expanded, and the care effective and of high quality. The studies also revealed the contribution of the remote area nurse to quality care involved more than demonstrating effective healthcare delivery and evidence based clinical practice. The significance of context emerged as an important determinant. ISSUE Articulating measures for quality care in Australian remote health practice is problematic. The concept 'quality' is multidimensional and time and context specific. Current Australian health service and professional competency standards fail to combine external structural and organisational factors, and the social and economic situation of a given remote community. Together, these factors create the context, and influence practice and remote health service delivery. It is accepted that context shapes remote nursing practice, however the term 'context' is commonly interpreted as an environmental, structural or geographical construct. These terms are valid; however, they do not describe other drivers that impact on remote area nursing and service delivery. In practice, therefore, to what extent does context influence the contribution of remote nursing roles to quality care? LESSONS LEARNED Four core drivers that model the remote area nursing context were identified: the system, the organisation, the community and the individual. An integrated conceptual model consisting of the core drivers is presented, and this provides a broad framework to illustrate factors influencing the delivery of quality remote health care, in an attempt to crystallise the role of context. Central to the model is the remote area nurse. This article outlines the core drivers and discusses how these drivers impact on remote area nursing practice in Victoria and the provision of quality care. The model is transferable to other remote nursing contexts and provides an alternative approach to evaluate the contribution of a remote area nursing role. Enhancing our understanding of the influence of context may assist in identifying relevant indicators to measure the quality of remote health care delivered by nurses in advanced practice roles.
The vascular component of proliferative vitreoretinopathy membranes: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

BACKGROUND The basic cellular components of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membranes are well studied. Endothelial cells have also been documented. The importance of the vascular element in PVR has received little attention, as vascular components are clinically inapparent. The aim of this study was to obtain a better characterization and quantification of occurrence of the vascular component. METHODS Serial sections of surgically excised PVR membranes were examined with Lectin histochemistry (25 membranes with ulex europaeus agglutinin I [UEA I] and rhicinus communis agglutinin I [RCA I]), immunohistochemistry for von Willebrand factor (31 membranes), and electron microscopy. RESULTS Vascular endothelial cells were identified by visualization of UEA I and RCA I binding sites or by marking for von Willebrand factor. A total of 28.6% of the PVR membranes showed a vascular component. Vascular components consisted mostly of capillary-sized vessels; larger vessels were rarely found. Ultrastructurally, most vascular elements were found to be capillaries of the nonfenestrated type. Membranes from eyes that underwent PVR surgery with silicone oil tamponade showed vascular components less frequently (18.5%) than did membranes from eyes without silicone oil (43.8%).
The legacy of lead pollution: (dis)trust in science and the debate over Superfund

ABSTRACT Lead contamination is a significant health hazard in communities around the world, but this environmental toxin often remains unknown to residents living near hazardous sites. This research investigates a unique case where residents were informed of lead contamination but rejected official and scientific narratives regarding environmental risks. The case study involves a decommissioned smelter in Colorado. Drawing from data collected over three years, the researchers examine how officials and experts communicated the severity of environmental health hazards. Despite these efforts, residents opposed the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempts to place the site on the National Priorities List for federal cleanup. The government’s framing of science and environmental risk failed to resonate with homeowners, despite the known and significant scientific evidence confirming environmental health hazards, and residents’ perceptions of lead contamination were mitigated by material concerns, including property values and community stigma. Implications for future research on lead contamination, environmental risk, and trust in science are discussed.
Job Search under Debt: Aggregate Implications of Student Loans

This paper evaluates the implication of student loan debt on labor market outcomes. I begin by developing a tractable theoretical framework to analytically demonstrate that individuals under the burden of debt tend to search less and end up with lower-paid jobs. I then develop and estimate a quantitative search model with risk-averse agents, on-the-job search, and vacancy creation using NLSY97 data to evaluate the proposed mechanism. My model suggests that, under the standard fixed repayment plan, borrowers’ consumption is reduced due to debt repayment and lower wage income. The latter indirect effect caused by inadequate job search is potentially larger and more persistent than the direct effect from debt repayment. The income-based repayment plan (IBR) alleviates this distortion; I analytically elucidate the channels and quantitatively evaluate the aggregate and distributional effects of IBR. The model implies that poorer and more indebted borrowers would benefit more from switching to IBR. On average, IBR alleviates the debt burden by about half, among which one-third is attributed to better job matches.
Engines of Leisure

U.S. time use patterns have changed over the last century in ways that appear inconsistent. Leisure has increased with income but has increased most for the poorest. I develop a unified model that treats leisure as an economic activity. Leisure services are produced using capital, like televisions, and non-market time. Doing so improves the labor supply predictions of macro models. The model's U.S. labor wedge more closely matches observable labor market distortions. It is also is consistent with the observed reversal in 20th Century leisure inequality, where high income workers went from working less to more than low income workers. Leisure capital reinforces inequality; poorer households have more leisure hours but less capital.
Migration policy trends in OECD countries

ABSTRACT This article investigates whether migration policies in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have become more liberal or restrictive over the last decades and whether or not these policies have converged, especially among European Union (EU) countries. Owing to a lack of data, the few existing studies in this field have mostly focused on policy outcome data. Various and sometimes contradicting statements have therefore largely remained untested. This article analyses data from the Immigration Policies in Comparison (IMPIC) project that includes measures for different policy fields between 1980 and 2010 in all OECD states. We find that the conditions and criteria for entering and staying in a country have become more liberal. At the same time, however, we observe that more restrictive control mechanisms have been put in place. We also find that there is a general convergence trend in the migration policy field that varies in intensity, however, across policy fields. We only partially observe any Europeanization effects.
Exercise promotes IL-6 release from legs in older men with minor response to unilateral immobilization

Abstract Physical inactivity is a major contributor to low-grade systemic inflammation. Most of the studies characterizing interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release from exercising legs have been done in young, healthy men, but studies on inactivity in older people are lacking. The impact of 14 days of one-leg immobilization (IM) on IL-6 and TNF-α release during exercise in comparison to the contralateral control (CON) leg was investigated. Fifteen healthy men (age 68.1 ± 1.1 year (mean ± SEM); BMI 27.0 ± 0.4 kg·m2; VO2max 33.3 ± 1.6 ml·kg‒1·min‒1) performed 45 min of two-leg dynamic knee extensor exercise at 19.5 ± 0.9 W. Arterial and femoral venous blood samples from the CON and the IM legs were collected every 15 min during exercise, and thigh blood flow was measured with ultrasound Doppler. Arterial plasma IL-6 concentration increased with exercise (rest vs. 45 min, main effect p < .05). IL-6 release increased with exercise (rest vs. 30 min, main effect p < .05). Furthermore, IL-6 release was borderline (main effect, p = .085, effect size 0.28) higher in the IM leg compared to the CON leg (288 (95% CI: 213–373) vs. 220 (95% CI: 152–299) pg·min‒1, respectively). There was no release of TNF-α in either leg and arterial concentrations remained unchanged during exercise (p > .05). In conclusion, exercise induces more pronounced IL-6 secretion in healthy older men. Two weeks of unilateral immobilization on the other hand had only a minor influence on IL-6 release. Neither immobilization nor exercise had an effect on TNF-α release across the working legs in older men.
Prevalence of coeliac disease in type I diabetes: a multicentre study

The aim of this study was to point out the prevalence ratio and the clinical presentation of coeliac disease (CD) in a large group of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients. Patients and methods: 1114 patients affected by IDDM were screened for CD using antigliadin and antiendomysium antibodies. Patients who were positive for at least one test underwent an endoscopic biopsy of the descending duodenum in order to verify the presence of villous atrophy. Subjects with CD started a gluten‐free diet and underwent a clinical follow‐up. Results: Villous atrophy was found in 63 patients (5.6%). Among the Italian population, the rate was 7%. Twenty‐four percent of coeliac patients presented with diarrhoea, while 22% were completely symptom‐free. A significant correlation was found between the presence of villous atrophy and the duration and onset of diabetes. Conclusions: The prevalence of CD in IDDM is higher than previously reported, although the ratio range in different centres from 1.7 to 10%, probably due to both environmental and genetic factors. Twenty‐two percent of coeliac patients were completely symptom‐free. The prevalence seems to be significantly related to the duration and onset of IDDM.
Resting and Evoked Spinal Substance P Release during Chronic Intrathecal Morphine Infusion: Parallels with Tolerance and Dependence

Spinal opiate analgesia is associated with presynaptic inhibition of release of excitatory neurotransmitters/neuromodulators, e.g., substance P (SP), from primary afferent terminals. Chronic intrathecal (i.t.) administration of opiates such as morphine results in an initial analgesia followed by tolerance and a state of dependence. In this study, we examined the resting and evoked neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1r) internalization, indicative of endogenous SP release, in dorsal horn neurons of the lumbar spinal cord by immunocytochemistry during chronic i.t. infusion of morphine in rats. Noxious mechanical stimulation (compression) applied to unilateral hind paw evoked a significant increase in NK1r internalization in lamina I neurons in the ipsilateral dorsal horn. Intrathecal morphine infusion (40 nmol/μl/h) for 1 day possessed similar analgesic efficacy as acute morphine and blocked compression-induced spinal NK1r internalization. After 5 days of morphine infusion, thermal escape latencies were the same as in preinfusion animals or saline-infused controls, and compression-evoked NK1r internalization was no longer suppressed. Systemic administration of naloxone to rats on day 6 of morphine infusion resulted in prominent withdrawal behaviors and a concomitant increase in NK1r internalization in dorsal horn. The naloxone-induced internalization was blocked by NK1r antagonist L-703,606 [cis-2-(diphenylmethyl)-N-[(2-iodophenyl)methyl]-1 azabicyclo[2.2. 2]octan-3-amine] or pretreatment with capsaicin, confirming that the internalization is due to the endogenous SP release from the primary afferents. We conclude that inability to suppress release of excitatory neurotransmitters/neuromodulators from primary afferents by morphine after chronic exposure is an important component in spinal morphine tolerance, and excessive release from these afferents contributes to the spinal morphine withdrawal syndrome.
Reporting gender, race, ethnicity, and sociometric status: guidelines for research and professional practice.

The purpose of this study was to determine what trends exist in the identification and description of participants used in data-based studies published in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly and the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. Data were analyzed using frequency counts for journals and time periods from the 1980s to 2005 with chi-square tests on gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Results indicate, for example, that across the time span both journals published articles reporting males first over females, X2 (3) = 22.16, p < . 001. Trend data also reveal that even today most data-based studies in these journals fail to report race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Findings are discussed with guiding principles for future research.
Mutations in the β-Subunit Thr159 and Glu184 of the Rhodospirillum rubrumF0F1 ATP Synthase Reveal Differences in Ligands for the Coupled Mg2+- and Decoupled Ca2+-dependent F0F1 Activities*

In the crystal structure of the mitochondrial F1-ATPase, the β-Thr163 residue was identified as a ligand to Mg2+ and the β-Glu188 as directly involved in catalysis. We replaced the equivalent β-Thr159 of the chromatophore F0F1 ATP synthase of Rhodospirillum rubrum with Ser, Ala, or Val and the Glu184 with Gln or Lys. The mutant β subunits were isolated and tested for their capacity to assemble into a β-less chromatophore F0F1 and restore its lost activities. All of them were found to bind into the β-less enzyme with the same efficiency as the wild type β subunit, but only the β-Thr159 → Ser mutant restored the activity of the assembled enzyme. These results indicate that both Thr159and Glu184 are not required for assembly and that Glu184 is indeed essential for all the membrane-bound chromatophore F0F1 activities. A detailed comparison between the wild type and the β-Thr159 → Ser mutant revealed a rather surprising difference. Although this mutant restored the wild type levels and all specific properties of this F0F1 proton-coupled ATP synthesis as well as Mg- and Mn-dependent ATP hydrolysis, it did not restore at all the proton-decoupled CaATPase activity. This clear difference between the ligands for Mg2+ and Mn2+, where threonine can be replaced by serine, and Ca2+, where only threonine is active, suggests that the β-subunit catalytic site has different conformational states when occupied by Ca2+ as compared with Mg2+. These different states might result in different interactions between the β and γ subunits, which are involved in linking F1 catalysis with F0proton-translocation and can thus explain the complete absence of Ca-dependent proton-coupled F0F1catalytic activity.