Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Contemporary Aspect of Japanese Commercial Banking: Expansion of Fee-Based Business and Its Impact on Management Stability *

Recently, Japanese commercial banks have been expanding their fee-based business. The present study conducts a panel-data analysis to investigate the impact of such a diversification of commercial banking on the variability of banks' profitability and the stability of their management. Our findings include the following. As in the literature regarding US commercial banks, a positive correlation was seen between Japanese commercial banks' fee business income and net interest income in the second half of the 1990s. Such a relationship led to an increase in the variability of their ROA but did not affect their management stability over that period. During the period from FY2001 to FY2005, by contrast, such a positive correlation was not clearly observed. Reflecting this change, the fee business expansion did not increase the variability of their ROA in recent years. Moreover, it contributed to an enhancement in their management stability through increasing net profits. These findings suggest that if changes in the Japanese financial environment or other factors restore the positive correlation between the two types of incomes, the variability of Japanese commercial banks' ROA will increase. Whether this will lead to decreasing their management stability depends on to what degree they can enhance ROA due to increases in fee business income, and on how they use the increased income in the context of capital adequacy management. It is of note whether Japanese commercial banks' expanding the fee business contributes to securing the stability of their management without excessively increasing the variability of their profitability.
Increased expression of 19-kD interacting protein-3-like protein and the relationship to apoptosis in the lung of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine the underlying cellular mechanisms in the pancreas after acute pancreatitis and to study the pathogenesis of pancreatitis-associated lung injury. We applied a differential display analysis to normal pancreas and to the pancreas with acute pancreatitis in rats, and we examined the expression of the identified gene in the lung as well as the pancreas after acute pancreatitis. DesignControlled animal study. SettingResearch laboratory of an academic institution. SubjectsNinety male Wistar rats. InvestigationsPancreatitis was induced by retrograde intraductal infusion of 4% sodium taurocholate (100 &mgr;L/100 g of body weight). Data were compared with data from controls (sham). Measurements and Main ResultsWe cloned some expressed sequence tags and identified one complementary DNA fragment. The deduced protein was a polypeptide of 218 amino acids, which was almost identical to human 19-kD interacting protein-3-like (NIP3L) protein. The expression of rat NIP3L identified in this study increased slightly in the pancreas after induction of acute pancreatitis but showed a marked increase in the lung by both Northern and Western blot analysis. NIP3L immunoreactivity was noted in alveolar and epithelial cells of the control (sham) lung, and the immunoreactivity in these cells was elevated after induction of acute pancreatitis. Moreover, acute pancreatitis increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling-positive alveolar and bronchiolar cells in the lung. ConclusionNIP3L may be involved in lung injury, which is one of the major causes of death in cases of severe acute pancreatitis.
The Validity of Psychiatric Diagnosis Revisited: The Clinician's Guide to Improve the Validity of Psychiatric Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND The authors reviewed the types and phases of validity of psychiatric diagnosis. In 1970, Robins and Guze proposed five phases to achieve valid classification of mental disorders: clinical description, laboratory study, exclusion of other disorders, follow-up study, and family study. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this paper are to review what has been learned since Robins and Guze's influential article as well as examine the impact of the new discoveries in neurosciences and neuroimaging on the practicing clinician. METHOD The authors reviewed the literature on the concept of validity in psychiatry with emphasis on the role of clinical training, the use of structured interviews and rating scales, and the importance of the new discoveries in neurosciences. RESULTS Robins and Guze's phases have been the cornerstone of construct validity in psychiatry at the level of researchers. In the absence of the gold standard of psychiatric diagnosis, Spitzer proposed the "LEAD," which is an acronym for longitudinal evaluation, and is done by expert clinicians utilizing all the data available. The LEAD standard is construct validity at the level of experts; however, guidelines are lacking to improve the validity skills of the practicing clinicians. CONCLUSIONS The authors propose the acronym DR.SEE, which stands for data, reference definitions, rating scales, clinical experience, and external validators. The authors recommend that clinicians use the DR.SEE paradigm to improve the validity of psychiatric diagnoses.
Weighing the evidence of ecological risk from chemical contamination in the estuarine environment adjacent to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, USA

In characterizing ecological risks, considerable consensus building and professional judgments are required to develop conclusions about risk. This is because how to evaluate all the factors that determine ecological risk is not well defined and is subject to interpretation. Here we report on the application of a procedure to weigh the evidence of ecological risk and develop conclusions about risk that will incorporate the strengths and weaknesses of the assessment. The procedure was applied to characterize ecological risk of chemical contamination in nearshore areas adjacent to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located at the mouth of the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire and Maine, USA. Measures of exposure and effect were used to interpret the magnitude of risk to the assessment endpoints of pelagic species, epibenthic species, the benthic community, eelgrass plants, the salt marsh community, and avian receptors. The evidence of chemical exposure from water, sediment, and tissue and the evidence of biological effects to representative pelagic, epibenthic, benthic, eelgrass, salt marsh, and avian species were weighed to characterize ecological risk. Individual measures were weighted by the quality and reliability of their data and risk was estimated from the preponderance, magnitude, extent, and strength of causal relationships between the data on exposure and effects. Relating evidence of risk to hypothesized pathways of exposure made it possible to estimate the magnitude of risk from sediment and water and express the confidence associated with the findings. Systematically weighing the evidence of risk rendered conclusions about risk in a manner that was clearly defined, objective, consistent, and did not rely solely on professional judgment.
Breast Carcinoma With Tubulopapillary Features

Papillary carcinoma of the breast consists of 3 morphologically distinct established subtypes: encapsulated papillary carcinoma, solid papillary carcinoma, and invasive papillary carcinoma. Papillary carcinoma is one of the special types of breast cancer and, as such, carries a more favorable prognosis. We sought to identify primary breast tumors with tubulopapillary morphology and correlate this finding with predictors of adverse prognosis. We investigated our pathology files for breast tumors exhibiting tubulopapillary features. The dominant morphology consisted of infiltrating gaping tubules with intratubular papillary projections. The study group consisted of 12 cases of papillary carcinoma with tubulopapillary features. A control group of 17 cases of papillary carcinoma were selected consisting of 4 encapsulated papillary carcinomas, 3 solid papillary carcinomas, and 10 invasive papillary carcinomas. The study group showed significantly higher mitotic rate, ki67 proliferation index, nuclear grade 3, lymphovascular invasion, p53 overexpression, unfavorable biomarker signature, and axillary nodal involvement compared to the control group (P = .01, .01, .04, .01, .007, .0001, .03, respectively). Invasive breast carcinomas with tubulopapillary features demonstrate significant correlation with predictors of adverse prognosis compared to ordinary papillary carcinomas. Larger studies with survival analysis are required to confirm aggressiveness in this group of breast cancers.
Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of mandible: A report of two cases

Spindle cell neoplasms comprise a diverse collection of benign and malignant tumors. These tumors are uncommon in the oral cavity, accounting for <1% of all tumors of oral region. Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma (SSCC), also known as spindle cell carcinoma or Lane's tumor, is a rare and peculiar biphasic malignant neoplasm that occurs mainly in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma which has spindled or pleomorphic tumor cells which simulate a true sarcoma, but are epithelial in origin. It is an unusual aggressive variant that frequently recurs and metastasizes, reinforcing the importance of its correct diagnosis. We report two cases of SSCC with immunohistochemical findings.
Exposure to the Dietary Supplement N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine during Pregnancy Reduces Cyclophosphamide Teratogenesis in ICR Mice

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a complex multifaceted developmental toxicant, with mechanisms of teratogenesis thought to include production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that may decrease the toxicity of certain anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin and CP. The current study explored the potential of NAC to attenuate CP-induced damage to the conceptus. Mated ICR mice were orally dosed with 150 mg/kg/d NAC, 150 mg/kg/d NAC + 20 mg/kg CP, CP only, or vehicle only. CP was administered by intraperitoneal injection on gestation day (GD) 10, and NAC was given by gavage on gestation days 6–13. Dams were sacrificed on GD 17, and their litters were examined for adverse effects. There were significant reductions in the incidences of digit, limb, and tail defects, as well as anasarca and macroglossia, in fetuses exposed to the combination of NAC and CP, compared to fetuses exposed to CP only. NAC did not increase the incidence of any defects when compared to control. Fetuses exposed to NAC weighed significantly more than the average vehicle control fetus. The data indicate that NAC, a well-tolerated, relatively inexpensive antioxidant, appears to reduce the incidence of specific cyclophosphamide-induced malformations when administered prior to, concurrently with, and after exposure to CP.
Practice of physical activity and dysmobility syndrome in community-dwelling older adults

The aim this study was to analyze the association between insufficient physical activity and dysmobility syndrome (DS) in community-dwelling older adults. In total, 375 subjects were evaluated aged ≥60 years. For the diagnosis of DS the presence of ≥3 clinical factors was considered: (a) low muscle mass; (b) low muscular strength; (c) low gait speed; (d) high body fat, and (e) osteoporosis. Information relating to the practice of habitual physical activity (HPA) was obtained using a questionnaire and accelerometry. The chi-square test was used to verify the association between HPA and DS and analysis of binary logistic regression to build multiple models. Insufficiently active older adults are approximately 2 times (95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.79) more likely to have DS, independent of body mass index, smoking and ethnicity. The insufficient practice of physical activity is associated with DS in older adults, mainly in women and older.
Reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopic metroplasty for women with dysmorphic uterus and recurrent implantation failure

Background The aim of this study was to assess the reproductive outcomes of women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after hysteroscopic metroplasty for dysmorphic uteri. Methods This retrospective observational study included 190 women with a diagnosis of RIF. These patients were eligible for hysteroscopic metroplasty for dysmorphic uteri, including T-shaped uteri, between January 2008 and September 2015 at the Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI) in Valencia, Spain. Results The total clinical pregnancy rate, the live birth rate, and the abortion rate were 80.0% (152/190), 77.9% (147/190) and 8.9%, respectively. At 12 months, the clinical pregnancy rate was 76.3% (145/190) and at 6 months 50.5% (96/190). After the metroplasty, approximately 76% of all gravidities, were achieved during the first 12 months of follow-up. Within the first IVF cycle, pregnancy and live birth rates were 77.8% and 86.1%, respectively. The mean time to pregnancy was 6.5 months. Conclusion This study demonstrates that hysteroscopic metroplasty improves pregnancy and live birth rates for women with a history of recurrent implantation failure and dysmorphic uterus. However, conclusions must be taken carefully as this is an observational study. A prospective, randomized and controlled study is necessary to support these results.
Uncovering the sub-lethal impacts of plastic ingestion by shearwaters using fatty acid analysis

Our study is the first to describe the fatty acid composition of the liver, breast muscle, and adipose tissue from flesh-footed (Ardenna carneipes) and short-tailed shearwaters (A. tenuirostris) and uses this technique to explore possible sub-lethal effects of plastic ingestion on these species.
Disagreement between cardiac output measurement devices: which device is the gold standard?

A common research question in perioperative haemodynamics research concerns the assessment of whether a new measurement device can replace an existing device (often referred to as method comparison studies). Typically, a new measurement method is being compared with an established reference method (unfortunately often referred to as the ‘gold standard’). In a recent issue of the journal, Biais and colleagues reported the comparison of two cardiac output measurement devices, one based on pulse wave transit time (i.e. the new devices) and the other one based on transthoracic echocardiography (i.e. the reference method ‘gold standard’). The study concluded that devices were not interchangeable and that the new device cannot guide haemodynamic interventions in critically ill patients. Their conclusion was based on observing percentage errors exceeding the limits of 30%, suggested by Critchley and Critchley.
Detection and comparison of microsatellite marker D9S1747 with clinical stages and grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: One of the main characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is genetic alteration in specific target regions. Allelic imbalance in tumor suppressor genes is the key event in OSCC which is associated with loss of heterozygosity mostly on chromosome 9p21 locus which includes p16 marker. p16 (D9S1747) is a microsatellite marker which detects early changes in OSCC. To redefine more clearly the role of D9S1747 (p16 microsatellite marker) and its expression in OSCC, the study was designed with the aim to check the detection of D9S1747 in OSCC and to compare the same with histopathological grades and tumor node metastasis staging. Materials and Methods: Forty cases of paraffin-embedded tissue section which was histologically confirmed as OSCC and 10 cases of normal tissues were retrieved from the archives. DNA was extracted from the tissue sections and subjected for polymerase chain reaction to detect p16 microsatellite marker D9S1747. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Twenty-seven cases (67.5%) showed p16 microsatellite marker positivity for OSCC. It was observed that 44.4%, 51.9% and 3.7% p16 microsatellite markers were positive in Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 4 OSCC cases, respectively. p16 microsatellite marker positivity was found in 77.8%, 22.2% and 0% for well-differentiated, moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated OSCC cases, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the present study revealed D9S1747 marker as an early event in OSCC, and this can be used as a prognostic marker.
Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Egyptian Obese Women with Insulin Resistance

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major factor in the development of several sub-clinical anomalies. Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with obesity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a significant role in inflammation and vascular neogenesis. However the precise relationships of its levels with clinical, lipid, and metabolic profiles are unknown. AIM: This study aimed to examine the association between serum VEGF concentrations with IR risk and metabolic and lipid parameters in obese women. METHODS: Serum VEGF, metabolic biomarkers and anthropometry were measured in 83 obese women with IR and 50 healthy women. Fat distributions in the abdominal, subcutaneous and visceral area were assessed. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. For analytical purposes, VEGF levels were categorised into three tertiles groups. RESULTS: Obese women with IR showed significantly higher levels of serum VEGF as compared with the control group. Moreover, obese women in the highest VEGF tertile had significantly higher values of obesity indices, visceral fat index, abnormal lipid levels and HOMA-IR compared to with those in the lower tertile. CONCLUSION: Elevated VEGF levels are associated with IR and high visceral fat index in obese women which in turn increased the risk for metabolic complications.
Adherence of Candida to cultured vascular endothelial cells: mechanisms of attachment and endothelial cell penetration.

To elucidate the pathogenesis of hematogenous Candida infections, we developed an in vitro model of Candida adherence to and penetration of human endothelial cells. We enhanced or inhibited adherence in order to probe mechanisms of attachment. Adherence of Candida albicans showed a linear relation to Candida inoculum (range, 10(2)-10(5) cfu, r = . 99, P less than . 01) and exceeded that of less virulent Candida species and that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (P less than .01). Candida immune serum blocked attachment (greater than 95% inhibition; P less than .001), however, this activity was abolished by immunoprecipitation of immune serum with C. albicans mannan (P less than .001) and was unaffected by immunoprecipitation with S. cerevisiae mannan or by adsorption with particulate chitin. Adherence was diminished by exposing C. albicans to heat (greater than 99% inhibition; P less than .01), UV light (98% inhibition; P less than .01), or sodium periodate (greater than 72% inhibition; P less than .01). An extract from heat-exposed C. albicans blocked adherence (greater than 51% inhibition; P less than .001). Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that viable or killed Candida organisms were attached to endothelial cells, were enveloped by membrane processes from the endothelial cell surface, and were incorporated into the endothelial cells within phagosomes. Cytochalasin B blocked incorporation without blocking surface attachment.
New challenges in psycho‐oncology: Using drug development methodology to improve survivorship and supportive care intervention trials

Although a number of professional organisations recommend the routine screening of cancer patients for emotional distress, this is infrequently conducted as many centres lack suitable psychosocial interventions to offer those identified as being in distress. It is therefore essential to improve the evidence base around specific and effective interventions that can later be incorporated into routine cancer care. To provide sufficiently rigorous data supporting the benefit of any survivorship intervention, studies should be sized to allow adequate statistical powering and employ methodologies such as randomisation. Unfortunately, the majority of psychosocial/ survivorship intervention studies do not adopt these methodologies due to challenges in funding and recruitment. Arguably, the best utilisation of randomised clinical studies occurs in clinical drug development whereby results from at least one Phase III drug development trial (P3DDT) are required for the licensing and approval of any new pharmaceutical agent. Important components of any P3DDT include defining the criteria (such as clinical characteristics and biomarkers) to select suitable patients, deciding the dose and duration of the investigational agent to be tested, developing a randomisation scheme and suitable control arm, designing endpoints, and incorporating safety reporting. These elements of a P3DDT are
Herpes Simplex Virus Decreases Endothelial Cell Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor

Summary Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is histopathologically associated with vascular injury, fibrinoid necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltrates. We have previously shown in vitro that HSV infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) promotes a procoagulant phenotype manifest by the induction of tissue factor, the loss of thrombomodulin, and an increase in platelet adhesion. In these studies we examined the effects of HSV infection on HUVEC plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). HSV infection caused the loss of PAI-1 in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and that released into the supernatant of HUVEC. Both activity and antigen levels of the Serpin inhibitor are diminished as a result of HSV infection. The loss of inhibitor is not secondary to diminished vitronectin (Vn), the primary binding protein of PAI-1 in the ECM, but appears to be secondary to decreased synthesis at the RNA level. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). synthesis is also decreased in endothelial HSV infection. PAI-1 loss may further promote a procoagulant phenotype in HSV infection in vivo.
Assessment of stool color in Clostridioides difficile infection: A pilot study

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