Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Vitamin C Vaginal Tablets as Prophylaxis for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is still unclear but it is currently considered to be a synergistic polymicrobial syndrome. BV can often arise as a chronic or recurrent disease. The reason for such recurrences is not well elucidated. Previous studies have suggested that vaginal vitamin C may be a useful treatment in reducing recurrence rate, by increasing vaginal acidification and thereby making up for the decrease in hydrogen peroxide that results from a reduction in the number of lactobacilli present. Based on the above-mentioned consideration, a study was performed that aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C in the prophylaxis of BV relapses. Methods This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. One hundred and forty-two women, after having been cured from a recent episode of BV by either metronidazole or clindamycin, were randomised to receive vitamin C (74 patients) or placebo (68 patients) as prophylaxis for six monthly cycles, starting within 24 hours of the determination of ‘BV cure’. The patients applied one vaginal tablet once a day for 6 consecutive days per month after menses. Results The rate of BV recurrence during the first 3 months was considerably lower in the vitamin C group (6.8%) than in the placebo (14.7%) group. Considering a 6-month treatment period, the recurrence rate in the vitamin C group (16.2%) was significantly lower (P = 0.024) than in the placebo group (32.4%). Moreover, at the same time point, the survival analysis of Kaplan Meyer was significant in favour of the vitamin C group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.029). Conclusions The study showed that regular use of 250 mg ascorbic acid vaginal tablets on 6 days per month for 6 months after successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis halves the risk of recurrence from 32.4% to 16.2% (P = 0.024).
Testing hypotheses about glacial cycles against the observational record

[1] We estimate an identified cointegrated vector autoregression model of the climate system to test hypotheses about the physical mechanisms that may drive glacial cycles during the late Pleistocene. Results indicate that a permanent doubling of CO2 generates a 11.1°C rise in Antarctic temperature. Large variations in atmospheric CO2 over glacial cycles are driven by changes in sea ice and sea surface temperature in southern oceans and marine biological activity. The latter can be represented by a two-step process in which iron dust increases biological activity and the increase in biological activity reduces CO2 concentrations. Glacial variations in ice volume, as proxied by δ18O are driven by changes in CO2 concentrations, global and high latitude solar insolation, latitudinal gradients in solar insolation, and the atmospheric concentration of CO2. The model is able to quantify the effects of ice volume and temperature on sea level, such that in the long-run, sea level rises 14 m per 0.11‰ δ18O and about 17 m/°C of sea surface temperature in southern oceans. Beyond these specific results, the multivariate model suggests omitted variables may bias bivariate analyses of these mechanisms.
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis: A Matched Case-Control Study

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the more common soft-tissue disorders of the foot, yet little is known about its etiology. The purpose of the present study was to use an epidemiological design to determine whether risk factors for plantar fasciitis could be identified. Specifically, we examined the risk factors of limited ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended, obesity, and time spent weight-bearing. Methods: We used a matched case-control design, with two controls for each patient. The matching criteria were age and gender. We identified fifty consecutive patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis who met the inclusion criteria. The data that were collected included height, weight, whether the subject spent the majority of the workday weight-bearing, and whether the subject was a jogger or runner. We used a reliable goniometric method to measure passive ankle dorsiflexion bilaterally. The main outcome measure was the adjusted odds ratio of plantar fasciitis associated with varying degrees of limitation of ankle dorsiflexion, different levels of body mass, and the subjects' reports on weight-bearing. Results: Individuals with ⩽0° of dorsiflexion had an odds ratio of 23.3 (95% confidence interval, 4.3 to 124.4) when compared with the referent group of individuals who had >10° of ankle dorsiflexion. Individuals who had a body-mass index of >30 kg/m 2 had an odds ratio of 5.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 16.6) when compared with the referent group of individuals who had a body-mass index of ⩽25 kg/m 2. Individuals who reported that they spent the majority of their workday on their feet had an odds ratio of 3.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 10.1) when compared with the referent group of those who did not. Conclusions: The risk of plantar fasciitis increases as the range of ankle dorsiflexion decreases. Individuals who spend the majority of their workday on their feet and those whose body-mass index is >30 kg/m 2 are also at increased risk for the development of plantar fasciitis. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion, obesity, and work-related weight-bearing appear to be independent risk factors for plantar fasciitis. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion appears to be the most important risk factor. Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II-1 (retrospective study). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Intakes of Vegetables and Fruits are Negatively Correlated with Risk of Stroke in Iran

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death. Current therapeutic strategies have been unsuccessful. Several studies have reported benefits on reducing stroke risk and improving the poststroke associated functional declines in patients who ate foods rich in fruits and vegetables. Their potential protective effects may be due to their antioxidants, calcium, potassium, riboflavine, peridoxin, riboflavin contents. Folic acid, peridoxin, and riboflavin are all cofactors in hyperhomocysteinemia as a stroke risk factor.Studies suggest that oxidative stress plays important roles in pathogenesis of ischemic cerebral injury and higher intake of antioxidants has been associated with a lower stroke risk. The aim of this study was to examine if the dietary intake of vegetables and fruits in patients with stroke were comparatively worse than those in patients without stroke. Methods: In this case control study, 93 stroke patients admitted to Alzahra hospital were matched for age and sex with 60 patients who were not affected with acute cerebrovascular diseases and did not have a history of stroke. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated food frequency questionnaire.Food intakes were compared between two groups and with recommended value. Results: Mean daily intake of vegetable and fruits was more in male with stroke than male without stroke as well as calorie intake from vegetables and fruit was higher in male with stroke.Mean daily intake of vegetable and fruits were lower in women with stroke than women without stroke as well as calorie intake from vegetables and fruit was lower in women with stroke Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increased vegetable and fruits intake may be associated with decreased risk of stroke
The Hunters or the Hunted?: An Introduction to African Cave Taphonomy

"Amongst scientists involved [in taphonomy], C. K. Brain stands out as the pioneer; this impressive book is a statement of his investigations. The Hunters or the Hunted? is a very important book for paleoanthropology. It presents the first thorough analysis of the Sterkfontein Valley assemblages, contributes significantly to the resolution of lingering controversies and, by placing the old information in a fresh perspective, enables new and more sophisticated questions to be asked not only of the South African material but of similar assemblages elsewhere. Another contribution is that it reinforces the recent change in feelings as to what constitutes data, for the value of looking at fossil and contemporary bones as closely as this is clear. Brain urges the necessity of recovering fossils with a high regard for subtle detail. I hope excavators of any vertebrate fossil site will be persuaded to follow his advice and pay more attention to these features of bone accumulations that have been previously neglected; for taphonomy can be a powerful tool in elucidating the problems of fossil assemblages, especially when handled with the care and caution that Brain brings to the subject. "-Andrew Hill, Nature
Neutrophil recruitment, chemokine receptors, and resistance to mucosal infection

Neutrophil migration to infected mucosal sites involves a series of complex interactions with molecules in the lamina propria and at the epithelial barrier. Much attention has focussed on the vascular compartment and endothelial cells, but less is known about the molecular determinants of neutrophil behavior in the periphery. We have studied urinary tract infections (UTIs) to determine the events that initiate neutrophil recruitment and interactions of the recruited neutrophils with the mucosal barrier. Bacteria activate a chemokine response in uroepithelial cells, and the chemokine repertoire depends on the bacterial virulence factors and on the specific signaling pathways that they activate. In addition, epithelial chemokine receptor expression is enhanced. Interleukin (IL)‐8 and CXCR1 direct neutrophil migration across the epithelial barrier into the lumen. Indeed, mIL‐8Rh knockout mice showed impaired transepithelial neutrophil migration, with tissue accumulation of neutrophils, and these mice developed renal scarring. They had a defective antibacterial defense and developed acute pyelonephritis with bacteremia. Low CXCR1 expression was also detected in children with acute pyelonephritis. These results demonstrate that chemokines and chemokine receptors are essential to orchestrate a functional antimicrobial defense of the urinary tract mucosa. Mutational inactivation of the IL‐8R caused both acute disease and chronic tissue damage.
Lipoprotein receptor–related protein 6 is required for parathyroid hormone–induced Sost suppression

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppresses the expression of the bone formation inhibitor sclerostin (Sost) in osteocytes by inducing nuclear accumulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) to inhibit the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)‐dependent Sost bone enhancer. Previous studies revealed that lipoprotein receptor–related protein 6 (LRP6) mediates the intracellular signaling activation and the anabolic bone effect of PTH. Here, we investigated whether LRP6 mediates the inhibitory effect of PTH on Sost using an osteoblast‐specific Lrp6‐knockout (LRP6‐KO) mouse model. An increased level of Sost mRNA expression was detected in femur tissue from LRP6‐KO mice, compared to wild‐type littermates. The number of osteocytes expressing sclerostin protein was also increased in bone tissue of LRP6‐KO littermates, indicating a negative regulatory role of LRP6 on Sost/sclerostin. In wild‐type littermates, intermittent PTH treatment significantly suppressed Sost mRNA expression in bone and the number of sclerostin+ osteocytes, while the effect of PTH was much less significant in LRP6‐KO mice. Additionally, PTH‐induced downregulation of MEF2C and 2D, as well as HDAC changes in osteocytes, were abrogated in LRP6‐KO mice. These data indicate that LRP6 is required for PTH suppression of Sost expression.
Left Atrial Mechanical Function and Stiffness in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Background Abnormalities in the left atrial (LA) structure and function may develop in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to determine the contribution of LA mechanical function, including LA stiffness, to AF by comparing patients with paroxysmal AF with normal control subjects, and to evaluate whether LA mechanical function and stiffness are related with the structural changes of LA. Methods Sixty-four paroxysmal AF patients (57 ± 13 years, 59% male) were studied, using a speckle tracking echocardiography, and were compared with 34 age-, gender-, and left ventricular (LV) mass-matched controls (53 ± 14 years, 61% male). LA volume indices, expansion index for reservoir function, active emptying fraction for contractile function, mitral annular velocities, and global longitudinal LA strain were measured. The ratio of E/e' to LA strain was used as an index of LA stiffness. Results Patients with paroxysmal AF had similar LV volume indices, ejection fraction, and diastolic function, when compared with that of the normal controls. However, paroxysmal AF patients showed increased LA volume indices and decreased LA reservoir function, but similar contractile function. LA stiffness was increased in patients with paroxysmal AF than in the control subjects (0.40 ± 0.25 vs. 0.29 ± 0.10, p = 0.002), and was related with LA volume indices and reservoir function. Conclusion Patients with paroxysmal AF have decreased LA reservoir function and increased stiffness, in comparison with that of the control subjects. LA stiffness was significantly related with LA volume indices and reservoir function. LA stiffness can be used for the assessment of LA function in patients with paroxysmal AF.
Atopy Patch Test for Early Diagnosis of Cow's Milk Allergy in Preterm Infants

Atopy patch test may help early diagnosis of cow-milk allergy in preterm infants. In the retrospective analysis of 5 girls and 9 boys, born at 31 ± 2 (mean ± SD) weeks of gestation and presenting digestive symptoms at age 42 ± 18 days, 10 had a complete recovery following the shift to an exclusive feeding with an amino acid–based formula. Cow-milk–skin prick tests and specific immunoglobulin E were always negative, whereas the atopy patch test was positive in 7 of the 10 infants with complete recovery.
On an Estimation Method for an Alternative Fractionally Cointegrated Model

In this paper we consider the Fractional Vector Error Correction model proposed in Avarucci (2007), which is characterized by a richer lag structure than models proposed in Granger (1986) and Johansen (2008, 2009). We discuss the identification issues of the model of Avarucci (2007), following the ideas in Carlini and Santucci de Magistris (2014) for the model of Johansen (2008, 2009). We propose a 4-step estimation procedure that is based on the switching algorithm employed in Carlini and Mosconi (2014) and the GLS procedure in Mosconi and Paruolo (2014). The proposed procedure provides estimates of the long run parameters of the fractional cointegrated system that are consistent and unbiased, which we demonstrate by a Monte Carlo experiment.
Regulation of mouse podocyte process dynamics by protein tyrosine phosphatases rapid communication.

BACKGROUND Effacement of podocyte foot processes occurs early in many glomerular diseases associated with proteinuria and is accompanied by a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. The molecular mechanisms regulating these structural changes are poorly understood. METHODS To address these questions, we analyzed the effect of the polycation, protamine sulfate (PS), and puromycin aminonucleoside (PA) on the morphology, cytoskeleton, and tyrosine phosphorylation of differentiated process-bearing cultured podocytes. RESULTS PS and PA induced similar profound morphological alterations, including retraction and detachment of podocyte processes from the extracellular matrix (ECM). The effects of PS occurred within six hours, whereas PA showed its most severe effects after 72 hours. Structural changes included reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and focal contacts and were accompanied by an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. The same effects were induced by application of vanadate, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), suggesting that PTPs regulate podocyte process structure. Since disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin B protected the cells from PS-induced effacement and detachment, cytoplasmic PTPs were implicated in these events. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we demonstrated the expression of four cytoplasmic PTPs in podocytes: SHP-2, PTP-PEST, PTP-1B, and PTP-36. CONCLUSIONS These studies indicate an important role for cytoplasmic PTPs as regulators of podocyte process dynamics. Future studies will aim at restoring the normal foot process architecture of podocytes in glomerular diseases associated with proteinuria by modulating the activity of cytoplasmic PTPs.
Towards a virtual language tutor

In this paper we present some work aiming at creating a virtual language tutor. The ambition is to create a tutor that can be engaged in many aspects of language learning from detailed pronunciation training to conversational practise. Some of the crucial components of such a system are described. An initial implementation of a stress/quantity training tutor for Swedish will be presented.
Fusion of multimedia information

We describe a new approach to fission of multimedia information based on the concept of active documents advertising on the Internet, whereby a document dynamically builds metadata, joins a group of documents of the same interest and advertises the collected metadata to the members of the group. This abstraction of metadata is called an adlet, which is the core of our approach. This approach supports the visual specification and visualization of adlets, the creation and composition of adlets, the negotiation protocols and communications with the active network. Two important features make this approach applicable to applications in multimedia information fusion, information retrieval, data mining, geographic information systems and medical information systems: (a) any document, including web page, database record, video file, audio file, image and even paper documents, can be enhanced by an adlet and become an active document; (b) any node in a nonactive network can be enhanced by adlet-savvy software and the adlet-enhanced node can co-exist with other non-enhanced nodes. An experimental prototype provides a testbed for feasibility studies in a hybrid active network environment.
Two-year prevalence and stability of individual DSM-IV criteria for schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders: toward a hybrid model of axis II disorders.

OBJECTIVE This study tracked the individual criteria of four DSM-IV personality disorders-borderline, schizotypal, avoidant, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders-and how they change over 2 years. METHOD This clinical sample of patients with personality disorders was derived from the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study and included all participants with borderline, schizotypal, avoidant, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder for whom complete 24-month blind follow-up assessments were obtained (N=474). The authors identified and rank-ordered criteria for each of the four personality disorders by their variation in prevalence and changeability (remission) over time. RESULTS The most prevalent and least changeable criteria over 2 years were paranoid ideation and unusual experiences for schizotypal personality disorder, affective instability and anger for borderline personality disorder, feeling inadequate and feeling socially inept for avoidant personality disorder, and rigidity and problems delegating for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The least prevalent and most changeable criteria were odd behavior and constricted affect for schizotypal personality disorder, self-injury and behaviors defending against abandonment for borderline personality disorder, avoiding jobs that are interpersonal and avoiding potentially embarrassing situations for avoidant personality disorder, and miserly behaviors and strict moral behaviors for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. CONCLUSIONS These patterns highlight that within personality disorders the relatively fixed criteria are more trait-like and attitudinal, whereas the relatively intermittent criteria are more behavioral and reactive. These patterns suggest that personality disorders are hybrids of traits and symptomatic behaviors and that the interaction of these elements over time helps determine diagnostic stability. These patterns may also inform criterion selection for DSM-V.
Dynamic Scoring in a Romer-Style Economy

This paper explores the dynamic behavior of a Romer-style endogenous growth model, analyzing how changes in tax rates affect government revenue in the short run and the long run. I show that in this environment lowering taxes on financial income is unlikely to stimulate tax revenue in the long run and has modest effects on the tax base, contrary to some other studies of the dynamic response of revenue to tax rates. Calibrations of the model that suggest Laffer curve effects can be substantial require implausibly low values for the elasticity of substitution between varieties of intermediate goods. For more plausible parameter values, I find that around 20% of a tax cut would be self-financing due to an expansion in the tax base.
Epidemiology of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is responsible for early mortality, high death rates and significant cost to health systems. The projection for 2020 indicates that COPD will be the third leading cause of death worldwide (from sixth in 1990) and fifth leading cause of years lost through early mortality or handicap (disability-adjusted life years) (12th in 1990). Active smoking remains the main risk factor, but other factors are becoming better known, such as occupational factors, infections and the role of air pollution. Prevalence of COPD varies according to country, age and sex. This disease is also associated with significant comorbidities. COPD is a disorder that includes various phenotypes, the continuum of which remains under debate. The major challenge in the coming years will be to prevent onset of smoking along with early detection of the disease in the general population.
Long-Term Therapeutic and Orthotic Effects of a Foot Drop Stimulator on Walking Performance in Progressive and Nonprogressive Neurological Disorders

Background. Stimulators applying functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the common peroneal nerve improve walking with a foot drop, which occurs in several disorders. Objective. To compare the orthotic and therapeutic effects of a foot drop stimulator on walking performance of subjects with chronic nonprogressive (eg, stroke) and progressive (eg, multiple sclerosis) disorders. Methods . Subjects with nonprogressive (41) and progressive (32) conditions used a foot drop stimulator for 3 to 12 months while walking in the community. Walking speed was measured with a 10-m test and a 4-minute figure-8 test; physiological cost index (PCI) and device usage were also measured. The subjects were tested with FES on and off (orthotic effect) before and after (therapeutic effect) stimulator use. Results. After 3 months of FES use, the nonprogressive and progressive groups had a similar, significant orthotic effect (5.0% and 5.7%, respectively, P < .003; percentage change in mean values) and therapeutic effect with FES off (17.8% and 9.1%, respectively, P < .005) on figure-8 walking speed. Overall, PCI showed a decreasing trend ( P = .031). The therapeutic effect on figure-8 speed diverged later between both groups to 28.0% (P < .001) and 7.9% at 11 months. The combined therapeutic plus orthotic effect on figure-8 speed at 11 months was, respectively, 37.8% (P < .001) and 13.1% (P = .012); PCI decreased 18.2% (P = .038) and 6.5%, respectively. Conclusions. Subjects with progressive and nonprogressive disorders had an orthotic benefit from FES up to 11 months. The therapeutic effect increased for 11 months in nonprogressive disorders but only for 3 months in progressive disorders. The combined effect remained significant and clinically relevant.