Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breast milk jaundice. Effect of inhibitory breast milk and 3 alpha, 20 abeta-pregnanediol on glucuronyl transferase.

1 case study and a clinical study with laboratory rats examined the question of breast milk jaundice. The case study confirmed clinical diagnosis of breast milk jaundice. The clinical study compared the effects of breast milk and 3alpha, 20beta-pregnanediol on the conjugation of bilirubin and o-aminophenol by rat liver. Breast milk from a mother of a child with breast milk jaundice decreased the rate of bilirubin conjugation by rat liver slices and the amount of conjugated bilirubin in the slice, indicating an inhibitory effect on glucuronyl transferase. Breast milk caused 100% inhibition of bilirubin conjugation while 3alpha, 20beta-pregnanediol caused only a 55% inhibition. Breast milk decreased the amount of bilirubin in rat liver slices but the steroid did not. It is suggested that the breast milk has an inhibitory effect on the glucuronyl transferase while the steroid acts on the secretory process instead. There may be more than 1 inhibitory substance in breast milk; this process is not yet fully understood.
Progress toward understanding the evolution of primate color vision

Color vision requires the presence in the retina of multiple types of cone photopigment and appropriate nervous-system connections. In recent years, the structures of genes specifying photopigment opsins have come under increasing scrutiny. In many animal groups (e.g., fish, reptiles, and birds), representatives of four separate cone opsin gene families can be identified. In mammals, however, opsins derived from only two of these families are found, and this raises the possibility that two cone classes were lost during the early evolution of mammals.1,2 Accordingly, the dichromatic color vision that is characteristic of many modern mammals may be a direct reflection of this loss. On the other hand, keen trichromatic color vision is a feature of the perceptual world of many primates, so that capacity must have reemerged during primate evolution. Some ideas about the process can be drawn from an examination of the patterns of color vision detected in contemporary primates and of the pigments and opsin genes that make color vision possible.
MODIS Derived Sea Surface Salinity, Temperature, and Chlorophyll-a Data for Potential Fish Zone Mapping: West Red Sea Coastal Areas, Saudi Arabia

In this study, a multi-linear regression model for potential fishing zone (PFZ) mapping along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coasts of Yanbu’ al Bahr and Jeddah was developed, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data derived parameters, such as sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). MODIS data was also used to validate the model. The model expanded on previous models by taking seasonal variances in PFZs into account, examining the impact of the summer, winter, monsoon, and inter-monsoon season on the selected oceanographic parameters in order to gain a deeper understanding of fish aggregation patterns. MODIS images were used to effectively extract SSS, SST, and Chl-a data for PFZ mapping. MODIS data were then used to perform multiple linear regression analysis in order to generate SSS, SST, and Chl-a estimates, with the estimates validated against in-situ data obtained from field visits completed at the time of the satellite passes. The proposed model demonstrates high potential for use in the Red Sea region, with a high level of congruence found between mapped PFZ areas and fish catch data (R2 = 0.91). Based on the results of this research, it is suggested that the proposed PFZ model is used to support fisheries in determining high potential fishing zones, allowing large areas of the Red Sea to be utilized over a short period. The proposed PFZ model can contribute significantly to the understanding of seasonal fishing activity and support the efficient, effective, and responsible use of resources within the fishing industry.
The impact of proton pump inhibitors on bone regeneration and implant osseointegration

Abstract Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become known for the treatment of gastric-acid related disorders. Similar to any other drugs, PPIs have possible adverse reactions, being associated with bone fractures, infections, kidney disease, mineral deficiency, dementia, and pneumonia. Multiple analyses have stated that PPIs therapy may affect bone regeneration and osseointegration process, causing an increased risk of bone fracture, deterioration of bone metabolism and impaired bone healing. In this review, we emphasized the current literature regarding the influence of proton pump inhibitors in the bone regeneration process. Results from the studies suggest a link between PPIs intake and bone regeneration, but several concerns are raised regarding inadequate recipient bone, surgical trauma, limitations on the titanium surface, comorbidities or interference with other pharmacological agents. Further studies are needed to determine whether the impaired bone regeneration process is due to PPI or coexisting factors.
Quality assessment of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in Saudi journals from 1997 to 2017

Objectives: To assess the quality of the meta-analyses (MAs) and systematic reviews (SRs) in Saudi journals indexed in PubMed using 2 scales: A MeaSurement tool to assess systematic reviews (AMSTAR) and the overview quality assessment questionnaire (OQAQ). Methods: This study focused on SRs/MAs published in 8 Saudi journals. We investigated, screened, and extracted the data, which included recording the main topic of each SRs/MAs and the date of publication. Furthermore, we assessed the quality of each included SRs/MAs using the AMSTAR and the OQAQ. The reviews concluded in January 2018. Results: The search uncovered 201 unique articles; of these, the researchers screened 110 full texts and included 103 in this review. Most of the included studies were published in Saudi Medical Journal (50 articles, 48.5%), followed by Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology (21 articles, 20.4%), and Annals of Saudi Medicine (16 articles, 15.5%). The main topics in these published articles were gastroenterology (20 articles, 19.5%), followed by oncology (14 articles, 13.7%), and pharmacology (9 articles, 8.7%). The AMSTAR and the OQAQ scales showed that most SRs/MAs were of medium quality. Conclusion: Quality of SRs and MAs published in Saudi journals was distributed in all categories (low, medium, and high) and it can be improved using critical evaluation by authors, journal editors, and readers. PROSPERO REG. NO. CRD: 42018102210
An Auction-theoretic Modeling of Production Scheduling to Achieve Distributed Decision Making Dissertation Proposal an Auction-theoretic Modeling of Production Scheduling to Achieve Distributed Decision Making

Most existing methods for scheduling are based on centralized or hierarchical decision making using monolithic models. In this study, we investigate a new generation of scheduling methods based on a distributed and locally autonomous decision structure. Speciically, we propose a decision structure based on auction theory. The basic idea is to localize and distribute the functionality of scheduling, leaving the complexity of operational decisions to local decision makers, while maintaining a simple and generic central coordination mechanism. The proposed structure allows local decision makers to make their decisions dynamically and independently according to changes in their local environments. A central coordination mechanism then makes resource allocation based on an iterative auction process using information obtained from local decision makers. We propose following research endeavors: We will study the decomposition of monolithic optimization models which provides the basis for a distributed decision structure. In this research, we will focus on combinatorial optimization models in job shop scheduling. Speciically, we propose to study Lagrangean relaxation and decomposition techniques. We will study auction theoretic modeling of production scheduling which provides the means for analyzing how local preferences might be aggregated into collective decisions. Speciically, we propose to investigate two types of auction mechanisms: (1) price-adjustment based auction, and (2) winner coalition based auction. To evaluate practicality of the proposed distributed structure, we plan to test our approach using real data and operational scenarios at Ford North Penn Electronics Facility.
Discriminative Ability of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Subtests and Items in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups

Introduction: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a popular screening tool for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The psychometric properties of the MoCA have not been widely examined in minority groups. We aimed to analyze the discriminate ability of subtests and items by race and ethnicity given gold-standard clinical diagnosis of cognitive status. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set March 2018 data freeze. Stepwise regression was used to determine which subtests predicted cognitive status (normal cognition, MCI, or dementia), by race/ethnicity. Item discrimination and difficulty was calculated by race/ethnicity and cognitive status. Results: In our sample (n=3895), with an average age of 69.7, 80.7% were non-Hispanic white, 15.0% were non-Hispanic black, and 4.2% were Hispanic. Among non-Hispanic whites all subtests, education, and age predicted clinician diagnosis, while visuospatial/executive, attention, language, delayed recall, and orientation subtests were predictive among non-Hispanic blacks and visuospatial/executive, delayed recall, and orientation subtests and education were predictive among Hispanics. Item discrimination and difficulty varied by race/ethnicity and cognitive status. Conclusions: By understanding the psychometric properties of MoCA subtests, we can focus on subtests that have higher discrimination and more diagnostic utility. Subtests should be further evaluated for use in screening of minority individuals.
No differential overall or relative survival effect of rituximab in male and female patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a Danish population-based study of 3783 patients

Lasse Hjort Jakobsen, Jorne Lionel Biccler, Peter de Nully Brown, Judit M esz aros Jørgensen, P€ar Lars Josefsson, Christian Bjørn Poulsen, Jørn Starklint, Michael Roost Clausen, Per Trøllund Pedersen, Maja Bech Juul, Marianne Tang Severinsen, Martin Bøgsted and Tarec Christoffer El-Galaly Department of Hematology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Roskilde Sygehus, Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Medicine, Hospitalsenheden Vest, Holstebro, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Vejle Sygehus, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Sydvestjysk Sygehus, Esbjerg, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
A reclassification of the genera of Scolytidae (Coleoptera)

— A ta. \oiiomic revi.sion of the genera oi Scolytidae (Coleoptera) in tlie world fauna i.s pre.sented. Included are 215 valid genera and 27.3 invalid generic and subgeneric name.s. The type-species for each genus-group name was examined, including the type-specimen of the type-species in those taxa where a holotype. Icctotype, or neotype has been designated—with the exception of four contemporary genera, the type-series of which are lost, and six fossil genera for which no eflort was made to locate the types. Taxonomic keys to the families of the Curculionoidea, and to the subfamilies, tribes, and genera of Scolytidae are presented. Descriptions and citations of the original validations of the two subfamilies and 25 tribes of Scolytidae are included. For each genu.s-group name there is a citation of its original validation, type-species, and synonymy. For each valid genus there is an indication of its distribution, the approximate number of valid species, basic feeding and mating habits, and citations of pul)lished ke\'s foi' the identification of
Hospitalized After Medical Readiness for Discharge: A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Initiative to Identify Discharge Barriers in General Medicine Patients

Reducing the length of hospitalization is a shared priority for patients, clinicians, and other health care stakeholders. However, patients can remain hospitalized after being “medically ready” for discharge, accumulating delayed discharge bed days (DDBDs). As part of a quality improvement initiative, the authors developed a method to measure DDBD and define discrete barriers to discharge identified by inpatient clinicians. Patients with delayed discharge had a higher rate of in-hospital complications compared to those who were discharged routinely. To identify modifiable barriers among patients with delayed discharges, 2 patient subgroups were defined: prolonged hospitalization (>19 DDBDs, top quintile accumulated) and extended hospitalization (≤19 DDBDs). Patients with prolonged hospitalization were more likely than those with extended hospitalization to have financial (P < .001) or behavioral (P < .001) barriers, homelessness (P < .05), and impairment of decision-making capacity (P < .01). Understanding the characteristics and discharge barriers of patients who are hospitalized despite medical readiness may increase appropriateness of inpatient resources.
Avibactam activity against extended-spectrum AmpC β-lactamases.

Area de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Universidad de La Rioja, Logrono, Spain; Area de Microbiologia Molecular, Centro de Investigacion Biomedica de La Rioja (CIBIR), Logrono, Spain; Service de Reanimation polyvalente, Centre HospitaloUniversitaire d’Amiens, Hopital Nord, France; INSERM U1088, Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France; Service de Bacteriologie-Virologie-Hygiene hospitaliere, Centre HospitaloUniversitaire de Reims, Hopital Robert Debre, Faculte de Medecine de Reims, Universite Reims-Champagne-Ardennes, Reims, France; Equipe d’accueil 4687 ERA—Resistance aux antibiotiques chez les enterobacteries, Universite Reims-Champagne-Ardennes, Reims, France; Service de Bacteriologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire d’Amiens, Hopital sud, Faculte de Medecine d’Amiens, Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
Dynamic Evaluation of Liver Fibrosis to Assess the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Who Achieved Sustained Virologic Response.

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is an important risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, since the degree of liver fibrosis changes following the eradication of HCV after SVR, it is unclear whether the prediction of HCC development based on liver fibrosis at baseline remains valid. METHODS In 522 patients who achieved SVR by interferon-based anti-HCV therapy, FIB-4 index was updated annually by re-calculation based on laboratory values after SVR. The incidence of HCC was re-assessed annually based on the updated FIB-4 index. RESULTS The percentage of patients with mild liver fibrosis (FIB-4 index <1.45) increased annually after SVR, whereas the percentage of patients with advanced liver fibrosis (FIB-4 index ≥3.25) decreased. The incidences of HCC based on the FIB-4 index remained constant between the time of SVR and subsequent annual updates. No patients developed HCC after SVR if the FIB-4 index decreased to less than 1.45. CONCLUSIONS The FIB-4 index retained its predictive ability for the risk of HCC when re-calculated after SVR, despite the decrease in patients with high FIB-4 index values. Dynamic assessment of the FIB-4 index can be useful in the surveillance of HCC after SVR. Patients with a FIB-4 index <1.45 did not develop HCC even by the regression from advanced fibrosis after SVR. Further studies will be necessary to confirm these findings, which may result in a decrease in the number of patients in whom surveillance is required.
Global exponential stability analysis of delayed Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with distributed delays [International Journal of Systems Science, Vol. 38 (2007) p. 601]

In this article, we indicate that two proposed sufficient conditions in the paper by X.Y. Lou and B.T. Cui [International Journal of Systems Science, Vol. 38 (2007) p. 601] were incorrect in general, which cannot guarantee the existence and global exponential stability of the system's equilibrium. For correcting the mistakes, a correct version of global exponential stability is given and proved in this article.
Kir2.1 encodes the inward rectifier potassium channel in rat arterial smooth muscle cells

1 The molecular nature of the strong inward rectifier K+ channel in vascular smooth muscle was explored by using isolated cell RT‐PCR, cDNA cloning and expression techniques. 2 RT‐PCR of RNA from single smooth muscle cells of rat cerebral (basilar), coronary and mesenteric arteries revealed transcripts for Kir2.1. Transcripts for Kir2.2 and Kir2.3 were not found. 3 Quantitative PCR analysis revealed significant differences in transcript levels of Kir2.1 between the different vascular preparations (n= 3; P < 0.05). A two‐fold difference was detected between Kir2.1 mRNA and β‐actin mRNA in coronary arteries when compared with relative levels measured in mesenteric and basilar preparations. 4 Kir2.1 was cloned from rat mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Currents were strongly inwardly rectifying and selective for K+. 5 The effect of extracellular Ba2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cs2+ ions on cloned Kir2.1 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes was examined. Ba2+ and Cs+ block were steeply voltage dependent, whereas block by external Ca2+ and Mg2+ exhibited little voltage dependence. The apparent half‐block constants and voltage dependences for Ba2+, Cs+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were very similar for inward rectifier K+ currents from native cells and cloned Kir2.1 channels expressed in oocytes. 6 Molecular studies demonstrate that Kir2.1 is the only member of the Kir2 channel subfamily present in vascular arterial smooth muscle cells. Expression of cloned Kir2.1 in Xenopus oocytes resulted in inward rectifier K+ currents that strongly resemble those that are observed in native vascular arterial smooth muscle cells. We conclude that Kir2.1 encodes for inward rectifier K+ channels in arterial smooth muscle.
Preanalysis Storage Conditions Influence the Measurement of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Peripheral Blood

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a pivotal role in regulating neuronal function throughout life, and this factor is regarded as a potential biomarker of mental disorders. However, previous studies have suggested that plasma BDNF levels are more variable than serum BDNF levels. Methods: We determined the influence of time and temperature on the measurement of peripheral blood BDNF levels. Blood samples were aliquoted into four types of tubes, including tubes containing heparin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and citrate for plasma, and anticoagulant-free tubes for serum. The samples were stored at 4 or 25°C for 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 24 or 48 h, and the plasma and serum BDNF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: There were interindividual and interanticoagulant compound variability in the plasma BDNF levels. The measured plasma BDNF levels increased over time, whereas the serum BDNF levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, the BDNF levels detected in plasma stored in heparin tubes at 4°C and those for samples stored in EDTA tubes at 25°C were much higher than those of the other samples. Conclusion: This study indicates that measurements of plasma BDNF levels are dependent not only on the anticoagulant compounds but also on the storage time and temperature conditions used after blood sampling.
Novel variants in the KERA gene cause autosomal recessive cornea plana in a Chinese family: A case report

Autosomal recessive cornea plana is a very rare hereditary ocular disease, characterized by a flattened corneal curvature, marked hyperopia due to low refractive power and frequently consequent accommodative esotropia. Other features include various cornea anterior segment abnormalities, without systemic problems. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical and molecular alterations in a Chinese family with cornea plana. Full ophthalmic examinations of the patients were performed, including slit-lamp examination, fundus examination and ocular ultrasound. Whole-exome sequencing data were screened for pathological variants in the proband, which were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. One novel missense mutation, c.242A>G (p.N81S) and another novel 7 base-pair deletion mutation, c.772-779del (p.G258Cfs*30), were detected in the keratocan (KERA) gene; two affected siblings inherited these variations in a compound heterozygous state, which were derived from the clinically unaffected heterozygous father (c.772_779del) and mother (c.242A>G), respectively. Neither mutation was observed in unrelated healthy controls (n=200). Multiple computer software predictions supported the pathogenicity of the two variants. Furthermore, protein modeling prediction was performed to better understand the molecular basis of cornea plana, particularly the importance of the leucine-rich repeat domain. This study presents the 14th pathogenic KERA mutations identified worldwide and the first in East Asia so far, to the best of our knowledge. These findings guided prenatal diagnosis for the family in question and expand on the variant spectrum of KERA, therefore facilitating genetic counseling.
Clinical Outcomes of Low-level Laser Therapy in Management of Advanced Implant Surgery Complications: A Comparative Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION Nowadays, implant insertion is accompanied by undesired consequences. As surgery techniques become more and more complex, an increase of intra- and post-op complications can be expected. Application of low-level laser (LLL) is one of the conservative approaches to control the complications with any side effects and low treatment costs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 650 nm LLL irradiation on the reduction of complications after advanced implant surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this triple-blinded clinical trial, 30 patients aged between 25 to 65 years were in need of bone graft or sinus lift procedure for simultaneously implant insertion. In the LLL treatment group, the surgical site of each implant was treated with 650 nm laser. The same method and duration were applied in the placebo group. The pain levels, facial swelling, and wound healing were evaluated. RESULTS This study indicated that pain levels were reduced in the laser group (p <0.05). Also, facial swelling in the 3rd and 7th day after the surgery relieved more in laser group. Furthermore, investigation of the surgical site showed a higher level of wound healing in the laser group (p <0.05). CONCLUSION Regarding the biological effects of advanced implant surgeries and accompanying complications, adjuvant treatment with a laser could significantly improve wound healing and reduce the severity and duration of pain and swelling. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This clinical trial demonstrates reductions of the level of pain, facial swelling and improvements of wound healing are followed by the use of low-level laser therapy.