Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statins and Renin Angiotensin System Inhibitors Dose-Dependently Protect Hypertensive Patients against Dialysis Risk

Background Taiwan has the highest renal disease incidence and prevalence in the world. We evaluated the association of statin and renin–angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI) use with dialysis risk in hypertensive patients. Methods Of 248,797 patients who received a hypertension diagnosis in Taiwan during 2001–2012, our cohort contained 110,829 hypertensive patients: 44,764 who used RASIs alone; 7,606 who used statins alone; 27,836 who used both RASIs and statins; and 33,716 who used neither RASIs or statins. We adjusted for the following factors to reduce selection bias by using propensity scores (PSs): age; sex; comorbidities; urbanization level; monthly income; and use of nonstatin lipid-lowering drugs, metformin, aspirin, antihypertensives, diuretics, and beta and calcium channel blockers. The statin and RASI use index dates were considered the hypertension confirmation dates. To examine the dose–response relationship, we categorized only statin or RASI use into four groups in each cohort: <28 (nonusers), 28–90, 91–365, and >365 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs). Results In the main model, PS-adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for dialysis risk were 0.57 (0.50–0.65), 0.72 (0.53–0.98), and 0.47 (0.41–0.54) in the only RASI, only statin, and RASI + statin users, respectively. RASIs dose-dependently reduced dialysis risk in most subgroups and in the main model. RASI use significantly reduced dialysis risk in most subgroups, regardless of comorbidities or other drug use (P < 0.001). Statins at >365 cDDDs protected hypertensive patients against dialysis risk in the main model (aHR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.54–0.71), regardless of whether a high cDDD of RASIs, metformin, or aspirin was used. Conclusion Statins and RASIs independently have a significant dose-dependent protective effect against dialysis risk in hypertensive patients. The combination of statins and RASIs can additively protect hypertensive patients against dialysis risk.
Trends in salmonella food poisoning in England and Wales 1941–72

SUMMARY Cattle and pig herds and flocks of domestic fowl have formed the main reservoir of human salmonella food poisoning in England and Wales from 1941 to 1972. Changes in the incidence of human salmonella food poisoning and in the serotypes of salmonellas isolated from human infections are shown to have been associated with the introduction of new foods, with changes in animal husbandry, and with changes in the relative proportions of flesh food from different species consumed. New foods, dried powdered egg, liquid egg and frozen liquid egg were introduced during the period of food rationing which extended from 1940 to 1953. Changes in animal husbandry, in particular the intensive production of pigs, poultry and eggs, followed the re-establishment of pig herds and fowl flocks after the derationing of animal feed in 1953. The changes in the proportions of flesh foods consumed followed the introduction of frozen oven-ready fowl in the late 1950s and early 1960s which by 1964 became cheaper than traditional flesh foods.
Madrid, Spain Pneumococcal Clinical Presentations in Serotype-Dependent Incidence of Invasive Short-Term Effects on Age- and Universal Pediatric Vaccination Calendar: Expansion of Serotype Coverage in the

Published Ahead of Print 7 August 2013. 10.1128/CVI.00239-13. 2013, 20(10):1524. DOI: Clin. Vaccine Immunol. Hernández-Sampelayo, Enrique Otheo and Cristina Méndez Sagrario Negreira, Maria-Jesus García-de-Miguel, Teresa Juan Picazo, Jesus Ruiz-Contreras, Juan Casado-Flores, Madrid, Spain Pneumococcal Clinical Presentations in Serotype-Dependent Incidence of Invasive Short-Term Effects on Ageand Universal Pediatric Vaccination Calendar: Expansion of Serotype Coverage in the
Assessment: The Silent Killer of Learning

Why is it that stellar students sometimes fail in the workplace while dropouts succeed? One reason is that most, if not all, of our current assessment practices are inauthentic. Just as the lecture focuses on the delivery of information to students, so does assessment often focus on having students regurgitate that same information back to the instructor. Consequently, assessment fails to focus on the skills that are relevant in life in the 21st century. Assessment has been called the "hidden curriculum" as it is an important driver of students' study habits. Unless we rethink our approach to assessment, it will be very difficult to produce a meaningful change in education.
Calibration of Probe Volume in Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

In fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), an accurate evaluation of the probe volume is the basis of correct interpretation of experimental data and solution of an appropriate diffusion model. Poor fitting convergence has been a problem in the determination of the dimensional parameters, the beam radius, ω, and the distance along the optical axis of the probe volume, l. In this work, the instability of fitting during the calibration process is investigated by examining the χ2 surfaces. We demonstrate that the minimum of χ2 in the ω dimension is well defined for both converging and diverging data. The difficulty of fitting comes from the l dimension. The uncertainty in l could be significantly larger than that in ω, as determined by F-statistics. A modified calibration process is recommended based on examining two data treatment methods, combining several short data sets into a single long run and averaging the correlation functions of several short data sets. It is found that by using the mean of several converging correlation functions from short data sets instead of a long time correlation, more stable and consistent dimensional parameters are extracted to define the probe volume.
Serum liver enzyme activities in healthy Miniature Schnauzers with and without hypertriglyceridemia.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether hypertriglyceridemia in healthy Miniature Schnauzers is associated with high serum liver enzyme activities. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 65 Miniature Schnauzers with serum triglyceride concentrations within the reference range (group 1), 20 Miniature Schnauzers with slightly high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 2), and 20 Miniature Schnauzers with moderately to severely high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 3). PROCEDURES Questionnaires regarding each dog's medical history were completed, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and G-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were measured. RESULTS Median serum ALP activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 or 2 dogs, but was not significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 dogs. Median serum ALT activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 dogs, but was not significantly different between any of the other groups. Compared with group 1 dogs, group 2 and 3 dogs were significantly more likely to have high serum ALP activity (odds ratio, 26.2 and 192.6, respectively). Group 3 dogs also were significantly more likely to have high serum ALT activity (odds ratio, 8.0), serum AST activity (odds ratio, 3.7), and serum GGT activity (odds ratio, 11.3), compared with group 1 dogs. Group 3 dogs were significantly more likely (odds ratio, 31.0) to have > or = 2 high serum liver enzyme activities than were group 1 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia was associated with high serum liver enzyme activities in Miniature Schnauzers.
Nuclear dynamics of topoisomerase IIβ reflects its catalytic activity that is regulated by binding of RNA to the C-terminal domain

DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) changes DNA topology by cleavage/re-ligation cycle(s) and thus contributes to various nuclear DNA transactions. It is largely unknown how the enzyme is controlled in a nuclear context. Several studies have suggested that its C-terminal domain (CTD), which is dispensable for basal relaxation activity, has some regulatory influence. In this work, we examined the impact of nuclear localization on regulation of activity in nuclei. Specifically, human cells were transfected with wild-type and mutant topo IIβ tagged with EGFP. Activity attenuation experiments and nuclear localization data reveal that the endogenous activity of topo IIβ is correlated with its subnuclear distribution. The enzyme shuttles between an active form in the nucleoplasm and a quiescent form in the nucleolus in a dynamic equilibrium. Mechanistically, the process involves a tethering event with RNA. Isolated RNA inhibits the catalytic activity of topo IIβ in vitro through the interaction with a specific 50-residue region of the CTD (termed the CRD). Taken together, these results suggest that both the subnuclear distribution and activity regulation of topo IIβ are mediated by the interplay between cellular RNA and the CRD.
Chopped or Long Roughage: What Do Calves Prefer? Using Cross Point Analysis of Double Demand Functions

The present study aimed to quantify calves'(Bos taurus) preference for long versus chopped hay and straw, and hay versus straw, using cross point analysis of double demand functions, in a context where energy intake was not a limiting factor. Nine calves, fed milk replacer and concentrate, were trained to work for roughage rewards from two simultaneously available panels. The cost (number of muzzle presses) required on the panels varied in each session (left panel/right panel): 7/35, 14/28, 21/21, 28/14, 35/7. Demand functions were estimated from the proportion of rewards achieved on one panel relative to the total number of rewards achieved in one session. Cross points (cp) were calculated as the cost at which an equal number of rewards was achieved from both panels. The deviation of the cp from the midpoint (here 21) indicates the strength of the preference. Calves showed a preference for long versus chopped hay (cp = 14.5; P = 0.004), and for hay versus straw (cp = 38.9; P = 0.004), both of which improve rumen function. Long hay may stimulate chewing more than chopped hay, and the preference for hay versus straw could be related to hedonic characteristics. No preference was found for chopped versus long straw (cp = 20.8; P = 0.910). These results could be used to improve the welfare of calves in production systems; for example, in systems where calves are fed hay along with high energy concentrate, providing long hay instead of chopped could promote roughage intake, rumen development, and rumination.
Towards Measuring Quality of Interaction in Mobile Robotic Telepresence using Sociometric Badges

Abstract The field of mobile robotic telepresence for social communication is in rapid expansion and it is of interest to understand what promotes good interaction. In this paper, we present the results of an experiment where novice users working in health care were given a guided tour while maneuvering a mobile robotic telepresence system for the first time. In a previous study, it was found that subjective presence questionnaires and observations of spatial configurations based on Kendon’s F-formations were useful to evaluate quality of interaction in mobile robotic telepresence. In an effort to find more automated methods to assess the quality of interaction, the study in this paper used the same measures, with the addition of objective sociometric measures. Experimental results show that the quantitative analysis of the sociometric data correlates with a number of parameters gathered via qualitative analysis, e.g. different dimensions of presence and observed problems in maneuvering the robot.
Impact of changes in GRACE derived terrestrial water storage on vegetation growth in Eurasia

We use GRACE-derived terrestrial water storage (TWS) and ERA-interim air temperature, as proxy for available water and temperature constraints on vegetation productivity, inferred from MODIS satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), in Northern Eurasia during 2002–2011. We investigate how changes in TWS affect the correlation between NDVI and temperature during the non-frozen season. We find that vegetation growth exhibits significant spatial and temporal variability associated with varying trend in TWS and temperature. The largest NDVI gains occur over boreal forests associated with warming and wetting. The largest NDVI losses occur over grasslands in the Southwestern Ob associated with regional drying and cooling, with dominant constraint from TWS. Over grasslands and temperate forests in the Southeast Ob and South Yenisei, wetting and cooling lead to a dominant temperature constraint due to the relaxation of TWS constraints. Overall, we find significant monthly correlation of NDVI with TWS and temperature over 35% and 50% of the domain, respectively. These results indicate that water availability (TWS) plays a major role in modulating Eurasia vegetation response to temperature changes.
Detection of faecal leucocytes & erythrocytes from stools of cholera patients suggesting an evidence of an inflammatory response in cholera.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Detection of faecal leucocytes and RBCs in stool samples of cholera patients has been reported in a small number of studies. This study extends these observations by examining stool samples of cholera patients in Calcutta. METHODS Out of 1562 diarrhoeal stool samples, Vibrio cholerae was isolated in 266 cases. Stool samples obtained were examined microscopically within two hours of collection. RBCs and faecal leucocytes were examined by normal saline and methylene blue stain. Stool culture was performed using selective and differential media for isolation of V. cholerae. RESULTS Among 266 cholera patients, RBCs was detected in 58 per cent and faecal leucocytes in 88 per cent respectively. The extent of the changes correlated with clinical severity. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION This study showed the presence of RBCs and faecal leucocytes in stools of patients of cholera caused by V. cholerae 01 and 0139 which indicates some inflammatory changes in the gut mucosa. Further study is required to elucidate the inflammatory mechanism involved in the underlying process(es).
Paying for Obesity: A Changing Landscape

BACKGROUND. Coverage for obesity related services is highly variable. Despite this, health plans, purchasers, and states have mounted numerous recent initiatives. OBJECTIVE. To identify the range of approaches being used to address coverage and reimbursement for childhood obesity services. METHODS. Key informant interviews were conducted using a semi-structured protocol to identify the types of activities they or their organization were engaged in to address childhood obesity, to learn about private payer policies and procedures, to identify best practices, potential resources and/or other key informants. Domains addressed in the protocol included scope of the respondent's organization's activities, the rationale for supporting obesity activities, the degree to which obesity services were a covered benefit and what if any barriers or challenges were encountered in implementation, the policy climate within which the organization operates (e.g. state legislation, initiatives or task forces), and any assessment of the impact and/or cost of implementing their initiatives. The individuals interviewed represented respondents from each of the following categories: employer, health plan, and state insurance programs and conducted by phone between November 2007 and March 2008. In addition to the information gathered by the key informant interviews we conducted a search of the relevant peer review and grey literature between 2005 and 2008 and input from a national expert advisory group. RESULTS. Significant variation, as well as recent changes, were identified in both the private and public sector. Approaches included new benefits and incentives for parents and providers. Only anecdotal evidence of impact of the recent changes was available. CONCLUSIONS. There is important forward movement in how public and private players are addressing paying for obesity related services. Medicaid and SCHIP programs have an opportunity to provide additional leadership. Substantial investments in evaluation and research are needed to learn which approaches are most effective.
Case-control study of neurocognitive function in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder: an association with mania.

BACKGROUND Neurocognitive impairments in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder may represent trait rather than state variables. AIMS To test the hypothesis that euthymic patients with bipolar disorder would exhibit impairment in verbal learning and memory and executive function compared with healthy controls matched for age, gender and premorbid IQ. METHOD Twenty euthymic patients with bipolar disorder were matched, on a case-by-case basis, to twenty healthy community controls. Cases and controls were tested with a battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS Impairments were found in cases compared with controls in tests of verbal learning and memory. Verbal learning and memory correlated negatively with the number of manic episodes. CONCLUSIONS Impaired verbal learning and memory may be a trait variable in bipolar disease. There are implications for adherence to medication and relapse and for the role of early treatment interventions. Prospective designs and targeting first-episode groups may help to differentiate trait v. disease process effects.
Fair power allocation for sum-rate maximization in multiuser OFDMA

Multiuser OFDMA is a promising multiaccess technique for serving users with many non-interfering resources. In the present paper, the problem of the optimum power allocation for maximizing the sum rate with total fairness and total power constraints is tackled. If the sum rate would be a priori known, it could be simply distributed uniformly among the users. Then for each user, the minimum required power for obtaining the given rate can be easily found in a closed form using convex optimization techniques. The bisection method can be applied for finding the maximum sum rate that satisfies the total power constraint. The performance of the proposed method is investigated by simulations. The results show that there is an absolute loss in the sum rate independent of the number of resources per user as compared to waterfilling. Additionally, it is shown that our method is significantly better than waterfilling in typical scenarios in terms of the outage capacity.
Tunable and Growing Network Generation Model with Community Structures

Recent years have seen a growing interest in the modeling and simulation of social networks to understand several social phenomena. Two important classes of networks, small world and scale free networks have gained a lot of research interest. Another important characteristic of social networks is the presence of community structures. Many social processes such as information diffusion and disease epidemics depend on the presence of community structures making it an important property for network generation models to be incorporated. In this paper, we present a tunable and growing network generation model with small world and scale free properties as well as the presence of community structures. The major contribution of this model is that the communities thus created satisfy three important structural properties: connectivity within each community follows power-law, communities have high clustering coefficient and hierarchical community structures are present in the networks generated using the proposed model. Furthermore, the model is highly robust and capable of producing networks with a number of different topological characteristics varying clustering coefficient and inter-cluster edges. Our simulation results show that the model produces small world and scale free networks along with the presence of communities depicting real world societies and social networks.
Perceptions of Child Facial Cues as a Function of Child Age

Child facial cues are known to influence adults' perceptions, attributions, and parental care behaviors. But how does the influence of these cues change with age? There are three competing theories regarding the influence of age on child facial cues: younger cues have the strongest influence, older cues have the strongest influence, and age cues do not influence adults. There are empirical findings that provide support for each of these hypotheses. Because previous studies have not focused on measures of adults' desire to provide parental care and have used limited stimulus sets and/or statistics, we conducted two studies to determine how age-related changes in child faces influenced adults' perceptions and ratings in the Hypothetical Adoption Paradigm. We presented approximately 200 adults with images of 12 different children at eight different ages (from six months to six years). Adults' ratings of adoption preference and cuteness were strongly and negatively related to the age of the child facial stimuli, while there was no consistent relationship between child age and adults' ratings of health. Our results support the hypothesis that facial cues associated with younger ages are most effective at eliciting adult responses associated with parental care.
Preterm Birth Affects the Risk of Developing Immune-Mediated Diseases

Prematurity affects approximately 10% of all children, resulting in drastically altered antigen exposure due to premature confrontation with microbes, nutritional antigens, and other environmental factors. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetal immune system adapts to tolerate maternal and self-antigens, while also preparing for postnatal immune defense by acquiring passive immunity from the mother. Since the perinatal period is regarded as the most important “window of opportunity” for imprinting metabolism and immunity, preterm birth may have long-term consequences for the development of immune-mediated diseases. Intriguingly, preterm neonates appear to develop bronchial asthma more frequently, but atopic dermatitis less frequently in comparison to term neonates. The longitudinal study of preterm neonates could offer important insights into the process of imprinting for immune-mediated diseases. On the one hand, preterm birth may interrupt influences of the intrauterine environment on the fetus that increase or decrease the risk of later immune disease (e.g., maternal antibodies and placenta-derived factors), whereas on the other hand, it may lead to the premature exposure to protective or harmful extrauterine factors such as microbiota and nutritional antigen. Solving this puzzle may help unravel new preventive and therapeutic approaches for immune diseases.
Angle of Models Distance as Test Algorithm in Speaker Verification

In this paper we introduce the angle of models Mahalanobis distance as the test algorithm in the text- independent speaker verification system. In test process, the test speech is adapted to a new model instead of calculating the log-likelihood ratio scores, then the Mahalanobis distances among the UBM model, the speaker model and the test speech model are calculated. These three models distances form a triangle. The angle of the triangle can be treated as the test scores. When we employ the proposed algorithm in GMM_UBM system, the recognition rate can be almost identical with the traditional log-likelihood ratio scores, while the computation load can be dramatically cut down. That is very helpful to the real-time application of the speaker recognition or verification. Further more, when we fuse angle scores with the log-likelihood ratio scores, the EER of the speaker verification can be reduced by 12-15% in 2002 NIST evaluation corpus.