Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gabapentin (Neurontin) as Add‐on Therapy in Patients with Partial Seizures: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Summary: A multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of gabapentin (Neurontin, GBP) as add‐on therapy in 272 patients with refractory partial seizures who were receiving one to two standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Efficacy assessments compared the frequency of partial seizures during the 12‐week treatment phase (T) and the 12‐week baseline period (B). The primary analysis compared data for patients receiving GBP 900 mg/day with placebo; the GBP 1,200‐mglday group provided doseresponse data. Efficacy criteria were percentage of change in seizure frequency (PCH), responder rate (percentage of patients with ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency), and response ratio, where RRatio = (T B)/(T + B). Median PCH was–21.8% in the 900‐mg/day group and −17.8% in the 1,200‐mg/day group as compared with −0.3% in the placebo group. Responder rate was 22.9% in the 900‐mg/day group and 10.1% in the placebo group (p = 0.020, Fisher's exact test). Adjusted mean Rratio was‐0.136 in the 900‐mg/day group and −0.025 in the placebo group (p = 0.0046, analysis of variance ANOVA). Results showed slightly greater improvement for the 1,20‐mg/day than for the 900‐mg/day group (RRatio =−0.157, responder rate 28.0%). Adverse events (AE) occurred in 69% of patients in the 900‐mg/day group and in 64% in the 1,200‐mg/day group as compared with 52% in patients receiving placebo as add‐on therapy. The most frequent AE among patients treated with GBP were somnolence, dizziness, and fatigue. Clinical laboratory evaluations showed no clinically important trends and no evidence of hepatic or hematopoietic effects. GBP is safe and effective in treating some patients with refractory partial seizures.
Effects of various cryoprotective agents and extender osmolality on post-thawed ram semen

The influence of different extender osmolality levels and the presence of different cryoprotectants on the postthawed semen’s characteristics and post-thawed plasma membrane integrity of ram spermatozoa were studied. Ram semen was frozen with TRIS-egg yolk based extender according to two-step dilution procedures. The final concentrations of the cryoprotectants: 6% glycerol, 6% 1,2propanediol, 62.5 mM sucrose, and 62.5 mM trehalose were studied in three different extender B osmolality levels (350, 375, and 400 mOsm). The osmolality affected significantly the post-thawed semen’s motility, defected acrosomes (DA), total morphological defect (TMD), along with the sperm’s plasma membrane integrity (HOST). Type of cryoprotectant exerted significant effect (P<0.001) on the post-thawed semen’s motility, DA, TMD, and HOST. There was a significant interaction between the osmolality and cryoprotectant on the post-thawed motility, DA and TMD, but not on the HOST. In general, post-thawed motility, acrosomal, morphological, and membrane integrity of the semen frozen with semen extender at 400 mOsm were better than those of 350 and 375 mOsm, regardless of the type of cryoprotectant. Glycerol and 1,2propanediol, compared to sucrose, trehalose, and control groups, did not protect the post-thawed acrosome and morphological integrity, though it did protect motility and HOST. It was concluded that glycerol based extenders with a high osmotic pressure (400 mOsm) was a better choice for ram semen freezing compared to sucrose, trehalose, and cryoprotectant free extenders. The detrimental effect of glycerol on DA and TMD could be overcome by combining glycerol with sugars and by increasing the osmotic pressure of the extender used for semen cryopreservation. Further research on the cryopreservation of ram semen should focus on the extender osmolality and combination of different cryoprotectants.
Puerperium and breast‐feeding

This review focuses on several aspects of breast-feeding, including mothers' skills and attitudes, risk of HIV transmission in breast milk, lactational amenorrhea and its contraceptive effects, and the effects of anesthesia and analgesia on lactation. Also discussed is postpartum contraception and sources of referral for low-income women desiring assistance in nutrition.
A Time-Motion Study of ICU Workflow and the Impact of Strain*

Objective:Understanding ICU workflow and how it is impacted by ICU strain is necessary for implementing effective improvements. This study aimed to quantify how ICU physicians spend time and to examine the impact of ICU strain on workflow. Design:Prospective, observational time-motion study. Setting:Five ICUs in two hospitals at an academic medical center. Subjects:Thirty attending and resident physicians. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:In 137 hours of field observations, the most time—84 hours (62% of total observation time)—was spent on professional communication. Reviewing patient data and documentation occupied a combined 52 hours (38%), whereas direct patient care and education occupied 24 hours (17%) and 13 hours (9%), respectively. The most frequently used tool was the computer, used in tasks that occupied 51 hours (37%). Severity of illness of the ICU on day of observation was the only strain factor that significantly impacted work patterns. In a linear regression model, increase in average ICU Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was associated with more time spent on direct patient care (&bgr; = 4.3; 95% CI, 0.9–7.7) and education (&bgr; = 3.2; 95% CI, 0.7–5.8), and less time spent on documentation (&bgr; = –7.4; 95% CI, –11.6 to –3.2) and on tasks using the computer (&bgr; = –7.8; 95% CI, –14.1 to –1.6). These results were more pronounced with a combined strain score that took into account unit census and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. After accounting for ICU type (medical vs surgical) and staffing structure (resident staffed vs physician assistant staffed), results changed minimally. Conclusion:Clinicians spend the bulk of their time in the ICU on professional communication and tasks involving computers. With the strain of high severity of illness and a full unit, clinicians reallocate time from documentation to patient care and education. Further efforts are needed to examine system-related aspects of care to understand the impact of workflow and strain on patient care.
Epigenetics, microRNAs, and carcinogenesis: functional role of microRNA-137 in uveal melanoma.

PURPOSE MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can contribute to tumorigenesis by acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. The authors' previous studies on miR-34a showed that miRNA can influence the growth of uveal melanoma cells. In this study, they investigated the role of miR-137 in the pathogenesis of uveal melanoma. METHODS Real-time RT-PCR was used to screen the expression levels of miR-137 in uveal melanocytes and uveal melanoma cell lines. Cell proliferation was examined by MTS assay and cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The target genes of miR-137 were predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay. The expression of MITF, CDK6, and cell cycle regulatory proteins was determined by Western blot analysis. The ability to increase miR-137 expression by epigenetic drugs was tested using real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS miR-137 expression was lower in uveal melanoma cell lines than in uveal melanocytes. Ectopic transfection of miR-137 into uveal melanoma cells induced G1 cell cycle arrest, leading to a significant decrease in cell growth. Overexpression of miR-137 downregulated MITF, a transcription factor with oncogenic activity. Moreover, the introduction of miR-137 downregulated the oncogenic tyrosine kinase protein receptor c-Met and cell cycle-related proteins, including CDK6. One avenue to increase the expression levels of miR-137 was through treatment with a DNA hypomethylating agent, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, and a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that miR-137 can act as a tumor suppressor in uveal melanoma cell proliferation through downregulation of the targets MITF and CDK6. miR-137 may be epigenetically silenced during uveal melanoma tumorigenesis.
Three Essays on Aggregate Demand and Growth

by Gilberto de Assis Libanio This dissertation consists of three independent essays that explore different aspects of the relation between aggregate demand and growth. The first chapter revisits the debate on unit roots in macroeconomic time series and discusses the endogeneity of the natural rate of growth. It analyzes how different theories of fluctuations interpret unit roots and offers an alternative interpretation, relating unit roots to the persistence of aggregate demand shocks. Finally, it presents two empirical exercises: one tests for unit roots in output for twelve Latin American countries using panel data. The results suggest that GDP series are non-stationary and therefore shocks may have persistent effects in the economy. The second exercise tests the hypothesis of an endogenous natural rate of growth, and the estimations suggest that the potential output has been influenced by the actual level of economic activity in Latin American economies. The second chapter focuses on the effects of aggregate demand on productivity and growth, as presented in the literature on cumulative causation models of growth in the Kaldorian tradition. It discusses the controversies related to the estimation and interpretation of Verdoorn’s Law and provides estimations of the law using panel data for the seven largest economies in Latin America (1985-2001). The results confirm the Gilberto de Assis Libanio existence of increasing returns in manufacturing, and the possibility of cumulative growth cycles in the region. The third chapter focuses on some economic policy implications of demand-led growth, and discusses the potential long-term growth effects of inflation targeting regimes. The hypotheses of procyclical and asymmetrical monetary policy were tested by using a VAR model for Brazil, Chile and Mexico (1999-2005). The results suggest that inflation targeting is likely to produce a downward bias in aggregate demand, and generate negative effects on long-run growth rates. The analysis and results provided here support different aspects of demand-led growth, and convey economic policy implications. In particular, it supports the idea that recessions may have long-lasting and irreversible effects on output and employment, and reinforces arguments against the promotion of sharp contractions in response to financial or currency crises in the developing world.
Adaptive plasticity of the auditory space map in the optic tectum of adult and baby barn owls in response to external ear modification.

1. This study demonstrates the influence of experience on the establishment and maintenance of the auditory map of space in the optic tectum of the barn owl. Auditory experience was altered either by preventing the structures of the external ears (the facial ruff and preaural flaps) from appearing in baby barn owls (baby ruff-cut owls) or by removing these structures in adults (adult ruff-cut owls). These structures shape the binaural cues used for localizing sounds in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. 2. The acoustic effects of removing the external ear structures were measured using probe tube microphones placed in the ear canals. In both baby and adult ruff-cut owls, the spatial pattern of binaural localization cues was dramatically different from normal: interaural level difference (ILD) changed with azimuth instead of with elevation, the rate of change of ILD across space was decreased relative to normal, and the rate of change of interaural time difference (ITD) across frontal space was increased relative to normal. 3. The neurophysiological representations of ITD and ILD in the optic tectum were measured before and > or = 3 mo after ruff removal in adults and beginning at 4.5 months of age in baby ruff-cut owls. Multiunit tuning to ITD and to ILD was measured using dichotic stimulation in ketamine-anesthetized owls. The tectal maps of ITD and ILD were reconstructed using visual receptive field location as a marker for recording site location in the optic tectum. 4. Adjustment of the tectal map of ITD to the altered spatial pattern of acoustic ITD was essentially complete in adults as well as in baby ruff-cut owls. This adjustment changed the magnification of ITD across the tectum, with resultant changes in ITD tuning at individual tectal sites of up to approximately 25 microseconds (approximately 5% of the physiological range) relative to normal values. 5. Adaptation of the tectal ILD map to the ruff-cut spatial pattern of acoustic ILD was substantial but clearly incomplete in both adult and baby ruff-cut owls. Although changes of up to approximately 15 dB (approximately 47% of the physiological range) relative to normal tuning were observed at certain tectal sites, the topography of the ILD map was always intermediate between normal and that predicted by the ruff-cut spatial pattern of acoustic ILD. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Considering canopy architecture when planning cover crop mixtures

Abstract Producers may be able to improve growth of cover crop mixtures by selecting species to occupy different levels (zones) in the cover crop canopy. This suggestion is based on a study where we compared four cover crop treatments, comprised of one, three, six and nine species, for biomass production. Oat, dry pea and oilseed radish were present in all multi-species mixtures. Treatments were established in August, following spring wheat harvest. Biomass was harvested 9 weeks later. The most productive treatment was the oat–dry pea–oilseed radish mixture. Species of this mixture occupied different zones in the canopy and minimized interspecies competition to improve production. Cover crop mixtures of six and nine species produced 24% less biomass, which we partially attribute to unequal distribution of species in zones of the canopy. This suggestion with canopy architecture could be tested further with other cover crop species to quantify its impact.
Implant Stability - Measuring Devices and Randomized Clinical Trial for ISQ Value Change Pattern Measured from Two Different Directions by Magnetic RFA

Implant stability plays a critical role for successful osseointegration, which has been viewed as a direct structural and functional connection existing between bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant(Branemark, et al. 1977, Sennerby & Roos 1998). Achievement and maintenance of implant stability are prerequisites for successful clinical outcome(Sennerby & Meredith 2008). Therefore, measuring the implant stability is an important method for evaluating the success of an implant. Implant stability is achieved at two different stages: primary and secondary. Primary stability of an implant comes from mechanical engagement with cortical bone. It is affected by the quantity and quality of bone that the implant is inserted into, surgical procedure, length, diameter, and form of the implant(Meredith 1998). Secondary stability is developed from regeneration and remodeling of the bone and tissue around the implant after insertion but is affected by the primary stability, bone formation and remodeling(Sennerby & Roos 1998). The time of functional loading is dependent upon the secondary stability. It is, therefore, of an utmost importance to be able to quantify implant stability at various time points and to project a long term prognosis based on the measured implant stability(Atsumi, et al. 2007).
Desafios ao crescimento da China e implicações das alterações recentes na sua política cambial

China is the second largest economy, has the highest total trade and holds the largest foreign reserves of the world. Despite these impressive numbers, it has faced a number of problems in attempting to bring its economy closer to the liberal practices of the advanced countries. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the main challenges currently faced by the Chinese economy to continue its growth, as well as point out some of the global consequences of China’s recent shift in its currency policies. Still, we intend to highlight the impact of the Chinese adjustment to Brazil and offer some recommendations of public policies aimed at preparing the country for these changes.
A gestão do discurso de ódio nas plataformas de redes sociais digitais: um comparativo entre Facebook, Twitter e Youtube

O impasse social sobre discurso de ódio e liberdade de expressão na Internet tem impulsionado os Sites de Redes Sociais (SRS) a intensificarem suas políticas de moderação de conteúdo. A gestão do conteúdo de ódio em plataformas como Facebook, Twitter e Youtube é tão complexa, haja vista seu caráter multifacetado e o grande número de interagentes, que executivos destas empresas assumem a ineficiência de seus recursos (humanos e tecnológicos) na tentativa de controlar o escalonamento, duração, difusão e circunspecção de crimes e discursos odientos. O problema tem despertado a atenção de governos e organizações civis, que por sua vez aumentam a pressão sobre as plataformas no intuito de melhorarem suas escolhas editoriais e sua logística de monitoramento e remoção deste tipo de interação. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo comparar as ações realizadas pelo Facebook, Twitter e Youtube no que tange a formulação e ampliação de políticas e decisões sobre conteúdo individual de ódio. Para isto, foi realizado uma análise histórica (2015-2018) de dados secundários das políticas e termos de comunidade específicos de cada SRS numa análise das tomadas de decisão com os cinco tópicos do termo de compromisso que as empresas assumiram com a ADL -Liga Anti-Difamação, em 2013, no combate ao discurso de ódio online. Os resultados apontam o Facebook como o SRS que mais investiu em estratégias de combate a intolerância e incivilidade online, apesar da empresa não deixar claro os métodos empregados para tal fim. De modo geral, todas as plataformas evoluíram na estrutura operacional de denúncia de conteúdo odiento, mas se mostraram ineficientes em moderação, remoção e contenção da propagação do cyberhate.
Thyroid carcinoma. A clinical and pathologic study of 125 cases

Retrospective clinicopathological study of 125 thyroid carcinoma cases followed for 9 to 19 years was performed. Case selection for unfavorable histologic type and advanced disease was observed for referred cases. All medullary and anaplastic tumors were in patients over age 40; younger patients all had papillary and follicular carcinoma. Actuarial survival rates showed favorable outcome for papillary carcinoma followed by follicular and medullary or anaplastic tumors. Within the papillary carcinoma group, older age and male sex adversely affected survival; the former appeared related to clinical stage at presentation. Clinically palpable papillary carcinomas that were poorly circumscribed or showed vascular invasion were associated with poorer survival than tumors without these features. For papillary carcinomas under 1.5 cm, soft tissue invasion, vascular invasion, and occult lymph node metastases did not effect disease free survival. Two deaths from thyroid cancer were observed in this group, however, in patients who presented initially with distant metastases. The biology of these small lesions is briefly discussed.
Two-tier labour market reform: a quantitative general equilibrium assessment

ABSTRACT In the 1990s several European countries liberalized the use of fixed-term labour contracts in an effort to reduce persistently low employment growth. This article studies the effect of these reforms through the lens of a version of the Hopenhayn and Rogerson (1993) model calibrated on Italian data. We find no effect of the reform on total employment in steady state.
Leishmaniasis: diagnostic issues in Europe

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with clinical presentations that vary from asymptomatic infection to cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral disease. Recent epidemiological studies have shown an increased prevalence in Europe largely caused by an increase in international travel, difficulty eradicating leishmanial infection in AIDS patients, and the use of immunosuppressive medications. Clinical diagnosis may be challenging, and parasitological diagnosis entails the use of invasive procedures which may be unrevealing in the immunosuppressed. A number of less invasive tests for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies or leishmanial antigen are available but their sensitivity and specificity may vary with the infective species and results have to be interpreted in light of the clinical presentation. The availability of polymerase chain reaction assays amplifying leishmanial genetic material has been a major step forward in improving the diagnosis of leishmanial disease and the response to treatment.
Two computerized methods used to analyze intracranial pressure B waves: comparison with traditional visual interpretation.

OBJECT Slow and rhythmic oscillations in intracranial pressure (ICP), also known as B waves, have been claimed to be one of the best preoperative predictive factors in idiopathic adult hydrocephalus syndrome (IAHS). Definitions of B waves vary widely, and previously reported results must be treated with caution. The aims of the present study were to develop a definition of B waves, to develop a method to estimate the B-wave content in an ICP recording by using computer algorithms, and to validate these procedures by comparison with the traditional visual interpretation. METHODS In eight patients with IAHS, ICP was continuously monitored for approximately 20 hours. The ICP B-wave activity as a percentage of total monitoring time (B%) was estimated by using visual estimation according to the definition given by Lundberg, and also by using two computer algorithms (Methods I and II). In Method I each individual wave was classified as a B wave or not, whereas Method II was used to estimate the B-wave content by evaluating the B-wave power in 10-minute blocks of ICP recordings. CONCLUSIONS The two computerized algorithms produced similar results. However, with the amplitude set to 1 mm Hg, Method I yielded the highest correlation with the visual analysis (r = 0.74). At least 5 hours of monitoring time was needed for an acceptable approximation of the B% in an overnight ICP recording. The advantages of using modern technology in the analysis of B-wave content of ICP are obvious and these methods should be used in future studies.