Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the suitability of prediction equations for lung function in Indian children: a practical approach.

OBJECTIVE Although several prediction equations to evaluate peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of Indian children are available in literature, clinicians and researchers need to make a logical choice of which equation to use as reference. The aim was to demonstrate a practical approach to making such a logical choice by using prediction equations on our study population. METHODS Eighteen linear regression equations generated on Indian children were chosen from available literature. PEFR measured on a Wright peak flow meter on 81 boys and 60 girls, aged between 8 and 13 years, was compared with the predicted values obtained from the equations. Data was systematically analyzed for the extent of over-estimation and under-estimation, correlation between the predicted and measured values and bias and limits of agreement using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS The correlation between observed and predicted values using the eighteen equations ranged between 0.616 and 0.797 (for all P < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plots indicated that for all but three equations in boys and three equations in girls, lower measured values of PEFR were associated with higher predicted values. A final choice of a reference prediction equation was based on a combination of factors which included a high correlation between actual and predicted PEFR values, the bias of the estimate, the limits of agreement and the extent to which equations over or under-estimated PEFR. CONCLUSION A practical approach to evaluate the applicability of prediction equations on an independent data set has been demonstrated.
Bimanual Microincision Cataract Surgery versus Coaxial Microincision Cataract Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Cohort Studies

Purpose This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of bimanual microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS) and coaxial microincision cataract surgery (C-MICS). Methods Three databases were searched for papers that compared B-MICS and C-MICS from inception to June 2016. The following intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were included in the final meta-analysis: ultrasound time (UST), effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), balanced salt solution use (BSS use), mean surgery time, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and increased CCT. Results There were no statistically significant differences in mean surgery time, UST, BSS use, BCVA, CCT, or increased CCT (one subgroup at postoperative day 7-8 and another subgroup at postoperative day 30). However, there was less EPT needed during surgery (p < 0.01) and lower levels of increased CCT at postoperative day 1 (p = 0.02) in the B-MICS group compared with the C-MICS group. Conclusions The EPT was shorter and increased CCT was less at postoperative day 1 in the B-MICS group. There were no statistically significant differences in other intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the B-MICS group and the C-MICS group. B-MICS is an efficient and safe cataract surgery procedure.
RecA-independent recombination is efficient but limited by exonucleases

Genetic recombination in bacteria is facilitated by the RecA strand transfer protein and strongly depends on the homology between interacting sequences. RecA-independent recombination is detectable but occurs at extremely low frequencies and is less responsive to the extent of homology. In this article, we show that RecA-independent recombination in Escherichia coli is depressed by the redundant action of single-strand exonucleases. In the absence of multiple single-strand exonucleases, the efficiency of RecA-independent recombination events, involving either gene conversion or crossing-over, is markedly increased to levels rivaling RecA-dependent events. This finding suggests that RecA-independent recombination is not intrinsically inefficient but is limited by single-strand DNA substrate availability. Crossing-over is inhibited by exonucleases ExoI, ExoVII, ExoX, and RecJ, whereas only ExoI and RecJ abort gene-conversion events. In ExoI− RecJ− strains, gene conversion can be accomplished by transformation of short single-strand DNA oligonucleotides and is more efficient when the oligonucleotide is complementary to the lagging-strand replication template. We propose that E. coli encodes an unknown mechanism for RecA-independent recombination (independent of prophage recombination systems) that is targeted to replication forks. The potential of RecA-independent recombination to mediate exchange at short homologies suggests that it may contribute significantly to genomic change in bacteria, especially in species with reduced cellular exonuclease activity or those that encode DNA protection factors.
Technical efficiency in crop production across agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia: A meta-analysis of frontier studies

This article investigates whether study-specific attributes account for systematic variations in reported technical efficiency (TE) scores in crop production. We conducted a meta-regression analysis using mean TE (MTE) estimates from primary frontier studies of Ethiopian crop sub-sector over the period 1991–2015. The estimated MTE of 66% indicates a capacity to increase efficiency in crop production. Results from a fractional outcome regression model revealed that reported efficiency estimates vary substantially across studies and agro-ecologies. We found that reported efficiency estimates are influenced by the frontier methodology used, the functional form assumed, assumptions about technology representation, the estimated dimension of the model, output aggregation and the publication outlet. We show that reported efficiency estimates are sensitive to variations in agro-ecologies. We argue for the need to consider differences in agro-ecologies when estimating TE because failure to account for this may bias efficiency estimates.
Absolute Configuration of Cembrane Diterpenoids from Bursera multijuga

The stems of Bursera multijuga afforded (-)-(1S,3E,7R,8R,11E)-7,8-epoxycembra-3,11-dien-1-ol (1) and its acetate 2, together with cembrene A (3), nephthenol (4), and cembrenol (5). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and X-ray diffraction. The conformational preference of flexible 1 was studied by molecular modeling at the DFT B3LYP/DGDZVP level of theory. Good agreement between calculated and experimental vibrational circular dichroism curves established the absolute configuration of 1. This is the first time that cembrane derivatives have been isolated from the genus Bursera.
N‐ethyl lidocaine (QX‐314) protects striatal neurons against ischemia: An in vitro electrophysiological study

In this study, we have investigated the neuroprotective actions of the membrane impermeable, lidocaine analog, N‐ethyl lidocaine (QX‐314) in the striatum. The effects of this drug were compared with those caused by the strictly‐related‐compound and sodium channel blocker lidocaine. To address this issue, electrophysiological recordings were performed in striatal slices, in control condition (normoxia) and during combined oxygen and glucose deprivation (in vitro ischemia). Either QX‐314 or lidocaine induced, to some extent, a protection of the permanent electrophysiological alteration (field potential loss) caused by a period (12 min) of ischemia. Thus, both compounds permitted a partial recovery of the ischemic depression of the corticostriatal transmission and reduced the amplitude of the ischemic depolarization in medium spiny neurons. However, while QX‐314, at the effective concentration of 100 μM, slightly reduced the amplitude of the excitatory field potential and did not affect the current‐evoked spikes discharge of medium spiny striatal neurons, equimolar lidocaine depressed the field potential and eliminated repetitive spikes on a depolarizing step. On the basis of these observations, our results suggest the use of QX‐314 as a neuroprotective agent in ischemic brain disorders. Synapse 64:161–168, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing cost-of-illness estimates from alternative approaches: an application to diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To compare disease cost estimates from two commonly used approaches. DATA SOURCE Pooled Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data for 1998-2003. STUDY DESIGN We compared regression-based (RB) and attributable fraction (AF) approaches for estimating disease-attributable costs with an application to diabetes. The RB approach used results from econometric models of disease costs, while the AF approach used epidemiologic formulas for diabetes-attributable fractions combined with the total costs for seven conditions that result from diabetes. DATA EXTRACTION We used SAS version 9.1 to create a dataset that combined data from six consecutive years of MEPS. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The RB approach produced higher estimates of diabetes-attributable medical spending ($52.9 billion in 2004 dollars) than the AF approach ($37.1 billion in 2004 dollars). RB model estimates may in part be higher because of the challenges of implementing the two approaches in a similar manner, but may also be higher because they capture the costs of increased treatment intensity for those with the disease. CONCLUSIONS We recommend using the RB approach for estimating disease costs whenever individual-level data on health care spending are available and when the presence of the disease affects treatment costs for other conditions, as in the case of diabetes.
Radiology cost and outcomes studies: standard practice and emerging methods.

This is the 22nd and final article in the series designed by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the Canadian Association of Radiologists, and the American Journal of Roentgenology. The series has been designed to progressively educate radiologists in the methodologies of rigorous clinical research, from the most basic principles to a level of considerable sophistication. The articles are intended to complement interactive software that permits the user to work with what he or she has learned, which is available on the ACR Web site (www.acr.org).
Economic Impact of the United States withdrawal from Trans-Pacific Partnership on Canada: A Computable General Equilibrium Based Analysis

Canada has recently concluded negotiations on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with 11 major Pacific Rim countries. The TPP would have a potential economic impact on its member countries (including Canada). In spite of the United States (U.S.) withdrawal from the TPP region, one may expect the agreement to still have an impact on the Canadian economy through changing trade dynamics with currently closed and large trading partners, such as Japan. In this study, we built a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model based on the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model and database to assess the economic impact of the U.S. withdrawal from TPP agreement on the Canadian economy. Our model included 13 regions, 15 sectors, and three factors of production. Three scenarios were simulated to capture the economic impact of the U.S. withdrawal from TPP on Canada: (i) Baseline scenario, where we developed a growth projection model to simulate the economic and trade growth in 2030 without the TPP. (ii) In the second scenario, TPP12 scenario, we assumed that the TPP would be fully implemented by 2030. (iii) In the third scenario, TPP11, we assumed that U.S. had withdrawn from the TPP and the other 11 country members (including Canada) do business in spite of it. The study showed that both TPP12 and TPP11 will generate long-term economic gains for Canada. If the TPP is fully implemented in the absence of the U.S. (Scenario TPP11), the impact on Canada will be similar to TPP12 scenario, although it will generate major trade diversion from the U.S. toward other TPP member countries. Total Canadian imports and exports are projected to decrease by 0.26 (1.6 billion USD) and 0.35 (2.7 billion USD) percent, respectively. This net change is a combination of trade creation with TPP11 region and Rest of World (RoW) and diversion of trade flows from the U.S.
Rapid Improvement of thyroid storm-related hemodynamic collapse by aggressive anti-thyroid therapy including steroid pulse

Rationale: Heart failure is relatively common in patients with hyperthyroidism, but thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy with poor left ventricular (LV) systolic function is very rare. Patient concerns: We experienced a representative case of a patient who presented with severe LV dysfunction related to thyroid storm and needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) temporally. Diagnosis: Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Interventions and Outcomes: Aggressive antithyroid therapy, including steroid pulse to hyperthyroidism, leads to the dramatic improvement of cardiac function and she was successfully weaned from ECMO. Lessons: The most outstanding feature of the current case was the rapid decrease of cardiac injury and improvement of cardiac function by strengthening antithyroid therapy, including steroid pulse, without thyroid hormone level normalization. In thyroid storm, various systemic inflammatory reactions have different time courses and among them, the cardiac phenotype emerges in most striking and critical ways.
How Trust in One’s Employer Moderates the Relationship Between HRM and Engagement Related Performance

Abstract Trust can be seen as important element for the effectiveness of organizational engagement. In particular, in order to be engaged to their work, employees’ trust in their employer organization plays a crucial role. This study adopts Dirks and Ferrin’s somewhat neglected model of trust as a moderator on the link between human resource management (HRM) and performance. Using a Finnish data-set from a forestry company, we find that trust in the employer moderates the relationship between HRM and unit-level performance. In three out of six HRM practices studied (communication, career opportunities, and job design) the moderation effect was as expected: in a climate where the employer is highly trusted, the effect of the HRM practice on performance was enhanced. However, for three practices (learning and development, performance evaluation and rewards, participation) the effect of HRM was contrary to our hypotheses. We consider the implications of these results for both the trust and HRM literatures, and for HR practitioners.
The biosynthetic logic of polyketide diversity.

Molecular Lego: Polyketides represent a highly diverse group of natural products with structurally intriguing carbon skeletons (see picture) which are assembled from simple acyl building blocks. A combination of chemical, biochemical, and genetics studies have provided exciting new insights into the programming of polyketide assembly and the sophisticated enzymatic machineries involved. This review highlights recent developments in the field.Polyketides constitute one of the major classes of natural products. Many of these compounds or derivatives thereof have become important therapeutics for clinical use; in contrast, various polyketides are infamous food-spoiling toxins or virulence factors. What is particularly remarkable about this heterogeneous group of compounds comprising of polyethers, polyenes, polyphenols, macrolides, and enediynes is that they are mainly derived from one of the simplest building blocks available in nature: acetic acid. Investigations at the chemical, genetic, and biochemical levels have shed light on the biosynthetic programs that lead to the large structural diversity of polyketides . This review highlights recently unveiled biosynthetic mechanisms to generate highly diverse and complex molecules.
Comparison of treatment of tardive dystonia and idiopathic cervical dystonia with botulinum toxin type A

To compare clinical parameters of patients treated with botulinum toxin type A (BTX) for treatment of idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD) and for tardive cervical dystonia (TCD), we studied 156 patients (149 with ICD and 7 with TCD) who were treated with serial injections of BTX over 5 years. We hypothesized that patients with TCD and ICD would demonstrate similar improvement in severity scores after treatment with BTX. The diagnosis, dates, dosages, and frequency of BTX injected and severity assessments were recorded into a computerized database. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum and signed‐rank tests were used to assess statistical significance. The change in severity scores between the first treatment and last treatment in both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.4859), indicating similar improvement. The difference in BTX doses was significant (p = 0.0045). ICD patients (n = 149) received an average of 219.8 ± 63.5 units and those with TCD (n = 7) were treated with an average dose of 287.4 ± 60.3 units. The average number of days between treatments for individuals with ICD was 142.9 ± 85.8, similar to that for persons with TCD (144.7 ± 64.5) (p = 0.6075). Our analysis provides preliminary evidence that the improvement from the administration of BTX for patients with ICD and TCD is similar.
Perfusion parameters as potential imaging biomarkers for the early prediction of radiotherapy response in a rat tumor model.

PURPOSE We aimed to compare various tumor-related radiologic morphometric changes and computed tomography (CT) perfusion parameters before and after treatment, and to determine the optimal imaging assessment technique for the prediction of early response in a rat tumor model treated with radiotherapy. METHODS Among paired tumors of FN13762 murine breast cancer cells implanted bilaterally in the necks of eight Fischer rats, tumors on the right side were treated with a single 20 Gy dose of radiotherapy. Perfusion CT studies were performed on day 0 before radiotherapy, and on days 1 and 5 after radiotherapy. Variables based on the size, including the longest diameter, tumor area, and volume, were measured. Quantitative perfusion analysis was performed for the whole tumor volume and permeabilities and blood volumes (BVs) were obtained. The area under the curve (AUC) difference in the histograms of perfusion parameters and texture analyses of uniformity and entropy were quantified. Apoptotic cell density was measured on pathology specimens immediately after perfusion imaging on day 5. RESULTS On day 1 after radiotherapy, differences in size between the irradiated and nonirradiated tumors were not significant. In terms of percent changes in the uniformity of permeabilities between tumors before irradiation and on day 1 after radiotherapy, the changes were significantly higher in the irradiated tumors than in the nonirradiated tumors (0.085 [-0.417, 0.331] vs. -0.131 [-0.536, 0.261], respectively; P = 0.042). The differences in AUCs of the histogram of voxel-by-voxel vascular permeability and BV in tumors between day 0 and day 1 were significantly higher in treated tumors compared with the control group (permeability, 21.4 [-2.2, 37.5] vs. 9.5 [-8.9, 33.8], respectively, P = 0.030; BV, 52.9 [-6186.0, 419.2] vs. 11.9 [-198.3, 346.7], respectively, P = 0.049). Apoptotic cell density showed a signiﬁcantly positive correlation with the AUC difference of BV, the percent change of uniformity in permeability and BV (r=0.202, r=0.644, and r=0.706, respectively). CONCLUSION By enabling earlier tumor response prediction than morphometric evaluation, the histogram analysis of CT perfusion parameters appears to have a potential in providing prognostic predictive information in an irradiated rat model.
Pulmonary Surfactant Disaturated-Phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) Turnover and Pool Size in Newborn Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

In animal CDH models, surfactant deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology of the condition but information on human disease is very limited. The aim of our study was to investigate surfactant kinetics in CDH newborns. We studied surfactant disaturated-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) half-life, turnover and apparent pool size by stable isotope methodology in CDH newborns with no ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support (n = 13, birth weight (BW) 3.2 ± 2.2 kg, gestational age (GA) 39 ± 0.4 wks, postnatal age 43 ± 11 h) and in 8 term infants with no lung disease (CONTROLS, BW 2.7 ± 0 kg, GA 38 ± 0.8 wks, postnatal age 96 ± 26 h). We administered a trace dose of 13C-palmitic acid dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) through the endotracheal (ET) tube and we measured DSPC kinetics by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from DSPC13C-enrichment decay curves obtained from sequential tracheal aspirates. DSPC amount from tracheal aspirates (TA-DSPC) was measured by gas chromatography. In CDH infants DSPC half-life was shorter (24 ± 4 and 53 ± 11 h, p = 0.01), turnover faster (0.6 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.3 d−1p = 0.01), apparent pool size smaller (34 ± 6 and 57 ± 7 mg/kg body weight, p = 0.02) and tracheal aspirates DSPC amount lower (2.4 ± 0.4 and 4.6 ± 0.5 mg/mL Epithelial Lining Fluid (ELF), p = 0.007) than in CONTROLS. In conclusion surfactant kinetics is grossly abnormal in mechanically ventilated CDH. Whether alterations of DSPC kinetics in CDH infants are caused by a primary surfactant deficiency or are secondary to oxygen therapy and ventilator support has still to be determined.
FORECASTING THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX OF GHANA USING EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING METHODS

Consumer price index is a social and economic indicator that measures changes over time in the general level of prices of consumer goods and services that households acquire, use or pay for consumption. Rising CPI also often leads to the central bank to raise interest rates, tightening money supply, reduce the money supply and other measures to tighten monetary policy, which flow into reduction of capital stock funds for greater returns, often accompanied by high inflation. The study seeks to determine a time series exponential smoothing method which fit the CPI and use it forecast the future values of CPI. Minitab software is used to analyze the CPI from March 2013 to November 2018. Out three exponential smoothing methods, it is realized that the method which best fit the series is the Winters’ additive method with exponential smoothing constants for the level, trend and seasonal variation as , and respectively. This method is chosen on the basis that it has the lowest MAPE, MAD and MSD. The validity of the model is further checked by comparing the fitted values with the actual values. The errors in prediction were very minimal. The model is therefore recommended for forecasting CPI of Ghana in the next twelve months. Key words : Consumer price index, exponential smoothing , ARIMA DOI : 10.7176/MTM/9-3-01 Publication date : March 31 st 2019