Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of serum uric acid on cardiovascular outcomes in the LIFE study.

BACKGROUND The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study demonstrated the superiority of a losartan-based regimen over atenolol-based regimen for reduction of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that the LIFE study results may be related to the effects of losartan on serum uric acid (SUA). SUA has been proposed as an independent risk factor for CV morbidity and death. METHODS Cox regression analysis was used to assess relationship of SUA and treatment regimens with the LIFE primary composite outcome (CV death, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, fatal or nonfatal stroke). RESULTS Baseline SUA was significantly associated with increased CV events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.024 (95% CI 1.017-1.032) per 10 micromol/L, P < 0.0001] in the entire study population. The association was significant in women [HR = 1.025 (1.013-1.037), P < 0.0001], but not in men [HR = 1.009 (0.998-1.019), P= 0.108]. After adjustment for Framingham risk score (FRS), SUA was no longer significant in the entire study population [HR = 1.006 (0.998-1.014), P= 0.122] or in men [HR = 1.006 (0.995-1.017), P= 0.291], but was significant in women [HR = 1.013 (1-1.025), P= 0.0457]. The baseline-to-end-of-study increase in SUA (standard deviation, SD) was greater (P < 0.0001) in atenolol-treated subjects (44.4 +/- 72.5 micromol/L) than in losartan-treated subjects (17.0 +/- 69.8 micromol/L). SUA as a time-varying covariate was strongly associated with events (P < 0.0001) in the entire population. The contribution of SUA to the treatment effect of losartan on the primary composite end point was 29% (14%-107%), P= 0.004. The association between time-varying SUA and increased CV risk tended to be stronger in women (P < 0.0001) than in men (P= 0.0658), although the gender-outcome interaction was not significant (P= 0.079). CONCLUSION The increase in SUA over 4.8 years in the LIFE study was attenuated by losartan compared with atenolol treatment, appearing to explain 29% of the treatment effect on the primary composite end point. The association between SUA and events was stronger in women than in men with or without adjustment of FRS.
Controlling conditioning-related emesis in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of two antiemetic regimens, ondansetron alone versus perphenazine with diphenhydramine, on emesis control in children undergoing conditioning therapy for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). DESIGN Single-center, prospective, open, randomized, crossover study. SETTING Pediatric BMT unit in an urban area in the northeastern United States. SAMPLE 28 children, ages 4-17, undergoing BMT for a variety of underlying diseases. METHODS After randomization to one of the two antiemetic regimens, emesis control was evaluated during conditioning therapy. If a participant experienced more than five episodes of emesis during any 12-hour period, he or she was crossed over to the other antiemetic regimen. If emesis control still was not achieved, the participant was removed from the study and other medications were administered to control vomiting. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Number of emetic episodes and incidence of side effects. FINDINGS 10 of 15 patients (67%) who received ondansetron experienced major emesis control (no more than two episodes) compared with 0 of 13 patients (0%) who received perphenazine with diphenhydramine (p = 0.044, Fisher exact test). Of those who crossed over to ondansetron after failure with perphenazine and diphenhydramine, 38% were able to achieve major emesis control. CONCLUSIONS Ondansetron offers superior antiemetic control over the combination of perphenazine and diphenhydramine for children undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with or without total body irradiation for BMT. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Oncology nurses must develop an understanding of the etiology of therapy-induced emesis and the mechanisms of action of the various classes of antiemetic agents designed to control it. Implementing documentation to describe events of emesis will help to tailor antiemetic therapy to a patient's specific situation. Further research is necessary to determine alternate strategies, including different combinations or sequences of antiemetics to provide optimum emetic control during acute and delayed phases of emesis. The higher cost of ondansetron therapy must be considered within the context of superior efficacy.
A Modified SEPIC Converter With High Static Gain for Renewable Applications

Two high static gain step-up dc-dc converters based on the modified SEPIC converter are presented in this paper. The proposed topologies present low switch voltage and high efficiency for low input voltage and high output voltage applications. The configurations with magnetic coupling and without magnetic coupling are presented and analyzed. The magnetic coupling allows the increase of the static gain maintaining a reduced switch voltage. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that both structures are suitable for high static gain applications as a renewable power sources with low dc output voltage. Two experimental prototypes were developed with an input voltage equal to 15 V and an output power equal to 100 W. The efficiency at nominal power obtained with the prototype without magnetic coupling was equal to 91.9% with an output voltage of 150 V. The prototype with magnetic coupling operating with an output voltage equal to 300 V, presents an efficiency at nominal power equal to 92.2%.
Effects of CYP2D6 Genotypes on Plasma Concentrations of Risperidone and Enantiomers of 9‐Hydroxyrisperidone in Japanese Patients with Schizophrenia

It has been shown that risperidone (+)‐9‐hydroxylation is enantioselectively catalyzed by the polymorphic CYP2D6 in human liver. This study aimed to examine the effect of CYP2D6 genotype on (+)‐9‐hydroxylation of risperidone in schizophrenic patients. Subjects were 38 Japanese schizophrenic inpatients receiving 6 mg/day of risperidone. Plasma concentrations of risperidone and (+)‐ and (−)‐9‐hydroxyrisperidone at steady state were quantified using LC/MS/MS and HPLC with α1 acid‐AGP chiral column, respectively. The CYP2D6*5(*5) and *10 alleles were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Twenty patients had no mutated allele, 14 had one mutated allele, and 4 had two mutated alleles. There were significant differences in the steady‐state plasma concentrations of risperidone (ANOVA; p < 0.0001) among the three genotype groups, while the CYP2D6 genotype did not affect the steady‐state plasma concentrations of (+)‐9‐hydroxyrisperidone (p = 0.314) or (−)‐9‐hydroxyrisperidone (p = 0.957). The concentration ratio of risperidone to 9‐hydroxyrisperidone was strongly dependent on the CYP2D6 genotypes. This study suggests that CYP2D6 activity strongly influences the steady‐state plasma concentrations of risperidone and risperidone/9‐hydroxyrisperidone concentration ratios but is unlikely to determine enantioselectivity in the steady‐state plasma concentrations of 9‐hydroxyrisperidone in the clinical situation.
Evidence for validity within workplace assessment: the Longitudinal Evaluation of Performance (LEP)

Objective The drive towards valid and reliable assessment methods for health professions’ training is becoming increasingly focused towards authentic models of workplace performance assessment. This study investigates the validity of such a method, longitudinal evaluation of performance (LEP), which has been implemented in the assessment of postgraduate dental trainees in Scotland. Although it is similar in format to the mini‐CEX (mini clinical evaluation exercise) and other tools that use global ratings for assessing performance in the workplace, a number of differences exist in the way in which the LEP has been implemented. These include the use of a reference point for evaluators’ judgement that represents the standard expected upon completion of the training, flexibility, a greater range of cases assessed and the use of frequency scores within feedback to identify trainees’ progress over time.
Increased muscle FDG-PET uptake in dermatomyositis

A 55-year-old patient presented with progressive proximal tetraparesis since 2 months associated with erythematous rash and cuticular changes. Creatine kinase levels were elevated (2400 IU/l). Electromyography showed fibrillation and positive sharp wave potentials. Deltoid muscle biopsy …
Biological activities of crude extracts and chemical constituents of Bael, Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.

Bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. ) is an important medicinal plant of India. Leaves, fruits, stem and roots of A. marmelos have been used in ethno medicine to exploit its' medicinal properties including astringent, antidiarrheal antidysenteric, demulcent, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds purified from bael have been proven to be biologically active against several major diseases including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential of crude extracts of A. marmelos in the treatment of many microbial diseases, diabetes and gastric ulcer. This review covers the biological activities of some isolated chemical constituents of A. marmelos and preclinical studies on some crude extracts and pure compounds to explore novel bioactive compounds for therapeutic application.
Pharmacologic pearls for end-of-life care.

As death approaches, a gradual shift in emphasis from curative and life prolonging therapies toward palliative therapies can relieve significant medical burdens and maintain a patient's dignity and comfort. Pain and dyspnea are treated based on severity, with stepped interventions, primarily opioids. Common adverse effects of opioids, such as constipation, must be treated proactively; other adverse effects, such as nausea and mental status changes, usually dissipate with time. Parenteral methylnaltrexone can be considered for intractable cases of opioid bowel dysfunction. Tumor-related bowel obstruction can be managed with corticosteroids and octreotide. Therapy for nausea and vomiting should be targeted to the underlying cause; low-dose haloperidol is often effective. Delirium should be prevented with normalization of environment or managed medically. Excessive respiratory secretions can be treated with reassurance and, if necessary, drying of secretions to prevent the phenomenon called the "death rattle. " There is always something more that can be done for comfort, no matter how dire a situation appears to be. Good management of physical symptoms allows patients and loved ones the space to work out unfinished emotional, psychological, and spiritual issues, and, thereby, the opportunity to find affirmation at life's end.
A Cellular Learning Automata (CLA) Approach to Job Shop Scheduling Problem

Job shop scheduling problem (JSSP), as one of the NP-Hard combinatorial optimization problems, has attracted the attention of many researchers during the last four decades. The overall purpose regarding this problem is to minimize maximum completion time of jobs, known as makespan. This paper addresses an approach to evolving Cellular Learning Automata (CLA) in order to enable it to solve the JSSP by minimizing the makespan. This approach is applied to several instances of a variety of benchmarks and the experimental results show that it produces nearly optimal solutions, compared with other approaches.
AS04-adjuvanted human papillomavirus-16/18 vaccination: recent advances in cervical cancer prevention

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 and -18 accounts for over 70% of all cases of cervical cancer. Vaccination against these HPV types has become a reality. This article discusses the latest data available for Cervarix™ (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals), an AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 vaccine, and considers immunological factors important in vaccine effectiveness. High and sustained HPV-16 and -18 antibody levels have now been observed together with 100% vaccine efficacy in preventing HPV-16/18-related persistent infections and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and above, up to 6.4 years after first vaccination. Significant crossprotection against incident and persistent infection has been observed, notably against HPV-45, the third most prevalent HPV type in cervical cancer. An integrated safety summary of Phase II/III trials has shown that GlaxoSmithKline’s HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine is generally safe. Further studies will reveal the full duration and extent of the immune response and protection induced by Cervarix in broad populations and age ranges of women.
Quelques candidats au statut de « connecteur temporel »

Nous nous interessons, dans cet article, aux adverbes temporels puis, aussitot, soudain et alors. Nous montrons qu'ils jouent un role dans l'etablissement de relations de discours - ce qui revient, dans notre approche, a leur reconnaitre un statut de « connecteur ». Plus precisement, nous mettons en evidence leur fonctionnement de connecteur lorsqu'ils sont situes a l'initiale de phrase: cette restriction vaut pour les adverbes aussitot, soudain et alors qui, contrairement a puis, peuvent occuper diverses positions dans la phrase. Dans notre etude de alors, nous montrons que la position initiale est essentielle a la caracterisation du role de connecteur.
Longitudinal correlations of car ownership with socio-economics, urban form, and transport infrastructure in Latin America: Example from Ensenada, Mexico

Abstract Car-orientated modal splits represent problems for the city in economic, environmental and social terms. The implementation of policies and other measures can fail if the causes are not well recognized. Mid-sized cities in Mexico are not well-represented in studies where only the capital and other bigger cities are studied. This research aims to recognize those causes focusing on northern midsized cities in Mexico. The approach involves numerical work (linear regression) complemented with a descriptive analysis of the city. The analysis takes on such areas of consideration as socio-economic factors, land-use variables and the street network of the city. Of the 16 variables, almost all presented a relationship with car ownership levels, but not all behaved as expected. The final part of the research is a reaction to the previous studies and recommendations to change the city from car-orientated to one with a sustainable modal split.
Existence of endogenous ligand from secretory granules of bovine adrenal medulla for neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.

Memory function is sensitive to the effects of aging, and memory loss is one of the most common complaints among the elderly population. Proliferation and differentiation of cells in response to extracellular signals is influenced by the differential regulation of MAPKs. The PC12 cells are wildly used as a cell system for the study of growth factorâstimulated cell functions, in which the intensity and duration of activation the ERK have been proposed to govern a distinct switch between cell proliferation and differentiation. In the present study we have purified a protein ligand from secretory granules of bovine adrenal medulla which significantly activates the phosphorylation of serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt) and Extracellular signal-Regulated protein Kinase (ERK) and stimulation of neurite outgrowth in vitro.
Shape from shading for non-Lambertian surfaces

It is known that most real surfaces are neither perfectly diffuse (Lambertian) nor ideally specular (mirror-like); however, most shape-from-shading algorithms assume Lambertian reflectance. It is necessary to develop new techniques to solve the shape-from-shading problem. These techniques must be able to recover the shape of objects whose surfaces are not necessarily Lambertian. A new heuristic-based algorithm, called the general shading logic algorithm, is proposed to recover the shape of objects whose surfaces are non-Lambertian. This algorithm is based on the shading logic algorithm recently proposed by Vega and Yang (see IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, vol.15, no.6, p.592-597, 1993). The proposed algorithm is flexible enough to work with a more general reflectance model. To demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can cope with a wide range of reflectance models, a physically-based model for light reflection is used that can approximate rough surfaces. The model of light reflection used is similar to the Torrance-Sparrow (1967) approach. The general shading logic algorithm has been implemented and evaluated experimentally. The experimental results of the proposed algorithm are very encouraging and the performance is demonstrated by extensive experiments using a wide variety of synthesized and real objects. <<ETX>>
Aloe vera gel: update for dentistry.

badensis Mill. (family Liliaceae)—otherwise known as aloe vera—is a handy homegrown remedy that can be used both as a moisturizing agent and for the treatment of minor burns, skin abrasions, and irritations. It has been suggested that external application of aloe vera gel promotes wound healing. The table provides a list of reported actions, properties, and uses of aloe vera gel; aloe vera gel reportedly has been used to treat gingivitis and been effective against herpes simplex viruses. The Aloe barbadensis plant consists of two different parts, each of which produce substances with completely different compositions and therapeutic properties. The parenchymal tissue makes up the inner portion of the aloe leaves and produces the aloe vera gel (or mucilage), a clear, thin, tasteless, jelly-like material. This tissue is recovered from the leaf by separating the gel from the inner cellular debris. The other part of the plant is a group of specialized cells known as the pericyclic tubules, which occur just beneath the outer green rind of the leaf. These cells produce an exudate that consists of a bitter yellow latex with powerful laxative-like actions. This exudate—which is not to be confused with the gel/mucilage from the parenchymal leaf tissue—is available commercially for systemic ingestion to produce catharsis.
Autómatas celulares y aplicaciones

Un automata celular es un modelo matematico para un sistema dinamico que evoluciona en pasos discretos. Este trabajo presenta una aplicacion de los automatas celulares para el cifrado de informacion y el reparto de secretos. Se detalla un ejemplo didactico de su aplicacion para el cifrado de secretos empleando imagenes digitales. El desarrollo de este trabajo ha servido como actividad academica dirigida a alumnado de Ingenieria en Informatica, para fomentar su interes en la criptografia mediante herramientas matematicas estudiadas a lo largo de su carrera.
Cholecystectomy and the Risk of Recurrent Colorectal Adenomas

Prior studies have shown an increased risk of colorectal cancer following cholecystectomy, but few studies have explored the association between cholecystectomy and the risk of colorectal adenomas. We used data from three large randomized adenoma chemoprevention trials to explore the association between cholecystectomy and the occurrence of adenomas. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found no increased risk for adenomas among individuals who had undergone cholecystectomy [risk ratio (RR), 1.02; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.88-1.18]. There was a slight increase in the risk of advanced recurrent adenomas (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.94-1.76) and multiple advanced recurrent adenomas (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.97-1.85) but the 95% CIs included the null in both cases. We conclude that the increased risk for colorectal cancer following cholecystectomy seems to be due to a biological process occurring after the adenoma has developed. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(7):1523–5)
Quantifying dominance and deleterious effect on human disease genes

Human genes responsible for inherited diseases are important for the understanding of human disease. We investigated the degree of polymorphism and divergence in the human disease genes to elucidate the effect of natural selection on human disease genes. In particular, the effect of disease dominance was incorporated into the analysis. Both dominant disease genes (DDG) and recessive disease genes (RDG) had a higher mutation rate per site and encoded longer proteins than the nondisease genes, which exposed the disease genes to a faster flux of new mutations. Using an unbiased polymorphism dataset, we found that, proportionally, RDG harbor more nonsynonymous polymorphisms compared with DDG. We estimated the selection intensity on the disease genes using polymorphism and divergence data and determined whether the different patterns of polymorphism and divergence between DDG and RDG could be explained by the difference in only dominance. Even after the dominance effect was considered, the selection intensity on RDG was significantly different from DDG, suggesting that the deleterious effect of the dominant and recessive disease mutations are fundamentally different.
Indian kala-azar--better tools needed for diagnosis and treatment.

In India kala-azar affects millions of people and the state of Bihar accounts for nearly 90% cases followed by West Bengal and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh also report a significant number of cases with VL. Ever since the first reports from North Bihar in the early seventies there has been a continuous occurrence of the disease with two big epidemics in 1977-78 and 1992-93. Most of the affected population is very poor and illiterate and not aware of the preventive measures. These patients cannot afford expensive diagnosis or treatment. (excerpt)
Childhood cancer medical costs

The financial burden of cancer treatment is a major source of stress for families of children with cancer. A previous study demonstrated that out of pocket nonmedical costs incurred because of the illness were consuming 26% of the weekly budget. A one‐month sampling of medical charges were collected for 64 families of children undergoing outpatient treatment of cancer. Families of ten patients who had died also participated; total cancer center medical charges throughout the illness were collected. Monthly charges for living patients varied greatly with diagnosis, ranging from $100 to $1800. Total cancer center charges throughout the illness for the deceased patients ranged from $8000 to $53,000 (mean, $34,558). More than 50% of the charges were incurred in the diagnostic and terminal stages of illness. One sign of the hardship endured by the families was the outstanding debts to the cancer center long after the patient's death. Medical costs constituted an average of 5.8% of the families' weekly budgets. Overall, medical costs to the family were found to be much less than the nonmedical costs incurred during treatment.