Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perioperative parenteral and enteral nutrition for patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. Results of a questionnaire from 16 European transplant units

Abstract The present clinical experience in perioperative nutrition for patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation was evaluated by a questionnaire, answered by 16/21 European transplant units (76.1 %). There is agreement, that malnutrition reflects per se the severity of chronic liver disease and should be not considered, in general, to exclude patients from the transplant waiting list. Most centers administer postoperative nutrition without difference to other patients after gastrointestinal major surgery. A combination of parenteral and enteral nutrition is preferred. Experience with preoperative nutritional support and use of new immunomodulating substances is rather limited.
Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma: pathologic analysis of 73 cases.

Pathologic factors of predictive value for carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA), an aggressive salivary gland malignancy, are poorly defined. Because residual mixed tumor may be relatively inconspicuous and various carcinoma subtypes are encountered, misdiagnosis is common. To describe the pathologic features and identify potential prognostic factors, we retrospectively examined 73 cases of CXPA of the major salivary glands treated at Mayo Clinic. Paraffin section immunostaining for keratins (AE1/AE3, CK7, CK20), epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, vimentin, actin, S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and p53 and c-erbB-2 oncoproteins was performed in 69 cases. DNA content and proliferation indices were determined by digital image analysis of Feulgen- and MIB-I-stained sections, retrospectively. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic variables were analyzed with the log-rank test. The carcinoma component was predominant in 82% of tumors. Adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (31 cases) and salivary duct carcinoma (24 cases) were the most frequent histologic subtypes. Sixty-two tumors were high grade (Broders 3 or 4). Residual mixed tumor was extensively hyalinized in 54 cases. Pathologic features significantly associated with overall survival included pathologic stage (P =.009), tumor size (P =.012), grade (P =.005), proportion of carcinoma (P =.004), extent of invasion (P =.002), and proliferation index of carcinoma (P =.03). Of 4 patients with intracapsular (noninvasive) carcinoma, none had an adverse outcome. The immunohistochemical profile of CXPA included positive staining reactions in the malignant component for AE1/AE3 in 97% of cases, CK7 in 94%, epithelial membrane antigen in 86%, carcinoembryonic antigen in 75%, vimentin in 52%, and S-100 protein in 29%. Expression of p53 and c-erbB-2 oncoproteins was detected in 41% and 30% of the carcinomas, respectively, but neither was associated with decreased survival. High-grade salivary adenocarcinoma that is difficult to classify should raise the suspicion of possible CXPA. Intracapsular carcinoma has a benign clinical course. Significant prognostic factors in CXPA include tumor stage, grade, proportion of carcinoma, extent of invasion, and proliferation index.
Interobserver variability in angiographic measurement and morphologic characterization of intracranial aneurysms: a report from the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

PURPOSE To determine the variability in assessment of the principal inherent characteristics of intracranial aneurysms through the evaluation of interobserver variability for material with uniform quality. METHODS Blinded interpretations of a single set of cerebral arteriograms of 55 aneurysms were evaluated by several statistical approaches. RESULTS Excellent correlations were found for the detection and measurement of aneurysms after adjusting for geometric distortion caused by magnification. Progressively decreasing correspondence was found for factors that characterized morphology, including, in order, determination of margins, assessment of accessory appendages, and identification of a neck. DISCUSSION Correction for geometric distortion was the most critical factor that influenced uniform measurement of size. Standards for measurement and morphologic characteristics were subsequently established for use in the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.
Cyclooxygenase expression in canine platelets and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

OBJECTIVE To examine cyclooxygenase (COX) expression in canine platelets and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in culture. SAMPLE POPULATION Canine platelets and MDCK cells. PROCEDURE Total RNA was recovered from isolated canine platelets and MDCK cells. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), using complementary DNA probes and primers designed from the human COX sequences, were used to determine COX-1 and -2 (cyclooxygenase isoforms 1 and 2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. RESULTS Following northern blot analysis, canine platelets were found to express only the 2.8-kb COX-1 transcript; COX-2 was not detected. Canine MDCK cells expressed the 4.5-kb COX-2 transcript, in addition to the 2.8-kb COX-1 transcript. A single DNA band of 270 base pairs was identified following gel electrophoresis of the product obtained from RT-PCR of mRNA from canine platelets. Sequencing revealed that this PCR product was 90% homologous to a portion of the human COX-1 gene (Genbank M59979). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Detection of COX-1 by RT-PCR of RNA obtained from canine platelets is a novel finding. The 90% homology of the PCR product with the human sequence suggests strong conservation between the canine and human COX-1 gene. Cloning and sequencing of the canine gene will be required to fully characterize homologous regions. Because of the importance of COX in the inflammatory process and as a potential target of currently available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), a better understanding of canine COX may improve our ability to use NSAID appropriately, achieve efficacy, and avoid potential adverse drug effects in dogs.
Drinking histories of self-identified lifetime abstainers and occasional drinkers: findings from the 1958 British Birth Cohort Study.

AIMS To investigate the validity of retrospective items used to distinguish people who have rarely or never consumed alcohol. METHODS The 1958 British Birth Cohort Study has followed 9377 individuals until age 45. Previous drinking (at 16, 23, 33 and 42 years) was investigated for two groups of 45-year-old non-drinkers, those reporting never having consumed alcohol ('never drinkers', n = 143, 1.5%), and having only consumed very infrequently ('occasional-only drinkers', n = 1149, 12.3%). RESULTS 67% of never drinkers previously reported drinking, 25% were past weekly/daily drinkers; 56% of occasional-only drinkers reported weekly/daily consumption. The validity of the retrospective items was progressively questionable when presumed to cover longer time periods. CONCLUSIONS Substantial measurement error was evident when identifying 'occasional-only' and 'never' drinkers using retrospective items covering the lifecourse. Researchers investigating potential health benefits associated with moderate drinking need to incorporate more sophisticated methods when identifying sub-groups of non-drinkers.
Application of EBV-based artificial chromosome to genetic engineering of mammalian cells and tissues

Although gene transduction offers a fundamental technology to analyze, manipulate, and regulate functions of mammalian cells, gene delivery systems so far established remains insufficient in terms of the efficiencies of delivery and expression as well as long-term stability. We have examined various non-viral gene transduction systems, including synthetic macromolecules and physical procedures, to genetically engineer a variety of cells/tissues/organs. Noteworthy, the transfer and expression efficacies are highly dependent on the nucleotide sequences employed in the DNA construct. The oriP and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) gene are two genetic elements originally derived from the EBV, and drastically improve transduction rate as well as expression level when transfected into cells. This was found mainly due to EBNA1-dependent nuclear trafficking of oriP-bearing DNA molecules inside the host cells, while transcriptional enhancement mediated by oriP/EBNA1 also partially contributed. DNA replication did not influence the transduction/expression rates. The efficient gene transduction and expression were obtained regardless whether the DNA construct was in circular or linear conformation. These characteristics of oriP/EBNA1-bearing DNA as an artificial chromosome may provide promising methodologies to manipulate and handle cellular functions in multi-scale system cell engineering approaches
Microbicidal mechanisms of human granulocytes: synergistic effects of granulocyte elastase and myeloperoxidase or chymotrypsin-like cationic protein

The antibacterial activity of a myeloperoxidase (MPO)-glucose oxidase system was found to be greatly increased by granulocyte elastase, present in azurophil granules of human neutrophils. The MPO-H2O3-mediated killing of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was potentiated by granuocyte elastase at an acid pH, whereas at pH 7.4 only killing of E. coli was potentiated. The potentiating effect of elastase was not dependent on the enzymatic properties of the protein since it was not abolished by heating, which destroys the enzymatic activity. A peptide chloromethyl ketone elastase inhibitor abolished both elastolytic activity and the pctentiating effects on MPO-H2-O2-mediated bacterial killing. The antibacterial activity of chymotrypsin-like cationic protein of human neutrophils was also potentiated by elastase. Other degradative enzymes isolated from human granulocytes, e.g., collagenase and lysozyme, did not potentiate MPO-H2O2-mediated or cationic protein-dependent bacterial killing. The present study indicates that a neutrophil constitutent, elastase, which is not microbicidal by itself, can initiate sublethal changes that render some microorganisms more susceptible to the action of microbicidal agents like MPO and chymotrypsin-like cationic protein.
Furosemide alters organ of corti mechanics: evidence for feedback of outer hair cells upon the basilar membrane

A widely held hypothesis of mammalian cochlear function is that the mechanical responses to sound of the basilar membrane depend on transduction by the outer hair cells. We have tested this hypothesis by studying the effect upon basilar membrane vibrations (measured by means of either the Mossbauer technique or Doppler-shift laser velocimetry) of systemic injection of furosemide, a loop diuretic that decreases transduction currents in hair cells. Furosemide reversibly altered the responses to tones and clicks of the chinchilla basilar membrane, causing response-magnitude reductions that were largest (up to 61 dB, averaging 25–30 dB) at low stimulus intensities at the characteristic frequency (CF) and small or nonexistent at high intensities and at frequencies far removed from CF. Furosemide also induced response-phase lags that were largest at low stimulus intensities (averaging 77 degrees) and were confined to frequencies close to CF. These results constitute the most definitive demonstration to date that mechanical responses of the basilar membrane are dependent on the normal function of the organ of Corti and strongly implicate the outer hair cells as being responsible for the high sensitivity and frequency selectivity of basilar membrane responses. A corollary of these findings is that sensorineural hearing deficits in humans due to outer hair cell loss reflect pathologically diminished vibrations of the basilar membrane.
A four-factor model for selecting corporate bonds

In financial theory and in practice, equity returns have been shown to be predictable in part, by a common set of risk factors. Studies such as Haugen and Baker (1996) and Fama and French (1997) have shown that value factors such as price earnings ratios, and momentum signals can form the basis for outperforming strategies. While evidence of these effects on equities is extensive, there has been much less research utilising similar ideas in the corporate bond market. One notable study into the corporate bond market by Hottinga, Leeuwen and Ijserloo (2001) analysed the corporate bond market using factors that are similar in nature to factors used in equity market studies. In their model, they used a combination of equity factors and bond factors to determine outperforming strategies. We have chosen to take a similar approach and have identified four factors that have some explanatory power for relative returns of Australian corporate bonds. These factors are similar to styles commonly cited in equity studies, viz.: value, momentum and risk and performance.
Set- and Element-Level Stimulus-Response Compatibility Effects for Different Manual Response Sets.

In a previous study of two-choice reactions, pairings of spatial stimuli with bimanual presses made on a keyboard and verbal stimuli with unimanual aimed movements made on a display screen showed higher set-level compatibility than the opposite pairings; element-level compatibility (i.e., mapping) effects were also larger for the conditions with high set-level compatibility than for those whose set-level compatibility was low. In the 4 experiments described here, the relevant factors were isolated, allowing the determinants of those compatibility differences to be evaluated in more detail. Forty-eight students participated in Experiment 1, and 24 each in Experiments 2, 3, and 4. The primary determinant of the set-level compatibility variation was whether the response alternatives involved 1 or 2 effectors, but the differences in element-level compatibility effects were determined primarily by the distinction between responding on the screen as opposed to on the keyboard. Implications for models of stimulus-response compatibility are examined.
Late angiographic follow-up review of surgically treated aneurysms.

OBJECT This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term angiographic outcome of surgically treated aneurysms, which is unknown. Specifically, the incidence of recurrent aneurysms, the fate of residual necks, and the de novo formation of aneurysms were evaluated. METHODS One hundred two patients (80 females and 22 males; mean age 49 years; range 12-78 years) harboring a total of 167 aneurysms underwent late follow-up angiography; 160 aneurysms were surgically treated. Late angiographic follow-up review was obtained at a mean of 4.4 +/- 1.6 years postsurgery (range 2.6-9.7 years). Late follow-up angiography revealed two recurrent aneurysms (1.5%) of 135 clipped aneurysms without residua. Of 12 aneurysms with known residua, there were eight "dog-ear" residua, of which two (25%) enlarged. One hemorrhage was noted, yielding a hemorrhage risk of 1.9% per year. A second subgroup with broad-based residua revealed dramatic regrowth in three of four cases. Eight de novo aneurysms were found in six patients, for an annual risk of 1.8% per year. A history of multiple aneurysms was associated with de novo aneurysm formation (p = 0.049, chi-square analysis). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the long-term efficacy of aneurysm clip ligation. In addition, the authors found there is a small but significant risk of de novo aneurysm formation, particularly in patients with multiple aneurysms. Most residual aneurysm rests appear to remain stable, although a subset may enlarge or rupture. These findings support the rationale for late angiographic follow-up review in patients with aneurysms.
Review of Outcome Measurement Instruments in Alzheimer's Disease Drug Trials: Psychometric Properties of Functional and Quality of Life Scales

The psychometric properties of functional and quality of life outcome measures that were used for the purpose of showing changes in antidementia drug trials for Alzheimer's disease are described and critiqued. The seven functional scales reviewed for reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change included the Geriatric Evaluation by Relative's Rating Instrument, the Physical Self-Maintenance Scale, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, the Blessed Dementia Scale, Part 1 and its revised version, the Interview for Deterioration in Daily Living with Dementia, the Unified Activities of Daily Living, and the Dependence Scale. The Progressive Deterioration Scale and Quality of Life Assessment were classified as quality of life scales. The majority of the scales were found to exhibit serious limitations, such as incomplete reliability and validity assessment for the intended uses. The most pervasive problem was a lack of data on responsiveness to change. It is recommended that further research be conducted to develop new tools or enhance existing measures for the assessment of both quality of life and functional ability. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2000; 13:170-180).
Leaf node-level ensemble pruning approaches based on node-sample correlation for random forest

As a state-of-the-art ensemble method, random forest which exhibits a good ability to predict and generalize on various dataset is often composed of a large number of trees. Redundancy of ensemble and connotative decision rules result in expensive operational costs as well as difficulties in comprehension. In this paper, novel leaf node-level pruning methods for random forest are proposed. Each leaf node extracted from a random forest model is regarded as a singe classifier or classification rule, and is then evaluated for pruning. Different from traditional tree-level pruning and rule pruning methods, the idea is to evaluate and extract rules according to node-sample correlation rather than eliminate trees from the ensemble or integrate rules themselves. Experiment results show that the proposed methods can efficiently reduce the size of rule set, and the resulted rules based ensemble achieves better interpretability without significant loss of accuracy.
AUV local path planning based on virtual potential field

We build a local path planning algorithm using virtual force for free local minimum. Potential field is used as a basic platform for the path planning since it has the advantages of simplicity, real-time computation. However, there is one shortcoming in the potential field: it may cause local minimum whenever the curvature of the repulsive equipotential curve is less than the curvature of the attractive equipotential curve at the same configuration. To get rid of the local minimum in the presence of obstacles, we present a navigation algorithm, which integrates virtual force concept with a potential-field-based method to maneuver autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in unknown or unstructured environments. This study focuses on the free local minimum in potential-field based navigation. We mainly consider the potential-field method in conjunction with virtual force concept as the basis of our navigation algorithm. Simulation and experiments of our algorithm shows good performance and ability to overcome the local minimum problem associated with potential field methods.
HEALTH ECONOMICS LETTERS

In this issue, Shmueli has commented on our short letter previously published in this journal (Stevens et al., 2006) in which we replicated the analysis of Torrance et al. (1996) in estimating a relationship between visual analogue scale (VAS) and standard gamble (SG) based on the power curve relationship. We also extended this analysis to empirically test alternative functional forms. We thank Shmueli for his comments and interest in our work. Shmueli has made three separate comments. The first is that ‘The estimated cubic function overfits the four data points and is questionable with respect to the implied attitude toward relative risk. ’ We took a purely empirical approach to the analysis in this work, as stated in our paper. We also noted that there is no theoretical framework for the cubic function. However, our emphasis was that if you take a purely empirical approach, we do not find the power curve to perform well, especially compared to other functional forms. This has also been shown in a larger data set by Dolan and Sutton (1997) to which we make reference in the paper. We recognize that the results of our work and our conclusions have strong implications which is why we recommend further research to establish the most appropriate functional form or the avoidance of mapping between VAS and SG completely by using SG directly. The main purpose of our paper was to highlight the weakness of estimating a mapping function on such a small number of data points. Something that both the HUI2 and HUI3 valuation studies do (Feeny et al., 2002). We also wished to show that other functional forms can be estimated that pass through the points [(0,0),(1,1)] and that they may perform better than the power curve. The second comment states that ‘The evaluation of the functional forms in terms of the individual predictions’ Mean Absolute Error is misleading. ’ In the paper, the predictions are not calculated as you describe (using individual level data). They are calculated using mean VAS values for each health state. When describing how we calculate mean absolute error in the text, when we refer to each observation, we are referring to the health states and not to the individuals. We have rerun the models and predictions to check our results and have discovered that there were errors in the published linear and power predictions. We provide the correct results here, together with the associated MAE and RMSE. Neither change by more than 0.08. We think that your results may differ from ours based on rounding errors as the larger number of decimal places is not shown in the paper. There was also a slight error in the number of health states the cubic function predicted to within 0.05. This should be 3 not 4 and we have corrected this in the table too. These corrected results do not change the conclusions or the arguments of this paper. We thank you for identifying the errors and giving us the opportunity to correct them.
Endothelial function in highly endurance-trained and sedentary, healthy young women

Endothelial function is reduced by age, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and it is shown that aerobic exercise may reverse this trend. The effect of a high aerobic training status on endothelial function in young, healthy subjects is however less clear. The present study was designed to determine whether endothelial function is improved in highly endurance-trained young women compared to sedentary, healthy controls. Brachial artery diameter was measured in 16 endurance-trained (age: 23.7 ± 2.5 years, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 60.6 ± 4.5 ml/kg per min) and 14 sedentary females (age: 23.7 ± 2.1 years, VO2max: 40.5 ± 5.6 ml/kg per min) at rest, during flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and after sublingual glycerol trinitrate administration, using high-resolution ultrasound. FMD did not differ between the endurance-trained and the sedentary females (14.8% vs 16.4%, p = NS), despite a substantial difference in VO2max of 50% (p < 0.001). The endurance-trained group possessed however, a 9% larger resting brachial artery diameter when adjusted for body surface area. The results of the present study suggest that endothelial function is well preserved in young, healthy women, and that a high aerobic training status due to long term aerobic training does not improve the dilating capacity any further.