Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Appropriateness of the standard mortality/incidence ratio in evaluation of completeness of population-based cancer registry data.

BACKGROUND The magnitude of differences in mortality incidence (M:I) ratios derived from the national mortality source and those derived from cancer registry (CR) databases may be used to determine associated factors. METHODS All information on cancer incidence cases and mortality cases from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007 were retrieved from 5 population-based cancer registries in four regions of Thailand. Two sources of mortality were used: death cases within the cancer registries and mortality statistics obtained from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). Plots of percentage M:I ratios from cancer registry databases and from national mortality sources against 1 minus 5 years relative survival (1-5yrRS) were used to visualize the correlation between the two mortality sources. A Poisson regression model was used to determine the influence of cancer sites and registries on the M:I ratio/[1-5yrRS]. RESULTS There was high variability between the standard M:I ratio derived from national mortality compared with 1-5 year RS. The factors affecting M:I ratios are sources of mortality data and misclassification of topographic site as the cause of death. CONCLUSIONS Use of the M:I ratio is not recommended to evaluate completeness of cancer registry data when the quality of mortality data is poor.
Knowledge of paediatric concussion among front-line primary care providers.

OBJECTIVE To assess the knowledge of paediatric concussion diagnosis and management among front-line primary care providers. METHODS Experts from the Concussions Ontario Diagnosis and Early Education Working Group developed a 34-item survey incorporating case vignettes with the collaboration of experts in medical education. Electronic surveys were distributed via FluidSurveys using a modified version of Dillman's tailored design method. The survey was distributed to five Ontario professional associations. The target participants were front-line health care providers (family physicians, emergency medicine physicians, general paediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) in Ontario; only providers who diagnose and/or manage paediatric concussions were eligible to participate. RESULTS The survey was fully completed by 577 health care providers who treat paediatric concussion. Of the respondents, 78% (95% CI 74% to 81%) reported diagnosing ≥5 concussions annually. Physicians and nonphysicians equally recognized concussion (90% [95% CI 86% to 92%]; 85% [95% CI 77% to 90%], respectively). Only 37% (95% CI 32% to 41%) of physicians correctly applied graduated return to play guidelines. Return to learn recommendations were also insufficient: 53% (95% CI 49% to 58%) neglected to recommend school absence and 40% (95% CI (35% to 44%) did not recommend schoolwork accommodations. Only 26% (95% CI 22% to 30%) of physicians reported regular use of concussion scoring scales. CONCLUSIONS Considerable gaps in knowledge exist in front-line primary care providers with inadequate application of graduated return to play and return to learn following concussion, as demonstrated by the present broad population-based survey. Consistent application of best evidence-based management using comprehensive guidelines may help to reduce the impact of concussion and persistent postconcussive problems in children and adolescents.
Glutathione reverses early effects of glycation on myosin function.

Nonenzymatic glycosylation (glycation) has been recognized as an important posttranslational modification underlying alterations of structure and function of extracellular proteins during aging and diabetes. Intracellular proteins may also be affected by this modification, and glycation has been suggested to contribute to aging-related impairment in skeletal muscle function. Glycation is the chemical reaction of reducing sugars with primary amino groups resulting in the formation of irreversible advanced glycation end products. Glutathione is an abundant tripeptide in skeletal muscle. To understand the effect of glutathione on glycated myosin function, we used a single-fiber in vitro motility assay in which myosin is extracted from a single muscle fiber segment to propel fluorescent-labeled actin filaments. Myosin function responded to glucose exposure in a dose-dependent manner, i.e., motility speeds were reduced by 10, 34, and 90% of preincubation values after 30-min exposure to 1, 3, and 6 mM glucose, respectively. The 30-min 6 mM glucose incubation was followed by a 20-min 10 mM glutathione incubation. Glutathione treatment restored motility (0.98 +/- 0.06 microm/s, n = 3; P < 0.001) after glucose exposure (0.10 +/- 0.07 microm/s, n = 3), close to preincubation levels (1.12 +/- 0.06 microm/s, n = 3). It is concluded that glucose modifies myosin function in a dose-dependent manner and that glutathione reverses the effect of glucose on myosin function.
Weight loss with a low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or low-fat diet.

BACKGROUND Trials comparing the effectiveness and safety of weight-loss diets are frequently limited by short follow-up times and high dropout rates. METHODS In this 2-year trial, we randomly assigned 322 moderately obese subjects (mean age, 52 years; mean body-mass index [the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters], 31; male sex, 86%) to one of three diets: low-fat, restricted-calorie; Mediterranean, restricted-calorie; or low-carbohydrate, non-restricted-calorie. RESULTS The rate of adherence to a study diet was 95.4% at 1 year and 84.6% at 2 years. The Mediterranean-diet group consumed the largest amounts of dietary fiber and had the highest ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fat (P<0.05 for all comparisons among treatment groups). The low-carbohydrate group consumed the smallest amount of carbohydrates and the largest amounts of fat, protein, and cholesterol and had the highest percentage of participants with detectable urinary ketones (P<0.05 for all comparisons among treatment groups). The mean weight loss was 2.9 kg for the low-fat group, 4.4 kg for the Mediterranean-diet group, and 4.7 kg for the low-carbohydrate group (P<0.001 for the interaction between diet group and time); among the 272 participants who completed the intervention, the mean weight losses were 3.3 kg, 4.6 kg, and 5.5 kg, respectively. The relative reduction in the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 20% in the low-carbohydrate group and 12% in the low-fat group (P=0.01). Among the 36 subjects with diabetes, changes in fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels were more favorable among those assigned to the Mediterranean diet than among those assigned to the low-fat diet (P<0.001 for the interaction among diabetes and Mediterranean diet and time with respect to fasting glucose levels). CONCLUSIONS Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets may be effective alternatives to low-fat diets. The more favorable effects on lipids (with the low-carbohydrate diet) and on glycemic control (with the Mediterranean diet) suggest that personal preferences and metabolic considerations might inform individualized tailoring of dietary interventions. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00160108.)
Subgingival distribution of periodontal pathogenic microorganisms in adult periodontitis.

The association between specific plaque microorganisms and periodontal diseases has been the subject of much recent interest due to its potential importance in the diagnosis and classification of these diseases. In order to optimize microbiological tests in periodontal therapy, it is important to know how many subgingival plaque samples must be assayed from a single patient in order to ascertain infection with a periodontal pathogen. To answer this question the present study assessed the distribution of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, and Prevotella intermedia in multiple subgingival plaque samples. The samples were quantitatively assessed for specific bacteria by indirect immunofluorescence, a technique previously found to correlate well with cultural assessment of these same organisms. Subgingival plaque from the mesial pockets/sulci of all teeth except third molars was sampled in 12 patients with adult periodontitis, 22 to 28 sites/patient for a total of 315 samples. These patients demonstrated an average mesial probing depth and loss of attachment of 3.7 +/- 1.2 mm and 3.1 +/- 1.5 mm, respectively (mean +/- SD). P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and B. forsythus were demonstrated in one or more sites from all patients, while A. actinomycetemcomitans was found in one or more sites in 8 of 12 patients. The proportion of positive sites per subject varied, but it was, on average, similar for the 3 black-pigmented organisms and ranged from 44% to 54%. In contrast, A. actinomycetemcomitans was identified, on average, in only 11.4% of the sites in these same patients. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
All-synthesizable transmitter driver and data recovery circuit for USB2.0 interface

The transmitter driver and the data recovery circuit of receiver for 480 Mbps USB2.0 interface were designed with Verilog and synthesized to enhance design portability. The transmitter driver was implemented by using multiple tri-state inverter cells to generate a 0 ~ 400 mV swing for normal operation and a 0 ~ 800 mV swing for chirp operation. The data recovery circuit was implemented by using a blind over-sampling method with 5-phase 480 MHz clocks. The proposed transmitter driver and data recovery circuits were fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process; the transmitter driver satisfies the USB2.0 eye-mask specification in the measured eye diagrams and the data recovery circuits gives a measured BER less than 1E-12 with PRBS 2E31-1 data and a USB2.0 5m cable. The transmitter driver and the data recovery circuit consume 24.3 mW and 1.6 mW, respectively at 1.2 V supply.
Integrated algorithm for block-permutation-based encryption with reversible data hiding

This paper proposes a Block-Permutation-Based Encryption (BPBE) method with Reversible Data Hiding (RDH). In the proposed algorithm, Histogram Shifting (HS) is used for RDH, and the BPBE method is utilized for encryption. The BPBE method performs four processes for encryption, namely, block scrambling, block rotation/inversion, negative-positive transformation, and the color component shuffling. The proposed algorithm is implemented on the concatenated image from a large database. Therefore, the number of the divided blocks can be increased, and the color scrambling of the encrypted image is increased. Consequently, the resistance against Jigsaw Puzzle Solvers (JPSs) could be improved. This algorithm consists of different hierarchical steps for the data embedding and the encryption. Therefore, the proposed algorithm can be suitable for the hierarchical access control system, where the permission is granted according to the various access rights.
Virus persistence in groundwater

More than 50% of the outbreaks of waterborne disease in the United States are due to the consumption of contaminated groundwater. An estimated 65% of the cases in these outbreaks are caused by enteric viruses. Little, however, is known about the persistence of viruses in groundwater. The purpose of this study was to determine whether measurable chemical and physical factors correlate with virus survival in groundwater. Groundwater samples were obtained from 11 sites throughout the United States. Water temperature was measured at the time of collection. Several physical and chemical characteristics, including pH, nitrates, turbidity, and hardness, were determined for each sample. Separate water samples were inoculated with each of three viruses (poliovirus 1, echovirus 1, and MS-2 coliphage) and incubated at the in situ groundwater temperature; selected samples were also incubated at other temperatures. Assays were performed at predetermined intervals over a 30-day period to determine the number of infective viruses remaining. Multiple regression analysis revealed that temperature was the only variable significantly correlated with the decay rates of all three viruses. No significant differences were found among the decay rates of the three viruses, an indication that MS-2 coliphage might be used as a model of animal virus survival in groundwater.
Management of urinary stone disease in general practice: A French Delphi study

Abstract Background: Recommendations for the management of urolithiasis in primary care are lacking in France. The Delphi method was used to seek consensus from an expert panel regarding outpatient management of urolithiasis. Methods: We gathered 25 French experts from five clinical specialties: general practice, urology, nephrology, emergency medicine and radiology. The first survey was formulated after an exhaustive literature review. At each of the three rounds, the experts were given the results of the previous round and were asked again to complete the survey. The threshold of 70% of the vote was taken as defining consensus. A final round of validation involving five additional general practitioners was conducted. Results: Twenty experts participated in the study (five urologists, four nephrologists, four general practitioners, four emergency physicians, and three radiologists, participation rate = 80%). According to the survey results, most patients could be treated as outpatients (70.5% of the votes) but a biological (urine dipstick and culture, serum creatinine ± serum β-hcg) and imaging (renal ultrasound + Kidney-Ureters-Bladder X-ray or low-dose CT san) work-up is recommended within 24 hours. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the analgesics of choice. An aetiological work-up should be performed after the second episode of renal colic. A follow-up imaging should be carried out yearly in urolithiasis patients. Conclusion: With the use of the Delphi method, we propose a multidisciplinary recommendation for the management of urolithiasis patients in primary care.
Distribution of the Vasotocin Subtype Four Receptor (VT4R) in the Anterior Pituitary Gland of the Chicken, Gallus gallus, and its Possible Role in the Avian Stress Response

The neurohormone arginine vasotocin (AVT) in non mammalian vertebrates is homologous to arginine vasopressin (AVP) in mammals. Its actions are mediated via G protein‐coupled receptors that belong to the vasotocin/mesotocin family. Because of the known regulatory effects of nonapeptide hormones on anterior pituitary functions, receptor subtypes in that family have been proposed to be located in anterior pituitary cells. Recently, an avian vasotocin receptor subtype designated VT4R has been cloned, which shares 69% sequence homology with a human vasopressin receptor, the V1aR. In the present study, a polyclonal antibody to the VT4R was developed and validated to confirm its specificity to the VT4R. The antibody was used to test the hypothesis that the VT4R is present in the avian anterior pituitary and is specifically associated with certain cell types, where its expression is modulated by acute stress. Western blotting of membrane protein extracts from pituitary tissue, the use of HeLa cells transfected with the VT4R and peptide competition assays all confirmed the specificity of the antibody to the VT4R. Dual‐labelling immunofluorescence microscopy was utilised to identify pituitary cell types that contained immunoreactive VT4R. The receptor was found to be widely distributed throughout the cephalic lobe but not in the caudal lobe of the anterior pituitary. Immunoreactive VT4R was associated with corticotrophs. Approximately 89% of immunolabelled corticotrophs were shown to contain the VT4R. The immunoreactive VT4R was not found in gonadotrophs, somatotrophs or lactotrophs. To determine a possible functional role of the VT4R and previously characterised VT2R, gene expression levels in the anterior pituitary were determined after acute immobilisation stress by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The results showed a significant increase in plasma corticosterone levels (three‐ to four‐fold), a significant reduction of VT4R mRNA and an increase of VT2R mRNA (P < 0.05) in acutely immobilised chicks compared to controls. The data suggest a role of the VT4R in the avian stress response.
Race, Identity, and Belonging: Examining the Importance of Recreational Sport in the Lives of African American Students at Historically White Institutions.

HOWARD, KEITH PATRICK. Race, Identity, and Belonging: Examining the Importance of Recreational Sport in the Lives of African American Students at Historically White Institutions. (Under the direction of Dr. Jason Bocarro.) Recreational sport participation has been promoted as a way for college students to connect to the campus community, improve overall physical health, and moderate anxiety and stress. However, limited research has been conducted with racial and ethnic minority students at colleges and universities in the United States to determine if their experiences are similar to those of the majority population. In this study, a national sample of African American undergraduates (n=150) attending historically White institutions in the United States was surveyed to assess interest in specific recreational sport activities and describe their overall experiences with campus recreation. In addition, 16 face-to-face interviews were conducted with African American undergraduates who attend a historically White university in the Southeastern United States to gain perspectives about the importance of campus recreation to their overall college experience. Results supported the expectation that campus recreational programs and services play an important role in helping students establish social connections, transition to the university, and feel a greater sense of campus belonging. Survey results showed that African American undergraduates at historically White colleges and universities have a wide variety of recreational sport interests, and results from interviews revealed that media images, parent socialization, and early involvement in recreation play an important role in shaping beliefs about the importance of recreation and sport activities generally. Findings from this study also indicate that levels of interest in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and camping may be of greater interest than previous literature may suggest, although levels of interest in outdoor recreation still appear to be lower among African Americans when compared to White student peers. Underlying reasons for specific patterns of leisure involvement are discussed along with implications for recreation and sport literature related to race and socioeconomic status, along with potential strategies for developing greater levels of inclusion in campus recreation programs at historically White colleges and universities.
A Horizontally Transferred Autonomous Helitron Became a Full Polydnavirus Segment in Cotesia vestalis

Bracoviruses associate symbiotically with thousands of parasitoid wasp species in the family Braconidae, working as virulence gene vectors, and allowing the development of wasp larvae within hosts. These viruses are composed of multiple DNA circles that are packaged into infective particles, and injected together with wasp’s eggs during parasitization. One of the viral segments of Cotesia vestalis bracovirus contains a gene that has been previously described as a helicase of unknown origin. Here, we demonstrate that this gene is a Rep/Helicase from an intact Helitron transposable element that covers the viral segment almost entirely. We also provide evidence that this element underwent at least two horizontal transfers, which appear to have occurred consecutively: first from a Drosophila host ancestor to the genome of the parasitoid wasp C. vestalis and its bracovirus, and then from C. vestalis to a lepidopteran host (Bombyx mori). Our results reinforce the idea of parasitoid wasps as frequent agents of horizontal transfers in eukaryotes. Additionally, this Helitron-bracovirus segment is the first example of a transposable element that effectively became a whole viral circle.
Brachydactyly and short stature in a kindred with early‐onset parkinsonism

In a Dutch kindred we have identified a deletion of the DJ‐1 gene, leading to autosomal‐recessive parkinsonism. The parkinsonism patients also had short stature and brachydactyly. In the family and a control group from the same community, we used the DJ‐1 deletion as a marker for the originally linked PARK7 region and found a significant association with body height (P = 0.005), which suggests a gene in linkage disequilibrium with DJ‐1 to be implicated in short stature. Analysis of hand‐bone length showed incomplete segregation of the PARK7 region with brachydactyly, such that a gene in PARK7 is unlikely to fully explain the brachydactyly. Since the bone length reduction was more pronounced in the homozygous parkinsonism patients than in their heterozygous relatives, however, the PARK7 region may contain a modifier gene for growth. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of intraday news flow on dealers' quotations, market liquidity, and volatility

Market regulators emphasize that the reduction in dealers' liquidity to today's markets is one of the drivers of extreme behaviour such as flash crash. Yet the challenge is to understand the effects of intraday news flow on dealers' quoting behaviour, high‐frequency returns, price volatility, liquidity, and trading activity. This paper addresses these issues shortly before the analyst recommendation changes on the Nasdaq. The sample period is 2004 at times where dealers were frequently displaying their quotations on the system. Results show that dealers remain active in quoting, in particular, in the events when the report is issued by their affiliated analysts. Their activity is associated with lower inside spreads, more trading, a more two‐sided market, and lower order imbalance.
A wheat-based diet enhances colonization with the intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira intermedia in experimentally infected laying hens

This study investigated the influence of feeding diets based on cereals with different non-starch polysaccharide content on colonization with the intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira intermedia in experimentally infected laying hens. The diets were based on wheat, barley, or barley and sorghum, all with or without supplementation with exogenous dietary enzymes. Six groups of 12 individually caged laying hens were fed the respective diets for 2 weeks, and then challenged at 20 weeks of age by crop tube with 108 to 109 colony forming units of active motile spirochaetes on five successive days. Eggs were collected daily. The birds were weighed weekly, and caecal faeces collected for assessment of water content. Every 3 to 4 days cloacal swabs were collected and subjected to culture and subsequent polymerase chain reaction for B. intermedia. The birds were killed at 27 weeks of age. Caecal contents were cultured for spirochaetes, and the viscosity of the ileal and rectal contents assessed. Dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide content was not a consistent predictor of viscosity in the ileum, and the addition of enzymes did not significantly reduce the viscosity. A dietary influence on colonization was observed, with birds fed wheat having significantly more colonization than the birds fed the other diets. No significant association was found between either dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide content or ileal viscosity and colonization with B. intermedia, as assessed by faecal excretion of the spirochaete. Dietary enzymes did not consistently or significantly reduce colonization. It was not established how wheat enhances colonization by B. intermedia, but the results suggest that wheat-based diets should be avoided in flocks infected with B. intermedia.