Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: diagnosis and surveillance

Purpose of review Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with an increased risk of hepatobiliary and extrahepatic malignancy. Particularly the risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is greatly increased. To provide potentially curative treatments for affected patients an early diagnosis of CCA is crucial. We here review the current advances with respect to CCA diagnosis and surveillance and discuss a rational approach on how to perform surveillance of CCA in PSC patients. Recent findings Given the shortcomings of the current modalities for the surveillance and diagnosis of CCA in PSC, recent studies have focused on novel biomarkers for CCA. These include serum biomarkers (e.g., circulating angiopoeitin-2, cytokeratin-19 fragments, and antiglycoprotein 2 IgA autoantibodies, microRNA) as well as proteomics obtained from urine and/or bile. Novel approaches that may enhance the diagnostic value of brush cytology in future include the optimization of fluorescence in situ hybridization probes and the assessment of genetic aberrations. In addition, studies on advanced techniques (e.g., single-operator cholangioscopy and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy) have shown promising results with respect to CCA detection. Summary Despite recent advances in the diagnosis of CCA in PSC, the detection of early-stage CCA remains difficult. A better understanding of CCA pathogenesis and large prospective studies on novel biomarkers and techniques are required to timely diagnose CCA in the future.
Limit Order Books

A limit order book is essentially a file on a computer that contains all orders sent to the market, along with their characteristics such as the sign of the order, price, quantity and a timestamp. The majority of organized electronic markets rely on limit order books to store the list of interests of market participants on their central computer. A limit order book contains all the information available on a specific market and it reflects the way the market moves under the influence of its participants. This book discusses several models of limit order books. It begins by discussing the data to assess their empirical properties, and then moves on to mathematical models in order to reproduce the observed properties. Finally, the book presents a framework for numerical simulations. It also covers important modelling techniques including agent-based modelling, and advanced modelling of limit order books based on Hawkes processes. The book also provides in-depth coverage of simulation techniques and introduces general, flexible, open source library concepts useful to readers studying trading strategies in order-driven markets.
Solute transport at the start of peritoneal dialysis and the risk of peritonitis.

BACKGROUND In peritoneal dialysis (PD) approximately 40% of ultrafiltration (UF) during hypertonic dwell (mini-PET test) occurs as free water transport (FWT) through water channels, mainly aquaporin-1. Experimental studies have shown that aquaporin-1 plays a role in cell migration and inflammatory response. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to evaluate if FWT is associated with the incidence of PD-related peritonitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Standard PET and mini-PET tests were performed on 27 patients at the onset of PD. Clinical data was reviewed and PET transport parameters calculated. The peritonitis rate was assessed and the group of patients was divided into the subgroups of peritonitis-free patients (n = 18) and patients with peritonitis episode (n = 9). RESULTS Solute transport, measured as D/P creatinine during the PET test was significantly higher in the group of patients with peritonitis episode than in the group of peritonitis-free patients (0.77 ± 0.12 vs. 0.66 ± 0.11, p = 0.02). In the mini-PET test, there was a tendency to have higher solute transport in the group of patients with peritonitis episode compared to the group of peritonitis-free patients (0.61 ± 0.13 vs. 0.51 ± 0.1, p = 0.07). Ultrafiltration (mL) in the mini-PET test was slightly higher in the group of peritonitis-free patients (642 ± 178 vs. 488.9 ± 161.6, p = 0.06). FWT was not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Higher solute transport at the start of PD may be associated with the risk of peritonitis.
Progressive resistance training did not improve walking but can improve muscle performance, quality of life and fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Few high-quality trials have examined the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To determine the effectiveness of PRT for people with MS, focusing on improving the gait deficits common in this population. Methods: Using a single blind randomized controlled trial, people with relapsing–remitting MS were randomly allocated to either a PRT program targeting the lower limb muscles twice a week for 10 weeks (n = 36), or usual care plus an attention and social program conducted once a week for 10 weeks (n = 35). Outcomes were recorded at baseline, week 10 and week 22. Results: Participants attended 92% of training sessions, with no serious adverse events. At 10 weeks, no differences were detected in walking performance. However, compared with the comparison group PRT demonstrated increased leg press strength (16.8%, SD 4.5), increased reverse leg press strength (29.8%, SD 12.7), and increased muscle endurance of the reverse leg press (38.7%, SD 32.8). Improvements in favor of PRT were also found for physical fatigue (Mean difference −3.9 units, 95%CI −6.6 to −1.3), and the physical health domain of quality of life (Mean difference 1.5 units, 95%CI 0.1 to 2.9). At week 22 almost no between-group differences remained. Conclusion: PRT is a relatively safe intervention that can have short-term effects on reducing physical fatigue, increasing muscle endurance and can lead to small improvements in muscle strength and quality of life in people with relapsing–remitting MS. However, no improvements in walking performance were observed and benefits do not appear to persist if training is completely stopped.
Helicobacter pylori virulence factors: facts and fantasies

Purpose of review Virulence factors are related to the ability of a microbe to induce disease. True virulence factors must therefore have a disease association, an in-vivo correlate with disease such as increased mucosal inflammation, or both. Recent findings The cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island; the outer membrane inflammatory protein; the duodenal ulcer-promoting gene, and possibly the blood group antigen-binding adhesion, are the only factors that to date qualify as virulence factors. Numerous recent studies have investigated the interaction of vacuolating cytotoxin A or cytotoxin-associated gene A with cells and cell lines in vitro. It remains unclear, however, whether any of the findings, for example, in-vitro experiments showing that vacuolating cytotoxin A affect the regulation of T or B lymphocytes, have an in-vivo counterpart, or play any role in disease pathogenesis. Summary The criteria for a virulence factor include evidence of an association with a disease or a disease surrogate such as the severity of mucosal inflammation, epidemiologic consistency, and biologic plausibility. Confirmation of the proposed mechanism requires elimination of the effect by gene deletion and restoration by complementation. Cytotoxin-associated gene A has been the subject of elegant biochemistry despite lack of evidence that it is involved in pathogenesis. The current focus of research on Helicobacter pylori relates to exploring the biology of Helicobacter pylori, often using systems that only vaguely relate to the in-vivo conditions or to disease pathogenesis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is different in children compared to in adults: a study of UK and Dutch clinical cohorts

Objective To investigate differences between young children, adolescents and adults with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Study design Comparison of clinical cohorts from 8 paediatric and 27 adult CFS/ME services in the UK and a paediatric randomised controlled trial from the Netherlands. Outcome measures include: fatigue (the UK—Chalder Fatigue Scale); Disability (the UK—SF-36 physical function subscale; the Netherlands—CHQ-CF87); school attendance, pain, anxiety and depression (the UK—Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale; the Netherlands—Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Children's Depression Inventory); symptoms; time-to-assessment; and body mass index. We used multinomial regression to compare younger (aged <12 years) and older (aged 12–18 years) children with adults, and logistic regression to compare UK and Dutch adolescents. Results Younger children had a more equal gender balance compared to adolescents and adults. Adults had more disability and fatigue, and had been ill for longer. Younger children were less likely to have cognitive symptoms (OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.25)) and more likely to present with a sore throat (OR 1.42 (1.07 to 1.90). Adolescents were more likely to have headaches (81.1%, OR 1.56 (1.36% to 1.80%)) and less likely to have tender lymph nodes, palpitations, dizziness, general malaise and pain, compared to adults. Adolescents were more likely to have comorbid depression (OR 1.51 (1.33 to 1.72)) and less likely to have anxiety (OR 0.46 (0.41 to 0.53)) compared to adults. Conclusions Paediatricians need to recognise that children with CFS/ME present differently from adults. Whether these differences reflect an underlying aetiopathology requires further investigation. Trial registration numbers FITNET trial registration numbers are ISRCTN59878666 and NCT00893438. This paper includes secondary (post-results) analysis of data from this trial, but are unrelated to trial outcomes.
Reduction of hepatic reperfusion injury by indomethacin-mediated vasoconstriction: a rat model with temporary splenocaval shunt.

For reduction of radical formation during reperfusion, a lower oxygen supply by limiting the reperfusion flow rate should be beneficial for the organ. Thus, indomethacin was given prior to reperfusion for induction of temporary postischemic vasoconstriction. In an in vivo model (female Wistar rats, 200-250 g, n = 16) with portal decompression by a splenocaval shunt, hepatic ischemia was induced for 30 min by cross-clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament followed by portal intravenous injection of indomethacin (2 mg/kg body wt) at the end of ischemia. Liver injury was assessed by serum levels of Aspartat-aminotransferase (ASAT) and Alaninaminotransferase (ALAT) that were determined prior to ischemia, on days 2, 4, 6 and 21 postoperatively. The local tissue pO2 was measured preischemically, 1 h after reperfusion and on day 21. Application of indomethacin significantly reduced the local tissue-pO2 by about 50% after 1 h of reperfusion (p < .05). The increase in serum ASAT levels on day 2 was significantly diminished after indomethacin application (p < .05). ALAT values on day 2 showed a significant increase in the control group but did not differ from baseline in the indomethacin group. These data support the hypothesis that temporarily limited reperfusion results in an amelioration of reperfusion injury, although further studies with more selectively vasoactive agents must still be performed since indomethacin also has a major effect on the eicosanoid metabolism.
Aggregation and membrane permeabilizing properties of designed histidine‐containing cationic linear peptide antibiotics

Members of the LAH4 family of cationic linear peptide antibiotics have been designed to form amphipathic helical structures in membrane environments and switch from alignments parallel to the bilayer surface to transmembrane orientations in a pH‐dependent manner. Here the aggregation in aqueous buffer of two members of the family has been investigated by DLS. The peptides form monomers or small oligomers at pH = 5 but associate into nano‐sized aggregates at physiological pH. The diameter of these latter complexes can be considerably reduced by sonication. Furthermore, the membrane interactions of the various supramolecular aggregates with POPC or mixed POPC/POPS vesicles have been investigated in calcein‐release assays. In all the cases tested, the large preformed oligomeric peptide aggregates of 20–40 nm in size were more active than the structures with the smallest hydrodynamic radii in releasing the fluorescent dye from LUV. In contrast, the relative activity after sonication depends on the specific environment tested. The data suggest that these amphiphiles form micellar structures and support the notion that they can act in a manner comparable to detergents. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruptive Innovators: Are We Ready?

“Disruptive innovation”. This term has been floating around now for over 20 years, and it seems like there is no lack of participants for what has proved to be a powerful way of thinking about innovation and the realities inherent to the process. What is it, and why is this important for nurses? “Disruption” describes a process whereby a smaller organization with few resources is able to successfully challenge a larger well-established organization (Christensen, Raynor, & McDonald, 2015), and it has recently been heralded as a way to control health care spending in the United States (Hwang & Christensen, 2008), although there are relatively few medical providers who are familiar with the concept (Dalziel & Shah, 2010). One could point out that coronary artery stenting has disrupted cardiac surgery, bedside emergency ultrasound has disrupted computed tomography scan in the emergency departments (Dalziel & Shah, 2010), or advanced practice providers have disrupted physician primary care practice. However, is this a descriptor that advanced practice providers are willing to accept? If disruptive innovation is really a concept that replaces a status quo technology or process by offering a reliable, less expensive, and lower-quality alternatives, then it does not align with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' concept of value-base purchasing in the Affordable Care Act's implementation of accountable care organization models. Furthermore, it does not describe advanced practice providers as evidence suggests that nurse practitioners provide a quality of care
Methodological Considerations in the Design of an Obstetric Database Abstracted from Medical Records

The quality of maternal information contained within contemporary obstetric notes was investigated by abstracting data from the medical records of multiparous women who were admitted to a major city hospital in the South Thames Region. Potential sources of error were identified by comparing information recorded in different sections of each obstetric notes and within the obstetric notes of consecutive pregnancies. The format of the obstetric notes largely determined which variables were recorded and, to some extent, the accuracy of information collected. However, the quality of the data ultimately depended upon whether each variable was self-reported or directly measured. Self-reported variables were subject to selective omission and subjective bias, while measured variables were susceptible to inaccurate equipment and poor measurement practice. By interviewing a sample of midwives currently involved in antenatal care at the Trust it was possible to confirm that extensive variation in measurement and recording procedures routinely occurred.
A STUDY ON JOB SATISFACTION OF PAPER MILL EMPLOYEES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UDUMALPET AND PALANI TALUK

Job satisfaction is a general attitude towards one’s job, the difference between the amount of reward workers receive and the amount they believe they should receive. Employee is a back bone of every organization, without employee no work can be done. So employee’s satisfaction is very important. Employees will be more satisfied if they get what they expected, job satisfaction relates to inner feelings of workers. As Udumalpet and Palani Taluk are famous for paper industries, the main aim of this study is to analyze the satisfaction level of paper mill employees. Chi-Square test and percentage analysis have been used in this study to analyze the job satisfaction of paper mill employees in Udumalpet and Palani Taluk. The study shows that only 44% of the employees are satisfied with the working conditions, 31% of them with the welfare facilities, 44% of them with the accident compensation, and 42% of them are satisfied with the rewards provided and 52% of them are satisfied with the grievance handling procedure. The organization may give importance to certain factors such as Canteen, rest room facilities, rewards, recognition and promotion policy so that satisfaction of the employees may be improved further.
Media Coverage and Management Earnings Guidance

The business media disseminates managers’ earnings guidance news more broadly or creates new information content on the guidance (Drake et al. 2014). We hypothesize that the media’s information dissemination encourages managers to continue issuing earnings guidance because their intended messages in earnings guidance can be transmitted more broadly and free of cost to managers. We also hypothesize that the media’s information creation induces managers to stop issuing earnings guidance because the media might interfere with managers’ intended guidance outcomes. Using a comprehensive dataset of media articles covering management guidance from 2007 to 2012, we find evidence supporting these hypotheses. Additionally, we find evidence that the negative impact of the media’s information creation on future guidance issuance is amplified with bad news guidance and attenuated with high analyst following. Our findings provide fresh insight into the information flow in financial markets by documenting not only positive but also negative influences that the media, through its dual roles, exerts on managers’ guidance behavior.
[Magnetic resonance images of hematospermia].

BACKGROUND We performed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in the pelvic region of 70 cases with hematospermia and conducted a study on the abnormal MRI findings to which hematospermia could be attributed. METHODS We conducted a study on the morphological anomaly and change in the signal intensity in the prostate gland and of the seminal vesicle as well as on the presence or absence of dilation in the plexus venous surrounding the deferent duct or the prostate gland out of the abnormal MRI findings. As for the seminal vesicle, the patients whose seminal vesicle was seen in higher intensity than the prostate gland in T1 weighted images were diagnosed as having hemorrhagic focus and the patients whose seminal vesicle was seen in low intensity both in T1 and T2 weighted images were diagnosed as having fibrosis caused by chronic inflammation. RESULTS Abnormal MRI findings were seen in 40 out of the 70 cases (57%). Anomaly in the prostate gland was indicated in 6 (9%) cases. Abnormality in the seminal vesicle was indicated in 30 cases (43%) including hemorrhage of seminal vesicle in 25 cases, chronic inflammation in five cases and cyst of seminal vesicle in one case. CONCLUSION In conducting an examination of the patients with hematospermia, MRI is the noninvasive and reproducible method and it is possible to identify the hemorrhagic region. Therefore, MRI is thought to be useful to identify the causal organs of hematospermia.
Business Continuity and Business Continuity Drivers

The previous chapter introduced the two major concepts of continuous computing: downtime and uptime. Chapter three goes a step further and aims at defining business continuity (business continuance) and several measures of performances such as availability, reliability, and scalability. The main framework for research is defined. Based on this framework, a systemic model of business continuity, continuous computing and continuous computing technologies has been created. In addition, the “Onion” model of an information architecture for business continuity, IT-based business continuity drivers and technologies are identified in this chapter.
Discipuli supra omni praeferuntur: above all, the students come first.

Writing for Scientific Meetings October 16-22 (Online) Receive feedback on your first-author abstract while improving your abstract writing skills. Manuscript Writing Skills Writing and Reviewing for Scientific Journals January 16-19 (Lake Buena Vista, FL) Work with leading experts in-person to improve your first-author draft manuscript while learning the essentials of scientific writing and reviewing. Writing and Reviewing for Scientific Journals June 23–August 8 (Online) Work with leading experts online to improve your first-author draft manuscript while learning the essentials of scientific writing and reviewing. www.the-aps.org/PST
Ultrafast integrable and reconfigurable XNOR, AND, NOR, and NOT photonic logic gate

A novel, simple, compact, and integrable scheme of reconfigurable and ultrafast photonic logic gate is demonstrated, based on a single semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and able to process ultrafast signals. XNOR function has been optically implemented exploiting four-wave mixing and cross-gain modulation in an SOA. The same scheme can be easily reconfigured to obtain AND, NOR, and NOT logic gates. Performances in terms of bit error rate for 20-ps return-to-zero signals at 10 Gb/s show a power penalty limited to 0.5 dB for all logic gates but the AND, which experiences regeneration (-2-dB power penalty) due to nonlinear SOA noise compression.
Strategie Human Resource Management: A Global Perspective

Managing the global enterprise and modern business management are becoming synonymous. "International" can no longer be relegated to a subset of organizations or to a division within the organization. Definitions of success now transcend national boundaries. In fact, the very concept of domestic business may have become anachronistic. To succeed, many corporations have developed global strategies. Yet, few firms have created global organizational cultures and teams of globally skilled managers capable of fully implementing those business strategies. Unfortunately, many firms still conduct the worldwide management of people as if neither the external economic and technological environment, nor the interna-· tional strategy and structure of the firm had changed. This session will briefly trace the evolution of major firm's business strategy from their previously domestic focus to their current global perspective. Similarly, we will trace the evolution of human resource systems from domestic to global perspectives. We will then review the findings of recent research studies confirming a gap between current business and human resource practices. Within this context, we will identify some of the best human resource practices used by global firms. -1---'These issues are discussed in the Canadian context in a paper entitled "Globalization and Hnman Resource Management," originally presented at the founding conference of the Ontario Centre for International Busiile$s on Research Agenda," U niversity of Toronto, Canada, 9 September 1988, and published in Alan M. Rugman (ed.), Research in Global Strategic Management: A Canadian Perspective, Volume 1, Greenwich, Connecticut: JAI Press, 1989 (in press).