Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of exercise in patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee: nine months' follow up

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the effects of an exercise programme in patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee are sustained at six and nine months' follow up. METHODS A randomised, single blind, clinical trial was conducted in a primary care setting. Patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee (ACR criteria) were selected. Two intervention groups were compared. Both groups received treatment from their general practitioner, including patient education and drug treatment if necessary. The experimental group also received exercise treatment from a physiotherapist in primary care. The treatment period was 12 weeks, with an ensuing 24 week follow up. The main outcome measures were pain, drug use (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and observed disability. RESULTS 201 patients were randomly allocated to the exercise or control group, and 183 patients completed the trial. At 24 weeks exercise treatment was associated with a small to moderate effect on pain during the past week (difference in change between the two groups −11.5 (95% CI −19.7 to −3.3). At 36 weeks no differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Beneficial effects of exercise decline over time and finally disappear.
The scripture on the explication of underlying meaning

The basic sutra of the Fa-hsian School, The Scripture on the Explication of Underlying Meaning expounds the thought of the Yogacara, or Mind-Only School (Vijnanavada), stating that all phenomena are manifestations of the mind. It belongs to the middle period of Indian Mahayana Buddhism and is considered to have been composed at the start of the fourth century A.D.
Transdifferentiation of cultured tubular cells induced by hypoxia.

BACKGROUND Tubulointerstitial fibrosis leads to progressive kidney disease and, ultimately, may result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Myofibroblasts, which express alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in their cytoplasm, regulate renal fibrogenesis. Recent studies suggest that certain interstitial myofibroblasts derive from renal tubular cells that have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) (transdifferentiation). However, the role(s) of hypoxia, which is involved in progressive kidney disease, on tubular EMT remains unclear. METHODS Immortalized rat proximal tubular cells (IRPTC) were cultured in normobaric hypoxia (1% O2) for 3, 6, or 15 days, with match control in normoxic conditions. alpha-SMA, vimentin, and desmin chosen as markers of EMT were measured by immunocytochemistry and immunoblots collagen I production and cell motility were chosen as functional assays. Various concentrations of cobaltous chloride (CoCl2) were used as hypoxic mimickers. In vivo studies were carried out in a chronic ischemic kidney model. RESULTS Immunohistochemical studies revealed increased expression of alpha-SMA. Striking morphologic changes were detected after 6 days of hypoxia for alpha-SMA-positive fibroblast-like cells (SMA + fib) and after 15 days for alpha-SMA-positive myofibroblast-like cells (SMA + myo). Immunoblots confirmed these findings. Collagen I production increased in a time-dependent manner parallel to alpha-SMA expression. Cell motility assays demonstrated that transformed cells had higher migratory capacity than normal tubular cells. Cobaltous salt also induced alpha-SMA and collagen I synthesis. Chronic ischemic kidney revealed in vivo tubular EMT at day 7. CONCLUSION Hypoxia can induce tubular EMT. This process may play an important role in progression of kidney disease.
The Role of Satisfaction in Mediating the Effect of Product Quality, Service Quality and Price Fairness on the Consumer Loyalty of Online Store

The aims of this study is to reveal the determinants of online store customers’ satisfaction and their loyalty. To do this, a research model including product quality, service quality and price fairness was developed to explain customer satisfaction and loyalty. A total of 165 questionnaires were collected from the customers of the online shopping in Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia), by using the purposive sampling technique, and GSCA statistical program to analyze the data. The results show that all the dimension of service quality has an influence on the customer satisfaction. Moreover, product quality, price fairness and service quality also explain customer satisfaction, and the satisfaction plays important role in mediating the determinants factors of online store customers’ loyalty. This study concludes with the discussion and possible future studies. Keywords : Product Quality, Service Quality, Price Fairness, Satisfaction, Consumer Loyalty.
Gadolinium Contrast Agents - Are they Really Safe?

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) are used worldwide for enhanced MRI examinations, including heart and vessels. Gadolinium is a highly toxic heavy metal. If used in GBCA it must be tightly bound to ligands. The configuration of ligands influences the stability of the GBCA and two types of chelates have been used. Macrocyclic chelates offer better protection and binding of gadolinium ion than linear chelates with a flexible open chain - gadolinium could be more easily released from the latter ones. GBCAs are excreted from the body mostly by the kidneys, which is of importance in chronic kidney disease. Two states are related to gadolinium: nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium body storage. NSF is a severe and debilitating disease, directly connected to gadolinium toxicity, proven after the use of linear chelates. Due to strict recommendations of radiology societies, NSF was practically eradicated. Gadolinium deposition was observed especially in bones and in some brain areas: in dentate nucleus and in globus pallidus, even years after the GBCA administration. The form of the storage (chelated or free), as well as their clinical impact, are not clear, but first observations of “gadolinium deposition disease” have been reported.
The Challenges of Nanoelectronics for Reliability

Microelectronics has pervaded our lives for the past fifty years. The shift from the era of microelectronics, where semiconductor devices were measured in microns to the new era of nanoelectronics where they shrink to dimensions measured in nanometers, will make the semiconductors even more pervasive than it is today. However, the evolution of microelectronics to nanoelectronics brings not only promising applications, but also a lot of challenges for reliability. The success of this shift, to some extend, depends on the solutions for these reliability challenges.
Earnings Management, the Influence of Size, Indebtedness and Performance: The Case of Moroccan Listed Companies

This study attempts to contribute to the research literature in the field of management of earnings results and how it is put into practice by Moroccan listed companies. The main question that the paper attempted to investigate is whether these companies’ managers use accounting results management in an opportunistic way. The study was conducted on a sample of 54 companies on the Casablanca Stock Exchange between 2014 and 2016.The findings indicate that the guarantee of a stock market valuation to influence investors’ decisions is not at the heart of results management in Moroccan listed companies. Nevertheless, the importance of the size factor and the satisfaction of the conditions imposed by the creditors to justify the level of the discretionary behavior of the managers in terms of accounting and financial information are noteworthy.
Measurement and Significance of Specific Activity in the Heterotrophic Bacteria of Natural Waters

It is now possible to obtain accurate total counts of the bacteria of natural waters with the use of acridine orange staining and epifluorescence microscopy. This approach can be coupled to highly sensitive measurements of heterotrophic activity using radioisotopes. To accomplish this, three variations of a “specific activity index” are suggested, based on different approaches to measuring heterotrophic activity with radiolabeled organic solutes. The denominator of each index is the direct count of bacteria from a given natural sample. Three numerators are presented, each of which has been shown to vary directly with heterotrophic bacterial activity: Vmax, turnover rate, and direct uptake (at high substrate concentrations). Each approach is illustrated with data from estuarine and coastal waters of northeastern Massachusetts. The data show major differences in specific activity that accompany such habitat differences as distances within or offshore from an estuary and vertical location in the water column. These and other data suggest that specific activity is a valid indicator of the physiological state and metabolic role of the bacteria. Some evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that the natural bacteria are adapted to conditions of nutrient starvation by becoming “dormant,” existing for an unknown period of time in a reversible physiological state that reflects the availability of organic nutrients.
Quantitative MRI techniques in MTLE: Toward a better understanding of hippocampal sclerosis

The histologic hallmarks of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) are cell loss and gliosis of the hippocampus (Thom, 2008; Blumcke et al., 2009). The neuronal damage often involves also the amygdala, uncus, and parahippocampal gyrus (Gloor, 1991). HS has been recognized as the most commonly encountered pathologic substrate of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Several imaging modalities are useful for identifying in vivo signs of HS. Imaging analysis can be qualitative and quantitative.
The challenge of providing spectacles in the developing world.

It is estimated that 2.3 billion people worldwide have refractive error. The vast majority of these could have their sight restored by spectacles, but only 1.8 billion people have access to eye examinations and affordable correction. This leaves approximately 500 million people, mostly in developing countries (close to 1/3 are in Africa) and many children, with uncorrected error causing blindness and impaired vision. Many are not aware that there is a cure for their compromised vision, have no one to provide treatment, or cannot afford the appliances they need. The way to eliminate uncorrected refractive error is through the development of all aspects of a self-sustaining system, including human resources to provide eyecare services; and spectacles, to correct vision.
Assessing the Eﬀect of Conditional Cash Transfers in Children Chronic Stunting: The Human Development Bonus in Ecuador

Las poĺıticas de erradicación de la pobreza basadas en Transferencias Monetarias Condicionadas (TMCs) son ampliamente utilizadas en los páıses en desarrollo, siendo la desnutrición crónica uno de los indicadores de resultado más estudiados. Sin embargo, los escasos análisis emṕıricos para Ecuador no concuerdan sobre los efectos de las TMCs en esta variable. En este contexto, y en base a una encuesta de gran escala, en este art́ıculo propongo una estrategia de dos etapas para evaluar el efecto del programa Bono de Desarrollo Humano en la desnutrición crónica infantil. Primero, replico el ı́ndice de elegibilidad, a través de Análisis de Componentes Principales y, posteriormente, implemento un diseño de Regresión Discontinua Difusa. Los resultados principales muestran que existe un efecto estad́ısticamente significativo de entre 18% y 24% del estatus de elegibilidad sobre la probabilidad de tratamiento; un efecto de la intención del tratamiento estad́ısticamente no significativo de -0,5 a -0,3 desviaciones estándar; y, finalmente, un efecto local promedio del tratamiento de -2,1 a -1,6 desviaciones estándar no distinto de 0, dependiendo del enfoque y la especificación. A pesar de que los test de falsificación sustentan el cumplimiento del supuesto de identificación del diseño de evaluación, las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela debido al periodo de levantamiento de la encuesta, los cambios implementados en el programa y, finalmente, la muestra analizada.
Physical diseases among homeless people: Gender differences and comparisons with the general population

Aim: To study morbidity amongst homeless men and women by comparing prevalence of hospital care for somatic diseases and injuries with a control group of men and women from the general population. Methods: A cohort of 1,364 men and 340 women were documented as homeless in 1996. Comparisons are made concerning hospital care for somatic diseases and injuries (1996-2002) among 3,750 men and 1,250 women from the general population. Results: The relative risk (RR) for homeless men and women of being hospitalised was double that of the men and women in the controls (1.93 and 1.96 respectively). Homeless women had a slightly, not significant, increased risk compared to homeless men (RR 1.10). Younger homeless women had a significant higher risk. Among diagnostic categories, the highest prevalence was found among homeless men in the diagnosis group injury/poisoning (22%). The highest risk was found for skin diseases (RR 36.96) and concerned homeless women. There were a number of gender specific diagnoses, where risks were considerably elevated, such as diseases of the genital organs, viral hepatitis, and poisoning for homeless women, and cerebrovascular diseases, diseases of the liver, and concussion for homeless men. Conclusions: Homeless people had twice the risk of being hospitalised for physical diseases compared to the general population. Younger women were particularly at risk compared to homeless men and to women in the controls. There were a number of gender specific diagnoses that are important to take into account when planning services for homeless people.
Palivizumab prophylaxis reduces hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus in young children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the safety, tolerance, and efficacy of palivizumab in children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD). STUDY DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 1287 children with CHD randomly assigned 1:1 to receive 5 monthly intramuscular injections of 15 mg/kg palivizumab or placebo. Children were followed for 150 days. The primary efficacy end point was antigen-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization. RESULTS Palivizumab recipients had a 45% relative reduction in RSV hospitalizations (P=.003), a 56% reduction in total days of RSV hospitalization per 100 children (P=.003), and a 73% reduction in total RSV hospital days with increased supplemental oxygen per 100 children (P=.014). Adverse events were similar in the treatment groups; no child had drug discontinued for a related adverse event. Serious adverse events occurred in 55.4% of palivizumab recipients and 63.1% of placebo recipients (P<.005); none were related to palivizumab. Twenty-one children (3.3%) in the palivizumab group and 27 (4.2%) in the placebo group died; no deaths were attributed to palivizumab. The rates of cardiac surgeries performed earlier than planned were similar in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Monthly palivizumab (15 mg/kg IM) was safe, well-tolerated, and effective for prophylaxis of serious RSV disease in young children with hemodynamically significant CHD.
Detection and management of antiviral resistance for influenza viruses

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are first‐line agents for the treatment and prevention of influenza virus infections. As for other antivirals, the development of resistance to NAIs has become an important concern particularly in the case of A(H1N1) viruses and oseltamivir. The most frequently reported change conferring oseltamivir resistance in that viral context is the H275Y neuraminidase mutation (N1 numbering). Recent studies have shown that, in the presence of the appropriate permissive mutations, the H275Y variant can retain virulence and transmissibility in some viral backgrounds. Most oseltamivir‐resistant influenza A virus infections can be managed with the use of inhaled or intravenous zanamivir, another NAI. New NAI compounds and non‐neuraminidase agents as well as combination therapies are currently in clinical evaluation for the treatment for severe influenza infections.
The CANMAT task force recommendations for the management of patients with mood disorders and comorbid medical conditions: diagnostic, assessment, and treatment principles.

BACKGROUND Medical comorbidity is commonly encountered in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). The presence of medical comorbidity has diagnostic, prognostic, treatment, and etiologic implications underscoring the importance of timely detection and treatment. METHODS A selective review of relevant articles and reviews published in English-language databases (1968 to April 2011) was conducted. Studies describing epidemiology, temporality of onset, treatment implications, and prognosis were selected for review. RESULTS A growing body of evidence from epidemiologic, clinical, and biologic studies suggests that the relationship between medical illness and mood disorder is bidirectional in nature. It provides support for the multiplay of shared and specific etiologic factors interlinking these conditions. CONCLUSIONS This article describes the complex interactions between medical illness and mood disorders and provides a meaningful approach to their comorbid clinical diagnosis and management.
Some relationships of body weight and age with first-lactation yield.

Abstract The data were from the Illinois crossbreeding experiment which included Holsteins, Guernseys, and three intermediate crossbred groups. One set of analyses indicated that on a within season-sire-breed group basis: 1) Age at freshening, when included with days carried calf (DCC) as the only additional covariate, was significantly associated with first lactation yields of milk fat and fat-corrected milk (FCM) ; 2) body weight taken soon after calving, included with DCC as the only additional covariate, was highly significantly associated with yields of milk, milk fat, and FCM; 3) when both factors were included as additional covariates, weight retained its importance, but the independent association of yield with age became trivial; lactation milk yield increased 395kg with each 100-kg increase in body weight; and 4) neither factor was significantly associated with per cent milk fat. In a separate analysis, lactation yields of milk, milk fat, and FCM varied approximately as the . 6 power of body weight at calving. Expressing first-lactation yield as a function of body weight was proposed as a measure of performance. A final analysis indicated that body weights estimated directly from a tape were consistently high and often unreliable.
Food Traceability on Blockchain: Walmart’s Pork and Mango Pilots with IBM

In response to food contamination scandals worldwide, retail giant Walmart is tackling food safety in the supply chain using blockchain technology. In 2016, it established the Walmart Food Safety Collaboration Center in Beijing and plans to invest $25 million over five years to research global food safety (Yiannas and Liu, 2017). Using IBM’s blockchain solution based on Hyperledger Fabric, Walmart has successfully completed two blockchain pilots: pork in China and mangoes in the Americas (IBM, 2017). With a farm-to-table approach, Walmart’s blockchain solution reduced time for tracking mango origins from seven days to 2.2 seconds and promoted greater transparency across Walmart’s food supply chain (Yiannas, 2017). IBM called it “complete end-to-end traceability” (McDermott, 2017). The case highlights the challenges of implementing blockchain technology in the food supply chain and the opportunities for deploying blockchain solutions throughout the global food ecosystem to increase safety and reduce waste.
A model of hospital congestion in developing countries

This paper explains the observed hospital congestion in developing countries as the result of the interaction between ambulatory care physicians who refer patients to hospitals, and hospitals which must detect the severity of the incoming patients'disease. In an imperfect information environment, physicians might refer to top-tier hospitals patients with mild diseases that could be properly addressed by regular hospitals, just to ful ll patients'demand for the best care. Yet, the triage capability of top-tier hospitals declines if the hospital is subject to congestion, which, in turn, provides incentives to physicians to refer more patients to these hospitals. The model presents two equilibria, one with perfect triage, and another with triage errors and hospital congestion. In this last equilibrium, a higher hospital size raises the likelihood of congestion.
Effective Factors Influencing Performance Management System in Commercial Bank: An Exploratory Analysis

By considering the dynamism of Performance management system (PMS) in the organizational context, the present study aim to explore the factor structure of PMS components. Further, the study has also considered balanced scorecard as a strategic PMS tool and thus intended to identify the factor structure of the same. Finally, the study examined the PMS effectiveness factors. The author has used exploratory factor analysis to optimize the items and extract the construct validity of the factors. Factor analysis was performed using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) on 32 variables pertaining to PMS components, 10 variables related to Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and 14 variables allied to PMS effectiveness. The study adopted a quantitative approach and thus collected data from 313 commercial bank employees’ by distributing questionnaire. The result confirms seven independent factors of PMS component, one factor of balanced scorecard and two factors of PMS effectiveness.
Mark-to-Market Accounting and Systemic Risk: Evidence from the Insurance Industry

One of the most contentious issues raised during the recent crisis has been the potentially exacerbating role played by mark-to-market accounting. Many have proposed the use of historical cost accounting, promoting its ability to avoid the amplification of systemic risk. We caution against focusing on the accounting rule in isolation, and instead emphasize the interaction between accounting and the regulatory framework. First, historical cost accounting, through incentives that arise via interactions with complex capital adequacy regulation, does generate market distortions of its own. Second, while mark-to-market accounting may indeed generate fire sales during a crisis, forward-looking institutions that rationally internalize the probability of fire sales are incentivized to adopt a more prudent investment strategy during normal times which leads to a safer portfolio entering the crisis. Using detailed, position- and transaction-level data from the U.S. insurance industry, we show that (a) market prices do serve as ‘early warning signals’, (b) insurers that employed historical cost accounting engaged in greater degrees of regulatory arbitrage before the crisis and limited loss recognition during the crisis, and (c) insurers facing mark-to-market accounting tend to be more prudent in their portfolio allocations. Our identification relies on the sharp difference in statutory accounting rules between life and P&C companies as well as the heterogeneity in implementation of these rules within each insurance type across U.S. states. Rather than promoting a shift away from market-based information, our results indicate that regulatory simplicity may be preferred to the complexity of risk-weighted capital ratios that gives rise, through interactions with accounting rules, to distorted risk-taking incentives and potential build-up of systemic risk.