Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of captopril and enalapril on zinc metabolism in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of chronic captopril and enalapril treatment on zinc metabolism in hypertensive patients by assessing zinc levels in serum, urine and monocytes. METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension were randomly divided into two treatment groups: those treated with captopril only (n = 16) and those treated with enalapril only (n = 18). Ten healthy subjects served as controls. Prior to the start of treatment and again 6 months later, zinc was assessed in the serum, in urine collected over 24 hours, and in peripheral blood monocytes. RESULTS Significant enhancement of 24-hour urinary zinc excretion (micrograms/24 hour) after 6 months of treatment was observed only in the captopril-treated group (p < 0.01). However, intramonocytic zinc levels decreased significantly in both of the treated groups over the same period (p < 0.01 and P < 0.04 in the captopril- and enalapril-treated groups, respectively). CONCLUSION Treatment of hypertensive patients with captopril or enalapril may result in zinc deficiency.
Summer camp as context for girls’ and women’s same-sex attractions and relationships

Abstract This article focuses on the leisure activity of summer camp as a context that nurtured the development of 23 female camp participants’ romantic or sexual attractions toward and relationships with other females. Results of analysis of oral surveys with participants indicated that five aspects of the camps nurtured the development of these participants’ attractions toward and relationships with other females: (a) enabling significant time spent with others, (b) generating emotional intensity, (c) occurring during key developmental periods while embedded in a youthful context, (d) including climates with low levels of homophobia and heteronormativity, and (e) including climates that challenged gender expectations. Findings from this exploratory project add to the literature on aspects of youth leisure contexts (specifically camp), extend the concept of social development in leisure research to romantic development, and broaden the literature on couple formation in leisure contexts. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
A Comparison of Social Development Processes Leading to Violent Behavior in Late Adolescence for Childhood Initiators and Adolescent Initiators of Violence

This study used data from the Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP) to compare social developmental mechanisms predictive of violence at age 18 for youth who initiated violence in childhood and those who initiated violence during adolescence. The SSDP is a theory-guided longitudinal study of youth development and behavior, which has followed a panel of children since they entered the fifth grade in 1985. A multiple-group structural equation modeling approach was used to test relationships among social development model constructs hypothesized to predict violence and other forms of antisocial behavior. Analyses revealed that during adolescence, socialization pathways leading to violence at age 18 were similar for those who initiated violence in childhood and those who initiated violence in adolescence, suggesting that during adolescence, the same preventive interventions may be effective for individuals in both groups.
Filial Therapy as a Cross-cultural Family Intervention

Filial therapy is a parent training program based upon building and enhancing the parent-child relationship through use of play therapy skills. Since both play and family relationships cross cultural boundaries, it is proposed that filial therapy is an effective family therapy intervention across ethnic groups. The history of filial therapy, rationale for its use, and fundamental structure are discussed. Filial therapy has also been extensively researched and shown to be an effective intervention with a variety of parent and child populations. Included is a discussion of the cross-cultural applications of filial therapy and a summary of filial therapy research with various ethnic populations.
View Independent Computer Lip-Reading

Computer lip-reading systems are usually designed to work using a full-frontal view of the face. However, many human experts tend to prefer to lip-read using an angled view. In this paper we consider issues related to the best viewing angle for an automated lip-reading system. In particular, we seek answers to the following questions: (1) Do computers lip-read better using a frontal or a non-frontal view of the face? (2) What is the best viewing angle for a computer lip-reading system? (3) How can a computer lip-reading system be made to work independently of viewing angle? We investigate these issues using a purpose built audio-visual dataset that contains simultaneous recordings of a speaker reciting continuous speech at five angles. We find that the system performs best on a non-frontal view, perhaps because lip gestures, such as lip-protrusion and lip-rounding, are more pronounced when viewing from an angle. We also describe a simple linear mapping that allows us to map any view of the face to the view that we find to be optimal. Hence we present a view-independent lip-reading system.
Creativity Support for Learning in the Person-Centred Care of Older People with Dementia

We are exploring mechanisms to enhance the person-centred care of older people with dementia with tailored creative thinking and reflective learning techniques. In this paper we report a new tablet-based app to support carers and older people to reminisce, think creatively and learn through reflection. Creativity support is offered though a service that implements the creativity triggers technique adapted to a model of person-centered dementia care.
Molecular modeling and mutagenesis studies of the N-terminal domains of galectin-3: evidence for participation with the C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain in oligosaccharide binding.

A model structure (Henrick,K., Bawumia,S., Barboni,E.A.M., Mehul,B. and Hughes, R.C. (1998) Glycobiology:, 8, 45-57) of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD, amino acid residues 114-245) of hamster galectin-3 has been extended to include N-terminal domain amino acid residues 91-113 containing one of the nine proline-rich motifs present in full-length hamster galectin-3. The modeling predicts two configurations of the N-terminal tail: in one the tail turns toward the first (SI) and last (S12) beta-strands of the CRD and lies at the apolar dimer interface observed for galectins -1 and -2. In the second folding arrangement the N-terminal tail lies across the carbohydrate-binding pocket of the CRD where it could participate in sugar-binding: in particular tyrosine 102 and adjacent residues may interact with the partly solvent exposed nonreducing N-acetylgalactosamine and fucose substituents of the A-blood group structure GalNAcalpha1,3 [Fucalpha1,2]Galbeta1,4GlcNAc-R. Binding studies using surface plasmon resonance of a recombinant fragment Delta1-93 protein containing residues 94-245 of hamster galectin-3 and a collagenase-derived fragment Delta1-103 containing residues 104-245, as well as alanine mutagenesis of residues 101-105 in Delta1-93 protein, support the prediction that Tyr102 and adjacent residues make significant contributions to oligosaccharide binding.
Venous catheter based mapping of ectopic epicardial activation: training data set selection for statistical estimation

A source of error in most of the existing catheter cardiac mapping approaches is that they are not capable of acquiring epicardial potentials even though arrhythmic substrates involving epicardial and subepicardial layers account for about 15% of the ventricular tachycardias. In this subgroup of patients, mapping techniques that are limited to the endocardium result in localization errors and failure in subsequent ablation procedures. In addition, catheter-based electrophysiological studies of the epicardium are limited to regions near the coronary vessels or require transthoracic access. We have developed a statistical approach by which to estimate high-resolution maps of epicardial activation from very low-resolution multi-electrode venous catheter measurements. A training set of previously recorded maps is necessary for this technique so that composition of the database becomes an important determinant of accuracy. The specific hypothesis of the study was that estimation accuracy would be best when the training data set matches that of the test beat(s), whereby the matching was according to the site of initiation of the beats. This hypothesis suggests approaches to optimized selection of the training set, three of which we have developed and evaluated. One of these methods, the high-CC refinement method, was able to estimate the earliest activation site of left ventricularly paced maps within an average of 4.67 mm of the true site; in 89% of the cases (a total of 231 cases) the error was smaller than 10 mm. In another method, MHC-Spatial activation, right ventricularly paced maps (239 maps) were estimated with an error of 7.15 mm. The average correlation coefficient between the original and the estimated maps was also very high (0.97), which shows the ability of the training data set refinement methods to estimate the epicardial activation sequence. The results of these tests support the hypothesis and, moreover, suggest that such an approach is feasible for providing accurate reconstruction of complete epicardial activation-time maps in a clinical setting.
The Processing of Somatosensory Information Shifts from an Early Parallel into a Serial Processing Mode: A Combined fMRI/MEG Study

The question regarding whether somatosensory inputs are processed in parallel or in series has not been clearly answered. Several studies that have applied dynamic causal modeling (DCM) to fMRI data have arrived at seemingly divergent conclusions. However, these divergent results could be explained by the hypothesis that the processing route of somatosensory information changes with time. Specifically, we suggest that somatosensory stimuli are processed in parallel only during the early stage, whereas the processing is later dominated by serial processing. This hypothesis was revisited in the present study based on fMRI analyses of tactile stimuli and the application of DCM to magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data collected during sustained (260 ms) tactile stimulation. Bayesian model comparisons were used to infer the processing stream. We demonstrated that the favored processing stream changes over time. We found that the neural activity elicited in the first 100 ms following somatosensory stimuli is best explained by models that support a parallel processing route, whereas a serial processing route is subsequently favored. These results suggest that the secondary somatosensory area (SII) receives information regarding a new stimulus in parallel with the primary somatosensory area (SI), whereas later processing in the SII is dominated by the preprocessed input from the SI.
Interactions of a PPARGC1A Variant and a PNPLA3 Variant Affect Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Severely Obese Taiwanese Patients

AbstractThe patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) variant is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the role of genetic variations of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1-alpha gene (PPARGC1A) and glucokinase regulatory (GCKR) gene on NASH in obese patients remains unclear. We studied the effects and interaction of these genetic polymorphisms on NASH in severely obese Taiwanese patients.The genotypes of PPARGC1A rs8192678, PNPLA3 rs738409, and GCKR rs780094 were determined in 177 severely obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. NASH was evaluated by liver histopathology.Of 177 patients, 29 (16.4%), 57 (33.2%), and 91 (51.4%) were in the non-NAFLD, steatosis, and NASH groups, respectively. We found that the PPARGC1A and PNPLA3 variants, but not the GCKR variant, were associated with NASH. The PPARGC1A rs8192678 GA/AA genotype was associated with higher steatosis grade and presence of ballooning degeneration. The PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype was associated with higher severity in all histologic features except for fibrosis. In multivariate analysis, both the PPARGC1A rs8192678 GA/AA genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–4.98; P = 0.031) and the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype (OR 4.05; 95% CI 1.24–13.23; P = 0.021), and also body mass index were independent risk factors for NASH. Further, there was an additive effect of the PPARGC1A rs8192678 GA/AA genotype and the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype on the presence of NASH (OR 6.83; 95% CI 1.61–29.01; P = 0.009). The PPARGC1A rs8192678 GA/AA genotype and the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype had an additive effect on NASH in severely obese Taiwanese patients.
Prevalence of Disordered Eating: A Comparison of Male and Female Collegiate Athletes and Nonathletes

Eating disorder prevalence rates among athletes vary greatly because of the different ways in which researchers have measured and classified them, and the extent to which they are higher than those found among nonathletes remains unresolved. The present study examined prevalence of eating disorders, body image issues, and weight control behaviors using a valid diagnostic measure. Participants included 146 male and 156 female NCAA Division I student-athletes and a matched sample of 170 male and 353 female collegiate nonathletes. Overall, eating disorder prevalence rates and use of pathogenic weight control behaviors were lower among nonathletes than athletes. Rates for athletes in the current study were lower than previous studies. These findings are likely due to the lack of anonymity the athletes had when completing questionnaires, as data were collected through athletes’ preseason physicals, whereas nonathletes completed questionnaires anonymously over the Internet. Recommendations for athletic departme.
A Qualitative Assessment of Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Background: Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is known to produce excellent outcomes, yet some patients do not return to their preinjury level of sport participation. Much literature on return to sport has revolved around anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and even shoulder instability, but none to date have used qualitative, semistructured patient interviews on patients with hip labral tears. Purpose: To understand the factors influencing the decision to return to sport after arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An experienced interviewer conducted qualitative, semistructured interviews of patients aged 18 to 60 years who had arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI. All had preinjury participation in sport and a minimum 2-year follow-up with no revision surgery. Qualitative analysis was then performed to derive codes, categories, and themes. An assessment of preinjury and current sports participation by type, level of competition, and frequency along with patient-reported hip function was also obtained. In addition, current modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), Hip Outcome Score–sports-specific subscale (HOS-SSS), and a coping mechanism evaluation (Brief COPE) were also recorded. Results: A total of 23 patients were interviewed to reveal the overarching themes of internal motivation, external encouragement, and resetting expectations as the predominant factors influencing a patient’s decision to return to preinjury sport. Subjective outcome measurements (mHHS, iHOT-12, patient satisfaction) showed significant differences between patients who did and did not return to sport. Interestingly, the adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms matched and supported our themes in those patients who described fear and self-motivation as defining features influencing their cessation of or return to play, respectively. Conclusion: Self-motivation, aging, pain, encouragement from others, and adapting to physical limitations can largely affect a patient’s decision to return to sport after arthroscopic hip surgery for FAI. Innate coping mechanisms may also help to predict the course of and subsequently aid in a patient’s postoperative recovery.
Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Background: The neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) have been demonstrated in both human and animal studies. Both adult and fetal brains are susceptible to the effects of MeHg toxicity. However, the specific effects of adult exposures have been less well-documented than those of children with prenatal exposures. This is largely because few studies of MeHg exposures in adults have used sensitive neurological endpoints. The present study reports on the results of neuropsychological testing and hair mercury concentrations in adults (>17 yrs) living in fishing communities of Baixada Cuiabana (Mato Grosso) in the Pantanal region of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six villages on the Cuiaba River. Participants included 129 men and women older than 17 years of age. They were randomly selected in proportion to the age range and number of inhabitants in each village. Questionnaire information was collected on demographic variables, including education, occupation, and residence history. Mercury exposure was determined by analysis of hair using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The neurocognitive screening battery included tests from the Wechsler Memory Scale and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Concentrated Attention Test of the Toulouse-Pierron Factorial Battery, the Manual Ability Subtests of the Tests of Mechanical Ability, and the Profile of Mood States. Results: Mercury exposures in this population were associated with fish consumption. The hair mercury concentration in the 129 subjects ranged from 0.56 to 13.6 µg/g; the mean concentration was 4.2 ± 2.4 micrograms/g and the median was 3.7 µg/g. Hair mercury levels were associated with detectable alterations in performance on tests of fine motor speed and dexterity, and concentration. Some aspects of verbal learning and memory were also disrupted by mercury exposure. The magnitude of the effects increased with hair mercury concentration, consistent with a dose-dependent effect. Conclusions: This study suggests that adults exposed to MeHg may be at risk for deficits in neurocognitive function. The functions disrupted in adults, namely attention, fine-motor function
PC1/3 and PC2 Gene Expression and Post‐Translational Endoproteolytic Pro‐Opiomelanocortin Processing is Regulated by Photoperiod in the Seasonal Siberian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

A remarkable feature of the seasonal adaptation displayed by the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) is the ability to decrease food intake and body weight (by up to 40%) in response to shortening photoperiod. The regulating neuroendocrine systems involved in this adaptation and their neuroanatomical and molecular bases are poorly understood. We investigated the effect of photoperiod on the expression of prohormone convertases 1 (PC1/3) and 2 (PC2) and the endoproteolytic processing of the neuropeptide precursor pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) within key energy balance regulating centres of the hypothalamus. We compared mRNA levels and protein distribution of PC1/3, PC2, POMC, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH), β‐endorphin and orexin‐A in selected hypothalamic areas of long day (LD, 16 : 8 h light : dark), short day (SD, 8 : 16 h light : dark) and natural‐day (ND, photoperiod depending on time of the year) acclimated Siberian hamsters. The gene expression of PC2 was significantly higher within the arcuate nucleus (ARC, P < 0.01) in SD and in ND (versus LD), and is reflected in the day length profile between October and April in the latter. PC1/3 gene expression in the ARC and lateral hypothalamus was higher in ND but not in SD compared to the respective LD controls. The immunoreactivity of PC1/3 cleaved neuropeptide ACTH in the ARC and PC1/3‐colocalised orexin‐A in the latyeral hypothalamus were not affected by photoperiod changes. However, increased levels of PC2 mRNA and protein were associated with higher abundance of the mature neuropeptides α‐MSH and β‐endorphin (P < 0.01) in SD. This study provides a possible explanation for previous paradoxical findings showing lower food intake in SD associated with decreased POMC mRNA levels. Our results suggest that a major part of neuroendocrine body weight control in seasonal adaptation may be effected by post‐translational processing mediated by the prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2, in addition to regulation of gene expression of neuropeptide precursors.
Energy costs and performance of transfemoral amputees and non-amputees during walking and running: A pilot study

Background: Limited information is available concerning the effects of prosthetic foot components on energy costs and ambulatory performance for transfemoral amputees. Objectives: Compare energy costs (VO2; gait economy) and ambulatory performance (self-selected walking speeds, self-selected running speeds, peak running speeds) differences during walking and running for transfemoral amputees and matched, non-amputee runners. Study design: Repeated measures. Methods: Transfemoral amputees were accommodated and tested with three prosthetic feet: conventional foot, solid-ankle cushioned heel (SACH); energy storing and return foot, Renegade; and running-specific energy storing and return foot, Nitro. Results: During walking, VO2 was similar between transfemoral amputees but was increased compared to controls. Self-selected walking speeds were slower for SACH compared to Renegade and Nitro. For transfemoral amputees, gait economy was decreased and self-selected walking speeds were slower compared to controls. During fixed running speeds, transfemoral amputees ran using Nitro, and VO2 was greater compared to controls. Transfemoral amputees ran at self-selected running speeds using Renegade and Nitro. Self-selected running speeds were slower for Renegade compared to Nitro. For transfemoral amputees, gait economy was decreased and self-selected running speeds were slower compared to controls. VO2 peak was similar between transfemoral amputees and controls, but controls achieved greater peak running speeds and % grade. Conclusion: Energy costs were greater and ambulatory performance was lower for transfemoral amputees compared to matched, non-amputee controls for all prosthetic foot conditions. Clinical relevance Both types of energy storing and return feet may improve walking performance for transfemoral amputees by providing faster self-selected walking speeds. For transfemoral amputees interested in performing vigorous running (exercise and running competition), clinicians should recommend a running-specific energy storing and return foot.
Caring for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual Parents and their Children

Estimates indicate that about 1% of all households are headed by gay and lesbian parents and that about 19.4% of these households report having children under the age of 18 years at home. There are a number of social, legal, and health care issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families and their children. The purpose of this article is to provide information to health care professionals that can help them to better address the health care needs of LGBT families. Included are resources that nurses can use to understand the complex issues facing LGBT families.