Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Fiber in Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease: A Systematic Review

Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent abdominal symptoms in patients with colonic diverticula. There is some evidence that a high-fiber diet or supplemental fibers may reduce symptoms in SUDD patients and a high-fiber diet is commonly suggested for these patients. This systematic review aims to update the evidence on the efficacy of fiber treatment in SUDD, in terms of a reduction in symptoms and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. According to PRISMA, we identified studies on SUDD patients treated with fibers (PubMed and Scopus). The quality of these studies was evaluated by the Jadad scale. The main outcome measures were a reduction of abdominal symptoms and the prevention of acute diverticulitis. Nineteen studies were included, nine with dietary fiber and 10 with supplemental fiber, with a high heterogeneity concerning the quantity and quality of fibers employed. Single studies suggest that fibers, both dietary and supplemental, could be beneficial in SUDD, even if the quality is very low, with just one study yielding an optimal score. The presence of substantial methodological limitations, the heterogeneity of the therapeutic regimens employed, and the lack of ad hoc designed studies, did not permit a summary of the outcome measure. Thus, the benefit of dietary or supplemental fiber in SUDD patients still needs to be established.
Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Reducing Admission Rates for Diabetes Ketoacidosis

Background: Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Reducing DKA admissions in children with T1DM requires a coordinated, comprehensive management plan. We aimed to decrease DKA admissions, 30-day readmissions, and length of stay (LOS) for DKA admissions. Methods: A multipronged intervention was designed in 2011 to reach all patients: (1) increase insulin pump use and basal-bolus regimen versus sliding scales, (2) transform educational program, (3) increased access to medical providers, and (4) support for patients and families. A before-after study was conducted comparing performance outcomes in years 2007-2010 (preintervention) to 2012-2014 (postintervention) using administrative data and Wilcoxon rank sum and Fischer exact tests. Results: DKA admissions decreased by 44% postintervention (16.7 vs 9.3 per 100 followed patient-years; P = .006), unique patient 30-day readmissions decreased from 20% to 5% postintervention (P = .001), and median LOS significantly decreased postintervention (P < .0001). Although not an original goal of the study, median hemoglobin A1C of a subset of the population transitioned from sliding scale decreased, 10.3% to 8.9% (P < .02). Conclusions: When clinical and widespread program interventions were used, significant reductions in DKA hospitalizations, 30-day readmissions, and LOS occurred for pediatric T1DM. Continuous performance improvement efforts are needed for improving DKA outcomes.
Nonsymmetric Algebraic Riccati Equations and Wiener-Hopf Factorization for M-Matrices

We consider the nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati equation for which the four coefficient matrices form an M-matrix. Nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati equations of this type appear in applied probability and transport theory. The minimal nonnegative solution of these equations can be found by Newton's method and basic fixed-point iterations. The study of these equations is also closely related to the so-called Wiener--Hopf factorization for M-matrices. We explain how the minimal nonnegative solution can be found by the Schur method and compare the Schur method with Newton's method and some basic fixed-point iterations. The development in this paper parallels that for symmetric algebraic Riccati equations arising in linear quadratic control.
Translating dosages from animal models to human clinical trials—revisiting body surface area scaling

Body surface area (BSA) scaling has been used for prescribing individualized dosages of various drugs and has also been recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as one method for using data from animal model species to establish safe starting dosages for first‐in‐human clinical trials. Although BSA conversion equations have been used in certain clinical applications for decades, recent recommendations to use BSA to derive interspecies equivalents for therapeutic dosages of drug and natural products are inappropriate. A thorough review of the literature reveals that BSA conversions are based on antiquated science and have little justification in current translational medicine compared to more advanced allometric and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling. Misunderstood and misinterpreted use of BSA conversions may have disastrous consequences, including underdosing leading to abandonment of potentially efficacious investigational drugs, and unexpected deadly adverse events. We aim to demonstrate that recent recommendations for BSA are not appropriate for animal‐to‐human dosage conversions and use pharmacokinetic data from resveratrol studies to demonstrate how confusion between the “human equivalent dose” and “pharmacologically active dose” can lead to inappropriate dose recommendations. To optimize drug development, future recommendations for interspecies scaling must be scientifically justified using physiologic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicology data rather than simple BSA conversion. —Blanchard, O. L. , Smoliga, J. M. Translating dosages from animal models to human clinical trials—revisiting body surface area scaling. FASEB J. 29, 1629‐1634 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Experimental Analysis of TCP Performance in Static Multi-hop Ad Hoc Networks

Many previous papers have pointed out that TCP performance in multi-hop ad hoc networks (MANETs) is sub-optimal. This is due to several TCP design principles that reflect the characteristics of wired networks dominant at the time when TCP was designed that do not hold in MANETs. Based on this evidence, several TCP variants have been proposed in the literature. However, little effort has been devoted to investigate the performance of TCP in a real environment, even in a static scenario. Most of the work relies on simulation. In this chapter we provide an experimental analysis of TCP in static multi-hop ad hoc networks. We investigate the TCP performance in a simple, but interesting, scenario, i.e., a chain topology with different number of hops. We highlight some results contrasting with simulations and show that these discrepancies are due to the different protocols -or different protocol implementations -used in practice with respect to simulation tools.
Subjective visual vertical test in patients with chronic dizziness without abnormal findings in routine vestibular function tests

Conclusion: The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test can detect abnormality of the otolithic organs and the graviceptive pathways present in a considerable number of patients having dizziness but presenting no abnormal findings in conventional vestibular function tests. Objective: To evaluate whether the SVV test can detect dysfunction of the otolithic organs and perception of gravity in patients with dizziness having no abnormal finding on routine tests for the vestibular system. Patients and methods: Forty-four patients who complained of chronic dizziness but had no abnormal finding on routine tests for vestibular system and on brain MRI studies were selected between 2004 and 2006. SVV tests were performed on these patients. Patients with chronic dizziness caused by apparent psychogenic disorders, such as depression, were excluded. Results: Among the 44 patients, 3 showed abnormal tilts of SVV. The latter three patients had deep white matter hyperintensities on their MRI, probably due to aging.
Strategic Information Disclosure: The Case of Multiattribute Products with Heterogeneous Consumers

We examine the incentives for firms to voluntarily disclose otherwise private information about the quality attributes of their products. In particular, we focus on the case of differentiated products with multiple attributes and heterogeneous consumers. We show that there exist certain configurations of consumers' multi-dimensional preferences under which a firm, no matter whether producing a high- or low-quality product, may choose not to reveal the quality even with zero disclosure costs. The failure of information unraveling arises when providing consumers with more information results in more elastic demand, which triggers more intensive price competition and leads to lower prices and profits for competing firms. As a result, the equilibrium in which disclosure is voluntary may diverge from that in which disclosure is mandatory.
Relation of Modal Preference with Performance in Adaptive Hypermedia Context: An Exploration Using Visual, Verbal and Multimedia Learning Modules

Learning styles theories suggest that people learn differently, an important consideration for adaptive hypermedia learning platforms. Since on such platforms, mode of delivery of course material - visual, verbal or multimedia - plays an important role, this study considers learning styles in the context of adaptive hypermedia with the aim to identify if providing material according to one's learning style enhances performance. While some studies report positive results, others find no correlation between the two. Here, we examine the efficacy of learning styles, especially the visual-verbal dimension of Felder-Silverman model, in a controlled e-learning environment by testing the effectiveness of visual, verbal as well as multimedia modules for history and engineering on 268 engineering undergraduates identified on the basis of visual, verbal and mixed orientations. Contrary to expectations, results indicated no relation between learning styles and performance in modules based on different sensory preferences. However, students did show discipline-based better performance in multimedia and visual modes than in verbal mode. They also preferred multimedia and visual modes over verbal. This corroborates earlier findings - the efficacy of learning styles remains unconfirmed.
BLADE-ON-PETIOLE–Dependent Signaling Controls Leaf and Floral Patterning in Arabidopsis

NONEXPRESSOR OF PR GENES1 (NPR1) is a key regulator of the plant defense response known as systemic acquired resistance. Accumulation of the signal molecule salicylic acid (SA) leads to a change in intracellular redox potential, enabling NPR1 to enter the nucleus and interact with TGACG sequence–specific binding protein (TGA) transcription factors, which in turn bind to SA-responsive elements in the promoters of defense genes. Here, we show that two NPR1-like genes, BLADE-ON-PETIOLE1 (BOP1) and BOP2, function redundantly to control growth asymmetry, an important aspect of patterning in leaves and flowers. Phenotypes in the double mutant include leafy petioles, loss of floral organ abscission, and asymmetric flowers subtended by a bract. We demonstrate that BOP2 is localized to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, but unlike NPR1, it is highly expressed in young floral meristems and in yeast interacts preferentially with the TGA transcription factor encoded by PERIANTHIA (PAN). In support of a biological relevance for this interaction, we show that bop1 bop2 and pan mutants share a pentamerous arrangement of first whorl floral organs, a patterning defect that is retained in bop1 bop2 pan triple mutants. Our data provide evidence that BOP proteins control patterning via direct interactions with TGA transcription factors and demonstrate that a signaling mechanism similar to that formally associated with plant defense is likely used for the control of developmental patterning.
Development of semagacestat (LY450139), a functional γ-secretase inhibitor, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Background: Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by increased formations of neurotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, which give rise to the hallmark amyloid plaques. Therefore, pharmacological agents that reduce Aβ formation may be of therapeutic benefit. Objective: This paper reviews the pharmacology and chemical efficacy of an Aβ-lowering agent, semagacestat (LY450139). Methods: A review of the published literature pertaining to semagacestat was obtained using several electronic search engines; unpublished data on file at Eli Lilly and Co. were used as supplementary material. Results/conclusions: Semagacestat treatment lowers plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain Aβ in a dose-dependent manner in animals and plasma and cerebrospinal fluid Aβ in humans, compared with placebo-treated patients. On the basis of extant data, semagacestat seems to be well tolerated, with most adverse events related to its actions on inhibition of peripheral Notch cleavage. Thus far, clinical efficacy has not been detectable because of the short duration of the current trials. Phase III trials with 21 months of active treatment are currently underway.
Risk and Protective Factors for HIV Self-disclosure among Poor African-American Women Living with HIV/AIDS

African-American women with HIV are among the fastest growing populations with HIV. The psychosocial factors and beliefs/attitudes associated with disclosure and other un-safe sex practices are not fully understood in this population. A total of 158 HIV-positive women receiving primary care in an HIV clinic in Philadelphia who enrolled in a safe-sex intervention, completed a baseline questionnaire on their sexual activities with male partners and psychosocial factors that were potential protective/risk factors for unsafe sex. Women who were emotionally close and monogamous with their partner were most likely to disclose their HIV status and least likely to worry they had infected their partner. Women who were non-monogamous and who did not have an emotional connection to any of their partners were least likely to self-disclose. Partners were more likely to know each other's status when the woman felt she had a responsibility to talk about the importance of staying HIV-negative.
The role of sociability in developing online health communities for people with diabetes

The escalation in the incidence of chronic diseases has led to a significant number of people coping with conditions such as diabetes. The use of online communities to support patients in managing their condition is increasing as people seek information and emotional support from peer groups. This study examines the role of sociability in online diabetes communities and identifies key factors that contribute to the development of vibrant communities. It identifies key sociability factors that affect the commitment of owners and members to the community and enable people with diabetes to gain social networking benefits that enhance their ability to manage aspects of their condition. Early indications are that a vibrant sociable community can contribute to educating and encouraging people to maintain a higher degree of self management of their chronic disease.
Combining problem-solution categories and communicative acts: an analysis of Malaysian and British business journalistic texts

Textual features are evidence of a community’s routines for producing knowledge. In Language for Special Purposes (LSP), it is generally accepted that through text, it is possible to explore the activity of knowledge-making in a professional community, particularly in specialized written discourse. This activity or communicative tasks are realized as communicative acts which contains the writer’s / speaker’s thoughts and intentions. The assumption of the present research is that the communicative tasks that a specialist performs in the real world can be manifested in the specialized text and that business journalistic discourse contains problems and solutions. By comparing Malaysian (MB) and British (MT) business journalistic texts, this paper examines the feasibility of combining [13] and [5] theories to search for speech acts that fall into the Problem- Solution categories. Using a corpus linguistics methodology, the results indicate that 1) there are significant differences in the frequencies of communicative acts underlying the Problem and Solution in MB compared with MT and 2) there are no one-to-one mappings of communicative functions onto either a Problem or a Solution.
Renormalization group aspects of graphene

Graphene is a two-dimensional crystal of carbon atoms with fascinating electronic and morphological properties. The low-energy excitations of the neutral, clean system are described by a massless Dirac Hamiltonian in (2+1) dimensions, which also captures the main electronic and transport properties. A renormalization group analysis sheds light on the success of the free model: owing to the special form of the Fermi surface that reduces to two single points in momentum space, short-range interactions are irrelevant and only gauge interactions such as long-range Coulomb or effective disorder can play a role in the low-energy physics. We review these features and briefly discuss other aspects related to disorder and to the bilayer material along the same lines.
Gender differences in the relationship between some family characteristics and adolescent substance abuse

Recent researchers have identified family variables as potential risk and protective factors against adolescent substance abuse. This study examines the relationship between some family variables and cigarette, alcohol and drug abuse. Differences between adolescent boys and adolescent girls, according to the family variables used, were also researched. The sample included 1, 258 boys and 1, 538 girls (between the ages from 14-20) from all areas of Croatia. The adolescents described their family structures, the degree of family cohesion, parental social support, and family interaction (family activities and leisure time spent with family). They also described their use of cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs during their lives. The results show that, when compared to adolescents from single parent families, both boys and girls whose parents are married feel that they receive more parental social support. While adolescent boys do not make a distinction in their evaluation of family cohesion, adolescent girls whose parents are married evaluate family cohesion better than adolescent girls from single parent families. The family interaction scale showed a statistically significant difference only for the boy sample, on the subscale of leisure time spent with family. Stepwise regression analyses were conducted on both adolescent boy and adolescent girl samples with three types of substance abuse (cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs) as criterion variables, and four subscales of family functioning as predictors. Family variables are related to adolescent cigarette, alcohol and drug use, but predictive factors vary according to the gender of the participant. The results are discussed in relation to different socialization patterns of adolescent boys and adolescent girls.
Plasma Levels of the Proinflammatory Chitin‐Binding Glycoprotein YKL‐40, Variation in the Chitinase 3‐Like 1 Gene (CHI3L1), and Incident Cardiovascular Events

Background YKL‐40, encoded by the chitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1) gene, is a chitinase‐like protein involved in innate immune function hypothesized to play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis that may have differential roles in myocardial infarction (MI), as compared to stroke. Methods and Results In a nested case‐control study conducted within a prospective cohort of 23 294 initially healthy women of European ancestry, we (1) measured plasma concentration of YKL‐40 among 359 participants who subsequently developed cardiovascular events and among 359 age‐, smoking‐, and hormone replacement therapy–matched participants who remained free of disease during 17 years of follow‐up, (2) compared effects of YKL‐40 on vascular risk to that associated with 3 alternative inflammatory biomarkers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) ([hsCRP], soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1, and fibrinogen), and (3) evaluated the role of 41 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chitinase 3‐like 1 gene (CHI3L1) as determinants of YKL‐40 levels and incident vascular events. YKL‐40 levels were higher in women with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity and correlated modestly with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and hsCRP, but not with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Baseline YKL‐40 level was significantly associated with incident thromboembolic stroke with a magnitude of effect (a 40% per quartile increase in odds ratio [OR], P=0.019) comparable to that of hsCRP (a 52% per quartile increase in OR, P=0.006). By contrast, no significant association was observed between YKL‐40 and incident MI. Genetic variation in CHI3L1 was strongly associated with YKL‐40 levels; however, in this sample set, we did not observe a statistically significant association between genotype and future vascular events. Conclusions Among initially healthy U.S. women, plasma levels of the proinflammatory chitenase‐like protein, YKL‐40, were influenced by environmental as well as genetic factors and predicted incident thromboembolic stroke, but not MI, a differential effect consistent with limited previous data.
Antibody inhibits defined stages in the pathogenesis of reovirus serotype 3 infection of the central nervous system

The mammalian reoviruses provide a model for studying specific aspects of the immunopathogenesis of viral infection. We have used two serotype 3 reoviruses to define stages in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) infection at which a mAb specific for the reoviral cell attachment protein sigma 1 (sigma 1mAbG5) acts to protect mice against lethal disease. sigma 1mAbG5 administered either before or at the time of footpad inoculation with reovirus T3D prevented entry of T3D into the CNS. sigma 1mAbG5 also inhibited the spread of reovirus T3C9 from the gastrointestinal tract to the CNS after peroral inoculation with T3C9. These effects occurred in the absence of a significant effect of sigma 1mAbG5 on primary replication in skeletal muscle (T3D) or the gastrointestinal tract (T3C9). sigma 1mAbG5 administered after T3D had reached the spinal cord inhibited subsequent spread of infectious virus from spinal cord to brain. Even after direct intracerebral inoculation of T3D, sigma 1mAbG5 prevented both growth in the brain and spread of infectious virus from brain to eye, spinal cord, and muscle. Treatment with sigma 1mAbG5 after intracerebral inoculation with T3D prevented neuronal necrosis and resulted in a delayed and topographically restricted inflammatory response. We detected no antibody-resistant T3D variants in vivo after treatment with sigma 1mAbG5. We conclude that systemic IgG does not play a significant role at the primary site of infection with reoviruses, while it clearly acts to prevent infection of the CNS and extension of infection with the CNS. Further study will be directed to defining what components of the immune system do act at primary sites of infection, and to defining the mechanisms by which antibody acts at defined stages in pathogenesis.