Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reductions in cardiovascular risk in association with population screening: a 10-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND This study was carried out in order to examine changes in cardiovascular risk associated with a population-based screening programme. METHOD Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor data from a representative sample of residents aged between 45 and 55 years who attended screening a total of three times over a 10-year period were chosen for analysis (n=4113). Cohorts were defined as either 'high risk' or 'normal risk' at baseline for risk factors including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, smoking and alcohol intake. Mean changes were observed for both groups over three screening episodes, and results were stratified by gender. RESULTS For the high-risk cohorts (after controlling for age and regression to the mean effects), there were significant decreases in all risk factors, except BMI. Conversely, the observed changes in the normal risk cohorts indicated significant increases in risk factors over the 10-year period. After adjusting for age, the pattern in the normal risk cohorts fluctuated and there were some decreases in risk, but they were not as large as the decreases in risk for the high-risk cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Population screening for CVD is an effective strategy for identifying and reducing risk in high-risk individuals. These results have significant implications for the role of screening in preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease.
A Study of White, Black, and Hispanic Students' Transition to a Community College

Most research about student transition to college has focused on students at four-year institutions with the conclusion that feelings of incongruence or isolation can affect adjustment to college life, particularly for minority students. The research described in this report was designed to examine differences in the transition process among Black, Hispanic, and White students at a community college. Using focus groups as a data collection tool and assigning students to focus groups based on their race-ethnicity, the researchers collected data from first-time freshmen using a discussion guide that explored students' goals and expectations, transition to college, and comfort level with the college. Although students shared many of the same experiences, their transition differed by raceethnicity insofar as enrollment difficulties, academic adjustment, and feelings of fit in the college environment. Faculty played a critical role in establishing positive classroom experiences for students.
Local active warming: an effective treatment for pain, anxiety and nausea caused by renal colic.

PURPOSE Based on previous studies showing that warming decreases trauma pain in emergency care we hypothesized that local active warming of the abdomen and lower back region could decrease pain in acute renal colic cases during emergency transport. MATERIALS AND METHODS After obtaining informed consent 100 patients were divided into 2 groups, including those who received active warming of the abdomen and lower back region (42C) and those who received no warming. Pain, nausea and anxiety were rated by the patients using visual analog scales. Statistical evaluation was performed using the t test with p <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS In group 1 a significant pain decrease was recorded in all cases using a visual analog score (VAS) (82.7 +/- 9.5 to 36.3 +/- 16.0 mm VAS, p <0.01). In group 2 patient pain scores remained comparable (81.8 +/- 13.0 to 80.6 +/- 12.3 mm VAS). In group 1 anxiety significantly decreased (79.0 +/- 8.9 and 30.7 +/- 14.1 mm VAS before and after treatment, respectively, p <0.01). In group 2 a nonsignificant change in score was noted (79.7 +/- 20.5 to 75.2 +/- 19.7 mm VAS). In group 1 a significant decrease in nausea was recorded in all cases (85.7 +/- 11.2 to 40.6 +/- 23.0 mm VAS, p <0.01). In group 2 patient nausea scores remained comparable (79.2 +/- 22.0 to 80.3 +/- 22.4 mm VAS, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Local active warming is an effective and easy to learn pain treatment for patients with acute renal colic in emergency care.
Development and Evaluation of Gastroretentive Floating Tablets of an Antihypertensive Drug Using Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil

The aim of the present work was to develop a gastroretentive floating tablet of Atenolol and investigate the effects of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic retardant on in vitro release. Atenolol is an antihypertensive drug with an oral bioavailability of only 50% because of its poor absorption from lower gastrointestinal tract. The floating tablets of Atenolol were prepared to increase the gastric retention, to extend the drug release, and to improve the bioavailability of the drug. The floating tablets were formulated using hydrophilic polymers as Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4M and HPMC K15M), hydrophobic retardant as a hydrogenated cottonseed oil (HCSO), and sodium bicarbonate as a gas generating agent to reduce floating lag time. The formulated tablets were evaluated for the quality control tests such as weight variation, hardness, friability, swelling index, floating lag time, and total floating time. The in vitro release study of the tablets was performed in 0.1 N HCl as a dissolution media. The results of the present study clearly indicates the promising potential of Atenolol floating system as an alternative to the conventional dosage and other sustained release formulations. The study also revealed the effectiveness of HCSO as retardant in combination with HPMC.
Lay Theories About White Racists: What Constitutes Racism (and What Doesn't)

Psychological theories of racial bias assume a pervasive motivation to avoid appearing racist, yet researchers know little regarding laypeople's theories about what constitutes racism. By investigating lay theories of White racism across both college and community samples, we seek to develop a more complete understanding of the nature of race-related norms, motivations, and processes of social perception in the contemporary United States. Factor analyses in Studies 1 and 1a indicated three factors underlying the traits laypeople associate with White racism: evaluative, psychological, and demographic. Studies 2 and 2a revealed a three-factor solution for behaviors associated with White racism: discomfort/unfamiliarity, overt racism, and denial of problem. For both traits and behaviors, lay theories varied by participants' race and their race-related attitudes and motivations. Specifically, support emerged for the prediction that lay theories of racism reflect a desire to distance the self from any aspect of the category ‘racist’.
Religiosity and Life Satisfaction

Abstract Religiosity has been examined in relation to life satisfaction, subjective well-being, happiness, health and social involvement. Previous social psychological research generally evaluated religiosity as a unidimensional concept focusing primarily on religious attendance. Researchers have noted that reliance on religious attendance as a sole measure of religiosity may be insufficient and lead to incorrect conclusions. Recent studies have explored the relationship between multiple dimensions of religiosity and measures of well-being (Ellison, Gay & Glass, 1989; Ellison, 1991; Chumbler, 1996). This study examined the relationships between religiosity, life satisfaction, age and gender. Two dimensions of religiosity were evaluated, religious affiliation and private religious devotion. Results indicate that religious affiliation is more strongly tied to life satisfaction than private religious devotion. Both measures of religiosity increased with age, indicating that adults tend to increase levels of religious affiliation and private religious devotion across the lifespan. In support of previous findings, women reported a higher level of religiosity than men in the sample studied.
Through the Eyes of Preservice Teachers: Implications for the Multicultural Journey From Teacher Education

Abstract This study investigated preservice early childhood education students' a) definitions of multicultural education, b) sources of information from which to construct their definition, c) perceptions of multicultural education in schools, and d) perceptions of the ways that multicultural education should be implemented. The 103 participants at different levels of a four-year undergraduate program completed an open-ended, four-item questionnaire that revealed important findings and insights into students' developmental thinking. Responses indicated that students' definitions illustrated minimal understanding and conceptualizations of multicultural education, which were limited to, mainly, race and ethnicity. A majority of respondents constructed their definitions from college courses, suggesting that universities may have a tremendous influence on student attitudes toward diversity. Participants witnessed multicultural education on a limited basis in school sites and were confronted with incongruencies between the diversity perspective advocated in university course work and the series of discrete events witnessed in the field. This study suggests that students in all levels of professional development continue to struggle with multicultural education. Teacher education programs must assist students in their conceptualization and critical reflection on multicultural education by capitalizing on opportunities throughout the students' experiences for them to critically reflect and examine their own and others' experiences regarding diversity.
MAPK superfamily plays an important role in daunomycin-induced apoptosis of cardiac myocytes.

BACKGROUND Although anthracyclines, such as daunomycin (DM) and adriamycin, are potent chemotherapeutic agents, they have serious adverse effects, including cardiac toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of DM-induced cardiomyocyte impairment. METHODS AND RESULTS When cultured cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats were exposed to 1 micromol/L DM for 24 hours, many cells became positive for TUNEL staining, with morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis. Fragmentation of DNA into oligonucleosome-size fragments was recognized by agarose gel electrophoresis in DM-treated myocytes. DM activated 3 members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family dose-dependently, such as extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases, and p38 MAPK in cardiac myocytes. Oxyradical scavengers or Ca(2+) chelators inhibited DM-induced activation of ERKs and p38 MAPK. DM-induced activation of ERKs was also inhibited by overexpression of dominant negative mutants of Ras (D.N.Ras), and the p38 MAPK activation was attenuated by D.N. Rho. The number of DM-induced apoptotic cells was markedly increased when the ERK signaling pathway was selectively blocked by a specific MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, PD98059, whereas pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, SB203580, significantly reduced the amount of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that DM activates MAPKs through reactive oxygen species and Ca(2+) and that the MAPK family plays important roles in DM-induced apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. ERKs protect cardiomyocytes from apoptosis, whereas p38 MAPK is involved in the induction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Principles of Regulating Interaction in Teams Practicing Face-To-Face Communication Versus Teams Practicing Computer-Mediated Communication

This study investigates how the regulation of interaction on the performative level (types and functions of interactions) and the referential level (relations of concepts) varies depending on the modality of communication: face-to-face, synchronous, and asynchronous text-based computer-mediated communication. In the experimental setting, six groups consisting of four experts cooperated per one of the three modalities in planning a marketing campaign for solar energy systems. The communication transcripts were analyzed on the performative level by SYMLOG. On the referential level, a network analysis was established to examine how relevant concepts were introduced in the discussion. The group output was measured with regard to group work, satisfaction, and performance. The results show that all communication modalities differ on the performative and on the referential level. No differences between the modalities were found regarding group work and satisfaction of the members. Group performance was judged better in face-to-face than in computer-mediated groups.
The Invisible Carers

This article explores how paid domestic work is framed in state policies and discourses, drawing upon theoretical discussions on gender, welfare and global care chains. Based on a case study of the political debate on the `reconciliation of personal, family and work life' in Spain, the author argues that dominant policy frames relate gender inequality to women's unpaid domestic work and care, while domestic workers are essentially the invisible `other'. Empowering and disempowering frames are discussed; domestic workers are mainly constructed as a solution to the care problem and only marginally as subjects and rights-holders. The overall aim is to examine how public policies legitimize and (re)produce social inequalities related to gender, class and nationality.
Growth‐inhibitory effect of STI571 on cells transformed by the COL1A1/PDGFB rearrangement

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DP) is a skin tumor of intermediate malignancy characterized by high recurrence rates, for which surgical excision is the main therapy. All DP cases carry a specific t(17;22) translocation, resulting in a COL1A1/PDGFB rearrangement. The subsequently deregulated production of PDGFB generates autocrine stimulation of PDGFrβ, leading to malignant transformation. Using NIH‐3T3 cells transformed by the COL1A1/PDGFB rearrangement (5A cell line), we explored the possibility of blocking the PDGFB autocrine loop, both in vitro and in vivo, using STI571, an inhibitor of the PDGF receptor and of ABL kinase activity. The presence of small amounts of serum in the culture medium was required for the in vitro growth and morphological transformation of 5A cells. In the presence of STI571, the growth rate was reduced and the associated transformed phenotype changed to a flattened one. This effect could be reversed on removal of the inhibitor. The growth rate of tumors induced by 5A cells in nude mice was reduced by STI571 administration. Interestingly, this effect was also evident on pre‐existing tumors, but no tumor eradication was observed. This is consistent with the reversible effects of the inhibitor observed in vitro but differs from the eradication effect of STI571 on BCR‐ABL–induced tumors. Our data indicate that STI571 might be a candidate compound for the pharmacological treatment of DP and demonstrate that the same compound may act in different ways (cytotoxic vs. cytostatic), according to the specificity of the inhibited tyrosine kinase, namely, ABL or PDGFrβ. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome of depression in demented and non‐demented elderly: Observations from a three‐year follow‐up in a community‐based study

In the Kungsholmen project, a longitudinal study of a total population, samples of non‐demented and demented elderly persons with a depressive disorder were followed over 3 years. Of 668 persons who received a full medical examination, 62 were found to have a depressive disorder. Of these, 28 were demented and 34 non‐demented. Two‐thirds of the 62 had not been previously recognized as having a depressive disorder. There was no difference in this regard between the demented and non‐demented samples. After 3 years, only two out of 20 non‐demented cases had recovered from their depressive disorder. This is in contrast to the demented cases, where only one of 11 were still depressed. These results indicate the need for greater attention to the recognition and management of depressive disorders in the elderly.
Good readers but at a cost? Attitudes to reading in England

The results of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2001 (PIRLS) were reported in 2003. In addition to data about the reading achievements of 10-year-olds in 35 countries, the study also collected questionnaire information from children, their teachers, headteachers and parents. One aspect of the data that attracted comment in the media was the fact that, despite high achievement on the reading tests, children in England were reported as having relatively poor attitudes to reading, compared to children in many other countries. A review of the results of selected surveys over the past 30 years suggests that there may be some evidence of attitudes to reading in primary schools becoming less positive. Preliminary analysis of the attitude and achievement data from PIRLS suggests a more complex picture than that presented in the summary index published in 2003.
What is the optimal length of stay in hospital for ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention?

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and practicality of very early (within 48 h) discharge with long-term follow-up results, and to define an optimal length of stay in hospital for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) according to their demographic characteristics and risk assessment. METHODS A total of 267 patients with STEMI successfully treated with primary coronary intervention were retrospectively analyzed. Patients was divided into four groups according to length of hospitalization: 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and more than 72 hours. The groups were compared in terms of the patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, short- and long-term follow-up results, mortality, revascularization and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS More than two thirds of the patients were discharged within 48 hours (68.9%). No difference was observed between groups in terms of one month and one year MACE and one year restenosis. However, one month restenosis was slightly higher in the fourth group. At the end of the first year, there had been only four deaths, and these were in the third and fourth groups. There were no deaths among patients discharged within 48 hours. Killip class, left ventricular ejection fraction, multi-vessel disease and diabetes were the major determinants of length of stay in hospital. CONCLUSIONS Very early discharge is safe and feasible and does not increase the mortality rate. Uncomplicated STEMI patients with single vessel disease could be discharged after 24 hours. Patients with multi-vessel disease classified in the low risk group could be discharged after 48 hours.
MicroRNA-377 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Inhibiting TIAM1 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Increasing evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we identified a novel tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-377, and investigated its role in HCC. The expression of miR-377 in HCC tissues and cell lines was detected by real-time reverse-transcription PCR. The effects of miR-377 on HCC cell proliferation and invasion were also investigated. Western blot and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify the direct and functional target of miR-377. The expression of miR-377 was markedly downregulated in human HCC tissues and cell lines. MiR-377 can dramatically inhibit cell growth and invasion in HCC cells. Subsequent investigation revealed that T lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (TIAM1) was a direct and functional target of miR-377 in HCC cells. Overexpression of miR-377 impaired TIAM1-induced promotion of proliferation and invasion in HCC cells. Finally, miR-377 is inversely correlated with TIAM1 expression in human HCC tissues. These findings reveal that miR-377 functions as a tumor suppressor and inhibits the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by targeting TIAM1, which may consequently serve as a therapeutic target for HCC patients.
FLAIR Vascular Hyperintensities in Acute ICA and MCA Infarction: A Marker for Mismatch and Stroke Severity?

Background: Vascular hyperintensities of brain-supplying arteries on stroke FLAIR MRI are common and represent slow flow or stasis. FLAIR vascular hyperintensities (FVH) are discussed as an independent marker for cerebral hypoperfusion, but the impact on infarct size and clinical outcome in acute stroke patients is controversial. This study evaluates the association of FVH with infarct morphology, clinical stroke severity and infarct growth in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Methods: MR images of 84 patients [median age 73 years (IQR 65–80), 56.0% male, median NIHSS 7 (IQR 3–13)] with acute stroke due to symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion or stenosis were reviewed. Vessel occlusions were identified by MRA time of flight and graded with the TIMI score. Diffusion and perfusion deficit volumes on admission and FLAIR lesion volumes on discharge were assessed. The presence and number of FVH were evaluated according to MCA-ASPECT areas, and associations with MR volumes, morphology of infarction, recanalization status, presence of white matter disease and hemorrhagical transformation as well as with stroke severity (NIHSS), stroke etiology and thrombolysis rate were analyzed. Results: FVH were detectable in 75 (89.3%) patients. The median number of FVH was 4 (IQR 2–7). Patients with FVH >4 presented with more severe strokes due to NIHSS (p = 0.021), had larger initial DWI lesions (p = 0.008), perfusion deficits (p = 0.001) and mismatch volumes/ratios (p = 0.005). The final infarct volume was larger (p = 0.005), and hemorrhagic transformation was more frequent (p = 0.029) in these patients. Conclusions: The presence of FVH indicates larger ischemic areas in brain parenchyma predominantly caused by proximal anterior circulation vessel occlusion. A high count of FVH might be a further surrogate marker for initial ischemic mismatch and stroke severity.
Beliefs of Intelligence, Knowledge Acquisition, and Motivational Orientation: A Comparative Analysis of Hispanic/Latino and Anglo Youth

This study was designed to examine the epistemological beliefs about the nature of knowledge, views of intelligence and motivational perceptions. Two samples were drawn from two large urban high schools in the Southwest portion of the United States with large Hispanic/Latino student populations while a third was drawn from a majority Anglo student population from a large urban high school in northern Indiana. A self-report instrument was designed based on earlier work by Schommer (1993), White and Nichols (1998, 2002a, 2002b), and Steinberg and his colleagues (Steinberg, Lamborn, Dornbush, & Darling, 1992) and was distributed to 417 middle and high school students. Our specific hypotheses were that a significant difference would exist among the achievement and motivation perceptions of Hispanic and Anglo students. Second, no significant differences would occur in knowledge and intelligence beliefs among low- and high-achieving Anglo and Hispanic students. Third, when socioeconomic status was considered, limited differences would be seen between the responses of Hispanic and Anglo youth. Several of these hypotheses were confirmed whereas others warrant additional exploration before final conclusions can be determined. Implications for additional research are discussed.