Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic Evaluation of Corticosteroid Use in Obese and Non-obese Individuals: A Multi-cohort Study

Background: Although the use of corticosteroids has been linked to high incidence of weight gain, no data are available concerning the differences in corticosteroid use between a diverse obese population and non-obese individuals. The main purpose of this study was to systematically explore the use of corticosteroids in obese subjects compared to non-obese controls. In addition, we also explored self-reported marked weight gain within obese subjects. Methods: Two hundred seventy-four obese outpatients (median [range] BMI: 40.1 kg/m2 [30.5-67.0]), and 526 non-obese controls (BMI: 24.1 kg/m2 [18.6-29.9]) from two different Dutch cohort studies were included. Corticosteroid use at the time of clinic or research site visit for up to the preceding three months was recorded in detail. Medical records and clinical data were evaluated with regard to age and body mass index in relation to corticosteroid use, single or multiple type use, and administration forms. Results: Recent corticosteroid use was nearly twice as high for obese subjects than for non-obese controls (27.0% vs. 11.9% and 14.8%, both P<.001). Largest differences were found for use of local corticosteroids, in particular inhaled forms, and simultaneous use of multiple types. Marked weight gain was self-reported during corticosteroid use in 10.5% of the obese users. Conclusion: Corticosteroid use, especially the inhaled agents, is higher in obese than in non-obese individuals. Considering the potential systemic effects of also local corticosteroids, caution is warranted on the increasing use in the general population and on its associations with weight gain.
Influence Zones in Alluvium Over Dip‐Slip Faults

Tests were performed on dense and loose sand in a glass‐walled fault test box to investigate the shapes and locations of failure surfaces that may occur in alluvium overlying active dip‐slip faults. The experimental procedure is reviewed and the results of the tests with reverse and with normal movements along the bedrock faults are presented. Based on the experimental results, a simple model is developed to predict the shapes and locations of failure surfaces in the soil. These are determined as a function of the depth of the soil, the angle of dilation for the soil, and the dip angle of the fault. The conditions for development of a graben structure, as observed during normal movement on the bedrock fault, are also determined. The emphasis of the study is on the mechanics of deformation and failure in cohesionless soil above dip‐slip faults in relation to principles of soil mechanics. The simple model is also evaluated in relation to real field conditions.
Please Scroll down for Article Journal of Microencapsulation Evaluation of Proniosomes as an Alternative Strategy to Optimize Piroxicam Transdermal Delivery Evaluation of Proniosomes as an Alternative Strategy to Optimize Piroxicam Transdermal Delivery

To cite this Article Alsarra, Ibrahim A. (2008)'Evaluation of proniosomes as an alternative strategy to optimize piroxicam transdermal delivery',Journal of Microencapsulation, This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Abstract The current investigation aims to evaluate the transdermal potential of niosomes bearing a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, piroxicam. Piroxicam-loaded niosomes were prepared and characterized for surface morphology, entrapment efficiency and in vitro permeation across excised rat skin from various proniosome gel formulations using Franz diffusion cells. Various non-ionic surfactants were used to achieve optimum encapsulation efficiency. The prepared proniosomes significantly improved drug permeation and reduced the lag time (p 5 0.05). Proniosomes prepared with Span 60 provided a higher piroxicam flux across the skin than did those prepared with Tween 80. Niosomes prepared using Span 60 showed a higher release rate than those prepared using non-ionic surfactants, Span 20 and Span 80, while those prepared from Tween showed higher release rate than formula prepared with Span. This indicates that lipophilicity and hydrophilicity of surfactant has a main role in release rates of piroxicam. Particle size of piroxicam niosomal vesicles formed by proniosome was determined by scanning electron microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency was evaluated by a specific high performance liquid chromatography method. Niosomes formed from using Spans and Tweens exhibited very high encapsulation efficiency. The results are very encouraging and suggest that niosomes can act as promising carriers offering an alternative approach for transdermal delivery of piroxicam.
Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Surgical Valve Replacement in Patients at High Risk for Surgery: A Study of Echocardiographic Change and Risk Prediction

Background—The CoreValve US High-Risk Clinical Study compared clinical outcomes and serial echocardiographic findings in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a self-expanding bioprosthesis or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Methods and Results—Eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to TAVR with a self-expanding bioprosthesis or SAVR (N=747). Echocardiograms were obtained at baseline, discharge, 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year after the procedure and were analyzed at a central core laboratory. Compared with SAVR patients (N=357), TAVR patients (N=390) had a lower mean aortic valve gradient, larger valve area, and less patient–prosthesis mismatch (all P<0.001), but more paravalvular regurgitation at discharge, which decreased at 1 year. SAVR patients experienced significant right ventricular systolic dysfunction at discharge and 1 month with normal right ventricular function at 1 year. One-year all-cause mortality was 14.2% for TAVR and 19.1% for SAVR patients. Preimplantation aortic regurgitation ≥mild was associated with reduced mortality hazard for both the TAVR (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.85; P=0.01) and the SAVR groups (hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.87; P=0.01). Aortic regurgitation ≥mild after TAVR was associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval 1.08–3.53; P=0.03). Conclusions—In patients with severe aortic stenosis at increased surgical risk, TAVR was associated with better systolic valve performance, similar left ventricular remodeling, more paravalvular regurgitation, and less right ventricular systolic dysfunction compared with SAVR. Despite an overall mortality reduction for the TAVR group, ≥mild aortic valve regurgitation after TAVR was associated with an increased mortality hazard. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01240902.
Phase behavior of a simple model for membrane proteins

We report a numerical simulation of the phase diagram of a simple model for membrane proteins constrained to move in a plane. In analogy with the corresponding three-dimensional models, the liquid–gas transition becomes metastable as the range of attraction decreases. Spontaneous crystallization happens much more readily in the two-dimensional models rather than in their three-dimensional counterparts.
Precipitation composition and its variability in the Southern Indian ocean : Amsterdam, Island, 1980-1987

Event precipitation samples have been collected on Amsterdam Island (37° 47′ S, 77° 31′ E) from May 1980 through January 1987 and analyzed for SO4=, NO3−, Cl−, Na+, Mg++, K+, Ca++, H+, HCOOt, and CH3COOt. The objective of this paper is to assess the processes which influence variability in the chemical composition of precipitation at this remote marine site. Back trajectories and gas phase 222Rn measurements were used to identify source regions and their relative contributions to precipitation composition. The technique of cluster analysis was applied to trajectory data as a method for determining to what degree different atmospheric flow patterns influence variability in the observed composition. The dominant source regions for chemical deposition were found to be Madagascar and/or S.E. Africa and the ocean region north and east of Amsterdam Island. A strong seasonal signal in the precipitation composition is illustrated. Processes which influence variability in the chemical composition include the following: seasonality in the source strength of biogenic precursors for non-sea-salt (nss) SO4=, NH4+ and carboxylic acids; seasonality in biomass-burning continental sources for the concentration of NO3− and a portion of nss Cl−; and variations in source region driven by daily changes in meteorology, as well as seasonal and annual differences in transport and removal patterns. In addition, interannual differences in nss SO4= concentration appear to be related to fluctuations in large-scale circulation patterns as defined by the Southern Oscillation.
Hidden from health: structural stigma, sexual orientation concealment, and HIV across 38 countries in the European MSM Internet Survey

Objective:Substantial country-level variation exists in prejudiced attitudes towards male homosexuality and in the extent to which countries promote the unequal treatment of MSM through discriminatory laws. The impact and underlying mechanisms of country-level stigma on odds of diagnosed HIV, sexual opportunities, and experience of HIV-prevention services, needs and behaviours have rarely been examined, however. Design:Data come from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS), which was administered between June and August 2010 across 38 European countries (N = 174 209). Methods:Country-level stigma was assessed using a combination of national laws and policies affecting sexual minorities and a measure of attitudes held by the citizens of each country. We also assessed concealment, HIV status, number of past 12-month male sex partners, and eight HIV-preventive services, knowledge, and behavioural outcomes. Results:MSM living in countries with higher levels of stigma had reduced odds of diagnosed HIV and fewer partners but higher odds of sexual risk behaviour, unmet prevention needs, not using testing services, and not discussing their sexuality in testing services. Sexual orientation concealment mediated associations between country-level stigma and these outcomes. Conclusion:Country-level stigma may have historically limited HIV transmission opportunities among MSM, but by restricting MSM's public visibility, it also reduces MSM's ability to access HIV-preventive services, knowledge and precautionary behaviours. These findings suggest that MSM in European countries with high levels of stigma are vulnerable to HIV infection. Although they have less opportunity to identify and contact other MSM, this might change with emerging technologies.
Experimental Investigation and Modeling of Uranium (VI) Transport Under Variable Chemical Conditions

The transport of adsorbing and complexing metal ions in porous media was investigated with a series of batch and column experiments and with reactive solute transport modeling. Pulses of solutions containing U(VI) were pumped through columns filled with quartz grains, and the breakthrough of U(VI) was studied as a function of variable solution composition (pH, total U(VI) concentration, total fluoride concentration, and pH-buffering capacity). Decreasing pH and the formation of nonadsorbing aqueous complexes with fluoride increased U(VI) mobility. A transport simulation with surface complexation model (SCM) parameters estimated from batch experiments was able to predict U(VI) retardation in the column experiments within 30%. SCM parameters were also estimated directly from transport data, using the results of three column experiments collected at different pH and U(VI) pulse concentrations. SCM formulations of varying complexity (multiple surface types and reaction stoichiometries) were tested to examine the trade-off between model simplicity and goodness of fit to breakthrough. A two-site model (weak- and strong-binding sites) with three surface complexation reactions fit these transport data well. With this reaction set the model was able to predict (1) the effects of fluoride complexation on U(VI) retardation at two different pH values and (2) the effects of temporal variability of pH on U(VI) transport caused by low pH buffering. The results illustrate the utility of the SCM approach in modeling the transport of adsorbing inorganic solutes under variable chemical conditions.
The Regulation of Induced Depression during a Frustrating Situation: Benefits of Expressive Suppression in Chinese Individuals

Background Studies from European-American cultures consistently reported that expressive suppression was associated with worse emotional consequence (e.g. depression) in comparison with acceptance. However, this conclusion may not apply to Chinese, as suppressing emotional displays to maintain relational harmony is culturally valued in East Asian countries. Thus, the present study examined the effects of suppression and acceptance on the depressive mood induced by a frustrating task in a Chinese sample. Method Sixty-four subjects were randomly assigned to one of three instructions: suppression, acceptance or no-regulation during a frustrating arithmetic task. The experience of depressive emotion and skin conductance response (SCR) were recorded during pre-frustration baseline, frustration induction and post-frustration recovery phases, respectively. Results Compared with the control and acceptance instructions, suppression instruction was associated with decreased depressive experiences and smaller SCR activity during frustration. There were no significant differences between acceptance and control groups in both subjective depression and SCR activity during frustration. Moreover, the suppression group showed a better emotional recovery after the frustrating task, in comparison with the acceptance and control groups. Correlation analyses verified that SCR reactivity was a reliable index of experienced depression during the frustration. Conclusions Expressive suppression is effective in reducing depressive experiences and depression-related physiological activity (SCR) when Chinese people are involved. By contrast, the acceptance of depressive emotion in Chinese people does not produce a similar regulation effect. These findings suggest that cultural context should be considered in understanding the emotional consequences of suppression and acceptance strategies.
Thermal anomalies and well observations in Kamchatka

Satellite National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) thermal data and well observations in Kamchatka peninsula, Far East, Russia were analysed together. Thermal anomalies arising as a reaction to three strong earthquakes were recorded. Water temperature, debit and hydrogen ion exponent (pH) changes were observed as a response on seismic events. Joint analysis indicates similarity in reaction of both satellite and ground observations on earthquakes. The model of litho-atom-ionospheric coupling in seismic processes is proposed.
Endothelin Antagonism Suppresses Plasma and Cardiac Endothelin-1 Levels in SHRSPs at the Typical Hypertensive Stage

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. In all these conditions, plasma immunoreactive ET-1 levels are elevated, and tissue ET-1 expression is increased. Clinical trials have demonstrated potentially important benefits of ET antagonism among patients with essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. It is unknown whether ET antagonism affects the production of ET-1 in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) heart at the typical hypertensive stage. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ET blockade on the expression levels of plasma and cardiac ET-1 in SHRSPs. SHRSPs were treated for 3 months with SB209670 (ETA/ETB dual receptor antagonist) or with saline (vehicle) commencing at the prehypertensive stage (age 6 weeks). Plasma and left ventricular ET-1 peptide levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Compared with age-matched control Wistar-Kyoto rats, peptide levels of ET-1 were significantly upregulated in vehicle-treated SHRSP heart; this upregulation was reversed by long-term ET antagonism. Plasma ET-1 levels were also significantly increased in vehicle-treated SHRSPs and were normalized by ET antagonism. mRNA expression of preproET-1, which is the source of ET-1 peptide production, was significantly increased in vehicle-treated SHRSP heart and was normalized by ET antagonism. Marked cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis at the histologic level in SHRSPs were ameliorated by ET antagonism, and left ventricular hypertrophy as seen on echocardiography in SHRSPs was suppressed by ET blockade. After ET antagonism, systolic blood pressures were reduced in SHRSPs; diastolic blood pressures were unchanged. The reversal effect of the upregulated ET system in SHRSP heart by ET antagonism might be independent of blood pressure change. By suppressing the upregulated ET system, ET antagonism might be beneficial in arresting cardiac remodeling.
Interhemispheric appraisal of the value of alkenone indices as temperature and salinity proxies in high‐latitude locations

Alkenone sediment data from the Nordic seas and North Atlantic are compared to those from Sikes et al.[1997] for the Southern Ocean to evaluate further UK37 and UK37′ as proxies to estimate cold temperatures (<10°C) and the effect of salinity and temperature in the relative abundance of 37∶4 to the total abundance of C37 alkenones (37∶4%). UK37 and UK37′ are found to be equally viable as proxies, but there are significant regional differences in their cold temperature dependence. The measurement of 37∶4% in cores from the North Atlantic region can be used to identify situations when UK37′ is not a reliable paleothermometer. Variations in salinity are probably responsible for changes in the sedimentary record of 37∶4%, and a preliminary calibration has been obtained for 37:4%=f(salinity). This new relationship should be further confirmed through field or laboratory experiments, but it paves the way to derive a molecular proxy to reconstruct paleosalinity in surface waters.
The mineralogy of some Upper Chalk samples from the Arundel area, Sussex

Abstract Seven samples, representative of all zones of the Upper Chalk in the Arundel area of Sussex, were treated with acetic acid and the residues analysed to determine their mechanical and mineralogical compositions. The sand and silt fractions of the residues consist mainly of flint and opaline silica, collophane, limonite, and quartz, and the clay fractions consist of montmorillonite, mica, quartz, and apatite. Authigenic apatite and quartz occur in the clay and silt and authigenic alkali feldspar in the silt. The montmorillonite may also be authigenic.
Comparison of LiDAR waveform processing methods for very shallow water bathymetry using Raman, near‐infrared and green signals

Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) bathymetry appears to be a useful technology for bed topography mapping of non‐navigable areas, offering high data density and a high acquisition rate. However, few studies have focused on continental waters, in particular, on very shallow waters (<2 m) where it is difficult to extract the surface and bottom positions that are typically mixed in the green LiDAR signal. This paper proposes two new processing methods for depth extraction based on the use of different LiDAR signals [green, near‐infrared (NIR), Raman] of the SHOALS‐1000T sensor. They have been tested on a very shallow coastal area (Golfe du Morbihan, France) as an analogy to very shallow rivers. The first method is based on a combination of mathematical and heuristic methods using the green and the NIR LiDAR signals to cross validate the information delivered by each signal. The second method extracts water depths from the Raman signal using statistical methods such as principal components analysis (PCA) and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. The obtained results are then compared to the reference depths, and the performances of the different methods, as well as their advantages/disadvantages are evaluated. The green/NIR method supplies 42% more points compared to the operator process, with an equivalent mean error (−4·2 cm verusu −4·5 cm) and a smaller standard deviation (25·3 cm verusu 33·5 cm). The Raman processing method provides very scattered results (standard deviation of 40·3 cm) with the lowest mean error (−3·1 cm) and 40% more points. The minimum detectable depth is also improved by the two presented methods, being around 1 m for the green/NIR approach and 0·5 m for the statistical approach, compared to 1·5 m for the data processed by the operator. Despite its ability to measure other parameters like water temperature, the Raman method needed a large amount of reference data to provide reliable depth measurements, as opposed to the green/NIR method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping the Epidemiology of Yaws in the Solomon Islands: A Cluster Randomized Survey

Yaws, a non-venereal treponemal disease, is targeted for eradication by 2020 but accurate epidemiological data to guide control programs remain sparse. The Solomon Islands reports the second highest number of cases of yaws worldwide. We conducted a cluster randomized survey of yaws in two provinces of the Solomon Islands. One thousand four hundred and ninety-seven (1,497) children 5–14 years of age were examined. Clinical signs of active yaws were found in 79 children (5.5%), whereas 140 children (9.4%) had evidence of healed yaws lesions. Four hundred and seventy (470) (31.4%) children had a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA). Two hundred and eighty-five (285) children (19%) had a positive TPPA and rapid plasma regain assay. Risk of yaws increased with age and was more common in males. The prevalence of yaws at village level was the major risk factor for infection. Our findings suggest the village, not the household, should be the unit of treatment in the World Health Organization (WHO) yaws eradication strategy.
Automated Detection of Engagement Using Video-Based Estimation of Facial Expressions and Heart Rate

We explored how computer vision techniques can be used to detect engagement while students (N = 22) completed a structured writing activity (draft-feedback-review) similar to activities encountered in educational settings. Students provided engagement annotations both concurrently during the writing activity and retrospectively from videos of their faces after the activity. We used computer vision techniques to extract three sets of features from videos, heart rate, Animation Units (from Microsoft Kinect Face Tracker), and local binary patterns in three orthogonal planes (LBP-TOP). These features were used in supervised learning for detection of concurrent and retrospective self-reported engagement. Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) was used to evaluate classifier accuracy using leave-several-students-out cross validation. We achieved an AUC = . 758 for concurrent annotations and AUC = . 733 for retrospective annotations. The Kinect Face Tracker features produced the best results among the individual channels, but the overall best results were found using a fusion of channels.