Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A case‐control study: The association of serum paraoxonase 1 activity and concentration with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus

A longitudinal study assessed serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and concentration as affected by age and as associated with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). PON1's recently established physiological function is the hydrolysis of lipolactones in oxidized LDL particles.
Long‐term dietary quercetin enrichment as a cardioprotective countermeasure in mdx mice

What is the central question of this study? The central question of this study is to understand whether dietary quercetin enrichment attenuates physiologic, histological, and biochemical indices of cardiac pathology. What is the main finding and its importance? Novel findings from this investigation, in comparison to prior published studies, suggest that mouse strain‐dependent cardiac outcomes in performance and remodelling exist. Unlike Mdx/Utrn−/+ mice, mdx mice receiving lifelong quercetin treatment did not exhibit improvements cardiac function. Similar to prior work in Mdx/Utrn−/+ mice, histological evidence of remodelling suggests that quercetin consumption may have benefited hearts of mdx mice. Positive outcomes may be related to indirect markers that suggest improved mitochondrial wellbeing and to selected indices of inflammation that were lower in hearts from quercetin‐fed mice.
MicroRNAs in biofluids are novel tools for bladder cancer screening

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play important roles in basic cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy. They are also involved in various stages of tumorigenesis and play key roles in bladder cancer initiation and progression. Notably, the altered expression of miRNAs in the tumors is reflected in body fluids, including blood and urine, which opens avenues for non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis. Many studies have demonstrated that epigenetic changes extensively alter tumoral microRNA expression. The high reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity of miRNA levels in body fluids suggest their potential use as biomarkers for cancer screening and diagnosis. For example, recent technological advances have made it possible to detect miRNAs in urine for bladder cancer screening. In this review, we focus mainly on the current knowledge and future challenges for incorporating miRNAs in body fluids, like urine and blood, for making clinical diagnoses and assessing prognoses in bladder cancer.
Disturbance by an endemic rodent in an arid shrubland is a habitat filter: effects on plant invasion and taxonomical, functional and phylogenetic community structure

Background and Aims Disturbance often drives plant invasion and may modify community assembly. However, little is known about how these modifications of community patterns occur in terms of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic structure. This study evaluated in an arid shrubland the influence of disturbance by an endemic rodent on community functional divergence and phylogenetic structure as well as on plant invasion. It was expected that disturbance would operate as a habitat filter favouring exotic species with short life cycles. Methods Sixteen plots were sampled along a disturbance gradient caused by the endemic fossorial rodent Spalacopus cyanus, measuring community parameters and estimating functional divergence for life history traits (functional dispersion index) and the relative contribution to functional divergence of exotic and native species. The phylogenetic signal (Pagel's lambda) and phylogenetic community structure (mean phylogenetic distance and mean nearest taxon phylogenetic distance) were also estimated. The use of a continuous approach to the disturbance gradient allowed the identification of non‐linear relationships between disturbance and community parameters. Key Results The relationship between disturbance and both species richness and abundance was positive for exotic species and negative for native species. Disturbance modified community composition, and exotic species were associated with more disturbed sites. Disturbance increased trait convergence, which resulted in phylogenetic clustering because traits showed a significant phylogenetic signal. The relative contribution of exotic species to functional divergence increased, while that of natives decreased, with disturbance. Exotic and native species were not phylogenetically distinct. Conclusions Disturbance by rodents in this arid shrubland constitutes a habitat filter over phylogeny‐dependent life history traits, leading to phylogenetic clustering, and drives invasion by favouring species with short life cycles. Results can be explained by high phenotypic and phylogenetic resemblance between exotic and native species. The use of continuous gradients when studying the effects of disturbance on community assembly is advocated.
Aripiprazole Once-Monthly 400 mg: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics, Tolerability, and Safety of Deltoid Versus Gluteal Administration

Abstract Background: Two open-label, randomized, parallel-arm studies compared pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg following deltoid vs gluteal injection in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: In the single-dose study, 1 injection of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg in the deltoid (n=17) or gluteal (n=18) muscle (NCT01646827) was administered. In the multiple-dose study, the first aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg injection was administered in either the deltoid (n=71) or gluteal (n=67) muscle followed by 4 once-monthly deltoid injections (NCT01909466). Results: After single-dose administration, aripiprazole exposure (area under the concentration-time curve) was similar between deltoid and gluteal administrations, whereas median time to maximum plasma concentration was shorter (7.1 [deltoid] vs 24.1 days [gluteal]) and maximum concentration was 31% higher after deltoid administration. In the multiple-dose study, median time to maximum plasma concentration for deltoid administration was shorter (3.95 vs 7.1 days), whereas aripiprazole mean trough concentrations, maximum concentration, and area under the concentration-time curve were comparable between deltoid and gluteal muscles (historical data comparison). Multiple-dose pharmacokinetic results for the major metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, followed a similar pattern to that of the parent drug for both deltoid and gluteal injection sites. Safety and tolerability profiles were similar after gluteal or deltoid injections. Based on observed data, minimum aripiprazole concentrations achieved by aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg are comparable with those of oral aripiprazole 15 to 20 mg/d. Conclusions: The deltoid muscle is a safe alternative injection site for aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg in patients with schizophrenia.
Everolimus with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line treatment for metastatic large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma: a multicenter phase II trial

Background Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) is a rare disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Neuroendocrine tumors frequently show overactivation of the mTOR pathway. Based on the good activity of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus in different types of neuroendocrine tumors and the results of a previous phase I trial, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of everolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel as upfront treatment for patients with advanced LCNEC. Patients and methods In this prospective, multicenter phase II trial chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IV LCNEC received 5 mg everolimus daily combined with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5 every 3 weeks for a maximum of four cycles followed by maintenance everolimus 5 mg daily until progression. Efficacy parameters were determined based on central radiologic assessment. Results Forty-nine patients with a mean age of 62 ±9 years and a predominance of male (71%) smokers (98%) were enrolled in 10 German centers. The overall response rate was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31%-60%), the disease control rate 74% (CI 59%-85%), the median progression-free survival 4.4 (CI 3.2-6) months and the median overall survival 9.9 (CI 6.9-11.7) months. The progression-free survival rate at 3 months (primary end point) was 76% (CI 64%-88%) according to Kaplan-Meier. Grade-3/4 toxicities occurred in 51% of patients and mainly consisted of general physical health deterioration (8%), cytopenias (24%), infections (10%) and gastrointestinal problems (8%). Typical everolimus-related adverse events, like stomatitis, rash and ocular problems occurred only in a minority of patients (<15%) and were exclusively of grade 1-2. Conclusion Everolimus in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment for patients with metastatic LCNEC. Registered clinical trial numbers EudraCT number 2010-022273-34, NCT01317615.
Alcohol and drug use among staff at licensed premises in Norway

Aims: There is increased concern about the use of alcohol and illicit drugs in nightlife settings. Most studies of substance use in nightlife settings are from the patrons’ perspective, which leaves an understudied population – the nightclub staff. The aim of this paper is to study self-reported alcohol and substance use among staff at licensed premises in Norway: types of illicit drugs used, attitudes towards drugs, and observed drug use among patrons. Methods: A survey was conducted at server-training courses in 20 different cities in Norway during 2015. The survey included: demographics, respondents’ own alcohol and drug experience, attitudes towards drug use, and observed drug use among patrons at licensed premises. Results: Data were collected from 912 staff working at licensed premises. A majority reported alcohol use in the past year, and 61% reported alcohol use two or more times a month. Overall, 45% of the respondents reported ever-used of illicit drugs. The four most commonly used drugs among staff were cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, and amphetamine. The majority of respondents supported Norway’s strict drug laws, and 63% reported observing drug-intoxicated patrons at licensed premises during the past six months. Conclusions: The proportion of frequent drinkers and heavy episodic drinking among staff at licensed premises was high, and the prevalence of illicit drug use was much higher compared with the general population. Thus, staff at licensed premises can be considered a risk-group for alcohol and illicit drug use and therefore represent an important target population in club drug-prevention programmes.
Texting to Increase Physical Activity Among Teenagers (TXT Me!): Rationale, Design, and Methods Proposal

Background Physical activity decreases from childhood through adulthood. Among youth, teenagers (teens) achieve the lowest levels of physical activity, and high school age youth are particularly at risk of inactivity. Effective methods are needed to increase youth physical activity in a way that can be maintained through adulthood. Because teens text a great deal, text messages promoting walking, a low cost physical activity, may be an effective method for promoting sustainable physical activity. Objective The objective of our study was to determine the effect of pedometers, self selected step goals, and texts grounded in the self-determination theory (SDT) on physical activity among the teens. Methods “TXT Me! ” was a 12 week intervention that texted 14-17 year olds to increase their daily physical activity by increasing the number of steps they take each day. The intervention was grounded in the SDT. Formative research with the teens helped construct the intervention and develop the texts. A total of 84 texts were developed (12 to set a step goal, and 72 promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness). The pilot evaluation used a four group, randomized design (n=160). After baseline data collection, the participants were randomized to one of four conditions (no treatment control, pedometer only, pedometer + weekly prompts, pedometer + weekly prompts + SDT grounded texts). Data were collected at baseline and immediately upon completion of the study. The primary outcome was physical activity, measured by 7 days of accelerometry. Basic psychological needs, physical activity motivation, process evaluation, and program satisfaction data were also collected. Results To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to explore the use of stand alone, SDT grounded texts, supported by pedometers and prompts to set a self selected step goal, as a method for increasing physical activity among teens. Conclusions This pilot study will contribute valuable information regarding whether theoretically grounded text messages show promise as an effective method to increase physical activity among teens. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01482234; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01482234 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6NYvRMOoq).
The effect of therapeutic music on anxiety in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Sevinç Polat, Ayşe Gürol*, Ayda Çelebioğlu & Zuhal Keskin Yildirim Bozok University, School of Health, Department of Paediatric Nursing, Turkey; Atatürk University, Health Services Vocational School, Turkey; Atatürk University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatric Nursing, Turkey; Atatürk University, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Paediatric Oncology, Erzurum, Turkey E-mails: sfpolat@mynet.com; ayseparlak42@gmail.com; ayda@atauni.edu. tr; drzuhalk@hotmail.com
SEX AMONG THE FLOWERS: THE DISTRIBUTION OF PLANT MATING SYSTEMS

Abstract Previous reviews of plant outcrossing rate survey data have agreed that predominant selfing and predominant outcrossing are alternative stable states of mating system evolution. We reanalyzed the most recent data and plot outcrossing rates as a continuous variable rather than as a class variable. Wind-pollinated species are indeed bimodal. However, the shape of the distributions for animal-pollinated species reveals that intermediate rates of outcrossing are common (49% of species fall between 20% and 80% outcrossing). Consequently, we suggest that mating system is best considered a continuous rather than a discrete character of plant populations. Corresponding Editor: O. Savolainen
Time in therapeutic range and stability over time for warfarin users in clinical practice: a retrospective cohort study using linked routinely collected health data in Alberta, Canada

Objectives Whether warfarin-treated patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who exhibit good control will experience deterioration in control over time is uncertain. We designed this study to examine the time in therapeutic range (TTR) in a population-based cohort of patients with NVAF recently initiated on warfarin. Design Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected health data from 2008 to 2015. Setting The Canadian province of Alberta. Participants All adults with NVAF who were taking warfarin for >1 month. Main outcome measures Frequency of international normalised ratio (INR) monitoring and the Rosendaal TTR with time zero set at 31 days after the first warfarin dispensation. Results Of 57 669 patients with NVAF dispensed warfarin for >1 month, 17 099 (29.7%) had <3 INRs measured in months 1–6. Of the 40 570 who went for regular INR monitoring in months 1–6 (median number of INRs 11, IQR 7–16), 16 639 (41.0%) met the definition of good control (TTR > 65%); good control continued to be exhibited by 8177 (57.1% of those who remained on warfarin) during months 7–12 and 6804 (56.8% of continuing warfarin users) in months 13–18. Good control in the first 6 months predicted good control over the subsequent year: adjusted OR (aOR) 4.0(95%CI 3.8 to 4.2), c index 0.685(95%CI 0.679 to 0.691) for months 7–12 and aOR 3.2(95%CI 3.1 to 3.3), c index 0.665(95%CI 0.659 to 0.671) for months 13–18. Conclusions Nearly one-third of warfarin-treated patients had insufficient INR monitoring—this could influence the initial choice of anticoagulant and identifies a target for future quality improvement efforts. Of those warfarin-treated patients who went for regular INR monitoring, 41% exhibited levels of control similar to that in randomised trials and this deteriorated by half over time. However, in patients who have already exhibited adherence with regular monitoring and good TTR, warfarin may still be a reliable anticoagulation option.
A Case-Control Study of Molecular Epidemiology in Relation to Azithromycin Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates Collected in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2008 and 2015

ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin is increasing, which threatens the recommended dual therapy. We used molecular epidemiology to identify N. gonorrhoeae clusters and associations with azithromycin resistance in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 143) were selected from patients visiting the Amsterdam STI Outpatient Clinic from January 2008 through September 2015. We included all 69 azithromycin-resistant isolates (MIC ≥ 2.0 mg/liter) and 74 frequency-matched susceptible controls (MIC ≤ 0.25 mg/liter). The methods used were 23S rRNA and mtrR sequencing, N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST), N. gonorrhoeae multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (NG-MLVA), and a specific PCR to detect mosaic penA genes. A hierarchical cluster analysis of NG-MLVA related to resistance and epidemiological characteristics was performed. Azithromycin-resistant isolates had C2611T mutations in 23S rRNA (n = 62, 89.9%, P < 0.001) and were NG-MAST genogroup G2992 (P < 0.001), G5108 (P < 0.001), or G359 (P = 0.02) significantly more often than susceptible isolates and were more often part of NG-MLVA clusters (P < 0.001). Two resistant isolates (2.9%) had A2059G mutations, and five (7.3%) had wild-type 23S rRNA. No association between mtrR mutations and azithromycin resistance was found. Twenty-four isolates, including 10 azithromycin-resistant isolates, showed reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Of these, five contained a penA mosaic gene. Four of the five NG-MLVA clusters contained resistant and susceptible isolates. Two clusters consisting mainly of resistant isolates included strains from men who have sex with men and from heterosexual males and females. The co-occurrence of resistant and susceptible strains in NG-MLVA clusters and the frequent occurrence of resistant strains outside of clusters suggest that azithromycin resistance develops independently from the background genome.
Biodegradable Polycaprolactone-Titania Nanocomposites: Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties

Nanocomposites obtained from the incorporation of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (≈10 nm average primary particle size) in different amounts, ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt. %, into a biodegradable polycaprolactone matrix are achieved via a straightforward and commercial melting processing. The resulting nanocomposites have been structurally and thermally characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide/small angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS/SAXS, respectively) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TEM evaluation provides evidence of an excellent nanometric dispersion of the oxide component in the polymeric matrix, with aggregates having an average size well below 100 nm. Presence of these TiO2 nanoparticles induces a nucleant effect during polymer crystallization. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites has been tested using both UV and visible light against Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The bactericidal behavior has been explained through the analysis of the material optical properties, with a key role played by the creation of new electronic states within the polymer-based nanocomposites.
Disparities and Trends in Door-to-Needle Time: The FL-PR CReSD Study (Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities)

Background and Purpose— In the United States, about half of acute ischemic stroke patients treated with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) receive treatment within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients receiving tPA within 60 minutes (door-to-needle time [DTNT] ⩽60) and 45 minutes (DTNT ⩽45) of hospital arrival by race/ethnicity and sex and to identify temporal trends in DTNT ⩽60 and DTNT ⩽45. Methods— Among 65 654 acute ischemic stroke admissions in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-funded FL-PR CReSD study (Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities) from 2010 to 2015, we included 6181 intravenous tPA-treated cases (9.4%). Generalized estimating equations were used to determine predictors of DTNT ⩽60 and DTNT ⩽45. Results— DTNT ⩽60 was achieved in 42% and DTNT ⩽45 in 18% of cases. After adjustment, women less likely received DTNT ⩽60 (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.92) and DTNT ⩽45 (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.93). Compared with Whites, Blacks less likely had DTNT ⩽45 during off hours (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.98). Achievement of DTNT ⩽60 and DTNT ⩽45 was highest in South Florida (50%, 23%) and lowest in West Central Florida (28%, 11%). Conclusions— In the FL-PR CReSD, achievement of DTNT ⩽60 and DTNT ⩽45 remains low. Compared with Whites, Blacks less likely receive tPA treatment within 45 minutes during off hours. Treatment within 60 and 45 minutes is lower in women compared with men and lowest in West Central Florida compared with other Florida regions and Puerto Rico. Further research is needed to identify reasons for delayed thrombolytic treatment in women and Blacks and factors contributing to regional disparities in DTNT.
Running Head : ACCURACY JUDGMENTS OF SIBILANT FRICATIVES Accuracy judgments of children ’ s sibilant fricatives : Relationship between acoustic measures and perceptual judgments

As children learn language and acquire the different phonemes of their language, they often produce intermediate productions that are perceptually similar to the “correct” production. For example, productions of /s/ and /ʃ/ in children often sound very similar. As children age, they become more intelligible. Researchers have attempted to capture children’s acquisition of the contrast between these two sounds using different acoustical methods. Nicholson (2014) created a new acoustic model using Peak ERB and individual variables that captured the contrast of 2year-old children. This study expanded on Nicholson’s findings by adding a perceptual component via phonetic transcription. The author transcribed productions from 15 children used in Nicholson’s study. Percent correct was calculated for each target phoneme and correlated with age, EVT, and discriminability (an acoustic measure of robustness of contrast from Nicholson, 2014). This study found significant relationship between accuracy and age and accuracy of [ʃ] and discriminability.