Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANAM4 TBI Reaction Time-Based Tests Have Prognostic Utility for Acute Concussion

The Concussion Restoration Care Center has used the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics version 4 Traumatic Brain Injury (ANAM4 TBI) battery in clinical assessment of concussion. The study’s aim is to evaluate the prognostic utility of the ANAM4 TBI. In 165 concussed active duty personnel (all ultimately returned to duty) seen and tested on the ANAM4 TBI on days 3 and 5 (median times) from their injury, Spearman’s r statistics showed that all performance subtests (at day 5) were associated with fewer days return-to-duty (RTD) time, whereas concussion history or age did not. Kruskal–Wallis statistics showed that ANAM4 TBI, loss of consciousness, and post-traumatic amnesia were associated with increased RTD time; ANAM4 TBI reaction time-based subtests, collectively, showed the largest effect sizes. A survival analysis using a Kaplan–Meier plot showed that the lowest 25% on the reaction time-based subtests had a median RTD time of 19 days, whereas those in the upper 25% had a median RTD time of approximately 7 days. Results indicate that until validated neurocognitive testing is introduced, the ANAM4 TBI battery, especially reaction time-based tests, has prognostic utility.
Defense style predicts subjective well-being in a non-clinical sample

A wealth of literature has established that psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment corresponds to increased use of mature defense mechanisms and decreased use of immature defense mechanisms in clinical samples, but little research has investigated correlates of defense style in untreated populations. In addition, almost no literature has established the link between use of more mature defense mechanisms and positive aspects of life experience in non-clinical populations. This investigation tested the hypotheses that 1) defense style (mature, neurotic, immature) would significantly predict happiness and satisfaction with life in a non-clinical sample, and 2) an interaction between mature and immature defense styles would affect both happiness and life satisfaction. Participants (N = 173) were community members who completed three self-report instruments. Two hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to investigate whether life satisfaction or happiness could be significantly predicted by any of the defense styles, or interactions between any two of the defense styles after controlling for age and gender. Results indicated that mature, neurotic, and immature defense styles and gender were each significantly associated with happiness. However, only mature and immature defense styles were predictive of life satisfaction. No interactions were significant. Implications for future research are discussed.
CXCR3 ligands are associated with the continuum of diffuse alveolar damage to chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

RATIONALE After lung transplantation, insults to the allograft generally result in one of four histopathologic patterns of injury: (1) acute rejection, (2) lymphocytic bronchiolitis, (3) organizing pneumonia, and (4) diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). We hypothesized that DAD, the most severe form of acute lung injury, would lead to the highest risk of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and that a type I immune response would mediate this process. OBJECTIVES Determine whether DAD is associated with CLAD and explore the potential role of CXCR3/ligand biology. METHODS Transbronchial biopsies from all lung transplant recipients were reviewed. The association between the four injury patterns and subsequent outcomes were evaluated using proportional hazards models with time-dependent covariates. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) concentrations of the CXCR3 ligands (CXCL9/MIG, CXCL10/IP10, and CXCL11/ITAC) were compared between allograft injury patterns and "healthy" biopsies using linear mixed-effects models. The effect of these chemokine alterations on CLAD risk was assessed using Cox models with serial BAL measurements as time-dependent covariates. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There were 1,585 biopsies from 441 recipients with 62 episodes of DAD. An episode of DAD was associated with increased risk of CLAD (hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-4.7) and death (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-3.0). There were marked elevations in BAL CXCR3 ligand concentrations during DAD. Furthermore, prolonged elevation of these chemokines in serial BAL fluid measurements predicted the development of CLAD. CONCLUSIONS DAD is associated with marked increases in the risk of CLAD and death after lung transplantation. This association may be mediated in part by an aberrant type I immune response involving CXCR3/ligands.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ is expressed by human spermatozoa: Its potential role on the sperm physiology

The peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is mainly expressed in the adipose tissue and integrates the control of energy, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. The present study, by means of RT‐PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques, demonstrates that human sperm express the PPARγ. The functionality of the receptor was evidenced by 15‐deoxy‐12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) and rosiglitazone (BRL) PPARγ‐agonists that were tested on capacitation, acrosome reaction, and motility. Both treatments also increase AKT phosphorylations and influence glucose and lipid metabolism in sperm. The specificity of PGJ2 and BRL effects through PPARγ on human sperm was confirmed by an irreversible PPARγ antagonist, GW9662. Our findings provide evidence that human sperm express a functional PPARγ whose activation influences sperm physiology. In conclusion, the presence of PPARγ in male gamete broadens the field of action of this nuclear receptor, bringing us to look towards sperm as an endocrine mobile unit independent of the systemic regulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 977–986, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti-leukotriene agents compared to inhaled corticosteroids in the management of recurrent and/or chronic asthma in adults and children.

BACKGROUND Anti-leukotrienes agents are currently being studied as alternative first line agents to inhaled corticosteroids in mild to moderate chronic asthma. OBJECTIVES To compare the safety and efficacy of anti-leukotriene agents with inhaled glucocorticoids (ICS) and to determine the dose-equivalence of anti-leukotrienes to daily dose of ICS. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched MEDLINE (1966 to Aug 2003), EMBASE (1980 to Aug 2003), CINAHL (1982 to Aug 2003), the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (August 2003), abstract books, and reference lists of review articles and trials. We contacted colleagues and international headquarters of anti-leukotrienes producers. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials that compared anti-leukotrienes with inhaled corticosteroids during a minimal 30-day intervention period in asthmatic patients aged 2 years and older. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality or trials and extracted trial data. The primary outcome was the rate of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids. Secondary outcomes included lung function, indices of chronic asthma control, adverse effects and withdrawal rates. MAIN RESULTS 27 trials (including 1 trial testing two protocols) met the inclusion criteria; 13 were of high methodological quality; 20 are published in full-text. All trials pertained to patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Only 3 trials focused on children and adolescents. Trial duration varied from 4 to 37 weeks. In most trials, daily dose of ICS was 400 mcg of beclomethasone or equivalent. Patients treated with anti-leukotrienes were 65% more likely to suffer an exacerbation requiring systemic steroids [Relative Risk 1.65; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.36 to 2.00]. Twenty six (95% CI: 17 to 47) patients must be treated with anti-leukotrienes instead of inhaled corticosteroids to cause one extra exacerbation. Significant differences favouring ICS were noted in secondary outcomes where()the improvement in FEV(1) reached 130 mL [13 trials; 95% CI: 50, 140 mL ]. Other significant benefits of ICS were seen for symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, rescue medication use, symptom-free days, and quality of life. Anti-leukotriene therapy was associated with 160% increased risk of withdrawals due to poor asthma control. Twenty nine (95% CI 20 to 48) patients must be treated with anti-leukotrienes instead of inhaled corticosteroids to cause one extra withdrawal due to poor control. Risk of side effects was not different between groups. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS Inhaled steroids at a dose of 400 mcg/day of beclomethasone or equivalent are more effective than anti-leukotriene agents given in the usual licensed doses. The exact dose-equivalence of anti-leukotriene agents in mcg of ICS remains to be determined. Inhaled glucocorticoids should remain the first line monotherapy for persistent asthma.
Asia Child Marriage Initiative: Summary of research in Bangladesh India and Nepal.

The Plan Asia Regional Office invited ICRW to carry out a three-country study in Bangladesh India and Nepal to inform its programming to prevent child marriage among girls. ICRW gathered qualitative data in each country from girls and boys parents community leaders and government officials. This report highlights these stakeholders perceptions of the causes and consequences of child marriage and their views about the effectiveness of prevention strategies adopted by Plan other NGOs and the government. In particular the study examines: Education patterns and changing trends among girls and boys; Aspirations of young persons and parents; Perceptions of the importance of marriage; Decision-making and child rights; Knowledge about and adherence to marriage laws. The report concludes with timely program policy and research recommendations that are relevant not only in South Asia but in other regions where child marriage is a major health development and human rights issue.
Adaptive robust control of skid steer mobile robot with independent driving torque allocation

Skid-steered mobile robot has been widely used in different fields. In most of existing controllers for skid-steered mobile robots, the wheel velocities are controlled independently to track the desired velocities from the remote manipulation or high level computer. However, this kind of control method may lead to chattering phenomenon of skid steer mobile robots in practice. In this paper, the cause of chattering phenomenon is analyzed. And to solve this problem, a two level adaptive robust control law integrated with torque allocation technique is proposed. In the high level, an adaptive robust control law is developed such that the minimum velocity on the same side track the desired velocity. In the low level, a torque allocation technique is developed for regulating driving torque of each motor. Moreover, a novel control law with consideration of the error of each wheel on the same side is proposed to avoid the spin of wheels when the wheel is lifted from ground. Comparative experiments are carried out to verify the excellent performance of the proposed scheme. The results show that the proposed controller will achieve a good performance and adapt well with the ground condition.
Clinical Significance of Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C, but not Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND:Although elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is often seen in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), its prevalence, risk factors, and clinical significance remain to be determined.AIMS:The present study assessed the frequency of, the risk factors for, and the clinical significance of elevated AFP in patients with CHC, but not hepatocellular carcinoma.METHODS:This retrospective study utilized systematic chart review and statistical analyses to investigate 357 U.S. patients with CHC from a university medical center and a regional veteran administration medical center.RESULTS:The prevalence of elevated serum AFP (i.e., ≥10.0 μg/L) was 23.0%, including 15.3% (28/183), 24.5% (25/102), and 42.0% (29/69) in patients with chronic hepatitis C and stage 0–II, III, and IV hepatic fibrosis, respectively. After adjusting for age, HCV load, and hepatic steatosis, stage III/IV fibrosis, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and prolonged prothrombin time as measured by international normalized ratio (INR) remained independently associated with elevated serum AFP in these patients. A serum AFP level of 15.0 μg/L was 22.8% sensitive and 94.5% specific for stage III/IV fibrosis.CONCLUSIONS:In patients with chronic hepatitis C, 23.0% had elevated serum AFP that is independently associated with stage III/IV hepatic fibrosis, elevated level of AST, and prolonged INR.
Trust in Post-Soviet Countries, Ten Years On

Abstract This paper looks at recovery from the normative collapse which followed the fall of the Soviet Union; two large-scale surveys allow comparison of levels of trust in 2001 and 2010/2011. The collapse of the Soviet Union was not just an economic event; it destroyed the normative framework and drove people back to reliance on things they could see and people they knew. The main findings are that even 20 years of building new institutions has not restored trust. Countries differ: Moldova, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine have the least trust and the least faith in the future, and Kazakhstan has the highest, followed by Russia and Armenia. There is a relationship with economic recovery and also with sociopolitical factors, but, for the most part, the results reflect the failure of a range of autocratic and authoritarian regimes to establish social cohesion.
Factors influencing estrus and ovulation in weaned sows as determined by transrectal ultrasound.

Characterization of factors influencing estrus and ovulation in sows may facilitate development of procedures for improving reproductive performance. The experiment was conducted in confinement during 1997 to 1999 using 174 Large White x Landrace sows. After weaning, sows were checked for estrus twice daily. In the 1st yr, transrectal ultrasound was performed once daily and in the 2nd yr twice daily at estrus and on every day until ovulation. The effects of lactation length (< or = 16 d, 17 to 24 d, 25 to 31 d or > or = 32 d), parity (1, 2, or > or = 3), season (winter, spring, summer, or fall) and weaning-to-estrus interval (3, 4, 5, or 6 to 8 d) and their interactions on estrual and ovulatory responses were studied. There was no effect of frequency of ultrasound on any response variable, so data across years were pooled. Percentage of sows expressing estrus within 8 d of weaning was influenced by lactation length (P < 0.001), with sows lactating < or = 16 d (35.2%) less likely to express estrus than sows lactating > or = 17 d (94%). A parity x season interaction was observed (P < 0.001) for estrus, with the lowest expression in parity 1 (73.0%) and parity 2 sows in fall (67.2%), compared with > or = parity 3 sows (98.1%). No explanatory variable had a significant effect on weaning-to-estrus interval (4.4 d) or on follicle size at estrus (8.1 mm). Ovulation hour after onset of estrus was affected by weaning-to-estrus interval (P < 0.01), with sows returning in 3 d ovulating at 46.2 h and between 6 and 8 d at 30.2 h. For sows that expressed estrus within 8 d of weaning, the percentage of sows ovulating was influenced by lactation length (P < 0.001) and weaning-to-estrus interval (P < 0.001). Sows that lactated < or = 16 d were less likely to ovulate (78.0%) than those lactating > or = 17 d (> 92%). Sows that returned to estrus in 3 d were also less likely to ovulate (79.5%) than sows returning > or = 4 d after weaning (> 92%). A parity x season interaction was also observed on ovulation (P < 0.001), with parity 1 and 2 sows less likely to ovulate after expressing estrus in fall and spring compared with parity 3 and greater sows. The data suggest lactation length, early return to estrus, and parity by season effects are associated with risk of failure to express estrus and ovulate.
Comparison of two growth charts in Lesotho: health workers' ability to understand and use them for action.

BACKGROUND Two growth monitoring charts widely used for growth monitoring in Africa (the Road-to-Health (RTH) and the Growth Surveillance (GS] were compared in order to assist the Government of Lesotho to decide on an appropriate national growth chart. METHODS Thirty-four health workers were taught and tested on the RTH during a first week of training and on the GS during a second week (the RTH-GS group), while the order was reversed for another 25 trainees (the GS-RTH group). The health workers were trained and tested on their ability not only to use and interpret the two charts, but also to make the right decisions about specific actions to be taken when growth faltering occurs. RESULTS There was no difference between scores to the RTH and GS charts after one week of training. After the second week of training, the scores to the RTH chart improved and became better than those to the GS chart. The scores to the GS test did not increase with previous knowledge of the RTH chart. CONCLUSIONS For this reason and others discussed in the paper, the RTH chart was recommended for nationwide use in Lesotho. The adoption of this recommendation was facilitated by the close involvement in this research of public and private agencies responsible for growth monitoring in Lesotho.
A novel cardiac muscle-derived biomaterial reduces dyskinesia and postinfarct left ventricular remodeling in a mouse model of myocardial infarction

Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation after myocardial infarction (MI) leaves the myocardium structurally weakened and, as a result, susceptible to early infarct zone dyskinesia and left ventricular (LV) remodeling. While various cellular and biomaterial preparations have been transplanted into the infarct zone in hopes of improving post‐MI LV remodeling, an allogeneic cardiac muscle‐derived ECM extract has yet to be developed and tested in the setting of reperfused MI. We sought to determine the effects of injecting a novel cardiac muscle‐derived ECM into the infarct zone on early dyskinesia and LV remodeling in a mouse model of MI. Cardiac muscle ECM was extracted from frozen mouse heart tissue by a protocol that enriches for basement membrane constituents. The extract was injected into the infarct zone immediately after ischemia/reperfusion injury (n = 6). Echocardiography was performed at baseline and at days 2, 7, 14, and 28 post‐MI to assess 3D LV volumes and cardiac function, as compared to infarcted controls (n = 9). Early infarct zone dyskinesia was measured on day 2 post‐MI using a novel metric, the dyskinesia index. End‐systolic volume was significantly reduced in the ECM‐treated group compared to controls by day 14. Ejection fraction and stroke volume were also significantly improved in the ECM‐treated group. ECM‐treated hearts showed a significant (P < 0.005) reduction in dyskinetic motion on day 2. Thus, using high‐frequency ultrasound, it was shown that treatment with a cardiac‐derived ECM preparation reduced early infarct zone dyskinesia and post‐MI LV remodeling in a mouse model of reperfused MI.
Unravelling Glucan Recognition Systems by Glycome Microarrays Using the Designer Approach and Mass Spectrometry

Glucans are polymers of d-glucose with differing linkages in linear or branched sequences. They are constituents of microbial and plant cell-walls and involved in important bio-recognition processes, including immunomodulation, anticancer activities, pathogen virulence, and plant cell-wall biodegradation. Translational possibilities for these activities in medicine and biotechnology are considerable. High-throughput micro-methods are needed to screen proteins for recognition of specific glucan sequences as a lead to structure–function studies and their exploitation. We describe construction of a “glucome” microarray, the first sequence-defined glycome-scale microarray, using a “designer” approach from targeted ligand-bearing glucans in conjunction with a novel high-sensitivity mass spectrometric sequencing method, as a screening tool to assign glucan recognition motifs. The glucome microarray comprises 153 oligosaccharide probes with high purity, representing major sequences in glucans. Negative-ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry with collision-induced dissociation was used for complete linkage analysis of gluco-oligosaccharides in linear “homo” and “hetero” and branched sequences. The system is validated using antibodies and carbohydrate-binding modules known to target α- or β-glucans in different biological contexts, extending knowledge on their specificities, and applied to reveal new information on glucan recognition by two signaling molecules of the immune system against pathogens: Dectin-1 and DC-SIGN. The sequencing of the glucan oligosaccharides by the MS method and their interrogation on the microarrays provides detailed information on linkage, sequence and chain length requirements of glucan-recognizing proteins, and are a sensitive means of revealing unsuspected sequences in the polysaccharides.
Intraperitoneal Addition of Hyaluronan Improves Peritoneal Dialysis Efficiency

Background It has been shown that hyaluronan (HA) can decrease peritoneal fluid absorption. It is not known, however, how various molecular weights and various concentrations of hyaluronan affect peritoneal fluid absorption rate. Methods A study of 4-hour dwells, with frequent dialysate and blood sampling, was performed in male SpragueCawley rats (6 7 rats in each group) with 1311 albumin as an intraperitoneal volume marker. Each rat was infused intraperitoneally with 25 mL of 1.5% glucose solution alone or 1.5% glucose solution containing hyaluronan at various molecular weights (MW -85 kC, 280 kC, 500 kC, and 4 MC) or containing hyaluronan of MW 500 kC at various concentrations (0.01%,0.05%,0.1%,0.5%). Two additional groups were infused with 40 mL of 1.36% glucose dialysate alone or 1.36% glucose dialysate with 0.01 % hyaluronan (MW 500 kC) to test the effect of hyaluronan when high dialysate fill volume was used. Results Addition of 0.01% hyaluronan significantly decreased peritoneal fluid absorption rate (KE) (by 22%, p < 0.01). The decrease was more marked with hyaluronan at high MW or high concentration, or with high dialysate fill volume. The net ultrafiltration tended to be higher in all hyaluronan groups compared to their control groups except in the 4 MC group; this difference was mainly due to a lower KE in all the hyaluronan groups. The direct lymphatic flow was significantly decreased in the 0.5% HA group. The transcapillary ultrafiltration rate (au) was significantly lower in the 4 MC group as compared to the control group. No difference in au was found between the other groups as compared to their control groups. Conclusions (1) Intraperitoneal addition of hyaluronan may increase net peritoneal fluid removal, mainly because hyaluronan decreases peritoneal fluid absorption rate. The decrease was more marked when high dialysate fill volume was used, indicating that intraperitoneal addition of hyaluronan can prevent the decreased net ultrafiltration caused by an increase in dialysate fill volume. (2) The decrease in peritoneal fluid absorption rate may be both MW-dependent and concentration-dependent: that is, a higher MW as well as a higher concentration of hyaluronan result in a more marked decrease in peritoneal fluid absorption rate. (3) Low concentrations of high MW hyaluronan may also decrease au. However, au did not decrease when high concentrations of hyaluronan were used despite a significant decrease in peritoneal fluid absorption rate.