Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of the presence of others on caloric intake in homebound older adults.

BACKGROUND Undernutrition in homebound older adults is a significant problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the presence of others, both within the household and during meals, on caloric intake in homebound older adults. METHODS In-depth interviews and three 24-hour dietary recalls were obtained from 50 older adults who were receiving home health services. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants, and hierarchical linear modeling was performed to evaluate predictors of caloric intake per meal. RESULTS Participants' mean age was 77. Females composed 65% and African Americans composed 42% of the sample. Analyses are based on 553 meal observations. The majority (84%) of participants consumed all meals for each of the 3 days of data collection; however, they consumed an average of only 1305 calories per day. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis indicated that persons who had others present during meals consumed an average of 114.0 calories more per meal than those who ate alone (p =.009) and that women consumed 76.7 fewer calories per meal than did men (p =.045). The presence of others within the household had no effect on caloric intake. CONCLUSION This research suggests that a simple and inexpensive way to increase caloric intake in homebound older adults is to make arrangements for family members or caregivers to eat with them.
Influence of Age and Gender on Brown Adipose Tissue Norepinephrine Turnover

Abstract We hypothesized that the attenuated brown adipose tissue thermogenic capacity observed previously in cold-exposed 27-month-old male versus female Fischer 344 rats might result, in part, from blunted sympathetic signaling to the tissue. As an index of sympathetic activity to brown fat, norepinephrine (NE) turnover in this tissue was evaluated at rest (22-24°C) and during 1.5 hr of cold exposure (6°C) in male and female Fischer 344 rats, aged 6, 12, and 26 months. Resting NE turnover as well as the rate constant for NE efflux from brown fat, expressed as total and as per gram of tissue protein, did not, in general, differ from age or gender. During cold exposure, rate constants and NE turnover rates increased significantly from those at rest in all groups. Brown fat NE turnover in cold-exposed 26-month-old male rats was greater than that observed in age-matched females, suggesting greater, not less, sympathetic signaling in the males versus females. These data indicate that the attenuated brown fat thermogenic capacity as well as the blunted cold-induced thermogenic responses of cold-exposed older male versus female rats reported previously cannot be explained by diminished release of NE from sympathetic nerves innervating brown adipose tissue.
Antecedents of the Attraction Effect: An Information-Processing Approach

Many researchers have demonstrated the existence of an attraction effect that increases the choice probability of an existing “target” brand by the introduction of a relatively inferior “decoy” brand. This study develops a causal model that links antecedent variables with the attraction effect. We find that the attraction effect is explained to a considerable extent by changes in the following seven variables: (1) information relevance or stimulus meaningfulness, (2) product class knowledge, (3) task involvement, (4) perceived similarity between decoy and target, (5) relative brand preference, (6) share captured by decoy brand, and (7) perceived decoy popularity. The overall results were consistent across product classes studied, which included beer, cars, and TV sets. The popularity explanation for attraction effect, alluded to by Huber, Payne, and Puto (1982), was tested and found to hold true.
Real-Time Visual Rotational Velocity Estimation Using a Biologically-Inspired Algorithm on Embedded Hardware

Vision is a potent source of information, not just for humans, but for robots as well. Processing visual information is a computationally expensive task, one that is often difficult to accomplish in real-time on embedded hardware. In the broad field of visual research exists egomotion estimation, the process of determining self-motion from optical flow. Here we show a technological adaptation and implementation of a complex, biologically-inspired egomotion estimator that has previously only been simulated. Through efficient biologically-inspired signal conditioning and motion estimation techniques, rotational velocity estimations have been achieved at 100 frames per second on embedded hardware within an operating range of 2.7°/s to 72.1°/s with comparable accuracy to traditional sensors. These findings open the possibilities for egomotion estimation on embedded platforms which could be used to complement existing rotational velocity estimators under complex environmental conditions.
Total diet study: estimated dietary intakes of nutritional elements, 1982-1991.

Dietary intakes of 11 nutritional elements for eight age-sex groups were estimated for the time period 1982 to 1991 on the basis of results from laboratory analyses of 234 core foods of the U.S. food supply and food consumption data from two national food consumption surveys conducted in the late 1970s. Estimated intakes based on the mean and median (50th percentile) levels of the elements in the foods were similar, except for iodine for which intake estimates based on mean values exceeded those based on median values. The high concentration of iodine in some foods resulted in higher mean (than median) values. Estimated intakes of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and iodine met or nearly met dietary intake standards set by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Estimated intakes of copper were below NAS standards for all eight age-sex groups. Estimated intakes were below NAS standards for magnesium for six age-sex groups, calcium and zinc for five age-sex groups, iron for three age-sex groups, and manganese for one age-sex group. The diets of teenage girls had seven elements below NAS standards, the diets of adult women had five elements below NAS standards, and the diets of 2-year-olds and older men and women had four elements each below NAS standards. The estimated intake of sodium for 6-11-month-old infants showed a decreasing trend from 729 mg/day in 1982/83 to 632 mg/day in 1990/91. There were no other significant trends or changes in estimated element intakes over the 9-year period.
Joint Mobilization and Stretching Exercise vs Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Background: This study compared the effectiveness of joint mobilization combined with stretching exercises (JM&Str) vs steroid injection (SI) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). Methods: A total of 43 patients (mean age, 45.5 ± 8.5 years; range, 30-60 years; 23 females) with PF were randomly assigned to receive either JM&Str (n = 22) or SIs (n = 21). JM&Str was applied 3 times per week for 3 weeks for a total of 9 visits. The SI group received 1 injection at baseline. The patients’ functional scores were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Outcomes of interest were captured at baseline and at 3-week, 6-week, 12-week, and 1-year follow-ups. The primary aim was examined using a mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pairwise comparisons were performed to examine differences between the baseline and follow-up periods using Bonferroni equality at an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Age, sex, body mass index, and dorsiflexion range of motion did not significantly impact pain relief or functional outcome (P > .05) at the 3-, 6- or 12-week follow-ups compared to baseline. Planned pairwise comparisons demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief and functional outcomes in both groups (P < .05) at the 3-, 6-, and 12-week follow-ups compared to baseline. However, at the 12-week and 1-year follow-ups, pain and functional outcomes were significantly improved in only the JM&Str group (P = .002). The overall group-by-time interaction was statistically significant for both FAAM (P = .001; F = 7.0) and VAS (P = .001; F = 8.3) scores. Between-group differences favored the SI group at the 3-week (P = .001, P = .001), 6-week (P = .002, P = .001), and 12-week (P = .008, P = .001) follow-ups for pain relief and functional outcomes. However, no significant differences (P = .62, P = .57) were detected in the measured outcomes at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that while both groups achieved significant improvements at the 3-, 6-, and 12-week follow-ups, the SI group exhibited better outcomes at all 3 time points. The noted improvements continued in only the JM&Str group for a period of time ranging from 12 weeks to 1 year. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative study.
Resistance to Colistin in Acinetobacter baumannii Associated with Mutations in the PmrAB Two-Component System

ABSTRACT The mechanism of colistin resistance (Colr) in Acinetobacter baumannii was studied by selecting in vitro Colr derivatives of the multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolate AB0057 and the drug-susceptible strain ATCC 17978, using escalating concentrations of colistin in liquid culture. DNA sequencing identified mutations in genes encoding the two-component system proteins PmrA and/or PmrB in each strain and in a Colr clinical isolate. A colistin-susceptible revertant of one Colr mutant strain, obtained following serial passage in the absence of colistin selection, carried a partial deletion of pmrB. Growth of AB0057 and ATCC 17978 at pH 5.5 increased the colistin MIC and conferred protection from killing by colistin in a 1-hour survival assay. Growth in ferric chloride [Fe(III)] conferred a small protective effect. Expression of pmrA was increased in Colr mutants, but not at a low pH, suggesting that additional regulatory factors remain to be discovered.
Long‐Term Citrate Anticoagulation in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

In some cases, long‐term (>3 months) citrate anticoagulation is needed in maintenance hemodialysis patients due to a persistent bleeding risk. In this retrospective observational study, we present our experience and assess its safety and effects on mineral and bone disorder parameters. Sixteen patients (mean age 67 ± 15 years) were treated with long‐term citrate anticoagulation. The indications were: recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in nine patients, heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia, retroperitoneal hematoma, chronic subdural hematoma, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, vascular malformations in the brain in one patient, and others in two patients. Metabolic complications and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were analyzed. Citrate anticoagulation was performed for 4 months to 6.3 years (median 12 months). Ionized calcium was stable during the procedures; hypocalcemia (<0.9 mmol/L) was rare (2.1% of procedures), and there was one case of severe symptomatic hypocalcemia. There were no clinically significant acid–base disturbances and no clotting problems. In the short term (1–3 months after starting citrate), the iPTH increased in 73% of patients (from 325 ± 310 to 591 ± 793 pg/L, P = 0.11, N = 11). In the long term (1–2 years), an increase in iPTH was observed in 3/6 patients. The time period (before/after starting citrate) was a significant predictor of iPTH using main‐effects anova (P < 0.001). To conclude, long‐term citrate anticoagulation in chronic hemodialysis patients is safe. Mild hypocalcemia during dialysis with citrate anticoagulation may contribute to a short‐ and long‐term increase in iPTH in these patients. Further studies on long‐term citrate anticoagulation are necessary.
HIV-1 genetic diversity in Western Brittany, France.

We describe human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) diversity in Western Brittany, France, and trace the dissemination of HIV-1 non-B subtype infection. The strategy for HIV-1 subtyping used involved subtype specific enzyme immunoassays, heteroduplex mobility assays and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of env encoding the V3 loop region. Samples were obtained from 567 patients: 465 (82%) were of subtype B and 66 (11.6%) were not (20 were subtype A, 11 subtype C, four subtype D, seven subtype F, five subtype G and 19 others with circulating recombinant forms: 4CRF01_AE, 11CRF02_AG, 1H, 3CRF11_cpx). These findings are consistent with other studies of French populations. There is an epidemiological correlation between subtype B and homosexual or heterosexual contamination in France and between non-B subtype and heterosexual contamination in Africa.
Arylsulfatase a is present on the pig sperm surface and is involved in sperm-zona pellucida binding.

We have previously described the affinity of a pig sperm surface protein, P68, to mammalian zonae pellucidae (ZP). In this report, we identified P68 as arylsulfatase A (AS-A) based on the presence of P68 tryptic peptide sequences in the pig testis AS-A cDNA sequence. Our objective was to demonstrate the presence of AS-A on the sperm surface and to elucidate its role in ZP binding. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed the presence of AS-A on the sperm surface. Furthermore, live pig sperm and the extract of peripheral sperm plasma membrane proteins exhibited AS-A's desulfation activity. Significantly, the role of pig sperm surface AS-A in ZP binding was demonstrated by dose-dependent decreases of sperm-ZP binding upon sperm pretreatment with anti-AS-A IgG/Fab, and by the binding of Alexa-430-conjugated sperm surface AS-A to homologous ZP. ZP pretreatment with anti-pig-ZP3 antibody abolished AS-A binding, suggesting that ZP3, recognized as the pig sperm receptor, was AS-A's binding ligand. This was further confirmed by the ability of exogenous ZP3 to competitively inhibit AS-A-ZP binding. Similarly, purified ZP3alpha, a major sperm receptor component of ZP3, exhibited great inhibitory effect on AS-A-ZP binding. All of these results designated a new function of AS-A in gamete interaction.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator Expression in Endothelial Cells Exposed to Cyclic Strain in Vitro

The effects of cyclic strain on the production of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) by cultured endothelial cells (EC) were examined. Human saphenous vein EC were seeded in selective areas of culture plates with flexible membrane bottoms (corresponding to specific strain regions) and grown to confluence. Membranes were deformed by vacuum (-20 kPa) at 60 cycles/min (0.5 s strain alternating with 0.5 s relaxation in the neutral position) for 5 days. EC grown in the periphery were subjected to 7-24% strain, while cells grown in the center experienced less than 7% strain. The results show a significant increase in immunoreactive tPA production on days 1, 3 and 5 compared to day 0 in EC subjected to more than 7% cyclic strain. There was no significant elevation of tPA in the medium of EC subjected to less than 7% strain. tPA activity could only be detected in the medium of EC subjected to more than 7% cyclic strain. PAI-1 levels in the medium were not significantly different in either group. In addition, immunocytochemical detection of intracellular tPA and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of tPA (assessed by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction utilizing tPA specific sense and antisense primers) was significantly increased in EC subjected to more than 7% cyclic strain. We conclude that a 60 cycles/min regimen of strain that is greater than 7% can selectively stimulate tPA production by EC in vitro and may contribute to the relative nonthrombogenicity of the endothelium in vivo.
Characterization of the alpha-Amylases Synthesized by Aleurone Layers of Himalaya Barley in Response to Gibberellic Acid.

The gibberellic acid (GA(3))-induced alpha-amylases from the aleurone layers of Himalaya barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Himalaya) have been purified by cycloheptaamylose-Sepharose affinity chromatography and fractionated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Four fractions (alpha-amylases 1-4) were obtained which fell into two groups (A and B) on the basis of a number of characteristics. Major differences in serological characteristics and in proteolytic fingerprints were found between group A (alpha-amylases 1 and 2) and group B (alpha-amylases 3 and 4). Also, the lag time for appearance of group B enzyme activity was longer than for group A, and the appearance of group B required higher GA(3) levels than group A. The components of each group behaved similarly, although differences in proteolytic fingerprints were detected.These results together with those from other studies indicate that GA(3) differentially controls the expression of two alpha-amylase genes or groups of genes giving rise to two groups of alpha-amylases with many different properties.
Linkage analysis confirms heterogeneity of hereditary gingival fibromatosis.

OBJECTIVES Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare benign fibrous lesion of the gingival tissues presumably caused by single gene defects. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic defect leading to HGF in an extended pedigree. MATERIALS AND METHODS We report the clinical features and genetic analysis of a family affected by HGF. A total of 17 subjects were assessed clinically and had blood samples taken for DNA extraction. Multipoint parametric linkage analysis was performed to identify the possible chromosomal location responsible for HGF in this family. RESULTS Presence of severe HGF associated with tooth impaction was confirmed for seven members of this three-generation family. Linkage analysis revealed that loci on chromosomes 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20 were linked to this trait. Previously found mutations in the SOS1 and GINGF loci were therefore excluded by this analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study brings further evidence for genetic heterogeneity of HGF and points towards the existence of different, not-yet-identified genes linked to this condition.
Early Mover or Late Mover Advantage for Hotels?

Theories on early and late mover advantages predicate that competitive operating advantages can occur with respect to the relative timing of market entry. Suspecting that “early mover” hotels can preempt desirable micro-locations for hotel operations, the current study tests for early mover advantage created by locations not fully imitable. Estimation of spatial econometric model reveals evidence of an early mover advantage. We also find that the effect of depreciation of older hotels may serve as a competitive advantage for new entrants with new facilities, although there was no considerable benefit for late movers. Furthermore, through additional tests we find the early mover advantage consistently significant for both chain and independent hotels. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Safety and efficacy of nelarabine in children and young adults with relapsed or refractory T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or T‐lineage lymphoblastic lymphoma: results of a phase 4 study

Nelarabine is an antineoplastic agent approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) or T‐lineage acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL). The purpose of this phase 4, multicentre, single‐arm, observational, open‐label trial was to provide additional data on the safety and efficacy of nelarabine under licensed conditions of use in children and young adults ≤21 years of age. Patients (N = 28) had a mean ± standard deviation age of 11·5 ± 4·6 years; 71% were male and 61% had a diagnosis of T‐ALL. Adverse events (AEs) and treatment‐related AEs were experienced by 46% and 21%, respectively, and included few haematological AEs and no haematological serious AEs. Neurological AEs from one of four predefined categories (peripheral and central nervous systems, mental status change and uncategorized) were reported in four patients. There were no AE‐related treatment discontinuations/withdrawals. The overall response rate was 39.3%: complete response (CR), 35.7%; CR without full haematological recovery (CR*), 3.6%. Post‐treatment stem cell transplantation was performed for 46% of the cohort. Median overall survival (OS) was 3·35 months for non‐responders and not reached for responders (CR + CR*). The response rate, median OS, and safety profile of nelarabine in this disease setting and population were consistent with those reported previously.
Promotional effect of Si-doped V 2 O 5 / TiO 2 for selective catalytic reduction of NO x by NH 3

Promotional effect of Si-doped V2O5/TiO2 for selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 Yanxiao Pan, Wei Zhao, Qin Zhong, Wei Cai, Hongyu Li School of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China. E-mail: panyanyanxiao1987@126.com Received 11 October 2012; revised 26 February 2013; accepted 05 March 2013 Abstract: TiO2 supports doped with different amounts of Si were prepared by a sol-gel method, and 1 wt. % vanadia (V2O5) loaded on Si-doped TiO2 was obtained by an impregnation method. The mole ratio of Si/Ti was 0.2, NOx conversion exceeds 94% at 300°C and GHSV of 41324 hr, which is about 20% higher than pure V2O5/TiO2. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, TEM, FT-IR, NH3-TPD, XPS, H2-TPR, Raman and in situ DRIFTS. The results of FT-IR and XPS indicated that Si was doped into the TiO2 lattice successfully and a solid solution was obtained. V2O5 active component could be dispersed well on the support with the increasing of surface area of the catalyst, which was confirmed by Raman and XRD results. Above all, the numbers of acid sites (especially the Brønsted-acid) and oxidation properties were enhanced for Si-doped V2O5/TiO2 catalysts, which improved the deNOx catalytic activity.
Pharmacological Properties of Resveratrol. A Pre-Clinical and ClinicalReview

Resvertrol (Resv) is an extensively studied molecule – as of 2015 PubMed held more than 7100 publications on the subject. The First International Resveratrol Conference in 2010 found insufficient evidence to justify recommending chronic administration of Resv in humans, a finding in stark contrast with the claims of its therapeutic effects often made by the media, based on its supposed role in the beneficial properties of red wine and in the so-called French Paradox. However, pharmacological studies carried out on different formulations of Resv from 2010 onwards suggest that these recommendations should be reviewed. Pharmacokinetic Resv is characterized by high inter-individual variability within pharmacokinetic parameters. Resv exhibits a rapid absorption rate, with extensive pre-systemic metabolism by human cytochrome P 450 and intestinal microbiota. Its metabolism leads mainly to conjugation products, the biological activity of which is still under discussion. It is also rapidly cleared by the kidneys. Finally, the estimated bioavailability of Resv is around 1% of orally-administered doses. Clinical trials have shown that Resv seems to exert a therapeutic effect on endothelial dysfunction consistent with in vitro observations demonstrating that Resv stimulates the eNOS enzyme. Inflammatory markers and CRP reductions obtained from doses of Resv equal to or less than 20 mg/day are not observed in larger doses, which imply hermetic behavior. Resv has also been shown to reduce the atherogenic potential of LDL cholesterol by reducing oxidized LDL and ApoB levels, which would in turn reduce atherogenesis. Resv is a well-tolerated compound; short-term clinical trials have shown frequent gastrointestinal discomfort or spontaneously resolving diarrhea only with the administration of high doses.