Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Invasive amphibians in southern Africa: A review of invasion pathways

Background : Globally, invasive amphibians are known for their environmental and social impacts that range from poisoning of local fauna and human populations to direct predation on other amphibians. Although several countries on most continents have had multiple introductions of many species, southern Africa appears to have escaped allochthonous introductions. Instead, it has a small number of domestic exotic species that have rapidly expanded their ranges and established invasive populations within South Africa. Objectives & methods : We used the literature to provide a historical overview of dispersal by some of the world’s major invasive amphibians, give examples of species that are commonly moved as stowaways and discuss historical and current amphibian trade in the region. In addition, we give an overview of new South African legislation and how this is applied to amphibian invasions, as well as providing updates on the introduced populations of three domestic exotics: Hyperolius marmoratus, Sclerophrys gutturalis and Xenopus laevis . Results : We show that frogs are mainly moved around southern Africa through ‘jump’ dispersal, although there are a number of records of ‘cultivation’, ‘leading-edge’ and ‘extreme long-distance’ dispersal types. Important pathways include trade in fruit and vegetables, horticultural products and shipping containers. Conclusion : We suggest that southern Africa is becoming more vulnerable to amphibian invasions because of an increase in trade, agricultural and domestic impoundments as well as global climate change. Increasing propagule pressure suggests that preventing new introductions will become a key challenge for the future. Currently, trade in amphibians in the region is practically non-existent, suggesting potential for best practice to prevent importation of species with high invasion potential and to stop the spread of disease.
Evaluation of the Quality of Publications on Randomized Clinical Trials Using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement Guidelines in a Spanish Tertiary Hospital

The main reason for conducting a clinical trial (CT) is to test the effect of a drug or medical procedure to improve treatment of a disease. CTs contribute most when they are rigorously conducted and the results are published adequately. The aim of this study is to assess, using the CONSORT statement guidelines, the quality of reporting of completed CTs conducted at a tertiary hospital to determine which sections of the articles should be improved. CTs published between 2002 and 2008 were identified by searching the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. Forty of 127 completed CTs were published. There was a marked increase in the number of articles and the quality of the journals that published the CTs over time. Although the articles were published in high‐impact index journals, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) score reporting quality of the articles varied substantially, which indicates that they should be improved. The title, abstract, introduction, and discussion sections received the highest CONSORT scores and need little improvement. Poor reporting of methodological details and discussion on limitations and strengths were observed. In conclusion, much improvement remains to be made in the quality of reporting of CTs to allow reliable quality assessment of published trials.
Quality and Severity of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms among African American Elders

Lack of population-based data on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among African American men represents a significant gap in understanding. This study examined LUTS among a racially oversampled, mixed urban/rural, elderly cohort of African Americans and whites in the South to discern whether racial differences exist in the prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors of LUTS. Longitudinal analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) were conducted on the 1994–1998 EPESE dataset for 5 North Carolina counties. In 1994, the analytic cohort included 482 African Americans and 407 whites; by 1998, 249 and 222, respectively. In 1994, 49.4% of African Americans reported LUTS compared to 56.8% of whites. By 1998, percentages increased to 60.6% and 70.3%, respectively. LUTS was associated with being African American, married, having poor health status and disability, delaying care quite often, being in a nursing home or in a rural area, and having a male physician.
Accelerating ability of synthetic oligosaccharides on antithrombin inhibition of proteinases of the clotting and fibrinolytic systems Comparison with heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin

Summary The abilities of three synthetic oligosaccharides to accelerate antithrombin inhibition of ten clotting or fibrinolytic proteinases were compared with those of unfractionated, fractionated high-affinity and low-molecular-weight heparins. The results show that the anticoagulant effects of the latter three heparins under conditions approximating physiologic are exerted almost exclusively by acceleration of the inactivation of thrombin, factor Xa and factor IXa to near diffusion-controlled rate constants of ∼106 – 107 M−1·s−1. All other proteinases are inhibited with at least 20-fold lower rate constants. The anticoagulant ability of the synthetic regular (fondaparinux) and high-affinity (idraparinux) pentasaccharides is due to a common mechanism, involving acceleration of only factor Xa inhibition to rate constants of ∼106 M−1·s−1. A synthetic hexadecasaccharide, containing both the pentasaccharide sequence and a proteinase binding site, exerts its anticoagulant effect by accelerating antithrombin inactivation of both thrombin and factor Xa to rate constants of ∼106 – 107 M−1·s−1, although thrombin appears to be the more important target. In contrast, factor IXa inhibition is appreciably less stimulated. The conformational change of antithrombin induced both by the pentasaccharides and longer heparins contributes substantially, ∼150–500-fold, to accelerating the inactivation of factors Xa, IXa and VIIa and moderately, ∼50-fold, to that of factor XIIa and tissue plasminogen activator inhibition. The bridging effect due to binding of antithrombin and proteinase to the same, long heparin chain is dominating, ∼1000–3000-fold, for thrombin inhibition and is appreciably smaller, although up to ∼250-350-fold, for the inactivation of factors IXa and XIa. These results establish the proteinase targets of heparin derivatives currently used in or considered for thrombosis therapy and give new insights into the mechanism of heparin acceleration of antithrombin inhibition of proteinases.
Exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms during substance use disorder treatment.

OBJECTIVE This study examined psychiatric symptom exacerbation (or deterioration) among patients treated for substance use disorders. The study examined several questions. What is the prevalence of deterioration during residential treatment? Compared with patients who show improvement in psychiatric symptoms, do those with deterioration of symptoms report poorer functioning during treatment and one year after treatment entry? Do patients who experience deterioration of symptoms one year after treatment entry enter treatment with more problems and poorer coping skills? Is the prevalence of deterioration associated with treatment orientation, and do patients whose psychiatric symptoms deteriorate view the treatment environment more negatively than patients whose symptoms improve? METHODS A total of 3,322 male patients were recruited at 15 residential substance abuse treatment programs in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system between 1992 and 1995. On the basis of changes in psychiatric symptoms during treatment, these patients were categorized as having either deteriorated or improved psychiatric symptoms. Patients whose symptoms deteriorated were compared with a matched group of patients with improved symptoms. RESULTS A total of 426 patients (13 percent) reported a worsening of psychiatric symptoms during treatment. Compared with patients in the improved group (N=426), patients in the deteriorated group reported more psychiatric problems and substance use one year after treatment. Patients in the deteriorated group were more likely to have a psychotic diagnosis, lower self-efficacy, and more reliance on coping by expression of emotions and to view the treatment experience more negatively. CONCLUSIONS Thirteen percent of the patients experienced an exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms during residential substance use disorder treatment. Improved monitoring procedures, such as regular assessments for changes in psychiatric symptoms, are needed to routinely obtain information about declines in psychiatric conditions during treatment.
Evaluation of soil structure using participatory methods in the semiarid region of Brazil

Conservation practices are important in improving the environmental protection of agroecosystems in semiarid regions, as these are considered to be fragile environments. Soil-quality indicators are useful elements in evaluating the impact of some agricultural management practices, and the use of recognized indicators which are able to be measured by farmers is an innovative approach that seeks to integrate both scientific and local knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various management practices through indicators of soil quality related to soil structure, in areas of family farming where agroecological consortiums are employed. These indicators were identified as important by the farmers themselves, and methodologies were suggested for field application by the farmers, which were later compared to applications made in the laboratory. The indicators used were penetration resistance of the soil and stability and dispersion of aggregates for areas of agroecological consortium and natural vegetation. It can be concluded that agroecological consortia contribute to the conservation of soil structure and that the involvement of farmers plays an important role in developing research.
Resistance exercise‐induced hormonal response under the influence of delayed onset muscle soreness in men and boys

It was hypothesized that exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD)‐related alterations in hormonal responses could be observed if a second exercise bout is performed soon after an identical unaccustomed bout leading to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Eight men (31 ± 7 years) and eight boys (14 ± 0 years) performed two exercise bouts (E1 and E2, with 48 h rest in between) consisting of three sets of bilateral knee extensions until exhaustion with 40% load. No differences between the groups or bouts were observed in the number of repetitions performed and maximal isometric force decline, or between groups in serum creatine kinase activity and DOMS. Decreased peak epinephrine (EPI) (−38%), growth hormone (GH) (−45%) and cortisol (COR) (−31%) concentrations were found in E2 in men (P<0.05). In men, the peak GH concentration was also lower in E2 and COR was higher in both bouts than in boys. No changes in norepinephrine and testosterone responses were found in either group. The results suggest that in men, the responses of EPI, GH and COR are attenuated when the second bout is performed under the influence of DOMS. In boys, the lack of this attenuation may not be explained by less severe EIMD.
GENETIC VARIATION AND COVARIATION FOR CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH CADMIUM TOLERANCE IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF THE SPRINGTAIL ORCHESELLA CINCTA (L.)

Heavy metals can be strong and stable directional selective agents for metal‐exposed populations. Genetic variation for the metal‐tolerance characteristic “cadmium excretion efficiency” was studied in populations of the collembolan Orchesella cincta from a reference‐ and a metal‐contaminated forest soil. Previously it has been shown that “excretion efficiency” influences tolerance through midgut‐mediated immobilization and excretion of toxic metal ions, and that an increased mean excretion efficiency is present in animals inhabiting metal‐contaminated litter. In the present research, offspring‐parent regressions showed that additive genetic variation for cadmium excretion efficiency was present in the population from the reference site. The heritability estimate was 0.33. In the natural population exposed to heavy metals from an industrial source, additive genetic variation was not significantly different from zero. Differences in the heritability between the reference and the exposed population were not significant. Genetic variation for cadmium excretion efficiency allows for a response to selection in the reference population. Such a response has probably occurred in the metal‐exposed population. Half‐sib analysis with animals from the reference population was used to estimate genetic variation and maternal effects for excretion efficiency, relative growth rate and molting frequency, and to determine genetic correlations between these characteristics. Additive genetic variation was demonstrated for all three characteristics, heritability estimates were 0.48, 0.75 and 0.46, respectively. Maternal effects were low for excretion efficiency and molting frequency, but may be present for relative growth rate. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among these characteristics were positive. The environmental correlation between relative growth rate and molting frequency was positive, others were negative. Direct selection for any of the characteristics, or genetic correlations between tolerance characteristics and growth characteristics, or both may have caused the responses previously observed in field populations.
Microvascular Breast Reconstruction and Lymph Node Transfer for Postmastectomy Lymphedema Patients

Objective:Postoperative lymphedema after breast cancer surgery is a challenging problem. Recently, a novel microvascular lymph node transfer technique provided a fresh hope for patients with lymphedema. We aimed to combine this new method with the standard breast reconstruction. Methods:During 2008–2010, we performed free lower abdominal flap breast reconstruction in 87 patients. For all patients with lymphedema symptoms (n = 9), we used a modified lower abdominal reconstruction flap containing lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels surrounding the superficial circumflex vessel pedicle. Operation time, donor site morbidity, and postoperative recovery between the 2 groups (lymphedema breast reconstruction and breast reconstruction) were compared. The effect on the postoperative lymphatic vessel function was examined. Results:The average operation time was 426 minutes in the lymphedema breast reconstruction group and 391 minutes in the breast reconstruction group. The postoperative abdominal seroma formation was increased in patients with lymphedema. Postoperative lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated at least some improvement in lymphatic vessel function in 5 of 6 patients with lymphedema. The upper limb perimeter decreased in 7 of 9 patients. Physiotherapy and compression was no longer needed in 3 of 9 patients. Importantly, we found that human lymph nodes express high levels of endogenous lymphatic vessel growth factors. Transfer of the lymph nodes and the resulting endogenous growth factor expression may thereby induce the regrowth of lymphatic network in the axilla. No edema problems were detected in the lymph node donor area. Conclusion:Simultaneous breast and lymphatic reconstruction is an ideal option for patients who suffer from lymphedema after mastectomy and axillary dissection.
Micrometastases and survival in stage II colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND Standard treatment of colorectal cancer includes adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage III disease (defined by the presence of lymph-node metastases), but not for patients with stage II tumors (who have no lymph-node metastases). However, 20 percent of patients with stage II tumors die of recurrent disease. We investigated whether the detection of micrometastases can be used to identify patients with stage II disease who are at high risk for recurrence. METHODS We analyzed 192 lymph nodes from 26 consecutive patients with stage II colorectal cancer, using a carcinoembryonic antigen-specific nested reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Five-year follow-up information was obtained on all patients. Observed and adjusted survival rates were assessed in the patients with and the patients without micrometastases. RESULTS Micrometastases were detected in one or more lymph nodes from 14 of 26 patients (54 percent). The adjusted five-year survival rate (for which only cancer-related deaths were considered) was 50 percent in this group, whereas in the 12 patients without micrometastases, the survival rate was 91 percent (P=0.02 by the log-rank test). The observed five-year survival rates were 36 percent and 75 percent, respectively (P=0.03). The groups were similar with respect to age, sex, tumor side (location in relation to the flexura lienalis), degree of tumor differentiation (grade), and diameter of the primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS Molecular detection of micrometastases is a prognostic tool in stage II colorectal cancer.
Ribavirin Causes Error Catastrophe during Hantaan Virus Replication

ABSTRACT Except for ribavirin, no other antiviral drugs for treating hantaviral diseases have been identified. It is well established that ribavirin will inhibit the production of infectious Hantaan virus (HTNV); however, its mechanism of action is unknown. To characterize the inhibitory effect of ribavirin on HTNV, the levels of viral RNAs, proteins, and infectious particles were measured for 3 days posttreatment of HTNV-infected Vero E6 cells. HTNV-infected cells treated with ribavirin showed a slight reduction in the levels of cRNA, viral RNA, and mRNA populations on the first day postinfection. The amount of cRNA and viral RNA increased to that observed for untreated HTNV-infected cells on day 2, whereas mRNA levels were more greatly reduced on days 2 and 3. Despite the finding of S-segment mRNA, albeit low, three of the viral proteins—nucleocapsid (N) protein and glycoproteins G1 and G2—could not be detected by immunohistochemistry in ribavirin-treated cells. To test the hypothesis that these effects were caused by incorporation of ribavirin into nascent RNA and a resultant “error catastrophe” was occurring, we cloned and sequenced the S-segment cRNA/mRNA from ribavirin-treated or untreated cells from day 3. We found a high mutation frequency (9.5/1,000 nucleotides) in viral RNA synthesized in the presence of ribavirin. Hence, the transcripts produced in the presence of the drug were not functional. These results suggest that ribavirin's mechanism of action lies in challenging the fidelity of the hantavirus polymerase, which causes error catastrophe.
Longitudinal Examination of PTSD Symptoms and Problematic Alcohol Use as Risk Factors for Adolescent Victimization

The current study examined associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and future interpersonal victimization among adolescents, after accounting for the impact of early victimization exposure, gender, ethnicity, and household income. In addition, problematic alcohol use was tested as a mediator of the relation between PTSD symptoms and subsequent victimization. Participants included a national longitudinal sample of adolescents (N = 3,604) who were ages 12 to 17 at the initial assessment: 50% were male, and 67% were White, 16% African American, and 12% Hispanic. Cohort-sequential latent growth curve modeling was used to examine associations among the study variables. Baseline PTSD symptoms significantly predicted age-related increases in interpersonal victimization, even after accounting for the effects of earlier victimization experiences. In addition, alcohol problems emerged as a partial mediator of this relation, such that one fourth to one third of the effect of PTSD symptoms on future victimization was attributable to the impact of PTSD symptoms on alcohol problems (which, in turn, predicted additional victimization risk). Collectively, the full model accounted for more than half of the variance in age-related increases in interpersonal victimization among youth. Results indicate that PTSD symptoms serve as a risk factor for subsequent victimization among adolescents, over and above the risk conferred by prior victimization. This increased risk occurred both independently and through the impact of PTSD symptoms on problematic alcohol use. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the likelihood of repeated victimization among youth might be reduced through early detection and treatment of these clinical problems.
Estilos de vida activa y saludable, salud física y mental, personalidad y rendimiento académico en adolescentes

El 63% de los adolescentes practican actividad fisica varias veces a la semana, siendo mayor la frecuencia en los varones y en los de menor edad y el 21% la realizan todos los dias de la semana. No obstante, mas de la mitad de los adolescentes dedican mas de dos horas diarias de su tiempo libre a estar sentados frente a una pantalla. El 21,1% de los adolescentes estudiados cumplen al menos nueve criterios del cuestionario de la dieta mediterranea y el 4,2% no consumen nada de fruta, especialmente los varones de mayor edad. Los adolescentes estudiados dedican 8,5 horas diarias al descanso, es decir horas de sueno. El grupo de adolescentes con mayor actividad fisica tiene mayor fuerza fisica en el tren inferior, mayor velocidad y mejor condicion fisica general que los grupos que realizan menor actividad fisica. Asimismo un mayor rendimiento en las pruebas fisicas y mejor condicion fisica general se asocia a un menor indice de masa corporal. Estilos de vida activa (practica de actividad fisica) y saludable (dieta saludable) son buenos predictores de la salud mental. El ejercicio fisico es un buen amortiguador del estres percibido, en cambio, la dieta saludable no afecta al estres percibido Las variables de personalidad, optimismo fundado y autoestima, son predictoras de la practica de actividad fisica. Optimismo fundado predice, despues de controlar los efectos de actividad fisica y estres, la salud mental general (tal como ha sido medida con el GHQ-12). Dieta saludable esta asociada a actividad fisica, no sucede asi con la dieta no saludable. Aquellas personas con un LOC interno intenten seguir una dieta saludable y hacer ejercicio, las personas con LOC externo parecen seguir dietas no saludables. La autoeficacia percibida es un potente predictor de la conducta especifica de la actividad fisica, al igual que las barreras, el apoyo e influencia social, disfrute e intencion. La creencia de que se puede realizar una determinada accion o comportamiento con exito, es uno de los factores que mas movilizan a los adolescentes a intentarlo. El obstaculo mas citado para no realizar actividad fisica es la falta de tiempo. Relacion entre la practica de la actividad fisica y dieta saludable y mejora en el rendimiento academico de los adolescentes. La dieta no saludable tiene un efecto negativo. El optimismo fundado academico es un gran predictor del rendimiento academico, de los adolescentes. Este se encuentra perjudicado por las creencias en LOC externo.