Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in patients’ perceptions of elective percutaneous coronary intervention in stable coronary artery disease: cross sectional study

Objectives To assess the perceptions of patients with stable coronary artery disease of the urgency and benefits of elective percutaneous coronary intervention and to examine how they vary across centers and by providers. Design Cross sectional study. Setting 10 US academic and community hospitals performing percutaneous coronary interventions between 2009 and 2011. Participants 991 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Main outcome measures Patients’ perceptions of the urgency and benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention, assessed by interview. Multilevel hierarchical logistic regression models examined the variation in patients’ understanding across centers and operators after adjusting for patient characteristics, using median odds ratios. Results The most common reported benefits from percutaneous coronary intervention were to extend life (90%, n=892; site range 80-97%) and to prevent future heart attacks (88%, n=872; site range 79-97%). Although nearly two thirds of patients (n=661) reported improvement of symptoms as a benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (site range 52-87%), only 1% (n=9) identified this as the only benefit. Substantial variability was noted in the ways informed consent was obtained at each site. After adjusting for patient and operator characteristics, the median odds ratios showed significant variation in patients’ perceptions of percutaneous coronary intervention across sites (range 1.4-3.1) but not across operators within a site. Conclusion Patients have a poor understanding of the benefits of elective percutaneous coronary intervention, with significant variation across sites. No sites had a high proportion of patients accurately understanding the benefits. Coupled with the wide variability in the ways in which hospitals obtain informed consent, these findings suggest that hospital level interventions into the structure and processes of obtaining informed consent for percutaneous coronary intervention might improve patient comprehension and understanding.
Fast disintegrating tablets of nisoldipine for intra-oral administration

Abstract Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker with low and variable oral bioavailability. This was attributed to slow dissolution and presystemic metabolism. Accordingly, the objective of this work was to enhance the dissolution rate of nisoldipine to formulate fast disintegrating tablets with rapid dissolution. Binary solid dispersions (SD) were prepared for the drug with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E5 (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Pluronic F68 or polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). SD formation increased the dissolution rate compared to pure drug with the corresponding physical mixtures failing to provide the same dissolution enhancement. This indicates that the SD enhanced dissolution is not due to the solubilizing effect of the polymer and can be due to physical change in the drug crystal which was confirmed by thermal analysis. SD with HPMC and PVP were selected for preparation of fast disintegrating tablets as they liberated most of the drug in the first 5 min. HPMC-based tablets disintegrated rapidly and released most of the drug in the first 2 min which correlated with the corresponding SD. In contrast, PVP-based tablets disintegrated slowly with gradual dissolution. This can be attributed to the binding effect of PVP. The study developed fast disintegrating tablet for intra-oral administration.
Infection Control in the Outpatient Setting

Abstract This article discusses aspects of ambulatory care that increase the difficulty of practicing infection control in this setting or that require infection control staff to use different methods than they would use in the inpatient setting. The article reviews basic infection control precautions that apply to the outpatient setting in general and specific precautions that apply to dialysis centers and physical therapy programs. The article also describes outbreaks that have occurred in the outpatient setting, defines the deficiencies in infection control practice that caused the outbreaks, and discusses methods to prevent transmission of pathogens in the outpatient setting.
Phenotype of patients responsive to occipital nerve stimulation for refractory head pain

Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been employed off-label for medically refractory head pain. Identification of specific headache diagnoses responding to this modality of treatment is required. Forty-four patients with medically refractory head pain and treated with ONS were invited to participate in a retrospective study including a clinical interview and, if necessary, an indomethacin test to establish the headache phenotype according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn (ICHD-II). We gathered data from questionnaires before implantation, at 1 month after implantation, and at long-term follow-up. Twenty-six patients consented and were phenotyped. At 1 month follow-up and at long-term follow-up a significant decrease in all pain parameters was noted, as well as in analgesic use. Quality of sleep and quality of life improved. Patient satisfaction was generally high as 80% of patients had ≥ 50% pain relief at long-term follow-up. The overall complication rate was low, but revisions were frequent. After phenotyping, two main groups emerged: eight patients had ‘Migraine without aura’ (ICHD-II 1.1) and eight patients ‘Constant pain caused by compression, irritation or distortion of cranial nerves or upper cervical roots by structural lesions’ (ICHD-II 13.12). Overuse of symptomatic acute headache treatments was associated with less favourable long-term outcome in migraine patients. We conclude that careful clinical phenotyping may help in defining subgroups of patients with medically refractory headache that are more likely to respond to ONS. The data suggest medication overuse should be managed appropriately when considering ONS in migraine. A controlled prospective study for ONS in ICHD-II 13.12 is warranted.
Flavivirus Infection Activates the XBP1 Pathway of the Unfolded Protein Response To Cope with Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

ABSTRACT The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a coordinated change in gene expression triggered by perturbations in functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). XBP1, a key transcription factor of the UPR, is activated by an IRE1-mediated splicing event, which results in a frameshift and encodes a protein with transcriptional activity. Here, we report that XBP1 was activated during flaviviral infection, as evidenced by XBP1 mRNA splicing and protein expression, as well as induction of the downstream genes ERdj4, EDEM1, and p58(IPK) in Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)- and dengue virus serotype 2 (DEN-2)-infected cells. Reporter systems based on IRE1-mediated XBP1 splicing were established, and several flaviviral proteins associated with the ER, including glycoproteins and small hydrophobic membrane-anchored proteins, were found to trigger the splicing event. Notably, nonstructural protein NS2B-3 of DEN-2, but not of JEV, was a potent inducer of XBP1 splicing through an unclear mechanism(s). Reduction of XBP1 by a small interfering RNA had no effect on cells' susceptibility to the two viruses but exacerbated the flavivirus-induced cytopathic effects. Overall, flaviviruses trigger the XBP1 signaling pathway and take advantage of this cellular response to alleviate virus-induced cytotoxicity.
Research methods in sport and exercise psychology: quantitative and qualitative issues

Contemporary aspects of research methods in sport and exercise psychology are discussed in this wide-ranging review. After an introduction centred on trends in sport and exercise psychology methods, the review is organized around the major themes of quantitative and qualitative research. Our aim is to highlight areas that may be problematic or controversial (e.g. stepwise statistical procedures), underused (e.g. discriminant analysis), increasingly used (e.g. meta-analysis, structural equation modelling, qualitative content analysis) and emergent (e.g. realist tales of writing). Perspectives range from the technical and speculative to the controversial and critical. While deliberately not providing a ‘cookbook’ approach to research methods, we hope to provide enough material to help researchers to appreciate the diversity of potential methods and to adopt a more critical perspective in their own research consumption and production.
Amino acid substitution in hepatitis C virus core region and genetic variation near the interleukin 28B gene predict viral response to telaprevir with peginterferon and ribavirin

Genetic variation near the IL28B gene and substitution of amino acid (aa) 70 and 91 in the core region of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b can predict the response to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin combination therapy, but its impact on triple therapy of telaprevir/PEG‐IFN/ribavirin is not clear. The aims of this study were to investigate the predictive factors of sustained virological response to a 12‐week or 24‐week regimen of triple therapy in 72 of 81 Japanese adults infected with HCV genotype 1. Overall, sustained virological response and end‐of‐treatment response were achieved by 61% and 89%, respectively. Especially, the sustained virological response was achieved by 45% and 67% in the 12‐ and 24‐week regimens, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified rs8099917 near the IL28B gene (genotype TT) and substitution at aa 70 (Arg70) as significant determinants of sustained virological response. Prediction of response to therapy based on a combination of these factors had high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. The efficacy of triple therapy was high in the patients with genotype TT, who accomplished sustained virological response (84%), irrespective of substitution of core aa 70. In the patients having genotype non‐TT, those of Arg70 gained high sustained virological response (50%), and sustained virological response (12%) was the worst in patients who possessed both genotype non‐TT and Gln70(His70). Conclusion: This study identified genetic variation near the IL28B gene and aa substitution of the core region as predictors of sustained virological response to a triple therapy of telaprevir/PEG‐IFN/ribavirin in Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1b. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)
Perceived Effectiveness of Turnitin® in Detecting Plagiarism in Presentation Slides

This cross-sectional survey study investigates students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of Turnitin in detecting plagiarism in academic presentation slides. The data was collected online from 311 students studying at a prominent English-medium instruction university in Turkey. The findings indicated that more than half of them believed in the effectiveness of Turnitin in detecting plagiarism in presentations. Students perceived themselves as academically honest when preparing their presentations. Also, they were aware of the importance of using Turnitin in a required presentation skills course to detect plagiarism. This research can add to the literature since, unlike research on the use of detecting plagiarism in writing, the literature on the use of Turnitin in presentations is not rich and diverse.
Recognition memory: Material, processes, and substrates

The proposal that a system centering on the perirhinal cortex is responsible for familiarity discrimination, particularly for single items, whereas a system centering on the hippocampus is responsible for recollective and more complex associational aspects of recognition memory is reviewed in the light of recent findings. In particular, the proposal is reviewed in relation to recent animal work with rats and results from human clinical studies. Notably, progress has been made in determining potential neural memory substrate mechanisms within the perirhinal cortex in rats. Recent findings have emphasized the importance of specifying the type of material, the type of test, and the strategy used by subjects to solve recognition memory tests if substrates are to be accurately inferred. It is to be expected that the default condition is that both the hippocampal and perirhinal systems will contribute to recognition memory performance. Indeed, rat lesion experiments provide examples of where cooperation between both systems is essential. Nevertheless, there remain examples of the independent operation of the hippocampal and perirhinal systems. Overall, it is concluded that most, though not all, of the recent findings are in support of the proposal. However, there is also evidence that the systems involved in recognition memory need to include structures outside the medial temporal lobe: there are significant but as yet only partially defined roles for the prefrontal cortex and sensory association cortices in recognition memory processes. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aspirations, involvement, and survival: Immigrant Latino youth navigating school and community

This dissertation study, Aspirations, Involvement, and Survival: Immigrant Latino Youth Navigating School and Community, relies on youth voices to examine the structural forces that shape the school and community realities of immigrant Latino youth and the work they are doing to navigate those contexts. Newcomer, 1.5, and 2 generation immigrant Latino youth participated in a classroom-based digital storytelling project about their school and community experiences. Youth migration profiles, focus group, and interview data were then collected over one academic year. The findings from this study expose the institutional layers that immigrant Latino youth confront and how family separation, institutional agents, and policy shaped students’ available and perceived opportunities. Age of arrival and documentation status created challenging barriers for young people, and conflicting and confusing policies made it difficult for advocates to support young people. Students’ deep personal knowledge and daily experiences call upon educators, administrators, community providers, and policymakers to both hear their stories and act intentionally and collaboratively to disrupt obstacles that restrict their educational and occupational pathways.
A Role for Phosphorylation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors in Defining Calcium Signals Induced by Peptide Agonists in Pancreatic Acinar Cells*

Stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells with acetylcholine (ACh) and cholecystokinin (CCK) results in an elevation of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+] c ) through activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3R). The global temporal pattern of the [Ca2+] c changes produced by ACh or CCK stimulation differs significantly. The hypothesis was tested that CCK stimulation results in a protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation of InsP3R and this event contributes to the generation of agonist-specific [Ca2+] c signals. Physiological concentrations of CCK evoked phosphorylation of the type III InsP3R, which was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of PKA. Imaging of fura-2-loaded acinar cells revealed that the rate of [Ca2+] c rise during CCK-evoked oscillations slows with each subsequent oscillation, consistent with a developing modulation of release, whereas the kinetics of ACh-evoked oscillations remain constant. Stimulation of cells with ACh following activation of PKA resulted in a slowing of the ACh-evoked [Ca2+] c rise, which now resembled a time-matched CCK response. PKA activation also resulted in a slowing of [Ca2+] c increases elicited by photolysis of caged InsP3. Targeted, PKA-mediated phosphorylation of type III InsP3R is involved in a physiological CCK response, as disruption of the targeting of PKA with the peptide HT31 resulted in marked changes in the CCK-evoked [Ca2+] c signal but had no effect on ACh-evoked responses. Stimulation of cells with bombesin, which evokes [Ca2+] c oscillations indistinguishable from those produced by CCK, also results in PKA-mediated phosphorylation of type III InsP3R. Thus, we conclude that PKA-mediated phosphorylation of type III InsP3R is a general mechanism by which the patterns of [Ca2+] c oscillations are shaped in pancreatic acinar cells.
Exposure to heterocyclic aromatic amines from the consumption of cooked red meat and its effect on human cancer risk: A review

This review covers the bibliographic data from the last 10 years on the possible carcinogenicity of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in humans. Aspects such as red meat intake, cooking methods applied to red meat, and doneness of cooking are discussed from an epidemiological point of view. The role in the carcinogenicity of the HAAs has been assigned to two main factors: first, the very high frequency of consumption of red meat; and, second, very darkly browned meats from cooking. However, there are some uncertainties associated with epidemiological results such as the presence of other carcinogens, co-carcinogens and anti-carcinogens in the diet, analytical results on the content of HAAs in foods, food frequency questionnaires, and mainly genetic susceptibility to HAAs. It is concluded that there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that human cancer risk is due specifically to the intake of HAAs in the diet.
Models for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis development in patients with esophageal atresia

Patients born with esophageal atresia (EA) have a 30 times higher prevalence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). This makes sense from a developmental perspective as both the esophagus and the pyloric sphincter are foregut derived structures. EA and IHPS are variable features in several (monogenetic) syndromes. This, and twin and familial studies, indicates a genetic component for both conditions as single entities. We hypothesized that genetic defects, disturbing foregut morphogenesis, are responsible for this combination of malformations. Non-genetic factors could also contribute, as mice exposed to Adriamycin develop EA and in utero diethylstilbestrol exposure is associated with EA. We investigated the copy number profiles and protein coding variants of 15 patients with both EA and IHPS. As all parents were unaffected, we first considered dominant (de novo) or recessive inheritance models but could not identify putatively deleterious mutations or recessive variants. We did identify inherited variants in genes either known to be involved in EA or IHPS or important in foregut morphogenesis in all patients. Unfortunately, variant burden analysis did not show a significant difference with unaffected controls. However, the IHPS associated risk SNP rs1933683 had a significantly higher incidence (OR 3.29, p=0.009). Although the genetic variation in likely candidate genes as well as the predisposing locus near BARX1 (rs1933683) suggest a genetic component, it does not fully explain the abnormalities seen in these patients. Therefore, we hypothesize that a combination of high impact genetic, mechanical and environmental factors together can shift the balance to abnormal development. Summary statement Instead of one affected gene, the higher incidence of IHPS in EA patients is more likely the result of multiple (epi)genetic and environmental factors together shifting the balance to disease development.
Localization of the Initial Developmental Stages of Loma salmonae in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The intracellular microsporidian parasite Loma salmonae affects salmonids of the genus Oncorhynchus and is a significant cause of economic losses in pen-reared Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) in British Columbia. Loma salmonae infection is easily recognized by the xenomas that form in the gills, but early stages of infection are difficult to detect in histologic sections. In situ hybridization (ISH), using an L. salmonae-specific digoxigenin-labeled single-stranded DNA probe, was used to detect the parasite during the early stages of infection. Loma salmonae was detected in the gut mucosal epithelium as early as 24 hours postexposure (PE), and it localized in the lamina propria of the intestine within 24 hours of infection. After the parasite was detected in the lamina propria, dividing merogonic stages in infected cells in the heart were detected by ISH as early as 2 days PE, providing the first evidence of parasitaemia and hematogenous distribution of this parasite in infected blood cells. The parasites inside the infected cells appeared to be undergoing merogony as they passed through the heart, indicating that proliferation may start at the site of infection, before the parasite arrives to the gills for their final developmental phase. This is the first time that L. salmonae passage through the intestinal wall and migration to the heart has been visualized; however, the identity of the cells harboring the parasite has yet to be determined.
Misleading mathematical legitimacy and critical passivity: discussing the irreversible expansion of an ideal gas with beginning teachers

Given the importance of developing critical analysis skills among students and science teachers, this paper specifically examines a possible barrier that beginning teachers may face in this regard. Using three examples, this paper addresses the issue of ‘misleading mathematical legitimacy’ (MML), where modelling negates appropriate physical analysis of a given situation while calculation and results are accurate. The first two examples refer to cases analysed in previous investigations: the ‘isobaric hot air balloon’ and use of the ‘Young relationship’ between surface tensions to determine the contact angle of a solid/liquid interface. As these examples are also teaching rituals, this new study eliminates this possible factor of critical passivity by using an unfamiliar solved exercise in which the non-quasi-static expansion of an ideal gas is treated as if the transformation were quasi-static. To document the difficulties experienced by beginning teachers (BTs) in critiquing this text, two group discussions and eight individual interviews were subjected to detailed analysis. The results confirm that MML features were central to BTs’ difficulties, with some less expected findings regarding elementary thermodynamics. The paper concludes with a discussion of objectives for teacher preparation.
Legislative Gender Quotas and Indian Exceptionalism: The Travails of the Women's Reservation Bill

In 1996 the Indian government introduced the Constitution (8 1st Amendment) Bill. This bill proposed that 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha (national parliament) and in state-level assemblies be reserved for women. In those constituencies, all contesting political parties would only run women candidates. After inconclusive debate, it was referred to a joint select committee, one-third of whose members were women MPs. The committee reported at the end of the year. ' Faced with obvious manifestations of opposition, the government decided not to proceed to a vote. Reintroduced by the next government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the 84th Amendment Bill in July 1998, it provoked a stormy session in the house, featuring "unprecedented scenes of snatching of papers from the Speaker and the law minister and the virtual coming to blows of members. "2 Discussion of the bill stalled without ever going to an initial vote. Presented next (as the 85th Amendment Bill) in December 2000, in a virtual replay of earlier scenes particular party leaders trooped into the well of the chamber. When introduced one further time in May 2003: