Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Prevalence of impaired carbohydrate metabolism among public transport drivers].

BACKGROUND Considering the high incidence of impaired carbohydrate metabolism and the potential risk of diabetic complications posed to transport drivers, an attempt was made to assess the prevalence of diabetes among public transport drivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical records of 570 public transport drivers examined at an occupational health unit in one of the Polish towns with a population of 350.000 was the subject of analysis RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The investigation revealed that 47.5% of the study population showed hyperglycemic conditions with the mean fasting glucose concentration of 99.9 mg/dl. A single case of abnormal glucose tolerance was diagnosed and 263 cases were recorded as hyperglycemia without final diagnosis. The diabetes-related morbidity amounted to 1.4%, which was over three times as high as in the general population of the same age. Every four case of diabetes was diagnosed during prophylactic examinations. Moreover, 2.45% of the subjects had glycemia levels classified as diabetic (fasting glucose > or = 126 mg/dl). The subject's age of more than 45 years and hyperglycemia revealed in previous laboratory findings were found to increase the risk of impaired carbohydrate metabolism by three times.
Effects of primary selective laser trabeculoplasty on anterior segment parameters.

AIM To investigate the effects of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on the main numerical parameters of anterior segment with Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS Pentacam measurements of 45 eyes of 25 (15 females and 10 males) patients (12 with OHT, 13 with POAG) before and after SLT were obtained. Measurements were taken before and 1 and 3mo after SLT. Pentacam parameters were compared between OHT and POAG patients, and age groups (60y and older, and younger than 60y). RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 57.8±13.9 (range 20-77y). Twelve patients (48%) were younger than 60y, while 13 patients (52%) were 60y and older. Measurements of pre-SLT and post-SLT 1mo were significantly different for the parameters of central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber volume (ACV) (P<0.05). These parameters returned back to pre-SLT values at post-SLT 3mo. Decrease of ACV at post-SLT 1mo was significantly higher in younger than 60y group than 60y and older group. There was no statistically significant difference in Pentacam parameters between OHT and POAG patients at pre- and post-treatment measurements (P>0.05). CONCLUSION SLT leads to significant increase in CCT and decrease in ACV at the 1(st) month of the procedure. Effects of SLT on these anterior segment parameters, especially for CCT that interferes IOP measurement, should be considered to ensure accurate clinical interpretation.
Competition-Induced Visual Field Differences in Search

Do visual field effects point to differences in cortical representation, or do they reflect differences in the way these representations are used by other brain regions? This study explored three attributes of visual search that provide strong evidence in favor of differences in use. Competition refers to the finding that visual field differences in search efficiency are larger in whole- than in half-field displays (both left-right and upper-lower half-fields). Task specialization refers to the finding that some tasks favor one hemisphere whereas other tasks favor the other hemisphere, even though the same stimulus displays are used in both tasks. Anatomical alignment refers to the finding that competition effects are altered if the quadrants of the visual display are not aligned with the conical quadrants of the observer. We propose that visual field specialization in search is the result of a competition involving limited access to cortical visual representations by the extended neural networks of attention.
HPA and Immune Axes in Stress: Involvement of the Serotonergic System

Chronic stress, by initiating changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system, acts as a trigger for anxiety and depression. There is experimental and clinical evidence that the rise in the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids, which occurs in a chronically stressful situation and also in depression, contributes to the behavioural changes associated with depression. A defect in serotonergic function is associated with these hormonal and immune changes. Neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdalae are the frequent outcomes of the changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system. Such changes may provide evidence for the link between chronic depression and dementia in later life.
Emerging Psychotherapies for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious illnesses associated with significant medical and psychological sequelae and, in the case of anorexia nervosa, significant mortality. Established psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are effective for many patients with eating disorders. However, these treatments fail to yield full long-term remission in a substantial number of patients. There is a need for novel psychotherapeutic approaches for patients with eating disorders. The authors review three promising new treatment approaches in the field of eating disorders. Motivational enhancement therapy is based on established motivational principles for treating patients with addictive disorders and has been adapted as an early component of treatment for patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Dialectical behavioral therapy was initially developed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder and has been successfully applied to patients with binge eating. A novel form of family therapy, the Maudsley family treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, has been newly manualized, and studies using this treatment are ongoing. For each treatment, the authors review the theory and techniques of treatment and then go on to review existing data on treatment efficacy.
Demonstrating Compliance with Stringent Nitrogen Limits Using a Biological Nutrient Removal Process in California's Central Valley

The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (District) must be compliant with stringent nitrogen limits by 2021 that the existing treatment facilities cannot meet. An 11‐month pilot study was conducted to confirm that these limits could be met with an air activated sludge biological nutrient removal (BNR) process. The pilot BNR treated an average flow of 946 m3/d and demonstrated that it could reliably meet the ammonia limit, but that external carbon addition may be necessary to satisfy the nitrate limit. The BNR process performed well throughout the 11 months of operation with good settleability, minimal nocardioform content, and high quality secondary effluent. The BNR process was operated at a minimum pH of 6.4 with no noticeable impact to nitrification rates. Increased secondary sludge production was observed during rainfall events and is attributed to a change in wastewater influent characteristics.
Developmental psychological aspects of scoliosis treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis can have significant psychological consequences for affected individuals. This article aims to provide an overview of the current state of empirical knowledge concerning the psychosocial aspects of scoliosis in adolescence. These research results are set against experience gained from practical work. Adolescence, as a sensitive phase of a young person's development, requires a special degree of adaptation in the event of a chronic illness. For scoliosis patients this means, for instance, facing up to cosmetic impairments and subjectively significant physical defects. Cognitively the patient must come to terms with a commitment of time-consuming, confining, and sometimes uncomfortable treatment for a condition that does not always cause physical symptoms and to achieve success which is not necessarily defined as an improvement in the state of health. Scoliosis is a risk factor for impairment of the quality of life of children and adolescents. Its impact is particularly marked if brace-wearing is indicated. Particular attention needs to be paid to aspects of brace compliance. Support for patients within the context of in-patient rehabilitative treatment has proved to be both necessary and helpful. Here, within the setting of psychological group sessions and individual discussions, the possibility exists for preventing psychosocial impairment.
An in vitro tag-and-modify protein sample generation method for single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Biomolecular systems exhibit many dynamic and biologically relevant properties, such as conformational fluctuations, multistep catalysis, transient interactions, folding, and allosteric structural transitions. These properties are challenging to detect and engineer using standard ensemble-based techniques. To address this drawback, single-molecule methods offer a way to access conformational distributions, transient states, and asynchronous dynamics inaccessible to these standard techniques. Fluorescence-based single-molecule approaches are parallelizable and compatible with multiplexed detection; to date, however, they have remained limited to serial screens of small protein libraries. This stems from the current absence of methods for generating either individual dual-labeled protein samples at high throughputs or protein libraries compatible with multiplexed screening platforms. Here, we demonstrate that by combining purified and reconstituted in vitro translation, quantitative unnatural amino acid incorporation via AUG codon reassignment, and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, we can overcome these challenges for target proteins that are, or can be, methionine-depleted. We present an in vitro parallelizable approach that does not require laborious target-specific purification to generate dual-labeled proteins and ribosome-nascent chain libraries suitable for single-molecule FRET-based conformational phenotyping. We demonstrate the power of this approach by tracking the effects of mutations, C-terminal extensions, and ribosomal tethering on the structure and stability of three protein model systems: barnase, spectrin, and T4 lysozyme. Importantly, dual-labeled ribosome-nascent chain libraries enable single-molecule co-localization of genotypes with phenotypes, are well suited for multiplexed single-molecule screening of protein libraries, and should enable the in vitro directed evolution of proteins with designer single-molecule conformational phenotypes of interest.
Modelling GDP and FDI for Czech Republic—Impulse Response Functions in VECM

This article presents detailed the impact of factors of production on economic growth in the Czech Republic in the period 1994-2015. The main research focuses on the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and on answering the question whether between GDP and FDI there is a causality relationship. The VECM model using the impulse responses function confirmed the occurrence of a bi-directional relationship between FDI and GDP in the Czech Republic. According to the empirical evidence, it was confirmed that the consumption demand and trade had a strong impact on GDP. However, these findings demonstrated that a weak FDI had an impact on economic growth.
Effects of combination therapy with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and thiazide diuretic on insulin action in essential hypertension

Objective To determine whether combination of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor with a high dose of thiazide diuretic avoids adverse metabolic consequences of thiazide diuretics. Design Double-blind randomized crossover study of two 12-week treatment periods with captopril (up to 100 mg/day) either alone or in combination with 5 mg bendrofluazide given after a 6-week placebo run-in period. Treatment periods were separated by a 6-week placebo washout period. Setting Outpatient clinics in greater Belfast. Patients Fifteen white non-diabetic essential hypertensives (seven male) aged < 65 years recruited from general practices in greater Belfast. Main outcome measures Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and peripheral and hepatic insulin action. Results Two patients failed to complete the study. Blood pressure was lowered (139/89 ± 18/7 mmHg combination versus 160/97 ± 21/7 mmHg captopril; P < 0.001). Fasting insulin level was raised (7.9 ± 3.6 mU/l combination versus 6.2 ± 3.2 mU/l baseline; P < 0.001). There were no differences between treatments for glucose, urate, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Serum potassium level was lowered (3.8 ± 0.4 μmol/l combination versus 4.2 ± 0.4 μmol/l captopril, P < 0.05). Postabsorptive endogenous glucose production was raised (10.8 ± 1.7 μmol/kg per min combination versus 10.0 ± 1.5 μmol/kg per min captopril; P < 0.01) and was greater than baseline (9.7 ± 2.1 μmol/kg per min, P < 0.05). Suppression of glucose production by insulin was similar with both treatments. Exogenous glucose infusion rates required to maintain euglycaemia did not differ (32.4 ± 7.6 μmol/kg per min captopril, 32.7 ± 6.2 μmol/kg per min combination, 31.5 ± 7.2 μmol/kg per min baseline). Conclusions Combination therapy increased glucose production (compared with captopril alone), indicating hepatic insulin resistance. It cannot be assumed that combined preparations with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors will ameliorate adverse effects of high doses of thiazide diuretics on insulin action.
Do Mediterranean crickets Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) come from the Mediterranean? Largescale phylogeography and regional gene flow

Abstract We investigate the degree of between-population genetic differentiation in the Mediterranean field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, as well as the possible causes of such differentiation. Using cytochrome b mtDNA sequences, we estimate genetic variation in G. bimaculatus from seven South African and two Mediterranean populations. Within-population genetic variation in Europe (two haplotypes, one unique to a single individual) suggest low effective population size and strong bottlenecks with associated founder effects, probably due to cold winter environments in Europe that limit reproduction to a short part of the summer. The likely cause for this is the daily maxima in winter temperatures that fall below the critical level of 16°C (enabling normal calling and courtship behaviour) in Mediterranean Europe, whereas the equivalent temperatures in southern Africa are above this limit and enable reproduction over a large part of the year. European genetic variants were either shared with Africa or closely related to African haplotypes. For survival, European populations are probably dependent on immigration from other areas, including Africa. South African populations have low but measurable gene flow with Europe and show significant between-population genetic differentiation (30 haplotypes). Isolation-by-distance is not sufficient to explain the degree of between-population genetic differences observed, and a large degree of dispersal is also required in order to account for the observed patterns. Differences in morphology and calling behaviour among these populations are underlied by these genetic differences.
T1ρ MRI detects cartilage damage in asymptomatic individuals with a cam deformity

Hips with a cam deformity are at risk for early cartilage degeneration, mainly in the anterolateral region of the joint. T1ρ MRI is a described technique for assessment of proteoglycan content in hyaline cartilage and subsequently early cartilage damage. In this study, 1.5 Tesla T1ρ MRI was performed on 20 asymptomatic hips with a cam deformity and compared to 16 healthy control hips. Cam deformity was defined as an alpha angle at 1:30 o'clock position over 60° and/or at 3:00 o'clock position over 50.5°. Hip cartilage was segmented and divided into four regions of interest (ROIs): anterolateral, anteromedial, posterolateral, and posteromedial quadrants. Mean T1ρ value of the entire weight bearing cartilage in hips with a cam deformity (34.0 ± 4.6 ms) was significantly higher compared to control hips (31.3 ± 3.2 ms, p = 0.050). This difference reached significance in the anterolateral (p = 0.042) and posteromedial quadrants (p = 0.041). No significant correlation between the alpha angle and T1ρ values was detected. The results indicate cartilage damage occurs in hips with a cam deformity before symptoms occur. A significant difference in T1ρ values was found in the anterolateral quadrant, the area of direct engagement of the deformity, and in the posteromedial quadrant. To conclude, T1ρ MRI can detect early chondral damage in asymptomatic hips with a cam deformity. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1004–1009, 2016.
Antibacterial efficacy of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM To determine to what extent does calcium hydroxide intracanal medication eliminate bacteria from human root canals, compared with the same canals before medication, as measured by the number of positive cultures, in patients undergoing root canal treatment for apical periodontitis (teeth with an infected root canal system). METHODOLOGY CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched. Reference lists from identified articles were scanned. A forward search was undertaken on the authors of the identified articles. Papers that had cited these articles were also identified through the Science Citation Index to identify potentially relevant subsequent primary research. REVIEW METHODS The included studies were pre-/post-test clinical trials comparing the number of positive bacterial cultures from treated canals. Data in those studies were independently extracted. Risk differences of included studies were combined using the generic inverse variance and random effect method. RESULTS Eight studies were identified and included in the review, covering 257 cases. Sample size varied from 18 to 60 cases; six studies demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-medicated canals, whilst two did not. There was considerable heterogeneity among studies. Pooled risk difference was -21%; 95% CI: -47% to 6%. The difference between pre- and post-medication was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS Calcium hydroxide has limited effectiveness in eliminating bacteria from human root canal when assessed by culture techniques.
Global Surveillance and the Value of Information: The Case of the Global Polio Laboratory Network

Effective control and eradication of diseases requires reliable information from surveillance activities, including laboratories, which typically incur real financial costs. This article presents data from a survey we conducted to estimate the costs of the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN), which currently supports aggressive global surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to detect circulating polioviruses. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) of the World Health Organization (WHO) provides resources for some of the laboratory network costs, but the total cost of the network remains relatively poorly characterized given the limited documentation of national contributions. We surveyed network laboratories to quantify AFP surveillance support costs and provide data for cost estimates of potential posteradication surveillance policies related to the laboratories. We estimate that the GPLN currently requires millions (US$ 2002) in total support annually, and that half of the support for national and regional reference laboratories comes from external donors through the WHO or bilateral agreements and half from within nations that host those laboratories. The article also presents the framework for considering the value of information from this global surveillance network and suggests that the expected value of surveillance information from the GPLN currently exceeds its costs. We also provided important insights about how the value of information may change after successful eradication of wild polioviruses.
A reexamination on the effect of bank competition on bank non-performing loans

ABSTRACT This article examines whether competition in the deposit and loan markets results in a more stable or fragile banking industry. Following the assumption that deposit and loan competitions are not separable, a simple equilibrium model is developed. Then, using the aggregate time-series data of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured financial institutions, we estimate the generalized VAR model of deposit rate (DR), interest margin between the loan and DRs, and non-performing loan ratio. Our results support the competition–fragility hypothesis.
Posttraumatic stress disorder among Hispanic Vietnam veterans.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Hispanics who served in the Vietnam War. METHOD The authors conducted secondary data analyses of the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study, a national epidemiologic study completed in 1988 of a representative sample of veterans who served during the Vietnam era (N=1,195). RESULTS After adjustment for premilitary and military experiences, the authors found that Hispanic, particularly Puerto Rican, Vietnam veterans had significantly more severe PTSD symptoms and a higher probability of experiencing PTSD than nonminority veterans. However, they had no greater risk for other mental disorders, and their greater risk for PTSD was not explained by acculturation. Despite their more severe symptoms, Hispanic veterans, especially Puerto Rican veterans, showed no greater functional impairment than non-Hispanic white veterans. CONCLUSIONS Hispanic Vietnam veterans, especially Puerto Rican Vietnam veterans, have a higher risk for PTSD and experience more severe PTSD symptoms than non-Hispanic white Vietnam veterans, and these differences are not explained by exposure to stressors or acculturation. This high level of symptoms was not accompanied by substantial reduction in functioning, suggesting that the observed differences in symptom reporting may reflect features of expressive style rather than different levels of illness.