Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Depressive disorder, coronary heart disease, and stroke: dose–response and reverse causation effects in the Whitehall II cohort study

Background Systematic reviews examining associations of depressive disorder with coronary heart disease and stroke produce mixed results. Failure to consider reverse causation and dose–response patterns may have caused inconsistencies in evidence. Design This prospective cohort study on depressive disorder, coronary heart disease, and stroke analysed reverse causation and dose–response effects using four 5-year and three 10-year observation cycles (total follow up 24 years) based on multiple repeat measures of exposure. Methods Participants in the Whitehall II study (n = 10,036, 31,395 person-observations, age at start 44.4 years) provided up to six repeat measures of depressive symptoms via the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) and one measure via Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The cohort was followed up for major coronary events (coronary death/nonfatal myocardial infarction) and stroke (stroke death/morbidity) through the national mortality register Hospital Episode Statistics, ECG-screening, medical records, and self-report questionnaires. Results GHQ-30 caseness predicted stroke over 0–5 years (age-, sex- and ethnicity-adjusted HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.1–2.3) but not over 5–10 years (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.6–1.4). Using the last 5-year observation cycle, cumulative GHQ-30 caseness was associated with incident coronary heart disease in a dose–response manner (1–2 times a case: HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.7–1.7; 3–4 times: HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.2–3.7), and CES-D caseness predicted coronary heart disease (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.1–3.1). Conclusions There was evidence of a dose–response effect of depressive symptoms on risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, prospective associations of depressive symptoms with stroke appeared to arise wholly or partly through reverse causation.
Inhibition in the rat of nitric oxide synthesis in vivo does not attenuate the hypotensive action of acetylcholine, ATP or bradykinin

The hypotensive action of acetylcholine in vivo may be dependent on the release of the novel vasorelaxant, endothelium‐derived relaxing factor (EDRF)/nitric oxide (NO), by the vascular endothelium. However, using two different inhibitors of NO synthesis, NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA, 100 mg/kg) and NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 100 mg/kg), we have been unable to attenuate the hypotensive action of intravenous (i.v.) boluses of acetylcholine in anesthetized rats. L‐NMMA also failed to alter the hypotensive effect of i.v. bradykinin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). NO generation by a column of cultured endothelial cells was, however, completely abolished by L‐NMMA. The hypotensive effect of acetylcholine was not affected by glibenclamide at a dose which blocks the effect of i.v. cromakalim, a drug which opens ATP‐sensitive K+ channels. The rapid hypotensive response to i.v. bolus acetylcholine, ATP and bradykinin remains unexplained.
Modelling and performance analysis of DOA estimation in adaptive signal processing arrays

This paper presents a simulation tool for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in adaptive signal processing arrays. The tool implements the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) DOA algorithm. A user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) is also developed. In addition to its usefulness in the design and analysis of adaptive signal processing arrays, the tool can also be used for computer-aided learning of modem communication systems utilizing smart antennas. To demonstrate the versatility and accuracy of the developed tool, it is used to carry out a detailed performance analysis of DOA estimation using MUSIC. This includes investigating the effect of the number of mobile users and their spatial distribution, the number of array elements and their spacing, and the number of signal snapshots.
Propofol induces a lowering of free cytosolic calcium in myocardial cells

Background: The intravenous anaesthetic drug propofol has been shown to depress myocardial contractility. Ketamine, on the other hand, is a well‐documented cardiovascular stimulant. These differences could possibly be due to different effects of the drugs on the calcium homeostasis of the myocardium. Methods: The fluorescent intracellular probe fura‐2 acetoxyme‐thy1 ester (fura‐2/AM) was used in this in vitro investigation to study the influence of intravenous anaesthetic drugs on free cytosolic calcium concentration in suspensions of isolated rat myocardial cells.
Insulin‐like growth factor type 1 prevents hyperglycemia‐induced uncoupling protein 3 down‐regulation and oxidative stress

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) have been reported to decrease the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by lowering the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (MMP). We have previously shown that UCP3 expression is positively regulated by insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of UCPs in IGF‐1‐mediated protection from hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells were differentiated with retinoic acid for 6 days, after which exposure to 8, 30, or 60 mM glucose with or without 10 nM IGF‐1 was started. After 48–72 hr, the number of neurites per cell, UCP3 protein expression, MMP, and intracellular levels of ROS and total glutathione were examined. These studies showed that glucose concentration‐dependently reduced the number of neurites per cell, with a 50% reduction at 60 mM. In parallel, the UCP3 protein expression was down‐regulated, and the MMP was raised 3.5‐fold, compared with those in cells incubated with 8 mM glucose. Also, the ROS levels were increased, showing a twofold maximum at 60 mM glucose. This was accompanied by a twofold elevation of total glutathione levels, confirming an altered cellular redox state. IGF‐1 treatment prevented the glucose‐induced neurite degeneration and UCP3 down‐regulation. Furthermore, the MMP and the intracellular levels of ROS and glutathione were normalized to those of control cells. These data indicate that IGF‐1 may protect from hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress and neuronal injuries by regulating MMP, possibly by the involvement of UCP3. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg.

BACKGROUND The optimal treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) of the legs remains poorly defined. While improving or relieving the local painful symptoms, treatment should aim at preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which might complicate the natural history of ST. This is an update of a review first published in 2007. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of topical, medical, and surgical treatments in patients presenting with ST of the legs. SEARCH METHODS For this update the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group searched their Specialised Register (last searched 29 November 2011) and CENTRAL (2011, Issue 4). We handsearched reference lists of relevant papers and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating topical, medical, and surgical treatments for ST of the leg that included participants with a clinical diagnosis of ST of the legs or objective diagnosis of a thrombus in the superficial vein. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors assessed the trials for inclusion in the review, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Data were independently extracted from the included studies and any disagreements resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-six studies involving 5521 participants with ST of the legs were included in this review. The methodological quality of most of the trials was poor. Treatment ranged from fondaparinux, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), topical treatment, oral treatment, intramuscular treatment, and intravenous treatment to surgery. In a placebo-controlled RCT of about 3000 patients, fondaparinux was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic VTE (RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.50), extension (RR 0.08; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22), and recurrence of ST (RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.54) with comparable rates of major bleeding (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.06 to 15.86) relative to placebo. Both prophylactic and therapeutic doses of LMWH (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.72 and RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75, respectively) and NSAIDs (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75) reduced the extension and recurrence of ST in comparison to placebo, with no significant effects on symptomatic VTE nor major bleeding. Overall, topical treatments improved local symptoms. However, no data were provided on the effects of these treatments on VTE and ST extension. Surgical treatment combined with elastic stockings in ST was associated with a lower VTE rate and ST progression compared with elastic stockings alone. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic dose fondaparinux given for six weeks appears to be a valid therapeutic option for ST of the legs. Further research is needed to assess the role of new oral direct thrombin and activated factor-X inhibitors, LMWH, NSAIDs; the optimal doses and duration of treatment; and whether a combination therapy may be more effective than single treatment. Adequately designed and conducted studies are required to clarify the role of topical and surgical treatments.
[Trigeminal neuralgia: results of microsurgical and endoscopic-assisted vascular decompression].

INTRODUCTION Vascular compression of the Vth cranial nerve is the leading cause of trigeminal neuralgia. Microvascular decompression has been promoted by Jannetta since 1970. We used the minimally invasive retrosigmoid approach, with the complementary help of endoscopic procedure. OBJECTIVES MRI results, surgical findings and pain relief were studied after endoscopic assisted microvascular decompression. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 1991 and 2000, 98 surgeries were performed on 79 patients unresponsive to medical treatment, after an average of 6 years from the onset of the disorder. The mean follow-up period after operation was 28 months. RESULTS MRI predicted neurovascular conflict with sensitivity of 93.6% and specificity of 100%. Pain relief after surgery was complete in 69% of the cases, partial in 21%. Surgery was a failure in 6% of the cases and 4% of patients were lost. Complications were limited to 10% of CSF disorders but only 1% (1 patient) needed a surgical revision. CONCLUSION Microvascular decompression, performed through a key-hole approach, without cerebellum retraction and with endoscopic assisted surgery, yields a low risk of morbidity, even in elderly patients, and could be considered acceptable causal treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome – A rare presentation and challenge in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A case report and literature review

Abstract Background Obstruction of the third part of the duodenum (D3) is a very rare cause of gastric outflow obstruction. Rapid weight loss is the biggest risk factor. Patients seen in acute rehabilitation settings, not uncommonly, have a period of rapid weight loss. We report two cases of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome and review the literature. Clinical details The patients presented differently, one with repeated, refractory autonomic dysreflexia and severe spasticity and one with nausea, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting. CT abdomen with contrast identified dynamic duodenal (D3) obstruction against the posterior structures by narrow angled SMA, gastric distension and, in one case, dilation of the left renal vein. Both patients responded well to optimizing nutrition in different ways. Surgery was successfully avoided. Discussion SMA syndrome is an atypical cause of high intestinal obstruction, frequently occurring in patients who have had rapid weight loss during spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. It may co-exist with left renal vein dilation “nutcracker phenomena”. The associated neurogenic bowel dysfunction due to the nature of SCI could possibly contribute to delay in diagnosis. Conclusion Clinicians should consider the risk of SMA syndrome in patients with SCI with rapid weight loss. Early diagnosis is possible by doing a CT abdomen with contrast and angiography if there is a high index of suspicion. SMA syndrome can be successfully treated by aggressive nutritional management. This may include total parenteral nutrition or feeding by a nasojejunal tube. Duodenojejunostomy could be required in refractory cases.
Microbiological Air Contamination in Poultry Houses

Since intensive poultry production is accompanied by as high as possible densities of birds within buildings, this exposes poultry house workers to elevated concentrations of bioaerosol that is mainly emitted by birds. Exposure to dust containing pathogenic microbial and parasitic agents may cause asthma, asthma-like syndrome, mucous membrane irritation, chronic bronchitis, and allergic alveolitis organic dust toxic syndrome, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Since the microbial air pollution data base of poultry houses is insufficient at present, and poultry production is increasingly widespread, it is important to collect, compare and update the available data.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Gentamicin in Mexican Children With Severe Malnutrition

Background: To develop a population pharmacokinetic model of gentamicin in children with complicated severe malnutrition and to study the influence of covariates (weight and age) on pharmacokinetic indices. In addition, we use the model to perform Monte Carlo simulations to explore the efficacy of several dosage regimens. Methods: Twenty-six children with severe complicated malnutrition were studied. Ninety-six samples of gentamicin plasma concentrations, obtained from 0.5 to 8 hours after intravenous dosing, were analyzed. Population pharmacokinetic models were built using the program Monolix 4.2 (Lixoft, Antony, France). Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate optimal dosage regimens, using the final pharmacokinetic model, based on the probability of pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic target attainment. Results: The concentration–time data were fitted best to 1-compartment model. The estimated population clearance was 1.1 L/h, and the volume of distribution was 2.23 L, with an interindividual variability of 47.2% and 35.6%, respectively. The final models for the clearance and volume of distribution were as follows: CL (L/h) = CL = 1.15 (age/median age)0.321 and V (L) = 2.33 (weight/median weight)0.743. In Monte Carlo simulations, gentamicin given in dosages of 7.5 to 15 mg/kg optical density was effective in achieving the pharmacodynamic target Cmax:minimal inhibitory concentration >10 for minimal inhibitory concentrations ⩽2.5 mg/L, with a probability lower than 1% for Cmin >1 mg/L. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, an intravenous dose of 7.5 to 15 mg/kg once daily in children with complicated severe malnutrition and normal renal function ensures high probability of efficacy and low risk of nephrotoxicity, which gives further support to the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization treatment for this patient population.
Dietary fatty acids influence the production of Th1‐ but not Th2‐type cytokines

C57Bl6 mice were fed for 6 weeks on a low‐fat diet or on high‐fat diets containing coconut oil (rich in saturated fatty acids), safflower oil [rich in n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)], or fish oil (rich in n‐3 PUFAs) as the main fat sources. The fatty acid composition of the spleen lymphocytes was influenced by that of the diet fed. Thymidine incorporation into concanavalin A‐stimulated spleen lymphocytes and interleukin (IL)‐2 production were highest after feeding the coconut oil diet. Interferon (IFN)‐γ production was decreased by safflower oil or fish oil feeding. IL‐4 production was not significantly affected by diet, although production was lowest by lymphocytes from fish oil‐fed mice. The ratio of production of Th1‐ to Th2‐type cytokines (determined as the IFN‐γ/IL‐4 ratio) was lower for lymphocytes from mice fed the safflower oil or fish oil diets. After 4 h of culture, IL‐2 mRNA levels were higher in cells from mice fed coconut oil, and IFN‐γ mRNA levels were higher in cells from mice fed coconut oil or safflower oil. After 8 h of culture, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐4 mRNA levels were lowest in cells from mice fed fish oil. The ratio of the relative levels of IFN‐γ mRNA to IL‐4 mRNA was highest in cells from mice fed coconut oil and was lowest in cells of mice fed fish oil. The influence of individual fatty acids on IL‐2 production by murine spleen lymphocytes was examined in vitro. Although all fatty acids decreased IL‐2 production in a concentration‐dependent manner, saturated fatty acids were the least potent and n‐3 PUFAs the most potent inhibitors, withn‐6 PUFAs falling in between in terms of potency. It is concluded that saturated fatty acids have minimal effects on cytokine production. In contrast, PUFAs act to inhibit production of Th1‐type cytokines with little effect on Th2‐type cytokines; n‐3 PUFAs are particularly potent. The effects of fatty acids on cytokine production appear to be exerted at the level of gene expression.
Academics of the Future? A Survey of Final Year Medical Students

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey final year medical students at an Australian medical school about their views and experiences regarding academic medicine Methods: A four page questionnaire was developed and administered to each group of final (6th) year medical students upon completion of their psychiatry rotation Results: For 82% clinical teaching would probably or definitely be part of their future careers, while 63% expected that they would undertake formal teaching. Thirty-three percent of students anticipated limited or no involvement in research. While 26% of students expected that they would undertake a higher degree, only 13% were interested in pursuing an academic career Conclusions: The dearth of academics in medicine and in psychiatry in particular is of considerable concern. This study provides some possible avenues for further exploration to address this professional challenge
Effects of perceived discrimination on mental health and mental health services utilization among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.

OBJECTIVES Previous research has found that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals are at risk for a variety of mental health disorders. We examined the extent to which a recent experience of a major discriminatory event may contribute to poor mental health among LGBT persons. METHODS Data were derived from a cross-sectional strata-cluster survey of adults in Hennepin County, Minnesota, who identified as LGBT (n=472) or heterosexual (n=7,412). RESULTS Compared to heterosexuals, LGBT individuals had poorer mental health (higher levels of psychological distress, greater likelihood of having a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, greater perceived mental health needs, and greater use of mental health services), more substance use (higher levels of binge drinking, greater likelihood of being a smoker and greater number of cigarettes smoked per day), and were more likely to report unmet mental healthcare needs. LGBT individuals were also more likely to report having experienced a major incident of discrimination over the past year than heterosexual individuals. Although perceived discrimination was associated with almost all of the indicators of mental health and utilization of mental health care that we examined, adjusting for discrimination did not significantly reduce mental health disparities between heterosexual and LGBT persons. CONCLUSION LGBT individuals experienced more major discrimination and reported worse mental health than heterosexuals, but discrimination did not account for this disparity. Future research should explore additional forms of discrimination and additional stressors associated with minority sexual orientation that may account for these disparities.
Topic segmentation using word-level semantic relatedness functions

Semantic relatedness deals with the problem of measuring how much two words are related to each other. While there is a large body of research for developing new measures, the use of semantic relatedness (SR) measures in topic segmentation has not been explored. In this research the performance of different SR measures is evaluated in the topic segmentation problem. To this end, two topic segmentation algorithms that use the difference in SR of words are introduced. Our results indicate that using an SR measure trained with a general domain corpora achieves better results than topic segmentation algorithms using Wordnet or simple word repetition. Furthermore, when compared with computationally more complex algorithms performing global analysis, our local analysis, enhanced with general domain lexical semantic information, achieves comparable results.
Firm Level Determinants of International Certification in sub-Saharan Africa AFEA session at ASSA January 4, 2016

Extended Abstract This paper investigates a wide range of plausible determinants of international certification (IC) such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 in some sub-Saharan African countries (SSA). IC in SSA is largely seen as being driven by pressure from international markets and trade relations with Western countries. That is, businesses trading with richer countries would have a need and/or ability to adopt IC. As a result, as Kaplinksky (2010) argues the importance of standards would diminish as exports to China grow at the expense of exports to the EU. In sharp contrast to Kaplinksky (2010) the percentage of certifying firms in SSA increased from 13% in 2006 to 17.4% in 2011, while SSA’s export share to China doubled during the same period. The contribution of this study is to examine the relative significance of pressure from international markets vis-à-vis other factors in the adoption of IC in SSA. The other factors we consider are pressure from international banks and foreign investors, pressure from local officials and local community. We also control for plant specific capabilities which create opportunities for certification. We base our arguments on a combination of the Stakeholder Theory, New Institutional Theory and Resource-Based View of the Firm. Plant-level data obtained from Enterprise Surveys of the World Bank 2009 is used to test our hypothesis. Our result suggests that international markets are not the only determinants for certification in SSA. Besides export orientation, our evidence suggests that businesses may certify as a response to pressure coming from international banks. International banks may exert a coercive as well as mimetic pressure on African businesses, even when coercive pressure from international markets is missing. International banks, most of which are committed to socially and environmentally sustainable practices, may facilitate the diffusion of standards in the host country. International banks may also perform sustainability-related risk analysis urging customers to demonstrate corporate social responsibility. Our result suggests that pressure from local sources such as officials and community is relatively weak to push businesses towards certification. The contribution of this paper is to provide a comprehensive study on the plant-level determinants of certification in SSA. We adopt a much needed but yet missing micro-level and multilevel approach in addressing our research objectives. Furthermore, unlike previous studies we theoretical ground and empirically test the role of pressure from international banks as a possible factor in driving plants towards standardization.