Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Epidemiological survey on pre-hypertension and hypertension prevalence among adolescents aged 11 to 17 years in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension as well as the association with overweight/obesity in Shanghai adolescents. METHODS School children aged 11 - 17 years in four schools in Shanghai were included in this survey. All students were visited in May 2010 at school by trained nurses or physicians who administered a questionnaire and carried out anthropometric measurements. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, heart rate and blood pressure. Repeat measurements were performed in school children with elevated blood pressure within one month. The pre-hypertension and hypertension was defined on the basis of the 2004 National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group definitions. The overweight and obesity was defined using cutoff points recommended by Working Group of Obesity, China (WGOC). RESULTS There were 4175 school children aged 11 - 17 years [mean (15.0 ± 1.9) years, 52.3% (n = 2183) girls and 47.7% (n = 1992) boys]. There were 72.5% (n = 3025) participants with normal blood pressure [ girls (n = 1666) 76.3% and boys (n = 1361) 68.3%], 18.0% (n = 750)participants with pre-hypertension [14.2% (n = 310) for girls and 22.1% (n = 440) for boys], 8.3% (n = 346) participants with stage 1 hypertension [8.2% (n = 179) for girls and 8.3% (n = 165) for boys] and 1.3% (n = 54) participants with stage 2 hypertension [1.3% (n = 28) for girls and 1.3% (n = 26) for boys]. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 6.7% (n = 147) and 3.0% (n = 66) for girls and 13.7% (n = 273) and 6.3% (n = 125) for boys. After adjusting for gender, age, parental history of hypertension and physical activities, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the overweight [adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.42 (1.16 - 1.75)] and obesity [adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 2.35 (1.78 - 3.11)] were independent predictors of elevated blood pressure in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of elevated blood pressure is common in adolescents in Shanghai. Overweight and obesity are closely associated with the elevated blood pressure in this cohort.
Bet v 1 and its homologous food allergen Api g 1 stimulate dendritic cells from birch pollen‐allergic individuals to induce different Th‐cell polarization

To cite this article: Smole U, Wagner S, Balazs N, Radauer C, Bublin M, Allmaier G, Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K, Breiteneder H. Bet v 1 and its homologous food allergen Api g 1 stimulate dendritic cells from birch pollen‐allergic individuals to induce different Th‐cell polarization. Allergy 2010; 65: 1388–1396.
Effects of steroids on NMDA receptors and excitatory synaptic transmission in neonatal motoneurons in rat spinal cord slices

The effect of steroids on NMDA receptors and excitatory postsynaptic transmission was studied in fluorescence‐labelled motoneurons in thin spinal cord slices. In outside‐out patches, NMDA‐induced responses were potentiated by 79% in the presence of 20‐oxopregn‐5‐en‐3β‐yl sulfate (PS), while in the presence of 20‐oxo‐5α‐pregnan‐3α‐yl sulfate (3α5αS) and 20‐oxo‐5β‐pregnan‐3α‐yl sulfate (3α5βS) they were diminished by 57% and 66%, respectively. PS and 3α5βS had no effect on the amplitude of single NMDA receptor channel openings, however, both compounds altered relative distribution of the openings to individual conductance levels. In control cases, the most frequent openings of the NMDA receptor channels were at the 70 pS conductance level, while in the presence of PS or 3α5βS, the most frequent openings were at the 55 pS conductance level. Analysis of the mean current transferred by NMDA receptor channel openings at individual conductance levels indicated that in the presence of PS, the mean current induced by 55 pS conductance openings was significantly increased. In the presence of 3α5βS, the mean currents induced by 55 pS and 70 pS conductance openings were significantly decreased. The amplitude of NMDA receptor‐mediated EPSCs was potentiated by 54% in the presence of PS and the deactivation kinetics slowed. Neither the amplitude nor the kinetics of NMDA receptor‐mediated EPSCs was significantly changed in the presence of 3α5βS. The results of our experiments indicate that neurosteroids affect NMDA receptors in motoneurons. The effect appears to be influenced by the receptor subunit composition.
Understanding Collaboration in Global Software Engineering (GSE) Teams with the Use of Sensors: Introducing a Multi-sensor Setting for Observing Social and Human Aspects in Project Management

This paper discusses on-going research in the ways Global Software Engineering (GSE) teams collaborate for a range of software development tasks. The paper focuses on providing the means for observing and understanding GSE team member collaboration including team coordination and member communication. Initially the paper provides the background on social and human issues relating to GSE collaboration. Next the paper describes a pilot study involving a simulation of virtual GSE teams working together with the use of asynchronous and synchronous communication over a virtual learning environment. The study considered the use of multiple data collection techniques recordings of SCRUM meetings, design and implementation tasks. Next, the paper discusses the use of a multi-sensor for observing human and social aspects of project management in GSE teams. The scope of the study is to provide the means for gathering data regarding GSE team coordination for project managers including member emotions, participation pattern in team discussions and potentially stress levels.
Clinical significance of urinary liver-type fatty acid binding protein at various stages of nephropathy

This cross-sectional study was to evaluate the levels of urinary liver-type fatty acid binding protein (u-LFABP pg/mg urine creatinine ratio) at different stages of diabetic nephropathy and to see its correlation with other clinical parameters in South Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 65 (M: F; 42:23) T2DM subjects were divided into three groups, and were compared with 13 (M: F; 3:10) nondiabetic controls. The study groups were as follows: normoalbuminuric (n = 22), microalbuminuric (n = 22) and macroalbuminuric (n = 21). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Cockcroft and Gault formula. u-LFABP levels in spot urine samples were measured with a solid phase enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. This study showed that u-LFABP levels were undetectable in healthy controls and was very low in the normoalbuminuric subjects. Elevated levels of u-LFABP are evident from the microalbuminuric stage indicating tubular damage. The levels of u-LFABP increased gradually with declining renal function. Geometric mean (95% confidence interval) for normoalbuminuria was 0.65 (0.47–0.97), microalbuminuria was 0.99 (0.55–1.97) and macroalbuminuria was 5.16 (1.8–14.5), (P = 0.005). In conclusion, u-LFABP levels were elevated in patients with reduced eGFR and showed a positive correlation with systolic blood pressure and protein to creatinine ratio in the total study subjects.
Can Donors and Non-State Actors Undermine Citizens'Legitimating Beliefs?

This paper addresses the conditions under which donor and non-state actor service provision is likely to undermine or strengthen citizens' legitimating beliefs. On the one hand, citizens may be less likely to support their government with quasi-voluntary compliance when they credit non-state actors or donors for service provision. On the other hand, the provision of goods and services by donors and non-state actors might strengthen citizens' confidence in their government and their willingness to defer to governmental laws and regulations if citizens believe that the government is essential to leveraging and managing these resources. The author assesses these competing hypotheses using multi-level analyses of Afrobarometer survey data. The sample, drawn from a continuum of developing societies in Africa, allows for analysis of associations between donor and non-state actor service provision and the sense of obligation to comply with the tax authorities, the police and courts. The findings yield support for the hypothesis that the provision of services by donors and non-state actors is strengthening, rather than undermining, the relationship between citizens and the state.
Counseling to Prevent Obesity Among Preschool Children: Acceptability of a Pilot Urban Primary Care Intervention

PURPOSE To help design effective primary care-based interventions, we explored urban parents’ reactions to a pilot and feasibility study designed to address risk behaviors for obesity among preschool children. METHODS We conducted 3 focus groups (2 in English, 1 in Spanish) to evaluate the pilot intervention. Focus group participants explored the acceptability of the pilot intervention components (completion of a new screening tool for risk assessment, discussion of risk behaviors and behavior change goal setting by physicians, and follow-up contacts with a lifestyle counselor) and the fidelity of the pilot intervention delivery. RESULTS Parents expressed a desire to change behaviors to achieve healthier families. They believed that doctors should increase their focus on healthy habits during visits. Parents were more accepting of nutrition discussions than increasing activity (citing a lack of safe outdoor space) or decreasing sedentary behaviors (citing many benefits of television viewing). Contacts with the lifestyle counselor were described as empowering, with parents noting her focus on strategies to achieve change for the whole family while recognizing that many food behaviors relate to cultural heritage. Parents expressed frustration with physicians for offering advice about changing behavior but not how to achieve it, for dismissing concerns about picky eating or undereating, and in some cases for labels of overweight that they believed were inappropriately applied. CONCLUSIONS Parents welcomed efforts to address family lifestyle change in pediatric visits. The model of physician goal setting with referral for behavior change counseling is highly acceptable to families. Future interventions should acknowledge parental concerns about undereating and perceived benefits of television viewing.
Ocular Motility After Repair of Combined Medial and Inferior Orbital Wall Fractures With Extended Conjunctival Incision With Inferior Oblique Reattachment

Purpose:To describe ocular motility and effectiveness of an extended conjunctival incision with reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle to repair combined orbital medial and inferior wall fractures. Methods:The authors retrospectively studied 20 eyes from 20 patients who underwent combined orbital medial and inferior wall fractures surgery with reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle from January 2007 to December 2011. Single large L-shaped implant was inserted into the fracture site. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months, by computed tomography, Hertel exophthalmometry, the Hess test of ocular motility, and the Goldmann diplopia test. Results:Sixteen patients (80%) had no significant enophthalmos or diplopia after surgery. Inferior oblique motility was not changed in 12 patients (60%) after reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle. After 1 month, inferior oblique underaction was presented in 8 patients (40%) and in 4 patients (20%) after 6 months. Finally, only 2 patients (10%) had the inferior oblique underaction remained, it was not improved. Conclusions:The extended conjunctival incision with reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle for combined orbital wall fracture repair offers a wide surgical field and space for a single large implant insertion and corrects the enopthalmos. The reattachment of the inferior oblique muscle does not contribute to the development of inferior oblique underactions or diplopia that was resolved spontaneously within 6 months after surgery.
Oral Care and Mortality in Older Adults with Pneumonia in Hospitals or Nursing Homes: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

The objectives of the study were to compare the effect of intensified oral care interventions given by dental or nursing personnel on mortality from healthcare‐associated pneumonia (HAP) in elderly adults in hospitals or nursing homes with the effect of usual oral care. Systematic literature searches were conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Health Technology Assessment database of the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (August 2015). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for inclusion. Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed independently and agreed on in consensus meetings. Five RCTs, with some or major study limitations, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Based on meta‐analyses, oral care interventions given by dental personnel reduced mortality from HAP (risk ratio (RR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25–0.76, P = . 003), whereas oral care interventions given by nursing personnel did not result in a statistically significant difference in mortality from HAP (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.97–1.48, P = .09), in elderly adults in hospitals or nursing homes from usual oral care. Oral care interventions given by dental personnel may reduce mortality from HAP (low certainty of evidence, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) ⊕⊕○○), whereas oral care interventions given by nursing personnel probably result in little or no difference from usual care (moderate certainty of evidence, GRADE ⊕⊕⊕○) in elderly adults in hospitals or nursing homes.
Molecular Epidemiological Study ofAspergillus fumigatus in a Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit by PCR Amplification of Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Sequences

ABSTRACT We have developed a PCR-based method for the subspecific discrimination of Aspergillus fumigatus types by using two primers designed to amplify the intergenic spacer regions between ribosomal DNA transcription units. The method permitted the reproducible discrimination of 11 distinct DNA types among a total of 119 isolates of A. fumigatus collected from patients and from the environment of a bone marrow transplantation (BMT) unit over a three-year period. Ten DNA types of A. fumigatus were isolated from patients in the BMT unit; eight of these types were also found in the hospital environment, and six of these were present in the unit itself. Thirteen BMT patients developed infection with one of three DNA types some months after these had first been found in the environment of the unit. In other instances, the same DNA types ofA. fumigatus were isolated from BMT patients that were later recovered from the environment of the unit. Several DNA types ofA. fumigatus were found in the hospital environment over an 18-month period. Molecular typing of multiple isolates of A. fumigatus, obtained from postmortem tissue samples, showed that one patient was infected with a single DNA type, but two others had up to three different DNA types. Our findings suggest that A. fumigatus infection in BMT recipients may be nosocomial in origin and underline the need for careful environmental monitoring of units in which high-risk patients are housed.
Role of a solvent‐exposed tryptophan in the recognition and binding of antibiotic substrates for a metallo‐β‐lactamase

Numerous X‐ray crystal structures of the metallo‐β‐lactamase from Bacteroides fragilis and related organisms show a β‐hairpin loop immediately adjacent to the active‐site zinc atom(s). Both crystallographic and NMR information show that the end of this β‐hairpin loop, which contains a solvent exposed tryptophan residue, Trp49, is highly flexible in the absence of substrates or other ligands, giving rise in some of the X‐ray structures to a lack of observable electron density in this region. We report an investigation of the role of this mobile, solvent‐exposed tryptophan using site‐directed mutagenesis, steady state kinetics measurements and characterization by NMR. Trp49 appears to have a role both in substrate binding and in promotion of catalysis. Substitution of this residue with a number of different side chains indicates that the binding interaction depends on the bulky hydrophobic and aromatic nature of the indole ring, which can provide relatively non‐specific interactions with a variety of antibiotic substrates. In this way, the tryptophan at this position provides a large degree of the breadth of substrate specificity for the metallo‐β‐lactamase. Previous studies established that the antibiotic binding site was sufficiently plastic that the derivatization of existing antibiotics is unlikely to result in the successful treatment of bacterial infections incorporating this resistance element. Rather, a more productive approach may be to design therapeutics directed towards this solvent‐exposed tryptophan residue.
Models for Intralaminar Damage and Failure of Fiber Composites - A Review

In order to fully exploit the potential of structures made from fiber composites, designers need to know how damage occurs and develops and under what conditions the structure finally fails. Anisotropy and inhomogeneity cause a rather complex process of damage development which may be one reason for an exceptionally large number of existing models. This paper intends to provide an overview over those models and give some hints about current developments. As such it is an updated version of a recent publication [1]. The survey is limited to laminates from unidirectional layers out of straight continuous fiber polymer composites under quasi-static loading. Furthermore, focus is laid on intralaminar damage. Many failure models smear out the inhomogeneity between fibers and the matrix. Simply limiting each stress component separately can lead to surprisingly good results as documented in the first World-Wide Failure Exercise. Interpolation criteria consider mutual influence of normal and shear stresses, predominantly through a quadratic failure condition. Traditionally one distinguishes between interpolation criteria and physically based ones. As an important physical effect the difference between fiber failure and inter-fiber failure is considered. Furthermore, stress invariants are taken as a basis, increased shear strength under compression is accounted for, and characteristic failure modes are captured. Fibers and the matrix material are characterized by a large disparity in stiffness and strength. Micromechanical models consider this inhomogeneity but suffer from the difficulty to determine relevant material properties. Compressive strength in fiber direction has attracted special attention. However, the role of kink band formation, which is observed in the failure process, seems to be not yet fully understood. In summary it must be concluded that despite the tremendous effort which has been put into the model development the damage and failure simulation of fiber composites are not in a fully satisfying state. That is partly due to lack of accurate and reliable test results.
Multiple Fireballs in a Reactive  ${\rm H}_{2}/{\rm CH}_{4}$  Plasma

Inverted fireballs (FBs) are plasma phenomena, which develop inside a highly transparent, positively biased grid electrode through electron impact ionization. The ionizing electrons are accelerated into the grid by the high potential on the wires. This leads to an enhanced plasma density inside the hollow anode as well as a strong light emission. FBs show a wide variety of properties. This behavior may manifest itself in different shapes of FBs, which are very sensitive to the physical parameters of the discharge.
Design and performance of 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS charge preamplifiers for APD-based PET scanners

The CMOS 0.18-/spl mu/m technology was investigated for two analog front-end projects: the low-power budget rat-head mounted miniature rat conscious animal PET (RatCAP) scanner, and the high-performance, low-noise, high-rate PET/CT application. The first VLSI prototypes consisted of 1- and 5-mW charge sensitive preamplifiers (CSP) based on a modified cascode telescopic architecture. Characterization of the rise time, linearity, dynamic range, equivalent noise charge (ENC), timing resolution and energy resolution are reported and discussed. When connected to an APD-LSO detector, time resolutions of 2.49 and 1.56 ns full-width half-maximum (FWHM) were achieved by the 1- and 5-mW CSPs, respectively. Both CSPs make it possible to achieve performance characteristics that are adequate for PET imaging. Experimental results indicate that the CMOS 0.18-/spl mu/m technology is suitable for both the low-power and the high-performance PET front-end applications.
Food insecurity in community-dwelling older Australians

Abstract Objective To identify the extent of food insecurity (defined as running out of food in the last 12 months and being unable to afford to buy more) amongst older Australians, and the characteristics of those who experience this condition. Design Cross-sectional population survey. Setting and subjects Respondents (n = 8881) were community-dwelling older people (65 years and older) living independently in New South Wales, Australia, randomly sampled to participate in a computer-assisted telephone interview conducted during 1999–2000. The response rate was 71%. Responses to a food insecurity questionnaire item were collected along with sociodemographic information, living arrangements, lifestyle and self-rated health. Univariate analyses and logistic regression modelling of factors for reporting food insecurity were conducted. Results Approximately one in 50 older people reported experiencing food insecurity in the previous 12 months attributable to inadequate finances. The analyses revealed that those at risk can be identified as more likely to report poorer health, limited financial resources, not owning their own home and living alone. Gender and age differences were also evident. Conclusions While only a minority of older Australians reported experiencing food insecurity attributable to inadequate finances, such people are at higher risk of malnutrition and associated morbidity. Food insecurity is an important public health and equity issue in older people that can be addressed through implementing appropriate income and social support policies.
Effect of periodontal therapy on circulating levels of endotoxin in women with periodontitis: a pilot clinical trial.

CONTEXT Periodontitis is a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes due to the presence of a subgingival load of pathogenic bacteria. Instrumentation of periodontal pockets during treatment may result in bacteremia and/or endotoxemia. AIMS The aim of this pilot clinical trial was to determine the immediate post-scaling and root planing (SRP) level of circulating endotoxin in females presenting with chronic periodontitis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A before-and-after pilot clinical trial among rural women of low socioeconomic status attending the outpatient department (OPD) for periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four women aged 25-35 years, with at least five teeth having probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm, were selected for the study. The clinical trial was divided into three phases: phase 0 (screening), phase I (just before scaling), and phase II (15 min after scaling). Phase 0, one day prior to SRP, was used to assess the eligibility of the patients and record the periodontal status. Endotoxin levels were assessed by a semiquantitative gel-clot assay, the limulus amoebocyte lysate (Lonza®), at phase I and phase II. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There was significant increase of endotoxins levels (P<.05) immediately after scaling (15 min). CONCLUSIONS SRP can lead to endotoxemia, possibly by release of endotoxins by bacteria of periodontal origin, into the systemic circulation.